Show 182: Amazing Comebacks Mark the Braves’ Week

May 06, 2012

Show 182: Amazing Comebacks Mark the Braves’ Week

The sweep of the Rockies, the comeback against the Phillies and the uninspired losses.

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125 Responses to “Show 182: Amazing Comebacks Mark the Braves’ Week”

1
Nate Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 7:35 am
So Freeman is definitely an All Star with no Prince or Albert in NL, right? Freddie’s homer after getting pegged was so great. That’s one of the few times I can remember seeing the guy actually hit a HR after being HBP in his previous AB. He’s special.

I think we get over the Big Bad Bird. 4-2 this week.
2
DAP Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 10:28 am
the phillies are in the braves’ heads? i dont think they ever come back on hallday down 6 runs if that was the case. game 1 was a pretty close game too.

i think the phillies are in the heads of braves FANS, but not in the heads of the braves.
3
DAP Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 10:28 am
i love the bullpen management so far. the only thing i would say is that fredi might UNDERuse the big three if he isnt careful. id like to see medlen get a bunch of three inning saves this year, along with leaving guys like livan, and martinez in this pitch multiple innings some night. (got each of them a save, too.)
4
Steve Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 10:37 am
DAP – I think the Phillies are definitely in the fans’ heads. I just think that Wednesday’s game was such an opportunity to show dominance against a weaker opponent and the fact that they could only muster 3 hits against a mediocre pitcher is meaningful.
5
Shaun Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 10:48 am
Steve and DAP, I have to be honest, I didn’t watch Wednesday’s game.

I’m sort of with DAP on this one. I don’t know that the players see it as the Phillies being in their heads. I think they know the Phillies are more talented than their record indicates (or at least will be at some point this season) and that they aren’t going away.

Looking at the play-by-play stuff on BaseballReference.com for last Wednesday’s game, it looks like a lot of deep fly balls and line drives to the outfield and liners to the infield off Blanton. So it looks like when the Braves were hitting him, they were hitting the ball hard but just not getting the results. Plus both Chipper and McCann were out of the lineup.

I think that performance and some others this season speak to the need for one more bench bat than the Braves would feel comfortable putting in there defensively when Chipper is out and when McCann happens to be out the same day, whether that’s a leftfielder or a thirdbaseman. Maybe Gattis can be that guy.
6
Curt Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 11:09 am
When I get the chance, I will be more than happy to load all the stats and records to indicate the Phillies’ dominance of the Braves over the past few seasons. I can also put Chipper’s quotes up about it not being a rivalry anymore because the Braves can’t beat the Phillies. The players are more than aware of their problems with the Phillies, whether their best line-up is in there or not. It is a big hurdle they have to overcome this season to get to where everyone wants them to be. That’s the point. Call it whatever you choose to call it.
7
DAP Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 11:35 am
shaun “So it looks like when the Braves were hitting him, they were hitting the ball hard but just not getting the results.”

that was the case on Thursday. alot of swinging early in the count, to.

Curt, the braves are 25-32 against the Phillies since 2009, which is pretty lopsided in the Phillies favor. but, the Phillies have been one of the best team in baseball over that stretch. Most of the difference in record was because of last season when the Phillies won 102 games.

Looks to me like the Braves play them pretty tough most of the time. During that stretch the Braves have even swept the Phillies a few times, and won 3 game series.

My only contention with your claim that the Phillies are in the Braves’ heads, is that the Braves were down 6-0 on the best starting pitcher in baseball against a team that gives the the heebie jeebies (allegedly)…how in the world did they come back and win that game? in fact, they took back the lead 3 different times in that game! That team is not afraid of the Phillies.

Sure, they have to beat the Phillies this season. Is it some huge psychological hurdle? I say no.
8
Steve Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 12:19 pm
Hamels shamelessly admitting to plunking Harper is absolutely great.
9
Steve Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Buster Olney has the Braves at #4 in his power rankings this week.
10
Shaun Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 12:59 pm
Curt @6, I don’t know. Maybe. I’m sure the players are aware of what the Braves have done against the Phillies. But I don’t know if they doubt they can, say, take the season series from the Phillies. I honestly think the players realize that this season they are both around 90-win teams and either could take the season series.

