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

[Garmel]

Phillies
1. Ben Revere (L) RF
2. Freddy Galvis (S) SS
3. Cody Asche (L) 3B
4. Ryan Howard (L) 1B
5. Darin Ruf (R) LF
6. Odubel Herrera (L) CF
7. Cesar Hernandez (S) 2B
8. Carlos Ruiz (R) C
9. Chad Billingsley (R) P

Braves
1. Nick Markakis (L) RF
2. Andrelton Simmons (R) SS
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
4. A.J. Pierzynski (L) C
5. Jonny Gomes (R) LF
6. Kelly Johnson (L) 3B
7. Jace Peterson (L) 2B
8. Cameron Maybin (R) CF
9. Shelby Miller (R) P

[Julio3000]

FreeBoom

[bravesnumberone]

Great start. :elefant:

[Julio3000]

Good rip to RC by Tron before the HR. AJ also smoked the ball.

[Dalyn]

Heh. I bet a lot of money on Freeman hitting a HR in the first. :tchop:

[Garmel]

Miller's dealing.

[Braves1976]

Miller's dealing.

When Miller is on he often starts off great through three or four innings, it's the 5th, 6th and later that he has issues usually.

[chop2chip]

Simmons is almost a guaranteed DP.

I'm not sure he's our best bet for the two-hole. I'm also not so sure we have a best bet for the two hole.

[Dalyn]

Miller's dealing.

Looks like Grilli is ready for the ninth.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/inluxury/65285/1427114332997/konstantinjpg/ALTERNATES/h585-var/konstantin.jpg

[dak]

Some good things happening for GWI tonight. Peraza 3-3 with a 3B and 2 SB. Wisler through 4 scoreless with 5 Ks.

[Braves1976]

Simmons is almost a guaranteed DP.

I'm not sure he's our best bet for the two-hole. I'm also not so sure we have a best bet for the two hole.

Simmons is taking CJ's DP machine title, but CJ says just wait till I am back! :)

[thewupk]

Simmons is almost a guaranteed DP.

I'm not sure he's our best bet for the two-hole. I'm also not so sure we have a best bet for the two hole.

He leads the league in DP's

[dak]

Miller through 4 with 31 pitches. Wow.

[Braves1976]

Some good things happening for GWI tonight. Peraza 3-3 with a 3B and 2 SB. Wisler through 4 scoreless with 5 Ks.

Yea, I am watching that game on MILB.tv right now. Good to see Wisler doing better so far tonight, still a lot of pitches though including a lot of 2-2 and 3-2 counts.

[chop2chip]

He leads the league in DP's
I know the Peraza arbitration clock crowd disagrees on principle, but Markakis/Peraza/Freeman seems like an improvement.

[Garmel]

Simmons is almost a guaranteed DP.

I'm not sure he's our best bet for the two-hole. I'm also not so sure we have a best bet for the two hole.

I think Nick will bat two when Peraza comes up later in the year.

[Dalyn]

Miller through 4 with 31 pitches. Wow.

It's like he's facing Heyward up there every at-bat.

:HeywardWut:

[Dalyn]

I think Nick will bat two when Peraza comes up later in the year.

Peraza probably has more power.

[UNCBlue012]

Freaking love Miller.

[Braves1976]

He leads the league in DP's

The original DP champion/DP machine Chris Johnson is proud of him. :)

[chop2chip]

That guy just hits. He has to be our best position prospect since Freeman. Simmons and Gattis were great major leaguers, but I don't think they impressed this much in the minors.

[chop2chip]

The original DP champion/DP machine Chris Johnson is proud of him. :)

CJ has a patent on weak groundball to the second baseman.

[Braves1976]

Five hole, Braves score a goal!

[NinersSBChamps]

CJ has a patent on weak groundball to the second baseman.

Jason Heyward would disagree.

[Braves1976]

Simmons would be okay batting second if the leadoff man is a speedy player that steals a lot. So he'd ideally be at second stopping the DP's but with slow Markakis leading off not so much.

KJ is on fire!

[50PoundHead]

So much for our HR problem.

[UNCBlue012]

Hell yes. He needs to be our everyday third basemen

[Garmel]

Where is KJ getting all of this power?

[Julio3000]

KFJ.

[dak]

Kelly was a very streaky hitter when he came up with the Braves. If that holds, there may be a cold streak coming our way in the not too distant future. But he needs to be in there everyday when he's going like this.

[Garmel]

Peraza probably has more power.

You're probably right. :icon_biggrin:

[Dalyn]

Where is KJ getting all of this power?

http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1792275/806438685.gif

[thewupk]

Where is KJ getting all of this power?

Chase Utley

[Braves1976]

Can we change that Johnson extension and give it to another Johnson? I rather have KJ for that price than CJ. :)

[bravesnumberone]

KJ has been a pleasant surprise.

[Russ2dollas]

how is milller looking? only see 1 strike out. The bp article about his inability to create swing and misses is worrying me. I want to get excited about miller being a long term piece.....but the lack of stuff that creates swings and misses worries me....esp if we ever get back to playoffs.

