GDT #47: 5/23/14 Rockies @ Braves (Floyd)

[sturg33]

Braves
1. Heyward RF
2. B. Upton CF
3. Freeman 1B
4. J Upton LF
5. C. Johnson 3B
6. Simmons SS
7. Uggla 2B
8. Laird C
9. Floyd P

Rockies
WHO CARES?? Well, actually, they're lineup is actually pretty good...

[CyYoung31]

Does Gattis have the plague?

[The Chosen One]

Does Gattis have the plague?

Laird going with the hot hands Uggla and Fredi.

[NinersSBChamps]

Gattis has the plague. Jason, BJ, and Justin can only get the Black Plague.

[Millwood1Hitter]

Fredi on Laird: "I'm a winning ball player, a baseball player. Can't say the same for some others in this clubhouse, that all they want to do is, hit homeruns and such."

[CyYoung31]

Fredi on Laird: "I'm a winning ball player, a baseball player. Can't say the same for some others in this clubhouse, that all they want to do is, hit homeruns and such."

"I'm the only winner on the team. The rest are losers, either by choice or by birth." - Laird

[waraueagle]

Great to see Gerald going with the hot hand in Fredi behind the plate. Oh, and that called strike to Justin just now was atrocious.

[bravesnumberone]

Dear God, Justin. Rainbowwww

[bravesnumberone]

Terrible call. His foot clearly came off and went right into Simmons' glove.

That's why I don't really support the new replay system. You have to get it right if you're going to hold up the game.

[thethe]

Its unreal how many calls go against the Braves.

[jsebe10]

Any fckn time this season Gattis.

[AerchAngel]

I thought Laird ass was a good defensive catcher?

[stpeteirish]

all 5 NL East teams presently losing/

[jsebe10]

CJ turns a great AB into a joke of an AB..., in the sane AB

[NinersSBChamps]

Laird 4 MVP!!

[USMA76]

Who needs Gattis?

[jsebe10]

Who needs Gattis?

He was just out there warming up Floyd while Laird got oxygen and a steak. He's got to be feeling better.

[Garmel]

How about Uggla? Good night last night and is off to a good start tonight.

[jsebe10]

Anything on the twitter feeds about what happened to CJ?

[NYCBrave]

So apparently CJ had a meltdown after his AB and got pulled????

[Julio3000]

Wait. Uggla and Laird made a run all by themselves?

[The Chosen One]

Cj had another meltdown after the K. I think the hitting coaches told him to stop swinging at junk and he said "how am I supposed to bring up my babip?"

[Julio3000]

Did a helmet get launched?

Chris is a major league redass.

[mfree80]

I am in the Rockies territory, so the Atlanta Feed is blacked out for me. There really ought to be a rule that protects fans from having to listen to the Rockies announcers.

I have never before been subjected to such pathetic homerism.

[Julio3000]

I am in the Rockies territory, so the Atlanta Feed is blacked out for me. There really ought to be a rule that protects fans from having to listen to the Rockies announcers.

I have never before been subjected to such pathetic homerism.

Who is it?

[stpeteirish]

So apparently CJ had a meltdown after his AB and got pulled????

good, maybe Pena will Wally Pipp him.

[jsebe10]

I am in the Rockies territory, so the Atlanta Feed is blacked out for me. There really ought to be a rule that protects fans from having to listen to the Rockies announcers.

I have never before been subjected to such pathetic homerism.

Clearly you haven't heard the Nats, commentators.

[stpeteirish]

I am in the Rockies territory, so the Atlanta Feed is blacked out for me. There really ought to be a rule that protects fans from having to listen to the Rockies announcers.

I have never before been subjected to such pathetic homerism.

watch a Nats game.

[Dalyn]

This team is a mess.

[Julio3000]

watch a Nats game.

Well, sure.

Those guys are horrible.

Desmond is comparable to Simmons at SS.

[USMA76]

Chris Johnson is one of those guys on your team is a fiery competitor. However, if he's on the other team, he's a jerk.

All a matter of perspective, I guess.

We got a break on a missed call to JUp. Maybe a "makeup" from his first AB?

[CyYoung31]

CJ is a mess.

Fixed that for you.

[Dalyn]

Chris Johnson is one of those guys on your team is a fiery competitor. However, if he's on the other team, he's a jerk.

All a matter of perspective, I guess.

