5/4/15 Phillies at Braves 7:10 PM GDT

[WaitingFor2017]

Phillies:
Revere LF
Herrera CF
Utley 2B
Ruf 1B
Francouer RF
Hernandez 3B
Ruiz C
Galvis SS
Harang P

Braves:
Markakis RF
Simmons SS
Freeman1B
Pierzynski C
Gomes LF
Callaspo 3B
Peterson 2B
Maybin CF
Wood P


I'm glad Fredi is starting to get on the Maybin bandwagon over EY. Next, we need to see much more Bethancourt over AJ because AJ is a miserable defensive catcher.

[USMA76]

Can the Braves do the unthinkable and win two in a row?

[Julio3000]

Someone tell Alex that's former Brave Jeff Francoeur.

[jsebe10]

Wood will be in showers by 830 tonight

[jsebe10]

Lmao. Clown.

[Braves1976]

Someone tell Alex that's former Brave Jeff Francoeur.

I didn't like the pitch called there, that is where I'd used the slow curveball but instead it was another fastball.

[USMA76]

Down 3-0 before the National Anthem is over...lovely.

[jsebe10]

Throwing meat pitches. What's to be nervous about? There's 5,000 people in the stands and it's the last place phillies

[UNCBlue012]

This team ALWAYS struggles against the Phillies. The Phillies are literally the worst team in baseball. Worst than us. Suck it up Alex.

[jsebe10]

I didn't like the pitch called there, that is where I'd used the slow curveball but instead it was another fastball.

Exactly

You throw a rnder that curves the LH batter's box and run back over the plate. Frenchie is an awful off speed hitter. Instead, he tries to blow an 89 MPH fastball by him inner half.

[sturg33]

Late to the party - but how is the genius Fredi justifying not starting Kelly Johnson right now?

[thethe]

Late to the party - but how is the genius Fredi justifying not starting Kelly Johnson right now?

Come on now...Gomes should always start against a lefty....

Oh wait, there's a righty on the mound? :JSIDK:

[Braves1976]

Exactly

You throw a rnder that curves the LH batter's box and run back over the plate. Frenchie is an awful off speed hitter. Instead, he tries to blow an 89 MPH fastball by him inner half.

It looked like AJ called the fastball again, if so he needs to shake him off next time.

[Braves1976]

BTW, I am watching Carolina play on MLB.tv tonight while also watching this game on tv. Dustin Peterson had another hit his first AB and has really impressed me pretty much every game I've seen him in so far. He has been really patient at the plate spitting on bad pitches and not chasing much outside, then really hits the ball hard when he gets a pitch to hit. This latest AB he worked the count to 3-1 and finally got a pitch and hammered it up the middle. If he continues with this approach and keeps showing such a good eye this kid will be a solid Major league regular one day, IMO. But I don't want to jump the gun as it could be he's just really locked in right now and it won't last. Whatever the case I have been really impressed by him lately.

That said, I am also watching Sims closely tonight because unlike others here I am still high on him. He's looked good through two innings tonight.

[thethe]

Jace Peterson continues to have good AB after good AB.

[Braves1976]

Good AB by Peterson, he worked hard for that walk.

[depley]

it my estimation part of the Braves pitching problems is AJ. I certainly am missing Gattis' game calling. Again just as with Uggla and his homer the other night rather than throwing a cruve or changeup they throw a fastball. Both times I am sure Gattis would have called for the first ones.

[thethe]

Man, after such a good AB Maybin swings at that?

[Braves1976]

Bad AB by Maybin, he should've known he wasn't getting a pitch in that spot.

[thethe]

it my estimation part of the Braves pitching problems is AJ. I certainly am missing Gattis' game calling. Again just as with Uggla and his homer the other night rather than throwing a cruve or changeup they throw a fastball. Both times I am sure Gattis would have called for the first ones.

I think there is something to this.

[kendiz]

Bad AB by Maybin, he should've known he wasn't getting a pitch in that spot.

That's Maybin's problem in a nutshell. He wants so badly to do well, that he can't control himself in those situations. It would be better to take a called third with a pitcher like that and tip your cap. IMHO

[Braves1976]

it my estimation part of the Braves pitching problems is AJ. I certainly am missing Gattis' game calling. Again just as with Uggla and his homer the other night rather than throwing a cruve or changeup they throw a fastball. Both times I am sure Gattis would have called for the first ones.

