4/19 GDT vs Jays

[Julio3000]

Maybin CF
Callaspo 3B
Markakis RF
Freeman DH
CJ 1B
Gomes LF
Bethancourt C
Peterson 2B
Simmons SS

Miller P

[thewupk]

Good job. 3-0 good guys thx to lefty killer Gomes

[Dalyn]

Gomes drilled that. Happy to see it fall. Good start. :tchop:

[The Chosen One]

Bethancourt playing right field.

[Garmel]

We would have had a really big inning if Callaspo hadn't swung on a bad pitch on that 3-2 count.

[Julio3000]

Bethancourt playing right field.

Thank you. I am sick as a dog. Surprised if that's the only mistake.

Miller needs to bear down and preserve this lead.

[Dalyn]

Good to see Johnson getting some time at first. Many think he'll move there when Hart unloads Freeman.

[Heyward]

Good to see Johnson getting some time at first. Many think he'll move there when Hart unloads Freeman.

:Sad:

[Tapate50]

Miller with a nasty 95 heater with some good tail to Smoak. Then throws one 96 straight as an arrow

[Dalyn]

:Sad:

I just hope he doesn't join Heyward on the Nationals. That would be rough. Harper, Heyward, Freeman. What a fantastic young core that's going to make.

[Julio3000]

Simmons gloves the pop-up to end the inning, then flips to Gomes ... who drops it.

[AerchAngel]

I just hope he doesn't join Heyward on the Nationals. That would be rough. Harper, Heyward, Freeman. What a fantastic young core that's going to make.

Gilesfan just jizzed when you posted that.

[Runnin]

Simmons gloves the pop-up to end the inning, then flips to Gomes ... who drops it.

But he did knock it down.

[Hawk]

Nice baserunning right there.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Nice baserunning right there.

Love it.

[bravesnumberone]

Watching the Jays broadcast illegally.

Good start, hopefully we'll finish it off this time.

[Julio3000]

But he did knock it down.

Stayed in front of it. Good ABC baseball.

[UNCBlue012]

#SmallBall

[thewupk]

hopefully we don't blow this lead

[Dalyn]

#SmallBalls

:Bowman:

[Heyward]

I just hope he doesn't join Heyward on the Nationals. That would be rough. Harper, Heyward, Freeman. What a fantastic young core that's going to make.

:HeywardWut:

[Heyward]

Good to see simple baseball again instead of the past couple years which was horrible to watch.

[Dalyn]

hopefully we don't blow this lead

https://willo13.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/chip_caray.jpg

[Dalyn]

Good to see simple baseball again instead of the past couple years which was horrible to watch.

Yes. 2013 was miserable.

[Dalyn]

hopefully we don't blow this lead


https://willo13.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/chip_caray.jpg

http://a2.fssta.com/content/dam/fsdigital/fscom/mlb/images/2014/03/23/032314-MLB-Texas-Rangers-Ron-Washington-TV-Pi.vresize.330.186.high.0.jpg

[CyYoung31]

Yes. 2013 was miserable.

I know. I hope we never see a 96-win season ever again.

[Heyward]

Yes. 2013 was miserable.

It was, watching the Dodgers pitching making our hitters look like tee ball hitters was pretty bad.

[CyYoung31]

It was, watching the Dodgers pitching making our hitters look like tee ball hitters was pretty bad.

I don't remember that. I seem to remember our team scoring a bunch of runs but the Dodgers' lineup completely crushing our pitching.

[dak]

Miller living very dangerously with the fastball consistently up in this bandbox. The breaking pitch he has that tails away from right-handers (slider maybe?) looks awesome. Wish he would throw it more.

[Dalyn]

It was, watching the Dodgers pitching making our hitters look like tee ball hitters was pretty bad.

:facepalm:

[chop2chip]

Miller living very dangerously with the fastball consistently up in this bandbox. The breaking pitch he has that tails away from right-handers (slider maybe?) looks awesome. Wish he would throw it more.his curve, when he spins it right, is a beauty.

He's also generating a lot of heavy groundballs today. He's looked great.

[Dalyn]

Jace has started looking rough now that he is a couple games removed from his benching. Too bad.

[Heyward]

I don't remember that. I seem to remember our team scoring a bunch of runs but the Dodgers' lineup completely crushing our pitching.

Other than Game 3, i dont remember our offense doing much, but ya know...

[bravesnumberone]

I don't remember that. I seem to remember our team scoring a bunch of runs but the Dodgers' lineup completely crushing our pitching.

And the best reliever in baseball being left in the bullpen with the season on the line.

[bravesnumberone]

I'm sure Callaspo, KJ, Gomes, Mukaki, Prickcynzki were just what we needed against Kershaw/Greinke.