[Braves1976]

Kelly was a very streaky hitter when he came up with the Braves. If that holds, there may be a cold streak coming our way in the not too distant future. But he needs to be in there everyday when he's going like this.

True, KJ can look as good as anyone when on one of his crazy hot streaks. It's the ice cold times that too often follow that made him more of a platoon player.

[nsacpi]

So much for our HR problem.

It worries me that we are hitting so many. In the modern game, teams with too much power don't do very well.

[Russ2dollas]

there go some SOs....

I know we kid about the HR...but this team is getting in a little 2014 funk. When we hit HR we win, when we don't we get shut out

[chop2chip]

how is milller looking? only see 1 strike out. The bp article about his inability to create swing and misses is worrying me. I want to get excited about miller being a long term piece.....but the lack of stuff that creates swings and misses worries me....esp if we ever get back to playoffs.
He has a lot of swing and misses in the game. This is the best his fastball has looked all year.

It looks like the second half Shelby was no fluke.

[cajunrevenge]

I can only imagine how ****ty this season would be if we had Heywood instead of Markakis/Miller. One day we will probably refer to that as the Jordan Walden trade.

[Braves1976]

As noted, Peraza has three hits and two steals tonight for Gwinnett. I'd also add that Garcia continues to look great at the plate, he has a hit and two long drives that were caught that almost left the park. One was a great catch stealing a hit and the other caught right up against the wall. If he continues to hit like this he needs to be called up soon IMO.

[Braves1976]

Kelly says hey y'all I have a five-hole too, wanna see it? :)

[Braves1976]

Miller has done a great job getting outs without a lot of pitches this game where he has more left in the tank to go deep in the game. Probably his best game all year.

[Braves1976]

Congrats to KJ on hit number 1000!

[nsacpi]

there go some SOs....

I know we kid about the HR...but this team is getting in a little 2014 funk. When we hit HR we win, when we don't we get shut out

Exactly. Over-dependency.

[Braves1976]

Way to go Peterson, kid gets a hit off the lefty and good base running by both KJ and Jace taking third and second.

Peterson is now hitting .260 after the slow start and being jerked around. Once he got a regular spot and regular starts in the line-up he's done well.

[UNCBlue012]

I'm a huge Peterson fan.

[chop2chip]

Way to go Peterson, kid gets a hit off the lefty and good base running by both KJ and Jace taking third and second.

Peterson is now hitting .260 after the slow start and being jerked around. Once he got a regular spot and regular starts in the line-up he's done well.
Would be nice to start seeing some doubles, but the OBP for the year is solid.

[Russ2dollas]

I'm a huge Peterson fan.

i wonder if a Peterson/CJ platoon would be ok production. Peterson is going to have to get that avg up or slug a little more.

[Braves1976]

Nice job Peterson after falling behind. Now up to .270 on the average with another multi-hit game.

[The Chosen One]

Hail Fredi for giving kelly playing time.

[The Chosen One]

i wonder if a Peterson/CJ platoon would be ok production. Peterson is going to have to get that avg up or slug a little more.

I'd be fine with a platoon of Jace Peterson by himself at 3rd if Peraza is playing 2b.

[bravesnumberone]

Unlike last night, everything is finding a hole tonight. :FrediConfident:

[Braves1976]

Maybin with a multi-hit game too, that's good.

[Garmel]

Maybin with another hit. Like Peterson, he started to take off when he got playing time. Eff EY.

[Runnin]

Kelly was a very streaky hitter when he came up with the Braves. If that holds, there may be a cold streak coming our way in the not too distant future. But he needs to be in there everyday when he's going like this.
Wrong. Kelly had a day off yesterday.

[Braves1976]

Ciriaco finally appears showing he is truly on the team. He's playing third now. :)

[The Chosen One]

Going to suck to see Maybin get a day off tomorrow so EY can get PT.

[Julio3000]

DFA EYJ S'IL VOUS PLAIT

[dak]

It's early yet, but Shelby is someone we should consider approaching about an extension if we can buy out 1 or 2 FA years.

[Julio3000]

Shel yeah.

[CrimsonCowboy]

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

[Julio3000]

Sub-100 pitch shutout.

[UNCBlue012]

I love miller. Hahaha so awesome!

[Braves1976]

Yep, Miller owned the Phillies tonight.

[AerchAngel]

Extend him. He is pitching like an ace.

[dak]

Bravo! Last pitch a 4-seamer at 96!

[Runnin]

Woo hoo! Awesome game by our new ace!

[chop2chip]

Sub-100 pitch shutout.The Maddux!

Curious who the last Braves pitcher was that did that.

[CrimsonCowboy]

For you, Shelby Miller:
http://legacy-cdn.smosh.com/smosh-pit/022011/chuck-norris-approves.gif

[50PoundHead]

Great start from Miller.

Maybin better stop hitting or he's going to be on the bench in short order.

[Julio3000]

The Maddux!

