GDT #71. 6/18 12:10 PM EST Phillies (Hernandez) @ Braves (Harang)

[Bravesfan205]

Braves Line-UP

1. La Stella 2B
2. Pena SS
3. Freeman 1B
4. Gattis C
5. Heyward RF
6. Johnson 3B
7. Doumit LF
8. Schafer CF
9. Harang P

No Justin, BJ, or Simmons but at least La Stella is batting higher in the line-up and Heyward in the 5 Spot...

Will post the Phillies line-up as soon as I can find it

[nsacpi]

Harang will have to come up bigger than usual today.

[thethe]

Ok, TLS up at the top. Its a start.

[Millwood1Hitter]

Fredito the moron strikes again

[Dalyn]

Good to see Stella! at the top.

[57Brave]

David O'Brien ‏@ajcbraves 7m

Fredi is going to try La Stella in the lead off spot for a bit. Not just day game after night game thing. See what happens
Expand

[nsacpi]

Fredi "succumbs" again to the power of logic...after exhausting all other possibilities

[nsacpi]

New lineup might look like this:

TLS
Justin
Freddie
Gattis
Heyward
CJ
BJ
Simmons

Let's hope.

[Dalyn]

Fredi "succumbs" again

At least it has a better than average chance of being a good move. We are playing horrible ball. I just hope it also means the end of having BJ bat second.

[Dalyn]

New lineup might look like this:

TLS
Justin
Freddie
Gattis
Heyward
CJ
BJ
Simmons

Let's hope.

I think switching Heyward and Freeman would be a good idea, but I will certainly take this one.

[thethe]

I don't like Heyward in the fifth spot because then his elite baserunning is not properly utilized. Let Freeman double him home.

[Dalyn]

I don't like Heyward in the fifth spot because then his elite baserunning is not properly utilized. Let Freeman double him home.

Agreed. Not to mention putting one of our weaker starters against lefties between our two strongest (Justin and Gattis).

[Dalyn]

Johnson is murdering them this year, too, but not quite to the level of Justin and Gattis.

[thethe]

Agreed. Not to mention putting one of our weaker starters against lefties between our two strongest (Justin and Gattis).

I have a feeling hte Braves will absolutely not remove Freeman from the 3/4 spots because that is their guy. He got the money and he signed. I think its a big mistake based on the type of players Heyward/Freeman are. But, as long as we are moving Beej down and TLS up then I am happy.

[Enscheff]

New lineup might look like this:

TLS
Justin
Freddie
Gattis
Heyward
CJ
BJ
Simmons

Let's hope.

That's about as good as this lineup can be set up. I agree it might be better to swap Heyward and Freeman to take advantage of Heyward's base running, but as long as the top 5 contains those 5 guys and the LHers are split up, anything else is a minor quibble.

Now we just have to hope TLS doesn't go through a 2-20 stretch and force more lineup shuffling.

[UNCBlue012]

I like it! Glad Fredi finally did something right. I'll be pissed if BJ is second Friday but he probably will be. I think the best lineup we can have is:
TLS 2B
JUP LF
Heyward RF
Freeman 1B
Gattis C
CJoh 3B
BJ CF
Simba SS

[Millwood1Hitter]

I like it! Glad Fredi finally did something right. I'll be pissed if BJ is second Friday but he probably will be. I think the best lineup we can have is:
TLS 2B
JUP LF
Heyward RF
Freeman 1B
Gattis C
CJoh 3B
BJ CF
Simba SS

THIS! Except I've had it with BJ, he needs to go and get the Uggla treatment, release their asses, there are no more sacred cows here. Either you perform or you don't or your out, business is business.

[stpeteirish]

so everybody gets a start in the last two games except Mr Uggla. Why is he still on the team?

[UNCBlue012]

This team just doesn't seem to even care lately. Seriously. No negative, just truth.

[jsebe10]

THROW STRIKES

[jason27nc]

Gattis!!!!!!!

[stpeteirish]

I'm ready to give in on the idea of Gattis to LF. The guy's gotta play every day and I'm assuming he doesn't right now because he can't.

[jason27nc]

I'm ready to give in on the idea of Gattis to LF. The guy's gotta play every day and I'm assuming he doesn't right now because he can't.

I agreed and if you look at the article the other day it makes a ton of sense.

[AerchAngel]

so everybody gets a start in the last two games except Mr Uggla. Why is he still on the team?

25 mil reasons

[jason27nc]

Hey Fredi!! See what happens when you shake things up and bench Bj?

[nsacpi]

This team just doesn't seem to even care lately. Seriously. No negative, just truth.

Actually I was impressed by games against the Angels and Phillies where we came back late to send the games into extra innings. We didn't win those games, but there was no giving up after falling behind.

[stpeteirish]

25 mil reasons

that money's gone.and now that we've benched him nobody's gonna pony up a dime to get him. maybe at the deadline...

[UNCBlue012]

Money is money. Buster Olney talked the other day about how you've got to suck up our pride and better the team. Getting rid of Uggla will do that.

