Show #194: Big Week on the Field Overshadows the Trade that Was Not

1

Curt Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 12:36 am

Apologies. Something weird going on with this upload. For now, you will need to download the show. I’ll get Steve to fix it as soon as possible. Sorry.

2

Bubdylan Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 12:44 am

For anyone as technostupid as I am: right click “download,” “save target as…,” and then save it to your desktop.

At least, that’s how it worked for me. After other things … didn’t work.

3

Bubdylan Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 1:35 am

Hurt, there’s one thing you’re overlooking when you say that Atlanta has strayed too far to protecting the prospects, and Wren would worry too much that Delgado would be a #2 starter for the Cubs, etc: the Braves traded Delgado for Dempster. It was blocked by Dempster.

We are definitely not a premium destination anymore.

I’d trade a package around Spruill for Justin Masterson.

The Monday Blues should be over today. I’m going to the game. Every game I’ve ever been to at the Ted has ended in a walk-off victory.

Yes to us being the counterpoint. We get used for leverage, and I’m not sure Wren ever sees it coming. I picture him having very little respect from his peers; nobody seems to dread doing him dirty like Furcal did. That could be my imagination, but I think Wren gets trampled on. I’m not sure how much it matters that much. At the end of the day, money talks, and little else.

Sheets = Glaus. Foul on having him in the future. But right now he’s carrying the team and I absolutely love it. However, if he IS healthy and pitching for us next year, I don’t see why he “won’t be Cy Young.” I don’t know his history, but as Steve said when we first got him, he seems like he either can’t pitch at all or can pitch with the elite, or near.

JJ will suck out loud in the bullpen. Agreed with you guys.

I agree that Medlen should have been our starter for a long time, or at least had the opportunity. I think there’s a 60% chance or better he’ll stick in the rotation, around 3.35 – 3.90 ERA, plenty good for these hitters. But most importantly, we need to know this winter if he’s a 2013 starter or not.

Good signs for me: Mike Minor, Fredi’s BP calls a little better.

Bad signs: Venters: still not buying it. Dan Uggla sucks my laundry. A month of the worst hitter in MLB. That said, I’m not sure it’s true that we can’t afford it. Plenty of teams play through multi-million dollar wastes. Werth’s been out for a while. Derek Lowe is actually dragging us, moneywise, almost as much. This stuff happens. In Texas, they’re booing Hamilton for his month of suckage – or course, they’re rich. But still.

I’m going 7-0 for the Braves this week. Why not? (We’re doomed now.)

Great show.

4

Christopher Wilder Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 2:42 am

First off good podcast, minus Steve lol. Joke! Saw a rumor that Boston called Braves about Beckett. Boston seems to think he would waive his 10&5 rights. He makes 15.75 million a year and roughly 37 million still owed left on 4 year deal signed . I think a change of scenery would be good for him and especially if Boston ate about 10 million and w e give them 2 solid arms. Maybe Spruill and Dismather Delgado. Next, the Dan saga. Eventually he will come out of it. My hope is that he hits that hot streak going into the playoffs! My other hope is that JJ finds success out of the bullpen. If by the grace of the baseball gods he does, we recoup some of his trade value and Wren realizes trade, trade just as fast as he can. Anyway, enough opinionating .

5

Christopher Wilder Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 2:45 am

Oh yea, 5 and 2 just being realistic. They take both series.

6

Bubdylan Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 11:29 am

“The Braves are not a viable landing spot for Beckett right now, reports WEEI’s Rob Bradford. Bradford says the Braves are not in position to assume Beckett’s financial obligation, even if the Red Sox pick up a significant portion”

I hate this organization.

7

DAP Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 11:40 am

i think you guys are overreacting a little over the payroll. we have alot of low salary guys because we have a bunch of rookies/young players. plenty of teams are top heavy, and the way to make a successful team, with any size payroll, is to grow your own stars, and bring in complimentary players. all successful teams do this. look at teams who have had alot of trouble over the years, its not because of their payroll, its because they dont develop good players from their minor league system. when they bring up a few stars, things start to change.

8

Bubdylan Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 11:56 am

DAP, I’d like to believe you on #7, but the Braves are handicapped by their payroll. They have the homegrown stars just like you mention, but they won’t go ahead and put the last couple of pieces in place, because of payroll. Watch what the Nats do this winter and I think we’ll see the model you suggest actually working. Watch what we do with Bourn & 3B/LF, and you’ll see how to almost become great with homegrown guys, but fail to peak as a club because of purse strings.

9

Shaun Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 12:09 pm

Bubdylan @3, I think it would take a lot to get Masterson. He’s only making $3.825M this season and is under contract through 2014. He’s 1st-year arb-eligible after this season. I’m thinking he would definitely require the Braves to give up either Teheran or Delgado plus more.

10

Bubdylan Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 12:11 pm

Shaun, yeah, I saw that and what the Indians were asking. lol @ Spruill. Oh well.

11

ham Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 12:18 pm

#3 – I just got “Hurt”. Good stuff, Bub.

12

Frigatedoc Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 12:41 pm

You guys had mentinoed on the show when was the last time the Braves got a quality trade for someone. Of course there are names like Maddux and McGriff, but what about last year?

