GDT#7, 4/8/'14: Braves (Harang) vs. Mutts (Colon) 7:05 PM EST [HOME OPENER]

[zitothebrave]

Heyward 9
BUpton 8
Freeman 3
Johnson 5
JUpton 7
Uggla 4
Gattis 2
Simmons 6
Harang 1

Let's Harang on, to what we've got.

[thethe]

I want to vomit everytime I see the wrong Upton in the 2 hole.

[Dalyn]

Hope Heyward doesn't have a headache.

[zitothebrave]

I want to vomit everytime I see the wrong Upton in the 2 hole.

When I first read the lineup on twitter my mouse cursor was over the B and I had some hope for a really quick second then I read the position number :Sad:

[Dalyn]

I want to vomit everytime I see the wrong Upton in the 2 hole.

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/5556/fredigonzalez.jpg

[Diesel]

Hope Heyward doesn't have a headache.

The past few games it's been obvious that Heyward hasn't been right at the plate. No patience, jumping at the ball and trying to pull everything. He just needs to sit back and stay through the middle.

[thethe]

The past few games it's been obvious that Heyward hasn't been right at the plate. No patience, jumping at the ball and trying to pull everything. He just needs to sit back and stay through the middle.

Sometimes I think Heyward forgets he can hit homeruns to left field.

[Dalyn]

Sometimes I think Heyward forgets he can hit to left field.

:Wall:

[Dalyn]

I really think it is because he took a tiny step off the plate from where he stood in his rookie year. After that, he stopped driving those outside pitches between 3B and SS and started rolling them to 2B.

[gilesfan]

Sometimes I think Heyward forgets he can hit homeruns to left field.

Maybe he realizes he hits .373 with a .675 slugging% when he pulls the ball compared to .305 and .465 to the opposite field, Mr. Simpson.

[Dalyn]

Maybe he realizes he hits .373 with a .675 slugging% when he pulls the ball compared to .305 and .465 to the opposite field, Mr. Simpson.

How did he do pulling outside pitches?

[zitothebrave]

I really think it is because he took a tiny step off the plate from where he stood in his rookie year. After that, he stopped driving those outside pitches between 3B and SS and started rolling them to 2B.

Heyward has always been "far" off.

[gilesfan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBUPAm2l2hs

[Dalyn]

Heyward has always been "far" off.

I know. But he went even farther after his rookie year. Just a little, but enough.

[thethe]

Maybe he realizes he hits .373 with a .675 slugging% when he pulls the ball compared to .305 and .465 to the opposite field, Mr. Simpson.

And once an exaggerated shift takes place (already starting) those numbers will come down.

[thethe]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBUPAm2l2hs

This was basically on the inside portion of the outer third of the plate.

[Dalyn]

This was basically on the inside portion of the outer third of the plate.

And a mistake (check out the catcher).

[zitothebrave]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBUPAm2l2hs

I don't think people realize how rare of a specimen Heyward is. His arms are so long that any pitch if he times it right can be pulled extremely effectively. You're like for him to go the otherway but he doesn't have to like Freeman, etc.

[gilesfan]

And once an exaggerated shift takes place (already starting) those numbers will come down.

Why didn't they come down for McCann when teams put the shift on?

[thethe]

Why didn't they come down for McCann when teams put the shift on?

Racism? I have no clue...but I would need to be at home to do some more research.

[zitothebrave]

Why didn't they come down for McCann when teams put the shift on?

Or Ted Williams, or David Ortiz. so on so forth.

[gilesfan]

Racism? I have no clue...but I would need to be at home to do some more research.

BC you assume the shift has an affect.

[zitothebrave]

BC you assume the shift has an affect.

The shift does hurt Heyward, but it hurts him when he rips balls up the middle that the SS gets to he wouldn't otherwise. Aside from that, that's about it. He's not like Ryan Howard who lives in the 2B hole. His roll overs would still be outs if he spread the ball and every hitter rolls balls over.

[thethe]

I don't see how you can logically believe the shift doesn't affect a hitters performance. You are telling me that if a batter has the same batted balls against the non-shift he will have the same outcome?