Also. Gattis is amazing.

[yeezus]

This team just doesn't seem to even care lately. Seriously. No negative, just truth.

Ugh.
So stupid.

[nsacpi]

that money's gone.and now that we've benched him nobody's gonna pony up a dime to get him. maybe at the deadline...

Yeah sunk cost. I think he'll be gone by the trade deadline.

[yeezus]

Actually I was impressed by games against the Angels and Phillies where we came back late to send the games into extra innings. We didn't win those games, but there was no giving up after falling behind.

Yeah, but they still don't care enough.
Obvs.

[thethe]

So when is this idea that Gattis is just hot going to end?

[jason27nc]

We need this game today bad! The funny thing is you look at the lineup and get the feeling Fredi conceded today's game to rest some guys. It actually benefited our lineup considerably./

[UNCBlue012]

Freaking pitchers. Stop with this crap. Just hole these terrible hitters minus Utley down.

[Braves1976]

Harang looks terrible, he will probably blow this lead soon.

There it goes, Harang needs to be traded and replaced by Wood!

[UNCBlue012]

Thanks Harang. Again, against crappy hitters.

[nsacpi]

So when is this idea that Gattis is just hot going to end?

Everyone can have a freak year or two. Or three. Or four.

[nsacpi]

Harang looks terrible, he will probably blow this lead soon.

Midnight has struck. And Cinderella needs to return home.

[UNCBlue012]

-____-

[Braves1976]

If we cannot trade him, release him. That is terrible, we score four and he goes and blows it right away!

[thethe]

And now the real Harang is showing. Time to cut bait. It was fun while it lasted.

[Braves1976]

If we don't take him out they're going to sweep us!

Nevermind, game over...

[jason27nc]

Are we playing at Coors Field today?

[jason27nc]

If we don't take him out they're going to sweep us!

Exactly. This games is huge for this team. We can not take a sweep from this team.

[sentenza]

The two worst teams in the NL try to play ball!
You can only laugh about this!

What's the problem with out starting pitching?
Unbelievable!!!!

[UNCBlue012]

Hahahaha what a joke. Bring Alex wood bad and soon.

[nsacpi]

Huge out there by Harang.

[Braves1976]

Exactly. This games is huge for this team. We can not take a sweep from this team.

He should be traded or released and Fredi needs to be fired...

[sentenza]

9 hits after 2 innings! Ough!!!
We again can't rest our bullpen today!

[jason27nc]

He should be traded or released and Fredi needs to be fired...

Fredi needs to go to coaching school.

[Millwood1Hitter]

LOL, unbelieveable.

Get great starting pitching, can't score a run. Finally score some runs, starting pitching implodes and gives up a bunch. Go flippin figure.

[AerchAngel]

WTF happened!!!!!

I just came back to my desk and see that Harangutan special pitching magic dust has expended?

[TDlxANDER]

This team just isn't very good right now.

[thethe]

Alex Wood needs to be put in the rotation ASAP. This is outrageous we are still putting Harang out there.

[Braves1976]

On the bright side, Gattis extended his hitting streak to 17 games with his two run bomb sparking that two out four run first. Plus he is now hitting an even .300 average wise.

[jason27nc]

LMAO, the idiot left him in!

[thethe]

On the bright side, Gattis extended his hitting streak to 17 games with his two run bomb sparking that two out four run first. Plus he is now hitting an even .300 average wise.

OPS of 953. He is a failure.

[nsacpi]

Wren must extent Harang. Now! Before his value starts to go up again.

[sturg33]

OPS of 953. He is a failure.

Wilson Ramos-Lite

[thethe]

Wilson Ramos-Lite

If only he was as good as Harper!

[thethe]

Come on Harang. Hold them to 10 runs today!

[jason27nc]

That a boy, shut them down that inning.

[Braves1976]

OPS of 953. He is a failure.

In other words, he is making some of us look really wise and others like Gilesfan looks really stupid. :)

[Bdawg2309]

LMAO, the idiot left him in!

Are you really this stupid??

"Hey, let's take a starter out early after the bullpen has been taxed heavily
The past few days"

[Braves1976]

Come on Harang. Hold them to 10 runs today!

LOL, no kidding!

[VirginiaBrave]

Need to fix the pitching staff in the offseason. Julio, Wood, Minor, need some help. Which brings me to John Lackey. Anybody else hear Smoltz when Lackey faced us? Something about helping Lackey house hunt in the Atlanta area. On a side note if Gattis played everyday AJ's 51 single season mark would be in serious trouble.

[tomahawkchop10]

If Harang is allowed to make another start someone needs to be fired. Can't believe we're on the verge of getting swept by one of the bottom 5 teams in baseball. I'm glad freddi was smart enough to move tls up in the lineup, but I really fear putting Heyward in the 5 spot is a real waste. Oh well at least we get to watch the best hitting catcher in baseball play for us!

[thethe]

In other words, he is making some of us look really wise and others like Gilesfan looks really stupid. :)

He will wait for Gattis to have a cold 2 week stretch before he says anything about him.

