GDT: July 10th, 2013 - Braves @ Marlins - Chris hitting 5th - Pastor SS

[sentenza]

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRaYH0YLrFGD2c2pHQUU3Rm2PUP7geth vtuRRy44QxEqv1LMONr

SS Tyler Pastornicky
RF Jason Heyward
LF Justin Upton
1B Freddie Freeman
3B Chris Johnson
2B Dan Uggla
CF BJ Upton
C Gerald Laird
P Paul Maholm


http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRUvchd_HcWEgjdPYnlM8XPSpxgT5WLx _nPkoYsylJ1ghgSMB1vbA

LF Justin Ruggiano
1B Ed Lucas
RF Giancarlo Stanton
CF Marcell Ozuna
3B Placido Polanco
2B Donovan Solano
SS Adeiny Hechavarria
C Jeff Mathis
P Jacob Turner

[BlackwaterPark]

nice!!! finally

[zitothebrave]

Oh geez. Hope Maholm has his flyball stuff today. Keep the ball out of the infield.

[jason27nc]

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRaYH0YLrFGD2c2pHQUU3Rm2PUP7geth vtuRRy44QxEqv1LMONr

SS Tyler Pastornicky
RF Jason Heyward
LF Justin Upton
1B Freddie Freeman
3B Chris Johnson
2B Dan Uggla
CF BJ Upton
C Gerald Laird
P Paul Maholm

50% Chance of rain today!

2 things. Simmons needs a breather every once in a while, so I am good with it today. Miami has a roof so that should not be a problem if it rains.

[thethe]

Yay, Pastor gets a chance!!! Get it going Rev!

[sentenza]

For all in europe!
Game is live on ESPN America!
It's baseball evening! after our game they show SF-Mets and then Pirats vs. A's

Sadly that this station will shut down at the end of the month!

[The Chosen One]

That's what atdhe.tv is for sent. :Bunchie1:

[sentenza]

That's what atdhe.tv is for sent. :Bunchie1:

I often use atdhe for soccer games here in germany!
Didn't know they also stream baseball.
Ok, the most games are at 1 am here, so i didn't need this much.

[yeezus]

I often use atdhe for soccer games here in germany!
Didn't know they also stream baseball.
Ok, the most games are at 1 am here, so i didn't need this much.

liebst du baseball?????

[NinersSBChamps]

Let's make this a winning streak boys. No reason not to sweep these guys this afternoon.

[parkvadawg]

Still hoping for the terd to get a start now and then

[sentenza]

liebst du baseball?????

Bin auf jeden Fall Fan! Darum bin ich hier!
Oh, just saw that i signed in (Scout forum) in 2004! :suprise:

[Braves1976]

Oh wow, how can you start both Pastornicky and CJ in the same infield with Uggla? Pastornicky is a terrible shortstop and we have a groundball pitcher on the mound and Uggla and CJ beside him (Pastornicky). This infield has no range, etc. I cannot think of a worse infield defensively at each position.

It makes sense to start Pastornicky, but not at short with both Uggla and CJ starting. That's crazy with a groundball pitcher on the mound.

[thethe]

Oh wow, how can you start both Pastornicky and CJ in the same infield with Uggla? Pastornicky is a terrible shortstop and we have a groundball pitcher on the mound and Uggla and CJ beside him (Pastornicky). This infield has no range, etc. I cannot think of a worse infield defensively at each position.

It makes sense to start Pastornicky, but not at short with both Uggla and CJ starting. That's crazy with a groundball pitcher on the mound.

For a one game sample its not likely to have much an effect. The negatives will bear out over a much larger sample though. I'm not worried for tonight. Just hit the ball and we will be fine.

[Braves1976]

CJ's defense at third alone had an effect last night. Simmons saves us a ton with his amazing range and arm, etc. Plus Maholm is a ground ball pitcher that depends a lot on DP's. It isn't just the errors, it's the plays that won't be made that concern me.

[thethe]

CJ's defense at third alone had an effect last night. Simmons saves us a ton with his amazing range and arm, etc. Plus Maholm is a ground ball pitcher that depends on a lot of DP's. It isn't just the errors, it's the plays that won't be made that concern me.

I don't disagree. But I still think when you look at it in terms of statistical probability of having an effect on one game I'm not all that worried. When you compound multiple games together is where it gets worrisome.

Sure, Pastor could boot two balls and not get to another two that Smmons gets to tonight but for one game I'm ok with taking that risk.

[DaneHill]

Who else do we have that can play SS these days with Pena out? I'm brain-farting, sorry.... And yes, free Terdo! I wanna see him play 3B!

[NinersSBChamps]

Janish

[stpeteirish]

Who else do we have that can play SS these days with Pena out? I'm brain-farting, sorry.... And yes, free Terdo! I wanna see him play 3B!

Janish is the other SS. Terdo is now an OF'r, made a ton of errors at 3b so they moved him this winter.

[DaneHill]

Oh yeah, forgot about Janish, and Terdo moving to the OF. Thanks, guys!

[stpeteirish]

Let's make this a winning streak boys. No reason not to sweep these guys this afternoon.

'Cept this kid pitcher (Turner) has been lights out.

[parkvadawg]

Yep Turners pretty good and Paul stinks on the road so this isn't a gimme. However since you have to hit the ball 1000 feet to hit a HR in this stadium, we might be OK.

[NinersSBChamps]

Would this be the first sweep on the road all season?

[sentenza]

'Cept this kid pitcher (Turner) has been lights out.

Tyler will hit a homer of him in his 1. AB

[Braves1976]

Would this be the first sweep on the road all season?

We swept Miami in Miami the first month of the season. Then we swept the Nats on road after that too.

[NinersSBChamps]

Finally I get to see some of the game on TV. No mlb.tv for me today.

[The Chosen One]

I love how the team has rallied around Freddie. LOL @ Huddie

[Dalyn]

Glad to see Simmons on the bench. He needs a break.

[ChapelHillMatt]

The final vote thing seems to have improved team chemistry, lol

[NinersSBChamps]

Turner was in that Anibal trade last season?

[NinersSBChamps]

Heck yes. Braves are on MLBN tomorrow night too.

[Dunit24]

Turner is good?

Ok im not worried then. We usually hammer good pitching.

Serious note - It would be awesome to get the sweep and put more pressure on the Nats/Phils tonight. Im glad to see the Phillies "buying" this season. The prospects they could get for some of those vets would set them up very nicely for the future.

[Dalyn]

The final vote thing seems to have improved team chemistry, lol

Yeah. Good to see.