This team needs some fight like that. Stupid to pull him. Fredi probably grabbed and pushed him this time.

[Julio3000]

Productive outz.

[Julio3000]

This team needs some fight like that. Stupid to pull him. Fredi probably grabbed and pushed him this time.

Seriously, what happened with CJ?

[Dalyn]

Seriously, what happened with CJ?

I hope he called Fredi a Lairdass.

[CyYoung31]

I hope he called Fredi a Lairdass.

I hope that Fredi told him that he was a terrible 3rd baseman.

[mfree80]

Who is it?

I haven't watched them enough to know their names. I think it's the regular guys.

[Julio3000]

You have no range, and a spotty arm. Your value is wholly dependent on your BABIP.

/not actually what was said

[Julio3000]

meanwhile, Gavin Floyd is pretty good.

[jsebe10]

Selfish.

[bravesnumberone]

:facepalm:

Can we please not throw any more ****ing high pitches on 0-2 counts?

[NinersSBChamps]

Cuddyer hits one 379 the at bat before and you groove a belt high fastball on an 0-2 count?

[jsebe10]

Justin due up first. No one on base, he will get a hit now.

[bravesnumberone]

Bunt or hit and run here.

[stpeteirish]

Justin due up first. No one on base, he will get a hit now.

there you go. Bet he doesn't steal 2nd.

[jsebe10]

there you go. Bet he doesn't steal 2nd.


Ur good!

[USMA76]

Looks like we can run on this catcher--much the same as the Cardinals ran all over Gattis.

[stpeteirish]

Ur good!

at reverse jinx maybe, but I'm lying.

[cajunrevenge]

I love the speed on this team. All 3 outfielders could steal 20+ this year.

[bravesnumberone]

Simmons trying to jack another one. If he had stayed back and relaxed, he probably puts that one in the gap.

[parkvadawg]

Let's go Uggs

[bravesnumberone]

Uggla stop talking **** to the pitcher and actually do something.

And of course he Ks. Embarrassment.

[NinersSBChamps]

Uggla stop talking **** to the pitcher and actually do something.

And of course he Ks. Embarrassment.

Rockies broadcast team took a shot at Uggla. From one of their guys. Imitating Uggla saying, "why did you do that? I am hitting .220 the last three seasons."

[jsebe10]

Uggla stop talking **** to the pitcher and actually do something.

And of course he Ks. Embarrassment.

I just don't understand how he isn't sitting on off speed right there.

[stpeteirish]

I'm ready for Pastornicky, LaStella or any other ethnicity 2b besides Swedish Owl.

[bravesnumberone]

He simply can't play at the professional level anymore.

[stpeteirish]

Have someone ready here Fredi.

[NinersSBChamps]

Big pick off!

[bravesnumberone]

Looked safe to me.

[jsebe10]

Fck man not Rex Brothers!!'

[Fredi Gonzalez]

Have someone ready here Fredi.

Avilan's always ready, had him warming up since the 4th.

[stpeteirish]

right move to pull Floyd, but Avilan? He's ??

[nsacpi]

Well done Luis Avilan!

[Fredi Gonzalez]

right move to pull Floyd, but Avilan? He's ??

What?

[bravesnumberone]

"He's not heavy. He's their brothers."

- Chip Caray

:snort:

[USMA76]

Nice piece of hitting by the rev.

[stpeteirish]

so have they said anything about why Gattis isn;t playing?

[bravesnumberone]

Simmons makes that play.

[stpeteirish]

just hit the ball somewhere BJ, and run like hell.

[jsebe10]

Good AB boss

[bravesnumberone]

Great night for BJ. I want to believe he's going to begin contributing on a consistent basis, but I can't.

Freeman needs to pick his **** up here. Stop chasing bad pitches. Hit it deep and in the air.

[USMA76]

Ok, Freddy anything but a ground ball at an infielder.

[bravesnumberone]

STOP SWINGING AT **** IN THE DIRT

[jpack1]

Discipline FF

[bravesnumberone]

Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic. Come on, Justin.

[jpack1]

Terrible at bat by FF. He's had terrible at bats lately with bases loaded. Just an awful at bat in a big spot.

[jsebe10]

Freeman 1-7 2 RBI with bases loaded this season.

[zitothebrave]

Please justin do your thing.

[NinersSBChamps]

Should be a 3-0 count right. Freddie has the worst at bats in the clutch.