[gilesfan]

I don't see how you can logically believe the shift doesn't affect a hitters performance. You are telling me that if a batter has the same batted balls against the non-shift he will have the same outcome?

http://www.fangraphs.com/spraycharts.aspx?playerid=4940&position=OF&type=battedball&pid2=4940&ss1=2012&se1=2014&ss2=2012&se2=2013&cht1=hittype&cht2=battedball&vs1=ALL&vs2=ALL

Almost all of his pulled groundballs are outs already. If a team wants to put a 2B in short right field to take away singles, Heyward is going to get a lot of singles on any ball hit to the right of the 2B. You also can't play him deep bc of his speed. And look how many ground balls to the left side would be singles with no one over there.

[MadduxFanII]

BC you assume the shift has an affect.

Like a douchey pipe and a monocle that it totally doesn't need for seeing?

[NinersSBChamps]

Can't lose to the lowely Mets.

[gilesfan]

Can't lose to the lowely Mets.

Well, it is Harang vs. Colon......

The matchup with Colon at the plate will be entertaining.

[Dalyn]

Well, it is Harang vs. Colon......

The matchup with Colon at the plate will be entertaining.

Considering our **** offense and Colon's history with ****...

[The Chosen One]

I wonder if Hank feels uncomfortable with them taking shots at Barry like that.

[Dalyn]

I wonder if Hank feels uncomfortable with them taking shots at Barry like that.

No. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1939208

[The Chosen One]

No. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1939208

Didn't say if Hank feels if Barry is a cheater, just wondering if he's uncomfortable with them taking all these hot shots at Bonds doing it on his behalf.

[Dalyn]

Didn't say if Hank feels if Barry is a cheater, just wondering if he's uncomfortable with them taking all these hot shots at Bonds doing it on his behalf.

No. http://refspace.com/quotes/Hank_Aaron/Q5679

[The Chosen One]

No. http://refspace.com/quotes/Hank_Aaron/Q5679
Are you sure he said that? He's speaking about himself in 3rd person?

[The Chosen One]

LOL HORAM

[The Chosen One]

WOOOOOOOO FREDIIIIII

[Dalyn]

Are you sure he said that? He's speaking about himself in 3rd person?

I am not sure. Just bored.

[Dalyn]

WOOOOOOOO FREDIIIIII

The delay pays off! I get to close my eyes.

[rico43]

Is the matchup of Harang vs. Colon the beefiest one ever.? Harang is listed at 270 and Colon would have to have a leg amputated to be anywhere near that.

The earlier remark about Colon at the plate make me think that these two should co-host a new season of Man vs. Food. Food would not have a prayer.

FYI, the great intos and the throwback unis were awesome. Wondering how running that gauntlet of glad hands felt for guys like Thomas, Schlosser and especially Hale on the one hand and Gearrin, Medlen and Beachy on the other. Medlen and Beachy had what looked like bionic arms. Minor is at a rehab start, so he wasnt part of it.

[sturg33]

Is the matchup of Harang vs. Colon the beefiest one ever.? Harang is listed at 270 and Colon would have to have a leg amputated to be anywhere near that.

The earlier remark about Colon at the plate make me think that these two should co-host a new season of Man vs. Food. Food would not have a prayer.

FYI, the great intos and the throwback unis were awesome. Wondering how running that gauntlet of glad hands felt for guys like Thomas, Schlosser and especially Hale on the one hand and Gearrin, Medlen and Beachy on the other. Medlen and Beachy had what looked like bionic arms. Minor is at a rehab start, so he wasnt part of it.


I didn't hear Santana either

[Tapate50]

This is the ugliest starting pitching matchup in the majors this year.

[TDlxANDER]

Now to see if we can get any Mets out...

[The Chosen One]

John Smoltz doing the game with chip and Joe! Wuhhghh

[zitothebrave]

Really got a Harang of getting guys out.

[TURBO]

That was crushed, but no harm done. BoomHarang

[TURBO]

I predict 6+ runs tonight.

[Krovahn]

That was low... Jeeze. Thanks ump.

