Show #187: Braves Put All Facets Together For A Five Win Week

June 11, 2012

Show #187: Braves Put All Facets Together For A Five Win Week

5 of 6. Jekyll and Hyde team. Favorite Smoltz memories. And what to do with JJ?

Show #187 Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

154 Responses to “Show #187: Braves Put All Facets Together For A Five Win Week”

1
Bubdylan Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 2:59 am
Good show, fellas.

To be corny, I think the answer to which team is the Braves is “both.” For now. At some point in the season, they’ll find their identity. The bullpen is in flux. The young starters are finding themselves. The jury is out on Heyward and perhaps on Freeman, too, in some ways. Our best 3rd baseman is in left field.

Fredi, the moron, doesn’t know for sure what he has in Livan, Durbin, EOF, and Venters. Even in his moronic brain, there’ll be some settling into a rhythm for his BP use when their tendencies shake out more. Simmons just got here. And Medlen is about to be – or is he? – a starter, which could be a savior or a disaster. We won’t know who we are till 2nd half.
2
Bubdylan Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 4:13 am
Favorite Smoltz memory:

http://tinyurl.com/88kgezq
3
Bubdylan Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 4:15 am
Ugh, that ^ was bad. Don’t click it.
4
Steve Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:30 am
Bub – I couldn’t help myself and I clicked it. You need to immediately go help some old lady across the street as penance.
5
Steve Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:32 am
One highlight from last week that I forgot to mention.

It was game 1 or 2 against the Jays with Prado at 3rd. He charges what looks like a routine ground ball, about to field it with his glove, it takes a funny hop but without missing a beat, contorting his body, he bare hands it and makes the play. It was an amazing play.
6
Anne Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:48 am
ABT overload this morning – listened to the last two episodes back to back. Smoltz memory: the entrance music for his closings and him just stomping to the mound. I had all the confidence that he’d do his job.
GREAT story about the impostor – I hope they never find him.
7
Curt Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 11:29 am
Anne, to that point…

http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/impostor-crashes-braves-alumni-1456183.html

Apparently no warrants out for him. Braves taking it with good humor, at this moment.
8
Anne Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 4:18 pm
Stupid girl question re the All Star game. So, I get nearly daily Braves e-mails asking me to vote for Chipper for the All Star team. Not because he’s not an All Star – he certainly is – but there’s NO way he’d play because he’s so fragile, right?
So, my question is: does this fall into the “it’s an honor to be nominated” pile, in that being voted to the All Star team, whether you do or not, is resume fodder/fodder for the HoF?
9
Steve Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 4:44 pm
Anne – yeah, if he get voted into the All Star game, regardless of playing, he’s be an All Star in 2012.

Also, I bet he’d play.
10
Steve Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 4:44 pm
Wow, my grammar really suffering in post #9.
11
Steve Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
So, Fredi is sitting Heyward in favor of Diaz tonight b/c Diaz is 5 – 9 against CC. “Can’t ignore those numbers,” said Fredi. 9 at bats!?!?!?!?
12
Bubdylan Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 4:59 pm
#9 made my day. Isolated, neither goof would be funny. Together, though, I nearly died.
13
ham Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 5:26 pm
#12 have to agree with Bub.

It’s a little known fact, but that’s actually how Steve talks when we’re not doing the show. He went through a series of classes to get “ready for pod time.”
14
Curt Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 6:26 pm
I ain’t be gotten no knife
15
Shaun Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 6:43 pm
Steve @11, those AB’s came in 2005 and 2007. All of those hits were singles.
16
Bubdylan Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 6:51 pm
#15 fills my blood with rage. What a total nightmare, this guy. If not total, very near it.
17
Adam Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 7:32 pm
I am not going to question Fredi’s logic for a while. Go Diaz!
18
Bubdylan Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 7:52 pm
Like I said, the manager makes very little difference. Everybody just calm down. *points at horizon* What’s THAT?? *runs away*
19
Anne Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:14 pm
Agreed, #17. Nice work tonight from Matty D. Also, great quote about him from Chipper via DOB tweet.

In other news…Fredi got an Emmy??? Good lord. I agree with Joe Simpson: you’re only as good as your interviewer.
20
Curt Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:18 pm
I’m at a children’s swim meet. New levels of bizarre. There might be fewer things WASPier than this crowd with me right now.

Go Braves
21
Adam Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 9:04 pm
Minor looks dominant.
22
Adam Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 9:31 pm
Venters looks awful.
23
Curt Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 9:36 pm
Thank god I got home in time to see that. What ever you do, Fredi, ruin another winnable game. And now turn it into a loss. Amazing.