[NinersSBChamps]

Please justin do your thing.

Whiffing on a belt high fastball down the middle?

[jpack1]

Freeman has lost all discipline the last week. Swung at ball 4 earlier as well.

[jsebe10]

Should be a 3-0 count right. Freddie has the worst at bats in the clutch.

Trying to do too much...plain and simple

[thethe]

BJ Upton has put together a little hotstreak the last 5 games. Walking a bunch and hitting with some power. Small steps.

[jsebe10]

LOOK FOR SLIDERS UPTON!!!!!

[thethe]

I refuse to ever be mad at Freddie Freeman.

[bravesnumberone]

Why do we feel the need to swing at the first pitch? Patience, damnit.

[thethe]

Geez thats unlucky. Upton hit that well.

[NinersSBChamps]

Our two"best" hitters...

[jsebe10]

Lol eat a d!ck cud dyer you old fck

[bravesnumberone]

Tough luck for Justin. That failure to score is on Freddie. I don't mean to hate on him, but I have higher expectations for him in those situations.

We should be winning this game comfortably.

[jpack1]

This game is on FF shoulders right now. Hard to believe he is failing so often in the clutch right now after being anything but that his whole career.

[jsebe10]

I refuse to ever be mad at Freddie Freeman.

Well you...he needs to come through there. No excuses.

[USMA76]

Great. We get nothing out of a bases loaded one out situation. Now we get to face Tulowitzki and Cuddyer to lead off the next inning. Obviously, a critical juncture in this game.

[AerchAngel]

Something is wrong with Freddie, plenty of chances and failing.

[zitothebrave]

This game is on FF shoulders right now. Hard to believe he is failing so often in the clutch right now after being anything but that his whole career.

It happens. Baseball is a funny game.

[jsebe10]

Something is wrong with Freddie, plenty of chances and failing.

He hasn't been wearing those glasses lately

[stpeteirish]

Great. We get nothing out of a bases loaded one out situation. Now we get to face Tulowitzki and Cuddyer to lead off the next inning. Obviously, a critical juncture in this game.

yeah, this is where Carpenter gives up a bomb.

[thethe]

Carpenter is nasty. So many incredible arms int he pen.

[jsebe10]

Way to go right at em Carp

[NinersSBChamps]

Justin is a pile of trash in the field.

[jsebe10]

I've never seen so many btch hits by a team in one game. Never.

[USMA76]

Another 130 foot double....sheesh.

[AerchAngel]

No way in hell CJ makes that play.

[jsebe10]

No way in hell CJ makes that play.

Lol ya think? He's sitting in timeout right now.

[USMA76]

If we waste a leadoff double, I'm going to go kick my dog. Never mind, I don't own a dog.

[bravesnumberone]

Another terrible at bat.

[NinersSBChamps]

How the **** are you not laying down a bunt there?

[mossy]

Boy, Fredi really messed up that Uggla at bat. A good manager would have had Uggla hit a 5 run homer.

[Five]

How the **** are you not laying down a bunt there?

Now now now, don't question Fredi.

No reason not to have him bunt.

[TURBO]

Laird=MVP

[CrimsonCowboy]

GERALD DAD GUM LAIRD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NinersSBChamps]

Still pathetic that they needed Laird to drive in a run...again.

[USMA76]

Ok, my imaginary dog is safe now. Nice job, Gerald.

[mossy]

Now now now, don't question Fredi.

No reason not to have him bunt.

Laird makes it all null. We have the lead. End of story. :)

[bravesnumberone]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8299/7786774708_ed6001666b_z.jpg

[jsebe10]

Yes sir!!

[Gary82]

http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/33/files/2010/12/laird-gerald-080830.jpg

[Five]

Laird makes it all null. We have the lead. End of story. :)

Haha. I knew you'd have a retort. :-)

[Fredi Gonzalez]

There is a good reason I am a future hall of fame manager.

[NinersSBChamps]

Now now now, don't question Fredi.

No reason not to have him bunt.

I get it that Simmons is generally a very good contact hitter. However in that situation it's a no brainier that you sacrifice the runner to third. The Braves took theses in spite if Fredi.

[mossy]

Haha. I knew you'd have a retort. :-)

Sorry, sometimes I'm just a prick. :)

[mossy]

Uggla better have tried to shield the good players with his body on that errant bat...