Curious who the last Braves pitcher was that did that.

No idea. I think I remember Millwood doing it.

What a heck of a game.

[MadduxFanII]

Miller's big issue last year was efficiency and pitch counts, so this is pretty nifty.

[bravesnumberone]

Hell of an effort by Miller.

[Dalyn]

No idea. I think I remember Millwood doing it.

What a heck of a game.

Hudson had some, and I thought I remembered someone doing it recently.

[Carp]

The Maddux!

Curious who the last Braves pitcher was that did that.

I would think Huddy did that once or twice. He was known for keeping games right around 2 hours or under.

Also, what a gem by Shelby!

[chop2chip]

Miller's big issue last year was efficiency and pitch counts, so this is pretty nifty.
He did seem like a natural fit for Roger, didn't he?

[UNCBlue012]

I know it's only a few starts in, but a guy with his talent could be headlining this rotation come next year or 2016. Interested to see how Julio responds.

[thethe]

L9l...people actually thought the Heyward deal was a bad deal.

[Heyward]

Miller has been quite impressive for sure.

He's arb-eligibile this winter i think so it would make sense to try and extend him.

[MadduxFanII]

And kudos to KJ for putting together a nice little career. Hard to believe it's been 10 seasons.

[NinersSBChamps]

Miller has been quite impressive for sure.

He's arb-eligibile this winter i think so it would make sense to try and extend him.

Or he could be traded for prospects. That's always smart to do.

[yeezus]

Or he could be traded for prospects. That's always smart to do.

Only sometimes is it smart to do.
I feel as though you're trying to make a point but, as usual, are failing miserably.

[50PoundHead]

I know it's only a few starts in, but a guy with his talent could be headlining this rotation come next year or 2016. Interested to see how Julio responds.

Big, strong guy who pitches forward. Probably needs to refine his game a bit. He was a top drawer prospect out of high school and would have likely been a top ten pick if he didn't have signability issues. He signed for about $400,000 more than what Minor signed for and he was picked 12 slots later.

[bravesnumberone]

L9l...people actually thought the Heyward deal was a bad deal.

Heyward/Walden were worth more than Miller and a AA pitcher, yes.

Miller is pitching great. Walden is sorely missed.

[Millwood1Hitter]

I got chastised when the trade was made saying that Shelby could be our modern day version of Smoltz. Phenominal stuff and arm, just needs to harness his control and mental aspect of it and take that next step...tonight was another good sign that he's on the right path and indeed on the cusp of being a legit top of the rotation stopper.

[yeezus]

Heyward/Walden were worth more than Miller and a AA pitcher, yes.

Miller is pitching great. Walden is sorely missed.

One year of Heyward was worth more than four of Shelby? Based on what?

[thethe]

One year of Heyward was worth more than four of Shelby? Based on what?

Based on this myth that Heyward is a superstar.

[yeezus]

Walden is sore

This is true.

[57Brave]

Walden is on the 15 Day DL.

Braves miss him like a sore elbow

[chipchildress]

Heyward/Walden were worth more than Miller and a AA pitcher, yes.

Miller is pitching great. Walden is sorely missed.

LOL!

Heyward is the most overrated player I've ever seen. Although he sure is a hell of a base runner!

[Hawk]

Walden is on the 15 Day DL.

Braves miss him like a sore elbow

Even with a sore elbow Walden is better than anybody currently in the bullpen.

[chop2chip]

Even with a sore elbow Walden is better than anybody currently in the bullpen.

Probably could out it EY

[Dalyn]

We basically traded a black Ryan Langerhans and Jim Abbott with a broken hand for Avery and a young Lee Smith. A complete steal. That alone makes the Mukaki rebuild a success.

[bravesnumberone]

We basically traded a black Ryan Langerhans and Jim Abbott with a broken hand for Avery and a young Lee Smith. A complete steal. That alone makes the Mukaki rebuild a success.

Steve Avery had 3-4 good years and was toast. I hope Miller has 12-15 good years. Although most won't be with us because in 3-4 years, we'll be talking about how he'll leave anyway, so it's time to trade him.

[yeezus]

Steve Avery had 3-4 good years and was toast. I hope Miller has 12-15 good years. Although most won't be with us because in 3-4 years, we'll be talking about how he'll leave anyway, so it's time to trade him.

How many pitchers have 12-15 good years anyway?

[bravesnumberone]

How many pitchers have 12-15 good years anyway?

Not many, which is why I say "hope".......

[Dalyn]

Even with a sore elbow Walden is better than anybody currently in the bullpen.

Why don't you get COZY and think about that for a minute.

[50PoundHead]

I got chastised when the trade was made saying that Shelby could be our modern day version of Smoltz. Phenominal stuff and arm, just needs to harness his control and mental aspect of it and take that next step...tonight was another good sign that he's on the right path and indeed on the cusp of being a legit top of the rotation stopper.

The most impressive thing to me is that his GO/FO ratio is improved and that's going to be a big help. Of course, it's early and fly ball ratios go up for some guys as the season wears on and they tire a bit, but he's been good.

