GDT: 5/10/'15 - Atlanta Braves (Wood) @ Washington Nationals (Game 3) 1:35 EST

[The Chosen One]

Fredi showing off and employing the same lineup as yesterday.

Marcucus
Symmonym
Freeman
Kelly
Bert
Jacen
Christie Beth
Rajon Rondo
Wood

[The Chosen One]

The Braves are undefeated this season when I make the GDT. Let's get on track here boys.

[nsacpi]

Expecting a huge game from beth

[jsebe10]

Expecting Harper to take one off the hand and breaking every bone in it

[jpx7]

Expecting just such a whatsit.

[Garmel]

I'm expecting Wood to be limp today.

[The Chosen One]

Simmons screwed. Sigh.

[Garmel]

Looking at Harper reminds me that I need to go take a crap. BRB.

[Garmel]

Freaking stupid to pitch to Harper and bad defense by Maybin.

[UNCBlue012]

WALK HIM. How hard is that? Don't give him pitches to hit. Idiots.

[The Chosen One]

Julio and Alex have been not so good this year.

[Garmel]

No other manager in baseball would have made such a stupid decision as Fredi did there.
:fredi:

[UNCBlue012]

Yeah, This team doesn't care. Call me wrong, I don't mind. But this is so stupid.

[Julio3000]

Markakis threw a rainbow from deep 2B.

[thethe]

Julio and Alex have been not so good this year.

The one part of the team you thought was a sure thing.

[Garmel]

What the hell has happened to Julio and Alex? I don't get it.

[Dalyn]

At least we were fun to watch early. Now it's just disaster after disaster.

[USMA76]

Anyone else tired of being the Nats' punching bag? I know I sure am.

[sturg33]

Yeah, This team doesn't care. Call me wrong, I don't mind. But this is so stupid.

How can you measure if a team "Cares" or not?

The fact is the team is not talented. "Caring" isn't the issue

[thethe]

How can you measure if a team "Cares" or not?

The fact is the team is not talented. "Caring" isn't the issue

wood and Teheran have been the biggest culprits this year though.

[Julio3000]

Damn, another great AB by Maybin. Fouled of a couple of 2-strike pitches and drove in the run with a 1B.

[Garmel]

Maybin keeps doing his thing.

[Garmel]

LOL! Wood joins in on the action.

[Dalyn]

Our pitchers hit better than they pitch.

[Julio3000]

Looks like Bethancourt was pissing in Yunel's ear a little bit. Maybe AJ really has been mentoring him.

[thethe]

Jace is a damn good hitter. Even without power.

[Julio3000]

Jace Peterson is gonna steal your job.

[The Chosen One]

Jace is the modern Luis Castillo. Exceptional defense and slap hitter.

[thethe]

Jace is the modern Luis Castillo. Exceptional defense and slap hitter.

Not a bad comp there.

[USMA76]

If Maybin keeps hitting (and putting together quality at bats), with his speed he'd be deadly at the top of the lineup. It might also reduce the number of double plays Simmons grounds into.

[thethe]

If Maybin keeps hitting (and putting together quality at bats), with his speed he'd be deadly at the top of the lineup. It might also reduce the number of double plays Simmons grounds into.

I'd try something like this:

Maybin
Nick
Freeman
Simmons
KJ
Callaspo
Jace
CB

[USMA76]

I'd try something like this:

Maybin
Nick
Freeman
Simmons
KJ
Callaspo
Jace
CB

I like it. The only problem would be that Simmons would still be hitting behind another slow guy with a high batting average. 8^)

[UNCBlue012]

I'd try something like this:

Maybin
Nick
Freeman
Simmons
KJ
Callaspo
Jace
CB

I think I'd really enjoy seeing that lineup. I like Nick, but the 2-spot is about perfect for him. CB should be last, Maybin is way better as a hitter.

Also, good for Wood! 2-2!

[UNCBlue012]

I'm also a fan of:
Maybin CF
Simmons SS
Markakis RF
Freeman 1B
KJ LF
Callaspo 3B
Peterson 2B
C-Beth C

[USMA76]

Looking at thethe's proposed lineup and if Maybin's OBP can continue to rise, I'd put Simmons fifth and Johnson fourth since Johnson's shown less tendency to roll over balls/hit into twin killings and KJ's been a little more consistent (at least this year) hitting the long ball.