I’m kind of with DAP on this. If the Phillies truly were in the Braves’ heads, how were they able to come back twice Wednesday? Were they in their heads or were the players only thinking about it on Tuesday and Thursday but weren’t thinking about it on Wednesday?

The most obviously reason the Phillies have played very well against the Braves over the last, what, three, four, five years is because the Phillies have been the best team in the NL over those years. Maybe it could be something psychological but I have my doubts, otherwise, why wouldn’t the Braves have been even worse against the Phillies.

There are 10 NL teams that have played worse than the Braves against the Phillies and there are 4 teams that have played better against them, since Opening Day 2009.
11
Bubdylan Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 1:17 pm
I think the Phillies are in the Braves’ head a little, probably not a lot. Little enough that one series could end it.

Steve, of all movies for you to only mildly like. I loved the Avengers and booted up the podcast looking forward to your unmitigated praise. That’s the most fun I’ve had at the movies in five forevers. I laughed out loud about 15 times, and absolutely guffawed at the Hulk-Loki gag.

It helped that we sat behind a row of special needs teens and young adults who were having the time of their lives. Just enough light in the theater to see the sides of their faces frozen in complete awe during the fight scenes. And when (name withheld to avoid spoiler) punched (name likewise withheld) unexpectedly, one guy spit all over himself laughing so hard.

It had flaws, but I was highly entertained.

One small spoiler: Captain America tipping Fury a dollar (or whatever it was) was awesome. One of the best things about the series is that it’s been politically aware without really being preachy, Iron Man’s weapons theme notwithstanding.

Honestly, with the playoffs being such a crapshoot anyway, and after years of run-prevention themed Braves, I would absoltuely take 162 games of offense-first ballgames at the cost of the playoff advantage of run-prevention.
12
Bubdylan Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 1:21 pm
*would absolutely take 162 offense-first ballgames (nothing like games of ballgames, huh? English Major.)
13
Bubdylan Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 1:23 pm
Steve, I can’t stand Harper, but I’m kind of “meh” on the Hamels plunking. If you’re so old school, do it and shut up about it.
14
Leah Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 1:43 pm
Great show guys! Curt, your bathing babies with the dishes sounds very efficient! Wish I’d thought of that.

I think Freddie had to reach up for two bad throws from the Rev yesterday. One definitely higher than the other but that guy saves a ton of runs. I don’t think it’s a bad thing for Fredi to listen to the rumblings of others. As long as it keeps working. I also like him leaving relief guys in for more than one inning. I don’t really know what I’m talking about here but once a guy warms up I’d use him and give someone else the night off. Again, I know very little so take that with a grain of salt.
15
Walker Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 1:47 pm
I don’t understand plunking Harper. What did Harper do to Hamels? I always thought grown men hitting each other with baseballs to solve problems was pathetic. And LOL @ Hamels. He doesn’t know the definition of old school.
16
Frigatedoc Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 1:51 pm
Question…..what do you guys follow, this page or the facebook page?

Also…. I heard that Jose Canseco is writing a new book. “Juiced II, I stole signs from Jamie Moyer and gave them to McGwire in the bathroom stall.”
17
Walker Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 2:07 pm
RH Jeff Samardzija (3-1, 3.41) Decent I guess. But that ERA will be blown up at the end of today.
18
Walker Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 2:12 pm
Chipper Jones, at age 40, has been the best hitter on a team that is leading the majors in runs scored. On Saturday night, he became just the second Brave to have five RBIs in a game while 40 or older. The other? Babe Ruth, with the Boston Braves.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/baseball/mlb/05/07/fangraphs.power.rankings.week4/index.html#ixzz1uDk6Gsrc
19
Nate Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 2:14 pm
#16, well done, sir.

I really have nothing against Harper right now. He’s a moron, just look at his choice of hairstyle. On the other hand, I do loath everything Cole Hamels represents. The plunking was just silly, and the kid ended up stealing home. Why wait to do it until game 3 or is this just some Hamels/Harper beef?
20
ham Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 2:52 pm
My only issue with the Harper/Hamels plunking is that Hamels claimed to do it because Harper is a rookie, not because he is an arrogant D’bag.
21
Shaun Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 3:40 pm
A pitcher simply plunking a player because he was rookie and that’s how they did it in the “old school” is pretty weak and just as bad or worse than anything Harper has reportedly done since he’s been in pro ball (or before, for that matter).