[CyYoung31]

I get it that Simmons is generally a very good contact hitter. However in that situation it's a no brainier that you sacrifice the runner to third. The Braves took theses in spite if Fredi.

Yeah, let's lessen our chances to score a run there.

[jsebe10]

I get it that Simmons is generally a very good contact hitter. However in that situation it's a no brainier that you sacrifice the runner to third. The Braves took theses in spite if Fredi.

The book says to, yes, you are right. But I think he was more concerned about who was on deck...ya dig?

[mossy]

I get it that Simmons is generally a very good contact hitter. However in that situation it's a no brainier that you sacrifice the runner to third. The Braves took theses in spite if Fredi.

If Fredi seriously told him to swing away instead of bunt, I'll agree on this. Guess we'll never know, but that could have been big. Glad Laird of all people bailed the Braves out for the time being.

[mossy]

Gattis still sick? I've been away for awhile, assuming he's not injured?

[USMA76]

Gattis still sick? I've been away for awhile, assuming he's not injured?

He's still recovering, evidently, from his flu bug. Reports say he's lost a lot of fluids, weight, and is getting his strength back. I expect him back in the lineup tomorrow.

[TURBO]

http://li.c-b.co/is/image/LandOfNod/Letter_Giant_Enough_W_234214_LL/$web_zoom$&wid=550&hei=550&/1308310656/not-giant-enough-letter-w.jpg

[CrimsonCowboy]

http://i.imgur.com/P6x0U.gif

[thethe]

Geez, Kimbrel really has straightened himself out. His K/IP numbers are insane yet again. More than 2 at this point.

[mossy]

HEAT.

BRAVES WIN!!!!!!

[bravesnumberone]

BJ and the scrubs came through tonight. Will be interesting to hear what Fredi says about CJ.

[USMA76]

BJ and the scrubs came through tonight. Will be interesting to hear what Fredi says about CJ.

Can't wait to hear Fredi's comments on CJ. Replacing him with Pena was a significant reason we won this game between Pena's defense and leadoff double in the eighth inning.

[mossy]

Can't wait to hear Fredi's comments on CJ. Replacing him with Pena was a significant reason we won this game between Pena's defense and leadoff double in the eighth inning.

What inning did the meltdown occur?

[Julio3000]

hee hee. this team is HORRIBLE.

[bravesnumberone]

Fredi Laird bout to Wally Pipp Gattis' ass.

[AerchAngel]

Fredi Laird bout to Wally Pipp Gattis' ass.

In your fvcking dreams.

[bravesnumberone]

In your fvcking dreams.

:fredi:

[Braves1976]

Good win tonight, a lot like last year vs Colorado so far. We won a lot of close games against them the last few years in fact. Floyd with another good game and quality start vs a good hitting team. Pena with a big double and Laird with his best game of the year at the plate. He was sitting on that slider wisely and got a hanger and nailed it for the game winning RBI hit. Kimbrel was great again and it seems the rest has really helped him. He has his velocity back here lately and that's great.

Good to hear the Nats and Miami Marlins lost too. Though I don't see the Marlins as a real threat after they lost their ace. The Nats should only get better once they get their full line-up back though. So we need to build a nice lead like last year if we want a good shot to repeat.

[jsebe10]

Big time win.

I've got a serious question and I want y'all to answer seriously...

Does Brian Jordan have a fckn speech impediment?

[Braves1976]

Oh yea, CJ has been really disappointing and that extension is looking worse and worse.

[USMA76]

LOL Brian Jordan just said he's happy for Floyd Gavin who pitched a great game.

[Heyward]

Oh yea, CJ has been really disappointing and that extension is looking worse and worse.

It's not really an "extension"

[mossy]

Brian Jordan has been a major disappointment.

[bravesnumberone]

Brian Jordan has been a major disappointment.

I'd still take him over Uggla.

[bravesnumberone]

I long for the TBS days. SportSouth audio and video are way out of sync.

[USMA76]

I actually like Brian Jordan but he really needs to "up his game" in front of the camera.

Fredi punted on the Chris Johnson question saying that CJ will address the media himself.

[Braves1976]

Fredi punted on the Chris Johnson question saying that CJ will address the media himself.

Yea, knowing CJ he will be honest and admit his mistakes as he always had afterword in the past.

[bravesnumberone]

CJ, did it ever occur to you that you don't have to swing at every single low and outside pitch? Idk why anyone would throw you anything else.