Michael Bourn… look at what he has done for our outfield. I also think that with him out there it makes Heyward better.

If everyone pitches in the starting rotation like they have been lately and with the addition of Medlen, I think we can hang with just about anyone.

Now if we can just get Simmons back and Uggla can hit his weight…..

Can you imagine if we still had Beachy?

13

DAP Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 12:58 pm

Bub at #8, all I’m saying is that its not a bad thing to look at a payroll and see one or two big salaries, a few of middle of the road salaries, and a bunch of low salaries. thats actually a good thing.

a little head room in the payroll would be great, but the truth is, the braves have one of the most talented group of young players in baseball. just in terms of position players, we have Heyward, Freeman, Simmons, McCann and Prado all under 30 years old. The first few are WAY under 30. The only player the Braves have payroll committed to in 2013 is Dan Uggla. They have tons of payroll flexibility.

As much as the payroll limits us, it doesn’t have to be an issue. And again, payroll is not why teams succeed or fail. It just isn’t.

14

Steve Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 1:34 pm

Haven’t listened to the show yet but, weighing in on FW, whatever he does or doesn’t do in his tenure, the Bourn deal was a masterpiece.

While we can get sad about not having enough to cover the unpaid portion of Beckett’s salary, maybe it’s just not smart money to spend. I get that having all the money in the world would make stuff easier.

Bub – have a great time at the game tonight.

15

Curt Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 2:23 pm

Doc – great call on Bourn. Hopefully, he is priority #1. I also read that they are working on an extension for Prado – finally.

DAP, I personally spent plenty of time discussing how mush of the Braves team is built around good homegrown talent on the show and how I figured the Braves did a better job than most filling out their roster with their own guys. They have been doing that since the 90s. The difference then was the ability to bring in a big FA to supplement that talent. You will never be able to fill out a full roster with guys from within your organization. It just can’t happen. And the Braves seem to, more often than not, use minimal money to sign vets to fill bench and BP slots. Not pivotal roles on the team. We traded for Uggla and Bourn. We didn’t sign them as FAs. And this off season we will see how committed the Braves are to going to the next level. You have to sign Bourn and let him fill one of those top end slots. If you go out and sign some retread like Victorino you are yelling the fans that finances are more important than success.

16

DAP Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 4:35 pm

Curt “You will never be able to fill out a full roster with guys from within your organization. It just can’t happen.”

No doubt. I disagree though that the Braves were ever huge Free Agent players. They signed their share, but got the bulk of their guys through trades and the minor leagues.

You guys complained about the salary structure of the Braves, when in reality, its a positive thing to NOT be top heavy (like the Phillies). The way the Braves are put together is how you should want it. A few high salaried vets, a handful of players in their prime making mid range salaries, and a bunch of young, cheap, talented players. The Braves are committed to no one past this season,other than Dan Uggla. They are in excellent shape payroll wise, despite the comparatively low payroll.

“The difference then was the ability to bring in a big FA to supplement that talent.”

I know the payroll is different, but I don’t think its that different. The Braves still have the ability to supplement talent. What they don’t have is the ability to go sign a 30 year old and expect him to be the cornerstone of the team, and again, that usually doesn’t work, anyways.

17

Walker Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 4:58 pm

How realistic is it that we can afford giving Bourn 16-17 million a year?

18

DAP Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 5:21 pm

walker “How realistic is it that we can afford giving Bourn 16-17 million a year?”

we could, but i dont think that would be smart…

19

ham Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 5:46 pm

@17 – 18, whether we should or not (immensely debatable on both fronts) I don’t think they do that. I fear a re-tread, like Curtis said. Then again, Wren has been known to surprise.

And to be clear, I don’t think Wren has been all bad by any stretch. He has done great things, especially given the constraints that Liberty has put on him.

Still, I wish that the Griffey, Furcal, and even Dempster things had played out differently.

20

Anne Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 6:40 pm

Bubdylan – be our good mojo mascot tonight. GO BRAVES!!

21

Walker Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 8:26 pm

I may be in the minority but I actually like Frank Wren as a GM overall. Im upset that he hired Fredi though. It cost this team a playoff berth last year.

22

Mark in Memphis Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 10:02 pm

Send Avilan back down.

Anybody who walks batters on four pitches with a seven run lead can’t be counted on!

And he has done it twice in two innings, once to load the bases…

23

Mark in Memphis Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 10:05 pm

Monday, Monday, can’t trust that….

Oh, never mind…

24

Adam Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 10:06 pm

Mondays: 12

Braves: 1

25

Leah Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 10:08 pm

Bub! You did it! Monday curse is broken!

26

David Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 10:34 pm

Braves pitchers have an active streak of 52 innings in which they have given up 0 or 1 runs. Last time they gave up 1+ runs in an inning was when Jose Reyes hit a 2-run HR vs Hudson in the 2nd inning last Tuesday night.

27

Curt Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 10:53 pm

Ok. I think I got all the technical issues resolved. Stupid computers. These things have no future.

28

David Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 10:55 pm

Braves acquire Paul Maholm and Reed Johnson from the Cubs

29

Walker Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 11:02 pm

Yeah great trade. Is Maholm under control next year?

30

Curt Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 11:03 pm

Apparently it is a club option year for him. Wonder what we gave up.