It’s also just dumb for Hamels to put a target on his back and on the backs of his middle-infielders, catcher, etc. The Nationals can go hard in to secondbase and MLB can’t do a thing about it because that’s legal, unlike admitting you are throwing at a guy simply because he’s a rookie. And Harper’s the type that would just as soon slide in to a middle infielder or run over a catcher than play little games with Hamels.

Maybe I’m in the minority but I think Harper’s make-up, on the whole, is going to be a plus for his team. Sure I think there are going to be things that will make it tough on his teammates, first with the Nationals then with the Yankees six years from now. But overall I believe his make-up is a plus.
22
eric Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 3:42 pm
I have no idea if the Phillies are in the Braves’ heads. But I don’t think a comeback against Halladay is very persuasive evidence to the contrary compared to the Braves losing the series and something like 8 of the last 9 against the Phillies.
23
Steve Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
#16: Speaking for me only, I try to stay with both. There’s not that much cross-over in terms of the people themselves between this comments board and the FB page.

#11: Bub, one of us is completely crazy because my recollection of my Avengers movie review was that I absolutely loved it all up. If that did not come across, then shame on me. I loved the hell out of it. And yes, all the Hulk stuff was perfect. The crowd in my theatre cheered for Stan Lee’s cameo, which was crazy cool. They could not have given the project to a better person than Joss Whedon. It really was awesome. I need to go back and listen to that part.

#13: I think it’s kind of silly that Hamels hit Harper. My comment was loving the fact that Hamels shamelessly admitted to it. Lots of unfiltered stuff happening in baseball these days.
24
Shaun Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 4:01 pm
That is very funny and entertaining that Hamels admitted to it. Very un-old school. Hope you enjoy your fine and/or suspension, Mr. Hamels.
25
Bubdylan Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 4:03 pm
#23, I probably misunderstood your tone. I was working on some stuff while listening, so I was picking up half-impressions, likely wrong ones. Awesome flick, though.
26
Steve Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 4:04 pm
Freeman is NL player of the week – AGAIN.
27
Bubdylan Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 4:06 pm
About DC’s character inferiority, if they can make an artful, engaging movie out of Captain America, DC’s got nowhere to hide on Superman.
28
Walker Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
Does anybody have an update on Moylan?
29
Bubdylan Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
Update on Moylan: After watching Chad Durbin pitch for a month, Pete’s been learning to pitch with his left foot.
30
Nate Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 4:27 pm
I like to imagine the Rockies pitching staff and pitching coach taking the “Freddie Freeman Scouting Report” out to some field in Denver and going full Office Space on it.
31
Walker Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 4:58 pm
Bourn CF
Prado LF
Freeman 1B
McCann C
Uggla 2B
Chipper 3B
Heyward RF
Pastornicky SS
Hanson P

If I had real bad OCD, I wouldn’t be able to watch a game because it really bothers me that neither Chipper or Heyward are hitting 2nd. Especially against a righty. Besides Bourn they have the two highest OBPs. I’ll be ok. I’ll be ok. Breathe…….
32
Pure Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 5:04 pm
Funny stuff, from ESPN:

Who would win in a fight, Chipper Jones or Jamie Moyer?

Knight: Moyer. Obviously, Moyer is operating with a different skill set here involving sorcery and Jedi mind tricks. As a big Chipper Jones fan I know that all you have to do to beat him in a fight is kick him as hard as you can in his surgically repaired left knee. Then, victory dance.

Orris: Chipper would easily win either a physical or emotional battle with Moyer. How many players have publicly called out Moyer’s “fastball” coming in at 78 mph? Chipper was the one who challenged Old Man Moyer to scrap in the hallway and Moyer backed down. Also worth considering: Chipper spends his down time hunting on his private ranch.

