GDT 5/1/15 Braves vs Reds

[Julio3000]

Braves
1. Markakis RF His OBP is absolutely the only thing exciting about him.
2. Callaspo 3B Not Gosselin, anyway.
3. Freeman 1B Votto Lite
4. Pierzynski C All-Star Jerk. Asshole Juggernaut. Awesome Jackass. The Michelob Mauler. Enjoy it while it lasts. He's probably going to get a WS ring this year.
5. Kelly Johnson LF Currently our most impressive Johnson.
6. Peterson 2B Why not?
7. Simmons SS Think of it as being the second #3 hitter.
8. Eric Young, Jr. Really? Fuuuuuuck.
9. Mike Foltynewicz Go get 'em, kiddo.

Reds
1. Hamilton CF More HR than Nick Markakis.
2. Cozart SS Not Simmons
3. Votto 1B Freeman Diesel—more walks, more maturity, authentically Canadian.
4. Frazier 3B Yeah, Chip, no one's ever thought of "Down goes Frazier!"
5. Bruce RF Whatever.
6. Phillips 2B Once traded for Bartolo Colon, and might be again.
7. Byrd LF. Almost a Brave in the past. Definitely a juicer. Probably a Brave next year.
8. Pena C Yunel's companero. Still in the bigs, still mocking us.
9. DeSclafani P

I suppose it's fitting to play the Reds on May Day, but let's hope the blue-collar Braves will show up and do work.

[TURBO]

Excited to se Folty pitch.

[sturg33]

B-A-F-F-L-I-N-G that Maybin is not in there

[Julio3000]

Excited to se Folty pitch.

No doubt.

[buck75]

Folty throws easy gazzzzzz

[buck75]

Works quick too

[sturg33]

Can't put anyone away... although only two batters in

[USMA76]

Punchout on 98 mph gas. Need one more here.

[Julio3000]

The slider is not big-league ready, I guess.

[bravesnumberone]

Hard to win ballgames when you keep falling behind.

[USMA76]

That two run RBI will look like a line drive in the box score, I guess.

26 pitches with two out in the first...smh.

[sturg33]

Hard to win ballgames when you keep falling behind.

Hard to win ballgames with this roster

[bravesnumberone]

Lots of good seats available....

[sturg33]

At least we care about the running game

[sturg33]

Lots of good seats available....

Fun to watch though

[zbhargrove]

Hard to win ballgames with this roster

Heyward is really carrying the Cards right now...

[bravesnumberone]

Fun to watch though

Give it a rest. :FrediConfident:

[sturg33]

Heyward is really carrying the Cards right now...

Who said anything about Heyward?

[Dalyn]

:FrediPuzzled:

[bravesnumberone]

Heyward is really carrying the Cards right now...

JUP having a pretty good year.

[TURBO]

Hard to win ballgames with this roster

Why are you here. Making up for Niners absence?

[sturg33]

JUP having a pretty good year.

Notice the only people who bring up Heyward are the people who complain about the people who complained about the Heyward trade?

[zbhargrove]

Who said anything about Heyward?

Well him not being here is one of the main reasons you seem to think our roster is awful... pretty clear from all of your posts. Yet our current RFer has been much better thus far.

[sturg33]

Why are you here. Making up for Niners absence?

You know - I'm still a fan of the team.

But when the club homers told us all offseason how we "got rid of the stench" from last year's team, and told us how fun this team would be to watch, it got a little annoying.

Sorry I'm not thrilled that my team traded away 4 young good players

[zbhargrove]

JUP having a pretty good year.

Yup, but left field and right field have not been the problem this year. The LF platoon has been fairly decent and Markakis has been fantastic. The black hole that is center, shoddy pitching, have been the problems.

[sturg33]

Well him not being here is one of the main reasons you seem to think our roster is awful... pretty clear from all of your posts. Yet our current RFer has been much better thus far.

Again - I never bring up Heyward... it's always you guys

[zbhargrove]

Again - I never bring up Heyward... it's always you guys

You brought him up plenty when he was traded and you always talk about the new roster being awful... not too much of a stretch dude. Come on.

[bravesnumberone]

Yup, but left field and right field have not been the problem this year. The LF platoon has been fairly decent and Markakis has been fantastic. The black hole that is center, shoddy pitching, have been the problems.