31

Jo Bu Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 11:07 pm

It’ll be good to see what Paul can do playing on a team that doesn’t suck most of the time. He has a decent WHIP.

32

Walker Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 11:07 pm

It better not be any of our big 3 untouchables.

33

Walker Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 11:09 pm

So who moves out the rotation?

34

Jo Bu Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 11:12 pm

#33: Very good question. Minor? Fat chance.

35

Walker Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 11:14 pm

I’m looking up our two new additions on baseball reference and I’m loving what I see.

Let me just say …… Reed Johnson>Matt Diaz.

36

Jo Bu Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 11:14 pm

Hanson has always made me nervous but the Braves are big on him.

37

Curt Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 11:24 pm

Medlen will just get the one start and go back to the bullpen

38

Ham Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 11:38 pm

If we gave up any of the big three for those guys, I am going to very disappointed.

39

Walker Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 11:39 pm

I’m with Curt, sooner or later we need to find out if Medlen can be a bonafide big league starter. He’s not getting any younger. Stop jerking him around so much.

40

Walker Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 11:48 pm

We traded Arodys Vizcaino.

41

Walker Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 11:51 pm

Wow I’m so glad Dempster turned us down.

42

Adam Says:
July 30th, 2012 at 11:55 pm

We gave up Arodys Vizcaino and Jaye Chapman.

I like this deal, but good god I feel bad for Medlen. In the bullpen at the beginning of the year, out of the bullpen in AAA, In the bullpen AGAIN when he comes back up, BACK out of the bullpen on Tuesday, and I assume he’s going back in the pen now that we’ve got Maholm.

43

Walker Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 12:05 am

Wren should have done this deal from the start. We get a above average starter without giving up Delgado. Its not like Dempster was a lockdown ace. Only Grienke and Josh Johnson fit that bill.

44

Mark in Memphis Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 12:33 am

@41

We should go win the World Series just to spite him!

45

Jo Bu Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 12:49 am

Yeah, Dempster overplayed his hand big time.

46

Mark in Memphis Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 1:00 am

@34

You want to move Minor to the bullpen now?

Check the lines:

Minor
STATS………………….IP……H…..R…..ER…..BB…..SO…..WHIP…..ERA
Last seven days….15.0….10….3…..3…….0……13…….0.67…..1.80
July…………………….27.1…16….7…..6…….4……26…….0.73…..1.98

Hanson
STATS………………………IP……..H…….R…..ER…..BB…..SO…..WHIP…..ERA
Last seven days………..5.0……3…….1……1…….7……..7…….2.00…..1.80
July…………………………28.1….33…..22….22…..15……31……1.69…..6.99

Though Hanson worries me and I like Medlin, he is unproven THIS year as a starter. He HAS proven his value coming in from the pen… I would feel comfortable with him starting, IF we had not obtained Maholm

OBTW – Maholm gives us a second lefty in the rotation and the deal sweetens our bench…

Maholm
STATS………………………IP……..H…….R…..ER…..BB…..SO…..WHIP…..ERA
Last seven days………14.2……8…….2……2…….5……12…….0.89…..1.23
July………………………..36.2….29…….5……5…….8……26…….1.01…..1.23

47

Jo Bu Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 1:00 am

On if Medlen will make one start:

“He’ll start tomorrow and we’ll re-evaluate and see where we go. The thing about Medlen, he really has been a valuable guy and as we’ve contemplated the start the last four days, we’ve been in situations where he would have been very valuable in the games. So it was pretty obvious that we missed him. But I’ll let Fredi and Roger and they’ll figure out exactly how we’ll configure going forward. It’s a possibility it’s just one start.”

Yep. Meds is going back to the pen. Poor kid — what the hell does he have to do to at least get a chance to prove himself? Oh yeah, one spot start

48

Mark in Memphis Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 1:02 am

@25

Was Bub sporting his “high socks”?

49

Bubdylan Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 1:18 am

Hammy, I’m so pleased you got “Hurt.” I was afraid it wouldn’t come off.

I’m too exhausted to go over all the points made at me, so I’ll just concede on all counts. Sometimes I just like to hear myself talk. Then I look back at what I said and just shake my head. Anyway, I don’t hate the organization.

What a game! I loved it. We had great seats (My LORD, the prices…). A bummer that it was such a blowout I didn’t see Kimbrel, but it was also fun to be relaxed for so much of the game with the outcome in hand. Heyward’s homer, awesome. Chipper’s double, awesome. I’ve yet to look at the incredible throw to nail Reyes, so I don’t know if he was really out. I may never look. They showed it late on the jumbotron and named it play of the game, but I still couldn’t tell.

Did Tommy look as lucky on TV as he did from 112L? Avilan appears to suck. Even his outs were hit hard.

20 ounces of coke. $4.75. That’s fair.

Now I have to go geek out over the Johnson & Maholm pick up. Sounds like a fair deal, and a helpful one. Makes me absolutely sick for Medlen, though.

I tried to comment from the Ted, but even though my phone would bring up the site, it wouldn’t let me comment. Prob’ly my phone. It said “Name” and “Mail” and all that, but they were just words on the screen, no boxes. But it was nice to look at it and see the shout out from Anne.