[Tapate50]

89 and 92 eating Beejs lunch

[Tapate50]

I predict 6+ runs tonight.
I predict 8Ks

[Krovahn]

Man, I love Freddie's swing.

[zitothebrave]

We have to get Bossman out of the 2 spot. He swung through 2 belt high right ove the middle fastballs.

[jpack1]

BJ can't hit my fastball at 75 probably. Geez he sucks.

[Dalyn]

BJ is an embarrassment. So is any manager who bats him second.

[The Chosen One]

I luv some freddie

[Tapate50]

We have to get Bossman out of the 2 spot. He swung through 2 belt high right ove the middle fastballs.
I'm not totally sure he still qualifies as "Bossman"

[zitothebrave]

I'm not totally sure he still qualifies as "Bossman"

I prefer to only associate BJ with good thoughts.

[Runnin]

BJ can't make contact on average fastballs thrown right down the middle.

[buck7580]

Wonder if BJ would agree to going to AAA.

[Dalyn]

I'm not totally sure he still qualifies as "Bossman"

Lostman.

[Dalyn]

Wonder if BJ would agree to going to AAA.

Better try somewhere he can hit so his confidence can build.

[zitothebrave]

Better try somewhere he can hit so his confidence can build.

So send him back to high school?

[jsebe10]

Lostman.

Haha you win.

Damn good name. Kinda equivalent to "STRuggla".

Tip of the cap.

[jsebe10]

So send him back to high school?

He'd be hell on my slow pitch softball team.

[The Chosen One]

Haha you win.

Damn good name. Kinda equivalent to "STRuggla".

Tip of the cap.

That Dan uggla 2013 highlights video is gold.

[Runnin]

I hope Fox doesn't really believe Braves fans want to look at Bud Selig.

[PurpleBrave]

Anyone notice Dan the fan's batting average is higher than his OBP. How is that even possible :confused:

[TURBO]

Anyone notice Dan the fan's batting average is higher than his OBP. How is that even possible :confused:

Sac fly, with no walks.

[jsebe10]

That Dan uggla 2013 highlights video is gold.

Lol what did it for you? Was it the RBI groundout to 2B or the sac fly to CF vs the Nats? Lmao

[The Chosen One]

I hope Fox doesn't really believe Braves fans want to look at Bud Selig.

Bud has always been a closet braves fan because of Henry.

[50PoundHead]

Lostman.

B.J. Downton

[jsebe10]

I know it's only the second inning, but how have we not chased this turd burglar already? He's pumping 92 MPH cookies at us. Good lord.

[Tapate50]

I know it's only the second inning, but how have we not chased this turd burglar already? He's pumping 92 MPH cookies at us. Good lord.
He ate all the cookies.

[TDlxANDER]

Has Harang thrown a strike yet?

[DirkPiggler]

Evander Holyfield in attendance. First row, to the first base side of home plate.

[Carp]

I hope Fox doesn't really believe Braves fans want to look at Bud Selig.

Sutton just called Bud the best commish in the history of baseball..... :facepalm:

[Tapate50]

Harang it! No reason not to throw strikes to these light hitters.

[TURBO]

Walk Wright

[Dalyn]

Walk him. WTF!?

[TDlxANDER]

Harang can't throw strikes and Gattis can't throw out base stealers. Bad combination...

[Tapate50]

Ugh...... That was ugly.

[Dalyn]

****ing walk him like any manager would and that doesn't happen. I am so sick of Fredi.

[Braves1976]

Harang gift wrapped that run by walking two hitters, including a bad number 8 hitter (who scored).

[TDlxANDER]

Jason went the other way!!!!!

[The Chosen One]

Bjjjj

[Dalyn]

BJ needs to run.

[Julio3000]

Bossman renaissance.

[Braves1976]

That 88 mph fastball hit BJ's bat, not sure if that's good though. I almost rather Freeman lead off next inning than hit with two outs. But maybe he'll hit a bomb here. Hope so.

