4/28/15 MLB GDT Braves/Nats: Teheran on the bump(Julio Pic)/Some lineup consistency!

[Dalyn]

TP and AJ arguing a bit at first. Wonder what that was about?

[Hawk]

3-run homerun by Gomes here.

**** you.

[bravesnumberone]

Well, Gomes a waste so far tonight.

[bravesnumberone]

TP and AJ arguing a bit at first. Wonder what that was about?

Asshole said Fredi was an idiot.

[CyYoung31]

**** you.

You wanna go to war? Because we can go to war.

[chopdrew]

AJ Pierzynski doesnt care about your hotshot catching prospect...

[CyYoung31]

TP and AJ arguing a bit at first. Wonder what that was about?

AJ probably grazed him on the way to first.

[jsebe10]

Well, Gomes a waste so far tonight.

In his defense...he's dick vs righties. Took KJ out way too soon.

[Julio3000]

AJ Pierzynski IS your hotshot catching prospect.

[jsebe10]

Please God no walks

[bravesnumberone]

This one's for Asshole.

http://thejockitch.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/03/JackParkman_display_image.jpg

[Braves1976]

That was a nice easy gift out. Thanks.

[Dalyn]

AJ probably grazed him on the way to first.

Sounds about right. I honestly think TP tried to tell him something and AJ didn't acknowledge what was said and TP said something and it looked like AJ said, "I heard you the first time."

[Hawk]

Chip: "Harper could hit one to Tom's house and the Braves would still lead."

---

I mean, superb analysis there.

[Heyward]

Figured the Nats would get at least 1 there.

With how this game has gone, might need 1 more run.

[dak]

Board favorite Jim Johnson with a huge inning.

[Dalyn]

Chip: "Harper could hit one to Tom's house and the Braves would still lead."

---

I mean, superb analysis there.

And he basically says the same thing all the time.

[WaitingFor2017]

Only two 1-2-3 innings tonight (Roark's 3rd and Johnson's 8th).

[CyYoung31]

How the **** would Uggla have the most career games played vs Nationals as a Brave? Chip is an idiot.

[Dalyn]

How the **** would Uggla have the most career games played vs Nationals as a Brave? Chip is an idiot.

Maybe he was thinking most career outs.

[Julio3000]

Maybin on 4 times tonight.

[Dalyn]

Stealing in Atlanta now? This rioting is getting out of control.

[WaitingFor2017]

EY can stay on the bench.

[Dalyn]

Marky Markakis on base again.

[Dalyn]

http://memecrunch.com/meme/26AY1/not-sure-if-nick-markakis/image.png?w=500&c=1

[Dalyn]

http://i.imgur.com/RLR7zxY.gif

[JusticeForAll23]

I don't know what's worse. Blowing it over a few innings or blowing it all in one inning like we did with the Mets about 10 years or so back.
I don't know, but this has been pretty excruciating. Every inning I keep thinking, "well yeah, but they're still down X runs." And every inning X keeps getting smaller and smaller to a point where I didn't think it'd ever get.

[Heyward]

welp, one swing ties it now

[CrimsonCowboy]

Where did that miss???????????????????

[TDlxANDER]

Umpiring got me like...

[WaitingFor2017]

Bad call, blue.

Will The Owl come through in the night?

[UNCBlue012]

Strike 3 or nah?

[sturg33]

LOL... hats broadcast saying it was a missed call. The camera pans to Fredi who is just sitting there. Announcer says "Nats caught a break... Fredi Gonzales [pause]... probably not happy with that call."

[CrimsonCowboy]

Wow

[TDlxANDER]

Haha

[UNCBlue012]

WHAT. Hahahaha these idiots.

[Braves1976]

okay...

[The Chosen One]

Why did I k ow that waz going to happen.

[DaneHill]

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg319/dane323/Nothing%20to%20see%20here%20gif_zpssstnzzpo.gif

[thewupk]

oh my god this is too great

[Heyward]

lol fitting end to this game.

[sturg33]

Welp

[CrimsonCowboy]

As if we didn't like Uggla before.........................

[CyYoung31]

Never mention Dan Kolb in the middle of a game.

[Krovahn]

Lol Uggla.

[bravesnumberone]

I might need to take a couple weeks off from this ****. Worst loss ever.

[DaneHill]

Got beat by one of our highest paid players. :Sad:

[UNCBlue012]

Why can't this team just take the easy wins?

[thethe]

This game had to end like this. It just had to.

[rico43]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nvxXmL8K6s4/U8eEybcKTPI/AAAAAAAAAE4/EJiXDEC1tdo/s1600/Atomic+Finger.jpg

[TDlxANDER]

Lol...now the ump gives him that call

[atl717]

0-2 count and he throws a fastball right down the middle. What a dumb loser. Inexcusable pitch.

[Garmel]

Sorry sack of **** didn't do anything for us and then comes back and kills us.

