GDT #60, 6/7/14: Braves (Santana) vs. Diamondbacks (Miley); 10:10 EDT

[UNCBlue012]

Braves projected lineup:

1. Heyward RF
2. Simmons SS
3. Freeman 1B
4. JUP LF
5. Gattis CF
6. CJoh 3B
7. LaStella 2B
8. Schaf CF
9. Santana RHP

I'd guess the same as yesterday for the DBacks:
1. Gregorius SS
2. Parra RF
3. Goldschmidt 1B
4. Prado 3B
5. Hill 2B
6. Peralta LF
7. Gosewisch C
8. Inciarle
9. Miley RHP

Someone post the actual lineups in about 5 hours lol.

This is an insanely early thread and I apologize, but I'm going to be out for a lot of the night and I couldn't change the juju from yesterday. I should be back around the time for the game, maybe earlier... but I wasn't going to take a chance. Sue me. Anyways, I'm not sure if BJ is going to be to play, but I'd guess no. I hope Heyward continues his torrid streak! It's fun to watch this guy when everything is working for him... and right now, all tools are on display (sounded awful, I know).

Speaking of Heyward, over the last week he's hit .429 (9-21) with 5 runs, a double, homer, six RBI and three walks.

While Freeman has hit .190 (4-21) with three RBI's and three walks. Something has to give.

Santana needs to step it up. He wasn't awful his last start, but he is looking nothing like that guy we had to begin the year. Hopefully we can get 7 strong out of him and let the BP finish it off.

Speaking of the BP, how about Kimbrel? The man is just a beast. I saw a combination video of all of his saves last night on MLB.com and it's insane how many times he ends the inning with a K, it's beautiful.

[Slippyjms]

Gattis in CF? Should be interesting.

[thewupk]

I suspect BJ will be back in center and in the #2 hole. He only missed because his plane arrived late last night but he is back with the team.

[UNCBlue012]

CF is obviously Gattis' natural spot hahah my bad.

[Julio3000]

CF is obviously Gattis' natural spot hahah my bad.

Yeah, that is a heck of a mental picture.

[MadduxFanII]

Bears were meant to roam free, after all.

[CyYoung31]

CF is obviously Gattis' natural spot hahah my bad.

If it was a glacier field, sure.

[Julio3000]

Claws aren't as useful on the turf as they are on ice.

[MadduxFanII]

Typical lineup, save for the fact that Uggla is playing second and batting seventh.

[MadduxFanII]

Heyward- RF
BJ- CF
Freeman- 1B
Justin Upton- LF
Gattis- C
Johnson- 3B
Uggla- 2B
Simmons- SS
Santana- P

[MadduxFanII]

If Uggla simply must be on the team, Miley's probably the type of starter he should be facing: lefty without huge velocity.

[thewupk]

Uggla.....ew

[jason27nc]

I suspect BJ will be back in center and in the #2 hole. He only missed because his plane arrived late last night but he is back with the team.

Yeah, some idiots never learn!

[zitothebrave]

Fun statistic.

Braves 2B

Uggla - .175/.252/.254 -0.3 fWAR -0.6 rWAR
PAstor - .200/.300/.257 -0.3 fWAR -0.4 rWAR
Pena - .197/.265/.315 0.1 fWAR 0.0 rWAR
TLS - .423/.464/.423 0.3 fWAR 0.4 rWAR

[cajunrevenge]

Gattis in CF? Should be interesting.

Who are you to doubt El Oso Blanco. All beats look slow when they run on their hindlegs.

[bravesnumberone]

Hoping Uggla hits three homers and we trade him after the game.

[cajunrevenge]

Better win today, I have a feeling the nats are about to go on a roll.

[thewupk]

Better win today, I have a feeling the nats are about to go on a roll.


Yeah I've had that feeling before too. Then I have to go ****.

[tvsportscaster]

Yeah I've had that feeling before too. Then I have to go ****.

They will if they keep playing crap teams like the Phillies and Padres.

[stpeteirish]

Better win today, I have a feeling the nats are about to go on a roll.

I'll start worrying about the Nats when they take a series from the Braves.

[thewupk]

They will if they keep playing crap teams like the Phillies and Padres.

Then they will play good teams and suck it like they have all season.

[NinersSBChamps]

Yeah the Braves have a real solid cushion right now.

[Bj1133]

Not sure what the Nationals/Marlins schedules look like, but the Braves have 36 games left before the break and only 7 of those are against teams over .500 (Wash and Ana). They play last place teams in exactly half of the remaining 36 games. Good time to start padding the win column.

[Tapate50]

We have been talking about this "tear" the Nats are going to go on for almost 2 years. Color me unimpressed with the whole Nats thing.

[NinersSBChamps]

We have been talking about this "tear" the Nats are going to go on for almost 2 years. Color me unimpressed with the whole Nats thing.

Didn't they at least win a playoff series?

[thewupk]

Didn't they at least win a playoff series?

And what exactly did that get them? If you don't win it all then it doesn't really matter in the playoffs. Nobody cares if you make it to the LCS or World Series if you don't get a ring.