[sturg33]

We love our DoublePlays

[thethe]

Certainly looks like it was an unwise decision to give CJ an extent.

[Millwood1Hitter]

Really wish that we would have saved the money that we used on BJ on McCann instead and went with McCann for 110 games at catcher, and Gattis at 50-60 starts at catcher and in left the rest of the time. We would have had a lethal catching combo and it would have allowed Gattis to start 150 games a year.

[tomahawkchop10]

Well that sucked. Was CJ dogging it or is he just that slow?

[thethe]

Really wish that we would have saved the money that we used on BJ on McCann instead and went with McCann for 110 games at catcher, and Gattis at 50-60 starts at catcher and in left the rest of the time. We would have had a lethal catching combo and it would have allowed Gattis to start 150 games a year.

Mac is a dud right now. I shudder to think of what he will be in 2 years. We should have brought Huddy back.

[tomahawkchop10]

Really wish that we would have saved the money that we used on BJ on McCann instead and went with McCann for 110 games at catcher, and Gattis at 50-60 starts at catcher and in left the rest of the time. We would have had a lethal catching combo and it would have allowed Gattis to start 150 games a year.

If Mac's deal was in the nl it may look worse than BJs in a couple years.

[Braves1976]

He will wait for Gattis to have a cold 2 week stretch before he says anything about him.

Yea, I noted that he called this just a hot streak not long ago. While that is partially true it shows also he refuses to give Gattis credit where credit is due. Gattis is having a great year so far, this isn't just some hot streak. Will he go cold at some point? Sure, everyone goes through cold streaks.

[thethe]

Where would this team be right now without Gattis? 4th place? Last?

[Braves1976]

Harang's little bit of trade value might be gone after today, or at best it is going down fast if those interested are watching.

[tomahawkchop10]

Stick a fork in him. If this is what it takes to get Wood back, so be it.

[Braves1976]

We surrender, mercy! Harang the white flag man says so. Fredi the hat tipper agrees!

[Millwood1Hitter]

Stick a fork in him. If this is what it takes to get Wood back, so be it.

There needs to be a lot more done to this team than just that.

[jason27nc]

So is Fredi going to leave him in until he needs TJS? Prob end his career. Good job Fredi!


Already over 90 pitches in the 4th. SMH :facepalm:

[Braves1976]

There needs to be a lot more done to this team than just that.

Yea, trade Fredi for free with Harang please. Plus Uggla can give them a ride to the airport and not bother returning too.

[Millwood1Hitter]

Probably bring Avilan in to throw a pitch and then go to Varvaro.

[Braves1976]

Harang is Derek Lowe after he went to Cleveland, started great and now this. He had better velocity early too but now a lot of crappy 86-88 mph fastballs and behind in the count a lot.

Oh goody, he walked in another run.

[nsacpi]

Another huge out by Harang. Keeping us in the game.

[jason27nc]

Am I the only one that feels lucky to only be down 4?

[Braves1976]

Another huge out by Harang. Keeping us in the game.

Yea, he may keep them to no more than 10 runs after all, lol.

[Braves1976]

Am I the only one that feels lucky to only be down 4?

The Phillies should've had more that inning but Harang also should have gotten out of it after he got to the 8th place hitter. So they blew it and then he gifted them one run anyway.

[nsacpi]

He's been huge today. More so than usual.

[sturg33]

Nice hit by Doumit

[jason27nc]

Here we go!!

[sturg33]

Harang staying in? Even at 100 pitches? Oh, Fredi

[Tapate50]

Gonna be a battle of bullpens. I don't like our chances!

Btw, venters out a least another 6 weeks after getting a platelet injection. Couldn't get over his soreness.

[Braves1976]

We could score four and tie it and Harang would go out and give it right back and more again.

[sturg33]

Gonna be a battle of bullpens. I don't like our chances!

Btw, venters out a least another 6 weeks after getting a platelet injection. Couldn't get over his soreness.

He's done

[jason27nc]

Harang staying in? Even at 100 pitches? Oh, Fredi

LMAO!

[Tapate50]

Harang staying in? Even at 100 pitches? Oh, Fredi
Sacrificial lamb. Doesn't care about pitch count.

[Braves1976]

Harang staying in? Even at 100 pitches? Oh, Fredi

He has been bad regardless but yep.

[tomahawkchop10]

Harang can only go one more inning. I think I'd bite the bullet and pinch hit for him. I know the BP is thin, but a make a move after the game if we have to.

[Tapate50]

Positives: Harang is the only pitcher we have that can bunt.

[nsacpi]

Harang staying in? Even at 100 pitches? Oh, Fredi


Crazy. At most we are getting one more inning out of him. And chances are it won't be a good one.

[Braves1976]

No worries, we got this game. Braves walk off 18-17 on a Gattis 9th inning slam. Mark it down. :)

[tomahawkchop10]

Truly shocked he got that down with 2 strikes. Still would have pinch hit. But let's go tommy!!

