GDT #54, 5/30/14: Braves (Teheran) vs. Marlins (Koehler), 7:10 EDT

[Julio3000]

ATL @ FLA 7:10 EDT
Teheran vs. Koehler

ATL
1. Heyward RF
2. BJ Upton CF
3. Freeman 1B
4. Justin Upton LF
5. Not Laird C
6. Johnson 3B
7. Simmons SS
8. La Stella 2B
9. Teheran P

1. Yelich LF
2. Lucas 2B
3. Stanton RF
4. McGehee 3B
5. Jones 1B
6. Saltalamacchia C
7. Ozuna CF
8. Hechavarria CF
9. Koehler P

Let's flush that painful experience in Boston from our collective memories as we take the field against Mr. Koehler. Here's hoping the offense will start to run hot again. Braves vs Fish. They're young, hungry, and their names are hard to spell. We're young, Gerald Laird is hungry, and everyone from the GM to the batboy got a contract extension this year. We're going to be fighting these Fish for a while. Let's get it on.

[jpx7]

http://londonist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/0205_blood.jpg

[Lville21]

It feels like the Braves were just in Miami and had their nightmare.

[thewupk]

good start from heyward

[thewupk]

bj with a hit..lets get some runs

[thewupk]

freeman 0-25 against miami this year....

[jpx7]

freeman 0-25 against miami this year....

Dude looks pretty ichthyphobic.

[thewupk]

good start. bad ending.

[jpack1]

This team is just maddening. It's in their heads now. Nobody ever comes through in big spots. Never

[thewupk]

This team is just maddening. It's in their heads now. Nobody ever comes through in big spots. Never

well they haven't this week.

[sturg33]

Heyward sucks for not driving in a run in the first.

/bravesnumberone

[The Chosen One]

Lol...

[jpack1]

Just another great start b

[thewupk]

That was a horrible pitch with 2 strikes

[jsebe10]

That was a horrible pitch with 2 strikes

Tell that to MIKE Stanton.

[atl717]

That's an atrocious 2 strike pitch. You gotta be better than that Julio. They have one good hitter and you make a pathetic pitch.

[Dalyn]

http://johnnyeastman.theworldrace.org/blogphotos/theworldrace/johnnyeastman/grave_digging.jpg

[tvsportscaster]

At least I have Ga. Southern and Florida State to watch on the computer tonight, because this crap is getting old.

[Dalyn]

http://georgiainfo.galileo.usg.edu/gastudiesimages/Atlanta%20Burning%202.jpg

[jpack1]

That slider gets JT in trouble. That's the one pitch he really struggles with.

[thewupk]

first walk from our future obp machine

[jpack1]

The slider is just not good.

[jpx7]

http://37.media.tumblr.com/a5d38ad1d0e6a8be2056061a13c898bf/tumblr_n6bcpcUEVn1s2tpnso1_500.gif

[Julio3000]

http://londonist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/0205_blood.jpg

I . . . DRINK . . . YOUR . . . MILKSHAKE.

[Julio3000]

That slider gets JT in trouble. That's the one pitch he really struggles with.

His slider was just so good last time out . . . always down, always biting.

[Julio3000]

A lot of Fangraphs guys have been down on JT, predicting regression based on his lower K rate, strand rate, etc. He's not going to keep up his current pace, but having watched most of his starts this year, I think that the lower K rate is a by-product of his dialing the velo on his 4-seamer back a little bit and controlling it better. He's been effective at inducing poor contact. Having eyeballed him as much as I have, it's hard to believe he isn't for real.

The thing that has improved is his two-seamer. The slider is a good pitch for him.

[Prikichi]

JD Drew?

[jpack1]

Ok I should say the pitch he struggles with is his slider. He makes mistakes with it more than other pitches. When it's good it's good, but he has some games where it's just a bp fastball spinner. His fastball is terrific and he should pound it.

[jpack1]

I'm going with JD Drew as well.