[CyYoung31]

Other than Game 3, i dont remember our offense doing much, but ya know...

Well, you're wrong. Our pitching completely shat the bed in that series, and that's the reason we lost.

[thewupk]

Other than Game 3, i dont remember our offense doing much, but ya know...

Hard to win in the playoffs when your giving up 6.5 runs per game. Pitching failed us agaisnt the Dodgers, not hitting.

[bravesnumberone]

Jace has started looking rough now that he is a couple games removed from his benching. Too bad.

What former Braves reliever can we trade him for? David Carpenter? EOF?

[dak]

Jace has started looking rough now that he is a couple games removed from his benching. Too bad.

He's had several terrible swings this year. This concerns me more than the results really. He has more than the occasional at bat where he looks overmatched. We need to stick with him, but there's only so much patience Fredi will show in a situation where he's coaching for his job.

[Julio3000]

http://a2.fssta.com/content/dam/fsdigital/fscom/mlb/images/2014/03/23/032314-MLB-Texas-Rangers-Ron-Washington-TV-Pi.vresize.330.186.high.0.jpg

Two guys who appreciate the value od busting it down the line.

[Dalyn]

Two guys who appreciate the value od busting it down the line.

:icwudt:

[Heyward]

I'm sure Callaspo, KJ, Gomes, Mukaki, Prickcynzki were just what we needed against Kershaw/Greinke.

LOL never said that but continue being mad Heyward is gone.

[Heyward]

Hard to win in the playoffs when your giving up 6.5 runs per game. Pitching failed us agaisnt the Dodgers, not hitting.

Pitching wasnt good, i agree, but the offense couldnt get the big hits that LA did.

[bravesnumberone]

LOL never said that but continue being mad Heyward is gone.

:HeywardWut:

Lol, this might be your best one yet. Someone calls you on the fact we won 96 games two years ago and 94 the year before that, and you revert to us being mad Heyward is gone.

[Runnin]

Stayed in front of it. Good ABC baseball.
It was fun to watch.

[thewupk]

Pitching wasnt good, i agree, but the offense couldnt get the big hits that LA did.

But if our pitching didn't suck then LA wouldn't have gotten the big hits either.

[bravesnumberone]

Scared to say it, but Miller is looking great today.

[Hawk]

This is the Shelby Miller we've been waiting on.

[chop2chip]

This is the Shelby Miller we've been waiting on.He's finishing guys off today finally. His stuff has looked great all year, but today is the first time where he's been able to locate his stuff low in the zone.

[dak]

Miller now mixing in the curve and I guess what they're calling a cutter. He's got everything a guy needs to be a #2 starter. Let's hope Roger can get him there.

[UNCBlue012]

I really really like Miller. It's early enough but he's so much fun to watch. If this works out, our Heyward trade was glorious.

[sturg33]

Jace ain't looking so hot...

but spring training!

[bravesnumberone]

I really really like Miller. It's early enough but he's so much fun to watch. If this works out, our Heyward trade was glorious.

:HeywardWut::HeywardWut::Bowman:

[bravesnumberone]

Jace ain't looking so hot...

but spring training!


#JustMadJustinIsGone.

[bravesnumberone]

That cutter is a thing of beauty and great job by Bethancourt.

[Julio3000]

That cutter is a thing of beauty and great job by Bethancourt.

Yep, he's been really good today, too.

[bravesnumberone]

Poor pitching from Miller against Bautista. 5-run lead and nobody on with two outs, go after him.

[Hawk]

I feel like Markakis should have had that.

[bravesnumberone]

Saw it coming. Screw around with two outs and nobody on and you get what you deserve.

[Julio3000]

I feel like Markakis should have had that.

Lotta air under it.

[UNCBlue012]

Why does this happen every freaking game against this team...

[USMA76]

I feel like Markakis should have had that.

I know this is easy to say but if Heyward were in left field, we'd be out of this inning.

[Runnin]

Heywood would've had that.

[bravesnumberone]

Why does this happen every freaking game against this team...

Because we pitch scared against them. They're a pretty solid club, though. If they can ever get a handle on their pitching, they're a legit threat.

[dak]

I feel like Markakis should have had that.

Thinking the same thing. He didn't get a very good jump. On there other hand, there's chance he would have banged up his shoulder pretty bad against that unpadded section of the wall had he gotten there.

[USMA76]

Why does this happen every freaking game against this team...

It does seem like we always choke against these guys in the late innings.

[UNCBlue012]

I get letting him maneuver his way through this. He's been brilliant. But after the last two night's escapades, it's about being smart. Short lease is best.

