July 01, 2012

Show #190: Another Week of Mixed Results

More questions about the starting rotation.  More losses to the Nationals.  Bourn, Prado, and Chipper snubbed from the All Star Game.

 

 

148 Responses to “Show #190: Another Week of Mixed Results”

  1. 1
    Nate Says:

    Great show, guys. I’m at the point where I’d give up some of these young pitchers for Greinke. I just wanna win, and it feels like we’re bringing a knife into a gun fight with our pitching being what it is right now.

  2. 2
    Walker Says:

    Not to be cocky but this could be a easy 4 game sweep.

  3. 3
    Steve Says:

    @2 – As Curt said on the show last night, we’ve been (at least) winning the ones we should win. So yeah, I hope you’re right.

  4. 4
    Mark in Memphis Says:

    Provocative statement: Time to trade McCann.

    He came to the majors playing “older” than he was, meaning he already had “skills” like he had been here awhile.

    Well, like the standout kid in little league (early bloomer), they tend to not improve much beyond that level. And McCann has seemed to slowly digress over the years from standout to serviceable.

    Hate to see him go, but it might be time…

  5. 5
    Shaun Says:

    Curt, I agree that best record should get home-field in the World Series. I’m not sure why it works for other sports but not baseball. MLB claims it has to do with travel arrangements, etc. I guess that makes some sense, as it’s narrowed down to two cities by the LCS round, giving MLB and the media plenty of time. But, that still doesn’t really explain why best record works in other sports.

    But assuming best record isn’t an option, I don’t know that the All-Star game deciding home-field deserves so much outrage. To me it’s not all that much worse, if at all, than the leagues alternating.

    McCann’s BABIP is .229, 3rd lowest in the majors (minimum 250 PA). His career BABIP is .295. I don’t think that .229 is sustainable. I expect him to break out at some point. However, I do wonder if he’s doing some thing differently to try to beat the defensive shifts and that’s affecting his overall offensive game.

    And Uggla’s doing fine. He has a .362 OBP and a .410 SLG. Uggla’s a nice example of a player who is now being slightly underrated because his baseball card stats don’t match how well he’s actually performed.

  6. 6
    David Says:

    I’m currently in the middle of listening to the show, so I might be repeating some stuff here that you talk about later on in the podcast…

    In April, the Braves went 14-9 and finished the month 0.5 games out of first place. Since May 1, the Braves are 27-28. So — are the Braves just a .500 team this year?

  7. 7
    Pure Says:

    Love the way Frank went about admitting he was wrong about Heyward. Humble pie! :) by the way – simmons is defensive player of the month.

  8. 8
    David Says:

    Great show, Curt and Frank. I also really enjoyed the Brian Jordan interview, which was a little bit of a surprise given that I’m not much of a fan of his broadcasting. His answer to the “suppose you’re the GM of this team, do you make any moves?” question was refreshingly honest, and I really appreciated what he said.

  9. 9
    Bubdylan Says:

    Do you folks care about the Braves (Milwaukee) 1957 World Championship? I didn’t know anything about it, so I Wiki’d it today. It’s pretty cool stuff. In case I’m not the last person here to know this stuff:

    Braves beat the Yankees in 7 games.
    Braves starter Lew Burdette won 3 games, had a 0.67 ERA.
    Burdette beat Whitey Ford in game 5, 1-0!
    Warren Spahn won game 4.
    Hank Aaron lead all batters with a .393 BA, 3 homers, 1 triple.

    Notable Braves:

    Ernie Johnson
    Hank
    Spahn
    Eddie Matthews

    Yanks:

    Yogi Berra
    Mickey Mantle
    Don Larsen
    Whitey Ford

    Pretty kewl.

  10. 10
    Curt Says:

    Come on guys. The dude has an 11+ ERA in his last 4 starts.