[thethe]

LOL!

Heyward is the most overrated player I've ever seen. Although he sure is a hell of a base runner!

And his DRS is off the charts!

[thethe]

I'm still not sure how this team is scoring any runs. We were supposed to have the worst offensive team in history!!!

[thethe]

I can only imagine how ****ty this season would be if we had Heywood instead of Markakis/Miller. One day we will probably refer to that as the Jordan Walden trade.

Cardinal fans will hate that trade as much as teh Brave fans hate the Wainwright deal.

[mossy]

I gotta give it to Fredi. Having a starting pitcher pitch a complete game shutout gives us a GREAT chance of winning.

Kelly Johnson was trying to interfere and make it all about himself. Selfish.

[thethe]

It's early yet, but Shelby is someone we should consider approaching about an extension if we can buy out 1 or 2 FA years.

Hopefully he won't ask for the moon and blame the front office after being traded.

[bravesnumberone]

And they're 13-14!!!!!!

Up and down, up and down.

The 2014 team that was not fun to watch with a group of guys that was nowhere near ready to compete for anything was 17-7 through 24 games last year.

I'm not convinced this production is sustainable, though Simmons seems to be turning a corner. KJ and AJ are probably as hot as they'll be all year. We'll wait and see with Maybin and Peterson. Freeman back to doing his thing. Markakis has been good, but zero power. The hits won't fall forever.

[Carp]

Heyward/Walden were worth more than Miller and a AA pitcher, yes.

Miller is pitching great. Walden is sorely missed.

That's 1 year of a regressing Heyward and an 8th inning reliever who visits the DL on a yearly basis, in exchange for 4 years of a young, promising starter that 2 years ago was the best pitching prospect in baseball and we also got a AA pitcher with a good amount of potential as well. We fleeced the Cards, and it really isn't an argument. Other GMs reportedly believe we fleeced the Cards as well

[thethe]

Offense will get an influx of talent when Peraza comes up. The teams of the last 2 years was great when things were going well but had too many stinkers. This team is consistently fun to watch and so far has been a better offensive team than last year.

[bravesnumberone]

Hopefully he won't ask for the moon and blame the front office after being traded.

It's funny that with him pitching like an ACE and stepping up tonight and giving our bullpen a rest, you'd rather keep taking digs at Heyward.

[thethe]

That's 1 year of a regressing Heyward and an 8th inning reliever who visits the DL on a yearly basis, in exchange for 4 years of a young, promising starter that 2 years ago was the best pitching prospect in baseball and we also got a AA pitcher with a good amount of potential as well. We fleeced the Cards, and it really isn't an argument. Other GMs reportedly believe we fleeced the Cards as well

It has highway robbery. Even the Upton deal looks like a good deal but at least Upton can actually hit a baseball.

If Heyward doesn't start hitting he is going to turn into a bench player in his early 30's when his defense deteriorates.

[thethe]

It's funny that with him pitching like an ACE and stepping up tonight and giving our bullpen a rest, you'd rather keep taking digs at Heyward.

Its more just taking digs at all those posters who were non-stop int he offseason about how awful it was to trade the prodigal son.

I've always loved and rooted for Heyward. Sad to see him go but I wasn't delusional as to how good he was.

[Carp]

Even with a sore elbow Walden is better than anybody currently in the bullpen.

I'll take Grilled Cheese and Cody Martin all day, every day over Walden. The rest of the pen is pretty pathetic though.

[weso1]

Gotta mention my boy Jace Peterson real quick. Everyone is talking about Miller, which is much deserved, but Jace has quietly gotten his average up to .270 with a .341 OBP. Not bad at all for a good defender at 2nd. I know he hasn't hit for any power yet, but I think it's realistic to expect a .350ish slugging % eventually. Wouldn't take much to get him there. I think an OPS close to .700 would really make Jace a nice little player for us.

[AerchAngel]

Its more just taking digs at all those posters who were non-stop int he offseason about how awful it was to trade the prodigal son.

I've always loved and rooted for Heyward. Sad to see him go but I wasn't delusional as to how good he was.

This.

I seriously think he is not what he is hyped to be. That hit in the face has changed him and then Walker didn't help, now he is doubting himself and pressing. He is not going to get the contract he wants and the further he press the worse he will become. A Lonnie Smith.

[thethe]

Gotta mention my boy Jace Peterson real quick. Everyone is talking about Miller, which is much deserved, but Jace has quietly gotten his average up to .270 with a .341 OBP. Not bad at all for a good defender at 2nd. I know he hasn't hit for any power yet, but I think it's realistic to expect a .350ish slugging % eventually. Wouldn't take much to get him there. I think an OPS close to .700 would really make Jace a nice little player for us.

He might end up being the fourth best piece to the Upton deal as well.

[thethe]

This.

I seriously think he is not what he is hyped to be. That hit in the face has changed him and then Walker didn't help, now he is doubting himself and pressing. He is not going to get the contract he wants and the further he press the worse he will become. A Lonnie Smith.