Burdine: On paper, Chipper has to be the overwhelming favorite. He has four inches and 25 pounds on Moyer and he is almost 10 years younger. Plus, you have to think Chipper’s right and left are equally dangerous weapons. However, Moyer is a crafty lefty who probably throws deceptive punches from odd angles, and he can obviously take a beating. So he might put up a better fight than most think. Still, I’m going with Chipper.
33
Steve Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 5:58 pm
@28: last I heard it was June/July timeframe for Moylan.

@31: yes, yes, yes

@32: that’s fantastic. Especially the Jedi mind truck stuff
34
Leah Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 6:50 pm
@32 hilarious. I really hope those two face off again this season. I hope Chipper gets plunked and a bench clearing brawl ensues.
35
Vinnie Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 9:03 pm
Vinnie has a new blog up. Check it out.
36
Steve Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 9:05 pm
#35 was me. Vinnie’s really not that self-promoting.
37
Leah Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 9:12 pm
Is Wrigley always this dark? Seems weird.
38
Curt Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 9:18 pm
For the record, Steve and I spoke before the call and both declared the Richard Donner “Superman” with Christopher Reeve one of the great super hero flicks ever. #2 isn’t too shabby either with General Zod and the Phantom Zone.

But he lacks a darkness that makes for good cinema. He needs an edge. And a slew of other DC titles have been awful. Green Lantern, anyone?
39
Leah Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Yeehaw! Love Fredi’s ejection. Now shut it down EOF…without triggering your gag reflex if at all possible.
40
Leah Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 10:18 pm
Good grief.
41
Walker Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 10:39 pm
Fredi is a joke. Just because EOF gives up a run to make it a 2 run deficit you give up on your plan for Venters to start the 8th and give it to Durbin? Now we are down 4.
42
Walker Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 10:42 pm
Forgot Fredi was ejected. Well I guess Tosca is a joke.
43
Anne Says:
May 7th, 2012 at 11:00 pm
NOW who’s missing Cadahia??
44
Bubdylan Says:
May 8th, 2012 at 2:51 am
Watched the Avengers again tonight and realized what a silly mistake I made about Captain America giving Fury the ten dollar bill.

Looks like I picked a good night to miss the Bravos.
45
eric Says:
May 8th, 2012 at 8:14 am
Interesting note from Buster Olney today. He said the Nats are shutting Strasburg down around 160 innings no matter what. Pennant race, Cy Young chase – he’s done. Already thrown 38 innings.
46
will Says:
May 8th, 2012 at 10:08 am
Dear Braves-

Please do not lose the Cubs series.

Regards,

Will
47
Walker Says:
May 8th, 2012 at 11:04 am
Just reading all the Braves websites and their comment sections. Everyone is saying how absolutely dumb it is to Chip/ Heyward so low. It time for a change and Frediot better do it. I mean this man doesn’t even know had to make a lineup. Sad
48
Walker Says:
May 8th, 2012 at 11:16 am
And apparently I don’t know how to spell so just ignore the errors.
49
Pure Says:
May 8th, 2012 at 2:29 pm
All the articles about the Hamels-Harper plunking reminded me of an old ABT podcast episode where someone said that Hamels was a head case. Not sure now who said it. I think it was Scott.
50
Steve Says:
May 8th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
@49: Interesting, I don’t remember that. I would say he’s crazy in that he admitted it all so blatantly, inviting a suspension.

@46: remind me again about that scene as I don’t really remember it. I am so ready to see it again, btw.
51
Steve Says:
May 8th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
@47: Heard Fredi on the radio yesterday talking about how he considered putting Prado lower down in the lineup (keeping Chipper at 2, I think was his point) but that “it didn’t look right.” He said the lineup looked “longer” with Prado in the 2 and Chipper and Heyward down lower.

I 100% agree that Prado and Heyward should switch. And switch Chipper and Uggla, too.

That said, we’ve scored the most runs in the majors, so do you think Fredi will really make any changes like that in the foreseeable future?
52
Walker Says:
May 8th, 2012 at 7:21 pm
Steve please tell me you are joking. Please. “It didn’t look right”????

Longer?

His logic leaves me utterly speechless.

I’ll tell you what will look right. Seeing him unemployed after the season. How did he get this far?