[bravesnumberone]

NICE TO SEE THAT BLIND MOTHER****ER LEARNED TO HIT AGAIN NOW THAT HE LEFT AND TOOK OUR MONEY.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Had a feeling after Espinosa wasn't called out on what should have been strike three.

[Tino25Dynasty]

This is the weirdest thing.... You could almost feel that coming the entire at bat. It was just too perfect a scenerio. Dan Uggla, been booed all series and hated, go ahead run, Nats been coming back all game...

It was scripted

[sturg33]

Losing a game where you score 12 runs with your ace on the mound is pretty deflating.

This will likely get the Nats going

[Dalyn]

http://kozepsuli.hu/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/hgUIdDl.gif

[CyYoung31]

It doesn't matter if Uggla is wearing a Braves uniform, hell find a way to beat us.

[Braves78]

Lmao...already knew this was going to be a loooonnng season but my god losing a 9 run lead with our "best" pitcher on the bump. Just wish I could fast forward to the end of the season.

[TDlxANDER]

Dan still sucks...we just want the Nats to keep him around.

[Dalyn]

NICE TO SEE THAT BLIND MOTHER****ER LEARNED TO HIT AGAIN NOW THAT HE LEFT AND TOOK OUR MONEY.

In fairness, the Braves should have better doctors.

[thewupk]

At least our offense isn't the problem we though it would be

[CyYoung31]

Christ...

[UNCBlue012]

Gomes....

[Braves1976]

LOL@Gomes still being in there.

[PurpleBrave]

Well this ought to sent the team into a tail spin to 4th place. Pretty much a clinic on how to not field and pitch tonight

[JusticeForAll23]

Losing a game where you score 12 runs with your ace on the mound is pretty deflating.

This will likely get the Nats going
That, and we had a 9-1 then a 10-2 lead. I'm not sure how high it ranks, but as far as gut-wrenching, embarrassing regular season losses, this one has to rank pretty highly, if not #1

Stupid/silly me for going to WFF and relishing in their anguish during the 3rd-4th innings.

[nsacpi]

This game had to end like this. It just had to.

My takeaway is the Gnats offense relies too much on power. Tis a new era.

[VirginiaBrave]

Well, I reckon he earned his paycheck from us.... 30 plus yrs, I have never seen the Braves pitch so scared.

[bravesnumberone]

This game had to end like this. It just had to.

Maybe we shouldn't have dumped all of our relievers. Need to find some ****ers that can throw strikes. Behind every big rally, there's a walk or two....or six.

[Dalyn]

Happy Fredi kept the good defense out there.

[DirkPiggler]

Jesus Hezekiah Christ.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Ben Ingram ‏@IngramRadio 16s17 seconds ago
From what I can tell, that was Uggla's first homer at Turner Field since July 14th, 2013.

[atl717]

Release Grilli. How can he be so dumb?

[AerchAngel]

Got beat by one of our highest paid players. :Sad:

This is what makes me mad. We paid him to beat us.

[Tino25Dynasty]

Losing a game where you score 12 runs with your ace on the mound is pretty deflating.

This will likely get the Nats going

Yep... Maybe this will settle some fans down. We came outta the gate unexpectedly playing well but lets not forget. We were expected to lose 100 games this year.

I was telling people we were Pretenders, not Contenders. While we have some nice talent on our club. It's not a team that's gonna form great chemistry as guys like Grilli won't be around in a year or two for us.

[DaneHill]

Is 2017 here yet? :popcorn:

[bravesnumberone]

In fairness, the Braves should have better doctors.

I'm sure we will in 2017.

[AerchAngel]

Why can't this team just take the easy wins?

Well, the manager we have is inept, that is for starters.

[Dalyn]

Release Grilli. How can he be so dumb?

What? :FrediWut: He's our second best pitcher in the bullpen.

[Dalyn]

I'm sure we will in 2017.

I hear we have some good prospects down getting time poking kidneys and livers.

[50PoundHead]

Nats biggest contributors tonight both came into the game sub-.200. Small sample size and all, but sheesh.

[Dalyn]

Seems to me we've beat up this guy in the past.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Nats biggest contributors tonight both came into the game sub-.200. Small sample size and all, but sheesh.

Baseball is a funny game sometimes

[nsacpi]

bad body language

[Tino25Dynasty]

It's okay... I mean, it's just a closer's role right? No need for Kimbrel, he's done in like 2 or 3 years right? That's what the Braves thought

In Grilli's defense, he's been well for us becoming the unexpected closer for us this season. His head maybe wasn't in the game like usual as he was probly thinking about what movie he was going to watch when he gets home in the 4th when we're up 10-2 with Julio Theran on the mound.... Not about trying to lock down a save with just a 2 run lead in the 9th

[UNCBlue012]

And when we actually need it, Freddie doesn't come through. Come on team, you need to tie this up or win. This is awful.