[dak]

Nice day for Shelby. Gave us 6 and looked dominant at times. Glad they kept him in to work out of that situation.

[USMA76]

I get letting him maneuver his way through this. He's been brilliant. But after the last two night's escapades, it's about being smart. Short lease is best.

Short "lease" or short "leash"...just asking?

[bravesnumberone]

Starting to get the bad feeling again when crap like that happens.

[Hawk]

The man just hits.

[bravesnumberone]

Multi-hit games.

#MadHeywardIsGone.

[UNCBlue012]

*Leash. Autocorrect. Haha but dang it Callaspo. He's been awful!

[chop2chip]

I get letting him maneuver his way through this. He's been brilliant. But after the last two night's escapades, it's about being smart. Short lease is best.

I don't think we have the bullpen to have yanked him early.

[thewupk]

We indeed have a new BABIP king

[cajunrevenge]

Good start from Miller versus a good hitting team. Hard to argue with the Heywood trade so far.

[chop2chip]

Freddie has been crushing everything this year. If Nick is the BAPIP King, then Freeman is the BABIP Serf

[bravesnumberone]

We indeed have a new BABIP king

Idk why I thought of this.

http://img2-2.timeinc.net/people/i/2014/sandbox/video-grabs/140317/yellow-king-600.jpg

[Dalyn]

Idk why I thought of this.

http://img2-2.timeinc.net/people/i/2014/sandbox/video-grabs/140317/yellow-king-600.jpg

A Rusty Mukaki

[bravesnumberone]

Forgot we even had this guy. Used to Avilan. :FrediConfident:

Fredi never failing though bringing in a reliever with two outs and nobody on and a 3-run lead. :FrediConfident:

[chop2chip]

I'm excited to watch Martin pitch to one batter then get pulled in the 8th #thebook

[cajunrevenge]

wtf is that guy in the background doing.

[Garmel]

Fredi and his over managing again. Fredi doesn't even realize his reliever has reverse splits in the first place.

[Dalyn]

Martin is probably our best pitcher in the bullpen. Hope it doesn't take Fredi long to figure that out.

[atl717]

What a moron. Gotta match up with nobody on for Steve Tolleson. Fredi burning up arms at a record pace.

[USMA76]

Forgot we even had this guy. Used to Avilan. :FrediConfident:

Fredi never failing though bringing in a reliever with two outs and nobody on and a 3-run lead. :FrediConfident:

McKirahan was really struggling to get batters out, though...

[Dalyn]

Fredi and his over managing again. Fredi doesn't even realize his reliever has reverse splits in the first place.

It's embarrassing.

http://thumb.usatodaysportsimages.com/image/thumb/540-390nw/7934631.jpg

[Garmel]

Martin has a bulldog personality. Can't help but like him.

[bravesnumberone]

What a moron. Gotta match up with nobody on for Steve Tolleson. Fredi burning up arms at a record pace.

At least when Bobby burned arms, he used guys for a full inning all the time.

[Dalyn]

"Why didn't you use Martin two days in a row, Fredi?"

"Because I haven't used him two days in a row."

[Tapate50]

We have got something in Martin folks. Not sure what yet, but he has the look of a long term asset

[Dalyn]

"Why didn't you use Martin two days in a row, Fredi?"

"Because I haven't used him two days in a row."

http://www.mickeyxtreme.com/images1/news%202011/02162011FrediGonzalezMickeyMouse.jpg

[Russ2dollas]

We have got something in Martin folks. Not sure what yet, but he has the look of a long term asset

if by long term you mean 3 years ok....b/c freddie will send every successful reliever to TJ. CK got out of it b/c Fredi would only use in save situations.

[Dalyn]

if by long term you mean 3 years ok....b/c freddie will send every successful reliever to TJ. CK got out of it b/c Fredi would only use in save situations.

Martin will be in the rotation by 2017.

[Tapate50]

if by long term you mean 3 years ok....b/c freddie will send every successful reliever to TJ. CK got out of it b/c Fredi would only use in save situations.

I hope he gets into the rotation after the Asb

[jsebe10]

Man I amreally starting to dislike the bluejays.

[bravesnumberone]

Some wtf baseball there

[Dalyn]

That's hard to do.

[UNCBlue012]

There's very good reason as to why Cody Martin should be in the rotation.

I can think of two right now: Stults...Cahill...

[Garmel]

Martin must have a lot of movement on his fastball. It seems like batters can't square up the ball even when he throws a mistake pitch.

[jsebe10]

Here comes the pain in the a$$ Martin

[USMA76]

Russell Martin is, and always has been an a-hole so it's always nice to see him make an out.