[jason27nc]

Oh, so now we bunt the runner over.

[sturg33]

Opportunity to score severely damaged due to Fredi not PH Harang

[tomahawkchop10]

That was NOT strike two!!

[tomahawkchop10]

Ump screwed tommy there.

[sturg33]

Fredi loves to put garbage in the 2-spot of the order. Glad to see that hasn't changed with BJ on the bench

[Tapate50]

Low and away ball called a strike changed the look of the whole inning.

[tomahawkchop10]

That was pathetic.

[Braves1976]

If La Stella is going to leadoff you need someone second that will get him pitches to hit. Pena scares no one, though he is probably better than BJ right now sorry to say. That said, I still say La Stella fits the mold of what you want in a two hole hitter.

[jason27nc]

If La Stella is going to leadoff you need someone second that will get him pitches to hit. Pena scares no one, though he is probably better than BJ right now sorry to say.

Heyward should be either leadoff or 2nd and La Stella should be the other spot. How long will it take Fredi to figure this one out?

[Braves1976]

Harang cannot get out their rather bad hitting leadoff man, lol.

[Braves1976]

Heyward should be either leadoff or 2nd and La Stella should be the other spot. How long will it take Fredi to figure this one out?

He is scared of batting two lefties back-to-back but for some reason a bunch of righties is fine. Crazy logic IMO. Besides, La Stella can hit lefties well so who cares anyway.

[stpeteirish]

Alex Wood needs to be put in the rotation ASAP. This is outrageous we are still putting Harang out there.

trying to decide who to replace in this rotation is like a race to the bottom. Have you seen Minor and Santana's #'s lately? But Harang is pulling ahead with today's incredible effort

Remember when we had too many starters?

[jason27nc]

I guess Fredi is trying to get him past the 5th so he will qualify for the win. Oh wait. :facepalm:

[jason27nc]

Just like that we are back down 4.

[stpeteirish]

god, get him the hell out

[tomahawkchop10]

Good thing we left harang in.

[The Chosen One]

I guess Fredi is trying to get him past the 5th so he will qualify for the win. Oh wait. :facepalm:

Our bullpen has been shot the last week.

Do you really want to try to have our bullpen go 4 innings this game? Assume we tie it, that's MORE work. Fred's just asked Harang to take one for the team.

[jason27nc]

So with a base open you still pitch to Howard when he is hitting everything we throw at him.

[tomahawkchop10]

Good to see ryan Howard is still babe ruth against us. Jeeze

[sturg33]

Our bullpen has been shot the last week.

Do you really want to try to have our bullpen go 4 innings this game? Assume we tie it, that's MORE work. Fred's just asked Harang to take one for the team.

You are nearly as loyal to Fredi as you are to the big BO...

[jason27nc]

Our bullpen has been shot the last week.

Do you really want to try to have our bullpen go 4 innings this game? Assume we tie it, that's MORE work. Fred's just asked Harang to take one for the team.

and again, who's fault is that?

[stpeteirish]

Our bullpen has been shot the last week.

Do you really want to try to have our bullpen go 4 innings this game? Assume we tie it, that's MORE work. Fred's just asked Harang to take one for the team.

true, we really don't have a long man with Hale unavalable.

[The Chosen One]

and again, who's fault is that?

Oh please.

It's really really really easy to say Fredi mismanaged the pen, when our offense had plenty chances to win games in extras AND before extras.

[jason27nc]

Oh please.

It's really really really easy to say Fredi mismanaged the pen, when our offense had plenty chances to win games in extras AND before extras.

Oh please

It's easy to say our offense had chances to win when our manager screwed the pooch in every tight spot. He does not manage to win. He manages to not lose.

[jsebe10]

Oh please

It's easy to say our offense had chances to win when our manager screwed the pooch in every tight spot. He does not manage to win. He manages to not lose.

That's a good analogy actually.

[jsebe10]

Lol we have literally saved the Phillies' season

[tomahawkchop10]

Lol we have literally saved the Phillies' season

Good, that'll set them back another 5 years. They'll think they're in it and won't trade anybody at the deadline. They'll quickly slide 10 games out and won't have any prospects to show for it. Typical phillies move.

[jason27nc]

Oh please.

It's really really really easy to say Fredi mismanaged the pen, when our offense had plenty chances to win games in extras AND before extras.

Let me add something here. Today he bunts over the runner in the bottom or the 4th inning down 3. Two times in the last 5 days he has not bunted either the winning run or tying run over in the bottom of the 9th. Can you please explain that?

[jason27nc]

I have always liked Doumit. He is now 3-3 today and I wish we could get him more at bats.

[The Chosen One]

You are nearly as loyal to Fredi as you are to the big BO...

I'm certainly not a Fredi loyalist, I just think it's hilarious people blame him for things that players choke on (not getting down bunts, hitting into double plays with runners on instead of moving runners over, etc).

The other night we had plenty of scoring opportunities and opportunities to win the game, despite the fact BJ was hitting in the #2 spot.