[USMA76]

Back to the game, Wood now has seven Ks through four innings.

[Garmel]

Back to the game, Wood now has seven Ks through four innings.

He looks like 2014 Wood.

[keithlaw]

They can't call a balk on the review can they?

[USMA76]

That's the first review I can recall going our way this year.

[thethe]

What a tremendous play. Simmons is a wizard out there. PLEASE NEVER TRADE HIM!

[Julio3000]

Tron is so heads-up on D it's disgusting.

[dak]

Surprised they overturned that. Didn't see an angle that showed conclusively whether he had his thumb on the bag when the tag was applied.

[Braves1976]

Good challenge but I am still annoyed we missed a big one yesterday as it cost Peterson his on base streak and a hit on his birthday. And he'd probably scored later that inning so maybe we win had we challenged.

[ViperVisor]

Tron is so heads-up on D it's disgusting.

If only this were true. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv0leRPYnj4


'Defense wins sampeeonsips!'

[UNCBlue012]

ALEX!

[Braves1976]

Wood owns Zimmerman! :)

[USMA76]

Markakis looks lost against Zimmerman. Perhaps Wood could give him some tips.

[UNCBlue012]

Markakis looks lost against Zimmerman. Perhaps Wood could give him some tips. He hasn't done an awful job or anything, but three runs is a bit sad. Zimmerman has been terrible today.

[The Chosen One]

What did Tron do?! I missed it.

[USMA76]

What did Tron do?! I missed it.

Chop off the plate. Thrown out by third baseman.

[UNCBlue012]

Freaking Harper. How is this even a thing?

[The Chosen One]

Chop off the plate. Thrown out by third baseman.

lol. I meant defensively.

[UNCBlue012]

Out.

[Julio3000]

What did Tron do?! I missed it.

Pickoff play at 2B. Blocked Uggla from the bag with his foot, then kept it there after the play to make it obvious that he didn't make the bag. Safe call overturned on review.

[thethe]

Geez, these umps are really pulling for the Nats giving them two obvious calls.

[Braves1976]

He was out.

[thethe]

Pickoff play at 2B. Blocked Uggla from the bag with his foot, then kept it there after the play to make it obvious that he didn't make the bag. Safe call overturned on review.

What an absolute joke that he was called safe on that play. What the heck was the second base ump looking at?

[USMA76]

lol. I meant defensively.

Beautiful tag on Uggla to pick him off second base and take the bat out of Harper's hands with two men on base and two out.

[thethe]

Wood could go 7 here.

[Braves1976]

Great recovery by Wood going six innings after that first inning.

[USMA76]

Two successful appeals in one game? Signs the apocalypse is upon us...

[UNCBlue012]

Great recovery by Wood going six innings after that first inning. This is the main reason I've always looked more favorable towards him over Julio. He's a bulldog. Julio's composure is rough.

[USMA76]

This is the main reason I've always looked more favorable towards him over Julio. He's a bulldog. Julio's composure is rough.

Exactly the same thing I said about Julio in yesterday's game day thread. If Julio's going well, no problem; but when faces adversity ,his composure, body language, etc. just seems to fall apart.

[UNCBlue012]

HAHAHAH HARPER

[CrimsonCowboy]

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[UNCBlue012]

@scottcoleman55: Matt Wisler with 8IP, 5H, 1R, 0BB, 2K today. 90 pitches so far, Gwinnett's up 6-1

[Julio3000]

lolbryce

[UNCBlue012]

@scottcoleman55: Wisler's now given up just one run in his last 12.1 innings. 9K/1BB

[UNCBlue012]

4-3!

[Julio3000]

Some BABIP magic happening.

[USMA76]

Other than being picked off first base on Friday night, that's about the only sign of mortality Harper's shown in this series.

[thethe]

Just need our pitchers to pitch well and the offense is there.

I just love the way the guys battle. Nobody gives up AB's like last year. So much more enjoyable to watch. Sure, lots of weak contact but you give and take.

[thethe]

I love hitting Peterson here and not bunting.

Thats the confidence we need to show in this kid.

[The Chosen One]

Jace can't catch a break.