[dak]

Tom Hallion is a bad-ass!

[chop2chip]

Tom Hallion is a bad-ass!Hes done an excellent job today. If he called yesterday's game the Braves would have won.

[USMA76]

Hes done an excellent job today. If he called yesterday's game the Braves would have won.

Truer words were never spoken.

[Russ2dollas]

Martin must have a lot of movement on his fastball. It seems like batters can't square up the ball even when he throws a mistake pitch.

someone on here posted link from fangraphs or something like that on Martin. Showed about 5 fastballs up and over the middle and ppl swinging through them.

At least so far, there is something that is keeping ppl off his 90 mph fastball. Maybe that will change, maybe not

[Dalyn]

http://s22.postimg.org/w64nnxqw1/Cozy_Martin.jpg

[buck75]

Grilli has a good hook to go with his fastball.

[Dalyn]

Grilli in for Cozy. Did it get cold in here?

[Russ2dollas]

not watching video, just gameday. Are CB and Peterson still looking competent at the plate and getting bad results or just looking over matched?

[thethe]

not watching video, just gameday. Are CB and Peterson still looking competent at the plate and getting bad results or just looking over matched?

Peterson hasn't looked great honestly.

[Dalyn]

not watching video, just gameday. Are CB and Peterson still looking competent at the plate and getting bad results or just looking over matched?

Peterson looks like crap. CB looks almost tired. Wonder if he's sick or something?

[UNCBlue012]

not watching video, just gameday. Are CB and Peterson still looking competent at the plate and getting bad results or just looking over matched?

CB has had a couple decent swings. Peterson has honestly looked awful.

[USMA76]

While winning the series is nice, we should've swept these cheating, Canadian, [blank]suckers.

[TURBO]

http://media1.giphy.com/media/4wMlW2RcOCVCU/giphy.gif

[UNCBlue012]

WINNNN. 8-4 is not what I expected from this team... it's another series win. We honestly probably SHOULD of won yesterday and gotten a sweep. Nonetheless, this looks relatively legit thus far?

[Heyward]

Good series, but probably should have won on Saturday but i'm sure we'll have some games like that when we win that we should have lost.

[dak]

Braves are 8-4 and have played all their games against teams who were viewed as playoff contenders to start the year.

Meanwhile, Jerry Blevins and Travis d'Arnaud both suffer broken bones for the division leading Mets. Yikes.

[chop2chip]

WINNNN. 8-4 is not what I expected from this team... it's another series win. We honestly probably SHOULD of won yesterday and gotten a sweep. Nonetheless, this looks relatively legit thus far?
If we can stabilize our backend of the rotation and if Banuelos, Folty, etc can come in and fix our bullpen, I could see us doing okay this year.

We are overperforming offensively, but it doesn't look like it should be the worst offense in the NL.

[chop2chip]

Braves are 8-4 and have played all their games against teams who were viewed as playoff contenders to start the year.

Meanwhile, Jerry Blevins and Travis d'Arnaud both suffer broken bones for the division leading Mets. Yikes.The Mets are ready to contend. That rotation is filthy. Losing Blevins is huge.

[Russ2dollas]

WINNNN. 8-4 is not what I expected from this team... it's another series win. We honestly probably SHOULD of won yesterday and gotten a sweep. Nonetheless, this looks relatively legit thus far?

Should have been 3. But I'll take 2/3 every time.....esp on the road.

Doesn't look fluky to me.

can we get 2/3 on the road vs a hot mets team with our 4/5 dumpster fires?

[UNCBlue012]

Braves are 8-4 and have played all their games against teams who were viewed as playoff contenders to start the year.

Meanwhile, Jerry Blevins and Travis d'Arnaud both suffer broken bones for the division leading Mets. Yikes.

I didn't realize Blevins did, but I heard he was struck by a ball. That sucks for them, both guys have been huge for a team that's rolling right now.

[thethe]

I'll take 8-4 considering I thought we would be 5-7 at best by this time in the season.

[Dalyn]

The 5-0 start had some fluky elements, but the overall 8-4 record doesn't feel fluky.

[mossy]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b171/JamieSanders/Mobile%20Uploads/CCAE79C9-CE19-49F4-9192-CB5E2A5A4AD0_zpstokhdgij.png (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/JamieSanders/media/Mobile%20Uploads/CCAE79C9-CE19-49F4-9192-CB5E2A5A4AD0_zpstokhdgij.png.html)

[thethe]

The 5-0 start had some fluky elements, but the overall 8-4 record doesn't feel fluky.

Pitching/Pitching/Pitching.

If we can upgrade Stults then we might be in the WC chase come September.