Point is we lost some talent though, and Heyward's loss wasn't the biggest. In addition to Kimbrel, we lost Walden and our bullpen is suffering for it. I was an advocate for shifting Heyward to center, even though not a lot agreed because of concerns of his body holding up over time. Markakis has been solid with the bat. Defense leaves much to be desired. Guess we got spoiled the last few years.

[sturg33]

You brought him up plenty when he was traded and you always talk about the new roster being awful... not too much of a stretch dude. Come on.

I brought him up while we were discussing the Heyward trade?

Sorry...?

[TURBO]

You know - I'm still a fan of the team.

But when the club homers told us all offseason how we "got rid of the stench" from last year's team, and told us how fun this team would be to watch, it got a little annoying.

Sorry I'm not thrilled that my team traded away 4 young good players

Rebuilding wasnnt my first choice either, but atleast they arent half assing. We arent going to be good this year. Most agree. But I dont feel the need to post everytime something bad happens. Feels like a troll, but I know you better then that.

Gattis wasnt going to work for us. Sucks losing J Up and Heyward, but most likely they walk at the end of the year anyway.

[sturg33]

Point is we lost some talent though, and Heyward's loss wasn't the biggest. In addition to Kimbrel, we lost Walden and our bullpen is suffering for it. I was an advocate for shifting Heyward to center, even though not a lot agreed because of concerns of his body holding up over time. Markakis has been solid with the bat. Defense leaves much to be desired. Guess we got spoiled the last few years.

My belief was that one of Heyward or Upton HAD to stay long term. I would have accepted a down year this year if I knew we had one of them secured long term. Instead we got some pitching prospects who are hurt

[sturg33]

Rebuilding wasnnt my first choice either, but atleast they arent half assing. We arent going to be good this year. Most agree. But I dont feel the need to post everytime something bad happens. Feels like a troll, but I know you better then that.

Gattis wasnt going to work for us. Sucks losing J Up and Heyward, but most likely they walk at the end of the year anyway.


I didn't mind the Gattis or the Kimbrel trades - actually liked them both.

I minded the Markakis signing. It seems now we would have had the money to invest in Jupton and Heyward without that signing

[Garmel]

Poor Nick. He has absolutely no range.

[jpx7]

More walks, more maturity, authentically Canadian.

Coincidentally, that's the provincial motto of New Brunswick. It's a real shot across the bow of Prince Edward Island.

[sturg33]

Folty getting hit hard

[Julio3000]

Coincidentally, that's the provincial motto of New Brunswick. It's a real shot across the bow of Prince Edward Island.

Wow.

[Braves1976]

Great AB by Peterson, deserved a hit too. He barely missed a double before that walk.

[Julio3000]

Darn good DP start by Callaspo there.

[Braves1976]

Hart just praised AJ's pitch framing and defense, lol. Does he think we're all blind or morons? It's one thing to have Joe and Chip blowing smoke, but listening to our GM, er, President do it too is embarrassing.

[weso1]

Great AB by Peterson, deserved a hit too. He barely missed a double before that walk.

Great AB by Peterson is becoming a theme. My favorite new Brave at the major league level. May only wind up being a utility guy, but still those guys are very important.

[Braves1976]

Great AB by Peterson is becoming a theme. My favorite new Brave at the major league level. May only wind up being a utility guy, but still those guys are very important.

Agreed.

[thethe]

You know - I'm still a fan of the team.

But when the club homers told us all offseason how we "got rid of the stench" from last year's team, and told us how fun this team would be to watch, it got a little annoying.

Sorry I'm not thrilled that my team traded away 4 young good players

Well really only 1 is an improvement over what we have on the roster right now.

[Braves1976]

Haha, Hart praises AJ's defense and he gives up a passed ball while he's still talking. That's what you get for blowing smoke at fans Hart!

[weso1]

Again - I never bring up Heyward... it's always you guys

You could argue that trading Heyward has given us our best player this season to this point. I mean the reason it's brought up is because at least for the first month, the trade is looking pretty dang good. He pretty much was the guy that was grumped about the most in regards to being traded. Pretty big win for the posibraves in the first month.

[thethe]

Great AB by Peterson is becoming a theme. My favorite new Brave at the major league level. May only wind up being a utility guy, but still those guys are very important.

Especially at league min for a few seasons.

[dak]

I hope Mike does well up here, but I it sure does not seem like he's ready. The breaking pitch is flat out bad, FB command is lacking, and he can't hold runners on. I think they should have kept him down to work on secondary pitches, personally.