And I don’t care if we have scored the most runs baseball, we can improve.
53
Walker Says:
May 8th, 2012 at 7:30 pm
I was listening to the Baseball Today podcast not too long ago and remember them talking about the epidemic of clueless managers in the big leagues. I mean there are so many horrible managers in the game right now. It makes you wonder.
54
Adam Says:
May 8th, 2012 at 8:24 pm
Anyone think McCaan should maybe move down in the order?
55
Steve Says:
May 8th, 2012 at 8:51 pm
I know he’s struggling, but aside from switching he and Uggla maybe in the 4/5, I want to ride it out longer with Mac. He’s been too good.
56
David Says:
May 8th, 2012 at 10:00 pm
4 HR for Josh Hamilton TONIGHT.
57
Bubdylan Says:
May 8th, 2012 at 10:53 pm
Yawn. First place.
58
Bubdylan Says:
May 8th, 2012 at 10:58 pm
oops, percentage points will keep the Nats in first.
59
David Says:
May 9th, 2012 at 8:25 am
Bub — Nats are ahead in percentage points, but we’re tied otherwise. I think the determining factor is games above .500 — both teams are 7 games over .500. Nice to be in first, even if it is a tie!

By the way, isn’t that a bit of a misnomer to say that a team with a record of 19-12 is 7 games above .500? Shouldn’t it be 3.5 games above .500, where .500 would be…um…15.5-15.5? or 15-15-1? Ah, forget it.
60
Anne Says:
May 9th, 2012 at 8:50 am
Of the clueless managers in the MLB, I wonder how many are former players? Many have said that Chipper would make a great batting coach…so many players DO go on to manage, but I wonder if the old adage, “Those who can’t – teach” might be the way to go. Guys who would otherwise be superfans or umpires? I dunno.
61
Leah Says:
May 9th, 2012 at 1:23 pm
I think the ABT trio would make fantastic managers but not individually. Thay’d have to manage as a team….via Skype.
62
ham Says:
May 9th, 2012 at 3:30 pm
I have to say that I sort of agree with Fredi. While he may not have his bestest hitters at the right spot, it really is a nice feeling to have J-Hey and Chipper coming up late in the lineup. It feels like a luxury. And do you guys really have issues with a top 3 of Bourn, Prado, Freeman? Then Mac, Uggs, Chipper? I know you can make a case for mixing things up, but since we are leading the NL in runs scored, isn’t that a case for not changing things?
63
Adam Says:
May 9th, 2012 at 4:31 pm
We suck at day games
64
Shaun Says:
May 9th, 2012 at 4:43 pm
ham @ 62, the players in the lineup mean more than the order. And the Braves’ top six or seven hitters are all somewhat similar in terms of overall quality.

I do think Heyward should be near the top of the order simply because I think he has the best on-base abilities. There are some other changes I would prefer, but I don’t have any big issues with the batting order.

Could it cost the Braves the few extra runs that could make a difference at the end of the season? Sure. And I think we should worry about that when it comes to things like batting the guy with tremendous on-base potential so low in the order so often. But that worry can be overblown, and we are probably all guilty of it as baseball fans.

The bigger concern for me is what batting order says about a manager, and what he values in players, not necessarily how many runs one batting order may cost over another.
65
Shaun Says:
May 9th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
Last year batting McLouth second to start the season was just weird and I was more concerned over what it said about Fredi: That he thought the second spot should be about speed, hitting behind the runner, bunts, etc.
66
David Says:
May 9th, 2012 at 5:23 pm
62: I like your use of the word “bestest”
67
Curt Says:
May 9th, 2012 at 7:14 pm
Not the series I had hoped for.
68
Bubdylan Says:
May 9th, 2012 at 9:36 pm
David, I agree about the misnomer. I’ve thought about that before. It’s so weird when the games back from first place is so different from how many games above .500 the one team is versus the other.
69
Walker Says:
May 9th, 2012 at 9:57 pm
What a weird series. We were hot coming in against an obviously inferior team. Yet our offense was flat and had enormous bad luck. The Braves hit more line drives right at defenders than I’ve seen in awhile. It’s usually fun when the Braves go to Wrigley but this series sucked.
70
Leah Says:
May 9th, 2012 at 11:23 pm
My sister is a huge Cardinals fan. I want to crush them this weekend.
71
Curt Says:
May 10th, 2012 at 6:42 am
Took in Avengers last night. Holy cow, great.
72
Steve Says:
May 10th, 2012 at 8:46 pm
All – check out Mike’s new blog. It’s about the Bryce Harper beaning and old school baseball.
73
David Says:
May 10th, 2012 at 10:42 pm
Oh, the Hawks lost a first round series again? Yawn
74
DAP Says:
May 11th, 2012 at 10:12 am
David “isn’t that a bit of a misnomer to say that a team with a record of 19-12 is 7 games above .500? Shouldn’t it be 3.5 games above .500, where .500 would be…um…15.5-15.5?”