Oh well. Can Freeman still leadoff next inning? :)

[cajunrevenge]

We just witnessed the rare and elusive hit frim BJ Upton. The crowd looked surprised as hell to see it

[sturg33]

BJ's average above Heyward's now?

[Braves1976]

Harang with another bad leadoff walk.

[jsebe10]

Harang with another bad leadoff walk.

He's being squeezed a little bit by the umpire. That was a good pitch to grander son.

[Julio3000]

Ton of pitches for Harang.

[Lville21]

Harang reminds me of when Atlanta brought on Shane Reynolds years back. An old veteran when you were just hoping for 5-6 "good" innings with a lead.

[TDlxANDER]

That low strike....

[TURBO]

Colon is throwing meat pitches and Justin is missing them.

[Tapate50]

I'd love to be encouraged by Uggla right here

[TURBO]

87 down the middle. How are we not hitting this guy?

[TDlxANDER]

How can you not hit 89 over the plate when you know it's coming?

[Dunit24]

must be looking for something other than fastballs down the middle

i guess ill blame our guys timing...im confused

[Dalyn]

Harang looking great right now.

[TURBO]

So once again, our SP is doing their job.

[The Chosen One]

Making Bart look 14 years younger.

[TDlxANDER]

This offense is so stupid

[TDlxANDER]

Is Bartolo even sweating? The guy weighs three bills and hasn't even broke a sweat.

[Julio3000]

Criminy. We are really scuffling right now. I have a pretty high threshold for frustration with the day-to-day struggles of the team, but this sucks to watch.

[Braves1976]

We need to remove BJ from the two hole and put someone that a pitcher fears, then Heyward is more likely to break out. No reason to give him as much to hit with BJ behind him, esp. with two outs.

[AUTiger7222]

This Braves offense is depressing.

[sturg33]

This is why I was so happy we ditched Freddy for Harang... Harang actually has the ability to make people swing and miss. Always has

[Julio3000]

On the bright side, if Harang makes it through six with one allowed . . . chapeau, big man. Make pitch.

[Braves1976]

Harang is at 100 pitches, I'd take him out here. With our bullpen no reason to push it.

[The Chosen One]

This is why I was so happy we ditched Freddy for Harang... Harang actually has the ability to make people swing and miss. Always has

Must've missed Freddy striking out 6 in game 4.

[bravesnumberone]

For ****'s sake, can this team score any runs and not have to rely on a dud starting pitcher to throw a shutout to win?

[Julio3000]

Harang is at 100 pitches, I'd take him out here. With our bullpen no reason to push it.

We're not trying to save the dude's arm, I guess. If things break right he won't be starting for us down the stretch. Leave him in if he's still effective.

[TURBO]

Another fantastic job by Harang. Kudos Mr Wren.

[Braves1976]

We're not trying to save the dude's arm, I guess. If things break right he won't be starting for us down the stretch. Leave him in if he's still effective.

It is just in the past Harang has lost it fast when his pitch count got high. But he got through six so that's good.

[zitothebrave]

Got to give Harang props. Hopefully they score 2 this inning to give him the win.

[Dalyn]

What a fantastic job by Harang. No way Garcia could pitch this well.

[jason27nc]

In other news! The Yanks got crushed today in Jeters last 2nd home game of the year.

[Braves1976]

It would be nice to see some offense here to get Harang a shot at a win.

[Julio3000]

It is just in the past Harang has lost it fast when his pitch count got high. But he got through six so that's good.

I'm amazed that he hasn't thrown a gopher ball. I'll take, it, though. Let's get him a W.

[Runnin]

Bud has always been a closet braves fan because of Henry.
That's great but I'd rather look at the top of John Smoltz's bald head than Selig's face.

[jason27nc]

It is just in the past Harang has lost it fast when his pitch count got high. But he got through six so that's good.

Sometimes a change of scenery does the trick.

[AUTiger7222]

Wow. I just am blown away by what Aaron Harang has done in his two starts with the Braves.

[Braves1976]

Well, at least Freeman isn't hitting with two outs this time (only one).

[bravesnumberone]

And yet we've given him one run of support in two starts.