[thewupk]

A lot of Fangraphs guys have been down on JT, predicting regression based on his lower K rate, strand rate, etc. He's not going to keep up his current pace, but having watched most of his starts this year, I think that the lower K rate is a by-product of his dialing the velo on his 4-seamer back a little bit and controlling it better. He's been effective at inducing poor contact. Having eyeballed him as much as I have, it's hard to believe he isn't for real.

The thing that has improved is his two-seamer. The slider is a good pitch for him.

There is inducing poor contact and then getting luckky. He had a 216 BABIP against coming into this game. Things like that just are sustainable no matter who you are. Has a high stranded rate of 87% which is above normal as well. He likely will regress.

[Julio3000]

There is inducing poor contact and then getting luckky. He had a 216 BABIP against coming into this game. Things like that just are sustainable no matter who you are. Has a high stranded rate of 87% which is above normal as well. He likely will regress.

Yeah, I agree.

[jcc03004]

How comforting just lost 4 in a row and down 2 runs... Awesome

[tvsportscaster]

6 men left on base through 4 innings. Vintage Atlanta Braves circa 2014. This crap is really getting old in a hurry. At least Ga. Southern is leading FSU 3-0 after 6

[jpx7]

Ed Lucas. Casey McGehee. Garrett Jones.

The Marlins are particularly annoying this season because they're getting it done with great performances by also-ran scrubs.

[jcc03004]

Thats what i dont get to be a streaky offensive team dont you have to have good stretches? This offense has been horrid all year. How this team can be so bad is maddening. We have offensive pieces yes but its like wren got pieces that go to another puzzle so they dont fit this one . When j up and freddy are hitting literally no one else is

[stpeteirish]

This team is just maddening. It's in their heads now. Nobody ever comes through in big spots. Never

and without hits with men on base the runs will have to come on HR's. Not going to hit too many in this monstosity.

Maybe we'll get a walk and a triple, twice.

[jsebe10]

Lol Jason.

[thewupk]

8 base runners and no runs is not good

[thewupk]

Freddie must be having trouble with his eyes again

[stpeteirish]

Have a night Freddie.

[Jay212033]

Mark Bowman@mlbbowman

With his third strikeout of the night, Freeman is now 0-for-27 w/ 10 Ks against the Marlins this year.


WOW!!!

[stpeteirish]

Freddie must be having trouble with his eyes again

I thought it was dry windy conditions that cause his problem. He's indoors. Maybe he's got the same problem as the rest of the them, can't hit.

[tvsportscaster]

Folks, Mr. Koehler has like a 6 plus ERA in his last five starts, but of course, the Braves are the cure for that. This might be the worst offense I've ever seen. Too much talent for them to stink consistently like this.

[jpx7]

This might be the worst offense I've ever seen.

Now that's a stretch—even considering the recent bathos around these parts.

[stpeteirish]

Folks, Mr. Koehler has like a 6 plus ERA in his last five starts, but of course, the Braves are the cure for that. This might be the worst offense I've ever seen. Too much talent for them to stink consistently like this.

Peavy's was over 8 in his last 3. We just suck. And we're stuck with this team with all the contracts. Hope they figure it out, but its looking more and more like they've figured us out.

[stpeteirish]

Julio pitching well, again. Must suck to pitch for this team right now.

[jpack1]

Some kind of shakeup is coming if we don't start hitting soon. The stat about fewest multi run innings is so telling of this season. The whole offense has been solo hrs basically all year. We should be so thankful for how our pitchers pitched for the first month or we would be buried.

[jpack1]

Good start J Up

[jpack1]

And Oso Blanco.

[jpack1]

And now C Joh

[thewupk]

here comes dp johnson

[jpx7]

Good start J Up

And Oso Blanco.

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m37y95u1rh1rprxkro1_500.gif

[jpack1]

Simba next?

[Julio3000]

Christopher, Lord BABIP.

[jpack1]

What luck? Damn

[Garmel]

I really think we're snake bitten.

[jpack1]

I swear they can ruin anything. Damn.

[zitothebrave]

Tron is a double play magnet, that's just some dumb luck.

[jpx7]

Simmons went full Porkins on us.