That's my take too, AJ is hurting our pitchers numbers with bad defense and some terrible pitch calling. The only one that seems to work OK with him is Miller and even that likely won't last.

[USMA76]

Maybin swings at balls four and five. Would've been nice to clear the pitcher.

[Braves1976]

Update on Carolina game,

Dustin Peterson is now 2-2 as he just smashed a base hit to RF and hit the ball really hard again. This time he got one he liked on the first pitch. Also, Sims is through 5 innings and has given up two runs now but should only have one against him. There was a two out RBI flair to LF in the 3rd that Peterson seemed to get a late break on, then dived and got a glove on but couldn't catch. Peterson is new to LF switching from 3B so may be a work in progress on that front. Further, my take on Sims issues is that his stuff looks good and he has the pitches to do better. He just seems inconsistent with his command and when it goes it seems to be going badly.

[keithlaw]

Lemer just compared Wood to The Big Unit :icwudt:

[UNCBlue012]

How many 3-2 counts can these guys screw up?

[UNCBlue012]

The player that this team really needs right now is a guy like Harang. Go figure!

[thewupk]

The player that this team really needs right now is a guy like Harang. Go figure!

He's huge for the Phillies

[Garmel]

8 scoreless innings the first time he pitched against us and now another 4 tonight.

[sturg33]

Now there's a play

[USMA76]

For a young pitcher, Wood really doesn't have the velocity I'd expect to see for a guy we're calling our #2 starter. Miller has been more impressive IMO this year.

[Braves1976]

Update on the Carolina game,

Dustin Peterson walked his third AB on four pitches, they gave him nothing to hit with a runner at third and two outs. Sims has pitched good tonight, he is through six innings and has been charged with two runs but again shouldn't be more than one. Carolina has had plenty of hits in this game but have stranded a lot of runners and also been thrown out trying to stretch base hits into doubles. The score is 2-1 Keys over Carolina Mudcats so far.

[UNCBlue012]

AJ over Beth is a mistake. Honestly, AJ calls a crap game

[NinersSBChamps]

A pitcher can shake off a catcher if he wants to.

[Braves1976]

For a young pitcher, Wood really doesn't have the velocity I'd expect to see for a guy we're calling our #2 starter. Miller has been more impressive IMO this year.

Velocity isn't everything, Wood is a good pitcher and can dominate with his funky delivery that give hitters trouble.

[USMA76]

Don't know if Peterson will ever hit consistently but there's a lot to like about his defense.

[keithlaw]

AJ over Beth is a mistake. Honestly, AJ calls a crap game

Wood and an asshole usually result in a big mess.

[USMA76]

Velocity isn't everything, Wood is a good pitcher and can dominate with his funky delivery that give hitters trouble.

I'd like to think so but his "funky delivery" doesn't seem to be fooling anyone right now. With his mediocre velocity, he has little margin for error. For me that's a cause for concern.

[NinersSBChamps]

Thought Wood was poised to have a strong season. I thought he was on the cusp last season to make a push to be an "ace." Right now he's pitching like a backend starter. Problem is the team has three of those types right now. Julio was pitching awful too. Shelby has been the reliable one in the rotation early on.

[Braves1976]

Don't know if Peterson will ever hit consistently but there's a lot to like about his defense.

I actually like his defense a bit better than Peraza's at second at this point. But I think both could be very good defensively at second in the long run. However, Peterson will probably have to play more at third and maybe even some LF in the future.

[Braves1976]

I'd like to think so but his "funky delivery" doesn't seem to be fooling anyone right now. With his mediocre velocity, he has little margin for error. For me that's a cause for concern.

I'd argue it's more pitch selection that has hurt him tonight, some really stupid calls at times and that is on AJ and him too for not shaking him off. They gave Frenchy for example too many fastballs in that first inning, when they had him set up to be fooled on the curveball. Further, no matter a pitchers velocity or funky delivery you still gotta locate and mix things up well or you'll get hit. :)

[USMA76]

I actually like his defense a bit better than Peraza's at second at this point. But I think both could be very good defensively at second in the long run. However, Peterson will probably have to play more at third and maybe even some LF in the future.