[Braves1976]

I'm amazed that he hasn't thrown a gopher ball. I'll take, it, though. Let's get him a W.

My thoughts too.

[TDlxANDER]

Another meaningless 2-out hit

[TURBO]

Bomb from J up incoming.

[bravesnumberone]

That ball should have been hit 450 feet.

[Tapate50]

Colon does everything fat. Walks fat, pitches fat, and hits fat.

[jsebe10]

That ball should have been hit 450 feet.

Maybe in Cincinnati.

[Dalyn]

Colon does everything fat. Walks fat, pitches fat, and hits fat.

He's fat, dude.

[bravesnumberone]

Wow.

I miss Andruw.

[Braves1976]

What was that? Defense?

[jason27nc]

What happen for the ones not watching?

[Dalyn]

Wow. Wow.

[Hawk]

Maybe if the two collided magic would happen.

[AUTiger7222]

SMDH! BJ catch the ball dang it!

[jsebe10]

Effn BJ!!!!

[jpack1]

The Uptons are terrible. BJ is as bad a player as there is in baseball. The guy sucks defensively and hits 150. Get rid of that loser.

[AUTiger7222]

What happen for the ones not watching?

Fly ball to almost straight away center and BJ didn't go after it and Justin couldn't get to it.

[jsebe10]

What a POS!!

[bravesnumberone]

I'm just waiting for someone to defend it.

[TURBO]

WTH Justin ran twice as far as BJ. What was BJ doin on that play?

[Dalyn]

Why are people blaming BJ? He was being called off the whole way.

[jpack1]

Unbelievable that the braves gave that guy 75 million dollars. Frank Wren's big free agent signings have sucked and I like FW as a GM. The guy loafs around the yard and can't hit his weight. TERRIBLE. BENCH HIM.

[jsebe10]

I'm just waiting for someone to defend it.

Inexcusable much less defendable. He needs to be on the damn pine. Him and his money chasing homie in RF are sporting 7 for 62 at the damn plate anyway.

[Braves1976]

That's the second run against Schlosser that was due to bad defense (Uggla missed a DP ball in Washington). He's looked good though, just not getting support defensively and a bad break on that bloop hit too.

[Runnin]

Fly ball to almost straight away center and BJ didn't go after it and Justin couldn't get to it.
Okay. BJ was actually a little in RC and the popup started in LC and drifted in the wind. Still Schafer would've caught it.

[Krovahn]

Fly ball to almost straight away center and BJ didn't go after it and Justin couldn't get to it.
No offense, but it was nowhere close to straight away center. It was BJ's ball to catch as it was just to the center field side of left center, and he did give up on it... but, saying that it was almost directly straight away is extremely misleading.

It was essentially in no mans land out there, and even if BJ was going full speed, I doubt he gets to it, either, IMO.

[AUTiger7222]

If there were ever a player that deserved to be called lazy it's B.J. Upton.

[bravesnumberone]

Why are people blaming BJ? He was being called off the whole way.

I hope that's sarcasm. He's the freaking centerfielder. And if Justin was calling that before running that far, he's a moron.

[jpack1]

The CF controls the OF. If you have ever played any OF or baseball you know the CF controls it.

[AUTiger7222]

No offense, but it was nowhere close to straight away center. It was BJ's ball to catch as it was just to the center field side of left center, and he did give up on it... but, saying that it was almost directly straight away is extremely misleading.

It was essentially in no mans land out there, and even if BJ was going full speed, I doubt he gets to it, either, IMO.

Really? Doubt BJ gets to it? OK.

[jsebe10]

They've scored two runs and the balls that were hit have gone a combined 350 ft.

[thethe]

Our offense is offensive.

[AUTiger7222]

Okay. BJ was actually a little in RC and the popup started in LC and drifted in the wind. Still Schafer would've caught it.

Ball was moving back towards center and BJ is the damn centerfielder. Not to mention that it was in the air FOREVER!!!! It should have been a routine fly out and BJ's lazy ass just gave up on it.

[Dalyn]

Bullpen breaks the streak. :Sad: There is no team I hate losing to more than the Mets.