[weso1]

Folty will be a really good pitcher if he can find his control/command. I hope the Braves will continue to be patient with him as a starter.

[thethe]

You could argue that trading Heyward has given us our best player this season to this point. I mean the reason it's brought up is because at least for the first month, the trade is looking pretty dang good. He pretty much was the guy that was grumped about the most in regards to being traded. Pretty big win for the posibraves in the first month.

Heyward will turn it around but Miller is going to be a HUGE piece moving forward.

[thethe]

Folty will be a really good pitcher if he can find his control/command. I hope the Braves will continue to be patient with him as a starter.

He can't spot his fastball at all. I'm concerned.

[dak]

Haha, Hart praises AJ's defense and he gives up a passed ball while he's still talking. That's what you get for blowing smoke at fans Hart!

Hart have anything interesting to say? I'm stuck watching the Reds announcers due to black out.

[weso1]

Heyward will turn it around but Miller is going to be a HUGE piece moving forward.

I'm hopeful that he's quietly turned into Tim Hudson. The irony is that when we traded for him I read a piece about his ceiling being Matt Cain because he was a flyball pitcher. But lately he's been a groundball guy with more contact.

[Braves1976]

Hart have anything interesting to say? I'm stuck watching the Reds announcers due to black out.

You might be interested that he praised Williams Perez and talked about him being next in line.

[weso1]

Hart have anything interesting to say? I'm stuck watching the Reds announcers due to black out.

The most interesting thing I took from his comments is that he pointed out that they planned for Folty to remain a starter.

[Braves1976]

I hope Mike does well up here, but I it sure does not seem like he's ready. The breaking pitch is flat out bad, FB command is lacking, and he can't hold runners on. I think they should have kept him down to work on secondary pitches, personally.

Agreed.

[sturg33]

Folty our best hitter

[dak]

Well, I guess that balances out the Tucker Barnhart and Mike Leake solo home runs yesterday.

[thethe]

Folty!

[TURBO]

Can he play CF?

[Braves1976]

Folty is called up to pitch and impresses with his bat first, lol. :)

[weso1]

He can't spot his fastball at all. I'm concerned.

It could come though. I just think it's too early to give up on him as a starter.

[Braves1976]

Wow, great catch but that looked painful landing. If anyone doubts Peterson defense how was that for range? He went a long way for that ball. I just hope he's okay.

[Julio3000]

Really nice play by Peterson.

[weso1]

I would much rather watch Folty pitch than Sturtz or Cahill.

[weso1]

AJ has the same defense as Mike Piazza and oddly enough the same offense as well to this point as a Brave.

[thethe]

Wow, great catch but that looked painful landing. If anyone doubts Peterson defense how was that for range? He went a long way for that ball. I just hope he's okay.

If they just let him play everyday he will post some positive war numbers.

[Braves1976]

Sounds like Peterson is hurting after that catch, I hope his shoulder and everything is okay.

[thethe]

It could come though. I just think it's too early to give up on him as a starter.

No question about it. With his velocity he doesn't need to be Maddux but there was a lot left over the fat part of the plate.

[sturg33]

If they just let him play everyday he will post some positive war numbers.

Offensive or defensive driven?

[Braves1976]

Jenkins getting hammered tonight for Mississippi, so far 7 earned runs against him.

[Braves1976]

Offensive or defensive driven?

I see a plus defender at second, probably third too if he played there regularly given his range and arm. The question is will he provide enough offense to start or if he'll be more a utility type and/or platoon player. Time will tell.

[Julio3000]

Loves me some KJ.

[Braves1976]

KJ bringing the power again, good job.

[Garmel]

KJ!!!

[sturg33]

KJ is a beast

[sturg33]

Jenkins getting hammered tonight for Mississippi, so far 7 earned runs against him.

He's just gonna be another minor league arm, methinks

[thethe]

So glad KJ is back.

[thethe]

Offensive or defensive driven?

At the start it will be defense but he will be a positive on offense as well. I like hoe he takes his ABs

[thethe]

He's just gonna be another minor league arm, methinks

Yeah...needs to start missing more bats. Has plenty of time to figure it out though.

[USMA76]

So glad KJ is back.

What is he now, four hits away from 1000?