[The Chosen One]

Didn't they at least win a playoff series?
You mean the one they choked against St. Louis? No.

[The Chosen One]

And what exactly did that get them? If you don't win it all then it doesn't really matter in the playoffs. Nobody cares if you make it to the LCS or World Series if you don't get a ring.

They didn't win a playoff series...

[NinersSBChamps]

You mean the one they choked against St. Louis? No.

Be nice.

[thewupk]

They didn't win a playoff series...


See. I didn't even remember correctly because it doesn't matter.

[tomahawkchop10]

Look for me at the game. 1B side half way down the line 7th row. Two white jerseys one red. Me, my brother, and my girlfriend. Btw chase field is the best stadium on the west coast imo(better than at&t.)

[The Chosen One]

Be nice.

If you're going to talk trash about our team by trying to make our division rivals seem better or more accomplished then don't expect any love especially when you're wrong.

[NinersSBChamps]

If you're going to talk trash about our team by trying to make our division rivals seem better or more accomplished then don't expect any love especially when you're wrong.

I was asking because I wasn't sure. Hence the question mark.

[NinersSBChamps]

Lovely approach tonight.

[TDlxANDER]

3 solid hit balls on 4 pitches and nothing to show

[Tapate50]

Can't say I've seen half an inning like that before

[USMA76]

Three outs on four pitches...looks like their starter is poised to go about 25 innings tonight.

[thewupk]

Lovely approach tonight.

All three of those could of been hits if hit a foot farther away form their 2B. Especially for BJ and Freeman.

[Garmel]

Nice play by Justin.

[NinersSBChamps]

Yuck! Gattis is an awful catcher.

[cajunrevenge]

We have been talking about this "tear" the Nats are going to go on for almost 2 years. Color me unimpressed with the whole Nats thing.

And its beem a running joke for a year now because everytime the nats won 2 games in a row someone would say that.

[Tapate50]

RAWR

[UNCBlue012]

Beautiful swing from Gattis!

[Fredi Gonzalez]

I like how they are talking about how hard it is going to be for Uggla because he hasnt played much recently, as if he could possibly do any worse than when he was playing full time. La Stella almost has a higher batting average than Uggla has OPS.

[NinersSBChamps]

Apprado!

[UNCBlue012]

Leadoff single from Martin. I can't even explain how much I miss the guy. Don't get me wrong, it was worth it for Justin alone. But still, I miss Martin. :/

[NinersSBChamps]

Does anyone know the trivia answer last night?

[UNCBlue012]

The Peralta singles. I'm sorry, but Santana sucks. lol

[TDlxANDER]

Doesn't matter what he does, I'll always miss Martin

{http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=k9e157Ner90}

[Runnin]

Could Santana throw a pitch that isn't over the middle of the plate?

[UNCBlue012]

Freaking A. Uggla and Simmons awful there.

[USMA76]

Santana just throwing meatballs right now--no command.

[NinersSBChamps]

Bench Uggla right now.

[parkvadawg]

Jesus Dan

[TDlxANDER]

Just leave Dan in the dessert please

[NinersSBChamps]

Miley was coming up with two outs. No reason to try and force a throw there.

[Tapate50]

Boy Santana throwing full on BP. Lucky he didn't dig us a huge hole there.

Uggla really should have eaten that. Cost us a run.

[UNCBlue012]

Miley was coming up with two outs. No reason to try and force a throw there.

There's a reason that Tommy LaStella is our starting second basemen. lol

[50PoundHead]

Uggla just keeps on a giving.

[cajunrevenge]

Wow, that was as bad and dumb a play as I have ever seen. Fredi should just take him out of the game it was that bad. He cant even start once a month and not screw up. Needs to just be released so the nightmare can be over.

[UNCBlue012]

Simmons to third!!! I LOVE THE GUY

[NinersSBChamps]

Let's see how the Braves screw this up.

[50PoundHead]

Wow, that was as bad and dumb a play as I have ever seen. Fredi should just take him out of the game it was that bad. He cant even start once a month and not screw up. Needs to just be released so the nightmare can be over.

Just read the other day that there is no plan to release Uggla before the end of the season. Could be a smokescreen and I honestly don't know why we'd keep him around.

[cajunrevenge]

Andrelton's defense is so good that he make up for an Uggla error with his offense.

[UNCBlue012]

This Gregorious guy is good at defense. lol Offense apparently too.

[UNCBlue012]

SAFE! HOW!

[NinersSBChamps]

This Gregorious guy is good at defense. lol Offense apparently too.

He was playing pretty well last season at short. Believe he got hurt though and took a step backwards. He's a very nice player though.

[parkvadawg]

Let's see how the Braves screw this up.

I'm sorry they didn't

[cajunrevenge]

Just read the other day that there is no plan to release Uggla before the end of the season. Could be a smokescreen and I honestly don't know why we'd keep him around.

There is only one reason to keep him and that is if they are worried he signs with another team and doesnt suck. The Mets frequently employed this strategy with their bad free agent signings. I was on the fence about it until that play. That was a Game 4 NLDS type idiocy.