For me its all about that awful motioning he does prior to the pitch. It just seems impossible to time everything and generate enough power. Guy is a mess right now.

[Carp]

It has highway robbery. Even the Upton deal looks like a good deal but at least Upton can actually hit a baseball.

If Heyward doesn't start hitting he is going to turn into a bench player in his early 30's when his defense deteriorates.

I think Heyward will be fine as long as he stays healthy. Should OPS in the mid to high .700's with good base running and defense. Which is a nice player, but not a superstar (at least as a corner OFer). I think he's basically another Jose Cruz Jr. Good player, but won't live up to the hype.

[bravesnumberone]

Gotta mention my boy Jace Peterson real quick. Everyone is talking about Miller, which is much deserved, but Jace has quietly gotten his average up to .270 with a .341 OBP. Not bad at all for a good defender at 2nd. I know he hasn't hit for any power yet, but I think it's realistic to expect a .350ish slugging % eventually. Wouldn't take much to get him there. I think an OPS close to .700 would really make Jace a nice little player for us.

As long as Fredi keeps playing him, he'll be a solid piece going forward.

[Carp]

I'm still not sure how this team is scoring any runs. We were supposed to have the worst offensive team in history!!!

Only been shutout once so far. This time last yr we had already been shutout 5-6 times.

[thethe]

Only been shutout once so far. This time last yr we had already been shutout 5-6 times.

I demand an explanation from all those posters who said there was no chance we would have a better offense than last year. Has hell frozen over? What's the deal everyone?

[Carp]

it is very odd that the one thing we thought we make us semi-competitive (our starting pitching) has been very bad so far. We're hovering around .500 even with only 1 starter with an ERA under 3.50

[bravesnumberone]

I demand an explanation from all those posters who said there was no chance we would have a better offense than last year. Has hell frozen over? What's the deal everyone?

For one thing, Simmons and CJ (although he's on the DL) haven't been bad at the plate. Maybin and Peterson > BJ and Uggla.

KJ and AJ are as hot as they'll be all year.

New hitting coach seems to be doing wonders.

It's the first week of May....

I should also mention that last year's bench was an abortion. This year's is competent.

[Julio3000]

And kudos to KJ for putting together a nice little career. Hard to believe it's been 10 seasons.

Yes, indeed. He was one of my favorite Braves back in the day and it's nice to see him doing so well. One might even say he's the best swinging Johnson on the club these days.

This is a pretty likable team, IMO. I like what Gomes and KJ bring to the park every day. Another guy I really appreciate is Cameron Maybin. Every shot of him on the bench, even when he wasn't starting, he's looked positive, smiling and engaged in the game, genuinely congratulating his teammates, et al. He's seemed like he's happy to be here and be contributing to the team. That's not to be taken for granted, considering that he came up as a top prospect and is cashing some pretty big checks. He's been able to handle being a role player on a mediocre team, and is making the most of his opportunity to get on the field.

[Hawk]

Why don't you get COZY and think about that for a minute.

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

[Dalyn]

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

Make Martin not war.

http://s21.postimg.org/8xn9q224n/martin.jpg

[rico43]

That's 1 year of a regressing Heyward and an 8th inning reliever who visits the DL on a yearly basis, in exchange for 4 years of a young, promising starter that 2 years ago was the best pitching prospect in baseball and we also got a AA pitcher with a good amount of potential as well. We fleeced the Cards, and it really isn't an argument. Other GMs reportedly believe we fleeced the Cards as well

Walden's on the DL more than he's healthy the last year.

[Runnin]

One might even say he's the best swinging Johnson on the club these days.

:FrediConfident:

[thethe]

Braves have scored the third most runs in the NL. Just like we all thought in the offseason!

[Russ2dollas]

I don't expect this offense to continue. I don't expect AJ or KJ to hit like this. I do expect the pitching to get better. At least Tehran and Wood.

I said at the beginning of the year that this could be a year where 87 wins division. I still think there is enough talent in the division that 3-4 teams could be in the low 80s.

We will see.

[thethe]

I don't expect this offense to continue. I don't expect AJ or KJ to hit like this. I do expect the pitching to get better. At least Tehran and Wood.

I said at the beginning of the year that this could be a year where 87 wins division. I still think there is enough talent in the division that 3-4 teams could be in the low 80s.

We will see.

Just need Tehearn/Wood to turn it around. The pitching is absolutely there and the offense is just working this year.

[57Brave]

Pitching - Defense and Contact hitting travels

[thethe]

Pitching - Defense and Contact hitting travels

Thats how you win in the postseason IMO>

[chop2chip]

Yes, indeed. He was one of my favorite Braves back in the day and it's nice to see him doing so well. One might even say he's the best swinging Johnson on the club these days.