[thethe]

You have to be kidding me.

[UNCBlue012]

Uggla is a douche. Seriously. He's made two good defensively plays against Jace.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Dan Uggla makes me mad

[Braves1976]

Damn you Uggla..

[USMA76]

Ouch. Since when is Uggla a defensive wizard at second base? If the Nats' win this game, that's their play of the day.

[Braves1976]

The good news for Peterson is even his outs have been hard hit. The bad news is he should've had a hit yesterday and with some breaks could have three to five more hits than he's had the last few days.

[Braves1976]

I'm not missing CJ at third one bit. :)

[USMA76]

Callaspo's settling in defensively at third base. Chris Johnson can take his time getting back. 8^)

[Julio3000]

Really a great pick by Calypso Bert.

[USMA76]

Need to keep that runner on first out of scoring position.

[Krovahn]

Side note: Wandy retired 32 in a row over two games for the Rangers... great call letting him go...

[UNCBlue012]

This BP is awful. Why Martin...

[CrimsonCowboy]

Oh boyyyyyy

[Braves1976]

Side note: Wandy retired 32 in a row over two games for the Rangers... great call letting him go...

He'd be doing even better in the NL getting to face pitchers instead of DH's IMO. I thought Wandy looked great this Spring Training and hated letting him go. Plus if we need a cheap veteran 5th starter next year he'd be ideal if he bounces back and stays healthy. But now that bridge is burned so not going to happen.

[Dalyn]

Using Martin AGAIN pisses me off. Is he going to just destroy his arm?

[UNCBlue012]

We should stop letting garbage hit against us.

[Braves1976]

Well, no win for Wood now..

[CrimsonCowboy]

Grilli unavailable today obviously. Otherwise, Johnson would be in.

[Braves1976]

Using Martin AGAIN pisses me off. Is he going to just destroy his arm?

Fredi himself said he put Hale in danger of being injured, so should know Hale's replacement would need to be up for the same treatment. That is Fredi's book.

[Dalyn]

Grilli unavailable today obviously. Otherwise, Johnson would be in.

Any word on Grilli?

[UNCBlue012]

This team is making me overly mad. We don't take our wins do we? It's now 5-4. For no logical reason.

[The Chosen One]

Our gold glove RF couldn't get that.

[CrimsonCowboy]

:facepalm:

[TDlxANDER]

Dat bullpen had me like...

[CrimsonCowboy]

Any word on Grilli?

Day to day with an undisclosed injury from what I have seen.

[Braves1976]

Gold Glover right there in RF! Did y'all see that great range? That is an easy catch for Heyward and other RF's but Markakis took all day just to watch it bounce. We need to move him to LF sooner rather than later IMO.

[UNCBlue012]

Also, that was a pretty easy catch Markakis.

[AerchAngel]

Wow, does Mukaki have cement in his feet?

Jeezus H Chrise that was pathetic!

[chop2chip]

<insert Heyward comment>

[CrimsonCowboy]

Atlanta Braves 2015: Putting the 'bull' in bullpen

[dak]

Cody Martin having a tough couple of days.

[Dalyn]

Day to day with an undisclosed injury from what I have seen.

Thanks!

[keithlaw]

Its 2006 all over again

[sturg33]

What did Harper do that made everyone laugh? I fell asleep

[The Chosen One]

Its 2006 all over again

Not necessarily. We didn't even have a reliable closer in 2006. It was musical chairs.

[Braves1976]

Any word on Grilli?

He'll probably need TJS or something bad, we owe him 8 million over two years regardless.

[AerchAngel]

Maybe that Chico's Bail Bonds company would sponsor the Braves, Jeez.

[sturg33]

Markakis is Garret Anderson - esque out there

[UNCBlue012]

Freddie gets a hanger and can't hit it worth crap.

[dak]

That not a ball I would expect Nick to get to. Didn't seem to me like a misplay or bad read . . . just a hard hit ball slicing away from him.

[sturg33]

Freddie gets a hanger and can't hit it worth crap.

Freeman crushed that. Was a line drive to the warning track.

[sturg33]

That not a ball I would expect Nick to get to. Didn't seem to me like a misplay or bad read . . . just a hard hit ball slicing away from him.

Why is Gomes in the game?