[jsebe10]

Make that 375 on Murphy's "screamer"...

[AUTiger7222]

Now Luis Avilan is hurt. Great, just great. I'm not watching this crap anymore.

[bravesnumberone]

Well ****.

Oh, and BJ stopped running a good 3 seconds before that ball landed. Any good CF catches it.

[Krovahn]

Holy crap that was close. Avilan just got out of the way of that. Scary.

[jpack1]

At least if feel like J Hey and J Up are trying. BJ loafs more than Garrett Anderson, which should be impossible to do.

[Hawk]

Lol.

[Tapate50]

Peace out Avilan. At least it isn't TJ.

[Dalyn]

Ball was moving back towards center and BJ is the damn centerfielder. Not to mention that it was in the air FOREVER!!!! It should have been a routine fly out and BJ's lazy ass just gave up on it.

That isn't what happened, but I know you guys are blind with hate, so...

[sturg33]

I don't see how BJ could've gotten to it.

I'm a little unsure how Heyward got to Young's hit before BJ, though

[Krovahn]

He might have jammed his wrist... Damn.

[bravesnumberone]

Our offense is offensive.

Pathetic and overpaid is what I was thinking.

[gtcway]

Ball was moving back towards center and BJ is the damn centerfielder. Not to mention that it was in the air FOREVER!!!! It should have been a routine fly out and BJ's lazy ass just gave up on it.

It's not like the Braves will score a run so it's irrelevant.

[Krovahn]

Really? Doubt BJ gets to it? OK.
Yes. BJ doesn't usually take great routes to the ball. So even if he was running full speed, I don't think he gets it. If it was Heyward or Schafer in CF, they get it.

[Dalyn]

Now Luis Avilan is hurt. Great, just great. I'm not watching this crap anymore.

Good. Sick of your negativity constantly.

[jsebe10]

That isn't what happened, but I know you guys are blind with hate, so...

Dude, BJs ball no matter how or where it was hit.

[sturg33]

Now Luis Avilan is hurt. Great, just great. I'm not watching this crap anymore.

Thank God

[AUTiger7222]

That isn't what happened, but I know you guys are blind with hate, so...

So BJ didn't give up on that ball? The ball was not drifting back towards center?

[AUTiger7222]

Thank God

Why?

[jpack1]

How can someone who watches games still think BJ Upton is anything but terrible and a quitter.

[jsebe10]

He might have jammed his wrist... Damn.

Looked like it. Not good none the less.

[bravesnumberone]

A Varvaro sighting!

[AUTiger7222]

Good. Sick of your negativity constantly.

Whatever.

[Krovahn]

Simmons. Just too good.

[PurpleBrave]

Greg Walker still leaving a trail of destruction where ever he goes

[bravesnumberone]

Let's score at least one run on Hank Aaron night.

[TURBO]

Simmons is fun to watch.

[TURBO]

Let's score at least one run on Hank Aaron night.

I would Take Aaron over BJ right now. :icwudt:

[TDlxANDER]

What a great opening night. Team should just switch to all black unis for this funeral. Optimism abounds...

[Runnin]

I think Simmons is starting to get some respect calls from the umps on close plays at 2nd. Of course that's fine with me.

[PurpleBrave]

A friend of mine said the Braves would have a bottom 5 offense in the MLB. I called him
An idiot. Guess the jokes on me

[TURBO]

A friend of mine said the Braves would have a bottom 5 offense in the MLB. I called him
An idiot. Guess the jokes on me

7 games in.

[thethe]

Ok, its time to get some new blood in this lineup. Call up LaStella. I don't think Uggla has looked awful but that is the quickest fix. Play Schafer more consistently as well.

[PurpleBrave]

I would Take Aaron over BJ right now. :icwudt:

You could tie a bat to an oscillating fan, put it in the batters box, and it'd make better contact than BJ

[TDlxANDER]

This team gonna be last in the league in terms of walks this year?

[jsebe10]

Simmons ground ball to 3B

[bravesnumberone]

Even more meaningless two-out hits.

[Krovahn]

Okay. Come on J-Hey. Break out of it.