[Dalyn]

Pitching/Pitching/Pitching.

If we can upgrade Stults then we might be in the WC chase come September.

Going to make Fredi's typical September hard to stomach (again).

[Russ2dollas]

Pitching/Pitching/Pitching.

If we can upgrade Stults then we might be in the WC chase come September.

good news for us is that we have to have the most options there possible.......Martin, Minor, Folty, ManBan....

I still have confidence in the org an McDowell to fig out the 4/5 and get some production from Stults and Cahill

[USMA76]

Pitching/Pitching/Pitching.

If we can upgrade Stults then we might be in the WC chase come September.

Perhaps Cahill for a box of baseballs? Seriously, trotting out those guys at the back end of the pitching rotation sure puts a lot of pressure on nos. 1-3 and the bullpen.

[Dalyn]

Perhaps Cahill for a box of baseballs? Seriously, trotting out those guys at the back end of the pitching rotation sure puts a lot of pressure on nos. 1-3 and the bullpen.

We are already paying them, so might as well give them some time to figure it out. I think that's a possibility with Cahill. Stults is what he is.

[chipchildress]

would this be a good place to remind the board that heyward was the most overrated brave in history (great baserunner!...LOL) and the trade for Shelby Miller was a brilliant move (equaled only by not throwing 20 million a year on a defensive guy in an offensive premium position)?

[Tapate50]

Anyone doubt Grilli isn't worth something at this rate at the deadline?

[Tapate50]

We are already paying them, so might as well give them some time to figure it out. I think that's a possibility with Cahill. Stults is what he is.

Well, while they haven't pitched as well as we a hoped, neither have Wood or JT. I expect some improvement from all four of them and some regression from Miller.

[Hawk]

I'm OK with giving Cahill several more starts before officially calling for his head. There's still some potential there by virtue of age and repertoire.

Stults, OTOH, should be a long-man or released/traded.

[chipchildress]

I'm OK with giving Cahill several more starts before officially calling for his head. There's still some potential there by virtue of age and repertoire.

Stults, OTOH, should be a long-man or released/traded.

why are you ok with cahill? what has he done in the past forever to make you think he'll improve?

[Heyward]

I think we can contend if they upgrade the 4-5 spots.

I'll give Cahill a few more starts.

They need 4-5 runs at least everytime Stults goes.

[Heyward]

why are you ok with cahill? what has he done in the past forever to make you think he'll improve?

He's made one start, we cant let him improve after working with Roger.

[chipchildress]

why are you ok with cahill? what has he done in the past forever to make you think he'll improve?

oh, i get it. he has a high strike out rate so for some reason in 2015 that means he's good. just like good baserunning means a mediocre hitter with no power is worth $25 million/per.

i feel like we're in the gluten free era of baseball. once people wrap their heads around the idiocy of some of the diets they swear by, they'll just laugh about some of the decisions that were made.

[Dalyn]

Cahill has made ONE start. Regardless of what you think about the trade, we ARE paying him quite a lot and tossing him in the trash after one start would be ridiculous.

[Heyward]

oh, i get it. he has a high strike out rate so for some reason in 2015 that means he's good. just like good baserunning means a mediocre hitter with no power is worth $25 million/per.

i feel like we're in the gluten free era of baseball. once people wrap their heads around the idiocy of some of the diets they swear by, they'll just laugh about some of the decisions that were made.

No one brought up Heyward, we get it you dont like him.

Cahill deserves more than 1 start with what they're paying him this year.

[dak]

We definitely need more time to evaluate Stults and Cahill. They've started a combined 3 games. I bet at least one of them will deliver a quality outing against the Mets this week.

[Dalyn]

Well, while they haven't pitched as well as we a hoped, neither have Wood or JT. I expect some improvement from all four of them and some regression from Miller.

I just hope Teheran's knee isn't hurt.

[Russ2dollas]

I just hope Teheran's knee isn't hurt.

Agree those guys will get better and prob miller a little worse.

We've played some decent offenses too. Pitching usually a little ahead of hitting early but Toronto, Miami, and Mets are good line ups. Toronto at their place especially tough.

[Hawk]

he has a high strike out rate so for some reason in 2015 that means he's good.

I could give a rat's ass about high K rates. I'm more interested in the possibility of him lowering his strikeouts vis a vis re-mastering his sinker.

As for everything else you said: :Bowman:

[Braves1976]

Cahill has made ONE start. Regardless of what you think about the trade, we ARE paying him quite a lot and tossing him in the trash after one start would be ridiculous.