[Braves1976]

I watched part of the Carolina Mudcats game tonight on MILB.tv and Dustin Peterson looked good and had two more hits. Plus I thought Janas looked great tonight as he continued to dominate for Carolina who won 1-0.

[Dalyn]

Love watching Martin pitch. One of the best parts of the season so far.

[sturg33]

What is he now, four hits away from 1000?

Might be able to draw 20K on the KJ 1,000 watch

[sturg33]

Love that Fredi doesn't double switch if he planned to keep Martin in the game

[sturg33]

Also EY probably just earned another week of starts... he deserves it on his torrid 1-13 stretch

[USMA76]

Might be able to draw 20K on the KJ 1,000 watch

20K for the series, perhaps.

[Braves1976]

Also EY probably just earned another week of starts... he deserves it on his torrid 1-13 stretch

Plus Maybin pissed off Fredi getting on base so much his last game (4 times!) so he sat his ass down for three straight and counting. That'll teach little punk! :)

[sturg33]

Plus Maybin pissed off Fredi getting on base so much his last game (4 times!) so he sat his ass down for three straight and counting. That'll teach little punk! :)

Yeah - baseball is moving in a new direction... Old standards of scoring are irrelevant going forward

[dak]

Love that Fredi doesn't double switch if he planned to keep Martin in the game

I think he would have PH for Martin if it wasn't a bunting situation.

[Braves1976]

I think he would have PH for Martin if it wasn't a bunting situation.

Fredi likes to play with his toys, esp. one named Avilan...

[Braves1976]

Gwinnett kicking butt tonight, everyone has a hit and they lead 15-1! Hunter leads the team with 3 hits and 3 RBI's tonight.

[Garmel]

Jim Johnson had another good outing. Good to see.

[USMA76]

EY only missed the ball by about a foot on that swinging third strike. Is Maybin hurt or something?

[bravesnumberone]

Game and a movie May 23. Boy we're gonna try anything this year to get people out to the park.

[jpx7]

Jim Johnson had another good outing. Good to see.

#tradevalue

[USMA76]

Base hit by Pena; this one's a long way from over.

[CrimsonCowboy]

http://i.imgur.com/P6x0U.gif

[bravesnumberone]

Alright. Good win. :rock:

[TURBO]

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

[Braves1976]

Folty's double, KJ's homer and the wind came through for us tonight. :)

[Runnin]

I like Cody Martin for his ability to go more than one inning.

[sturg33]

#tradevalue

the art of the flip

[CyYoung31]

Did anyone hear that? I'm sincerely convinced that Chip is on something. Be it coke, or whatever. That's the only explanation for the way he is.

[Garmel]

Did anyone hear that? I'm sincerely convinced that Chip is on something. Be it coke, or whatever. That's the only explanation for the way he is.

Or he's just an idiot.

[jpx7]

the art of the flip

http://i.imgur.com/W9hXQYR.jpg

[UNCBlue012]

Folty had a really solid outing. I'm excited to see him progress!

[sturg33]

Folty had a really solid outing. I'm excited to see him progress!

I thought he looked... not good

[sturg33]

Did anyone hear that? I'm sincerely convinced that Chip is on something. Be it coke, or whatever. That's the only explanation for the way he is.

What did he say?

[Julio3000]

Good W. I was glad to see 'em bring the win home for Foltynewicz.

[thethe]

Even when the team wins people have to make jokes. What a shame.

[CyYoung31]

Even when the team wins people have to make jokes. What a shame.

Welcome to Chop Country, where nothing is sacred.

[jpx7]

Even when the team wins people have to make jokes. What a shame.

I don't see what the problem is: the point of this season isn't wins, it's player (and schtick) development. I made my peace with that months ago—and, moreover, it was the explicit mantra of those of you all who were much more rosy about the decisions of the preceding offseason.

[thethe]

I don't see what the problem is: the point of this season isn't wins, it's player (and schtick) development. I made my peace with that months ago—and, moreover, it was the explicit manta of those of you all that were much more rosy about the decisions of the preceding offseason.

They were the right Decisions. I get the jokes but the hyperbole gets too excessive and is going to push fans away from this forum.

[CyYoung31]

Even when the team wins people have to make jokes. What a shame.

I mean, we kind of have to laugh so that we don't cry.

[Oklahomabrave]

So what happened to Folty's hard slider?

[CyYoung31]

Even when the team wins people have to make jokes. What a shame.

By the way, who was making jokes after we won?