[The Chosen One]

Come on Maholm

[stpeteirish]

We swept Miami in Miami the first month of the season. Then we swept the Nats on road after that too.

those were the days. Of course, if JUp gets hot again we could be good again, but not sweep everybody good. That run created false expectations, for me anyhow.

[NinersSBChamps]

These kids are going crazy. Makes it sound like there are at least 700 people there.

[ChapelHillMatt]

HATE HIM

HATE HIM

HATE HIM

PLEASE GET HIM OUT OF THE ROTATION!!!!!

[DaneHill]

Bleh

[datdude12]

nice paul

[NinersSBChamps]

Just glad that one stayed in the field of play. Going to be tough to win today with Maholm on the mound.

[DaneHill]

For anyone not able to watch....

3-0 Marlins - Bottom of 1st - runner on 2nd and one out. :panic:

[ChapelHillMatt]

3-0

[The Chosen One]

3-0 now :panic:

[stpeteirish]

3 batters, already down. Maholm has declined steadily this year, remember how good he was early?

[NinersSBChamps]

I just hope we are within a field goal at the end of this inning.

[Dunit24]

Ha

Or we can just get hammered today...oh well

[DaneHill]

If we can hold 'em at 3, and Maholm settles down... Still early! :tchop:

[ChapelHillMatt]

I bet the Marlins feel like they are playing slow pitch softball

[datdude12]

i just don't enjoy watching Maholm pitch, watching him nibble into hitter's counts and then lay a weak 86 mph fastball in there is just painful

[The Chosen One]

Paul's velocity has sharply declined.

[Dunit24]

3 batters, already down. Maholm has declined steadily this year, remember how good he was early?

Yeah I wonder how good his market will be this year at the trade deadline. If we get Beachy back, hed be my #1 candidate. Not bc of today(it aint helping) but a FA to be, we could get a prospect or two out of him.

[The Chosen One]

Yeah I wonder how good his market will be this year at the trade deadline. If we get Beachy back, hed be my #1 candidate. Not bc of today(it aint helping) but a FA to be, we could get a prospect or two out of him.

We could get a reliever.

[AUTiger7222]

Why is the Braves game so early? Turned the TV on and it was already 2-0 Marlins. Paul Maholm was great last year and had a great start this season but has crashed and burned. This sucks! Please Beachy get back in a hurry!

[NinersSBChamps]

I bet the Marlins feel like they are playing slow pitch softball

It's only fair that foul two pitches off and they're out then.

[DaneHill]

30 pitches already, and still trying to get the last out in the 1st....

4-0 Marlins :mad0182:

[ChapelHillMatt]

Another run

Yay

[AUTiger7222]

Screw you Maholm!

[thethe]

Wow, this is the worst Maholm has pitched so far for the Braves. He was so good for a decent time. I guess the clock struck midnight.

[sentenza]

Good that Maholm will be gone at the end of the season!
Horrible pitching!

[DaneHill]

Maybe it's just me, but Maholm looks like he's put on some extra poundage since the season started.

[datdude12]

lol now he's in a fierce battle with the pitcher

[DaneHill]

Mercy.

36 pitches.

4-0 Marlins heading into the 2nd.... :confused:

[NinersSBChamps]

25 minutes later...

[jason27nc]

Is it just me or does he not look well? He looks like he is sick or something? Aids?

[sentenza]

37 pitches in the 1st!
all nine Marlins at the plate!

With Turner pitching ths will be hart to win. But another come-from-behind victory is possible!

[Braves1976]

Stupid to give the 8th place hitter anything with pitcher on deck. Oh well, I didn't expect a sweep anyway with the infield set-up, etc.

[Dalyn]

25 minutes later...

"How did you even get those Marlins up there on that scoreboard?"

[ChapelHillMatt]

There goes Chris Johnson being lucky again.

[DaneHill]

Yeah, that's right, CJ! Bring it! :cooter:

[NinersSBChamps]

Gotta get CJ in. The game is far from over. Need to score this inning.

[NinersSBChamps]

UGGLa~!!1:cooter::cooter::cooter:

[Grayson Dawg]

Felt like the Braves would sweep Marlins after taking first 2 and Maholm lays an egg. Turner is tough so even though we still have 8 more at bats sweep now looks bleak. Maybe hitters can at least run his pitch count up..21 in first. Their BP has to be taxed.

[jason27nc]

Uggla is the freaking man!!!

[DaneHill]

Ha! Uggla living right today

[weso1]

Uggla must have sacrificed a bucket of fried chicken this morning.

[thethe]

Chip Chip Chip away

[NinersSBChamps]

Same idea BJ. Move Daniel over.

[AUTiger7222]

Nice job CJ and Dan. 4-1. Keep chipping away boys.

[jason27nc]

Gotta get CJ in. The game is far from over. Need to score this inning.

Uh, the Marlins get to bat again.

[DaneHill]

Come on, BJ

[ChapelHillMatt]

Did he really just swing at that?????

[DaneHill]

*sigh*

[DaneHill]

Grr, Uggla was safe. Easily.

[AUTiger7222]

*SCREAMS AS LOUD AS CAN*

[datdude12]

safe..oh well

[NinersSBChamps]

Uggla was safe and BJ still sucks though.

[jason27nc]

Did he really just swing at that?????

Why did he not run? and then gets picked off!!

[ChapelHillMatt]

wow

[DaneHill]

Well, this inning just took a crap all over us. :mad0182:

[sentenza]

Unbelievable!

[AUTiger7222]

Wow. Take about running yourselves out of a potentially big inning.

[datdude12]

bj was safe too.ok

[NinersSBChamps]

Only the Braves could pull something like that off.

[Julio3000]

Chip Chip Chip away

Said Ms. Caray.

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff511/poinsett/ChipCountryLogo_zps61cab1b5.jpg

[jason27nc]

bj was safe too.ok

He deserved to be out for not hustling on the dropped strike three.

[NinersSBChamps]

Why did he not run? and then gets picked off!!

It's BJ Upton.

[stpeteirish]

I'm not sure what bugs me most, BJ swinging at a bouncing pitch, or Uggla trying to run on it when its right in front of him. Then BJ gets picked off, takes the prize. This team just doesn't bring their brains to the game sometimes.

[datdude12]

He deserved to be out for not hustling on the dropped strike three.

not hustling? i'm not sure he could've gotten to second there

[AUTiger7222]

The call on Uggla may have been wrong but you don't take those chances down by 3 runs when you have a big inning cooking.

[ChapelHillMatt]

It's ok if BJ doesn't hustle I guess. Anyone else it would be a probem.