[Runnin]

How about a break, PLEASE

[jpack1]

We just refuse to score more than 1 an inning.

[zitothebrave]

How about a break, PLEASE

Never ask for that. With our luck that will just be a broken bone for one of our few players on a roll.

[jsebe10]

I'm sick of this Lucas guy

[Braves78]

This has to be without question the worse Braves offense 1990.

[jsebe10]

This has to be without question the worse Braves offense 1990.

Dude, seriously...be quiet. It's fckn May

[stpeteirish]

Some kind of shakeup is coming if we don't start hitting soon. The stat about fewest multi run innings is so telling of this season. The whole offense has been solo hrs basically all year. We should be so thankful for how our pitchers pitched for the first month or we would be buried.

what's there to shake? Uggla's already buried if not dead. Our bench is worse than the starters and we spent all our extra money on Santana. We're stuck with this lineup. You can juggle the order that won't make much difference if you can't hit.

[stpeteirish]

Dude, seriously...be quiet. It's fckn May

well actually its the least # of runs scored since '88. A year in which we lost 100+ games

[thewupk]

well actually its the least # of runs scored since '88. A year in which we lost 100+ games

cool. the season has 4 months to go too

[thewupk]

julio should hit 6th

[jpack1]

Teheran is a bad man.

[Julio3000]

haha, Julio is such a baller.

[AerchAngel]

I hope Freddie F. is watching how its done by putting the bat on the ball.

[jpack1]

I meant hitting coaches.

[thewupk]

theres the triple someone requested earlier

[jpack1]

J Hey. That a boy. Let's get him in.

[jsebe10]

well actually its the least # of runs scored since '88. A year in which we lost 100+ games

Let's reserve judgement until after we play the Diamondbacks , Dodgers, and Padres....teams we haven't played yet.

Season still young.

Look, back to back hits to tie the game up. Clap your hands now !!!! :)

[zitothebrave]

Heyward can't hit w/RISP

[Julio3000]

J-Hey is horrible.

[Runnin]

Where did that come from?

[thewupk]

speed. best baserunner we have.

[jpack1]

I'm no BJ Upton fan but WELL DONE SIR. WELL DONE

[UNCBlue012]

BJ making me proud. Jason is the man!

[zitothebrave]

Now that we have the lead, time for the bullpen to blow it :tchop:

[Garmel]

BJ is still getting screwed by the BABIP gods. No matter how hard he hits the ball someone is there to get it.

[jpx7]

We just refuse to score more than 1 an inning.

They don't refuse, they just begrudge it.

[Julio3000]

Aw, ****, this team has a lead.

[jsebe10]

I will give the one person the rest of my season tickets if they can tell why Freeman struggles so bad with Miami...

Go...

[thewupk]

multi run inning.

[UNCBlue012]

Freddie struggled with Miami...It's random. They're pitching is good but not that good. It's just a random occurrence haha

[jpx7]

I will give the one person the rest of my season tickets if they can tell why Freeman struggles so bad with Miami...

Go...

Fish-eye.

[thewupk]

Jason will be over 250 and have a WRC+ north of 100 after this series. Dude is on it right now.

[Runnin]

I will give the one person the rest of my season tickets if they can tell why Freeman struggles so bad with Miami...

Go...Because sh't just happens that way sometimes. Now for that ticket.

[Julio3000]

I love it when Jason hits bolts to left-center. Wish we'd gotten more.

[jsebe10]

Because sh't just happens that way sometimes. Now for that ticket.

Mets series. Sept 26-28... Urs. Congrats.

[Julio3000]

I will give the one person the rest of my season tickets if they can tell why Freeman struggles so bad with Miami...

Go...

He's mesmerized by that atrocity beyond the wall in left-center. He can't concentrate.

[Dalyn]

I will give the one person the rest of my season tickets if they can tell why Freeman struggles so bad with Miami...

Go...

He is a Canadian-American from California. OF COURSE he struggles against Miami.

I don't need all your tickets. Just the ones for the series vs Oakland. Hit me up!