I can’t comprehend my hatred for the Yankees right now.
24
Nate Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 9:36 pm
It might have been a good idea to use Kimbrel somewhere in this inning, preferably before the A rod grand slam.
25
Leah Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 9:38 pm
Jonny needs to stear clear of Minor for a few days. Fredi should be beaten for putting Gearrin in instead of Durbin. I might barf.
26
Adam Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 9:39 pm
This is gross. Time to watch the NBA finals.
27
Leah Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 9:40 pm
Oh…good show. Wish you guys could predict the gut wrenching games that make me want to beat someone.
28
Nate Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 9:50 pm
How many times does Venters have to wet the bed before the Braves figure out he needs to work out the kinks at Gwinnett? And given his performance this year, why would you not have someone warming up in the bullpen when you bring him in in the 8th with a guy on base and the game on the line? It’s just dumb.
29
Curt Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 9:56 pm
Where the hell is EOF?????? Why even bring Venters in there? Because he has to be the 8th inning guy? He’s been awful this year. And to just again let him be in the position where it seems like failure is the only outcome we are getting. And then to let Swisher bat lefty? Are you kidding me? So terrible.
30
Nate Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 10:06 pm
Yeah, letting the Gerrain/Swisher matchup happen was literally insane. The whole inning was insane.
31
Bubdylan Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 10:36 pm
Igads. Can’t take this anymore.
32
Leah Says:
June 12th, 2012 at 11:00 pm
EOF=elbow soreness.
33
Walker Says:
June 13th, 2012 at 12:50 am
I was at the game and once again Fredi doesn’t make the right decision that costs us a win. I’m not Monday morning quarterbacking. I was baffled by him not letting Minor at least face Granderson with a 4 run lead. Who knows what would have happened. Also, with our bullpen struggling , Fredi has got to find some way to incorporate Kimbrel more. Having the sidearm righthanded Gaerrin face Swisher’s power side was crazy.He’s a complete joke. I never ever had to complain about Bobby Cox on a daily basis like this.
34
Nate Says:
June 13th, 2012 at 9:06 am
You have one of the best closers in baseball, you’re facing the Yankees, 5 outs left, game on the line, you’re going through the heart of their order, when is there a better opportunity to use Craig Kimbrel? Instead you elect to use Venters, who was absolutely terrible for pretty much the last month and a half, if not more, and then after he blows it, you bring in a Gerrain to face Robinson Cano and Swisher.

I guess Fredi was hoping to save Kimbrel for the “save” in the bottom of the ninth facing the bottom half of their order. Why not bring him in for their 4 best hitters? I’m not a MLB manager, but it seems like that would have been the better choice.
35
Nate Says:
June 13th, 2012 at 9:13 am
Imo, our manager has had a heavy hand in our current 3 game skid. I wish he would stop shooting this team in the foot, get out of the way, and let us win some games again.
36
Shaun Says:
June 13th, 2012 at 12:23 pm
Fredi said he was giving Minor a baserunner in the 8th (before taking him out). Why? That was due to be the fourth time through the Yankees’ order (not just any other team’s order). And Minor is a young pitcher and was approaching 100 pitches. He’s not a veteran like Sabathia that the Braves should be trying to stretch to get a complete game. If there is even a chance that you might take him out, why let him pitch until he gets a baserunner? This is the Yankees, not the Pirates.

Top of the order due up for the fourth time in the game with the starter nearing 100 pitches. That was the game there. Why not use Kimbrel there and use Durbin or someone to get three outs with hopefully a 3-run lead in the 9th? Oh, that’s right: THE SAVE RULE! God forbid anyone other than Kimbrel get a save.
37
Nate Says:
June 13th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
This is how I read Fredi”s response, “I wanted to take him out after someone got on, in spite of the fact that he had retired 10 straight, and I wanted to replace him with someone who hasn’t had command of any of his pitches since August of 2011.”
38
Nate Says:
June 13th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
It’s like he manages on hope and memories from years past instead of logic and a player’s recent performance level.
39
Shaun Says:
June 13th, 2012 at 2:49 pm
I like how folks seem to be interpreting Fredi criticism as Kimbrel should have pitched two innings or that Minor should not have come out.

What about just throwing Kimbrel in that key inning (top of the Yankees’ order due up (emphasis on Yankees) in a fairly close game and, if he doesn’t work a quick, low-pitch inning, just take him out and put someone else in for the save.