  11. 11
    Adam Says:

    This is a bit embarrassing

  12. 12
    Bubdylan Says:

    This is freaking amazingly, stupifyingly stupid. This dude, in his last 5 starts:

    10.41 ERA
    .984 OPS against
    33 hits and 15 walks in just 23.1 innings pitched
    And his .377 babip isn’t even bad enough to begin to account for it.

    Averaging just 4 innings and some change per start. And he is freaking ONE-HITTING us through 5. This is thoroughly gross and disgusting. I’ve been holding this back, but this is the most disgusted I’ve been with them since last year.

  13. 13
    Curt Says:

    Just matched his career high for Ks

  14. 14
    Adam Says:

    finally

  15. 15
    David Says:

    and of course that happens

  16. 16
    Curt Says:

    Total joke

  17. 17
    Adam Says:

    Maybe Minor should practice pitching against our offense to get his confidence up

  18. 18
    Bubdylan Says:

    #17, when an unstartable force meets unwatchable object?

  19. 19
    Curt Says:

    If you check sabre numbers, we actually won this game 6-3

  20. 20
    Leah Says:

    This game sucks.

  21. 21
    Bubdylan Says:

    #19, post of the year.

  22. 22
    Leah Says:

    I hate baseball.

  23. 23
    Nate Says:

    Monday.

  24. 24
    eric Says:

    @5 – I think Curt was suggesting that Uggla is not doing fine right now.

    For June – .160/.327/.321. There’s nothing to underrate about that. He’s been bad. We all know Uggla is a nice player and he’ll likely come out of it, but having him in the middle of the order right now has been killing the Braves run production. See wRC+ of 77 in June.

  25. 25
    Shaun Says:

    Interesting take by Fangraphs on what to do if the game really does count and the leagues really needed to win, rather than treating the All-Star game like a showcase. In other words, selecting the players based on talent level and not based on rewarding players for their performances over the first three months.

    http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/if-it-really-counted-nl-edition/

    The Braves whom writer Wendy Thurm selected: Kimbrel, Bourn, Prado and Heyward.

  26. 26
    Curt Says:

    Chipper is currently first in fan voting for the final slot. Bourn is 5th. Prado is still getting screwed.

  27. 27
    Shaun Says:

    Yep, Curt. One could reasonably argue that all three of the Braves outfielders are better than any other NL outfielder with the exceptions of Braun and McCutchen, if one appropriately values defense.

    How sweet it is to finally see the Braves put together a great outfield, probably the best in baseball, no less.

  28. 28
    Leah Says:

    Totally forgot yesterday was Monday! I feel so much better about last night’s loss.

  29. 29
    Steve Says:

    Agreed that @19 is truly inspired.

    Or, as I like to call it, the exact opposite of the Braves last night. Was actually there last night with my son. It was too depressing to even Tweet about. The ONLY good thing about it was our seats in right field next to the Braves bullpen where we could see how really nice Eddie Perez is to the little kids in the section. Lots of waving, handing out candy to the younger ones. Pretty cool stuff.

    A couple of the CBS Sports guys are tweeting today that Greinke is interested in the Braves, btw.

  30. 30
    Steve Says:

    Curt – regarding the changing the Saturday afternoon game time, I think the issue a team faces on Sunday is now the same on Saturday with Fox’s new primetime game.

  31. 31
    Nate Says:

    If the Braves can get Greinke to agree to a 5/6 year deal, then I hope they give the Brewers whatever they want, even if you have to give up Teheran. Greinke is a proven front of the rotation ML starter, and he’s young. That gives you Greinke, Hanson, and Beachy at the front of your rotation, and you only have to ask Delgado to develop into a middle of the rotation guy. Sheets might be able to be a steady 4 or 5 guy for a while. Maybe they can get the Brewers to take a package of Teheran, Pastornicky, Gilmartin, and a lower level player. Would be a good swap for both clubs, and it gives the Braves what they need to win a championship now. Greinke gets to play for another mid-market legitimate contender. Seems like a good match for everyone. Greinke just has to take a little bit of a pay cut.