Also, on the google result for Atlanta Baseball Talk, “Bubdylan” is one of the top tags. I probably should slow it down?

Go Braves!

50

Steve Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 8:07 am

Wow. Didn’t see all the trade stuff last night. On the surface, looks like a great deal. Not only the SP and bench help, but it also bolsters the bullpen by keeping Medlen there. I know it sucks personally for Medlen, but this helps the team in a lot of ways.

On a side note, I’m on vacation this week in southern FLA about 3 hours north of Miami. We were out to dinner last night I this area with a ton of outdoor restaurants and bars. TVs everywhere. Everywhere. And not a single one showing the Marlins. The Olympics were prevalent. But not a single person asked the bartender to put on the Marlins? Not good.

Bub- nice work ending the streak.

51

David Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 8:54 am

Steve — YOU should’ve asked a bartender to put on the game!

I really like this trade — not just because it shores up two areas of need, but because of the possible impact Maholm, who’s 30 years old and has 7 1/2 seasons under his belt, can have on Minor. I seem to remember Maholm being a pretty highly-ranked prospect when he first came up in Pittsburgh, and he was never quite able to live up to those standards.

Obvious drawbacks are losing Vizcaino and the effect it has on Medlen. But we’re still very deep in pitching (Teheran, Delgado, Minor, Gilmartin, Spruill), and who knows — maybe we can trade Hanson this offseason to create a spot for Medlen.

In his career, Maholm against Washington is 1-5 with a 5.67 ERA and 1.473 WHIP. He hasn’t started against them this year, but last year he was 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA and 0.900 WHIP in 2 starts. He’s also got a 4+ ERA against all other NL East teams during his career, but this year he’s pitching well against the division (ERA below 2.00 against each team).

52

DAP Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 10:45 am

Bub, he was out. Perfect throw from Prado handled perfectly by McCann. It was a thing of beauty. If Reyes knew how close it was going to be, he probably could have slid different to avoid a tag, but he was definitely out.

53

Shaun Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 12:50 pm

This trade seems to indicate the Braves viewed Vizcaino as a reliever. With his arm, when healthy, he would probably be nearly as regarded as Teheran, if the Braves viewed him as a starter.

For the Cubs it’s a good move though. In their position, why not take a chance and hope he can turn in to a very good starter. At worst they’re getting a guy that is very possibly an impact reliever.

From the Braves perspective, they probably just gave up merely a one-inning pitcher and a non-prospect for two solid, major league pieces.

54

Walker Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 1:31 pm

So why did the Phillies trade Pence too? He was under control next year.

Oh well not my team not my worry.

55

Frigatedoc Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 1:54 pm

So with this trade, does Medlen go back to the pen? Pretty stupid (IMO) to have him pitch tonight when they probably knew they would get another starter in a trade just to put him back in the pen. Why not just bring up someone from AAA to pitch if they only needed someone to pitch tonight? Am I crazy for thinking this?

Also, has anyone heard what Medlen’s take is on all of this? Of course he is probably saying whatever is best for the team, but I can’t imagnie him being happy with this.

56

Shaun Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 2:06 pm

Frigatedoc, I would assume since they prepared him to start, they thought he was the best option for tonight’s game. And there was no guarantee they would get a deal done for a starter. They couldn’t just assume. They had to plan as if there would be no deal or else if they couldn’t make one, they would have been screwed.

Also, if a starter happens to go down tomorrow, Medlen would be ready to jump right in there. So why not go ahead with tonight’s plan?

57

Frigatedoc Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 2:47 pm

Shaun, I agree with your points but I think that Medlen feels like a rubber band right now.

Also, I think this was a pretty “safe” trade. We didn’t go overboard and give up the farm to get Dempster and we didn’t settle for JUST Miguel Batista.

We got a utility guy who hits for avg, (not sure about his glove) who can play several positions.

I guess this can go either way…. PLUS with Sheets and Minor coming into form, this could be good.

58

Shaun Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 3:06 pm

Medlen probably wants to start but he seems like a team guy and it’s not like he has much choice. Plus he probably understands why the Braves didn’t want to put him in the rotation from the beginning, with him coming back from Tommy John and everything.

I saw someone describe Reed Johnson as a good Matt Diaz. I think that’s about right. A more athletic Matt Diaz. And the good Matt Diaz not the bad Matt Diaz. He hits lefties and he can play all three outfield positions.

He’s probably a below average defensive centerfielder but he’s serviceable there. He’s basically a leftfielder that can play the other outfield spots adequately enough.

59

Bubdylan Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 4:41 pm

I hope the “haul” Dempster got will put a rest to the idea that Delgado was fair. We dodged a bullet.

On the plus side, if Delgado becomes a stud, we now get the added bonus of Cubs fans crying even louder.

60

Shaun Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 5:13 pm

Hanson to the DL. Both Medlen and Maholm will be in the rotation for at least 15 days.

61

Frigatedoc Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 5:26 pm

His velocity was down last night, then he came out in the 5th inning.

62

Curt Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 5:49 pm

A case of the Venters

63

Walker Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 8:44 pm

Yes, a case of the you suck right now so go away for a little while.

64

Curt Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 8:57 pm

Ah, Medlen. Let me count the ways

65

Leah Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 8:59 pm

It pains me to say it but Curt was right.