[CyYoung31]

They were the right Decisions. I get the jokes but the hyperbole gets too excessive and is going to push fans away from this forum.

No, it won't. This is who we are. You know that, and you're even part of it.

[jpx7]

They were the right Decisions. I get the jokes but the hyperbole gets too excessive and is going to push fans away from this forum.

While you may fully believe the former claim, not everyone concurs. Meanwhile, I have doubts even you believe the latter claim.

[thethe]

By the way, who was making jokes after we won?

Sturg....he's just soad about Heyward he can't help himself.

[thethe]

While you may fully believe the former claim, not everyone concurs. I have doubts even you believe the latter claim.

There is a large percentage of the fanbase that are homers and don't want to hear bitch ing and moaning from posters that bash the Braves.

[thethe]

No, it won't. This is who we are. You know that, and you're even part of it.

I love the forum..M wouldn't post anywhere else. That doesn't mean others share that belief.

[Braves1976]

So what happened to Folty's hard slider?

As Hart said, that's what they're working on with him. But he also noted he's not there yet.

[sturg33]

Sturg....he's just soad about Heyward he can't help himself.

What was my joke?

And yet again I don't bring up Heyward - I even suggested trading him was fine - AS LONG AS WE KEPT UPTON

[jpx7]

There is a large percentage of the fanbase that are homers and don't want to hear bitch ing and moaning from posters that bash the Braves.

There are other boards for that—though I have doubts there's a better board out there, irrespective of one's proclivities.

[thethe]

What was my joke?

And yet again I don't bring up Heyward - I even suggested trading him was fine - AS LONG AS WE KEPT UPTON

But the talk is that we should have kept one. Whose to say that either would have signed long term for the price the Braves felt they could pay?. You seem to ignore that everytime.

[sturg33]

They were the right Decisions.

Punting at least two seasons away, with one of the most talented cores in baseball - is a decision that very few franchises would make - in any sport. Free agency or not - we had one of the most talented and young cores in the sport.

Freeman
Heyward
Upton
Simmons
Gattis(?)
Teheran
Wood
Minor
Kimbrel


Everyone under 28 and everyone of them good. How many teams would throw those opportunities away?

[sturg33]

But the talk is that we should have kept one. Whose to say that either would have signed long term for the price the Braves felt they could pay?. You seem to ignore that everytime.


I never ignore that. You simply pay them.

[thethe]

There are other boards for that—though I have doubts there's a better board out there, irrespective of one's proclivities.

There isn't a better forum out there. But that doesn't mean this type of talk will push other fans away.

This is a BRAVES board and with the way some post you wouldn't think they are evm brave fans. It's a bit irritaring. Yes, we are going to lose a bunch of games this year bit he Braves don't have a god given right to be good all the time. Every franchise has lulls. Its about navigating those lulls anda king sure they are short. That is what the plan is and I'm confident in its execution based on what we've seen this year..

[thethe]

I never ignore that. You simply pay them.

Oh great...let's make liberty give money up that they aren't willing to give up. That's not how this works and you know it.

[Runnin]

They were the right Decisions. I get the jokes but the hyperbole gets too excessive and is going to push fans away from this forum.
You take things way too seriously. Baseball, and all sports for that matter, is nothing more than a humorous, entertaining pastime. Every part of the game is funny if you think about it. A groundball out has to be one of the funniest things in all of sports.

[thethe]

Punting at least two seasons away, with one of the most talented cores in baseball - is a decision that very few franchises would make - in any sport. Free agency or not - we had one of the most talented and young cores in the sport.

Freeman
Heyward
Upton
Simmons
Gattis(?)
Teheran
Wood
Minor
Kimbrel


Everyone under 28 and everyone of them good. How many teams would throw those opportunities away?

First off we had 1 season of those players. Secondally....let's assume Braves make zero trades. Do they even have a better record than they do now? I'm not so sure.

[sturg33]

Oh great...let's make liberty give money up that they aren't willing to give up. That's not how this works and you know it.

The Braves have plenty of money to put 20+ million in a player. Are you denying that?

[sturg33]

First off we had 1 season of those players. Secondally....let's assume Braves make zero trades. Do they even have a better record than they do now? I'm not so sure.