This is a pretty likable team, IMO. I like what Gomes and KJ bring to the park every day. Another guy I really appreciate is Cameron Maybin. Every shot of him on the bench, even when he wasn't starting, he's looked positive, smiling and engaged in the game, genuinely congratulating his teammates, et al. He's seemed like he's happy to be here and be contributing to the team. That's not to be taken for granted, considering that he came up as a top prospect and is cashing some pretty big checks. He's been able to handle being a role player on a mediocre team, and is making the most of his opportunity to get on the field.
Re: Maybin. There isn't any reason not to believe that he can't be a contributor. If he can somehow be a 2-3 WAR player then thats going to make the Kimbrel trade a tremendous success, even if Wisler doesn't end up working out.

[thethe]

What would Jace Petersons numbers look like had he been playing everyday since the start of the season?

[thethe]

Re: Maybin. There isn't any reason not to believe that he can't be a contributor. If he can somehow be a 2-3 WAR player then thats going to make the Kimbrel trade a tremendous success, even if Wisler doesn't end up working out.

Maybin has been an absolute steal so far. At one point he was the centerpiece in a deal for the greatest right handed hitter of the last 50 years and now he is a throw-in in a deal for a closer, albeit a great one. The guy swings and misses a bit more than I would like but he also had a good eye at the plate and hits the ball hard. I'm ok with having 1 or 2 of those type of guys in the lineup if they are surrounded by contact guys.

[bravesnumberone]

Re: Maybin. There isn't any reason not to believe that he can't be a contributor. If he can somehow be a 2-3 WAR player then thats going to make the Kimbrel trade a tremendous success, even if Wisler doesn't end up working out.

:Bowman:wut

[clvclv]

Walden's on the DL more than he's healthy the last year.

Kinda makes that Heyward deal look kinda "so-so" too, don't it?!?!?

:suprise::suprise::suprise::suprise::suprise:

[clvclv]

It's funny that with him pitching like an ACE and stepping up tonight and giving our bullpen a rest, you'd rather keep taking digs at Heyward.

Only funny since if the tables were turned and Heyward was performing like KJ (or even Markakis) and Miller had a 4.50 ERA and couldn't consistently give us more than 5 innings the Heyward crowd would be cackling quite a bit louder.

[weso1]

If you go down the list of offensive stats, there are really only a couple of guys that might not be able to keep up their performances. AJ will decline in probably all areas. KJ will likely see a dip in the power numbers, but his OBP might go up a bit. Other than that there's no reason to think anyone else in the lineup can continue to do what they are doing. Maybin will likely decline, but he's been sharing time with EY Jr. If Fredi just replaces Maybin with the platoon then I think Maybin by himself could continue that production.

The biggest problem with our lineup may just wind up being depth. If the older guys get hurt, like you kind of expect then we don't really have a good replacement. Need Gomes and KJ to both stay healthy for the offense to continue to produce.

[thethe]

Only funny since if the tables were turned and Heyward was performing like KJ (or even Markakis) and Miller had a 4.50 ERA and couldn't consistently give us more than 5 innings the Heyward crowd would be cackling quite a bit louder.

It would be even more unbearable than it was in the offseason. Its funny how we aren't hearing about how awful John Hart is lately. Basically every big move that was made has worked out well so far. Still only a few months into the rebuild but I feel as if we are already ahead of schedule. Things can change quickly though.

[thethe]

If you go down the list of offensive stats, there are really only a couple of guys that might not be able to keep up their performances. AJ will decline in probably all areas. KJ will likely see a dip in the power numbers, but his OBP might go up a bit. Other than that there's no reason to think anyone else in the lineup can continue to do what they are doing. Maybin will likely decline, but he's been sharing time with EY Jr. If Fredi just replaces Maybin with the platoon then I think Maybin by himself could continue that production.

The biggest problem with our lineup may just wind up being depth. If the older guys get hurt, like you kind of expect then we don't really have a good replacement. Need Gomes and KJ to both stay healthy for the offense to continue to produce.

Thats where a promotion of Peraza comes in huge. You can put KJ/Peterson in LF/RF/3B and they won't embarass themselves. I also think that if AJ starts to falter CB will be back there and the defense will improve.

The team is not bad and looks to be performing at the high side of my win projection this year (72-78).

[JohnAdcox]

Thats where a promotion of Peraza comes in huge. You can put KJ/Peterson in LF/RF/3B and they won't embarass themselves. I also think that if AJ starts to falter CB will be back there and the defense will improve.

The team is not bad and looks to be performing at the high side of my win projection this year (72-78).

I agree 100% … but why lose a year of Peraza to win 78 instead of 72?

[thethe]

I agree 100% … but why lose a year of Peraza to win 78 instead of 72?

I think the Braves are banking on getting to Cobb with a lot of momentum and then the money will take care of itself.

As long as someone isn't asking for something they clearly aren't worth I think the Braves will keep them around.

[Julio3000]

It would be even more unbearable than it was in the offseason. Its funny how we aren't hearing about how awful John Hart is lately. Basically every big move that was made has worked out well so far. Still only a few months into the rebuild but I feel as if we are already ahead of schedule. Things can change quickly though.