We aren't hitting in the clutch, and before that our bullpen was blowing leads. But yeah, it's Fredi alright.

[sturg33]

We love our DPs

[Tapate50]

Holy double play....

[sturg33]

I'm certainly not a Fredi loyalist

LOL OK

[The Chosen One]

Let me add something here. Today he bunts over the runner in the bottom or the 4th inning down 3. Two times in the last 5 days he has not bunted either the winning run or tying run over in the bottom of the 9th. Can you please explain that?

Justin Upton very likely sucks at bunting.

Justin Upton is one of our best hitters.

Justin Upton failed to move the runners over/in.

Other players hitting with runners on grounding into double plays.

Have you watched our team all year? We've pretty much sucked at bunting all around.

[nsacpi]

and again, who's fault is that?

In the game day thread from the first game of this series, I discussed whether it would be a good idea to let Varvaro take one for the team rather than burning Hale as well. I have to say that the turn of events in today's game validates the point I was making. If Fredi had exercised some foresight two days ago, we'd have a much better bullpen situation today. He really is awful at bullpen management. And bullpen management is one of the most important parts of a manager's job.

[The Chosen One]

Another example of how one of our best bunters fails to get a bunt down.

But we can all blame Fredi...

[stpeteirish]

I have always liked Doumit. He is now 3-3 today and I wish we could get him more at bats.

easy, play him in LF and bench BJ.

[nsacpi]

Oh please.

It's really really really easy to say Fredi mismanaged the pen, when our offense had plenty chances to win games in extras AND before extras.

Fredi is really really bad at bullpen management. The critics around here are not engaging in after the fact second guessing.

[tomahawkchop10]

I'm certainly not a Fredi loyalist, I just think it's hilarious people blame him for things that players choke on (not getting down bunts, hitting into double plays with runners on instead of moving runners over, etc).

The other night we had plenty of scoring opportunities and opportunities to win the game, despite the fact BJ was hitting in the #2 spot.

We aren't hitting in the clutch, and before that our bullpen was blowing leads. But yeah, it's Fredi alright.

No part of this team is performing well enough right now. The offense outside of Gattis, the starters outside of Teheran, the BP outside of Simmons and Kimbrel, the coaching staff. Can't blame it on one guy, but also can't give anyone a pass.

[sturg33]

No part of this team is performing well enough right now. The offense outside of Gattis, the starters outside of Teheran, the BP outside of Simmons and Kimbrel, the coaching staff. Can't blame it on one guy, but also can't give anyone a pass.

Sweet. Big scoring opportunity for our #2 hole hitter.

But it's Pena:Sad:

[tomahawkchop10]

easy, play him in LF and bench BJ.

Ya, if bringing Bethancourt up was an option, I don't see why that isnt. Platoon him and BJ.

[sturg33]

Good patience by Pena there!

[tomahawkchop10]

Sweet. Big scoring opportunity for our #2 hole hitter.

But it's Pena:Sad:

While Heywards batting 5th and has been on base 3 times.

[stpeteirish]

I'm certainly not a Fredi loyalist, I just think it's hilarious people blame him for things that players choke on (not getting down bunts, hitting into double plays with runners on instead of moving runners over, etc).

The other night we had plenty of scoring opportunities and opportunities to win the game, despite the fact BJ was hitting in the #2 spot.

We aren't hitting in the clutch, and before that our bullpen was blowing leads. But yeah, it's Fredi alright.

don't you think part of the problem of bad execution is there's no accountability? Fredi just lets his players play, and look what we've got...can't even get a damned bunt down.

[sturg33]

KL will say it's Pena's fault for not executing.

I say it's Fredi's fault for putting a ****ty hitter in the most important batting spot of the order

[The Chosen One]

No part of this team is performing well enough right now. The offense outside of Gattis, the starters outside of Teheran, the BP outside of Simmons and Kimbrel, the coaching staff. Can't blame it on one guy, but also can't give anyone a pass.

As good as Kimbrel has been, let's not forget he blew some saves against Boston which was kind of the table setter for this terrible play skid we've been in. Of course it wasn't only Kimbrel when everyone else in the pen sucked.

Freddie Freeman's average has dropped tot he .270's. LOL

Justin realized it isn't April anymore.

Gattis is raking, but he can't play everyday and asking him to play past 9 innings is a tough one. I want to preserve Gattis as much as possible and he already has bad knees from knee surgeries.

Gattis has never caught a 162 game season, played the most games hes played in in years last year, getting mad when Laird spot starts here and there or if he gets pinch run for is silly.

[The Chosen One]

KL will say it's Pena's fault for not executing.

I say it's Fredi's fault for putting a ****ty hitter in the most important batting spot of the order

Didn't say I agreed with Pena hitting second, but it's something Bobby did plenty of times with the B squad lineups. So we see something Fredi learned from his mentor.

[jason27nc]

Another example of how one of our best bunters fails to get a bunt down.

But we can all blame Fredi...