[PurpleBrave]

0-2 to one of the worst strike out hitters in a generation and you send a meat ball right down the middle...

[Dalyn]

Baseball is a funny game sometimes

https://mytvsangtome.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/giphy.gif

[USMA76]

Baseball is a funny game sometimes

Why am I not laughing?

[rico43]

http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/x/moldy-sandwich-25843853.jpg

[Dalyn]

I hope Asshole has one last long one in him today.

[bravesnumberone]

Justin Upton would be nice here.

[drewdat]

The better we make Uggla look this series, the better the chance that he ruins Washington's season/franchise.

Also does this mean we aren't winning the World Series now?

[VirginiaBrave]

In hindsight of how Wren and crew handled the Uggs situation the organization deserved this night...

[sturg33]

And when we actually need it, Freddie doesn't come through. Come on team, you need to tie this up or win. This is awful.

You're kidding right?

[UNCBlue012]

There is no way these guys care to win. I'm sorry, but this is series. 10-2 should be automatic.

[Braves1976]

What a nightmare that turned into, just so ugly...

[UNCBlue012]

You're kidding right? yeah. I'm just pissed. Haha he had a great night.

[Julio3000]

Nats' infielders treat the ball like it's made of herpes.

[Heyward]

Only reason i dont care about losses, is it gives Atl maybe a top 10 pick next winter to sign a FA.

This one is a kick in the balls tho.

[sturg33]

It's okay... I mean, it's just a closer's role right? No need for Kimbrel, he's done in like 2 or 3 years right? That's what the Braves thought

In Grilli's defense, he's been well for us becoming the unexpected closer for us this season. His heard maybe wasn't in the game like usual as he was probly thinking about what movie he was going to watch when he gets home in the 4th when we're up 10-2 with Julio Theran on the mound.... Not about trying to lock down a save with just a 2 run lead in the 9th

Grilli has done his job this year. If he gets that strike 3 call with Espinosa, I have a feeling we win this game

[Tino25Dynasty]

I will say, I hope Dan Uggla isn't feeling like he's Mr. Macho and "**** you Braves country" or anything like that. The Braves stayed with him as long as they could. It's his own fault he signed a damn phat ass contract and was too damn consumed and overwhelmed and let it get to him to live up to it that he hit at the level of a bench player off a high school a team called to try to play in the majors

Still bull****

[CrimsonCowboy]

Well, that was pretty terrible

[AerchAngel]

I can't believe we gave up an 8 run lead.

[DaneHill]

Welp, probably gonna be a lot more ugly losses this season.

[Dalyn]

Good job, Uggla. I'm not going to hate on him. The guy was injured and our ****ty organization couldn't figure that out.

[sturg33]

Atlanta is going to have a serious attendance problem this year. Fans aren't showing up while the team is playing pretty well, against their top division rival.

The summer could get ugly unless we over-perform

[Julio3000]

I wonder if Grilli considered throwing ol' Oculomotor a breaking ball.

[AerchAngel]

Only reason i dont care about losses, is it gives Atl maybe a top 10 pick next winter to sign a FA.

This one is a kick in the balls tho.

Its a terrible year for draftees. We would get someone that would be a bust.

[Hawk]

Well that was debilitating.

[bravesnumberone]

My only response to this cluster**** of a ****ing ****up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KolfEhV-KiA

[AerchAngel]

I feel like someone punch or kicked me in the nuts hard.

[thewupk]

I feel like someone punch or kicked me in the nuts hard.

I felt that way this offseason. Luckily I just don't give a damn how the Braves play this year. It is entertaining though. Much more then last year.

[Gary82]

best game of the season. I was hoping that Uggla would hit that bomb. HAHAHAHHAHAHA

[Russ2dollas]

I feel like someone punch or kicked me in the nuts hard.

agree.

I blame Freddie for keeping Tehran in so he can get a win. Tehran is clearly hurt and/or didn't have it tonight.

Uggla found a nut. He hit a big HR vs Philly about this time too. I don't think our Drs missed anyhthiing. He'll still end the year hitting 200.

[sturg33]

Two things that few if anyone commented on was Nick Markakis' lack of range in that 7th inning. Two fly balls to right hat I thought he should have caught both of them, led to 3 runs.

The guy is a statue out there

[Julio3000]

Two things that few if anyone commented on was Nick Markakis' lack of range in that 7th inning. Two fly balls to right hat I thought he should have caught both of them, led to 3 runs.

The guy is a statue out there

The second looked catchable, for sure.

[thewupk]

Two things that few if anyone commented on was Nick Markakis' lack of range in that 7th inning. Two fly balls to right hat I thought he should have caught both of them, led to 3 runs.

The guy is a statue out there

Look. He catches what he gets to. That's all that matters.

[The Chosen One]

Two things that few if anyone commented on was Nick Markakis' lack of range in that 7th inning. Two fly balls to right hat I thought he should have caught both of them, led to 3 runs.