  32. 32
    Bubdylan Says:

    #31, absolutely, if you can bring Greinke in for an extension, he is worth any single prospect. (I know I sounded different when someone else brought up Greinke – was it you, Adam? But I thought we were talking strictly rental.)

    Of course, the Rangers are in on Greinke now, for whatever reason, and they might have more farm they’re willing to part with – for whatever reason :(

    And I know I should be banned from the comments for the following, but I just can’t help myself:

    “Meanwhile, a rival official said the Blue Jays are “souring” on Yunel Escobar and Knobler suggests the Blue Jays could decide to trade the shortstop just one year after extending him.”

  33. 33
    Walker Says:

    I just voted 50+ times for Chipper. I think he owes me half of his All Star Bonus.

  34. 34
    Jo Bu Says:

    Chipper finally named as a replacement NL All-Star for Matt Kemp — git some!!

    http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/07/03/chipper-jones-named-to-nl-all-star-team/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_braves_blog

  35. 35
    Curt Says:

    If you are throwing pitchers in, I’d rather Minor than Gilmartin

  36. 36
    Bubdylan Says:

    Just curious: if we get swept by the Cubs at home, do you think Fredi will get fired midseason?

  37. 37
    Adam Says:

    Probably not. He’s made a few boneheaded moves this season, but I really don’t think it was his fault we got dominated by a pitcher with an 11 ERA yesterday.

    He also had no hand in throwing a ball into left field and letting the cubs score 3 unearned runs.

  38. 38
    Adam Says:

    If we can get Greinke I think it will give a boost to the team and get them out of this “We’re bad in every aspect of baseball” funk.

  39. 39
    Nate Says:

    Joe Simpson brings up a great point, if the Brewers keep winning they might not be sellers. If the Braves keep this up, Wren might not be in a position to buy anything.

  40. 40
    Bubdylan Says:

    This pitcher we’re facing is effing terrible. Somebody please tell the Braves.

  41. 41
    Nate Says:

    @34, awesome news. Does Bourn get Chipper’s votes?

  42. 42
    Adam Says:

    Now that I know the votes are unlimited I’m going to spend the next hour voting for Bourn.

  43. 43
    Curt Says:

    Is it even worth pointing out that Volstad has something like a 16 game losing streak? 19 if you include AAA this season?

  44. 44
    Nate Says:

    Brave Killer. If the Nationals sign KK we’re done.

  45. 45
    Nate Says:

    Livan Hernandez won tonight, and Melky Cabrera is starting in the All Star game. What universe is this?

  46. 46
    Nate Says:

    All Star.

  47. 47
    Curt Says:

    Apparently it was worth pointing out

  48. 48
    Nate Says:

    Our outfield is good.

  49. 49
    Bubdylan Says:

    Crap, I missed it. Whuh happen?

  50. 50
    Nate Says:

    McCann opposite field hit, Simmons hustle infield single on bad play by Cubs 2B, Hinske PH walk, JJ pouty, Bourn 3 run 3B that hit the RF line, Prado Sacrifice Fly to CF with 2 strikes, Heyward no doubter to left center.

  51. 51
    Bubdylan Says:

    Awesome. Tanks.

  52. 52
    Bubdylan Says:

    lol, cubs.

  53. 53
    Bubdylan Says:

    Holy Crap, Chipper!

  54. 54
    Curt Says:

    No kidding. Talk the talk. Walk the walk.

  55. 55
    Adam Says:

    So now we’re not bad at everything? What a difference an inning makes.

    C’mon Chipper get your 5th hit.

  56. 56
    Adam Says:

    The man is unstoppable!

  57. 57
    Anne Says:

    Headed to the game. Go, cooling rain/game delay…go Braves!

  58. 58
    Curt Says:

    Anne, hopefully Rick Camp will be there tonight.

  59. 59
    Anne Says:

    I thought hits would be here tonight too!