[stpeteirish]

Jason will be over 250 and have a WRC+ north of 100 after this series. Dude is on it right now.

tempted to move him down in the order so he can hit with guys on base. Julio's our only pitcher who ever does that. LaStella could lead off.

[Julio3000]

How does this prick Ozuna have 9 HR?

[jsebe10]

How does this prick Ozuna have 9 HR?

Free swinger. Runs into them every now and then.

[Dalyn]

How does this prick Ozuna have 9 HR?

He hit the ball over the fence nine times so far this season.

[Julio3000]

Jive Turkey may regress, but not today.

4 hits through 7.

[thewupk]

I love it when Jason hits bolts to left-center. Wish we'd gotten more.

that's when he's on his game. hitting pitches on the outer half to left center and pulling pitches in for power. he has the ability to do that with regularity too. hopefully by the time he hits his prime his slumps won't be as prolonged.

[Julio3000]

He hit the ball over the fence nine times so far this season.

Like, the outfield fence? Are the ground rules different in Miami?

[jsebe10]

He is a Canadian-American from California. OF COURSE he struggles against Miami.

I don't need all your tickets. Just the ones for the series vs Oakland. Hit me up!

Why Oakland? You a fan of "Money Ball " or something?

[jpack1]

Julio with another great performance. Guy his just pitching outstanding. I firmly believe he can and will get better over the next few years as well. Extremely bright future for that guy.

[thewupk]

Jive Turkey may regress, but not today.

4 hits through 7.

Yeah I'm not going to complain about it. It seems the Braves have a guy like this every year too who for whatever reason gets lucky on balls in play. I'm looking at you Jurrjens.

[sturg33]

The reason we can't score more than one damn run an inning is because everyone is obsessed with "manufacturing" runs. Julio gets a lead off double, and Chip says "now let's get him over, then get him in to tie this game."

When you play for one run, that's what you'll get, sometimes

[Julio3000]

Julio with another great performance. Guy his just pitching outstanding. I firmly believe he can and will get better over the next few years as well. Extremely bright future for that guy.

He's apparently tired of pitching his ass of and not getting wins. 2-3 with a double and a run scored is the way to get it done.

[Dalyn]

Why Oakland? You a fan of "Money Ball " or something?

My friend is an Oakland fan. We are both flying in for that series.

[jsebe10]

Julio with another great performance. Guy his just pitching outstanding. I firmly believe he can and will get better over the next few years as well. Extremely bright future for that guy.

Give him the 8th to give the pen a much needed rest... Then turn it over to CK for redemption.

[stpeteirish]

Free swinger. Runs into them every now and then.

seven at home. he's got some power. Hit a bunch in the minors FWIW.

[Braves78]

Sorry but I haven't looked thru the whole thread so I do apologize if thia has been addressed, but do the Braves think the Marlins are stealing signs. I just got home and saw Gattis calling pitches to JT as if there was someone on base but no one is on base. Also has Joe or Skip addressed it and has it been going on the whole game?

Maybe that explains their success at home.

[thewupk]

Gattis has an OBP north of 300 now thanks to getting his twice

[jpack1]

Julio has been doing this for what 40 starts now. Since Early May last year. Not a terribly small sample

[thewupk]

Sorry but I haven't looked thru the whole thread so I do apologize if thia has been addressed, but do the Braves think the Marlins are stealing signs. I just got home and saw Gattis calling pitches to JT as if there was someone on base but no one is on base. Also has Joe or Skip addressed it and has it been going on the whole game?

Maybe that explains their success at home.

The Braves said the Fish were after the last time they went to Miami and got swept. I guess they have switched things up because of it.

[jpack1]

Yes the Braves think the Marlins are stealing signs.

[stpeteirish]

Give him the 8th to give the pen a much needed rest... Then turn it over to CK for redemption.

yeah Kimbrel's the only Braves RP I want to see tonight. They all stunk vs Boston.

[Dalyn]

Gattis has an OBP north of 300 now thanks to getting his twice

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/1a/ac/b6/1aacb6d61d26394f8eec9ccbaf5581f1.jpg

[Prikichi]

I will give the one person the rest of my season tickets if they can tell why Freeman struggles so bad with Miami...