The rebuild is going to be judged primarily on the success of the guys we acquired in exchange for Hey/JUp/Gattis/Kimbrel. Miller is balling, obviously, but there's no way to judge until we see more of Folty/Ruiz/Smith/Fried/Jenkins/Peterson, etc. This team is exceeding expectations so far, but the product on the field in early 2015 doesn't have much bearing on the progress of the rebuild.

[thethe]

The rebuild is going to be judged primarily on the success of the guys we acquired in exchange for Hey/JUp/Gattis/Kimbrel. Miller is balling, obviously, but there's no way to judge until we see more of Folty/Ruiz/Smith/Fried/Jenkins/Peterson, etc. This team is exceeding expectations so far, but the product on the field in early 2015 doesn't have much bearing on the progress of the rebuild.

I would agree to a certain extent. Seitzer is also part of that rebuild and the hitters are clearly buying into the philosophy of contact hitting.

Also, while its just the minor leagues I think we can feel good about the success of the group as a whole. Some underperformers for sure but in general the group has been doing what they need to do in hte minors.

[chop2chip]

The rebuild is going to be judged primarily on the success of the guys we acquired in exchange for Hey/JUp/Gattis/Kimbrel. Miller is balling, obviously, but there's no way to judge until we see more of Folty/Ruiz/Smith/Fried/Jenkins/Peterson, etc. This team is exceeding expectations so far, but the product on the field in early 2015 doesn't have much bearing on the progress of the rebuild.
I think a counterpoint to that would be that the product this year further accentuates the need for that rebuild.

Considering all the trades we made were made with the intention of acquiring pitching, I think that point has been validated with how trashy our pitching has been to this point.

Seriously, without Miller we realistically needed three more starting pitchers after Teheran and Wood in order to compete. There's simply no way we could have traded, signed, or promoted that pitching considering the situation.

[Braves1976]

I agree 100% … but why lose a year of Peraza to win 78 instead of 72?

If they give up a year of Peraza in a rebuild year they're nuts, I mean really truly nuts.

[nsacpi]

But if we are to contend in 2016 dont we need to call our prospects up this year to see what they got. Sort of like Bethancourt last year.
If they give up a year of Peraza in a rebuild year they're nuts, I mean really truly nuts.

[Braves1976]

But if we are to contend in 2016 dont we need to call our prospects up this year to see what they got. Sort of like Bethancourt last year.

Did we lose a year of control with Bethancourt? Whatever the case, if it means giving up a year of control to a top prospect like Peraza I wouldn't even consider it.

[thethe]

If they give up a year of Peraza in a rebuild year they're nuts, I mean really truly nuts.

I don't think retaining him is going to be an issue. Most important thing for the Braves is to go into 2017 ready to compete. That would mean a successful 2016 season. They will lock Peraza up to a contract similar to Peraza if he warrants it.

[nsacpi]

Did we lose a year of control with Bethancourt? Whatever the case, if it means giving up a year of control to a top prospect like Peraza I wouldn't even consider it.

But look at the upside. If he hadn't gained the ML experience he had last year, Bethancourt would not be nearly as polished and ready to help us this year as he is. Plus we would have not had a clue as to what to expect from him.

[thethe]

But look at the upside. If he hadn't gained the ML experience he had last year, Bethancourt would not be nearly as polished and ready to help us this year as he is. Plus we would have not had a clue as to what to expect from him.

Oh boy.....

[Braves1976]

But look at the upside. If he hadn't gained the ML experience he had last year, Bethancourt would not be nearly as polished and ready to help us this year as he is. Plus we would have not had a clue as to what to expect from him.

I don't believe you buy into the argument you just typed out anymore I do. :)

[nsacpi]

I don't believe you buy into the argument you just typed out anymore I do. :)

Everything I type overflows with sincerity.

[Braves1976]

I don't think retaining him is going to be an issue. Most important thing for the Braves is to go into 2017 ready to compete. That would mean a successful 2016 season. They will lock Peraza up to a contract similar to Peraza if he warrants it.

I am not buying that whether or not we give up a year of control to Peraza will determine how successful 2016 turns out to be.

[Braves1976]

Everything I type overflows with sincerity.

:happy0157:

[thethe]

I am not buying that whether or not we give up a year of control to Peraza will determine how successful 2016 turns out to be.

I get your argument and its a sound one. I just believe that the most important thing right now is 2017. Everything that has been done this past offseason is with the intention of having 2017 a potential world series year. They need to get Peraza and Smith as much time as possible to be ready to play. It also enhances the culture of the organization whereby you get playing time for hard work and performing. Maybe Peraza gets irked that he is held out for contract reasons when he knows he is ready and refuses to sign an extension. That becomes a delicate situation.

[nsacpi]

I am not buying that whether or not we give up a year of control to Peraza will determine how successful 2016 turns out to be.

Every little bit helps. 2017 is gonna be huge. And to get there you need to have a strong 2016 to build upon. Otherwise it is a bridge too far.