[Grayson Dawg]

It's the BJ factor.....ever heard of the golden touch?....BJ has the crappy touch. Seriously his Karma is the pits.

[NinersSBChamps]

And Fredi just sits on the bench without saying a word.

[jason27nc]

I'm not sure what bugs me most, BJ swinging at a bouncing pitch, or Uggla trying to run on it when its right in front of him. Then BJ gets picked off, takes the prize. This team just doesn't bring their brains to the game sometimes.

Uggla was safe by two feet. I like the idea because the only thing you lose on that is 1 base. You exchange a guy on 2nd with a guy on third.

[thethe]

It's ok if BJ doesn't hustle I guess. Anyone else it would be a probem.

Who is saying its ok?

[bravesnumberone]

Damn, this team is incredibly stupid.

[ChapelHillMatt]

Who is saying its ok?

Well I'm thinking back to the way people reacted to Yunel and how he was run out of town for doing the same things BJ does. At least Yunel could hit.

[Dalyn]

It's ok if BJ doesn't hustle I guess. Anyone else it would be a probem.

Last I checked, BJ is still black.

[jason27nc]

not hustling? i'm not sure he could've gotten to second there

hu? He didn't hustle to first. Had Uggla not gone to 3rd the throw would not even of been close to 1st.

[NinersSBChamps]

Uggla is a pretty good base runner too. Guys feel like they need to try and make things happen sometimes because of the inept batters in the order. Moving up 90 feet on the bases is huge with this lineup sometimes.

[thethe]

Well I'm thinking back to the way people reacted to Yunel and how he was run out of town for doing the same things BJ does. At least Yunel could hit.

Yunel was doing other things that forced him out. Besdies, it was easy to discard Yunel..he was making nothing. You can't just throw away a guy you just spent 75 million on.

[NinersSBChamps]

Last I checked, BJ is still black.

With a white girlfriend.

[thethe]

Ok, we made Turner work at least. Get him out after five innings and get into the Marlins tired pen.

[NinersSBChamps]

Yunel was doing other things that forced him out. Besdies, it was easy to discard Yunel..he was making nothing. You can't just throw away a guy you just spent 75 million on.

So you are justifying terrible play because the guy has a big contract?

[ChapelHillMatt]

Yunel was doing other things that forced him out. Besdies, it was easy to discard Yunel..he was making nothing. You can't just throw away a guy you just spent 75 million on.

That's the problem, why did we spend 75 million on him. He's had this reputation before, he was lazy in TB as well.

Sorry for beating a dead horse but it just really bothers me that we signed this guy!

[weso1]

Did they do a second replay on the Upton pick off? Looked like he twitched his front leg before he stepped off the mound. Should've been a balk.

[Dalyn]

With a white girlfriend.

Exactly. Not sure how his lack of hustle has anything to do with...anything.

[DaneHill]

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/dane323/thats-racist_zps85fc142d.gif

[thethe]

That's the problem, why did we spend 75 million on him. He's had this reputation before, he was lazy in TB as well.

Sorry for beating a dead horse but it just really bothers me that we signed this guy!

You pay a guy for the liklihood he will perform and potential for future performance. Upton has a lot of ability. It looks bad now but I'm not going to go crazy after three months of a 5 year deal. I will say though that you are looking right but the book isn't closed.

[NinersSBChamps]

Keep it at a field goal Paul.

[jason27nc]

Did they do a second replay on the Upton pick off? Looked like he twitched his front leg before he stepped off the mound. Should've been a balk.

They did. It did look like he balked.

[Dalyn]

Yunel most likely took a dive a few times after the Braves traded Pena. BJ isn't close to that level of cunt.

[AUTiger7222]

Yes I have a problem with BJ's lack of hustle. It's pathetic.

[AUTiger7222]

Knowing Paul Maholm he's probably going to pitch 5 shutout innings now after giving up those 4 runs in the 1st inning. He's done it before.

[ChapelHillMatt]

You pay a guy for the liklihood he will perform and potential for future performance. Upton has a lot of ability. It looks bad now but I'm not going to go crazy after three months of a 5 year deal. I will say though that you are looking right but the book isn't closed.

Why do you think he's going to be a different player than he's shown throughout his career? I'd really love to know what you are seeing in him that I'm not. I don't think he has that much ability. I think he's a dumb player. He has power and speed but horrible plate discipline.

[NinersSBChamps]

You pay a guy for the liklihood he will perform and potential for future performance. Upton has a lot of ability. It looks bad now but I'm not going to go crazy after three months of a 5 year deal. I will say though that you are looking right but the book isn't closed.

Meanwhile Michael Bourn is putting together a good three months in Cleveland for less money.

[TURBO]

Morning

[stpeteirish]

The teamates apparently couldn't stand Escobar. How do they feel about BJ?

[jason27nc]

You pay a guy for the liklihood he will perform and potential for future performance. Upton has a lot of ability. It looks bad now but I'm not going to go crazy after three months of a 5 year deal. I will say though that you are looking right but the book isn't closed.
I didn't and don't have a problem with bringing him here. I do have a problem with not disciplining a guy for not hustling. Bobby benched Andruw Jones for the same thing.

[thethe]

Why do you think he's going to be a different player than he's shown throughout his career? I'd really love to know what you are seeing in him that I'm not. I don't think he has that much ability. I think he's a dumb player. He has power and speed but horrible plate discipline.

He has shown all 5 tools at some point in his career. Guy has power/speed/fielding/throwing. The contact is an issue though but lets see how he does for the rest of the season. Changing leagues is not always easy. Players much better than BJ have had issues in their first years. Don't forget that.

[Dalyn]

The teamates apparently couldn't stand Escobar. How do they feel about BJ?

I imagine they like 'em.

[stpeteirish]

Knowing Paul Maholm he's probably going to pitch 5 shutout innings now after giving up those 4 runs in the 1st inning. He's done it before.

I'd take that in a heartbeat.

Nice news re Gattis.

[thethe]

Meanwhile Michael Bourn is putting together a good three months in Cleveland for less money.

Is he? Just in relation to Upton. Bourn is not having a great year. He will fall off a cliff halfway through that deal and not be a productive player at all. That is why I didn't want to sign him.

[NinersSBChamps]

He has shown all 5 tools at some point in his career. Guy has power/speed/fielding/throwing. The contact is an issue though but lets see how he does for the rest of the season. Changing leagues is not always easy. Players much better than BJ have had issues in their first years. Don't forget that.

That switching leagues claim is a such a cop out. It's no excuse for him being lazy.