  60. 60
    Curt Says:

    Gas meet fire. Venters is in the game….

  61. 61
    Anne Says:

    Can’t wait to hear the “we’re hittin’ em where they’re standin’ quotes post-game

  62. 62
    Walker Says:

    This is a weird team. I truly don’t understand them or the manager. I’m perplexed, confused, and baffled.

  63. 63
    Anne Says:

    There’s a kid down by the Braves on-deck circle wearing a Gonzalez #33 jersey. I’m gonna go punch him in the face.

  64. 64
    Anne Says:

    Greetings from Turner Field jail. It was worth it.

  65. 65
    Adam Says:

    So we’re just a .500 team this year I guess. That’s frustrating.

  66. 66
    Bubdylan Says:

    #63 & #64, awesome.

    #66: I quit.

  67. 67
    Anne Says:

    The fireworks were great. I escaped easily from Turner Field jail. The guards are pretty mediocre too.

  68. 68
    Jo Bu Says:

    Streaky, that’s the story of the 2012 Braves and streaky teams don’t go far, if at all, in the playoffs… even with a second wildcard team in the mix.

  69. 69
    Walker Says:

    Tony LaRussa is slick. By picking Chipper It probably helps Freese win the Final Vote. Chipper was going to win and Bourn should have been picked to replace Kemp. Slick Tony.

  70. 70
    Nate Says:

    And here comes Minor.

  71. 71
    Anne Says:

    #70 reminds me – I was talking to Alan – the best Braves Usher ever – at the game last night. He threw up his hands over another (minor) Minor (major) start. He’s a great observer of the game and is honestly worried about Venters. “Something’s wrong with that kid.” “He’s not the same pitcher.” Tell us about it, I know, but also throwing in the, “But Fredi keeps putting him in there…”

  72. 72
    Steve Says:

    Well, Wren finally figured out a way to get Venters out of Fredi’s arsenal. The ol’ fake injury manuever. DOB’s tweet about it is great. “Elbow impingement that we haven’t heard about this whole month, or last night or ever” – or something to that effect. What a ridiculous season this has been at times for the Bravos.

  73. 73
    Shaun Says:

    Aaron Gleeman of NBC Sports’ Hardball Talk points out, “Since the beginning of 2010 the Braves have called on Venters for 204 appearances, which is the most in baseball and no one else is above 193. He was ridden hard and put away wet.”

  74. 74
    Walker Says:

    Mediocre, streaky baseball was the theme for the first half of this season. It would be great to end it with a 4 game winning streak.

    Note to Fredi: Your job is on the line. The Braves better make the playoffs.

  75. 75
    David Says:

    Freese won the final vote. Arrrgghhh

  76. 76
    Bubdylan Says:

    “Sorry about the millions of dollars, Jonny” – Fredi

  77. 77
    Walker Says:

    Two 2-run homers. Exactly what we need

  78. 78
    Walker Says:

    http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/26482/do-braves-have-all-time-great-outfield

  79. 79
    Steve Says:

    Great game tonight. Now let’s freaking dominate the Phils this weekend and head into the break on a high.

  80. 80
    Walker Says:

    Game not over yet Steve. Hopefully Medlen can get through this.

  81. 81
    Steve Says:

    @80 – I know, the second I hit submit, it was 2 on. Not cool on my part.

    Here’s a great entry from DOB on his main blog from tonight:

    Fredi Gonzalez said Venters didn’t tell him about the elbow when he came out of game, that he (Gonzalez) didn’t know about it when he talked to reporters after game.

    The whole thing doesn’t jibe very well, if you were trying to put together a timetable. Venters on one hand said it just started hurting past couple of days, then said it was “off and on” longer than that, then said there’s only so many times you can get a shot and rest a few days, but then said he never got a shot….