66

Curt Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 10:03 pm

Per usual

67

Curt Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 10:04 pm

Can someone check and see if this show is up on iTunes for me? I am getting varying reports

68

Bubdylan Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 10:04 pm

Wow, Strasburg & the Nats got taken to the woodshed. Bryce’s miss on the inside-the-parker was precious, even though I don’t really dislike Harper anymore.

69

allgU Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:02 pm

Not on Itunes yet.

70

Curt Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:12 pm

Thanks. Some people are getting it. It isn’t showing up for me either. Stupid computers

71

Anne Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:17 pm

I could download from iTunes, about 10 minutes ago. Home from the game – didn’t make it past about the first :45 of rain delay, but looks like Meds is gonna get his win and then some. Go Braves!!

72

allgU Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:23 pm

“Stupid Computers”…didn’t they used to play in Underground?

73

allgU Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:28 pm

With Sam Bush, right..on the mandothizer?

74

Leah Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:30 pm

Cannot believe the Nats let the Phillies win and I’m even more confused by how happy that makes me.

Now all we need is the Rev to homer an I’ll be really confused! Wait a minute!

75

allgU Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:37 pm

Princess, let’s hope the Phillistines find a chink in the Nats armor and put a big time wrinkle in it!

76

allgU Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:39 pm

Oxymoron: McCann “Steaking around third” Really???

77

Leah Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:45 pm

JJ…our other closer.

78

Leah Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:47 pm

Haha…Blue is ready to go home.

79

allgU Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:47 pm

Double Oxymoron: JJ as a closer??

80

Bubdylan Says:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:51 pm

7 straight. Attaboy, Meds! As Stevie would say, heady times.

81

Curt Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 7:39 am

So we get to get tantalized by one more start from Medlen, which will of course be brilliant, and then he gets sent back to the bullpen, again. Makes lots of sense.

82

David Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 8:34 am

Following up on post #26: Braves pitchers now have an active streak of 61 innings in which they have given up 0 or 1 runs. Haven’t had a multi-run inning since Jose Reyes hit a two-run homer off of Tim Hudson last Tuesday.

Nickname for this pitching staff should be the Atlanta Binaries.

83

Steve Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 9:01 am

Yikes. The headline writer for this braves.com article needs to check the schedule a little more carefully… http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_08_01_miamlb_atlmlb_1&mode=preview&vkey=preview_web_home&c_id=atl&partnerId=rss_atl

84

Curt Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 9:04 am

“That guy impresses me all the time,” McCann said. “I worked out with him this offseason. He’s such an athlete. We’d throw the football around and he doesn’t drop a pass. He’s one of those guys that’s an unbelievable athlete; he can do anything.

“They’ve thrown a lot at him this year. They’ve asked him to start, relieve, got to the minor leagues and come back. To keep your mental makeup and your mental toughness, that says a lot about who he is. He’s here to help this team win, and that performance right there – he started right where he left off in 2010. He was one of our best starters in 2010, but he got hurt.”

85

Bubdylan Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 10:07 am

Curt, how hard is this to predict: Medlen gives one more start, stretches it on more inning, gives up zero, one, or two runs, gets sent back to the pen, and the Hanson gives us three starts in a row during which he gives up a total of 12 runs (5,2,5). Is there anyone here who doesn’t think that sounds about right?

86

Bubdylan Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 10:07 am

*stretches it one more inning…

87

Shaun Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 12:09 pm

Finally listened to the show. Good one, guys.

The Braves have to explore an Uggla trade in the offseason, something somewhat similar to the Lowe salary dump, right?

I don’t think he’s really as bad as he’s been recently but I also think his days as one of the top 3-4 offensive secondbasemen are done.

If they can find a solid glove man that can provide something around league average offense, I think they should move Uggla for some salary relief. There are some options that would likely come relatively cheap on the free agent market, Keppinger and Kelly Johnson stand out. The Braves would no doubt have to cover some of Uggla’s salary but it may be worth it to get some money back on his deal.

88

Curt Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 12:44 pm

@85 – or Minor implodes again with 3 or 4 bad starts in a row, causing massive taxation on the bullpen, at which point we are told how lucky we are to have Medlen sitting in the pen.

89

Ham Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 4:51 pm

I am rooting for the Phillies tonight more than I ever have in my entire life. Heady times.

90

Bubdylan Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 8:27 pm

Rewatched TDKR at the matinee today. All the sound problems were fixed. That made a huge difference. Really good movie. I think it compares well with Return of the Jedi as a let-down-but-only-slightly ending to a great trilogy. And really so much better without being beaten to death by Hans Zimmer’s kettle drums.

91

Bubdylan Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 8:30 pm

I’m glad Joe West is okay. Hit him again.

92

Curt Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 8:58 pm

We have to score off of Zambrano, right?

93

Bubdylan Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 9:06 pm

Uggla says yes.

94

Curt Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 9:07 pm

Janish defers.

95

Bubdylan Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 9:43 pm

Chipper Jones: 29 walks, 29 strikeouts.

96

Bubdylan Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 9:44 pm

Oh, Freddie.

That out hurt my feelings.

97

Bubdylan Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 9:46 pm

Avilan? I’m not predicting good things here. How his ERA is a reasonable 3.80 is beyond me; for a guy who throws hard, he seems very hittable.