Of course you're not sure because you defend everything any of your teams do. If you think keeping all of our talent doesn't make us a better team this year, you are delusional

[jpx7]

This is a BRAVES board and with the way some post you wouldn't think they are evm brave fans. It's a bit irritaring. Yes, we are going to lose a bunch of games this year bit the Braves don't have a god given right to be good all the time. Every franchise has lulls. Its about navigating those lulls anda king sure they are short. That is what the plan is and I'm confident in its execution based on what we've seen this year..

Glorifying in the suck isn't the same as abandoning the team. Sometimes putting a paper bag over your head and mocking the descent can be therapeutic. And sometimes navigating those lulls means making jokes and collectively joshing it up while the growing pains play out before our eyes.

[sturg33]

There isn't a better forum out there. But that doesn't mean this type of talk will push other fans away.

This is a BRAVES board and with the way some post you wouldn't think they are evm brave fans. It's a bit irritaring. Yes, we are going to lose a bunch of games this year bit he Braves don't have a god given right to be good all the time. Every franchise has lulls. Its about navigating those lulls anda king sure they are short. That is what the plan is and I'm confident in its execution based on what we've seen this year..

We don't have a God given right to be good... but we fans should expect our management to try to win when they have the players to do so. Our management tore down a very talented group. It's not like we were the Phillies here

[thethe]

Of course you're not sure because you defend everything any of your teams do. If you think keeping all of our talent doesn't make us a better team this year, you are delusional

Please tell me how the Braves are better without Miller/AJ/Nick/KJ. Those are all additions that have been huge. Justin is always a good hitter. Heyward has been AWFUL this year. Gattis as well. The pitching would have been crazy thin considering Teheran issues.

So please...how are the Braves better instead of responding that I'm a homer (which everyone knows ₩

[thethe]

We don't have a God given right to be good... but we fans should expect our management to try to win when they have the players to do so. Our management tore down a very talented group. It's not like we were the Phillies here

I expect an age mentioned to think about the present and future and to maintain a balance. If as a result of this evaluation is rebuilding then do it. In my opinion it was auch more compelling argument to rebuild. I Wille enjoy watching my Braves despite thenlosses.

[thethe]

Glorifying in the suck isn't the same as abandoning the team. Sometimes putting a paper bag over your head and mocking the descent can be therapeutic. And sometimes navigating those lulls means making jokes and collectively joshing it up while the growing pains play out before our eyes.

Same joke just to joke and some have malicious intent I think you know this as well.

[sturg33]

Please tell me how the Braves are better without Miller/AJ/Nick/KJ. Those are all additions that have been huge. Justin is always a good hitter. Heyward has been AWFUL this year. Gattis as well. The pitching would have been crazy thin considering Teheran issues.

So please...how are the Braves better instead of responding that I'm a homer (which everyone knows ₩

Rather than using a 20 game sample - I'd look at the whole picture.

Plus - you simply never know how people would perform in different places - especially because they have different pressures, different coaches, and are facing different pitching... Not really worth discussing without a larger sample.

Again - if you think we are net better this year with all the moves - then there is no hope for you as a rational evaluator

[sturg33]

Same joke just to joke and some have malicious intent I think you know this as well.


where were the jokes after the win?

[thethe]

Rather than using a 20 game sample - I'd look at the whole picture.

Plus - you simply never know how people would perform in different places - especially because they have different pressures, different coaches, and are facing different pitching... Not really worth discussing without a larger sample.

Again - if you think we are net better this year with all the moves - then there is no hope for you as a rational evaluator

so far this season I think the Braves would have been better but that's just because the new additions have been the huge positives. I was for the rebuild because I didn't think we were good enough to win a Title and didn't believe that either Heyward or Upton would be here long term. It was a no brained for me.

Fort he first month of the season how can you make a case the Braves would have been better?

[sturg33]

so far this season I think the Braves would have been better but that's just because the new additions have been the huge positives. I was for the rebuild because I didn't think we were good enough to win a Title and didn't believe that either Heyward or Upton would be here long term. It was a no brained for me.

Fort he first month of the season how can you make a case the Braves would have been better?


I'm pretty certain I just explained why I think looking at a 20 game sample is silly. But I've seen Markakis' lack of range almost certainly cost us dearly in multiple games. Upton has been great. Having Kimbrel / Walden / Carpentar / Shreve / Hale / Varvaro / Graham may have saved us a game or two directly - and then who knows how much in the longer term of saving the bullpen so much needed innings

But I again reiterate that I don't believe you can translate Evan Gattis' stats directly over to the team.