    He said the elbow wasn’t reason he’s struggled, but that trying to make adjustments with arm angle, etc, might have been reason elbow started hurting. Said it hurts in a couple of different spots, but that doc was sure it’s structurally sound and no MRI was taken or is scheduled. And Fredi said he thinks Venters will be back in 15 days.

    Hey, your guess is as good as ours as to what exactly is happening. I asked Jonny when he was told he was going on DL, and he said Frank called him this morning. But Double-A guys were contratulating Avilan last night for being called up, after Avilan was told Jonny was hurt and he was going to the majors.

  82. 82
    Walker Says:

    Its obvious whats going on. I like DOB’s investigative reporting. Next stop 60 minutes.

  83. 83
    Steve Says:

    @82 – What do you think this is? Simply not sending him down to save his options? Why else go the injury route if its not really an injury?

  84. 84
    Adam Says:

    Is it really that big a deal if Ventors isn’t actually injured? It was clear that he’d been struggling this year. I’m fine with him taking some time off and figuring stuff out.

    Also Francisco has had a strangely great night at the plate tonight. Good for him.

  85. 85
    Bubdylan Says:

    There needs to be a “Honk if Craig Kimbrel Struck Your Ass Out” bumper sticker.

  86. 86
    Bubdylan Says:

    Crappers. Here comes the Nats in the bottom of the 9th. 1st and 3rd, zero outs, down one.

  87. 87
    Bubdylan Says:

    Br*ce H*rper ties it up. Still zero outs. This one’s over. Stupid Nationals.

  88. 88
    Bubdylan Says:

    LaRoche wins it for the Nats. Stink.

  89. 89
    Walker Says:

    @Steve

    I guess this is a way to work with him on the side without sending him down. I really don’t know. But Venters was caught in a lie. You either got a shot or you didn’t

    Anyway, great win tonight.

  90. 90
    Bubdylan Says:

    This is one of the greatest things I ever read 12 years late:

    http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/magazine/life_of_reilly/news/2000/10/10/life_of_reilly/

  91. 91
    Leah Says:

    #90 that is hilarious. And a little sad but mostly hilarious

  92. 92
    Walker Says:

    Who cares about Rick Reilly? Everyone wants to gang up on baseball. I dont like to watch hockey but I don’t down it every chance I get. If you don’t like baseball then dont watch it.

  93. 93
    Bubdylan Says:

    Walker, I can laugh at a hit piece against baseball for the same reason I can laugh at a hit piece at My Cousin Vinny even though I’m from the South. Funny is funny.

  94. 94
    Bubdylan Says:

    #93 got all screwed up. I’m not drunk, but I should be.

    I meant:

    I can laugh at a piece mocking baseball for the same reason I can laugh at a movie mocking the South. Because the jokes are funny.

  95. 95
    Curt Says:

    Reports that St Louis isn’t willing to pay the price for Grienke, which lends itself to the question, what is the price for Grienke? How much do you give up, and certainly you don’t do any deal unless you sign him to a deal, right?

  96. 96
    Curt Says:

    lots of deal there. what’s the deal?

  97. 97
    Bubdylan Says:

    If we trade for him and can’t sign him, we’ll be in a deal pickle.

    *veers into oncoming traffic*

  98. 98
    Adam Says:

    Hudson you are NOT allowed to get hurt.

  99. 99
    Curt Says:

    Suck. So Uggla is fine?

  100. 100
    Curt Says:

    Is there a worse team with runners in scoring position? At least over the past month?

  101. 101
    Bubdylan Says:

    I need a new adjective for this ballteam. How about pukey? Is pukey taken?

  102. 102
    Curt Says:

    As excited as I am right now, I still know we have their ballpark and our bullpen to contend with

  103. 103
    Steve Says:

    My son had a baseball game tonight so I could only follow on the free At Bat app (which sucks, as a side note) and it was just zeros and zeros and zeros. I get in my car, turn on the radio and Jim Powell is literally in mid-sentence, calling Mac’s about to be grandslam as it’s flying through the air. It was the least stress I had following a game all year.