The guy is a statue out there

Heyward's defense was overrated.

[Julio3000]

Look. He catches what he gets to. That's all that matters.

That and a tiny right field will get you a Gold Glove, apparently.

[sturg33]

Watching the Nats broadcast is nauseating

[Dalyn]

Seems to stand in right field just as well as Heyward ever did. The running and all. That's different.

[The Chosen One]

Seems to stand in right field just as well as Heyward ever did. The running and all. That's different.

Reverse racism. We helped a white guy out of Baltimore, and sent the black guy near Ferguson. Hmmm....

[thewupk]

That and a tiny right field will get you a Gold Glove, apparently.

Look. He hasn't made an error in like 500 games which I'm sure is some kind of record.

[sturg33]

Seems to stand in right field just as well as Heyward ever did. The running and all. That's different.

He hasn't dropped anything ... so his gold glove should be save

[Braves1976]

BTW, how about Fredi's use of Gomes tonight? It made Gomes look bad and cost KJ AB's he could've helped us win. Please for the love of God fire that moron!

[sturg33]

The second looked catchable, for sure.

Fair... Heyward probably catches both - but the first one wasn't easy

[PurpleBrave]

Atlanta is going to have a serious attendance problem this year. Fans aren't showing up while the team is playing pretty well, against their top division rival.

The summer could get ugly unless we over-perform

Chris Johnson bobble head night should take care of attendance woes

[bravesfanforlife88]

"Fredi Gonzalez is a great manager in the last year of this deal. We will evaluate him on the improvement of his players as opposed to his record." -john hart

Sorry Johnny fredi sucks as a manager. His team is improving about as much of his management skills.

[jsebe10]

Just bad pitching almost 20 walks in the past 4-5 games. That's embarassing.

I'm not buying this Tehran being the ace sht.

[sturg33]

"Fredi Gonzalez is a great manager in the last year of this deal. We will evaluate him on the improvement of his players as opposed to his record." -john hart

Sorry Johnny fredi sucks as a manager. His team is improving about as much of his management skills.

Is that a real quote?

[Dalyn]

:HeywardWut:

[Braves1976]

Is that a real quote?

If it is shoot me and put me out of my misery already. :)

[Millwood1Hitter]

BUT BUT BUT closers are overrated. Guys like Kimbrel are easily replaceable, like picking a guy off the street. That's such BS.

BS! And it wasn't for that albatross of a contract for BJ we could still have him.

FU BJ

I understand it doesn't matter this season or even next, but I'd sure like to when we get to contending having the best closer in the game to build the pen around.

But people forget the 90s. The Yanks had Rivera and we had a revolving door of good to great relievers that came up short when we needed them the most.

[Dalyn]

Watching this team play baseball has turned me into a lesbian.

[bravesfanforlife88]

Is that a real quote?

Not word for word....hart said basically that in a nutshell earlier this year

[jsebe10]

Fckn Span 5-6. Btch was hitting .200 coming into this series.

[Julio3000]

BTW, how about Fredi's use of Gomes tonight? It made Gomes look bad and cost KJ AB's he could've helped us win. Please for the love of God fire that moron!

Fredi with a roster full of platoon pieces and utility guys is like a kid with a new toy . . . except he's 4 years old and the toy is, like, a chemistry set or something. So broken glass and beakers full of pee are a given, and in the end you're just lucky he didn't set the drapes on fire.

[Braves1976]

Not word for word....hart said basically that in a nutshell earlier this year

Don't tell me that man come on, lie to me damn it! :)

[sturg33]

BUT BUT BUT closers are overrated. Guys like Kimbrel are easily replaceable, like picking a guy off the street. That's such BS.

BS! And it wasn't for that albatross of a contract for BJ we could still have him.

FU BJ

I understand it doesn't matter this season or even next, but I'd sure like to when we get to contending having the best closer in the game to build the pen around.

But people forget the 90s. The Yanks had Rivera and we had a revolving door of good to great relievers that came up short when we needed them the most.

Last year, Kimbrel blew his first save on April 21st... trying to convert his 6th save of the year.

I guess by your logic, Grilli is better than Kimbrel!

[Julio3000]

Fair... Heyward probably catches both - but the first one wasn't easy

Oh, I think Jason gets them both, for sure.

[Dalyn]

If it is shoot me and put me out of my misery already. :)

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/12/19/article-1097929-02D90A05000005DC-74_468x498.jpg

[sturg33]

Oh, I think Jason gets them both, for sure.

Defense is too heavily weighted in WAR...

RF defense cost us 3 runs and likely a win tonight

[Julio3000]

Watching this team play baseball has turned me into a lesbian.

Even so, you probably get to more balls than Nick Markakis.

[jsebe10]

Defense is too heavily weighted in WAR...

RF defense cost us 3 runs and likely a win tonight

You're joking right?

[Dalyn]

Even so, you probably get to more balls than Nick Markakis.