[sturg33]

That not a ball I would expect Nick to get to. Didn't seem to me like a misplay or bad read . . . just a hard hit ball slicing away from him.


Seriously? That was in the air forever

[Braves1976]

Gomes vs a righty is usually ugly..

[mfree80]

Markakis is Garret Anderson - esque out there

You don't really remember Garret Anderson do you?

[UNCBlue012]

Freeman crushed that. Was a line drive to the warning track. it wasn't a homer. Not hit hard.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Well that was irritating.

[Braves1976]

That not a ball I would expect Nick to get to. Didn't seem to me like a misplay or bad read . . . just a hard hit ball slicing away from him.

It may have been slicing but it hung up there long enough for a good RFer to catch it, Markakis is just too slow and that is why he has poor range in RF.

[chop2chip]

Freddie gets a hanger and can't hit it worth crap.
LOL

[AerchAngel]

You don't really remember Garret Anderson do you?

The Cadillac was so smooth, you didn't notice him in there.....if you get my point.

Lazy sunny afternoon, the field was pretty, flowers blooming, slight breeze, perfect, I will take a nap out here in left field with my glove up, if it goes over my head, my bud in center will take care of it.

Yours Truly Garret "The Cadillac STS" Anderson

[chop2chip]

it wasn't a homer. Not hit hard.
LOL

[dak]

Seriously? That was in the air forever

Wait, you thought Markakis was going to get to that? I've seen nothing this year that would lead me to believe he has the range to get to that ball.

[Braves1976]

I remember Garrett "Two Step" Anderson. I just try not to think about that season.

[sturg33]

it wasn't a homer. Not hit hard.

I'd have to assume you're joking

[Braves1976]

Wait, you thought Markakis was going to get to that? I've seen nothing this year that would lead me to believe he has the range to get to that ball.

That is why I want him to be moved to LF by 2016. He's only going to get worse out there.

[sturg33]

Wait, you thought Markakis was going to get to that? I've seen nothing this year that would lead me to believe he has the range to get to that ball.

No - Markakis is terrible. Just pointing out that most RFs catch that ball.

But thethe assures us that RF defense isn't that important in wins and losses

[bravesnumberone]

Well the Braves took a massive dump this weekend but it was very fun to watch.

[chop2chip]

No - Markakis is terrible. Just pointing out that most RFs catch that ball.

But thethe assures us that RF defense isn't that important in wins and losses
Defense is only important at second base.

[chop2chip]

The best part of 2015 is that Wisler's excellent start is far more important than our crappy bullpen blowing a game on the road.

[bravesnumberone]

He'll probably need TJS or something bad, we owe him 8 million over two years regardless.

Perhaps we shouldn't have been going for 40 year old relievers.

[Dalyn]

I don't remember the last time our pitching as a whole was this bad.

[thethe]

No - Markakis is terrible. Just pointing out that most RFs catch that ball.

But thethe assures us that RF defense isn't that important in wins and losses

Since I never said that I would appreciate you not making crap up.

[Braves1976]

Wood was charged with three runs today, but that "double" by Harper was truly an error by Maybin. If that is ruled such no earned runs today. Just sayin'

The outfield defense really cost us this game, not so much our pitching. Maybin is better than that, he said using two hands probably was a bad idea and rightly blamed himself for not making the play. Plus as already noted, a good defender in RF catches that game winning hit in the 8th too.

[thethe]

#Braves Freeman: "Usually last year if we got down 3, 4 or 5-nothing, we’d be done. This year we’re never down. We got down 3-0 & came back"

[bravesnumberone]

Scoreboard Freddie.

[Braves1976]

#Braves Freeman: "Usually last year if we got down 3, 4 or 5-nothing, we’d be done. This year we’re never down. We got down 3-0 & came back"

We are getting more production from short, second, third and CF offensively when Maybin starts so far. That helps, too bad we only have three good starters and a terrible bullpen. Plus our outfield defense has been considerably worse making it harder on our pitching too.

[sturg33]

We are getting more production from short, second, third and CF offensively when Maybin starts so far. That helps, too bad we only have three good starters and a terrible bullpen. Plus our outfield defense has been considerably worse making it harder on our pitching too.