[TDlxANDER]

Simmons screaming safe at the ump...lol

[NinersSBChamps]

I'm sorry they didn't

They tried.

[UNCBlue012]

That Gregorious guy is about to piss me off.

[cajunrevenge]

So is BJ's kid gonna be B3?

[UNCBlue012]

How is Uggla so bad. :/

[50PoundHead]

There is only one reason to keep him and that is if they are worried he signs with another team and doesnt suck. The Mets frequently employed this strategy with their bad free agent signings. I was on the fence about it until that play. That was a Game 4 NLDS type idiocy.

That's a loser's mentality.

[TDlxANDER]

Is this Dan's cut game?

[cajunrevenge]

Seriously?

[TURBO]

http://greentintedglasses.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/630Dead_owl_in_Italy_copy1-300x253.jpg

[USMA76]

Watching Uggla play defenses, I was just wondering if somebody told him before the first pitch that this is an All-Star Game?

[cajunrevenge]

That's a loser's mentality.

I agree, he is a liability in all phases of the game. Has no position versatility, cant even field at 2B, and is barely a better hitter than a pitcher.

[NinersSBChamps]

Would anyone take Freeman over Goldschmidt? I love Freeman, but Goldy is the best first baseman in baseball. Save for Miggy.

[UNCBlue012]

Good pitching by Santana there.

[cajunrevenge]

Would anyone take Freeman over Goldschmidt? I love Freeman, but Goldy is the best first baseman in baseball. Save for Miggy.

They are pretty much the same player overall. We need a lefty bat over a righty bat. We already kill left handers. Goldy last year is what I think Freeman will develop into, Freeman is 2 years younger so I give him the benefit of the doubt for being slightly worse so far.

[UNCBlue012]

Gattis is so insane.

[parkvadawg]

Good lord

[TDlxANDER]

Wtf, Evan? Quit hitting the ball so hard

[UNCBlue012]

A 410 foot double by Evan. Insane.

[cajunrevenge]

Great, Uggla;s up.

[57Brave]

Seeing UNC's comment about Gattis made me think -- after all the years and phenomenal play -- no one mentions McCann here.
Just sayin'

[UNCBlue012]

That was awful, Dan. Poor guy.

[Tapate50]

Rawr!

[TDlxANDER]

Dan Uggla is still a professional baseball player.

[UNCBlue012]

Seeing UNC's comment about Gattis made me think -- after all the years and phenomenal play -- no one mentions McCann here.
Just sayin'
I thought about that last night after Mac hit a 3-run double for the Yanks. I loved the guy, I was so grateful for all he's done, but I love Gattis too. I love what he does for this team. I miss Mac... I miss seeing him, but it's the game, ya' know?

[Runnin]

Uggla never came close to making contact. Swung at three balls he couldn't hit.

[NinersSBChamps]

They are pretty much the same player overall. We need a lefty bat over a righty bat. We already kill left handers. Goldy last year is what I think Freeman will develop into, Freeman is 2 years younger so I give him the benefit of the doubt for being slightly worse so far.

Sure they are similar, but Goldy has power that Freeman will never develop.

[NinersSBChamps]

Apprado!!

[UNCBlue012]

Beautiful started double play by Santana.

[Runnin]

I'd pay money to listen to Joe call a game by himself.

[NinersSBChamps]

Santana has been very bad tonight. Don't know how much longer he can keep dancing around with trouble.

[cajunrevenge]

Sure they are similar, but Goldy has power that Freeman will never develop.

I think Freeman will hit for a few points higher batting average which will help make up for some of the difference in isolated slugging. I will give Goldy the edge in who is the better player but we need the left handed bat. La Stella is a lefty but he isnt a power hitter, we would lack left handed power with just La Stella and Heywood.

Plus Fredi has sentimental value to me now after following him from draft to all star.

[UNCBlue012]

Santana drives me insane. He's getting pretty lucky tonight so far. He got lucky that wasn't out of the park.

[UNCBlue012]

Holy crap Santana is getting lucky. Whew, thank God!

[NinersSBChamps]

Dodged another one there. In Erv's defense he is making pitches when he needs to.

[cajunrevenge]

End of 5.... Braves 1 Uggla 1.... will the Braves score more runs than Uggla gives up?

[cajunrevenge]

Dodged another one there. In Erv's defense he is making pitches when he needs to.

How do we know if its that or the DBacks just failing? I know what DBack fans think.

[NinersSBChamps]

How do we know if its that or the DBacks just failing? I know what DBack fans think.
It's probably a little of both.

[NinersSBChamps]

I wish that pile of junk would have more children.

[cajunrevenge]

Is it possible we see Heywood with a higher batting average than Freeman soon?

[NinersSBChamps]

Funky Freddie Freeman

Because he is in a big funk.

[NinersSBChamps]

Is it possible we see Heywood with a higher batting average than Freeman soon?

Add Gattis to that as well.

[UNCBlue012]

I hope someone fixes Freddie soon. This is hard to watch from a hitter as good as he is.

[UNCBlue012]

RBI double for Evan. Dang.