98

Bubdylan Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 9:47 pm

lol, nevermind. He’s finished pitching, not coming in. I’m dumb.

99

Leah Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 9:48 pm

This is the Mike Dunn I recognize. I’m a little behind so no spoilers.

100

Bubdylan Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 9:50 pm

Bruce Willis is dead the entire time.

101

Bubdylan Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 10:13 pm

We need electronic umpiring please.

102

Bubdylan Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 10:14 pm

That game was annoying as hell.

Oh well. Go Phillies.

103

Walker Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 10:15 pm

Boy, Prado was a negative today. 2DPs

104

Jo Bu Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 10:49 pm

So is there a chink in the Nat’s armour and/or are the Phillies a little to late to get back into the race?

105

Jo Bu Says:
August 1st, 2012 at 10:50 pm

Could be a little of both but the Philles have nothing to lose now – far more dangerous now than they were last week.

106

David Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 5:41 am

Derek Lowe DFA’ed by Cleveland.

107

Steve Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 7:35 am

I saw some tweets from last night making fun of how Fredi “got” or “punk’d” DOB. Anyone know what that was or have a link?

108

Mark in Memphis Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 8:35 am

@106

The Cleveland Indians designated Derek Lowe for assignment Wednesday night, one day after the veteran right-hander was shelled by Kansas City.

Lowe gave up seven runs on eight hits, two walks and a balk over 2 1/3 innings in Cleveland’s 8-3 loss Tuesday night. He had lost four straight, had a 15.88 ERA in his past three starts and an 8.80 ERA in his past 12.

The 39-year-old began the season 6-1 with a 2.05 ERA, but is 2-9 since with his ERA ballooning to 5.52.

Now THERE is the DL we all know and love (the fact we rid ourselves of him…)

His Nickname should be: The Tease

Guess his unusually low batting average on balls in play coupled with almost no strikeouts finally caught up with him…

109

David Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 8:36 am

I hardly ever watch Sportscenter, but apparently Mike Trout’s home run save was the “reigning #1 web gem” for 32…uh, days?…in a row — until Janish’s catch last night replaced it. Here’s the clip: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8224945&categoryid=2378529

and if you go into the bottom-right corner of the screen, you can vote for Janish over Trout.

110

David Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 8:38 am

107 — Here ya go: http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=23519837&partnerId=aw-7188690478545877734-996

Hahaha…haha..heh? Was he being serious?

111

Bubdylan Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:36 am

#110, I dunno how much was serious and how much was straight-faced humor, but that man puts off some very sh*tty vibes. I can’t imagine he’s much fun to platy for.

112

Bubdylan Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:36 am

*or play for

113

Leah Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:01 pm

Or platy for.

114

Anne Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 3:43 pm

#109 – Janish over Trout = delicious!

115

Bubdylan Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 5:06 pm

#114, be still, my beating heart.

116

Bubdylan Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 7:22 pm

Trivia Question: what would be more fun, the Phillies beating the Nats again, or Cole Hamels giving up 5 runs and watching the Philly fans break into mass hysteria over three albatross contracts?

117

Bubdylan Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 7:26 pm

JONES!

118

Bubdylan Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 7:29 pm

If Uggla snapped out of it, this line up could score 10 runs twice a week every week.

119

Bubdylan Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 7:31 pm

Holy Smokes, is that a record low crowd at the Ted? I guess it’s the one game losing streak…

120

Bubdylan Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 7:35 pm

UGGS!! Way to work the count and grab an RBI single.

121

Bubdylan Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 8:00 pm

Come on, Heyward. Blow it open.

122

Bubdylan Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 8:02 pm

RBI single’s good. Come on, Chipper. Blow it open.

123

Bubdylan Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 8:04 pm

Wow. Chipper swung at ball four with only one strike.. Can’t say I’ve seen that too often.

124

Anonymous Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 8:05 pm

#119 maybe the rain too

Heyward seems locked in lately. He’s fun to watch.

125

Bubdylan Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 8:06 pm

FF! 6 to 0! This poor guy’s pitched 55 pitches in 1.1 innings so far.

126

Bubdylan Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 8:07 pm

Hi, Steve.

127

Bubdylan Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 8:27 pm

Minor says, “auto umps, please”

128

Bubdylan Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 9:38 pm

To a certain someone who said no way when I suggested Delgado might outpitch Dempster the rest of this season, someone whose name ryhmes with sleeve, the Dempster has started out with a bang in Texas. 7 runs in 4 innings, giving back a big early lead Texas staked him to.

That’s an ERA of 15.75 for those scoring at home.

129

Curt Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 9:38 pm

Interesting to notice how the Braves have fared against pitchers they have never seen this year. Maybe I’m wrong, but it seems like we have done a much better job of that. We still have the terrible pitchers who own us, but not so much the rookies notching their first wins against us.

130

Bubdylan Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:09 pm

It’s too bad we didn’t sweep them, but a great series. Outscored the Fish 23-8, pitched well, hit well, and played good defense.

Going into the series, we were 4 games back of Washington and 2 games up on the Wild Card field.

Coming out of the series, we’re 2.5 games back of Washington and 3.5 games up on the Wild Card field. That’s taking care of business. Proud of the boys.