Go...

Because he's too amped up to show off his dance moves in the nightclub the marlins have in their stadium.

[Dalyn]

Figured out what happened to Uggla -

https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t1.0-9/q71/s720x720/1512402_10152361855089561_2143148662221001722_n.jp g

[Julio3000]

Julio has been doing this for what 40 starts now. Since Early May last year. Not a terribly small sample

^^

Dude is throwing three plus pitches and adding a couple more. He is a warrior.

[Julio3000]

Figured out what happened to Uggla -

https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t1.0-9/q71/s720x720/1512402_10152361855089561_2143148662221001722_n.jp g

He turned into a pussy?

[Dalyn]

He turned into a pussy?

Exactly.

[jsebe10]

3-1 Fastballs to both Gattis and CJ and they hit btch ass can-o-corn lazy fly balls.

[Julio3000]

Exactly.

You are the unquestioned king of owl photos. Sorry that Dan is done, for that reason alone. You must have a hard drive full of nothing but owl pictures.

[jpack1]

I believe in Julio. He's the first guy in a while that the Braves have produced that really seems like an Ace in the making.

[Dalyn]

I believe in Julio. He's the first guy in a while that the Braves have produced that really seems like an Ace in the making.

Yeah. The Braves really have never had very good pitching.

[zitothebrave]

You are the unquestioned king of owl photos. Sorry that Dan is done, for that reason alone. You must have a hard drive full of nothing but owl pictures.

One man's owl porn is another man's meme

[jpack1]

And here we go.

[Dalyn]

I can't watch.

[Julio3000]

I really wish Fredi hadn't left Julio out there.

[stpeteirish]

Gattis has an OBP north of 300 now thanks to getting his twice

his OPS is over 800, surprised me. Really doesn't seem like he's been hot yet.

[zitothebrave]

his OPS is over 800, surprised me. Really doesn't seem like he's been hot yet.

He gets hot for about 2 weeks then goes into hibernation for about 2 weeks.

[jpack1]

I said in a while. Like 5-6 years. Since Wainwright we haven't produced a legit #1. Obviously we did very well in the 90s. Early 90s really. I hope and think JT is that guy.

[thewupk]

his OPS is over 800, surprised me. Really doesn't seem like he's been hot yet.

he's had a few stretches of like 2-3 games where has been insane

[Julio3000]

his OPS is over 800, surprised me. Really doesn't seem like he's been hot yet.

Gattis has been everything we expected, and more. He has holes in his swing, and his game, but he's been terrific.

[Julio3000]

Thanks for giving us the out.

[zitothebrave]

I said in a while. Like 5-6 years. Since Wainwright we haven't produced a legit #1. Obviously we did very well in the 90s. Early 90s really. I hope and think JT is that guy.

Mike Minor is no slouch, and Tommy was great before his shoulder went kablooie.

[stpeteirish]

Mike Minor is no slouch, and Tommy was great before his shoulder went kablooie.

did anyone pick up Hansen? Or did he have surgery?

[jpack1]

I think Minor is very good. Hope he continues to be very good for us. Tommy just couldn't pitch deep into games. I just think or hope that JT has a chance to be that guy, that stopper. Somebody you start in game one and be favored vs almost everyone.

[jpack1]

Why does Fredi love Carp so much?

[zitothebrave]

did anyone pick up Hansen? Or did he have surgery?

White Sox signed him, he's pitching poorly in AAA. I think a pen move or surgery is his only option which is sad considering how he came up. He can't live facing batters 3+ times without his high heat.

[jsebe10]

Nice job Fredi, Avilan, & Carp

[Julio3000]

Whew.

[thewupk]

Why does Fredi love Carp so much?

maybe because he's good? tons of strikeouts and doesnt walk many

[jsebe10]

I really hate watching Pena hit.

[The Chosen One]

Why does Fredi love Carp so much?

Because Jordan Walden is on the DL...