There is no rule that Kimbrel has to get all the saves. You need to get to save situations before you can worry about which pitcher should be in there. It does no good to worry about who is closing if the game is blown before there is a save opportunity. Why is this so hard for many major league managers to understand?
40
Steve Says:
June 13th, 2012 at 3:15 pm
Finally coming out of my anger coma from last night’s game.

Headed to the ballpark for tonight’s game. Not too pumped, I have to admit. After last night + all the Yankees fans already has me a bit deflated. Let’s get a lead and keep it tonight to shut the Yankee fans up. I can’t bear the thought of all the cheering if the good guys are losing.
41
Steve Says:
June 13th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
I would have kept Minor in a little longer. Shaun, you make good points, but he was cruising. And it’s not like Jeter’s hit was some mammoth bomb.

No EOF certainly limited Fredi’s options and Kimbrel is just not an option in the 8th. It’s ridiculous, but true right now. I would have gone with Durbin despite having pitched the last 2 games. He’s been rock solid and Venters is a mess. I know he had a clean week last week, but I no longer trust him. But, if you’re Fredi, you’re probably thinking this is part of getting him healthy again.

I don’t agree with it, but I don’t think bringing in Venters was egregious. Now, after letting the first two guys on, I would not have let him face A-Rod, however.
42
Walker Says:
June 13th, 2012 at 4:08 pm
How many wins has Fredi cost us this year because he sure hasn’t helped us win any. Good decision starting Diaz and then he blows the game. I was ready to give him credit too. Oh well, a bad manager will eventually show you why he’s bad. I wonder what dumb decision he makes tonight.
43
Shaun Says:
June 13th, 2012 at 4:56 pm
Steve @41, I actually agree that Venters wasn’t a horrible option in that spot. For all of Venters struggles, there is no indication that he will sustain such a poor performance. Ben Duronio over at Capitol Avenue Club has a solid post about Venters’ peripherals, which are not bad, not quite matching up with his results and how that is bound to change at some point even if he’s not quite as dominant as he’s been in the past.

My biggest gripe is that if they are thinking about taking Minor out that inning anyway, as soon as he gives up a baserunner, why not just let Venters (or whomever) come in with a fresh inning, with nobody on base?

And saving Kimbrel for a save is the kind of thing all managers are going to do. That’s a baseball problem, not a Fredi problem.
44
Walker Says:
June 13th, 2012 at 7:57 pm
You know we aren’t going well when a bunt hit is a positive play for the team on defense. What Simmons did made no sense.SMH
45
Adam Says:
June 13th, 2012 at 10:02 pm
we suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck
46
Walker Says:
June 13th, 2012 at 10:51 pm
I’m about to throw up. What a horrible series but not a surprise. I’ve been watching the Braves since 1998 and I swear can only remember 2 times where we beat the Yankees. I know we’ve won more but I can’t remember.
47
Leah Says:
June 13th, 2012 at 11:07 pm
On a positive note…I hear somebody’s having a birthday.
48
Nate Says:
June 13th, 2012 at 11:19 pm
#46, we beat them 3 out of 4 in interleague in ’97. That’s the last time I can remember us doing anything against them. The first 2 games of the ’96 Series went great, but then we came back to Atlanta…
49
Steve Says:
June 13th, 2012 at 11:20 pm
And THAT is why I hate going to Yankees (or Red Sox) games at the Ted.

We almost never win and the over taking of the stadium is sickening. What a disappointment.
50
Steve Says:
June 13th, 2012 at 11:20 pm
Happy birthday, Leah!
51
Leah Says:
June 13th, 2012 at 11:40 pm
Not me Stevie…Curt! Thought you’d know that…geez.
52
Curt Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 7:55 am
Can’t a ‘save’ come in the 8th inning? If the whole purpose is to ‘save’ the game, why not have the best guy in there to pitch. Nothing says Kimbrel has to pitch 5 outs. Let him get you out of the 8th and then hand it over to Venters, Durbin, et al. But save the game when it is on the line.

And all of a sudden you are 5 back too. This up and down stuff is driving me crazy.

Thanks, Leah
53
Steve Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 8:10 am
C’mon Leah, isn’t it clear. 3 hosts, 3 separate cabs home each Sunday night.

Happy birthday, Curt.
54
ham Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 8:52 am
Happy Birthday, Curtis. We all pitched in and bought you a new gall bladder. Enjoy!
55
Walker Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 9:12 am
Yeah it killed me to see Kimbrel pitch when we were losing, especially when we didn’t bring him in while we winning twice the past few days.
56
Curt Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 9:16 am
“Every game was real close,” McCann said. “It just seemed like we didn’t get that big hit to break open a close game. But (they’re) one of the best teams in the game, and we know we can hang with them.”