131

David Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 7:45 am

129 — we faced Eovaldi last year, if that’s whom you were referring to. But yes — the Braves are doing a better job against pitchers we haven’t faced before.

Interesting matchups this weekends. Hudson vs. Armando Galaragga (when did he wind up in Houston??) tonight. Maholm’s first start against Harrell, who is having a good second half so far, tomorrow. And Medlen vs. Norris, a high-ERA but high K pitcher. Really hope we sweep.

132

Walker Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 11:44 am

I know that this is the major leagues and anybody can win at any given time but isn’t this an automatic sweep? I mean no excuse to not at least win the series.

133

Paranoid Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 12:14 pm

Quick Walker…recant! Talk about how we will play poorly against a bad team and probably lose 2 of 3. Then drink beet juice laced with butterfly wings.

134

Leah Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 12:22 pm

Love this…

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/atlanta-braves-pitcher-ben-sheets-great-under-the-radar-acquisition-080212

135

Steve Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 2:23 pm

Love.. beet juice laced with butterfly wings.

That said, yeah, we better freaking take 2 of 3.

136

Walker Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 5:11 pm

We are hitting our stride

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120802&content_id=36013308&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

137

David Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 7:01 pm

136 – Cool article, although I gotta say that that guy seems to be overestimating our pitching a bit. He cites Hudson and Hanson’s combined 22-9 record, but they (Hanson mostly) haven’t been as good as that record may indicate; our bullpen has been shaky at times; and Fredi’s bullpen management, while better than last year, is still questionable. To give Venters any credit for this season’s success – which this writer does – is a bit embarrassing.

I hate to be cynical, but I wonder how closely that guy covers the Braves.

138

Walker Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 7:46 pm

He’s a national writer so not much so the details were off. But the overall message was true.

139

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 7:53 pm

Should’a got Huddy in the first, Houston. Yonder comes the pain.

140

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 7:58 pm

Good at-bat, Marteeeen.

141

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 7:59 pm

Out of curiosity, I visited an Astros blog. It was one guy posting to himself. And not about the Astros.

142

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:01 pm

Heyward, what in crap’s napsack was that?

143

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:06 pm

Sigh, where did the pain go?

144

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:10 pm

Leaving Bases Loaded since 1966

145

Leah Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:11 pm

#135 In that case…it was me.

146

Leah Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:11 pm

141…hilarious. Did you talk to him? Poor fella.

147

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:16 pm

yeah, I told him they were bound to do better in the American League. 8)

148

Leah Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:21 pm

Hah. Danny’s about to bust it wiiiiiide open!

149

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:22 pm

Danny’s due up first, dah’lin.

150

Leah Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:22 pm

…next at bat. He’s gonna busy a move. Watch and see.

151

Leah Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:23 pm

I KNOW! 1 run in this game is wiiiiiide open.

152

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:23 pm

Danny K, that was ridiculous. 3 called strikes??? That’s your whole at bat???

153

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:26 pm

Yeah, we’re getting no-hit by THIS guy. These kinds of games make me want to chew bricks.

154

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:42 pm

JONES!!

155

Leah Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:44 pm

Here it comes…

156

Leah Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:47 pm

Told ya!

157

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:57 pm

lol, yeah, he got ahold o’ that one.

158

Walker Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:00 pm

40 years old and RAKING!! Who does this?

The sad thing is there will be some idiot who doesn’t vote for Chipper on the first ballot.

159

Steve Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:09 pm

#158 – there’s always some contrarian that doesn’t vote first ballot as they should.

Things are going so well right now, even Uggla’s pop fly dropped there in the 3rd. Soooo good right now.

160

Leah Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:20 pm

StrUggla is in a world a hurt. He needs a hug.

161

Anne Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:21 pm

Is this pitcher Galaragga related to Andres Galaragga? Holy crap the Stros are horrible.

162

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:30 pm

Fish take a lead. Hope it sticks.

Heh… fish … sticks.

163

Leah Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:38 pm

Oh snap…Martin gonna bust some chops!

164

Leah Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:45 pm

Dear Galaragga,

This is what a strike looks like.

Sincerely,

All of baseball.

165

Leah Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:46 pm

*Galarraga
(I copied Anne)

166

Anne Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:53 pm

Yeah, my spelling was fer crap. Go Braves!!

167

Leah Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:06 pm

Lucky #65 gets StrUggla for his major league debut.

168

Curt Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:09 pm

I was just with someone who I work with who is for
Houston and we were with my sons. She mentioned to them that she was an Astros fan, and being little kids they talked about how good the Astros were. I corrected them in front of her and let them know that the Astros were, in fact, embarrassingly bad. Good parenting 101

169

Curt Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:10 pm

Ignore that first sentence

170

Curt Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:12 pm

You think the chic from Japan has any illusions when she is running in the prelims in the 100 yd dash?

171

Leah Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:19 pm

How many beers does this one make Curt?

172

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:24 pm

lol @171.

173

Steve Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:27 pm

How about the member of the US Women’s volleyball team whose name is Destiny Hooker? DESTINY HOOKER?!?!?!?

174

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:33 pm

It’s not often you leave the bases loaded twice in a game and still score 4 runs on 6 hits.

175

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:39 pm

Craig Kimbrel is the best pitcher in baseball. That is all.