If that is the logic, that he didn't bunt the other night because we suck at it so bad, why have we tried to bunt twice today.Again the guy is awful in tight spots. He is so scared of losing he does not manage to win. It's that plan and simple.

[stpeteirish]

Hale's pitching? I thought they were going to give him a few days off. 5 more runs acomin'

[jason27nc]

Didn't say I agreed with Pena hitting second, but it's something Bobby did plenty of times with the B squad lineups. So we see something Fredi learned from his mentor.

Also, if the bullpen is so depleted why did he not make a move before today's game and bring up someone? We needed today's game bad.

[gcbraves]

When barking about Fredi, just say to yourselves the following...

Connie Ryan
Eddie Haas
Russ Nixon
Dave Bristol (shudder)
Clyde King
Bobby Wine

All have managed the Braves since I started following them. There are others like Chuck Tanner who proved themselves elsewhere, but crapped out, or Eddie Mathews, Luman Harris etc...

Fredi makes decisions that I really disagree with, but he isn't any of those others...thank God!

[Braves1976]

Hale's pitching? I thought they were going to give him a few days off. 5 more runs acomin'

Fredi has to make sure he gives Carpenter company on the DL, if not he'll turn Hale into a right handed version of Avilan in no time. Just ask Cory Gearrin, etc. :)

[stpeteirish]

bad pitcher, 4 runs in the first inning, then the offense just rolls over and dies. Some teams really hate to lose, and some are just whatever, tip your cap. This one is the latter. Only way to fix it is major changes. They're not suddenly going to "get hot". We are actually fairly "hot" compared to most of the season. But we find ways to lose.

Today it was Harang giving up 14 hits in 4 innings, or whatever, but if its not that the bullpen blows it or we go 1-14 with RISP or have 3 errors or...always something.

[NinersSBChamps]

There is the Hale we know.

[jsebe10]

Folks....some one needs to lose their job

[nsacpi]

Sending Hale out for a second inning. This is where it gets stupid. First Hale has been overused lately. Second, using him for a second inning puts him out of commission tomorrow and maybe the day after. Third, we have Varvaro and Walden available who did not pitch yesterday. Why not use those two in the 8th and 9th. And as I type this Hale gives up a homer.

[jason27nc]

Folks....some one needs to lose their job

Agree!

[Braves1976]

Fredi asking Hale to go multiple innings again today is inexcuseable. Fredi even said he is in danger of injury doing him as he has recently and said he'd rest him. But then he does this a day later? Are you kidding me? The man is a complete moron.

[NinersSBChamps]

Folks....some one needs to lose their job

There are a handful worthy of that.

[nsacpi]

I appreciate what Beato has done the past two days, but the team needs to be proactive and send him down and bring up a fresh arm tomorrow. Ian Thomas would be my choice.

[jason27nc]

Fredi is probably thinking that is a win there. Getting through 2 innings with only one run given up.

[jsebe10]

Is it so fckn hard to swing at a good pitch Johnson?

[nsacpi]

Also I would reward the job Doumit and Schafer have done lately by giving them some games. Sit BJ and move Heyward to center if necessary.

[jsebe10]

Also I would reward the job Doumit and Schafer have done lately by giving them some games. Sit BJ and move Heyward to center if necessary.

As he strikes out

[jason27nc]

This team would be great playing at the Little League level. They only go 6 innings and it would allow Fredi to not use his bullpen up so bad. Well as long as it wasn't tied up after 6.

[NinersSBChamps]

Also I would reward the job Doumit and Schafer have done lately by giving them some games. Sit BJ and move Heyward to center if necessary.

All I needed to read and know that this post had promise.

[jsebe10]

Yup. TLS in the top spot .....

[jason27nc]

Yup. TLS in the top spot .....

I was not one of the ones calling for him to be moved up but now it proves he does not to be leadoff. 2nd behind Heyward would be ideal in my book.

[tomahawkchop10]

Folks....some one needs to lose their job

Someone at least needs to be on the hot seat, but I don't really get the feeling that anyone is.

[Dalyn]

I was not one of the ones calling for him to be moved up but now it proves he does not to be leadoff. 2nd behind Heyward would be ideal in my book.

WHAT? One game does not prove anything. Holy ****.

[jsebe10]

I was not one of the ones calling for him to be moved up but now it proves he does not to be leadoff. 2nd behind Heyward would be ideal in my book.

Need a little bit of more time up there.

[jsebe10]

Someone at least needs to be on the hot seat, but I don't really get the feeling that anyone is.

And that's what's sad.

[nsacpi]

The choice of Shae Simmons to pitch the 9th is another second-guessers delight. He has pitched June 13, 14, 16, 17 and now 18th. Why not use Varvaro or Walden, neither of whom pitched yesterday.

[jason27nc]

Need a little bit of more time up there.

Fair enough but I still think Jason should leadoff and TLS in the 2 spot.

[Braves1976]

Fair enough but I still think Jason should leadoff and TLS in the 2 spot.

I agree, but it does La Stella no favors if he has no protection behind him (Pena or BJ doesn't count as such).