[jpack1]

Great AB there Pena

[jpack1]

Worked great that time. More wondering why Hale doesn't get more burn there. Worked great tonight. I'm good with it

[jsebe10]

Great AB there Pena

It sure was

[mossy]

mlb.tv not working for anyone else?

[jsebe10]

Damn! Dan hit the piss outta that

[jpack1]

Make it stand up Kimbrel

[The Chosen One]

Uggla had this segment with Kurkjian on espn.com...

Someone should tell him the unwritten rule of don't suck so bad when you're the highest paid player on the team.

[Tapate50]

Because Jordan Walden is on the DL...A LOT

Fixed

[Tapate50]

Whew.

Was this the "being the stopper" you were referring to?

[stpeteirish]

McGhee has 1 HR and 32 RBI's. There's some hitting with RISP.

[Braves78]

Did Chip really just say the Braves didn't change their signs because I clearly saw Gattis using different signs with no one on base. Just trying to be politically correct I guess.

[bravesnumberone]

Whew. ****ing finally.

Goddamn Chip Caray is awful.

[jsebe10]

Man fck Jones! Good win boys...way to break the shnide....

Get some rests and come back tomorrow and beat that ass

[jpack1]

Wow. Chip Caray can turn any fly ball into a heart stopper. W

[nsacpi]

Stay positive my friends.

[Julio3000]

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

Staved off elimination for one more day. A hell of a gutty win tonight, after a late-night flight.

[mossy]

Excellent! Finally a win. Great way to start the weekend/series.

[jpack1]

And Yes Julio was the stopper tonight. Damn fine game by JT tonight.

[Julio3000]

Hell of a start by JT. That's just what he does.

[nsacpi]

And Yes Julio was the stopper tonight. Damn fine game by JT tonight.

Yeah. And Minor was very good last night as well. This team has a lot of potential. The offense just hasn't clicked yet. It will.

[The Chosen One]

Just relieved we staved off elimination for another day at least.

[bravesnumberone]

I was bar tending at the Rome Braves-Savannah game tonight, but looks like Julio was the man tonight. And since I cussed them in frustration last night, great job Heyward and BJ.

[stpeteirish]

First time BJ's driven in the game winning run? Can't remember any others.

[atl717]

Great job by Julio. Made one horrific mistake and cruised the rest of the way. Please stay healthy!

[Runnin]

mlb.tv not working for anyone else?
Crashed right after Garret Jones hit the drive to CF. I thought it was gone for sure.

[tvsportscaster]

First time BJ's driven in the game winning run? Can't remember any others.

He had a game winning walk off last year against the Nats.

[Runnin]

And Yes Julio was the stopper tonight. Damn fine game by JT tonight.
Especially after giving up the HR to Stanton in the 1st.

[Julio3000]

Especially after giving up the HR to Stanton in the 1st.

4 hits the rest of the way.

[The Chosen One]

I was bar tending at the Rome Braves-Savannah game tonight, but looks like Julio was the man tonight. And since I cussed them in frustration last night, great job Heyward and BJ.

Why was I not made aware you work at the sand gnats games?

[bravesnumberone]

Why was I not made aware you work at the sand gnats games?

It was my debut. Was just helping out my friend. Maybe I can do it a few more times.

[jpx7]

Wow. Chip Caray can turn any fly ball into a heart stopper. W

When your heart-rate's as artificially elevated as his, it's always a risk.

[AerchAngel]

He gets hot for about 2 weeks then goes into hibernation for about 2 weeks.

Typical of an Ursus.

[jsebe10]

First time BJ's driven in the game winning run? Can't remember any others.

had a walk off vs someone last year...

The Cubs or Diamondbacks I believe...

[jpack1]

The potential is unlimited for this team if and a big if, the bats can come around. If TLS can solidify 2B that takes another hole out if the lineup. Let's hope that happens

[thewupk]

had a walk off vs someone last year...

The Cubs or Diamondbacks I believe...

Last year against the Cubs he hit a homer to tie it in the 9th and then Justin hit the game winner homer later that inning.

[jsebe10]

Last year against the Cubs he hit a homer to tie it in the 9th and then Justin hit the game winner homer later that inning.