I don't drop any that I get to, if that's what you're really asking.

[Braves1976]

Even so, you probably get to more balls than Nick Markakis.

Hahahaha, that was a good one. :)

[bravesfanforlife88]

Defense is too heavily weighted in WAR...

RF defense cost us 3 runs and likely a win tonight

Leaving avilan in the game cost us 3 runs and the game...

[Julio3000]

Chris Johnson bobble head night should take care of attendance woes

If the arm bobbled and featured a detachable batting helmet, I'd probably buy a ticket.

[Dalyn]

If the arm bobbled and featured a detachable batting helmet, I'd probably buy a ticket.

I guess we know where that would end up.

http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/17/files/2015/03/a.j.-pierzynski-mlb-atlanta-braves-workout-850x560.jpg

[Braves1976]

If the arm bobbled and featured a detachable batting helmet, I'd probably buy a ticket.

How about a bobble head combo of him and TP with TP jacking him up after his helmet is thrown. :)

[bravesnumberone]

He made some unwise moves, but you can't even begin to pin this one on Fredi.

And it should have never gotten to the point where we had to rely on Markakis' and Gomes' nonexistent range to bail us out.

We pitched scared all night long to these guys and got what we deserved.

[nsacpi]

One thing seems obvious. The Gnats have too much power to succeed this year.

[Dalyn]

How about a bobble head combo of him and TP with TP jacking him off after his helmet is thrown. :)

Okay. Okay. This is getting ridiculous.

[Dalyn]

One thing seems obvious. The Gnats have too much power to succeed this year.

http://tireball.com/mlb/files/2014/09/frankwren.jpg

[NinersSBChamps]

NT.

[Braves1976]

Okay. Okay. This is getting ridiculous.

I know you don't find the humor in that. BTW is that what your dislike for TP goes back to or further back? Just wondering is all.

Correction, I guess you do since you changed what I said to "jacking him off" instead. :)

[weso1]

Watching this team play baseball has turned me into a lesbian.

Well at least some good has come out of it.

[Dalyn]

Well at least some good has come out of it.

Yes. A silver panty lining.

[weso1]

I do wish we could've replaced Markakis through the first 18 games and his above replacement level production with Heyward and his below replacement level production.

Those of you gloating about Heyward need to go look at his crappy start to the season. Bref even has him with a negative WAR on defense to this point.

[sturg33]

Markakis has certainly been a positive so far this year...

But his offense isn't sustainable, and his defense is

[Dalyn]

I do wish we could've replaced Markakis through the first 18 games and his above replacement level production with Heyward and his below replacement level production.

Those of you gloating about Heyward need to go look at his crappy start to the season. Bref even has him with a negative WAR on defense to this point.

:HeywardWut:

[MadduxFanII]

It's only been going on for two days, but I'm already pretty sick of Freeman and DOB lecturing fans about booing Uggla. Guy got paid very well and played very badly for us, and now he's getting paid very well by us to play for a division rival. He seems a decent enough sort and I knew he played hard, but he's a grown-ass man making a ton of money. He can handle a few boos.

[GovClintonTyree]

Defense is too heavily weighted in WAR...

RF defense cost us 3 runs and likely a win tonight

Yeah, we should have won 12-10. ****in Markakis.

[VirginiaBrave]

I feel like even with tonight's crappy loss, these guys sit at .500, which is four games better than that team of human windmills put up last year over 162. Not all hope is lost.

[VirginiaBrave]

It's only been going on for two days, but I'm already pretty sick of Freeman and DOB lecturing fans about booing Uggla. Guy got paid very well and played very badly for us, and now he's getting paid very well by us to play for a division rival. He seems a decent enough sort and I knew he played hard, but he's a grown-ass man making a ton of money. He can handle a few boos.

Its also part of the reason why the the Atlanta fanbase takes crap from around baseball. Cheer when he makes an out, which I do. But I don't boo him. He worked hard and busted his a-- while he was here. That's all can be asked.

[MadduxFanII]

That's all can be asked.

No, actually, I can ask a well-paid Major League Baseball to play well. I don't assign moral failings to a player's physical failings, but this isn't JV high school baseball. Uggla isn't getting paid to work hard and bust his ass.

[GovClintonTyree]

Fredi with a roster full of platoon pieces and utility guys is like a kid with a new toy . . . except he's 4 years old and the toy is, like, a chemistry set or something. So broken glass and beakers full of pee are a given, and in the end you're just lucky he didn't set the drapes on fire.

Well, sure. But are we really still hammering Fredi? He's the manager. He doesn't play.

I'm not sure how people hang this on him. The roster flat sucks, the bullpen sucks, Teheran sucks, Cahill sucks month-old bongwater. Really he's got three good starters, a good first baseman, a good shortstop, and an asshole catcher who is hot as hell.

He seems to handle them pretty good, it's all those ****ty players he ****s up with. And I think you and me and LaRussa would all have the same results.