Does Peterson have the arm for third? I've not seem him play on the left side of the infield but perhaps those closer to the team have.

[USMA76]

I'd argue it's more pitch selection that has hurt him tonight, some really stupid calls at times and that is on AJ and him too for not shaking him off. They gave Frenchy for example too many fastballs in that first inning, when they had him set up to be fooled on the curveball. Further, no matter a pitchers velocity or funky delivery you still gotta locate and mix things up well or you'll get hit. :)

Agree completely. Being worn out by Francouer is inexcusable.

[Braves1976]

Does Peterson have the arm for third? I've not seem him play on the left side of the infield but perhaps those closer to the team have.

Yes, Peterson came up a shortstop and his best calling card at short was his arm. He has plenty arm for third and has looked good there too in the past. He's just not played there a lot.

[Garmel]

Has a hard hit ball that we've hit tonight not found a glove yet?

[Garmel]

Man, if Nick's hard hit hadn't been an out we'd be sitting pretty right now.

[USMA76]

Need to "keep..." nope, can't bring myself to say it.

[Garmel]

We can't get a ****ing break in this game.

[USMA76]

Snakebit.

[Garmel]

Seriously, we crushed every ball except for AJ's and we only got one run.

[jsebe10]

Is Herara a pitcher in this game/movie?

http://youtu.be/PG1zqWiqAi0

[WaitingFor2017]

AJ is now 2 for his last 15, so he is cooling down. Can we now please sit him and his sorry defense and start our supposed future at catcher?

[USMA76]

Plunk a guy on a 1-2 count who's hitting .105 with a lame-ass breaking pitch. Are you effing kidding me?

[Garmel]

Is putting Cahill in to pitch the same as putting up the white flag?

[USMA76]

We're getting "Uggla'd" by Francouer. Are we still paying part of Frenchy's salary, as well?

Of course, the .105 batter we plunked comes in to score.

[jsebe10]

Is putting Cahill in to pitch the same as putting up the white flag?

Not when they should be sitting in the duggout without a run scored this inning.

[thewupk]

Is putting Cahill in to pitch the same as putting up the white flag?

Yes. Cahill will make sure this game isn't close.

[USMA76]

Is putting Cahill in to pitch the same as putting up the white flag?

Usually, when I think of "white flags" some joke about the French comes immediately to mind.

[sturg33]

We really need to stop pitching Cahill if we still want to get this top 50 prospect

[bravesnumberone]

Well this is cool. Back to the days of not being able to beat the Phillies. Unlucky game. Idiotic that Cahill is in but hardly surprised.

[Braves1976]

Peterson's speed got him that hit. Good to see him continuing to get hits one way or another. We need Maybin to do something here or back to the bench and more EYJ soon. :)

[dak]

We have a below average bullpen. We're going to be sending some questionable relievers out there on a regular basis, especially when trailing. Our top relievers are already verging on being overused. It sucks, but this is the current reality that Roger / Fredi are faced with.

[USMA76]

Runners at second and third with one out. We need to score those guys or this game's probably over.

[WaitingFor2017]

Wonderful at-bat, Phil. Why is he on the 25-man roster again?

[Braves1976]

Bad AB by Gosselin, he chased three or four balls or probably could've walked.

[bravesnumberone]

Would be nice to have a guy up there who could tie it with one swing

[USMA76]

Would be nice to have a guy up there who could tie it with one swing

Be nice to have a pinch hitter that could, you know, make contact to get a run in. Too much to ask, I guess.

[UNCBlue012]

Gosselin and Markakis couldn't hit absolute garbage. He's a great pitcher who was awful tonight.

[jsebe10]

Wonderful at-bat, Phil. Why is he on the 25-man roster again?

That little fcker was out when he was in the on deck circle slapping pine tar on his bat. Fckn petrified that while AB

[jsebe10]

This ball game is over. Giles is going to shove it up Simmons, Freeman, and AJ's ass...then papeldouche will make light work of our bottom half.

[bravesnumberone]

This team has just enough talent not to be completely terrible which is going to make the year even more agonizing. Gonna be hardly any winning streaks.

[USMA76]

We need to give AJ about a week off--or at least until the next time we have a day game after a night game.