Pardon me, but who cares? Are your aspirations to “hang with them?” Or are they to beat them? What I know is that you just got swept and outplayed for 3 games in your home building by a team, that if you have any championship aspirations, you might have to go through. I could care less that you hung with them. This isn’t high school basketball. Show some freaking disappointment.
57
Curt Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 9:16 am
Gall bladders are for losers
58
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 10:55 am
Have you seen this article?

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1218154-braves-trade-scenarios-10-moves-atlanta-must-make-before-all-star-break?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=atlanta-braves

I know that our big three will especially like the last suggestion… Some of he others seem interesting…
59
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 11:00 am
Birthy Happday, Curt!
60
Shaun Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 12:22 pm
Curt @52, first of all, happy birthday. Mine is tomorrow. Go Geminis!

I think baseball should make some adjustments to the save rule to help push the game away from letting a stat or a rule (rather than winning) dictate strategy. More to come.
61
Steve Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 12:46 pm
@60 – Shaun – Way to tease that blog!
62
Shaun Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 2:13 pm
Steve, gotta keep ‘em thirsting for more.
63
Shaun Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 2:44 pm
Mike makes a good point in his blog post: Those games against the Yankees were all close. Losses are never good and can’t be undone, of course. But the Braves didn’t play particularly horrible in those games against probably one of the top two teams in the majors (the Rangers being the other). Plus, it’s only three games so it’s not like we should read too much into those games anyway. But I’d say the Braves are in decent shape.

If there is a weakness on a team, I’d rather it be in the bullpen than glaring holes in the offense or starting pitching.
64
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 2:44 pm
@58

Just in case it was unclear to anyone, “our big three” is Steve, Ham and Curt…
65
Walker Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 2:46 pm
Instead of a 2-2 or 1-3 stretch. We go 0-4 because our managee sucks. A good manager makes a hell of a difference.
66
Walker Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 3:00 pm
From AJC

Gonzalez, who was working with a bullpen without the services of Eric O’Flaherty (elbow) and Chad Durbin (rest), said he did not consider bringing in closer Craig Kimbrel in the eighth. He said he didn’t want Kimbrel to pitch more than an inning, a situation he has rarely been in during his young career.

“Not five outs,” Gonzalez said. “I don’t know if he’s even done it in the major leagues. I know he’s done it in the minor leagues. Could he do it? I’m not sure. It’s not about the pitch count. It’s not about the stressful innings. [John Smoltz] could do it all the time, but he was a starter. He knew how to come out, sit down and then go back out there. There is an unknown when you are dealing with a young pitcher.

I’m dumbfounded. A 24 year old MLB pitcher can’t pitch more than 1 inning. Well Fredi, what the hell are we going to do in the playoffs( If we even get there). Your reasoning that he can’t pitch more than 1 inning because he has to sit in between is asinine.
67
Shaun Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 3:18 pm
Walker @66, I’m just not sure why the 9th inning is always more vital than the 8th or some earlier inning. Okay, so Fredi only wants Kimbrel to go one inning. Well, what if the game is on the line in the 8th or the 7th or even the 6th? What if the Braves need to get through the 6th, 7th or 8th inning or there will be no 9th inning save chance? Relief roles shouldn’t be assigned by inning or the save rule. It should be assigned by whenever it’s going to be toughest to prevent runs and when you most need to prevent runs. The save rule has ruined bullpen usage all around the game.

Not that I don’t think Kimbrel can handle two innings every now and then. But even if Fredi only wants him in there for one, why does it always have to be the 9th inning or last inning or whenever there is a save situation?
68
Nate Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 5:39 pm
“Nate – I’m going with the Netherlands.”

The curse is strong with this one. Btw, Happy Birthday!
69
Bubdylan Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 6:43 pm
HBD, Curt.

If the NBA is looking to improve popularity, it couldn’t do better than having a different team beat the Heat in the finals for about 5 years in a row. I would buy that s**t on Blu-ray.
70
Walker Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 7:15 pm
Why does everyone want Lebron to fail? Would it not be great if one of the greatest players of all time had at least one championship?
71
Nate Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 8:58 pm
#70, I don’t want LeBron to fail. I would just rather see the Thunder win. I’ve never thought LeBron has lost with the best team, and I think he’s lost to better teams every time he has been in the postseason. I hated The Decision, but that was 2 years ago, and it did raise money for the Boy’s and Girl’s Club. I think the comparisons to Peyton, when it comes to not winning, are fair. I hope LeBron, like Peyton FINALLY did, gets to win it all one day.