If a few of these steaming turds turn out to be keepers, this will have been a successful year. Martin, Peterson, Maybin.

Why wait for the deadline to flip the ten vets? Do it now. Screw it, let's be the Astros.

It's not his choices, it's this team. I'm not saying he's Earl Weaver or anything, but he can eat soup without spilling much of it on himself, probably write his name.

Managing a baseball team ain't hard. We just suck.

[GovClintonTyree]

No, actually, I can ask a well-paid Major League Baseball to play well. I don't assign moral failings to a player's physical failings, but this isn't JV high school baseball. Uggla isn't getting paid to work hard and bust his ass.

If Frank had sent him to an Ocularmoterdysfunction specialist, he'd have hit 70 more home runs, Frank would be the GM instead of the three-headed dick we have now, he would have extended Heyward and we'd be competing for championships while our thin farm system (because of successful major leaguers) would be replenished with drafts, scouting and international signings instead of the Padres and Astros crap.

Between Freddie, Mac, Melvin and Uggla, we must have the stupidest eye specialist ever to graduate from the DeVry School of Optometry. Pitiful.

[Runnin]

Well, at least I'm sure we all feel good for Dan Uggla. :Bowman:

[Tapate50]

Tough one, but it happens ... We have no BP other than Grilli and Martin and this is Nick Markakis fault? Sheesh.


Avilan has one terrible beard. It's like he glued pubes to it in patches.

[Julio3000]

Well, sure. But are we really still hammering Fredi? He's the manager. He doesn't play.

I'm not sure how people hang this on him. The roster flat sucks, the bullpen sucks, Teheran sucks, Cahill sucks month-old bongwater. Really he's got three good starters, a good first baseman, a good shortstop, and an asshole catcher who is hot as hell.

He seems to handle them pretty good, it's all those ****ty players he ****s up with. And I think you and me and LaRussa would all have the same results.

If a few of these steaming turds turn out to be keepers, this will have been a successful year. Martin, Peterson, Maybin.

Why wait for the deadline to flip the ten vets? Do it now. Screw it, let's be the Astros.

It's not his choices, it's this team. I'm not saying he's Earl Weaver or anything, but he can eat soup without spilling much of it on himself, probably write his name.

Managing a baseball team ain't hard. We just suck.


Yesterday's loss is not on Fredi. Anyone could second-guess any manager on any given night. I think the construction of the roster is going to tempt him to overmanage, and . . . let's just say that's not his strength.

[Julio3000]

Tough one, but it happens ... We have no BP other than Grilli and Martin and this is Nick Markakis fault? Sheesh.


Avilan has one terrible beard. It's like he glued pubes to it in patches.

Markakis has been a net positive, of course. His lack of range got a little bit exposed last night, but he's great in the leadoff spot.

Last night was weird. Freed from the burden of high expectations, I find that I can watch the Braves blow an 8-run lead against their most hated rival in a strange but not uncomfortable state of detachment. It's not a very good team. The bullpen is shaky. Grilli's going to blow one occasionally. C'est la vie.

[dak]

Markakis has been a net positive, of course. His lack of range got a little bit exposed last night, but he's great in the leadoff spot.

Yeah, so far Nick's range in RF is a little worse than I expected . . . and my expectations were fairly modest. His ABs though are unreal. He may never post a SLG over 400 again, but he's a quality hitter.

My feelings on the contract are unchanged. He's a guy you don't mind paying $11m for in 2015, but it's very unlikley he'll earn that money in the 4th year. He seems to be a hard worker and mentally tough though, so I'm guessing his decline will be gradual and nothing like the Melvin decline.

[sturg33]

Markakis is clearly a very solid hitter who is a great person to have in the lineup... but I think we probably get similar production from Aoki - and don't have to pay 10% of the payroll to.

Having said that - the lineup would probably be pretty decent if we kept Upton in there to bat in between Markakis and Freeman.

[50PoundHead]

I was watching on the MLB network with the Nats' broadcasters and I found myself agreeing with Santangelo as the game wore on (shudder). Big gripe with Gonzalez was not pulling Teheran after 5. Guy is really struggling. Couldn't believe how timid our pitchers were. We kept leaving it outside and they kept tattooing it to the opposite field. For those who constantly decry Joe Simpson's commentary (and it can be maddening), if you let the pitcher do most of the work, you can make a living driving the ball to the opposite field and our pitchers were just leaving their outer-half stuff way too high.

As for Uggla, he made more adjustments at the plate in one night than he did in 4+ seasons in Atlanta. Plus, he looks like he's lost some weight and has greater flexibility. What good are hitting coaches if you don't listen to them.

I'm not going to carp about Markakis. He is what he is. I tend to agree with sturg33 at a level. Most RFs in baseball catch Reed Johnson's ground rule double. He's a good hitter and I suspect his doubles power will pick up as the season goes on. I just think they paid him too much and for too many years.