[TURBO]

Time to bust out of it J hey. Lets do this :tchop:

[TURBO]

Even more meaningless two-out hits.

Would you rather them not get hits with 2 outs?

[bravesnumberone]

Heyward...:facepalm:

[TDlxANDER]

JHey...the new Bossman

[jsebe10]

7 for 63

[Dalyn]

Colon puts it right there for Heyward and he watches it. Unbelievable.

[bravesnumberone]

Would you rather them not get hits with 2 outs?

Would rather not have to see them stranded yet again.

[thethe]

Man, is Heyward ever going to become that superstar player?

[tvsportscaster]

This offense is to be pitied, it is a miracle this team will be 4 and 3 after tonight.

[jpack1]

Hey ward just doesn't have it. He shows flashes but rolls over it to 2nd 200 times a year. Just bad approach to hitting. Why can't he watch FF

[jsebe10]

Man, is Heyward ever going to become that superstar player?

Who knows. His batting approach and stance changes yearly. This year he has to take a damn cab to cover the outter half of the plate bc he stands so far away. He's frustrating.

[sturg33]

Heyward watches then swings through belt high meat balls. He's been awful

[Dalyn]

This offense is to be pitied, it is a miracle this team will be 4 and 3 after tonight.

It is both a "miracle" and a disgrace.

[bravesnumberone]

Don't you guys know? Heyward's tooth is hurting. Or something like that.

[thethe]

Who knows. His batting approach and stance changes yearly. This year he has to take a damn cab to cover the outter half of the plate bc he stands so far away. He's frustrating.

For some reason people think he is fine that far away from the plate. I wonder if the bean ball is in his head. Its so clear to even the most novice baseball fan that he is way too far away from the plate.

[jsebe10]

Heyward watches then swings through belt high meat balls. He's been awful

1 & 2 hole hitters, 7-63

[PurpleBrave]

Ask a White Sox fan about Greg Walker...then duck. I think we have a large enough sample size here to see how it's going to be. Every hitter turns into an Adam Dunn type.

[Runnin]

Man, is Heyward ever going to become that superstar player?
Not with that re-gripping thing he does. Hitting major league pitching is too hard to begin with to make it even harder on yourself.

[TURBO]

Some of you are unbearable. Would rather watch BJ strikeout then read most of these posts.

[thethe]

Some of you are unbearable. Would rather watch BJ strikeout then read most of these posts.

Just watch your Lebrons and shut it!

[jsebe10]

For some reason people think he is fine that far away from the plate. I wonder if the bean ball is in his head. Its so clear to even the most novice baseball fan that he is way too far away from the plate.

Take a look in his next AB (which will prob be tomorrow), his back foot is literally out of the back of the box. It's unexplainable. The idea of standing that far away is to turn on inside pitches and hit the corner ones the other way. He's doing neither.

[TDlxANDER]

Some of you are unbearable. Would rather watch BJ strikeout then read most of these posts.

Then, boy, do I have some good news for you.

[PurpleBrave]

Then, boy, do I have some good news for you.

Beat me to it, lol

[TURBO]

Then, boy, do I have some good news for you.

This made me laugh. good stuff.

[Braves1976]

He's out because it's so close and looks like ball is in glove just before his foot touches. Not enough to reverse call either way.

[TURBO]

Just watch your Lebrons and shut it!

Almost playoff time.. Hope your boys come dance with mine.

[Braves1976]

That was too close to overturn it IMO, oh well.

[gilesfan]

It's funny to read all the hitting experts on here. I'm sure all of you guys know more than Heyward and the staff.

Heyward has incredibly long arms/plate coverage and dives toward the plate. He has many issues with his swing, where he stands in the box is probably the least to be concerned about.

[Krovahn]

Use ALL the pitchers!

[Dalyn]

Use ALL the pitchers!

Good night to debut some guys who have been sitting around for a week or two.

[Krovahn]

Good night to debut some guys who have been sitting around for a week or two.
I agree. I just wish in this situation that we would have let Schlosser go longer, or still have him in the pen, just in case... instead of using our de facto long man for a third of an inning.