[TDlxANDER]

Sweet sassy molassy

[The Chosen One]

ososososooso

[nsacpi]

The Gorn! So one-dimensional.

[The Chosen One]

thankfully we got it in before Uggla or CJ came up and K'd

[TDlxANDER]

Need to clear Dan here, Chris.

[NinersSBChamps]

Two out magic

[The Chosen One]

CJ lulz.

[Braves1976]

CJ with another terrible AB, chasing pitches outside.

[NinersSBChamps]

The Gorn! So one-dimensional.

Three-dimensional. A dimension for each hit.

[NinersSBChamps]

thankfully we got it in before Uggla or CJ came up and K'd

Hater

[Runnin]

Oh so good!

[cajunrevenge]

I feel sorry for whoever does that brown bag thing and gets a ball signed by Uggla.

[NinersSBChamps]

Hale and Johnson for Prado

[cajunrevenge]

Dan almost had that one..........

[UNCBlue012]

Hale and Johnson for Prado

Heyward, Prado, Freeman, JUP, Gattis, BJ, TLS, Simba. Yes sir.

[NinersSBChamps]

Heyward, Prado, Freeman, JUP, Gattis, BJ, TLS, Simba. Yes sir.

I think you and I are the only Prado supporters left.

[cajunrevenge]

Atleast Heywood will lead off the 8th.

[UNCBlue012]

I think you and I are the only Prado supporters left.
I bet there are a few closet supporters here. haha I don't even get mad when he does well against us. Prado is one of my favorite players on ESPN. I love the guy!

[The Chosen One]

I think you and I are the only Prado supporters left.

Surprised you like Prado since he went hiding every September.

I always liked him.

[NinersSBChamps]

Surprised you like Prado since he went hiding every September.

I always liked him.

Stahp!

I love Prado. He is one of my favorite players actually.

[UNCBlue012]

Padres up 2-0 on the Nats through six, down 3-2 now. So awful.

[NinersSBChamps]

Padres up 2-0 on the Nats through six, down 3-2 now. So awful.

Padres had our number last season. Hopefully we can handle them this time.

Going to be a bunch of pitchers duels.

[The Chosen One]

Dan started growing his beard since the last time he started.

[Runnin]

Surprised you like Prado since he went hiding every September.

I always liked him.
Prado and McCann are my favorite non-Braves.

[nsacpi]

Solid contact by Uggla

[The Chosen One]

Uggs is only capable of warning track power now.

[Garmel]

If you look at the Urban Dictionary and look at the definition of "hot garbage" there should be a picture of Uggla there.

[NinersSBChamps]

I love watching Simmons go the opposite way.

[The Chosen One]

Atleast Heywood will lead off the 8th.

I feel you should be given extra YNOT points.

[Runnin]

Not very good Ervin.

[NinersSBChamps]

Solid contact by Uggla

We all know he's pretty terrible by now. I would like to see him get a couple starts in a row though. Not at La Stella's expense. Maybe down the road if we play in an AL Stadium as a DH of course.

[cajunrevenge]

I feel you should be given extra YNOT points.

I told Fredi to send Simmons so I would be right.

[NinersSBChamps]

Keith what was the answer to the trivia question last night?

[cajunrevenge]

We all know he's pretty terrible by now. I would like to see him get a couple starts in a row though. Not at La Stella's expense. Maybe down the road if we play in an AL Stadium as a DH of course.

I knew you were a masochist.

[The Chosen One]

Keith what was the answer to the trivia question last night?


I didn't watch that much. Was working until top of the 9th.

[NinersSBChamps]

I knew you were a masochist.

:cooter:

[NinersSBChamps]

I didn't watch that much. Was working until top of the 9th.

Sharapova!!!!

[NinersSBChamps]

Wake up sleep faces!

[57Brave]

No walks

[NinersSBChamps]

Anyone else have a choppy broadcast right now?

[cajunrevenge]

Justin reminding me what Andruw Jones at bats used to look like.

[Runnin]

Opposing pitchers must sleep well when they're gonna face.

[cajunrevenge]

Regardless of the outcome I like bringing in Simmons here. We need a reliable setup man, we need to see if Simmons can be that man now rather than later.

[NinersSBChamps]

Had to switch to FSArizona. FSS wasn't watchable.

[NinersSBChamps]

Regardless of the outcome I like bringing in Simmons here. We need a reliable setup man, we need to see if Simmons can be that man now rather than later.

Jordan Walden is what 26? We are good as long as he's around.

Simmons needs some high leverage situations though. I love the idea of throwing the kid in the water. Sink or swim.

[NinersSBChamps]

Arizona announcer just said, "easy play for Uggla."

He must not watch Uggla much.

[UNCBlue012]

It's pretty amazing how awful Chris Johnson has been for a while

[Runnin]

.171 and falling. Uggla, not CJ.

[cajunrevenge]

Jordan Walden is what 26? We are good as long as he's around.

Simmons needs some high leverage situations though. I love the idea of throwing the kid in the water. Sink or swim.