[ChapelHillMatt]

He has shown all 5 tools at some point in his career. Guy has power/speed/fielding/throwing. The contact is an issue though but lets see how he does for the rest of the season. Changing leagues is not always easy. Players much better than BJ have had issues in their first years. Don't forget that.

Well this isn't the first time I've watched him. I've been watching him for several years now. I'd just say don't hold your breath on his improving. Changing leagues is a cop out excuse imo. Changing leagues shouldn't cause you to be as bad as he has been. It sure hasn't effected Bourn and he went to a better league.

[AUTiger7222]

Meanwhile Michael Bourn is putting together a good three months in Cleveland for less money.

Bourn put up a great 3 months with the Braves last year and then was completely terrible the last 3 months of the season. And the only reason Bourn is making less money is because teams wouldn't pay him what he wanted at the beginning which was way too much. If the Braves could have gotten him for the price the Indians did then Bourn is probably still here.

[thethe]

Yunel most likely took a dive a few times after the Braves traded Pena. BJ isn't close to that level of cunt.

Yeah, I don't get how you can compare the two. Bobby Cox didn't like Yunel...BOBBY COX! Thats all I needed to know about the type of character he is.

[Dalyn]

That switching leagues claim is a such a cop out. It's no excuse for him being lazy.

You've obviously never experienced league lag.

[thethe]

Well this isn't the first time I've watched him. I've been watching him for several years now. I'd just say don't hold your breath on his improving. Changing leagues is a cop out excuse imo. Changing leagues shouldn't cause you to be as bad as he has been. It sure hasn't effected Bourn and he went to a better league.

Bourn has been good?

[ChapelHillMatt]

Is he? Just in relation to Upton. Bourn is not having a great year. He will fall off a cliff halfway through that deal and not be a productive player at all. That is why I didn't want to sign him.

Hitting 280 and setting the table for a good Indians lineup.

He's doing his job.

Meanwhile we have a guy that can't get over 180

[ChapelHillMatt]

Yeah, I don't get how you can compare the two. Bobby Cox didn't like Yunel...BOBBY COX! Thats all I needed to know about the type of character he is.

It's just hypocritical imo

If people hated Yunel because he had a bad attitude and was lazy then they should hate BJ as well for the same reasons.

[NinersSBChamps]

Is he? Just in relation to Upton. Bourn is not having a great year. He will fall off a cliff halfway through that deal and not be a productive player at all. That is why I didn't want to sign him.

He's having a good season and a monster year compared to BJ. Even if Bourn slows down in the second half of his contract in Cleveland and Upton plays better than him it wont matter. Upton wont be substantially better and wont be even close to as a value with his contract nearly 30 million more.

[datdude12]

oh the Marlins are gonna be gold glovers today...got it

[thethe]

Hitting 280 and setting the table for a good Indians lineup.

He's doing his job.

Meanwhile we have a guy that can't get over 180

He gets on base less than 33% of the time with ZERO power. His strikeouts are way up and he is 30 yeras old. He is going to be AWFUL midway through that contract.

BJ has been atrocious this year but lets not make Bourn out to be a productive player this year. If he tails off like he did last year then he will be one of the worst everyday playres in baseball. BJ Upton is still on the right side of 30 and has more skills other than his speed.

[thethe]

He's having a good season and a monster year compared to BJ. Even if Bourn slows down in the second half of his contract in Cleveland and Upton plays better than him it wont matter. Upton wont be substantially better and wont be even close to as a value with his contract nearly 30 million more.

A good season? WOW....How can you actually say that. In what way is he having a good seaason?

[AUTiger7222]

He's having a good season and a monster year compared to BJ. Even if Bourn slows down in the second half of his contract in Cleveland and Upton plays better than him it wont matter. Upton wont be substantially better and wont be even close to as a value with his contract nearly 30 million more.

Again Bourn only got a good cheap deal because he didn't sign until February because his asking price was outrageous. The Braves would have paid him what the Indians did but they couldn't wait until February to know one way or the other.

[NinersSBChamps]

Kevin Brown

[thethe]

It's just hypocritical imo

If people hated Yunel because he had a bad attitude and was lazy then they should hate BJ as well for the same reasons.

Why would you say that BJ has a bad attitude? I hate the non-hustling but thats unfortunatley part of the new generation baseball player.

[ChapelHillMatt]

Why is it ok to keep bringing up Bourn's bad 2nd half last year but give Upton a pass on his? (making excuses for him)

We don't need his power, we need a table setter. If we had Bourn instead of BJ this team would be a lot better than they are.

[Dalyn]

It's just hypocritical imo

If people hated Yunel because he had a bad attitude and was lazy then they should hate BJ as well for the same reasons.

Yunel likely throws games and tries to hurt people. As soon as BJ does either one of those...

That said, it IS irritating to feel like a player could try harder.

[AUTiger7222]

Kevin Brown

That was my first guess as well.

[ChapelHillMatt]

Why would you say that BJ has a bad attitude? I hate the non-hustling but thats unfortunatley part of the new generation baseball player.

Just watch him interact with umpires. And the lack of hustle isn't a one time thing either. I saw it when I went to Atlanta earlier in the year. He doesn't hustle on offense or defense. I can't remember the last time I saw him give 100%

[thethe]

Why is it ok to keep bringing up Bourn's bad 2nd half last year but give Upton a pass on his? (making excuses for him)

We don't need his power, we need a table setter. If we had Bourn instead of BJ this team would be a lot better than they are.

Who is trying to defend Uptons performance this year? He has been probably the worst everyday player in baseball. I am just saying that Bourn is not as good as you and many make him out to be. He had a career first half that made his numbers look reasonable by the end ofthe year. I'm so happy that we didn't sign him. BJ is a big risk as well but he has more skills than Bourn does.

I know you like Bourn but you have to be objective...he has not been good this year.

[jpx7]

We don't need his power, we need a table setter. If we had Bourn instead of BJ this team would be a lot better than they are.

He's here; drink a beer; get used to it.

[NinersSBChamps]

A good season? WOW....How can you actually say that. In what way is he having a good seaason?

Hitting at the top of a Cleveland lineup that is playing some solid baseball of their own. I would kill for our lead off hitter to hitting .280 and Bourn has never been a huge OBP player so that argument in null. Also he and his wife had a child earlier in the season.

[AUTiger7222]

Why is it ok to keep bringing up Bourn's bad 2nd half last year but give Upton a pass on his? (making excuses for him)

We don't need his power, we need a table setter. If we had Bourn instead of BJ this team would be a lot better than they are.

Nobody is giving BJ a pass. Who here is giving BJ a pass for being a complete bust so far? We know you don't like him. Unfortunately you can't get rid of a guy who just signed the deal he did before 1 year has even passed. That's the issue here. We are stuck with him no matter how much we don't like it.