[bravesnumberone]

Be nice to have a pinch hitter that could, you know, make contact to get a run in. Too much to ask, I guess.

Those guys are having to start because our power is gone.

[USMA76]

This team has just enough talent not to be completely terrible which is going to make the year even more agonizing. Gonna be hardly any winning streaks.

When was the last time we even won back to back games?

[The Chosen One]

When was the last time we even won back to back games?

Multi-win games? Shanks keeps track of that.

[USMA76]

Those guys are having to start because our power is gone.

You'd think we could've traded power for contact as either would've worked in that situation but nope.

[Julio3000]

Would be nice to have a guy up there who could tie it with one swing

That guy started in LF tonight.

[jsebe10]

Lol god that called strike 3 was a foot outside.

[USMA76]

Multi-win games? Shanks keeps track of that.

Perhaps the Elias Sports Bureau could help find that obscure bit of information.

[bravesnumberone]

When was the last time we even won back to back games?

Probably when we were 5-0

[USMA76]

Probably when we were 5-0

Great--three weeks ago.

[jsebe10]

Gotta entire 3B line to hit and he hits right to 1B

[thewupk]

Simmons is having a nice year. 7.4% BB rate compared to a 4.7% K rate so far.

[bravesnumberone]

Gomes is useless vs righties.

[jsebe10]

Lmao. Gomes sucks

[USMA76]

Lmao. Gomes sucks

Not just Gomes. Tonight the entire team is creating an epic vortex.

[Garmel]

Yeah, the season that KJ's having and he's still in a platoon situation with Gomes. Sometimes you just wanna kick Fredi in the nuts.

[Braves1976]

Yeah, the season that KJ's having and he's still in a platoon situation with Gomes. Sometimes you just wanna kick Fredi in the nuts.

Maybe you can break a brick over him too. Oh wait..

[USMA76]

Yeah, the season that KJ's having and he's still in a platoon situation with Gomes. Sometimes you just wanna kick Fredi in the nuts.

I'd make a fortune if I could sell tickets for that fundraiser.

[USMA76]

Four hits for Francouer tonight. Please just put me out of my misery.

[The Chosen One]

Irony is people were bashing Fredi for even giving KJ playing time 2 weeks ago. lol. Same for AJ.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Have yourself a night, Francoeur.

[Garmel]

These sorry ass Phillies can't score against anyone except us it seems.

[Julio3000]

Simmons is having a nice year. 7.4% BB rate compared to a 4.7% K rate so far.

He's a quarter of the way to his walk total from last year.

[Braves1976]

Johnson hanged it for Frenchy and he banged it for an RBI triple, lol.

[Julio3000]

There's some kind of karmic debt or sin in need of expiation if we're getting owned by Uggla and the Frenchman.

[USMA76]

There's some kind of karmic debt or sin in need of expiation if we're getting owned by Uggla and the Frenchman.

This

[CyYoung31]

The difference between our pitching in the beginning of the year and our pitching now, is that Bethancourt is getting almost no playing time.

[thewupk]

weak contact for the win!

[NinersSBChamps]

Simmons is having a nice year. 7.4% BB rate compared to a 4.7% K rate so far.

As long as his walk rate goes up. Even slightly like it has, he can be fine in the second spot.

[NinersSBChamps]

There's some kind of karmic debt or sin in need of expiation if we're getting owned by Uggla and the Frenchman.

What happens when the elder brother and the Braves play this season?!?!

[UNCBlue012]

The difference between our pitching in the beginning of the year and our pitching now, is that Bethancourt is getting almost no playing time.

It's incredible how accurate this is and how idiotic Fredi is.

[dak]

The difference between our pitching in the beginning of the year and our pitching now, is that Bethancourt is getting almost no playing time.

I'm definitely in the camp that see AJP's defense as below average, but do folks really think the effectiveness of a catcher is the primary reason why a pitcher does or does not have success? It's surely a factor, but I'd guesstimate that it's more in the 10-20% range.

I think it was fine for Fredi to play AJP a lot when he was white-hot offensively. Helps the team and sends a message to a young catcher who's reportedly had motivation / focus issues that the job has not been handed to him. Now that AJP has cooled down with the bat, he should absolutely return to a backup role.