LeBron is unfairly vilified.

BTW, did anyone watch the Dream Team doc on the NBA channel last night. It was great. They showed the MJ flu game right before it, too.

The 4th Quarter is still why LeBron will never be close to Jordan, imo.
72
Nate Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 9:06 pm
Also, rooting for the Heat is like rooting for the Red Sox or Yankees.
73
Steve Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 9:29 pm
The article in #58 is a good read.

I want my athletes, especially in basketball, to be ass-kickers who want to win it all by themselves when the game is on the line. LBJ is not that guy. Furthermore, he decided to go to a team with an alpha dog (Wade) already in place. That’s just not fun to root for. LBJ is too good to not want to be the man. He should have gone to NY or CHI to put those cities on his back to win a championship. The over manipulated creation of the Heat is just off putting to me. All that PLUS the Decision and I can’t back him.
74
Nate Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 9:46 pm
@73, leave it to the ABT Dr to drop the key knowledge. Through my work I spend a lot of time in bars talking to complete strangers (believe, it’s not as shady as it sounds- keep in mind I have a Southern Baptist Mother and Grandmother, both of whom still love me), and comment 73 is how most people feel about the Heat. There is no Everyman, blue collar, elbow grease side of that team, and that makes them hard to root for with most people. And almost every 80-90s vet you hear from-whether it be MJ, Magic, Bird, Dominique- they all say, doing what the big 3 with the Heat did, in their time, that was unthinkable. You have to promote competitive balance, that’s the way it should be. Jordan would have never joined the Bad Boys. Bird and Magic wanted to play together, but they kept their rivalry for the integrity of the game. It keeps things balance.
75
Walker Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 9:55 pm
I agree, it would have been nice to see Lebron go somewhere else. I wouldn’t mind for him to at least win one before he retires, for his sanity. Then again, he is a multi-millionaire and his sanity should be fine either way.
76
Walker Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 9:57 pm
@71

I saw the documentary and I thought it was great also. Best team ever put together. Michael Jordan was the absolute perfect basketball player. Superhuman.
77
Nate Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 9:58 pm
Steve, I disagree about LBJ going to CHI. LBJ and Rose can’t both have the ball. That’s Rose’s team. These playoffs are entirely different if he doesn’t blow-out his knee. Nobody on the Heat can guard Rose. I think the 4th quarter of playoff games has proven you can make the King disappear.

LeBron should have gone to NYC and let the money build a team around him. He doesn’t need a smaller guy like Wade, he needs a big guy who can shoot, like Bosh, and a bunch of role players who can play D and rebound. Plus, it would have been great for the sport to have a dominant team in NY again. Too bad they have to settle for Melo and his bong.
78
Nate Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 10:06 pm
How would you feel if Mac or Heyward went to the Phillies? Probably the way I felt when Glavine signed with the Mets. That’s why I agree with Cleveland still hating LeBron. Good for them. Being unreasonably passionate is what being a fan is all about. We’re nowhere near European soccer fans so don’t worry about it.
79
Bubdylan Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 10:13 pm
The Decision put me off, but the mocking cough bit from last year’s finals sealed it. I’ve got nothing for ‘em. I expect they’ll get their title, though. This year or next.
80
Nate Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 10:21 pm
When you look at it from LeBron’s side, your supporting cast in CLE consisted of Illgauskas, Williams, and De. West, one of whom slept with LeBron’s Mom. Not exactly what you’re looking for to win a Title.
81
Curt Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 11:10 pm
Thanks for the bday love. Happy birthday Shaun. Ham is coming up on 6/17 so don’t forget him. I want some wins as a gift.
82
ham Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 11:48 pm
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8016432/gladwell-vs-simmons-iv

In that link, which is awesome, imo, is a little bit on the Lebronmenon (I just made that up, I swear it). I actually have an easy time rooting against the Heat, but I have a hard time rooting against Lebron. He seems like a pretty good natured guy, and by all accounts is a good teammate and an okay dude. Sure the Decision sucked and was contrived and immature and all that, but if you had spent 3 years hearing how you were going to be the biggest free agent EVER and how everyone in the world was waiting to see where you were going, might you be tempted to make a show of it? Especially if you have 1,000,000 people telling you what is best for you. And he was, what, 24 years old? 24!!!! I can’t even tell you what I was doing at 24 because I was either drunk or doing laundry at my parents house.