[USMA76]

Evidently CJ threw a tantrum after striking out in his first AB. It also appears his tirade endangered other people, his teammates took exception to it, and Fredi benched him.

I appreciate fire in a player and I've often wished that Braves players showed more of it. That said, CJ needs to grow up and fix his immature behavior--which were all points he readily admitted in the post game interview.

[jsebe10]

I don't care...I love CJ's passion...I love when a player gets mad at himself when he does not succeed...Holds himself accountable...Dan strikes out in a big spot and gets mad at the pitcher and gracefully walks back to the hell hole

[bravesnumberone]

Start cutting players' salaries, and you'll see that kind of crap stop pretty fast.

[Braves1976]

Evidently CJ threw a tantrum after striking out in his first AB. It also appears his tirade endangered other people, his teammates took exception to it, and Fredi benched him.

I appreciate fire in a player and I've often wished that Braves players showed more of it. That said, CJ needs to grow up and fix his immature behavior--which were all points he readily admitted in the post game interview.

Yea that is what it sounds like happened. Good that he was honest about it as usual, but he needs to stop being such a hot head.

[Julio3000]

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff511/poinsett/fc49aeb1d7f049a4a320ede081b1bada_zps74a9d475.jpg

Elimination staved off one more day.

[insert Laird joke here]

[Gary82]

LOL Brian Jordan just said he's happy for Floyd Gavin who pitched a great game.

Damn, football must have messed him up.

[Julio3000]

Big time win.

I've got a serious question and I want y'all to answer seriously...

Does Brian Jordan have a fckn speech impediment?

At least the SS crew has figured out how to put makeup on a black person, at long last. He looked like Sammy Sosa/Michael Jackson for most of last year.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Some quotes from Chris Johnson (from Twitter):

David O'Brien ‏@ajcbraves 14m
Chris Johnson apologized to team after the game for a tantrum he acknowledged throwing after strikeout. Once again let emotions get to him

Kevin McAlpin ‏@KevinMcAlpin 14m
Chris Johnson says he let his emotions get the best of him. Understood Fredi removing him from the game. Apologized to team after.

David O'Brien ‏@ajcbraves 12m
Johnson: "I let my emotions get the best of me tonight in the tunnel and blew up a little bit and it’s dangerous to do it."

Kevin McAlpin ‏@KevinMcAlpin 7m
Johnson: "I play with a lot of passion, every single pitch, every single at bat, I hold with high regard"

Kevin McAlpin ‏@KevinMcAlpin 6m
Johnson: "when things don't go well, thats kind of my downfall. That's one of the biggest parts of my game that I've got to try to work on"

Kevin McAlpin ‏@KevinMcAlpin 5m
Johnson: "This has to be it for me. It'll get to a point, if it happens again, where people aren't going to believe I'm truly sorry"

[Gary82]

At least the SS crew has figured out how to put makeup on a black person, at long last. He looked like Sammy Sosa/Michael Jackson for most of last year.

thank you!

[MadduxFanII]

Do not **** with Fredi Gonzalez. He will absolutely Reynes of Castamere your ass if you defy him.

Just ask Chris Johnson and Fielden Culbreth. Assuming you can find the pieces of their corpses.

[UNCBlue012]

I just saw the Simmons play off of what would of been an Pena error, good lord

[Braves1976]

I just saw the Simmons play off of what would of been an Pena error, good lord

That was a great play and good bounce for us that it went to the strong armed Simmons. Not sure they'd gave Pena an error though as it was a bullet and CJ has bullets right at him go by and off him at times with no error charged. Though Pena has some range unlike Johnson so maybe they'd been harder on him. They are much harder on Simmons at times so wouldn't surprise me. But Simmons is expected to get to almost everything because he so often does.

Here's the play if anyone wants to see it again (I just posted it on twitter): Andrelton Simmons makes a great play on a grounder deflected off Ramiro Pena http://alturl.com/qvewb

[Braves1976]

This was just posted by Bowman:

Mark Bowman ‏@mlbbowman 1m
Before hitting tonight's game-winner, Laird was hit by a piece of the bat Johnson shattered during his fit of rage http://atmlb.com/S20RQW

[UNCBlue012]

I can't get over how much better BJ is I the two-hole. It's so random, but you can't argue with the results. Also, Jason is really doing work right now.