Walden has 59.1 innings pitched in 1 1/3rd seasons under a manager who tends to overuse his best relievers. He was unreliable at the most important time which was the playoffs last year too. Carpenter had to pitch the 8th and we know how that ended. Our pen has been fluky good the last few years and I am used to it now. We need like 5 relievers with a sub 3 ERA and atleast one with a sub 1 ERA.

[UNCBlue012]

Soriano blew a save for the Nats. Tie

[Garmel]

That sucks.

[UNCBlue012]

Thanks Kimbrel. He does this crap and it kills me.

[NinersSBChamps]

Soriano blew a save for the Nats. Tie

Craig was doing his best Soriano impression.

[50PoundHead]

Just can't walk the #8 hitter.

[Fredi Gonzalez]

Sooooooo... whose ready for 2 inning outing for Kimbrel?

[NinersSBChamps]

Is this the most blown saves for Craig in a season? Seems like he has has more than 3.

[UNCBlue012]

7 or 8 is his most I think haha

[Garmel]

Whew!

[BremanFan88]

Sure they are similar, but Goldy has power that Freeman will never develop.

PG is also a great defender. Freeman not so much.

[parkvadawg]

Jason blows

[UNCBlue012]

JASON!

[nsacpi]

Hey!

[UNCBlue012]

Idiot Varvaro.

[cajunrevenge]

PG is also a great defender. Freeman not so much.

According to fangraphs they are about the same. I doubt Goldy is as good at scooping at 1B though.

[NinersSBChamps]

According to fangraphs they are about the same. I doubt Goldy is as good at scooping at 1B though.

Goldy moves very well for a guy his size. I think their defense is pretty comparable when you factor everything in.

[BremanFan88]

According to fangraphs they are about the same. I doubt Goldy is as good at scooping at 1B though.

I based my opinion on defensive runs saved last year. Goldy was the superior player. We'll see how the year plays out but he at least has range and Freddie doesn't.

[NinersSBChamps]

Case in point. Why I no longer participate in GDT with any regularity.

[NinersSBChamps]

Damn these FSArizona gals are fine!

[jsebe10]

Folks, we need bullpen help.

[NinersSBChamps]

This has the makings of an epic game.

[Runnin]

The Braves fans have the good seats.

[UNCBlue012]

Nats lose! Justin and Gattis both strike out on pretty meh pitches.

[jsebe10]

Welcome back to Arixona Upton and CJ. Lmao. Jesus

[UNCBlue012]

How. Delgado with an era over 7 strikes out the side.

[jsebe10]

Delgado has an ERA of 4.66 and thT fcker just shoved it up our "best hitters" ass

[UNCBlue012]

He's out.

[CrimsonCowboy]

How did the ump miss that call?????????????????????

Thank you, replay

[Runnin]

http://bravelittleowl.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/owls13.jpg

[TURBO]

If TLS was playing this game would already be over.

[jsebe10]

1. Uggla can eat a dick and should never start again. Fck you Fredi fir that.

2. Our BLOWpen needs an upgrade BAD.

3. Fck the Uptons and Chris Johnson.

[Runnin]

Another ugly loss. Twice we had 'em beat and the bullpen blew it.

[UNCBlue012]

Another lose we gave up. that's 4 in the last two weeks. The bullpen has to get better. Just embarrasing. Lucky bloop hit.

[KayJayNZ]

Braves gave away this game.

Can we cut Uggla's useless ass now?

[tvsportscaster]

I'm sorry but division winners don't blow as many games as the Braves have blown in the last two weeks. That is by my count at least five games they've blown that they should have won in the last two weeks alone. Thank goodness the rest of the division sucks eggs. Kimbrel walking a hitter that's hitting a freakin .186 instead of just blowing him away with his fast ball. This team has so much potential but boy are they frustrating.

[jsebe10]

Braves gave away this game.

Can we cut Uggla's useless ass now?

He should have never been in there. You don't sit your clear fckn cut new 2B. Come on dude. Our manager and our bullpen fckn sucks.

[BremanFan88]

I blame Jason "who cares it's just a kid's game" Heyward.

[jsebe10]

The manger and bullpen is costing us games

[VirginiaBrave]

Just a matter of time now. Another ugly loss this team is living on borrowed time.

[tvsportscaster]

The Braves really need Jordan Walden back, if he's healthy you have either him or Shae Simmons to save the 10th, because one or the other them would have been used in the 8th. Walden is a real key to this bullpen's success. I think they will be much stronger when he comes back and they won't be blowing as many leads, because right now they can't go to Carpenter in close situations.

[BremanFan88]

Just a matter of time now. Another ugly loss this team is living on borrowed time.

Who's going to pass us? The team who's own closer blew a save tonight and hasn't won a series against us in how long?

I'm talking about the Nats just in case I was being too subtle...

[jsebe10]

Just a matter of time now. Another ugly loss this team is living on borrowed time.

Barely. All it takes is for the Nats or Miami to get SLIGHTLY hot and this team will be left finger banging themselves in Oct.

I don't feel bad for any of them. When I go to the Ted I make it a point to go see the players parking lot. BJ has a jacked up King Ranch all black, Uggla has a Bentley and a Cadillac Escalade, Johnson has a souped up Dodge Ram, justin has an Aston Martin, and Simmons has a Lexus SUV.