[jason27nc]

The choice of Shae Simmons to pitch the 9th is another second-guessers delight. He has pitched June 13, 14, 16, 17 and now 18th. Why not use Varvaro or Walden, neither of whom pitched yesterday.

Or even Kimbrel, at this rate he will never pitch again. He last pitched the 15th.

[Braves1976]

The choice of Shae Simmons to pitch the 9th is another second-guessers delight. He has pitched June 13, 14, 16, 17 and now 18th.

He's the new Gearrin and Hale's the new Linebrink, lol. Embrace the horror my friend! :)

[jason27nc]

I agree, but it does La Stella no favors if he has no protection behind him (Pena or BJ doesn't count as such).

Agree, that has a lot to do with the reason Jason struggles up there.

[Bdawg2309]

Also, if the bullpen is so depleted why did he not make a move before today's game and bring up someone? We needed today's game bad.

Because fredi's in charge of calling up/sending down pitchers.....

What ever happened to keeping the fredi stuff in the fredi thread? This guy and braves1976 have been bitching non stop. This board is reaching scout level

[nsacpi]

He's the new Gearrin and Hale's the new Linebrink, lol. Embrace the horror my friend! :)

Seriously, imagine a high leverage situation in the seventh inning tomorrow against a right-handed hitter. Do we want Simmons or Varvaro facing him? I wonder if Fredi even realizes he is making the choice today by having Simmons rather than Varvaro pitch the ninth.

[Braves1976]

Seriously, imagine a high leverage situation in the seventh inning tomorrow against a right-handed hitter. Do we want Simmons or Varvaro facing him? I wonder if Fredi even realizes he is making the choice today by having Simmons rather than Varvaro pitch the ninth.

Heavy steps pal, bdawg going to call you out too for "bitching"... :)

[nsacpi]

25 pitches for Simmons

[jsebe10]

I agree, but it does La Stella no favors if he has no protection behind him (Pena or BJ doesn't count as such).

Yea let's call a spade a spade here. The idea of moving up TLS was to get BJs ass on the bench or down in the order.

[Garmel]

A bad time to be playing like this with the Nats coming up next.

[jason27nc]

Because fredi's in charge of calling up/sending down pitchers.....

What ever happened to keeping the fredi stuff in the fredi thread? This guy and braves1976 have been bitching non stop. This board is reaching scout level

So your saying Fredi has nothing to do with call ups/sending down players? If not, that may be another big problem we have. Fredi should be able to go to the front office and say when he needs a arm or bat for the next day. I would say he does and I would also say he screwed the pooch by not doing so before this game.

[nsacpi]

Well tomorrow, we have Kimbrel, Walden, Avilan and Varvaro good to go.

Hale probably not available. Simmons should not be asked. Would be four straight days and six in seven days.

Beato has pitched two straight games. I would option him back down and bring up Thomas.

[Millwood1Hitter]

Well tomorrow, we have Kimbrel, Walden, Avilan and Varvaro good to go.

Hale probably not available. Simmons should not be asked. Would be four straight days and six in seven days.

Beato has pitched two straight games. I would option him back down and bring up Thomas.

Fredi says he'd like to see whats he's got on back to back to back days.

[jsebe10]

I can't believe we just got swept by those red butt fckers.

[jsebe10]

Because fredi's in charge of calling up/sending down pitchers.....

What ever happened to keeping the fredi stuff in the fredi thread? This guy and braves1976 have been bitching non stop. This board is reaching scout level

This is your way of displaying your anger for the team. Therefore, that is "scout level ".

[tomahawkchop10]

Because fredi's in charge of calling up/sending down pitchers.....

What ever happened to keeping the fredi stuff in the fredi thread? This guy and braves1976 have been bitching non stop. This board is reaching scout level

Imo people should be able to voice there opinions on in game moves. As long as they don't get personal, inappropriate, or start bringing up old irrelevant decisions, I don't see the problem...

[jason27nc]

Because fredi's in charge of calling up/sending down pitchers.....

What ever happened to keeping the fredi stuff in the fredi thread? This guy and braves1976 have been bitching non stop. This board is reaching scout level

Oh and I'm sorry, I didn't know I was on the Royals message board. You know the team that has won 9 out of 10 and leads their division.

Look we are 1 game above 500 and I hate losing. Fredi is not a good manager and never has been. We have some talent on this team. He needs to learn how to use them in the right spots.

[nsacpi]

The situation has not been easy. Two extra inning games. Several other games where the starter has not pitched deep into the game. But those are the times when a good manager earns his keep. The bullpen situation has been dire. And some of it could have been avoided with some foresight and planning.

[tomahawkchop10]

I'm just saying...the Royals fired the hitting coach, and they are now in 1st place, and I believe scored more runs than anyone in baseball since.

[PurpleBrave]

A bad time to be playing like this with the Nats coming up next.

We've been playing like this for 2 months

[jason27nc]

I'm just saying...the Royals fired the hitting coach, and they are now in 1st place, and I believe scored more runs than anyone in baseball since.