And all the arguments that “Magic, Bird, and Jordan” would have never done it “that way” sort of fly in the face of the logic that “all that matters is winning championships” which seems to be a common refrain from a LOT of players. Maybe Lebron looked around at NY/CHI and thought that if he chose those paths, he might just be joining another CLE situation in a bigger city.

Did he break every Ohioans heart? Absolutely. Did he do it without tact? It’s well documented. Is he a perfect human being? Is anyone?

(Having said that, for some reason I have come to hate Dwayne Wade, a player who I really liked when the Heat won their championship.)

Final thought (and this is covered in the Simmons/Gladwell article) – Jordan never EVER had the expectations on him that Lebron has had.
83
Bubdylan Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 12:47 am
Jurrjens gives up a grand slam for Gwinnett. He’s ready.
84
Walker Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:13 am
I don’t know why people act like Magic, Bird and Jordan played with scrubs. They all had Hall of Fame teammates. Worthy, McHale, Dennis Johnson, Parrish,Pippen, Jabbar. Scottie Pippen was one of the greatest defenders of all time. You can’t win alone.

And I hope I’m not offending anyone here, but wouldn’t you rather live in Miami instead of dusty Ohio.
85
Steve Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 8:36 am
To be clear, I have zero problem with Lebron leaving Cleveland. He did his time. It’s all in the way he did it. Not only the Decision, but not having a heart to heart with the front office who, by all accounts, made every concession to him that he asked for over the years AND offered him a ton of money to stay. Letting them and the city of Cleveland know about it on TV was the crime, not the leaving itself.
86
Steve Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 8:39 am
That sucks about JJ. 4 ER, 7 hits, 2 BBs and 3 SOs over 6.2. On the other hand, you could say without the one bad pitch (the homerun) he pitched a pretty good game. Who knows. I saw none of it, obviously.
87
Steve Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 8:50 am
Watch this and be sure to read the video description afterward. Great stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Eksrw4QSSs&feature=youtube_gdata_player
88
Bubdylan Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 9:13 am
#87 started my day with a .
89
ham Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 9:43 am
#85 is a very fair point.
90
ham Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 10:03 am
http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/330981-braves-manager-pleading-for-arms

This is a companion article to one Bub is writing entitled “Braves Arms Pleading For Manager.”
91
Nate Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 10:06 am
@84, great point on the supporting casts for each player. MJ also played on the best or one of the best defensive teams in the league a lot of the times he won. I’m not that old, so I don’t really have any recollection of Magic or Bird’s teams, but judging by the starting lineups they both played with their share of HOFers. LeBron hasn’t had anywhere near the same talent around him.
92
Nate Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 10:13 am
@86, I’m hoping it was the bad pitch, but him letting 9 men reach in 6 2/3 doesn’t make me feel all warm and fuzzy either.
93
Bubdylan Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 1:54 pm
#92, agreed. A 1.45 WHIP isn’t a good day, even if only one hit did the scoring. But I’m still with the last of the hold-outs on JJ. I think he’ll recover. Nothing to lose by being patient.

#90, awesome.
94
Steve Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 2:15 pm
Hey guys, reposting this from last week’s show. Please, if you get a chance, vote and share with others. Voting ends on Sunday. Thanks.:

The band The K’s, who’s music is featured in the intro and outro of the podcast (and whose singer/songwriter is also my oldest friend on the planet) are finalists in a battle of the bands in NYC. They are one of 5 finalists for Manhattan. If they win Manhattan, they battle the other 4 Borough winners for the NYC crown. It could really help them out. And that’s where you come in. Please go to the following link to vote for The K’s to get to the finals. Here’s the link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Manhattantop5. If you get a chance to share with friends, that would be great, too! Thanks.
95
Steve Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 2:59 pm
Medlen is back with the club and Livan was optioned to AAA. So long, Livan. I had such high hopes for you.
96
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:02 pm
From the article:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1218154-braves-trade-scenarios-10-moves-atlanta-must-make-before-all-star-break?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=atlanta-braves

Of the suggested moves, what do you like/not like and why?

1. Trade for Carlos Quentin
2. Call Up Julio Teheran and Send Down Mike Minor
3. Trade for Joe Saunders (Ari)
4. Deal for K-Rod (Mil)
5. Get Seth Smith and Grant Balfour from Oakland
6. Trade for Brandon League (Sea)
7. Acquire Shawn Camp (ChiC)
8. Trade for Chase Headley (SD)
9. Get Marlon Byrd (Designated for assignment by Bos)
10. Fire Fredi Gonzalez (I am sure this one will be popular )
97
Nate Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
I like 5 and 10.
98
ham Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 4:36 pm
#95 It’s lonely world, your world, ain’t it, Steve?
99
Bubdylan Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 5:04 pm
I like #’s 10 through 10 the best.