[Dalyn]

Just watch him interact with umpires. And the lack of hustle isn't a one time thing either. I saw it when I went to Atlanta earlier in the year. He doesn't hustle on offense or defense. I can't remember the last time I saw him give 100%

His interaction with umpires is mild compared to what some of those calls warrant. But you have a point with the rest.

[NinersSBChamps]

That was my first guess as well.

Are we friends?

[stpeteirish]

The issue isn't Upton vs Bourn; Bourn's gone. its Upton vs Schafer. Who should be out there after the break?

I'd tell BJ he has to be a leadoff man if he wants to stay in the lineup everyday, get on base and you play. Don't and we play Schafer, we need a leadoff man.

[thethe]

Just watch him interact with umpires. And the lack of hustle isn't a one time thing either. I saw it when I went to Atlanta earlier in the year. He doesn't hustle on offense or defense. I can't remember the last time I saw him give 100%

I'm not going to look at the interaction with an umpire after a questionable call and make the leap that he has a bad attitude. I don't know the guy personally so I can only go by accounts of what I read. It was always hinted that Yunel was an awful person but that has never been the case with BJ. Yes, the lack of hustling is an issue and inexcusable but you can't make it like he is the only person on our team or in basball that doesn't hustle. It doesn't make it right but you have to take it in context. I would love it if he would realize that hey I suck right now so I should at least hustle but apprarently that is not the case.

[Dalyn]

The issue isn't Upton vs Bourn; Bourn's gone. its Upton vs Schafer. Who should be out there after the break?

I'd tell BJ he has to be a leadoff man if he wants to stay in the lineup everyday, get on base and you play. Don't and we play Schafer, we need a leadoff man.

Let's not fool ourselves in regards to Schafer. He is what he is.

[AUTiger7222]

Are we friends?

Yep! LOL

[thethe]

Hitting at the top of a Cleveland lineup that is playing some solid baseball of their own. I would kill for our lead off hitter to hitting .280 and Bourn has never been a huge OBP player so that argument in null. Also he and his wife had a child earlier in the season.

A leadoff hitter is supposed to get on base and he isn't getting on base at a great clip and he is trending down right now. Bourn is not a good offensive player and doesn't have an arm in CF. He is going to be a horrible player in two years. Good riddance.

[NinersSBChamps]

Why is it ok to keep bringing up Bourn's bad 2nd half last year but give Upton a pass on his? (making excuses for him)

We don't need his power, we need a table setter. If we had Bourn instead of BJ this team would be a lot better than they are.

LOOK AT THAT POWER HE HAD THERE

[TURBO]

Ihate early games

[ChapelHillMatt]

Nobody is giving BJ a pass. Who here is giving BJ a pass for being a complete bust so far? We know you don't like him. Unfortunately you can't get rid of a guy who just signed the deal he did before 1 year has even passed. That's the issue here. We are stuck with him no matter how much we don't like it.

When people say stuff like "give him time, he has a lot of ability, the switching of leagues has hurt him" they are making excuses for him.

I'm not right on every player, in fact I'm wrong a lot but I know I'm right on this. He's not going to live up to the contract we signed him for. He's going to continue to be the player he's always been.

Schafer needs to play more than he does if we want to get the most out of this team.

[ChapelHillMatt]

A leadoff hitter is supposed to get on base and he isn't getting on base at a great clip and he is trending down right now. Bourn is not a good offensive player and doesn't have an arm in CF. He is going to be a horrible player in two years. Good riddance.

Unbelievable.

[thethe]

When people say stuff like "give him time, he has a lot of ability, the switching of leagues has hurt him" they are making excuses for him.

I'm not right on every player, in fact I'm wrong a lot but I know I'm right on this. He's not going to live up the contract we signed him for. He's going to continue to be the player he's always been.

Schafer needs to play more than he does if we want to get the most out of this team.

Matt, if he is the player he has always been then the contract is justified considering he plays CF and the huge inflation we are about to see in spending. What he is doing now is downright disgusting. I hope he gets back to the player he was in Tampa.

[AUTiger7222]

So much for working the count this inning. 3 first pitch outs in that inning.

[thethe]

Unbelievable.

What is factual inaccurate about my post? He needs to get on base as a leadoff hitter. He has a terrible arm in CF.

This is not a comparison to BJ. BJ has been awful. We are just looking at Bourn right now.

[AUTiger7222]

When people say stuff like "give him time, he has a lot of ability, the switching of leagues has hurt him" they are making excuses for him.

I'm not right on every player, in fact I'm wrong a lot but I know I'm right on this. He's not going to live up to the contract we signed him for. He's going to continue to be the player he's always been.

Schafer needs to play more than he does if we want to get the most out of this team.

But that's the thing here. He hasn't been the player he was in Tampa yet. The guy in Tampa never hit .175 going into the month of July. If he were hitting for his normal numbers he would be fine and living up to expectations. Unfortunately he's not. The Braves had no way of knowing he would completely tank. The Braves weren't going to pay Michael Bourn 4 years 60 million. That would have been far worst than the BJ deal is looking right now because of Bourn's age.

[NinersSBChamps]

Matt, if he is the player he has always been then the contract is justified considering he plays CF and the huge inflation we are about to see in spending. What he is doing now is downright disgusting. I hope he gets back to the player he was in Tampa.

15 million a season to any player who strikes out over 150 times and hits less than 30 homers isn't justified in anyway.

[jason27nc]

Wow there is Fredi, I didn't know if he had made the game today.

[ChapelHillMatt]

What is factual inaccurate about my post? He needs to get on base as a leadoff hitter. He has a terrible arm in CF.

This is not a comparison to BJ. BJ has been awful. We are just looking at Bourn right now.

His arm isn't as bad as you are making it out to be, it's not like he's Pierre. He makes up for it with his range. He covers a lot of ground. He's better defensively than Upton is. At least Bourn gives 100%. Our RF'ers have to get to balls Upton doesn't because he doesn't hustle.

Bourn is hitting 280, his OBP isn't good but like Niners said it never has been a strength. He'll give you an OBP of around 340 when all is said and done with a good avg, lots of SB's and runs scored.

He's a good player and would fit this team really well.

[NinersSBChamps]

And Tampa Bay not even thinking twice about letting him go should have raised flags right from the start. He hasn't gotten better as a major league hitter since he joined the Rays. The Braves were fools to think all of a sudden he was going to get it figured out.

[AUTiger7222]

Paul Maholm just gave up a triple to a pitcher that had 1 hit all season. Really? UGH!!!!!!