[sturg33]

Lastly - you've made it uber clear that THERE WAS NO WAY IN HELL that we could have EVER signed Heyward or Upton. I guess bc Ramadan was toting the company line and you slurped it up. But my question is, if we can't sign them, who are we going to get to hit for us?

Or are we going to trade all of our underperforming, injured pitching prospects for hitting studs who happen to be cheap?

[jpx7]

Same joke just to joke and some have malicious intent I think you know this as well.

Well I can only speak (and joke) for myself—at least until Mark Bowman eats me, then I'll be speaking and joking for two (or more). :Bowman:

[Dalyn]

Nice win tonight. Saw some things to like about Folty. His command is always going to be an issue, but if he can get that slider working, should work well in the rotation. I'm not sure it's there, though, and he has the feel of a bullpen guy to me.

[zbhargrove]

I'm pretty certain I just explained why I think looking at a 20 game sample is silly. But I've seen Markakis' lack of range almost certainly cost us dearly in multiple games. Upton has been great. Having Kimbrel / Walden / Carpentar / Shreve / Hale / Varvaro / Graham may have saved us a game or two directly - and then who knows how much in the longer term of saving the bullpen so much needed innings

But I again reiterate that I don't believe you can translate Evan Gattis' stats directly over to the team.

Upton has not been "great"... He's been good... .254 average with a .300 ish on base percentage is not "great"

Heyward has been awful... Gattis pretty bad... Kimbrel has even been struggling. I miss Walden the most but like having Shelby and Jenkins much more. Still trying to figure out how all those players would have made the year more fun to watch thus far.

[thethe]

Upton has not been "great"... He's been good... .254 average with a .300 ish on base percentage is not "great"

Heyward has been awful... Gattis pretty bad... Kimbrel has even been struggling. I miss Walden the most but like having Shelby and Jenkins much more. Still trying to figure out how all those players would have made the year more fun to watch thus far.

Thats the funny thing about all the negativity. If no trades are made the Braves are more than likely in the same spot they are in now with a significantly worse farm system and two impending big time FA's that the Braves could not afford to pay what the market demanded.

[keithlaw]

Upton has not been "great"... He's been good... .254 average with a .300 ish on base percentage is not "great"

Heyward has been awful... Gattis pretty bad... Kimbrel has even been struggling. I miss Walden the most but like having Shelby and Jenkins much more. Still trying to figure out how all those players would have made the year more fun to watch thus far.
Huh? Upton is hitting 284/326/553. Those are great numbers for playing in San Diego. And Gattis has been more than "pretty bad".

[thethe]

Huh? Upton is hitting 284/326/553. Those are great numbers for playing in San Diego. And Gattis has been more than "pretty bad".

Yeah, Upton is just a spectacular hitter. I thought it was a no brainer who to sign long term between he and Heyward. Its just too bad how things worked out with Melvin because I don't think there was any chance Justin was staying here.

[zbhargrove]

Huh? Upton is hitting 284/326/553. Those are great numbers for playing in San Diego. And Gattis has been more than "pretty bad".

Those numbers were after he had a huge night last night... His numbers were exactly what I said when the original post occurred

[zbhargrove]

Would have loved to keep Upton. Don't really care at all that Heyward and Gattis are gone. Kimbrel hurt but he's useless for this team and the trade was amazing. Heyward will never be the player some think he is.

[zbhargrove]

Huh? Upton is hitting 284/326/553. Those are great numbers for playing in San Diego. And Gattis has been more than "pretty bad".

And Gattis has been pretty hot lately... Hence the "pretty bad"

[ramadon101]

Lastly - you've made it uber clear that THERE WAS NO WAY IN HELL that we could have EVER signed Heyward or Upton. I guess bc Ramadan was toting the company line and you slurped it up. But my question is, if we can't sign them, who are we going to get to hit for us?

Or are we going to trade all of our underperforming, injured pitching prospects for hitting studs who happen to be cheap?

Hold up. I never said one damn thing about Upton; only that Heyward was asking for the moon and stars. Mind you, I admitted that my source is obviously towing the party line (given his role)- but I am not a blind homer. Like you, there were some trades this year that I liked far better than others. I was a fan of the Heyward trade. I was not a fan of the Upton trade. I have no idea whether Upton was approached for an extension and if he was, what he asked for- and I never said one word about him.