Agreed. Plus this is a rebuild year like it or not (I don't like it but I understand the reality) so even if he continues to struggle mostly you still stick with him because the kids on the farm are not ready and shouldn't be rushed. Again, this team was set-up with the future in mind, not so much the present, if we cared a lot about the present we'd either went with Wandy over Stults or kept them both and not made other moves too. So despite the good start the plan stays the same.

That said, I could see moving Martin to the rotation and Stults to the bullpen at some point.

[50PoundHead]

It's early, but it's good to see Miller getting more ground balls than he has in the past. Big guy who throws hard, so if he can keep the ball down and refine an "out pitch," he could really surprise.

[thethe]

I can't believe we got Miller for a player who was one year away from free agency. I don't care who that player is.

[Runnin]

would this be a good place to remind the board that heyward was the most overrated brave in history (great baserunner!...LOL) and the trade for Shelby Miller was a brilliant move (equaled only by not throwing 20 million a year on a defensive guy in an offensive premium position)?
probably not

[sturg33]

I can't believe we got Miller for a player who was one year away from free agency. I don't care who that player is.

lol

[CrimsonCowboy]

I had to be away when the game ended, but better late than never.......................
http://i.imgur.com/P6x0U.gif

[mossy]

I had to be away when the game ended, but better late than never.......................
http://i.imgur.com/P6x0U.gif

Never too late!

[Carp]

oh, i get it. he has a high strike out rate so for some reason in 2015 that means he's good. just like good baserunning means a mediocre hitter with no power is worth $25 million/per.

i feel like we're in the gluten free era of baseball. once people wrap their heads around the idiocy of some of the diets they swear by, they'll just laugh about some of the decisions that were made.

He had a some pretty decent years in the past if you cared at all to look at actual facts.

No one said they EXPECT him to be a good pitcher or that he is some world beater. But he clearly has talent and has had some good results in the past. His talent is worth a shot to see if Roger can revive his career.

[VirginiaBrave]

would this be a good place to remind the board that heyward was the most overrated brave in history (great baserunner!...LOL) and the trade for Shelby Miller was a brilliant move (equaled only by not throwing 20 million a year on a defensive guy in an offensive premium position)?

Duck...incoming...that said, I wouldn't mind if he were in our outfield next year...

[Dalyn]

I can't believe we got Miller for a player who was one year away from free agency. I don't care who that player is.

He looks really raw. That could be an excellent thing, meaning he will develop beyond what we already see, or it could be a part of the player he is and will be. Either way, I look forward to watching him over the next couple years.

[CyYoung31]

I'm watching the game on replay now. Is Chip gaining weight? His face looks off.

Maybe he's off his cocaine diet?

[thethe]

He looks really raw. That could be an excellent thing, meaning he will develop beyond what we already see, or it could be a part of the player he is and will be. Either way, I look forward to watching him over the next couple years.

Agreed 100%. This is probably the worst he is going to be. Not in terms of actual performance output but stuff and repitoire on the mount. I can't understand how anyone can "lol" the comment I made. Regardless of what Heyward does in his career the Braves still traded 1 year of Heyward for 4 years of Miller. Great deal.

[thethe]

Duck...incoming...that said, I wouldn't mind if he were in our outfield next year...

I wouldn't mind it either but the problem is that its another left handed bat. Justin Upton makes much more sense next year.

[AerchAngel]

Agreed. Plus this is a rebuild year like it or not (I don't like it but I understand the reality) so even if he continues to struggle mostly you still stick with him because the kids on the farm are not ready and shouldn't be rushed. Again, this team was set-up with the future in mind, not so much the present, if we cared a lot about the present we'd either went with Wandy over Stults or kept them both and not made other moves too. So despite the good start the plan stays the same.

That said, I could see moving Martin to the rotation and Stults to the bullpen at some point.

It might be sooner than you think because of latest news.

[Julio3000]

I'm watching the game on replay now. Is Chip gaining weight? His face looks off.

Maybe he's off his cocaine diet?

I was under the impression that speed never slumps.

[thewupk]

So has Seitzer fixed Chris Johnson? His K% is way down and BB% way up.

[UNCBlue012]

If he did, then we've hit the jackpot. Whether we keep him or trade him, we'd get our own.

[thethe]

So has Seitzer fixed Chris Johnson? His K% is way down and BB% way up.

It can't be just the different players that have been brought in. Some of this definitely needs to be credited to Seitzer work.

[sturg33]

12 games folks...

Remember all of the spring training declarations.

Jace looks awful - Betancourt "looks" a "little" better but the results are awful. Simmons still can't walk. etc.

[VirginiaBrave]

I wouldn't mind it either but the problem is that its another left handed bat. Justin Upton makes much more sense next year.