[ChapelHillMatt]

Matt, if he is the player he has always been then the contract is justified considering he plays CF and the huge inflation we are about to see in spending. What he is doing now is downright disgusting. I hope he gets back to the player he was in Tampa.

Honestly I don't. I don't want that type of player on this team, I think the best thing to happen would be him continue to struggle so we are forced to replace him (despite his contract)

[NinersSBChamps]

Stand up triple to the pitcher.

[jason27nc]

I like the strategy here. Let the Pitcher hit a triple and have to run the bases hard. That should help us in the top of the 5th.

Oh and now walks the leadoff batter to make the pitcher stand out there longer while setting up the double play. I like this strategy.

[AUTiger7222]

And Tampa Bay not even thinking twice about letting him go should have raised flags right from the start. He hasn't gotten better as a major league hitter since he joined the Rays. The Braves were fools to think all of a sudden he was going to get it figured out.

Of course they didn't think twice about him walking. Because that's the way the Rays operate. It was no indictment on BJ.

[thethe]

15 million a season to any player who strikes out over 150 times and hits less than 30 homers isn't justified in anyway.

Wait, so 12 million to a guy who will strike out over 150 times and homer less than 15 times is ok?

[AUTiger7222]

I like the strategy here. Let the Pitcher hit a triple and have to run the bases hard. That should help us in the top of the 5th.

Not if the Marlins score another run here or more.

[datdude12]

I like the strategy here. Let the Pitcher hit a triple and have to run the bases hard. That should help us in the top of the 5th.

except he wasn't exactly running hard haha

[TURBO]

Bj hit over 20 Hrs in 2nd half last year. Lets see if he can do that again.

[NinersSBChamps]

Wait, so 12 million to a guy who will strike out over 150 times and homer less than 15 times is ok?

And will hit around .280-.300. Yeah that's much better than the worse hitter and getting paid more.

[datdude12]

i want nothing to do with Stanton here

[DaneHill]

I'm rather glad work is overwhelming me today and I can't really watch the game.

[jason27nc]

Not if the Marlins score another run here or more.

Yeah, I was being sarcastic. Sorry

[jason27nc]

No Joe, he just sucks. It's not the knee.

[NinersSBChamps]

Cy Maholm!

[AUTiger7222]

Wow. Can't believe the Marlins didn't score there. Now get Paul out of the game!

[NinersSBChamps]

No Joe, he just sucks. It's not the knee.

Right? He was garbage in the first inning before he got hit in the knee.

[thethe]

His arm isn't as bad as you are making it out to be, it's not like he's Pierre. He makes up for it with his range. He covers a lot of ground. He's better defensively than Upton is. At least Bourn gives 100%. Our RF'ers have to get to balls Upton doesn't because he doesn't hustle.

Bourn is hitting 280, his OBP isn't good but like Niners said it never has been a strength. He'll give you an OBP of around 340 when all is said and done with a good avg, lots of SB's and runs scored.

He's a good player and would fit this team really well.

I just don't see whats good about Bourn. He strikes out a ton and doesn't traditionally walk at a really high clip. He relies on a high average which will diminish as his bat speed dwindles. He arm is not a good arm. I never said anything about his fielding. He is excellent out there in CF. I think you personally underrate BJ's defense but thats hard t ograde.

[thethe]

And will hit around .280-.300. Yeah that's much better than the worse hitter and getting paid more.

He has only hit higher than 280 twice in his career. What will Bourn be at 32? or 33?

[thethe]

And will hit around .280-.300. Yeah that's much better than the worse hitter and getting paid more.

He has only hit over 280 twice in his career. What will he be at 32-33?

[jason27nc]

Oh and for you Bourn lovers, He has already started his downward spiral. He is 10 for his last 48 giving him a .208 avg and a .224 OBP during that span. So he hasn't exactly been tearing it up either.

[jpx7]

Yeah, I was being sarcastic. Sorry

Never apologize for sarcasm.

[jason27nc]

Right? He was garbage in the first inning before he got hit in the knee.

Exactly. I will give him one thing, he don't throw in the towel after struggling.

[stpeteirish]

why the hell is Maholm hitting?

[ChapelHillMatt]

He has only hit higher than 280 twice in his career. What will Bourn be at 32? or 33?

I'm more worried abut his speed going than I am his bat. 33 is not old, you can still be a good hitter at that age.

But the decision was BJ vs Bourn and the choice should have been Bourn. It's not like BJ is going to be good either. You would have a better argument if we signed a productive player that fit the same role but we didn't, we went for a completely different type of player that was a horrible fit for this team.

[DaneHill]

Rev

[thethe]

I'm more worried abut his speed going than I am his bat. 33 is not old, you can still be a good hitter at that age.

But the decision was BJ vs Bourn and the choice should have been Bourn. It's not like BJ is going to be good either. You would have a better argument if we signed a productive player that fit the same role but we didn't, we went for a completely different type of player that was a horrible fit for this team.

I can't defend Upton. He has been horrible. I do think he has much more upside than Bourn but thats a different story.

I actually think Bourn will maintain his speed but I just think his bat speed will slow and will continue to strike out a lot not his for as high of an average. Once his average is in the 260's he is a horrible baseball player because he has no power and won't walk as much as he has.

[AUTiger7222]

I'm more worried abut his speed going than I am his bat. 33 is not old, you can still be a good hitter at that age.

But the decision was BJ vs Bourn and the choice should have been Bourn. It's not like BJ is going to be good either. You would have a better argument if we signed a productive player that fit the same role but we didn't, we went for a completely different type of player that was a horrible fit for this team.

Yeah if you were a good hitter to begin with. Being a low walk, high strikeout guy is not a good hitter period.

And no there was no decision between Bourn and BJ. If the Braves could have gotten Bourn for 40 mil our whatever it was the Indians got him for then he would probably still be here. But he was seeking 60 million and no way the Braves were going to pay him that given his age.

[sentenza]

Hit the homer here, Jason!
Would be very important!

[parkvadawg]

Nice ab Pastrami

[NinersSBChamps]

Oh and for you Bourn lovers, He has already started his downward spiral. He is 10 for his last 48 giving him a .208 avg and a .224 OBP during that span. So he hasn't exactly been tearing it up either.

I am not a Bourn lover. I liked him a lot while he was here. The team made a serious error in judgement and opted to not have a lead off hitter and instead get a free swinging "power" guy. And a .208 clip is higher than Upton has been all season.

[AUTiger7222]

Why is Maholm still in the game?