My point is, they millions of $$$. They need to do their fckn jobs v

[VirginiaBrave]

Just a matter of time now. Another ugly loss this team is living on borrowed time.

Some of y`all are in denial to the point it's not funny, Kimbrel is human and there is no denying outside of Julio the pitching is hit or miss of late. We are handing this division to the Nats.

[BremanFan88]

My point is, they millions of $$$. They need to do their fckn jobs v

I always feel like this is a weird statement to make. Aren't they doing their jobs? You may not like the result but it's not like they are just showing up and hanging out while being paid millions of dollars to do nothing. Do you think every player that doesn't win a WS ring this year didn't do their job because then there's a ton of guys not doing their job. Of course I guess it depends on what the definition of "job" is. If it's to win every single game then that's a tough job and a high percentage of failure should be expected. If it's just an incoherent rant at a sports team that didn't meet your expectations then carry on.

[BremanFan88]

Some of y`all are in denial to the point it's not funny, Kimbrel is human and there is no denying outside of Julio the pitching is hit or miss of late. We are handing this division to the Nats.

Don't the Nats have to actually win when we lose to take the division? What's their magic number down to again?

[VirginiaBrave]

Don't the Nats have to actually win when we lose to take the division? What's their magic number down to again?
We beat them last year because of over confidence on their part, and overachievement by the Braves. The fact is the Braves are lacking consistency and a solid rotation and that will haunt us in the end. 5 to 10 games over .500 seems to be our ceiling and that will not get it done.

[The Chosen One]

Sucks that we lost but maybe tomahawk can confirm man on that Heyward homerun, it looks like there was a huge braves contingent at the BOB tonight. Behind the dugout and all the way down the right field line there were people jumping up and down.

[The Chosen One]

We beat them last year because of over confidence on their part, and overachievement by the Braves. The fact is the Braves are lacking consistency and a solid rotation and that will haunt us in the end. 5 to 10 games over .500 seems to be our ceiling and that will not get it done.

lol... over confidence and over achievement.

We "overachieved" winning the division. When Washington was "overconfident" when they were 10 games out in August and said it ain't over yet, that sure helped them out to take the division from us...

Incase you've missed it VA, we've pretty much OWNED the Nationals dating back to the end of 2012.

If that's "lacking consistency" in a 3 calendar year span, then I'll take that any day.

Also, if we're "over confident" and "overachievers", what does that make the Nationals dating back to 2012?

They had one great season in 2012, and what else have they done before and after that? LOL

[tomahawkchop10]

So I was at the game tonight and I'm kindaaa drunk, but take aways from the game... Uggla is not a major league baseball player, and Vavaro should have never been allowed to face a lefty. Also game 4 of the nlds will haunt carpenter mentally forever. Hope we play a little cleaner tm.

[The Chosen One]

So I was at the game tonight and I'm kindaaa drunk, but take aways from the game... Uggla is not a major league baseball player, and Vavaro should have never been allowed to face a lefty. Also game 4 of the nlds will haunt carpenter mentally forever. Hope we play a little cleaner tm.

Not sure if you saw my post above, but it looked like there were a ton of Braves fans, particularly behind the behind where you were and down the right field line.

How was the Braves' Country Contingent out there tonight?

[CrimsonCowboy]

N.L. East went 0-5 tonight with three leads in the 9th inning blown

[tomahawkchop10]

Not sure if you saw my post above, but it looked like there were a ton of Braves fans, particularly behind the behind where you were and down the right field line.

How was the Braves' Country Contingent out there tonight?

Probably the best turn out I've seen besides last time we were in Anaheim. When Heyward went deep it got crazy. I was waving my Heyward jersey like there was no tomorrow. Dbacks fans were calm for the exception of one crazy guy who wanted to fight me. Well be in the same place tm but row 2.

[VirginiaBrave]

Don't know what else to call it, all that really matters is 2014. And in the last two weeks we have been swept by Boston who were headed south when they first came to town, swept by the M's at home, and now beaten by by the worst home team in baseball. Yes we have handled the Nats in the first half again this year, but the difference is last year we won enough games against other teams that it mattered. This year we aren't doing that. Again, beating the Nats and treading water against everybody else will not get it done. I flat hate this year's edition of the Braves.

[Runnin]

It's tough to win extra inning games on the road. We were lucky they hadn't scored more than 1 run anyway.

Win the getaway game and take the series.

[jason27nc]

Serious question here. Was that Uggla's last game in a Braves uniform? I agree that will not be but it should be. Bj hitting in the 2 hole is killing us also!

[Braves1976]

Awful bullpen managing again, can someone tell me why Hale isn't given a bigger role? How many scoreless games must he go to be used over Varvaro, etc? I also noted Hale hasn't pitched in 7 days now, why? Is he hurting or is Fredi doing him like Ian Thomas now (sit him a whole week where he's rusty and then send him down)?

I better find that Fredi thread before I say more, lol.