[Hulavol]

I can't get over how much better BJ is I the two-hole. It's so random, but you can't argue with the results. Also, Jason is really doing work right now.

This.

[zitothebrave]

So Jason is a hot power week away from his numbers from last year.

[AerchAngel]

So Jason is a hot power week away from his numbers from last year.

I have a feeling it is coming soon.

I am loving BJ's approach, he is going away with the pitch more and it is balancing him out.

Maybe our hitting coaches are tired of me ripping them apart about approach.

[zitothebrave]

Bossman and Jason I think will have a good summe.r Not saying they'll approach numbers like Freddie and Justin have been but I think they'll heat up a lot and get their year numbers way up.

[NinersSBChamps]

Yeah, let's lessen our chances to score a run there.

What are you new? Getting a runner to third base with one out lessens our chances to score? As opposed to have a runner at second base with 1 and then 2 outs? Please tell me how your scenario is a better run scoring opportunity than a simple sacrifice would have been? I am damn glad you aren't a manager of a team.

[NinersSBChamps]

So Jason is a hot power week away from his numbers from last year.

Oh yeah those superstar numbers he had last season?

[Julio3000]

Do not **** with Fredi Gonzalez. He will absolutely Reynes of Castamere your ass if you defy him.

Just ask Chris Johnson and Fielden Culbreth. Assuming you can find the pieces of their corpses.

Just ask Gerald Laird. The real Gerald Laird.

[thewupk]

Oh yeah those superstar numbers he had last season?

No. But a WRC+ of 120 is still very good is it not? That with elite defense makes you a superstar to most people.

[Heyward]

Mark Bowman @mlbbowman
National League's top five K/batter faced for relievers: Kimbrel (.474), Varvaro (.373), Walden (.373), Jansen (.365) and B. Logan (.358)

[Heyward]

Oh yeah those superstar numbers he had last season?

He was until he got hit in the face with a ****ing baseball.

[Tapate50]

He was until he got hit in the face with a ****ing baseball.

Meh

[Heyward]

Meh

Maybe not "superstar" but he was killing the ball and then that happened..

[thewupk]

Heyawrd hitting 307 with a 370 OBP since April 20th

[thethe]

I love Jason as a player and like what he is doing this year but letse face it...we need him to hit for more power. He is basically a singles/walk hitter this year.

[GovClintonTyree]

I love Jason as a player and like what he is doing this year but letse face it...we need him to hit for more power. He is basically a singles/walk hitter this year.

Actually, we needed a leadoff hitter with a .370 OBP to balance out the all-or-nothing guys.

[thethe]

Actually, we needed a leadoff hitter with a .370 OBP to balance out the all-or-nothing guys.

While you aren't wrong about this...the singles/walk hitter was never supposed to be Heyward. He could still be a leadoff guy and hit for power. I always envisioned a Grady Seizmore esque guy when Heyward started to settle in the leadoff spot.

[UNCBlue012]

BJ in the two-hole: .228 AVG with a .323 OBP. His AVG isn't all there, but the OBP is and that's what is important to me from our #2 hitter.

[thewupk]

While you aren't wrong about this...the singles/walk hitter was never supposed to be Heyward. He could still be a leadoff guy and hit for power. I always envisioned a Grady Seizmore esque guy when Heyward started to settle in the leadoff spot.

I think he will get there by seasons end. He had a good power stroke in ST and I suspect that will return soon. He's hitting the ball to left with regularity right now and I think the power will follow. He's also been robbed of a few doubles lately too.

[thewupk]

Kimbrel is also close to striking out half the batters he faces like he did in 2012

[UNCBlue012]

I think he will get there by seasons end. He had a good power strong in ST and I suspect that will return soon. He's hitting the ball to left with regularity right now and I think the power will follow. He's also been robbed of a few doubles lately too.

I agree with this. The fact that he's hitting with consistency is great, but I think it's what he's been working out, let him get his consistent swing under him and I think the 2B, 3B and HR's will come.

[thethe]

If Heyward is going to try to swing for opposite field singles and the like to get on base then I want to see him finish the year with a 300+ avg and 400+ OBP. With his baserunning and defense he would still be one the most valueable players in the sport.

[GovClintonTyree]

While you aren't wrong about this...the singles/walk hitter was never supposed to be Heyward. He could still be a leadoff guy and hit for power. I always envisioned a Grady Seizmore esque guy when Heyward started to settle in the leadoff spot.