Steve, I had high hopes for Livan also. Just our luck that his magic mojo runs out when he puts on the Tomahawk.
100
Bubdylan Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 5:18 pm
I’ll be interested in Medlen’s career as a legit starter for some other team after the Braves are finished mishandling him.
101
Kate Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 5:58 pm
I’m so glad they sent Medlen to the minors for 2 weeks so he could get stretched out to pitch in relief.
102
Jo Bu Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 6:40 pm
Was it just me or was it that Livan, with a few exceptions, always seemed to have the Braves’ number when he played for the Nats. I had high hopes as well but knew that some how whatever magic he did have was only against the Bravos. Now give me my “Meds!”
103
Bubdylan Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 7:35 pm
“It’s a little disheartening I guess because I went down there to be a starter,” Medlen said. “But things happen and they make plans and they don’t always work out. My entire career has been based on doing what I can for the team to help us win. Winning makes everything a lot better. I’ll do anything. I’m back in the bullpen and I’m going to make the most out of that.”

Glad he’s got such a good attitude, but they jerked him around. Starters get more money. He was good starter for Atlanta and they took it away from him, then demoted him to get him ready for it again, then took it away from him before he got to start a game. Clowns.
104
Leah Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 7:45 pm
OMGoodness me! Look at Prado killing first base!
105
Leah Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 7:47 pm
Saweeeeet! Thanks Mac!
106
Bubdylan Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 8:13 pm
That Heyward double was on an inside fast ball from a lefty!!!!!!!!!!!!! In the words of Phil Collins, I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life.
107
Leah Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 8:50 pm
Oh dear. Simmons needs a hug.
108
Leah Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 9:50 pm
There’s his hug.
109
Adam Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 9:55 pm
This Simmons guy is growing on me.
110
Adam Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 10:07 pm
I hope Prado is a Brave for the rest of his career.
111
Leah Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 10:25 pm
Rev is in the fetal position in some locker room.
112
Leah Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 10:25 pm
@110 me tooooooo!
113
Curt Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 10:32 pm
Medlen, my love grows every day. Need to work on a haiku.

And I will say it again, he is completely wasted in the bullpen. If he had started from the beginning of his career in Atlanta, showing the brilliance he has shown when he has been given the opportunity to start, it would be outrageous that he is in the bullpen. Our team would be so much better of he was starting every 5th day instead of Minor or Delgado or Hanson. He’s better than all those guys. And it’s not even close.
114
Leah Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 10:34 pm
Don’t hold back Curtis. Tell us how you really feel.
115
Shaun Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 10:50 pm
Pure brilliance: http://www.fangraphs.com/not/index.php/mustache-spectacles-combo-craig-mcmurtry/
116
Curdlen Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 11:14 pm
Everything I say is true. That’s the beauty of it all.
117
Bubdylan Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 11:28 pm
Curt, so 100% agreed about Medlen. He ought to be a 3rd year starter for the Braves.
118
Curt Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 11:45 pm
I’m out of pocket so I can’t look it up too easily, but I know his stats as a starter speak for themselves. 12-4. Something along those lines. Total waste.
119
Shaun Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 11:55 pm
The Medlen thing is really crazy. I’m guessing we’ll talk it about it Sunday night…

Hell of a 6th inning tonight. That inning, more than just being a streak buster, had the look of sending the team back in the right direction. This team is crazy streaky and I bet this just started a good one.
120
Steve Says:
June 15th, 2012 at 11:56 pm
Dammit! #119 was me.
121
Curt Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 12:36 am
Sorry. So the Braves are 14-4 in games Medlen starts. Last season he had starts was 2010. Braves went 13-1 in games that he started that year. That’s a .929 winning percentage.
122
Nate Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 11:10 am
I’ll jump on the Meds deserves better bandwagon. Sheesh, how embarrassing. He would start on any other team and would be damn good at it.
123
Nate Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 11:13 am
It’s good to see Meds handle the situation like a professional. Maybe the people behind his mistreatment can start to be professionals, too. I’m sorry, that’s disgraceful treatment of an asset from a management standpoint.
124
Jo Bu Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 11:19 am
113:

I agree Curt. I surely hope that Meds isn’t one of those Braves’ talents that we somehow trade away to team which subsequently owns us when he pitches against us every outing.
125
Shaun Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 1:23 pm
Steve @120, it’s okay. You’re not the only person who wants to be me. (Yeah, right.)
126
Nate Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 1:55 pm
@120, is Vinnie not good enough for you anymore?
127
Steve Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 2:11 pm
Vinnie’s scaled back to blogs every 2 or 3 weeks, but I’ll totally assume his identity when he returns.
128
Walker Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 8:07 pm
I really hope Beachy doesn’t need Tommy John.
129
Leah Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 8:17 pm
Oh Walker…dont even say it.
130
Bubdylan Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 8:21 pm
#128, he throws with the “Inverted W,” I’ll be surprised if he’s about to be on the shelf.
131
Bubdylan Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 8:22 pm
*I’ll be surprised if he’s NOT about to be on the shelf.
132
Bubdylan Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 8:23 pm
Just tuned in; why is the opposing pitcher sitting on his 45th pitch in the FOURTH INNING? Are we living in Hack City again? This team … I just don’t know anymore.
133
Adam Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 8:40 pm
Of all the 9 or so Braves starters that could have gotten hurt it just had to be the one with the lowest ERA. If its serious enough for him to miss a start maybe Medlen will get a chance.
134
Adam Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 9:14 pm
no no-no
135
Leah Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 9:16 pm
Good grief. I could go a long time without watching Hinske play. @134 nice jinx!
136
Leah Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 9:20 pm
Just read #135 again.
137
Curt Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 9:33 pm
And the winning streak ends at 1
138
Leah Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 9:38 pm
Unbelievable.
139
Bubdylan Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 10:04 pm
#138, really? I found it believable.
140
Steve Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 10:18 pm
What a nightmare week. Bub. I’m with you, this team is really maddening right now.
141
The Dude Says:
June 16th, 2012 at 11:59 pm
Beachey’s done. New elbow. Unfortunate. Hopes med’s is ready to go.
142
Bubdylan Says:
June 17th, 2012 at 3:14 am
If they still deny Medlen the rotation I’m going to blow a fuse. Fredi sounds in the post game comments like he is very hesitant to pull the trigger.
143
Anne Says:
June 17th, 2012 at 7:30 am
Happy Father’s Day to our hosts…and all the other postin’ dads. Go Braves!!
144
Curt Says:
June 17th, 2012 at 2:23 pm
Happy double play day to all you Braves fans out there.
145
Curt Says:
June 17th, 2012 at 2:57 pm
So Bub, there’s your answer. JJ is getting recalled to start in Boston.
146
Kate Says:
June 17th, 2012 at 3:59 pm
#145, That’ll go well.
147
Adam Says:
June 17th, 2012 at 4:07 pm
Chipper has looked awful since coming back.
148
Walker Says:
June 17th, 2012 at 6:48 pm
And the award for the most boring and least interesting series of the year goes to…………
149
Walker Says:
June 17th, 2012 at 6:50 pm
Seriously, I feel bad for the people who bought tickets to the last couple of games. Even the game we won was lame for some reason. IDK, I guess I’m going through a mid season crisis. This shall pass.
150
Curt Says:
June 17th, 2012 at 7:12 pm
We won a game?
151
Bubdylan Says:
June 17th, 2012 at 8:23 pm
If you had to give a number to what percentage of your daily mood depends on the Atlanta Braves, what would it be?

Me: 15-20%

That seems like way too much. I’m curious, because I wonder sometimes if my monthly attempts to break away from the sport, which seem fickle and weird to my fellow fans, might be rooted in the fact that I take it way more seriously than they do. So tell me honestly, how much does the team affect (effect?) your mood, even when there’s not a game on?
152
Steve Says:
June 17th, 2012 at 9:03 pm
#148 is great. And so true
153
Steve Says:
June 17th, 2012 at 9:14 pm
Bub – I find that the good stuff that happens with the team affects my mood positively much more than the bad stuff affects it negatively. Although the game 2 loss to the Yankees got me more mad and out of sorts than the team has in years.

Doing the show, for me, also skews my fandom in some way. I think that over the years the show has actually given me a little more perspective, day to day, about the team. Don’t know if that makes sense.
154
Bubdylan Says:
June 18th, 2012 at 2:02 am
Feeding Jurrjens to the lions; the Red Sox have scored the second most runs in baseball. There goes his trade value, his confidence, and the bullpen if he gets knocked out early.

Steve, yes, that makes sense. I can imagine that having a task to organize around your fandom would make the down times more emotionally even.

Show #187: Braves Put All Facets Together For A Five Win Week

154 Responses to “Show #187: Braves Put All Facets Together For A Five Win Week”

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