If we are 19-12, how many games must we lose to be a .500 team? 7. Thats why we say 7 games over .500
75
Steve Says:
May 11th, 2012 at 11:34 pm
I have little confidence in the outcome here.
76
Walker Says:
May 11th, 2012 at 11:44 pm
I thought we were supposed to try to win.
77
Walker Says:
May 11th, 2012 at 11:44 pm
Why Livan and not Kimbrel?
78
Walker Says:
May 11th, 2012 at 11:45 pm
WHY Fredi?
79
Walker Says:
May 11th, 2012 at 11:46 pm
Fredi, your closer is your best pitcher out the pen. Use him.
80
Nate Says:
May 11th, 2012 at 11:47 pm
Why not just limit Beltran to 1 base after he’s raked it all night?
81
Walker Says:
May 11th, 2012 at 11:49 pm
Even Livan was surprised at himself.
82
Nate Says:
May 11th, 2012 at 11:52 pm
I don’t think anyone was more surprised by that outcome than Livan.
83
Walker Says:
May 11th, 2012 at 11:53 pm
Somebody tweeted:

“I’m still not convinced Livan isn’t a double agent for the rest of the NL East.” LOL
84
Leah Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 12:00 am
We will never make it to the 12th.
85
Nate Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 12:16 am
Livan!
86
Adam Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 12:20 am
Heyward!
87
Walker Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 12:20 am
Eat alot and throw slow and you too can be a Major league pitcher.
88
Walker Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 12:21 am
Pretty swing Jason.
89
Leah Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 12:22 am
My sister said someone got ejected earlier in the game. Anybody know who? Just got home from taking my daughter to Wicked. It was awesome by the way.
90
Walker Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 12:23 am
Hinske got ejected
91
Leah Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 12:24 am
#87 made me lol.
92
Leah Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 12:32 am
Wow. Cannot believe that just happened. Feels good to beat the Cards and I hope we sweeeeeep!
93
Walker Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 12:35 am
This game showed why Heyward may be our most valuable player after Chipper. The ground he covered in RF tonight was amazing. And then a 2-run game winning homer. VALUABLE.
94
will Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 12:43 am
huge win
95
Steve Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 7:21 am
I’m with you all that you should brought out Kimbrel before Livan, but don’t you have more confidence in Livan after last night?
96
Leah Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 8:21 am
More confidence in Livan doing what? Just kidding. Sure…although he seemed more surprised at Freese hitting into the DP than anybody. Gotta work on his poker face.
97
Shaun Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 9:18 am
Fredi definitely has found favor with God. Apparently he’s been helping lots of old ladies cross streets or something. He puts in Livan with Beltran, Craig and Molina due up; the Cardinals load the bases with one out; and Livan gets out of it.

Of course it works out, affirming to all the misguided out there that the way to go is to save your closer for a save situation in a road game that’s tied in the 9th inning or later.

There are probably, what, two managers that do not manage their bullpens this way?