[nsacpi]

Maybe Peraza gets irked that he is held out for contract reasons when he knows he is ready and refuses to sign an extension.

Also if he is irked he might not play as hard in 2017.

[thethe]

I hope as we move past the dreaded offseason of 2015 that we can stop with the sarcahsm on everything.

In my opinion nscapi you were absolutely the most insightful baseball poster on the board and now it seems everything that comes from you is a thinly veiled joke towards the front office. I hope we get the old version of you back that I enjoyed reading every post.

[nsacpi]

I hope as we move past the dreaded offseason of 2015 that we can stop with the sarcahsm on everything.

In my opinion nscapi you were absolutely the most insightful baseball poster on the board and now it seems everything that comes from you is a thinly veiled joke towards the front office. I hope we get the old version of you back that I enjoyed reading every post.

This makes me sad. Where is the old me.

[thethe]

This makes me sad. Where is the old me.

Hopefully not too disenfranchised to come back.

[nsacpi]

Hopefully not too disenfranchised to come back.

Maybe I can be rebuilt too. Better than ever.

[thethe]

Maybe I can be rebuilt too. Better than ever.

What is your target year for being great again?

[nsacpi]

What is your target year for being great again?

To be determined. But the new version will have less power and better contact skills.

[thethe]

To be determined. But the new version will have less power and better contact skills.

Sweet, an even better version of the old powerhouse. I will wait eagerly for your arrival.

[Braves1976]

I hope as we move past the dreaded offseason of 2015 that we can stop with the sarcahsm on everything.

In my opinion nscapi you were absolutely the most insightful baseball poster on the board and now it seems everything that comes from you is a thinly veiled joke towards the front office. I hope we get the old version of you back that I enjoyed reading every post.

I am not sure he's disagreeing with front office, it seems to me he is disagreeing with you on this subject. Or do you just assume that the front office holds the same view that you've argued here?

[thethe]

I am not sure he's disagreeing with front office, it seems to me he is disagreeing with you on this subject. Or do you just assume that the front office holds the same view that you've argued here?

I assume that everyone should hold the same judgement as me!

Its not that he is disagreeing with the points I'm making. I love disagreement. Its just the methods that are employed lately are exhausting. The part that saddens me the most is that its coming from someone that could explain absolutely anything to anyone in the most articulate of manners.

[nsacpi]

The part that saddens me the most is that its coming from someone that could explain absolutely anything to anyone in the most articulate of manners.

You're embarrassing me man. Stop that.

[thethe]

You're embarrassing me man. Stop that.

I'll leave it alone sir.

[Braves1976]

I assume that everyone should hold the same judgement as me!

Its not that he is disagreeing with the points I'm making. I love disagreement. Its just the methods that are employed lately are exhausting. The part that saddens me the most is that its coming from someone that could explain absolutely anything to anyone in the most articulate of manners.

I am fine with the sarcastic humor personally but I suppose we can all overdo it at times. Besides, I expect various posters to cope with seeing many of their favorite players traded and this rebuild in different ways.

[thethe]

I am fine with the sarcastic humor personally but I suppose we can all overdo it at times.

Its part of the charm of the board but like you said its just too much at times. It gets inflamed by trolls that masquerade as posters.

[sturg33]

I am not sure he's disagreeing with front office, it seems to me he is disagreeing with you on this subject. Or do you just assume that the front office holds the same view that you've argued here?

We can be certain that no matter what the front office opinion is - thethe (and others) will agree with it

[thewupk]

We can be certain that no matter what the front office opinion is - thethe (and others) will agree with it

lol

[Heyward]

We can be certain that no matter what the front office opinion is - thethe (and others) will agree with it

We can be certain that lot of yall will also hate whatever move the new FO does, goes both ways, no?

[thewupk]

We can be certain that lot of yall will also hate whatever move the new FO does, goes both ways, no?

I'm pretty sure that's not certain. I would say that most of the people who disagreed with the rebuild have agreed with the way it's gone for the most part. I didn't want to rebuild but if you are going to do it then trading players 1 year away from FA for future parts is smart. So is trading a non essential in Kimbrel, etc.

[Heyward]

I'm pretty sure that's not certain. I would say that most of the people who disagreed with the rebuild have agreed with the way it's gone for the most part. I didn't want to rebuild but if you are going to do it then trading players 1 year away from FA for future parts is smart. So is trading a non essential in Kimbrel, etc.

If we were going to "compete", we needed 3 SP's, a couple bullpen arms, an outfielder, among other things with little to no money.

Kimbrel is awesome but getting rid of BJ's deal was tough to pass up. Who knows what they'll use that money on this winter.

[thewupk]

If we were going to "compete", we needed 3 SP's, a couple bullpen arms, an outfielder, among other things with little to no money.

Kimbrel is awesome but getting rid of BJ's deal was tough to pass up. Who knows what they'll use that money on this winter.

I'm aware of all that

[yeezus]

I'm aware of all that

maybe so, but it's official now that Heyward said it.