I agree on that but do the Braves really want to go back down the Upton road again? For an all-star OF'er to be essentially given to us and then for us to at least publicly not to make too much buzz about extending him even after he puts up good offensive numbers makes me wonder. Something tells me they have no problem he is in SD.

[VirginiaBrave]

12 games folks...

Remember all of the spring training declarations.

Jace looks awful - Betancourt "looks" a "little" better but the results are awful. Simmons still can't walk. etc.

Still won two of three right where they need to be. I know its killing some of y'all that the team doesn't look bad enough to get a top five pick next year.

[thethe]

12 games folks...

Remember all of the spring training declarations.

Jace looks awful - Betancourt "looks" a "little" better but the results are awful. Simmons still can't walk. etc.

Funny how 12 games is not enough for the positives but it's all good for the negatives.

It's a shame because I really do believe there are brave fans on this board that are rooting for the team to lose this year.

[gilesfan]

I can't believe we got Miller for a player who was one year away from free agency. I don't care who that player is.

We should probably ease up on the praise, its' been 16 innings over 3 starts. He's K rate is way down and his walk rate is up. His groundball rate is extremely encouraging, but let's reevaluate in July and see what he looks like.

[sturg33]

Funny how 12 games is not enough for the positives but it's all good for the negatives.

It's a shame because I really do believe there are brave fans on this board that are rooting for the team to lose this year.

Well... the 12 games is continuing the career trends.

[gilesfan]

So has Seitzer fixed Chris Johnson? His K% is way down and BB% way up.

Over 30 PAs, anything is possible.

[VirginiaBrave]

We should probably ease up on the praise, its' been 16 innings over 3 starts. He's K rate is way down and his walk rate is up. His groundball rate is extremely encouraging, but let's reevaluate in July and see what he looks like.

Still Miller has more wins than Heyward has homers two weeks in so for now we've won the trade.

[sturg33]

yes - if Hayward continues to be a terrible hitter and Miller continues a sub 2 ERA this year then we will have definitely won this trade

[UNCBlue012]

This early on, I just don't trust C-Beth's offense at all and I actually really like what Simmons is bringing to the plate. He still hacks, but it's been much less than last year and his stance has tightened up which has led to awesome results.

Defensively, both of these guys have been great. C-Beth has called beautiful games.

[thethe]

yes - if Hayward continues to be a terrible hitter and Miller continues a sub 2 ERA this year then we will have definitely won this trade

That doesn't need to happen to "win" the trade.

[chop2chip]

Mark Simon keeps track of hard hit rate. Currently he has the Braves in 3rd place in MLB (behind LAD and Oak) at 19%. In fact the Braves have been relatively unlucky this year with hard hit balls, thanks mostly to Freddie who has the highest out of any player in baseball, but has been extremely unlucky.

[thethe]

I wonder what Cardinal fans thought the following year they traded JD Drew to us and he had a MVP type season for the Braves.

[Hawk]

I wonder what Cardinal fans thought the following year they traded JD Drew to us and he had a MVP type season for the Braves.

Probably something along the lines of, "But we got Adam Wainwright. AND RAY KING!"

(... and Jason Marquis)

[Tapate50]

Mark Simon keeps track of hard hit rate. Currently he has the Braves in 3rd place in MLB (behind LAD and Oak) at 19%. In fact the Braves have been relatively unlucky this year with hard hit balls, thanks mostly to Freddie who has the highest out of any player in baseball, but has been extremely unlucky.

It has seemed this way to me as well. Thanks for this contribution.

[gilesfan]

I wonder what Cardinal fans thought the following year they traded JD Drew to us and he had a MVP type season for the Braves.

If Miller ends up anywhere close to Adam Wainwright, it's probably a huge win for us. But, that is an optimistic expectation.

[thethe]

Probably something along the lines of, "But we got Adam Wainwright. AND RAY KING!"

(... and Jason Marquis)

Exactly, but the year of I don't believe Wainwright did anything for the team. But, STL fans are savy. They knew Drew wasn't going to sign long term and they got an awesome long term piece. Sounds kind of similar. Of course I'm not saying Miller is Wainwright but it is funny to see this type of deal from the other side.

[Tapate50]

If Miller ends up anywhere close to Adam Wainwright, it's probably a huge win for us. But, that is an optimistic expectation.

Well, uh... yeah.

[thethe]

If Miller ends up anywhere close to Adam Wainwright, it's probably a huge win for us. But, that is an optimistic expectation.

Miller will not be Wainwright. But as a said above...Miller doesn't have to be this good for it to be a huge win for the Braves.