    All the problems aside, great to get game 1 against the Phils.

  104. 104
    Leah Says:

    @101 Speaking of adjectives…don’t you feel a “Braves 2012 tribute in the form Of original song by Bub” coming on? That’d be so awesome! Bring it!

  105. 105
    Bubdylan Says:

    My songwriting these days is weak. And my fandom is a touch too cynical for a tribute. Unless Wren fires Fredi, and then I’ll write Frank a tribute that’d make Don McLean blush.

  106. 106
    Shaun Says:

    Good read here, by David Schoenfield, about whether this year’s Braves outfield has a chance to be one of the best of any season: http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/26482/do-braves-have-all-time-great-outfield

  107. 107
    Bubdylan Says:

    Uggla’s in a slump I think.

  108. 108
    Danny Says:

    I love Andrelton Simmons!

  109. 109
    Walker Says:

    I love burying the Phillies. The tables have turned.

  110. 110
    Jo Bu Says:

    Yep. You don’t hear too much out of those troll Phillies fans on the AJC blogs these days. I love it!

  111. 111
    Steve Says:

    And to come back down 3 – 1 to score 5 unanswered. Extremely satisfying win. And nice for Simmons to show the national audience his glove tonight, too.

  112. 112
    Bubdylan Says:

    These couple of games have helped my feelings a lot.

  113. 113
    Curt Says:

    Bub, I couldn’t say it better. If we go up there and get buried by that team and those pitchers…. Very gratifying, and reassuring.

  114. 114
    Leah Says:

    Just got caught up on Walking Dead season 2. I’m totally freaked out and cannot sleep.

  115. 115
    Steve Says:

    @114 – From the repetitive storylines and the boredom? Sorry, season 2 left me really angry.

  116. 116
    Leah Says:

    I have a couple of episodes left. Thought I saw them all but alas…boredom was not my problem.

    Victorino makes me laugh. Way to go buddy!

  117. 117
    Nate Says:

    @115, for real. They should steal some of Breaking Bad’s writers.

  118. 118
    Leah Says:

    Fantastic at bat by Uggla there.

  119. 119
    Pure Says:

    Now that we’re at the All-Star break, I thought it would be interesting to go back to episode 177 of the podcast and check how everyone is doing with their pre-season predictions. Here we go:

  120. 120
    Pure Says:

    How many games will Chipper play in 2012? Over/under: 125
    Ham: under
    Curt: under (112)
    Steve: under (95-100)
    answer: 49
    winner: Steve

  121. 121
    Pure Says:

    Dan Uggla’s output. Over/under: 36 HR, 82 RBI? (Dan’s 2011 stats)
    Curt: under HR, over RBI
    Ham: over for both
    Steve: over for both
    answer: 12 HR, 45 RBI
    winner: Curt

  122. 122
    Pure Says:

    Jason Heyward’s batting average: Over/under: .270
    Steve: under (.260/.265)
    Ham: under (.255)
    Curt: under (.260)
    answer: .271
    winner: Steve (closest)

  123. 123
    Pure Says:

    Who has a lower ERA — Minor or Beachy
    Curt: Minor (drank the spring training cool aid)
    Ham: Minor
    Steve: Beachy
    answer: Beachy (2.00); Minor (5.97)
    winner: Steve

  124. 124
    Pure Says:

    True or False — JJ is still a Brave after the trade deadline
    Curt: True (injured, can’t trade him)
    Ham: True (we need him)
    Steve: False (season out of reach, or we don’t need him)
    answer: we’ll know in 3 weeks
    winner: Ham (closest)

  125. 125
    Pure Says:

    Staff leader in wins, and how many?
    Ham: Hudson (14)
    Curt: Hanson (16)
    Steve: Hanson (16)
    answer: Hanson (10)
    winner: Curt/Steve

  126. 126
    Pure Says:

    Braves wins
    Ham: 89
    Curt: 87
    Steve: 91
    answer 46 (I’m optimistic about today’s game)
    winner: Steve

  127. 127
    Pure Says:

    Division winners and wildcards (East/Central/West)-(WC1/WC2)
    Curt: Phillies/St Louis/Giants-(Miami/Reds)
    Steve: Phillies/Reds/Giants-(Braves/Marlins)
    Ham: Phillies/Cubs/Diamondbacks-(Giants/Braves)
    answer: Nats/Pirates/Dodgers-(Reds/Giants/Mets)
    winner: none. Ham should get a negative score for picking the Cubs

  128. 128
    Bubdylan Says:

    #126, even if the Braves win today, their winning percentage would be .541, projecting out to 87.6 wins: Curt takes it.

    (There are more games played in the first “half” of the season)

  129. 129
    Bubdylan Says:

    Hammy, I had the Cubs, too. Foolishness.

  130. 130
    Bubdylan Says:

    Braves up 4 to 3 in the ninth on the road, Nats down 4 to 3 in the ninth at home. Pretty significant swing on the line in the next few minutes.

  131. 131
    Curt Says:

    Seriously? Simmons with a broken bone in his hand. Give me a break

  132. 132
    Walker Says:

    What is the recovery time?

  133. 133
    Bubdylan Says:

    And here comes the reason I still watch the games: Craig Kimbrel. Do it up, kid.

  134. 134
    Bubdylan Says:

    Howard, say Hello to strikes one, two, and three. Now say g’bye.

  135. 135
    Bubdylan Says:

    Ruiz, say Hell to strikes one, two, and three. Now go sit by Howard.

  136. 136
    Bubdylan Says:

    7 strikes, no balls, 3 outs. Just call wake me for the 9th innings.

    Simmons broke his hand? %$^&.

  137. 137
    Bubdylan Says:

    Nats 90 feet away from tying it up in the bottom of the 9th. Strikes out. Braves gain.

  138. 138
    Bubdylan Says:

    Reason #43 that baseball is hard to love: injuries spoil the best plans. Look at the Phillies. They sell out every game, spend 170 million dollars on payroll. Injuries have them in last place.

    Why are the first place Nats considering benching the best pitcher in the league in the middle of their best season since they were Expos? Injury.

    Middle market team takes a big money chance on Mike Hampton? Whole team now crippled by his injury.

    Now Beachy and Simmons, the two brightest new spots on the Braves team. Snap, crackle, pop.

  139. 139
    Walker Says:

    Oh well

    Our new starting SS……………………….. Jack Wilson

  140. 140
    Nate Says:

    Does Pastornicky get called back up? Who would you rather have Patornicky or Wilson, which is kind of like asking if you’d rather go to North Dakota or South Dakota on your next vacation?

  141. 141
    Bubdylan Says:

    Good call, Tweeters. ‘Course, I’d have said “Bittersweep Ending to First Half” but I have a black belt in punning.

  142. 142
    Steve Says:

    Curt gets all the credit on Bittersweep.

    The Simmons injury is nothing short of brutal. 4 – 6 weeks I just saw from DOB. Brutal.

  143. 143
    Steve Says:

    Pastor’s slash line since being sent down: .255/.301/.355

  144. 144
    Bubdylan Says:

    Pastor’s defensive slash line since being born: oops/damn/uh-oh

  145. 145
    Curt Says:

    Some classy Phil’s fan responded to that tweet with “haha. Sucks for you”. L-O-S-E-R

  146. 146
    Steve Says:

    @145 – Saw that. Made my blood boil.

    @144 – So true. Pastor had a HR and 2 RBI today, fwiw.

  147. 147
    Walker Says:

    We cant put Pastornicky’s horrible defense at SS anymore. I would rather start Wilson. Pastorniciky’s range absolutely positively sucked. We can’t afford it.

  148. 148
    Bubdylan Says:

    Walker, I’m with you.

Leave a Reply