Nah it was later in the season...he blooped one into RC to score the game winner..

[tvsportscaster]

Nah it was later in the season...he blooped one into RC to score the game winner..

That was the Nats game I was talking about, they were wearing the Negro League uniforms.

[jsebe10]

That was the Nats game I was talking about, they were wearing the Negro League uniforms.

Bingo..

[thethe]

Have to LOVE that Heyward is starting to hit the ball with more power. That was the last step for him to get back to where he was before getting hit in the face. He was a beast in May. GO JASON!

[thethe]

Julio is on pace for around 240 innings. Cause for concern? Should we skip one of his starts?

Guy is averaging 7 innings per start. Can you say ace?

[thewupk]

Julio is on pace for around 240 innings. Cause for concern? Should we skip one of his starts?

Guy is averaging 7 innings per start. Can you say ace?

He pitched 185 last year so I would pull the reigns back on him a little bit. I would like him to finish with around 210-220 innings in the regular season.

[thewupk]

Have to LOVE that Heyward is starting to hit the ball with more power. That was the last step for him to get back to where he was before getting hit in the face. He was a beast in May. GO JASON!

In May he has hit 286/367/410 for WRC+ for 121. K% down to 15.8%.

Over the last 3 weeks he's really turned it on though. 324/400/470 for a WRC+ of 150.

Power still a tad down but it's coming. Hopefully he can stay on this hot streak for awhile. Still think he's our best overall player.

[UNCBlue012]

I'm beyond happy for Jason right now. Not only has he been on fire, but his average and OBP are respectably now and there's nothing to show it won't continue. BJ has some good at-bats as well. Just got to grind. Also, Julio is the freaking man

[zitothebrave]

In May he has hit 286/367/410 for WRC+ for 121. K% down to 15.8%.

Over the last 3 weeks he's really turned it on though. 324/400/470 for a WRC+ of 150.

Power still a tad down but it's coming. Hopefully he can stay on this hot streak for awhile. Still think he's our best overall player.

I would like his power up too. But I'm starting to wonder if it won't be because of pitchers not having to really throw him stuff to crush because they don't want him to get on base. I think for opposing pitchers in our current lineup Jason is the guy they want to get out the most. Because him getting on means a very good chance that he's on second before the inning is over.

[thethe]

I just worry about Jason and how a guy as talented as him can slump as badly and for as long as he does. It doesn't make sense. I love that he is going to the opposite field more. That triple last night was a thing of beauty.

[nsacpi]

A third of the way thru the season: Justin Upton on track for a 7.5 WAR season, Heyward on track for a 6.0 WAR season, Freddie Freeman on track for a 4.5 WAR season.

I will repeat something that was hotly contested when made early this year. Jason is a more valuable player than Freeman and will get a bigger contract. Ditto for Justin.

And yes WAR is a flawed statistic. My claim is about value as evaluated by the people who write the checks.

[zitothebrave]

I just worry about Jason and how a guy as talented as him can slump as badly and for as long as he does. It doesn't make sense. I love that he is going to the opposite field more. That triple last night was a thing of beauty.

I forget who said it, but I agree that Jason is a tinkerer almost to a fault. He hits a skid and instead of trusting his skills he plays and leads him to having other faults.

[thethe]

A third of the way thru the season: Justin Upton on track for a 7.5 WAR season, Heyward on track for a 6.0 WAR season, Freddie Freeman on track for a 4.5 WAR season.

I will repeat something that was hotly contested when made early this year. Jason is a more valuable player than Freeman and will get a bigger contract. Ditto for Justin.

And yes WAR is a flawed statistic. My claim is about value as evaluated by the people who write the checks.

Until baseball figures out a way to properly evaluate the effect of scooping balls out of the dirt, firstbaseman will never be properly valued.

[nsacpi]

Until baseball figures out a way to properly evaluate the effect of scooping balls out of the dirt, firstbaseman will never be properly valued.