[CyYoung31]

So, I missed the game, but why are we blaming Uggla for this loss? Is it just because he's Dan Uggla? I saw where he made a pretty spectacular play in the 11th.

[skidlee]

So, I missed the game, but why are we blaming Uggla for this loss? Is it just because he's Dan Uggla? I saw where he made a pretty spectacular play in the 11th.


Don't you know everything is his fault?

Him or Fredi is why we lose every game.

[Heyward]

We beat them last year because of over confidence on their part, and overachievement by the Braves. The fact is the Braves are lacking consistency and a solid rotation and that will haunt us in the end. 5 to 10 games over .500 seems to be our ceiling and that will not get it done.

The Nats play 7 games in SF/Stl next week, let's see how they do there before handing them the division.

[Heyward]

Don't know what else to call it, all that really matters is 2014. And in the last two weeks we have been swept by Boston who were headed south when they first came to town, swept by the M's at home, and now beaten by by the worst home team in baseball. Yes we have handled the Nats in the first half again this year, but the difference is last year we won enough games against other teams that it mattered. This year we aren't doing that. Again, beating the Nats and treading water against everybody else will not get it done. I flat hate this year's edition of the Braves.

Go root for the Nats, then.

[Heyward]

The manger and bullpen is costing us games

*manager

It's Fredi's fault we scored 2 runs, managers get way too much hate, ultimately it's up to the players, always is in every sport.

[Tapate50]

Serious question here. Was that Uggla's last game in a Braves uniform? I agree that will not be but it should be. Bj hitting in the 2 hole is killing us also!
Just might be. You don't see Rotoworld put out this scathing of a blurb on someone often but:

Making his first start since May 23, Dan Uggla went 0-for-4 and committed two errors in the loss to the Diamondbacks on Saturday.
Well, what the heck did Fredi Gonzalez expect? Uggla hadn't started a game in 16 days. He'd had just two plate appearances in the 15-day span, the previous one coming on May 30. The idea that Uggla will be of any use as a role player is crazy. If he were in the last year of his deal, the Braves likely would have released him by now. However, it's harder for them to say goodbye while still owing him $13 million in 2015. Really, though, they need to do it anyway. Even if he's not completely finished as a ballplayer, he's useless to them as is.

[thethe]

Makes no sense to ever start Uggla. Just cut him already. He is useless.

[keithlaw]

The fact is the Braves are lacking consistency and a solid rotation and that will haunt us in the end.

A rotation that leads MLB in ERA, FIP, and IP/GS isn't solid at all

[thethe]

Does anyone in the majors (aside from Stanton) hit the ball harder than Gattis? THat RBI double was amazing. Looks like a single based on its trajectory but it has so much velocity it finds the wall.

When do we start thinking about buying out Gattis arby years?

[Heyward]

[QUOTE=VirginiaBrave;120579]The fact is the Braves are lacking consistency and a solid rotation and that will haunt us in the end. /QUOTE]

Consistency yes, but the rotation has been pretty solid all year for the most part so i dont see where you are going with where.

If you said bullpen, you'd have a better argument.

[Heyward]

Does anyone in the majors (aside from Stanton) hit the ball harder than Gattis? THat RBI double was amazing. Looks like a single based on its trajectory but it has so much velocity it finds the wall.

When do we start thinking about buying out Gattis arby years?

I wouldnt, i'd just play it out year by year and go from there.

[Braves1976]

I wouldnt, i'd just play it out year by year and go from there.

That likely means we should do the opposite given your track record. Just sayin' :)

[Heyward]

That likely means we should do the opposite given your track record. Just sayin' :)

Well, catchers dont age well so i wouldnt give him a long-term deal unless it was like the one with CJ that just bought out one FA year.

[VirginiaBrave]

Go root for the Nats, then.

Nah, don't think so. I don't call being four games over .500 at this point a good team. Wins and losses are truly the only stats that matter.

[bravesnumberone]

Eh just another game thrown away

[nsacpi]

This team lacks consistency.

[50PoundHead]

I'm sorry but division winners don't blow as many games as the Braves have blown in the last two weeks. That is by my count at least five games they've blown that they should have won in the last two weeks alone. Thank goodness the rest of the division sucks eggs. Kimbrel walking a hitter that's hitting a freakin .186 instead of just blowing him away with his fast ball. This team has so much potential but boy are they frustrating.

Couldn't have said it better.

[tomahawkchop10]

So, I missed the game, but why are we blaming Uggla for this loss? Is it just because he's Dan Uggla? I saw where he made a pretty spectacular play in the 11th.

He definitely isn't the only reason we lost, but he is one of them. He threw a ball away that let a run sore in a 1 run game.

[The Chosen One]

We've lost all of the games we were supposed to win because our bullpen blew gaskets.

The good news is the problem is fixable. We have Venters coming back hopefully somewhat effective, Walden returning from injury which slots everyone down once, and it appears Shae Simmons is being trusted to be in a tighter spot than Carpenter which is great. Our offense has shown up int he last few weeks. We aren't scoring 5 runs every game but we're giving our starters leads to hand off to the bullpens.