[Hawk]

Exactly, but the year of I don't believe Wainwright did anything for the team. But, STL fans are savy. They knew Drew wasn't going to sign long term and they got an awesome long term piece. Sounds kind of similar. Of course I'm not saying Miller is Wainwright but it is funny to see this type of deal from the other side.

True. Although I would add that IIRC Drew was disliked in StL so they might have been happy to see him go regardless.

[Tapate50]

True. Although I would add that IIRC Drew was disliked in StL so they might have been happy to see him go regardless.

They didn't know if he loved baseball or not either?

[thethe]

They didn't know if he loved baseball or not either?

The parallels are endless!

[thethe]

True. Although I would add that IIRC Drew was disliked in StL so they might have been happy to see him go regardless.

Oh yeah, the fans did not like him. I think all Brave fans, at least all Brave fans should, loved Heyward but should be smart enough to see what was about to happen long-term with him (contract-wise).

[CyYoung31]

So has Seitzer fixed Chris Johnson? His K% is way down and BB% way up.

It's because he's batting almost exclusively against LHP, which is how it should have been from day 1.

[thethe]

It's because he's batting almost exclusively against LHP, which is how it should have been from day 1.

This isn't true.

[nsacpi]

CJ with 21 plate appearances against righties this year and 9 against lefties. Score 1 for thethe.

[gilesfan]

CJ with 21 plate appearances against righties this year and 9 against lefties. Score 1 for thethe.

1 game hitting streak for thethe

[nsacpi]

Seeing eye single. Lord BABIP special. Proves the value of weak contact.
1 game hitting streak for thethe

[Dalyn]

I don't know. I think thethe took advantage of terrible defensive positioning and served that one in the huge gap for a triple.

[Braves1976]

Still won two of three right where they need to be. I know its killing some of y'all that the team doesn't look bad enough to get a top five pick next year.

We are 8-4 after starting 17-7 last year, but we didn't get a protected pick last year either. Further, would I prefer a protected pick if there is to be no playoffs again this year? Sure, I'd hope all of us would but it's a bit early to be concerning ourselves about that.

[thethe]

I'm not worried about having a protected first round pick because the only player I want is Upton and if he is there then its worth giving up a first round pick for.

[Braves1976]

I'm not worried about having a protected first round pick because the only player I want is Upton and if he is there then its worth giving up a first round pick for.

I don't see us bringing back Upton nor Heyward personally.

[thethe]

I don't see us bringing back Upton nor Heyward personally.

Agreed and thats why I don't think having a protected pick really matters because other than Upton there is not a player that fits the Braves needs who will be available via FA next year.

[Braves1976]

Agreed and thats why I don't think having a protected pick really matters because other than Upton there is not a player that fits the Braves needs who will be available via FA next year.

It isn't just about the pick being protected, though that certainly helps if you want to sign someone like an Upton. I was just saying that if we're not going to be a playoff team again I'd want a higher draft pick. But I also noted that it's too early to be concerned about that.

[CyYoung31]

CJ with 21 plate appearances against righties this year and 9 against lefties. Score 1 for thethe.

He's virtually in a platoon though and he should stay that way.

I've watched like 2 games all year, that's why I assumed he was mainly facing lefties.

[nsacpi]

CJ had negative splits while with the Diamondbacks. But conventional splits in the minors.

Key takeaway: splits data take a long time to stabilize and you want to use as big a sample (including minor league data) as possible if you want to predict splits going forward.

I remember three spring trainings ago many were arguing against a CJ-Juan Francisco platoon because of CJ's negative splits with the Diamondbacks.

[Braves1976]

CJ had negative splits while with the Diamondbacks. But conventional splits in the minors.

Key takeaway: splits data take a long time to stabilize and you want to use as big a sample (including minor league data) as possible if you want to predict splits going forward.

I remember three spring trainings ago many were arguing against a CJ-Juan Francisco platoon because of CJ's negative splits with the Diamondbacks.

CJ has also changed his approach a number of times over the years, that likely explains it somewhat. But I just hope he continues putting up good numbers at the plate and that we ship him out of here ASAP.

[nsacpi]

He seems to be doing a better job this year laying off the outside pitch. The usual small sample caveat applies.

[Braves1976]

He seems to be doing a better job this year laying off the outside pitch. The usual small sample caveat applies.

He has a few AB's but other AB's he's still chasing them, but the bottom line is he has walked more so far. I think that is due more to facing pitchers that are missing the zone more than him though. But either way I wish him much success and just hope we're smart enough to trade him the first chance we get.

[thewupk]

I do think it's obvious that CJ's good start is just that. I just find it odd that his walk rate is equal to his K rate at this point in the year. Has he ever had a 2 week stretch where that's been the case?

I do agree that he should be primarily used agaisnt lefties.