Well the guys who write the checks do the best they can in evaluating that along with evaluating all of the other little things in baseball that can't easily be quantified. And I will repeat my claim. They will write a bigger check for Jason and Justin than for Freddie.

[thethe]

Well the guys who write the checks do the best they can in evaluating that along with evaluating all of the other little things in baseball that can't easily be quantified. And I will repeat my claim. They will write a bigger check for Jason and Justin than for Freddie.

I don't care if they write the check thats bigger but Jason needs to continue to show he can be consistent at the plate and not go through ridiculous chasms of performance. Otherwise he should be paid like any of the elite players in the league.

[thewupk]

I don't care if they write the check thats bigger but Jason needs to continue to show he can be consistent at the plate and not go through ridiculous chasms of performance. Otherwise he should be paid like any of the elite players in the league.

Streaky players get paid all the time. In the end it's about what your stat line shows at the end of the year. How you get there doesn't really matter.

[thethe]

Streaky players get paid all the time. In the end it's about what your stat line shows at the end of the year. How you get there doesn't really matter.

And Jason needs to put together a great statline before he gets paid like a great player. I understand that he is the best defensive outfielder in the game but we still need to see a full years worth of great offense outside of his rookie season. There is no reason why he shouldn't have amazing statlines by the end of each season.

[sturg33]

Seems to me Jason has an incredibly high pop up percentage this year… anyone know what it is compared to the league?

[thewupk]

And Jason needs to put together a great statline before he gets paid like a great player. I understand that he is the best defensive outfielder in the game but we still need to see a full years worth of great offense outside of his rookie season. There is no reason why he shouldn't have amazing statlines by the end of each season.

I don't agree. Ichiro got paid like an elite player in his prime and he wasn't better than Jason offensively. He may have looked like it to some with his high averages but his overall offensive game was inferior. However he was a great base runner and elite defender so he got paid. Offense does get paid more than defense but if you are a good offensive player and an elite defender you will get paid big bucks. Jason will be no different even if he doesn't take his offense to the next level.

[thewupk]

Seems to me Jason has an incredibly high pop up percentage this year… anyone know what it is compared to the league?

He hits infield flies 19% of the time compared to 9.5% for the league

[thethe]

I don't agree. Ichiro got paid like an elite player in his prime and he wasn't better than Jason offensively. He may have looked like it to some with his high averages but his overall offensive game was inferior. However he was a great base runner and elite defender so he got paid. Offense does get paid more than defense but if you are a good offensive player and an elite defender you will get paid big bucks. Jason will be no different even if he doesn't take his offense to the next level.

Ichiro was a fantastic offensive player. Guy was always on base and had a crazy high success percentage at stealing bases. Regardless of how he got on base he got there. Plus, there was a huge marketing element of Ichiro because of the proximity to Japan. There were a lot of elements of Ichiro that resulted in his high pay

[sturg33]

He hits infield flies 19% of the time compared to 9.5% for the league

Yikes

[thewupk]

Ichiro was a fantastic offensive player. Guy was always on base and had a crazy high success percentage at stealing bases. Regardless of how he got on base he got there. Plus, there was a huge marketing element of Ichiro because of the proximity to Japan. There were a lot of elements of Ichiro that resulted in his high pay

Ichiro only had an WRC+ over 120 or higher 4 times in his career. Jason already has 3. Ichiro hit for high averages but didn't walk much and had very poor power.

[zitothebrave]

Ichiro was a fantastic offensive player. Guy was always on base and had a crazy high success percentage at stealing bases. Regardless of how he got on base he got there. Plus, there was a huge marketing element of Ichiro because of the proximity to Japan. There were a lot of elements of Ichiro that resulted in his high pay

Huh?

[zitothebrave]

Yikes

Jason is above average in that regards normally with a career IFFB% 13.8%

[GovClintonTyree]

Ichiro was a fantastic offensive player. Guy was always on base and had a crazy high success percentage at stealing bases. Regardless of how he got on base he got there. Plus, there was a huge marketing element of Ichiro because of the proximity to Japan. There were a lot of elements of Ichiro that resulted in his high pay

I can see Tokyo from my house.