The bad news, Kimbrel feels the pressure of being the only reliable guy when everyone else sans Simmons is sucking in the pen. Varvaro has been pretty reliable all year so far. And Kimbrel is blowing saves not at an alarming rate, but a rate we're not really accustomed to seeing Kimbrel do. I think once Walden returns, Kimbrel can settle down and relax.


Even Greater News: Juh Juh Juh Juh Juh Juh Jaaaaaaayyyyyyyysonnnnnnn Heyyyywarrrrrdddd YALLLLLLLLLL!!!!!

[Braves1976]

He definitely isn't the only reason we lost, but he is one of them. He threw a ball away that let a run sore in a 1 run game.

Right, it's 2-0 in the 9th and Kimbrel has more than a run to work with minus that costly error.

[The Chosen One]

Hopefully this means TLS is up for starting against lefties now too. If we want to go with a part-time platoon of TLS starting 90% of the time, and sometimes sitting against a lefty, call Pastor up!

[Garmel]

Hopefully this means TLS is up for starting against lefties now too. If we want to go with a part-time platoon of TLS starting 90% of the time, and sometimes sitting against a lefty, call Pastor up!

I'm just hoping Fredi will move TLS to the sixth spot. CJ's killing us there.

[The Chosen One]

I'm just hoping Fredi will move TLS to the sixth spot. CJ's killing us there.

I think 1-2 or 6 would be great for TLS, especially since he's gotten his groove back.

[Tapate50]

I think 1-2 or 6 would be great for TLS, especially since he's gotten his groove back.
Nice

[UNCBlue012]

I'm actually pretty confident in this team. I hate the blown saves and wasted bullpen nights, but the combination of Simmons and walden's return makes me confident. I don't see the team being great right now, but I don't see as much fail as a lot of you guys do. Baseball is tough. The only guy making me absolutely furious is Chris. He's too good of a hitter. Step it up.

[The Chosen One]

The only guy making me absolutely furious is Chris. He's too good of a hitter. Step it up.

Perhaps last year was the outlier of his career, and that he's returning to his career norms that he's displayed before?

You weren't around back then, but everyone knows his high BABIP last year was unsustainable. He doesn't walk much, he doesn't take many pitches, and he swings at plenty of bad pitches out of the zone. Last year when he was putting balls in play, they were dropping in. They aren't this year and he's striking out a lot.

This goes back to Garrett Anderson being a "Professional Hitter".

[gilesfan]

Kimbrel sucks. Simmons for closer!

[jsebe10]

*manager

It's Fredi's fault we scored 2 runs, managers get way too much hate, ultimately it's up to the players, always is in every sport.

Why just the random start for Uggla? Your new 2B is playing great baseball and you sit him?

His use of the Blowpen last night was not good. But all should have been avoided if Kimbrel does his job.

[nsacpi]

Why just the random start for Uggla? Your new 2B is playing great baseball and you sit him?

His use of the Blowpen last night was not good. But all should have been avoided if Kimbrel does his job.

From the AJC:

Gonzalez was asked about starting Uggla in place of La Stella.

“(Uggla) is on our team, and we’ll get him in there every time we can to help him help us somewhere down the road,” Gonzalez said. “Somewhere down the road he’s going to have to come up with a pinch hit off the bench or something. It’s the same thing with (backup center fielder Jordan) Schafer.

“Schafer hadn’t gotten a start in a couple of weeks and we threw him out there yesterday and he got three hits. As long as those guys are here, we’ll plug them in.”

[UNCBlue012]

From the AJC:

Gonzalez was asked about starting Uggla in place of La Stella.

“(Uggla) is on our team, and we’ll get him in there every time we can to help him help us somewhere down the road,” Gonzalez said. “Somewhere down the road he’s going to have to come up with a pinch hit off the bench or something. It’s the same thing with (backup center fielder Jordan) Schafer.

“Schafer hadn’t gotten a start in a couple of weeks and we threw him out there yesterday and he got three hits. As long as those guys are here, we’ll plug them in.”
It's pretty awful logic if you're using one player's success to another. Schafer is a decent player at least. Dan Uggla is a awful one.

[nsacpi]

It's pretty awful logic if you're using one player's success to another. Schafer is a decent player at least. Dan Uggla is a awful one.

As a general proposition, it is a good idea to give your bench players a game now and then. The question with Uggla is whether he should be on the bench at all. We sent Pastornicky to AAA when he didn't play well. Uggla might actually benefit from having a run of games down there.

[cajunrevenge]

From the AJC:

Gonzalez was asked about starting Uggla in place of La Stella.

“(Uggla) is on our team, and we’ll get him in there every time we can to help him help us somewhere down the road,” Gonzalez said. “Somewhere down the road he’s going to have to come up with a pinch hit off the bench or something. It’s the same thing with (backup center fielder Jordan) Schafer.

“Schafer hadn’t gotten a start in a couple of weeks and we threw him out there yesterday and he got three hits. As long as those guys are here, we’ll plug them in.”

:facepalm:

[gilesfan]

You have to play your bench players occasionally or they won't be ready when they get an at bat in crucnhtime.

Neigh Schafer or uggla are any good though.