I feel more confident with Livan in for an inning after the Braves have a lead than I do him pitching in a tie game.
98
Shaun Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 9:21 am
O’Flaherty didn’t pitch in his customary 7th-inning role. Maybe Fredi was planning to give him the night off but couldn’t considering the circumstances. Or has Medlen jumped over him in the bullpen depth chart?
99
Leah Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 10:37 am
So my level of “dorkishness” is about to be revealed. I’m watching last night’s archived game. Did you guys see the spot on Luis Salazar before the game? Pretty amazing.
100
Leah Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 1:55 pm
Oh Bryce Harper.
101
Leah Says:
May 12th, 2012 at 10:14 pm
Where are my peeps?
102
will Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 1:41 am
Hi Leah -

Its not dorky to re-watch a 9-7 game where we won in dramatic fashion in the 12th after livan nearly blew it.

I almost posted “@100 twss”

…my level of dorkishness…goes to eleven
103
Jo-Bu Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 11:36 am
Ben Ingram PxP:

Now THIS guy adds the well needed pop to the Braves radio broadcasts. I like Don, Jim Powell is goofy but I think Ben adds that needed touch of “big media radio voice” that is missing in Atlanta Braves broadcasts.

If you think he came from out of no where as I did, you would be pretty much right:
Doesn’t look anything like his voice sounds. But I think he’s great!
http://www.mc.edu/news/atlanta-braves-radio-announcer-ben-ingram-makes-media-splash/
104
Curt Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 11:58 am
This is pretty funny.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/john-axford-leaves-note-milwaukee-media-blowing-49-135102547.html
105
Nate Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 2:46 pm
Even Lance Berkman shaves on Mother’s Day.
106
Nate Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 3:27 pm
This must be what it’s like for Philly fans when they play us.
107
Leah Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 3:48 pm
#102 Aaaaaaah! Hilarious! Glad I’m not the dorkiest dork. I did feel a bit silly getting excited then nervous then bummed then excited again. I kept thinking “I know how this ends…calm down!”
108
Leah Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Twss. Tee hee.
109
Bubdylan Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 4:28 pm
Chad Durbin here? Yeah, Fredi’s still Fredi.
110
Leah Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
Hey Bub! Hope your day is…ok.

Whew, I was getting nervous.
111
Adam Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 4:59 pm
We look awesome.
112
Leah Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 5:45 pm
Yea we do.
113
Leah Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 5:45 pm
I’m excited about the podcast!
114
Leah Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 5:48 pm
Oh dear…Christian is tired. Come on Jonny! Shut it down!
115
Bubdylan Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 5:50 pm
Hey, Leah! Happy Mother’s Day.

Man, the Braves just swept the heck out a good baseball team on their home turf! Go team!
116
Leah Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 5:51 pm
Wahoo! Go Braves!
117
Bubdylan Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 5:57 pm
If the Dodgers lose their game today (they trail by 2) and the Nats win theirs (they lead by 1), we will see the ultimate absurdity of the new Wild Card rules in a microcosm: the Braves will have the second best record in the National League and, should the season end today, they’d have to play a team with a LOSING record in the one-game playoff. Think about that. I hate the rule more than I hate Fredi’s managing.
118
Walker Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 6:39 pm
I think eventually that one game playoff will be a three game series.

Go Braves. Keep movin up that ladder to the best record in the big leagues.
119
Bubdylan Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
Joey Votto up with a chance to knock us into first place. Two outs, bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, Cincy down by one…
120
Bubdylan Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 8:32 pm
HE DID IT!!!!! Joey Vottoooooooo!!!!!! GRAAAAANNNNNDDDD SLAAAAMMMMM!!!!!

Braves in first!
121
Bubdylan Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 8:33 pm
That was his third homer of the day, too. Wow, this show will probably even have a happy Curt.
122
Bubdylan Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 8:33 pm
Haha, two of Cincy’s runs scored because Harper lost the ball in the air.
123
Bubdylan Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 8:38 pm
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/?tcid=mm_mlb_standings&c_id=atl
124
Bubdylan Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 9:21 pm
“Buster Olney‏@Buster_ESPN

New power ranking for this week: 1. Texas. 2. Atlanta. 3. LAD. 4. Baltimore. 5. STL. 6. Wash. 7. TB. 8. Cleveland. 9. Detroit. 10. Yankees.”
125
will Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 10:31 pm
6 games ahead of phillies?!?!

Show 182: Amazing Comebacks Mark the Braves’ Week

125 Responses to “Show 182: Amazing Comebacks Mark the Braves’ Week”

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