[AUTiger7222]

Another baserunner given up by Maholm. FREDI YOU PISS ME OFF!

[ChapelHillMatt]

I am not a Bourn lover. I liked him a lot while he was here. The team made a serious error in judgement and opted to not have a lead off hitter and instead get a free swinging "power" guy. And a .208 clip is higher than Upton has been all season.

Yeah the issue isn't so much letting Bourn go, it's not having a leadoff hitter to replace him. I woudn't care that Bourn left if we had a leadoff hitter setting the table for our power hitters.

But we don't.

[AUTiger7222]

Good play by Laird.

[AUTiger7222]

Yeah the issue isn't so much letting Bourn go, it's not having a leadoff hitter to replace him. I woudn't care that Bourn left if we had a leadoff hitter setting the table for our power hitters.

But we don't.

Who should the Braves have gotten to be lead off hitter? Who was out and available for the right price given their age?

[jason27nc]

I am not a Bourn lover. I liked him a lot while he was here. The team made a serious error in judgement and opted to not have a lead off hitter and instead get a free swinging "power" guy. And a .208 clip is higher than Upton has been all season.

I'm not comparing the two. I think Bourn is done. I also liked him when he was here but I don't think he was the answer to this years team either.

BJ has sucked and lacks effort on almost every play he is involved in. I think Schafer would be the best choice of the three.

[AUTiger7222]

Another hit.

[BoneThrower]

Don't understand why Maholm is still in this game?

[jpx7]

I am not a Bourn lover. I liked him a lot while he was here. The team made a serious error in judgement and opted to not have a lead off hitter and instead get a free swinging "power" guy. And a .208 clip is higher than Upton has been all season.

Alea iacta est. He's hitting .177 with a .570 OPS, so I don't know why any of you all are wasting letters and bandwidth belaboring the point that he's been bad: it's entirely self-evident.

But he's going to play; that's just how these things go. Wren has seventy-five million reasons to allow him time to prove his signing wasn't an "error in judgment," or at least not the exorbitant one it appears to be three months into his contract. Honestly, it's a set of circumstances that at this point doesn't warrant pages upon pages of reiteration.

[AUTiger7222]

Well there's a Fredi sighting! It's about time!

[datdude12]

does simmons get that ball?

[AUTiger7222]

Alea iacta est. He's hitting .177 with a .570 OPS, so I don't know why any of you all are wasting letters and bandwidth belaboring the point that he's been bad: it's entirely self-evident.

But he's going to play; that's just how these things go. Wren has seventy-five million reasons to allow him time to prove his signing wasn't an "error in judgment," or at least not the exorbitant one it appears to be three months into his contract. Honestly, it's a set of circumstances that at this point doesn't warrant pages upon pages of reiteration.

If BJ was having his normal expected season we wouldn't be having this discussion. Unfortunately he's not.

[AUTiger7222]

does simmons get that ball?

Yep. Simmons would have had it. Don't know if he gets an out though but he would have stopped it.

[Braves1976]

does simmons get that ball?

Not only does he get to it, he probably starts a DP on it. Though I am not sure they'd turned it.

[jpx7]

If BJ was having his normal expected season we wouldn't be having this discussion. Unfortunately he's not.

I think you missed the point of my post.

[thethe]

Man, what a horrible start. Still in this game though. Just keep it close Carpenter.

[ChapelHillMatt]

Who should the Braves have gotten to be lead off hitter? Who was out and available for the right price given their age?

Span would have been my choice

Or Revere

You can find players like that, they are out there.

Biggest thing is to target a leadoff hitter, not a power hitting OF'er. We didn't need more power on this team.

Wren said the reason they went with BJ was because he was a right handed power hitter. That was his reasoning. They thought Simmons could lead off and I'm sorry that was just a huge mistake.

[NinersSBChamps]

Alright pals. I am off to class. Catch you all later. Go Braves!

[Grayson Dawg]

Revere would have fit better than BJ IMO. For some reason Wren wanted the Upton's very badly.

Span would have been my choice

Or Revere

You can find players like that, they are out there.

Biggest thing is to target a leadoff hitter, not a power hitting OF'er. We didn't need more power on this team.

Wren said the reason they went with BJ was because he was a right handed power hitter. That was his reasoning. They thought Simmons could lead off and I'm sorry that was just a huge mistake.

[AUTiger7222]

I think you missed the point of my post.

How did I miss the point of your post? If BJ were having his normal season we wouldn't be wasting bandwidth with people saying the same thing over and over again. Wasn't that the point of your post? To stop beating a dead horse?

[jpx7]

Span would have been my choice

Or Revere

Biggest thing is to target a leadoff hitter, not a power hitting OF'er. We didn't need more power on this team.

Span is hitting .264/.319/.359. That's not a leadoff hitter: that's hot garbage. He's also almost 30.

Revere is a better option, at 25, but he has horrible plate-discipline/isoOBP (and thus a poor OBP even with a high average); if he doesn't hit .300, he's useless.


You can find players like that, they are out there.

I agree: it is easy to find terrible and not-very-good players, respectively.


Wren said the reason they went with BJ was because he was a right handed power hitter. That was his reasoning. They thought Simmons could lead off and I'm sorry that was just a huge mistake.

At the time BJ Upton was signed the team did need more right-handed power.

[AUTiger7222]

Span would have been my choice

Or Revere

You can find players like that, they are out there.

Biggest thing is to target a leadoff hitter, not a power hitting OF'er. We didn't need more power on this team.

Wren said the reason they went with BJ was because he was a right handed power hitter. That was his reasoning. They thought Simmons could lead off and I'm sorry that was just a huge mistake.

Span is terrible and Revere is finally carrying a league average OBP to be a leadoff hitter.

[jpx7]

How did I miss the point of your post? If BJ were having his normal season we wouldn't be wasting bandwidth with people saying the same thing over and over again. Wasn't that the point of your post? To stop beating a dead horse?


The point (or one of the points) was that it is obvious he's been horrible, so it doesn't really need to be stated. You responded by stating that he's been horrible this season.

Not trying to be a dick: but it seems like you replied to my post by doubling-down on the very thing I said was superfluous.

[Mrs. Meta]

Freeman > Robert fick

[thethe]

Do we get Justin if BJ isn't here?

Does Justin veto the trade to Seattle?

[thethe]

Freeman > Robert fick

Balderdash!

[ChapelHillMatt]

Ya'll completely are missing the point. This team needs/needed a leadoff hitter, it's as obvious as the nose on your face. So whether it's Bourn or someone else, taking the mindset that you could just plug a free swinging power hitter in this lineup and things would run smoothly was silly.