[AerchAngel]

Dan Uggla is still laughing.

"They paid me to beat them, I hope Freddie isn't mad at me, LOLLLOLLOLLLL!!"

[UNCBlue012]

Anyone who blames Markakis is just wrong.

It's not his fault that Avilan still blows, Teheran is... something (Mental, Hurt, Idk) and that Grilli threw a 0-2 fastball almost directly down the middle to a hitter that has enough strength to get that over the fence easily.

And it's Dan FREAKING Uggla.

I'm still livid.

But, I hope Teheran is fine. I think it's more mental than anything, but something has to change, because our "Ace" can't be doing this crap.

[UNCBlue012]

Also, bravo to the offense. Seriously.

Everyone did work last night and I'm beyond happy to see Markakis-Simmons-Freeman-AJ in the first four spots.

Oh yeah, PLAY MAYBIN FREDI. He was pretty good, can take a walk, steal bases and play great defense.

[50PoundHead]

Anyone who blames Markakis is just wrong.

It's not his fault that Avilan still blows, Teheran is... something (Mental, Hurt, Idk) and that Grilli threw a 0-2 fastball almost directly down the middle to a hitter that has enough strength to get that over the fence easily.

And it's Dan FREAKING Uggla.

I'm still livid.

But, I hope Teheran is fine. I think it's more mental than anything, but something has to change, because our "Ace" can't be doing this crap.

Braves' pitchers were pitching "backwards" all night. Only guy Teheran seemed to go after was Harper. Don't know if it was scouting or whatever, but when you have a big lead, you don't toy with the other team's hitters. You go after them.

[UNCBlue012]

Just bad pitching almost 20 walks in the past 4-5 games. That's embarassing.

I'm not buying this Tehran being the ace sht.

I can buy him being a Ace to number 2 starter at his lowest. I do think he's incredibly good.

That being said, I stated several times this offseason that I believe Wood could easily pan out to be better and I'm really really high on Miller. The future is bright, last night was just dark.

[sturg33]

Anyone who blames Markakis is just wrong.

It's not his fault that Avilan still blows, Teheran is... something (Mental, Hurt, Idk) and that Grilli threw a 0-2 fastball almost directly down the middle to a hitter that has enough strength to get that over the fence easily.

And it's Dan FREAKING Uggla.

I'm still livid.

But, I hope Teheran is fine. I think it's more mental than anything, but something has to change, because our "Ace" can't be doing this crap.

I'm not blaming Markakis for the loss. We scored 12 runs and lost. The pitching was to blame.

I'm just saying Markakis' defense in the 7th inning was so bad that it cost 3 runs, in my opinion. He has no range.

But he is not the reason we lost.

[Russ2dollas]

I can buy him being a Ace to number 2 starter at his lowest. I do think he's incredibly good.

That being said, I stated several times this offseason that I believe Wood could easily pan out to be better and I'm really really high on Miller. The future is bright, last night was just dark.

did you see the talkingchop article about miller and his lack of swing and miss pitches?

Wood may be the nastiest out of the 3.....but hard to trust that he holds up.

[Millwood1Hitter]

I'm worried as hell about Julio. He's not right, he needs to be shutdown for a start or 2 or whatever he needs. I hope it's just minor and nothing that could be a serious setback in the long-term. He's just not right and it's apparent, and it's just another thing to the long list of why Fredi Gonzalez should not be managing this team any longer. Yeah, I don't really care about wins and losses this year, and that's ok, but his handling and managing of pitchers and young players for the future isn't good either and could have severe consequences moving forward.

[weso1]

Markakis has certainly been a positive so far this year...

But his offense isn't sustainable, and his defense is

Why is his offense not sustainable? In his career he's put up a similar or better OPS in 5 seasons compared to what he has right now. If his neck really was causing him issues the last couple seasons then maybe he can put up an OPS north of .800

[chop2chip]

Why is his offense not sustainable? In his career he's put up a similar or better OPS in 5 seasons compared to what he has right now. If his neck really was causing him issues the last couple seasons then maybe he can put up an OPS north of .800

That goes against the narrative, weso. His true talent level was 2013 (the year after a pretty severe injury). Not the other 8 years.

[thethe]

That goes against the narrative, weso. His true talent level was 2013 (the year after a pretty severe injury). Not the other 8 years.

Markakis will never EVER be given a fair shake with a portion of the fanbase.

[sturg33]

Why is his offense not sustainable? In his career he's put up a similar or better OPS in 5 seasons compared to what he has right now. If his neck really was causing him issues the last couple seasons then maybe he can put up an OPS north of .800

Well for starters - his BABIP is .377... good luck keeping that pace up.

And his BB% is the highest of his career, at 16.7%, where it's been under 9% for the last 4 years.

And no power to speak of - but maybe that will come

[thewupk]

Markakis will never EVER be given a fair shake with a portion of the fanbase.