176

Leah Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:40 pm

#173 Is she the one with stretch marks? If so, she’s my favorite.

177

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:41 pm

#176, if she’s not now, she will be.

178

Curt Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:44 pm

Destiny Hooker is lovely, p.s. seriously.

Not beer, hot sake. And lots

179

Leah Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:46 pm

Haha…I KNEW it. Keep commenting. We wanna see how ridiculous you can get.

180

Steve Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:47 pm

2 games back

181

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:47 pm

Curt, if the Braves make it to the WS, you have to do the show drunk.

If they win the WS, you have to do it drunk and on helium.

182

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:49 pm

9-1 in our last 10 games. Nice.

Just took over the top Wild Card spot, too, btw. Next stop, division lead. After that, best record in baseball. After that, … round one loss. Womp womp waaahhh.

183

Leah Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 11:00 pm

181…love that idea!

184

Curt Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 11:30 pm

Done. I might say the F word a lot, but at least it will be in a really high pitched voice

185

Bubdylan Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 11:44 pm

The ABT window minimized in my tray says “Show #194: Big Wee”

186

will on 3 starbucks Says:
August 4th, 2012 at 2:34 am

Just listened to this week’s show, which was before the trades this week. Looking forward to what you have to say about the turnarounds in the trade situation, and the team as a whole.

Just so we dont furget – predictions this week were
6-1 CURT and HAMM
3-1 vs. Miami! (said curt – you are correct)
Sweep stros comin up…

Steve has the better baritone radio voice, and clearly is the measured voice of reason. We miss him this week. The kids take a bit of license while he is away, but deliver a good show. Curt is always right, but in a whiny voice. Hammy is the funniest one. And the best looking.

What an awesome week. Lets keep this momentum in the last stretch. Lets go all the way. Im giddy…Its 2 in the afternoon, no beers, just alot of coffee…

187

Walker Says:
August 4th, 2012 at 3:35 am

Lol, Wow what was/is everyone on? These are the craziest funniest posts I’ve read in awhile. I guess thats what playing the Astros and winning alot does. Im cracking up over here.

188

Curt Says:
August 4th, 2012 at 11:38 am

More love from Will. I cherish these moments

189

Bubdylan Says:
August 4th, 2012 at 2:48 pm

Post.

190

Bubdylan Says:
August 4th, 2012 at 7:56 pm

This is where Chipper rallies the troops, right? Where Fredi wakes ‘em all up? McCann? Rah rah, sisk boom bah? Anyone?

191

Walker Says:
August 4th, 2012 at 8:14 pm

Dan Uggla why?

192

Bubdylan Says:
August 4th, 2012 at 9:00 pm

4 hits. 7 innings. Astros. Seems right.

193

Bubdylan Says:
August 4th, 2012 at 9:16 pm

Yeah, Fredi, you want your 1.80 WHIP guy in there with two inherited baserunners. We’ll be lucky ot get out of this…

194

Bubdylan Says:
August 4th, 2012 at 9:18 pm

Lucky indeed. Thought that one was a HR.

Wake up, Bats. 6 more outs is all ya got.

195

Kate Says:
August 4th, 2012 at 9:25 pm

One loss to the Astros should count as three in the standings.

196

Walker Says:
August 4th, 2012 at 9:54 pm

Wow can’t believe we really lost to the ASTROS. Is this a bad dream?

Can’t belive we let Justin Freaking Maxwell beat us. How can you throw another hanging breaking ball to a guy who burned you the first time?

197

Bubdylan Says:
August 4th, 2012 at 9:58 pm

Washington clobbering the fish late. Surprise.

This is truly one of the worst losses of the year. I hate it when they don’t get up for low opponents. And who didn’t see it coming? I didn’t. That’s who. I thought they’d destroy this record-book horrible team. Nope.

198

Walker Says:
August 4th, 2012 at 10:22 pm

This is more evidence that a one game playoff in the game of baseball is a big JOKE.

199

will Says:
August 5th, 2012 at 12:33 am

that was a bummer….

times like this….its time to break out the secret weapon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhBAJHzIkQk

200

will Says:
August 5th, 2012 at 12:47 am

apologies…being completely random…

but watch it and try not to smile

(also…it is not intended for you, Curt. nope.)

201

will Says:
August 5th, 2012 at 1:09 am

I just went thru the game on MLB…

Maholm looked pretty sharp otherwise. Two mistakes that hurt..hung a curve…but hes otherwise a solid starter.

Uggla 1-3 with big 2 run hit…positive.

Everybody else just weak/inconsistent hitting night.

Cant make too much of this. Move on…

202

Curt Says:
August 5th, 2012 at 4:02 pm

Can’t wait for Medlen to go back to the pen.

203

Bubdylan Says:
August 5th, 2012 at 10:38 pm

So… Dan Uggla’s really not recovering, is he? It just blows my mind.

204

Curt Says:
August 5th, 2012 at 11:16 pm

Nice segue to tonight’s show and the sad return of the ‘Dan Struggla Meter’

Show #194: Big Week on the Field Overshadows the Trade that Was Not

204 Responses to “Show #194: Big Week on the Field Overshadows the Trade that Was Not”

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