And FYI, this isn't a stance I'm taking based on Upton's performance. I took this stance in the offseason as well.

[jason27nc]

Need to get at least 1 run here. Plenty of time left.

[jason27nc]

Ya'll completely are missing the point. This team needs/needed a leadoff hitter, it's as obvious as the nose on your face. So whether it's Bourn or someone else, taking the mindset that you could just plug a free swinging power hitter in this lineup and things would run smoothly was silly.

And FYI, this isn't a stance I'm taking based on Upton's performance. I took this stance in the offseason as well.

And everyone is really looking at the wrong problem to fix our leadoff spot. Simmons is the problem, not BJ. If Simmons would stop trying to rip the cover off the ball with every swing we would have a more than capable man leading off.

[thethe]

Ya'll completely are missing the point. This team needs/needed a leadoff hitter, it's as obvious as the nose on your face. So whether it's Bourn or someone else, taking the mindset that you could just plug a free swinging power hitter in this lineup and things would run smoothly was silly.

And FYI, this isn't a stance I'm taking based on Upton's performance. I took this stance in the offseason as well.

I agree...You didn't like UPton from the start. I just don't think there was a solid leadoff option out there...at least one that has been a solid leadoff hitter this year.

[AUTiger7222]

Good job that inning getting another run back. Still have a chance.

[jpx7]

Ya'll completely are missing the point. This team needs/needed a leadoff hitter, it's as obvious as the nose on your face. So whether it's Bourn or someone else, taking the mindset that you could just plug a free swinging power hitter in this lineup and things would run smoothly was silly.

Well I simply fundamentally disagree regarding the significance of this prototypical leadoff hitter. The team needs productive hitters; it needs the players they've promoted, signed, or otherwise acquired to hit to the levels of their capabilities. Acquiring unproductive players like Span or (to a lesser extent) Revere, and giving them the greatest proportion of team PA, just because they're Official Leadoff-Style Hitters is unproductive.

[AUTiger7222]

The point (or one of the points) was that it is obvious he's been horrible, so it doesn't really need to be stated. You responded by stating that he's been horrible this season.

Not trying to be a dick: but it seems like you replied to my post by doubling-down on the very thing I said was superfluous.

I was saying if he was having his normal season we wouldn't be having this discussion. BJ was never going to over night turn into a .300/.350/.475 hitter. It wasn't going to happen. For some reason a lot of people expected that from him so since it's not happened BJ gets talked about worst than he should be.

[AUTiger7222]

Ya'll completely are missing the point. This team needs/needed a leadoff hitter, it's as obvious as the nose on your face. So whether it's Bourn or someone else, taking the mindset that you could just plug a free swinging power hitter in this lineup and things would run smoothly was silly.

And FYI, this isn't a stance I'm taking based on Upton's performance. I took this stance in the offseason as well.

I disagree with that. Having a Ricky Henderson, Otis Nixon, Marquis Grissom, Rafael Furcal, Michael Bourn, ect. type lead off hitter is overrated in my opinion. The Yankees teams that won all those World Series didn't have a guy in that mold and they did just fine.

[jason27nc]

Justin that is how you come in on a line drive and make the catch without letting it hit the ground.

[ChapelHillMatt]

Well I simply fundamentally disagree regarding the significance of this prototypical leadoff hitter. The team needs productive hitters; it needs the players they've promoted, signed, or otherwise acquired to hit to the levels of their capabilities. Acquiring unproductive players like Span or (to a lesser extent) Revere, and giving them the greatest proportion of team PA, just because they're Official Leadoff-Style Hitters is unproductive.

Look at it another way. If we would have brought in a player like that and they didn't perform they are easily replaceable. We'd also be able to use the $75 million we used on Upton elsewhere.

[The Chosen One]

Someone should go PM david55 on scout. He made a GDT while the game was in progress and joked he couldn't let a day go by without one.

Also, airsuri is signed in. SOMEONE PM HIM QUICKLY!

[ChapelHillMatt]

I was saying if he was having his normal season we wouldn't be having this discussion. BJ was never going to over night turn into a .300/.350/.475 hitter. It wasn't going to happen. For some reason a lot of people expected that from him so since it's not happened BJ gets talked about worst than he should be.

And I disagree with that.

If he was hitting 230 with a lot of strikeouts and good power numbers he still would be a problem.

[jpx7]

I was saying if he was having his normal season we wouldn't be having this discussion. BJ was never going to over night turn into a .300/.350/.475 hitter. It wasn't going to happen. For some reason a lot of people expected that from him so since it's not happened BJ gets talked about worst than he should be.

Agreed. And, at the time he was signed, it made sense (even though I personally wasn't a huge fan of the specific move): plug in a plus-defender at CF who could provide a ~.750 with very good right-handed power, and great speed to boot.

[weso1]

Someone should go PM david55 on scout. He made a GDT while the game was in progress and joked he couldn't let a day go by without one.

Also, airsuri is signed in. SOMEONE PM HIM QUICKLY!

Done

[Julio3000]

Carpenter's arm isn't going to know what to do during the All-Star break.

[AUTiger7222]

And I disagree with that.

If he was hitting 230 with a lot of strikeouts and good power numbers he still would be a problem.

Why? BJ wasn't brought it to be the lead off hitter. He was brought in to hit for power and if he were doing that he would be fine. You don't need a true lead off hitter to have a good offense. You just need a good hitting batting lead off that gets on base. Who cares if they have Ricky Henderson stolen base potential?

[jpx7]

Carpenter's arm isn't going to know what to do during the All-Star break.

He's been the Gerald Laird of relievers this season.

[jason27nc]

Why? BJ wasn't brought it to be the lead off hitter. He was brought in to hit for power and if he were doing that he would be fine. You don't need a true lead off hitter to have a good offense. You just need a good hitting batting lead off that gets on base. Who cares if they have Ricky Henderson stolen base potential?

And Simmons is very capable of being that man. He just needs to stop swinging at everything as hard as he can.

[ChapelHillMatt]

Why? BJ wasn't brought it to be the lead off hitter. He was brought in to hit for power and if he were doing that he would be fine. You don't need a true lead off hitter to have a good offense. You just need a good hitting batting lead off that gets on base. Who cares if they have Ricky Henderson stolen base potential?

Because we already had Dan Uggla, that's why. One of those type of hitters are fine, not more than that. He's just not a good fit for this team and never was. Also once you give him all that money you are stuck with him and limit your option to improve if it doesn't work out. And let's be honest there was a very good chance it wasn't going to work out. You said earlier players that don't walk and strikeout a lot aren't good hitters......well what does that make BJ?