Good point. That is wheat happens when someone isn't getting the job done. None of us would have a job if we failed as bad as this offense has so far this year. We would be shown the door. Anyone that says otherwise has not worked a public job.

[PurpleBrave]

I'm just saying...the Royals fired the hitting coach, and they are now in 1st place, and I believe scored more runs than anyone in baseball since.

If we fire him, who will coordinate the team hunting trips? The team will have a lot of time on their hands with deer season in October.

[Millwood1Hitter]

Time for Pendleton to ride his Harley into the managerial spot for a while to see what he's got, and Fredi can ride his the hell of Atlanta. Walker and Fletcher can go on permanent hunting leave of absence and Chipper can take over.

[VirginiaBrave]

This whole deal is getting comical now. Winning the division rests on the head to head now because we sure as h*** can't beat anybody else. They may well put us out of our misery this weekend with a sweep. This team falls double digits back they are DONE. How crazy would it be to be sellers at the deadline if they can't turn this around?

[bravesnumberone]

Lulz.

[Dalyn]

This whole deal is getting comical now. Winning the division rests on the head to head now because we sure as h*** can't beat anybody else. They may well put us out of our misery this weekend with a sweep. This team falls double digits back they are DONE. How crazy would it be to be sellers at the deadline if they can't turn this around?

http://cdn.straightfromthea.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/crazy-eyes-orange-is-the-new-black.gif

[Millwood1Hitter]

This whole deal is getting comical now. Winning the division rests on the head to head now because we sure as h*** can't beat anybody else. They may well put us out of our misery this weekend with a sweep. This team falls double digits back they are DONE. How crazy would it be to be sellers at the deadline if they can't turn this around?

Probably a best case situation right now for the future. I hate to say it, but Santana and Floyd could bring a nice haul to a team desperate for pitching down the stretch, and maybe even be able to take BJ off our hands. Let's face it, Santana and Floyd are hired men and aren't gonna help us in the future. We got a few other pieces (Laird, Walden) that won't bring a major haul in but should bring something good in return to.

[cajunrevenge]

I think we need to take an inventory of those who are quitting on the team. Then suspend them for the playoff run.

[jsebe10]

I think we need to take an inventory of those who are quitting on the team. Then suspend them for the playoff run.

No one is quitting. I think we should take an inventory of those who don't think this team has an issue and give them the gun line.

Don't let the day on the schedule fool you, man. This team needs to have a sense of urgency here to repair what's broke or this ship will sink faster than the Titanic. Problems with the bullpen, hitting, and defense weren't a problem as much this time last year. We get it, you are calm and cool about it and don't panic easily. Ok !! But October will be here before we know it.

[UNCBlue012]

There were some positives in the game: Jason was great, Doumit was great, Schafer was great, BJ got a pinch hit.

But the fact of the matter is that Harang will probably be gone soon. As much as I've loved having him, his magic COULD be gone. Wood will be back in soon and I still love this rotation with Teheran, Minor, Santana, Floyd and Wood.

Hopefully we can get some bullpen help.

[bravesnumberone]

19-28 since the 17-7 start.

It's past time to shake this up. There is no snapping out of it. If you think the team as is will just turn it around at the drop of a hat, you've quite frankly not been paying attention. This is a bad team right now with flaws across the board and an awful manager. The ship can potentially be righted by bringing in adequate relievers, adding a bench bat, either from outside or the minors, and for God's sake, putting Wood and maybe even Hale back in the rotation. With those additions, the division is bad enough for us to win it. We still have plenty of time. If these things can't be done, then it's time to start building toward next year and try to sell off the garbage and unnecessary pieces.

And even if we win the series against the Nats this weekend, that doesn't mean it's fixed. We took two of three from a good Angels team last weekend to launch us into a stretch of 27 games where 23 will be against losing teams. We started by playing like a bunch of scared little babies against a Philadelphia team people had buried. It's putrid.

[Tapate50]

Huddy gave up 7 in 4 2/3 today. Just letting everyone with 20/20 hindsight know.

[Braves1976]

Huddy gave up 7 in 4 2/3 today. Just letting everyone with 20/20 hindsight know.

Everyone has a bad game sometime, but coming in Huddy had something like a 1.80 ERA. It was a big mistake letting him go and he's proving that. He could often be counted on as our stopper and is someone that goes deep into games a lot. Which of course saves the bullpen from Fredi's madness. I really miss him!

[VirginiaBrave]

Everyone has a bad game sometime, but coming in Huddy had something like a 1.80 ERA. It was a big mistake letting him go and he's proving that. He could often be counted on as our stopper and is someone that goes deep into games a lot. Which of course saves the bullpen from Fredi's madness. I really miss him!

+1

[Bdawg2309]

Time for Pendleton to ride his Harley into the managerial spot for a while to see what he's got, and Fredi can ride his the hell of Atlanta. Walker and Fletcher can go on permanent hunting leave of absence and Chipper can take over.

Yeah, cause this team needs another bobby cox tied person managing the team...