OF defense doesn't matter

[UNCBlue012]

I was joking by the way. This game wasn't our offense's fault. It's the pitching and defense. And quite honestly, Fredi needs to switch BP guys at the correct time.

[dak]

Maybin is better than that, he said using two hands probably was a bad idea and rightly blamed himself for not making the play.

Yeah, Maybin has had several disappointing plays in CF this year. Maybe my expectations of his defense were unrealistic, but I've been a little disappointed. Markakis has been as advertised. Fundamentals and arm are good, but range is below average.

The dropoff on defense does explain part of the pitching woes. Last year we were 11th in DRS and 5th in UZR / 150 for the year. So far this year, we are 17th in DRS and 26th in UZR / 150.

[NinersSBChamps]

Jace is the modern Luis Castillo. Exceptional defense and slap hitter.

And no stolen base ability.

[AerchAngel]

#Braves Freeman: "Usually last year if we got down 3, 4 or 5-nothing, we’d be done. This year we’re never down. We got down 3-0 & came back"

What happened in the 9th Freddie? Or the bottom in the 8th with our defense? Don't blow sunshine up our ass, we do not want to hear it.

[Braves1976]

Yeah, Maybin has had several disappointing plays in CF this year. Maybe my expectations of his defense were unrealistic, but I've been a little disappointed. Markakis has been as advertised. Fundamentals and arm are good, but range is below average.

The dropoff on defense does explain part of the pitching woes. Last year we were 11th in DRS and 5th in UZR / 150 for the year. So far this year, we are 17th in DRS and 26th in UZR / 150.

I don't think they were unrealistic because this isn't like Maybin. He has a 21 DRS for his career and had 4 DRS last year in a bit over 600 innings. But so far this year he's off to a slow start at -4 DRS in 160 something innings. Now maybe part of it early on was just subbing for EYJ, but that doesn't explain the play he blew today. As he said, he usually makes that play but blew it today. Further, it is still early so he could turn it around and still end up with a positive DRS later. If you recall BJ Upton, when he was still BJ, had a good start defensively last year with a positive DRS early on. But then he was pretty terrible the rest of the way. Hopefully Maybin will follow his slow start defensively with strong defense the rest of the way.

That said, I have no hope with Markakis improving his defense because he isn't going to stop being so slow nor gain range.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Grilli is dealing with back spasms.

[Braves1976]

And no stolen base ability.

Who has no stolen base ability? Jace certainly has ability to steal bases.

[Runnin]

Other than being picked off first base on Friday night, that's about the only sign of mortality Harper's shown in this series.
What did he do? I need something to laugh at.

[Runnin]

#Braves Freeman: "Usually last year if we got down 3, 4 or 5-nothing, we’d be done. This year we’re never down. We got down 3-0 & came back"
I feel the team is starting to build some confidence with their newfound ability to score runs, but we desperately need some bullpen help.

[Julio3000]

What did he do? I need something to laugh at.

Lost a long fly ball in the sun and ducked while it hit the warning track.

[NinersSBChamps]

Who has no stolen base ability? Jace certainly has ability to steal bases.

Peterson is 2/4 in the stolen base department. Tiny sample, but that doesn't scream ability to me.

[Braves1976]

Peterson is 2/4 in the stolen base department. Tiny sample, but that doesn't scream ability to me.

Three straight seasons of 39-51 stolen bases in the minors does. Plus those two caught stealing were both bang bang and one he looked safe (no challenge though). Regardless, you know better than to go by such a tiny sample size.

[weso1]

I'm starting to think that losing our three best relievers before the season began impacted the ability of our bullpen to make pitch.

[weso1]

Three straight seasons of 39-51 stolen bases in the minors does. Plus those two caught stealing were both bang bang and one he looked safe (no challenge though). Regardless, you know better than to go by such a tiny sample size.

He was also batting .200ish like a week ago. Things change quick with small samples.

[Tapate50]

Peterson is 2/4 in the stolen base department. Tiny sample, but that doesn't scream ability to me.

Jesus

[The Chosen One]

Jesus

Note to self, small samples are small samples but they also scream observable evidence to make definitive opinions on things.

[CyYoung31]

Note to self, small samples are small samples but they also scream observable evidence to make definitive opinions on things.

Niners gonna Niners.