Yeah, I'm with you. I still think he'll be that guy.

There are two things going on there. One, he's got a hole (inside third) and he knows it. Two, he's a tinkerer and sometimes makes a tweak that doesn't work and it takes a while for him to rinse it out (what we saw in April). By the time he's 27-28 he'll know his swing better and won't hit these heavy slumps.

He is a very smart player. I'm hoping he eventually fixes whatever is causing him to tie himself up on the inside pitch. A series of hits to the off field tells me he's close.

[GovClintonTyree]

If Heyward is going to try to swing for opposite field singles and the like to get on base then I want to see him finish the year with a 300+ avg and 400+ OBP. With his baserunning and defense he would still be one the most valueable players in the sport.

I think he can be close to that with power.

[GovClintonTyree]

Kimbrel is also close to striking out half the batters he faces like he did in 2012

He's cleaned up his command in the last few weeks. Also, he comes out of camp every year throwing 95-96. By about June he amps it up 2-3 kliks.

[GovClintonTyree]

BJ in the two-hole: .228 AVG with a .323 OBP. His AVG isn't all there, but the OBP is and that's what is important to me from our #2 hitter.

Well, .323 isn't exactly killing it, but at least he's a baseball player again.

[thewupk]

Well, .323 isn't exactly killing it, but at least he's a baseball player again.

But that delta means he's walking a lot again which is a good sign

[GovClintonTyree]

But that delta means he's walking a lot again which is a good sign

Maybe seeing the ball better?

[jsebe10]

BJ in the two-hole: .228 AVG with a .323 OBP. His AVG isn't all there, but the OBP is and that's what is important to me from our #2 hitter.


I am a batting average guy myself...but I think whats being overlooked here is the fact that he has thrown up some GREAT ABs..they may not have ended the way he would have liked but he is working counts, getting better pitches, and making pitchers work...and thats EXACTLY what hitters need to be in today's game...Hes starting to get it because he has been doing it more consistently...

[GovClintonTyree]

I'm down with that.

[Heyward]

Gattis returns.

Lineup.

Heyward, RF.
BJ, CF.
Freeman, 1B.
JUpton, LF.
Gattis, C.
Johnson, 3B.
Simmons, SS.
Pena, 2B.
Minor, P.

[mfree80]

What happened to, Pastor? He did well for a few games, got a pinch hit last night. Why has he disappeared? I thought he earned more chances.

[nsacpi]

What happened to, Pastor? He did well for a few games, got a pinch hit last night. Why has he disappeared? I thought he earned more chances.

Calf injury. Not enough to go on the DL but has kept him out of the lineup. He should be back soon.

[NinersSBChamps]

He was until he got hit in the face with a ****ing baseball.

How many more excuses does he get? He isn't an elite player like he was projected to be. Maybe he could hit his stride later on in his career. He is an average hitter with elite defense and base running.

[CyYoung31]

What are you new? Getting a runner to third base with one out lessens our chances to score? As opposed to have a runner at second base with 1 and then 2 outs? Please tell me how your scenario is a better run scoring opportunity than a simple sacrifice would have been? I am damn glad you aren't a manager of a team.

Is this a serious question? A runner at 2nd with no outs gives us a better chance to score than a runner at 3rd with one out. It's the law of averages. Why give up an out? I don't care if Uggla is up.

[GovClintonTyree]

How many more excuses does he get? He isn't an elite player like he was projected to be. Maybe he could hit his stride later on in his career. He is an average hitter with elite defense and base running.

Niners, I'm pretty sure this is irrational. He hasn't hit as consistently as the hype suggested, but it's not like he's a palsy out there. He's got learning to do, and he seems willing and able to do it.

He's not hitting the inside pitch and he's not hitting lefties. I think he ought to open up his stance to give him a longer look, some more time and room to open his hips. He looks more closed off to me than he was his rookie year. That might help both against lefties and on the inner third.

[Heyward]

How many more excuses does he get? He isn't an elite player like he was projected to be. Maybe he could hit his stride later on in his career. He is an average hitter with elite defense and base running.

Getting hit in the face isnt an excuse, thats a fact.

I agree he isnt the elite player he was projected to be but you act like he's a scrub.

[The Chosen One]

So niners should we replace Jason now? He isn't even making that much money on the team. Should we get rid of him now because he's not lived up to your expectations yet?