No I think those that you think are negative about Markakis are just being realistic. I mean do you expect his BABIP to be as high as it is the rest of the year? How about his walk rate?

If anything his neck problem being fixed should allow him to hit for more power which has almost been non existant this year.

If he carries this high walk rate and BABIP all year I will be thrilled. I just don't see it happening because it rarely happens out of the blue. Can it? Sure. But it's not likely.

[dak]

Markakis will never EVER be given a fair shake with a portion of the fanbase.

To be honest, I've been impressed with the sober assessment of Markakis on the board since the season started. The reactions during the offseason are a completely different matter. But since the season has started, I think the vast majority have been arguing within a very narrow spectrum. If he had gotten off to a slow start, it would have been mayhem though.

[50PoundHead]

To be honest, I've been impressed with the sober assessment of Markakis on the board since the season started. The reactions during the offseason are a completely different matter. But since the season has started, I think the vast majority have been arguing within a very narrow spectrum. If he had gotten off to a slow start, it would have been mayhem though.

He is who he is (and he's not what he was). He's a very professional player who seems to have a good idea of what he can accomplish and then goes out to accomplish that. He plays within himself and I don't think that gets appreciated enough by the modern fan. I didn't particularly like the signing (especially the length of the contract), but he's here and so I'm for him.

[Braves1976]

To be honest, I've been impressed with the sober assessment of Markakis on the board since the season started. The reactions during the offseason are a completely different matter. But since the season has started, I think the vast majority have been arguing within a very narrow spectrum. If he had gotten off to a slow start, it would have been mayhem though.

I was against signing him due to the length of contract and also with considerations about the coming rebuild that we're seeing now. Plus I wanted Aoki instead due to him being cheaper, less years, likely better defense and also some ability to steal bases. If you look at both so far this season they've both walked about the same while hitting over .300. The difference so far is contract mostly, plus Aoki has been better defensively and stolen 6 bases so far too. Further, if Markakis power doesn't come back he'll just end up a slower version of Aoki for us.

That said, what would our record be right now if we signed both Markakis and Aoki (and had Aoki leading off instead of EY Jr. mostly thus far)? It would probably be another hot start like last year instead of 10-10, but I am not saying that would make us a playoff team anymore than it did last year. I just thought that was interesting to note given how poorly EYJ did leading off for us.

[thethe]

Aoki would absolutely made more sense for where the organization is right now. I always agreed iwth that.

[Braves1976]

Aoki would absolutely made more sense for where the organization is right now. I always agreed iwth that.

OK, that is fair. I agree of course and as I said from the start of the Markakis rumors. I like Markakis, I just didn't want him on a four year deal at the price given cheaper options for less years like Aoki. Plus hearing the need for neck surgery only gave me more concerns and I still don't buy it that we knew he needed it before hand (neither did DOB among other writers either).

[CyYoung31]

Markakis has been a net positive, of course. His lack of range got a little bit exposed last night, but he's great in the leadoff spot.

Last night was weird. Freed from the burden of high expectations, I find that I can watch the Braves blow an 8-run lead against their most hated rival in a strange but not uncomfortable state of detachment. It's not a very good team. The bullpen is shaky. Grilli's going to blow one occasionally. C'est la vie.

You summed up my sentiments on the game exactly.

[Braves1976]

So what does Maybin have to do to stay in the damn line-up? He's out for EY Jr. after getting on base four times last night! Plus EY Jr. was hitless last year against Zimmermann in 7 AB's so why start him tonight?

[Julio3000]

You summed up my sentiments on the game exactly.

It's kind of like being heavily medicated and watching yourself get operated on.

This probably hurts, but I'm not really feeling anything at all.

[Garmel]

So what does Maybin have to do to stay in the damn line-up? He's out for EY Jr. after getting on base four times last night! Plus EY Jr. was hitless last year against Zimmermann in 7 AB's so why start him tonight?

That's Fredi for ya.

:fredi:

[Garmel]

From DOB:

"Teheran again reiterated today he feels great physically, said if didn't he'd never pitch through injury (has long-term deal, no reason to)"

[chop2chip]

So what does Maybin have to do to stay in the damn line-up? He's out for EY Jr. after getting on base four times last night! Plus EY Jr. was hitless last year against Zimmermann in 7 AB's so why start him tonight?

I thought the same thing. I guess EY hitting .400 with RISP is the justification. His #veteranpresents has allowed him to show the young guns how to be clutch I suppose.

:FrediPuzzled:

[50PoundHead]

From DOB:

"Teheran again reiterated today he feels great physically, said if didn't he'd never pitch through injury (has long-term deal, no reason to)"

If he says so, I guess. I just can't get over the difference in approach from last year. Everything was off the fastball last year and it seems like it's the exact opposite this year.

[JohnAdcox]

Plus EY Jr. was hitless last year against Zimmermann in 7 AB's so why start him tonight?

He’s due.