[Dalyn]

I agree. I just wish in this situation that we would have let Schlosser go longer, or still have him in the pen, just in case... instead of using our de facto long man for a third of an inning.

I know. I expect nothing less now. Doesn't make it any easier.

[thethe]

I agree. I just wish in this situation that we would have let Schlosser go longer, or still have him in the pen, just in case... instead of using our de facto long man for a third of an inning.

Par for the course with Freddi. He is unable to look more than 1 inning in advance.

[Braves1976]

That was strike three the pitch before that bloop hit. Figures, ump misses the call and it costs us another run. Not our night.

[jsebe10]

Mets Blowpen sucks, but we will make them look like the 99' Yankees.

[sturg33]

Ump called a lot of obvious strikes as balls tonight (for both sides)

[PurpleBrave]

It's funny to read all the hitting experts on here. I'm sure all of you guys know more than Heyward and the staff.

Heyward has incredibly long arms/plate coverage and dives toward the plate. He has many issues with his swing, where he stands in the box is probably the least to be concerned about.

You bring up an interesting point. Guys like you, me, and other people on message boards can see problems with the players swings but Greg Walker can't?

Biggest gripe is lack of improvement. It's not just 7 games in, this stuff has been going on for a while

[bravesnumberone]

It's funny to read all the hitting experts on here. I'm sure all of you guys know more than Heyward and the staff.

Heyward has incredibly long arms/plate coverage and dives toward the plate. He has many issues with his swing, where he stands in the box is probably the least to be concerned about.

Fine. Carry on with your grounding out to second, Heyward.

[50PoundHead]

It's funny to read all the hitting experts on here. I'm sure all of you guys know more than Heyward and the staff.

Heyward has incredibly long arms/plate coverage and dives toward the plate. He has many issues with his swing, where he stands in the box is probably the least to be concerned about.

I am no expert, but I've always thought this was it in a nutshell. At the risk of starting a conflagration, he is starting to make me think he's Francoeur with better bat speed and a better eye, but he has the same "diving and rolling his wrists" disease.

[CyYoung31]

I am no expert, but I've always thought this was it in a nutshell. At the risk of starting a conflagration, he is starting to make me think he's Francoeur with better bat speed and a better eye, but he has the same "diving and rolling his wrists" disease.

So, not Francoeur at all then?

[jsebe10]

Greg walker is a genius then. 7 for 64 outta ur top 2 hitters is amazing. According to ur statement.

[sturg33]

Anyone surprised that BJ is already hearing the boo birds?

[50PoundHead]

So, not Francoeur at all then?

Same swing issues. He will walk more, but I am starting to wonder if that will be the only discernible difference. He's pounding weak grounders to the middle of the infield with the same frequency.

[Dalyn]

Anyone surprised that BJ is already hearing the boo birds?

Not really.

[Dalyn]

Hope we saved all our patience for the 9th.

[NinersSBChamps]

Just checking in. Looks like I missed an incredible game...

[gilesfan]

I am no expert, but I've always thought this was it in a nutshell. At the risk of starting a conflagration, he is starting to make me think he's Francoeur with better bat speed and a better eye, but he has the same "diving and rolling his wrists" disease.

My uneducated opinion is that his bat doesn't seem to stay in the zone very long. Not compare to earlier in his career. Think he's a bit to herky-jerky

[thewupk]

Same swing issues. He will walk more, but I am starting to wonder if that will be the only discernible difference. He's pounding weak grounders to the middle of the infield with the same frequency.

If Francoeur walked as much as Heyward did he would of actually been a good offensive player.

[bravesnumberone]

Can someone please hit a grand slam?

[Braves1976]

We got a big break there, but we've already burned Doumit. Plus that fourth run hurts.

[Braves1976]

Laird?

[The Chosen One]

Sigh. Game up to Heyward.

[Dalyn]

Laird? Fredi is a ****ing troll.

[Dalyn]

Would love to see the Fredi supporters explain that one. :happy0157:

[The Chosen One]

Nobody except Freeman can hit a 90mph fastball right now. Very sad.