5/12/15 Braves @ Reds

[Garmel]

Braves
1. Nick Markakis (L) RF
2. Andrelton Simmons (R) SS
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
4. Kelly Johnson (L) LF
5. Alberto Callaspo (S) 3B
6. A.J. Pierzynski (L) C
7. Jace Peterson (L) 2B
8. Eric Young Jr. (S) CF
9. Mike Foltynewicz (R) P

Reds
1. Billy Hamilton (S) CF
2. Marlon Byrd (R) LF
3. Joey Votto (L) 1B
4. Todd Frazier (R) 3B
5. Brandon Phillips (R) 2B
6. Jay Bruce (L) RF
7. Kristopher Negron (R) SS
8. Brayan Pena (S) C
9. Anthony DeSclafani (R) P

[chop2chip]

Is there any doubt that Hamilton is stealing two bases each time he gets on base?

I can't think of a battery worse for holding runners than this current one.

[Julio3000]

Over/under on Reds SBs tonight?

[nsacpi]

Expecting a huge game from Callaspo.

[UNCBlue012]

Boo, 6 SB from the Reds? hahah

[chop2chip]

Over/under on Reds SBs tonight?

The question is whether or not it will best Tommy Hanson's infamous 7 (??) steal Marlins game.

[weso1]

The Reds haven't even hit yet and they already have 3 SB's.

[dak]

The question is whether or not it will best Tommy Hanson's infamous 7 (??) steal Marlins game.

Ha, had forgotten about that. I believe he had 7 walks in that game too.

[weso1]

That should be an error.

[dak]

If Hamilton is smart, he will immediately steal 2nd and 3rd.

[weso1]

Is there any doubt that Hamilton is stealing two bases each time he gets on base?

I can't think of a battery worse for holding runners than this current one.

welp

[UNCBlue012]

Come on man. That's dumb pitching Folty!

[Russ2dollas]

only have it on game day but it looked like he was getting squeezed.....lots of close balls or balls in the zone. Only strikes were down the middle.....HR down the middle.

[Braves1976]

Come on man. That's dumb pitching Folty!

Folty isn't a pitcher, at least not yet, he's more a thrower with a big fastball and no consistent command, etc. He simply isn't Major league ready.

[Braves1976]

only have it on game day but it looked like he was getting squeezed.....lots of close balls or balls in the zone. Only strikes were down the middle.....HR down the middle.

Nah, he actually got a high strike two call on Byrd.

[Braves1976]

Good start for Peterson tonight.

[Russ2dollas]

Nah, he actually got a high strike two call on Byrd.

on game day they were a good half square in the zone.

PS I hate the "high" strike being the belly button....

[Braves1976]

on game day they were a good half square in the zone.

PS I hate the "high" strike being the belly button....

Well, I don't think he really got squeezed but I am sure AJ's poor pitch framing didn't help his pitches look good.

[dak]

@mlbbowman
A source has confirmed Mike Minor will undergo shoulder surgery this week. @BillShanks was the first to report this development. #Braves

[Braves1976]

@mlbbowman
A source has confirmed Mike Minor will undergo shoulder surgery this week. @BillShanks was the first to report this development. #Braves

That's not good.

[UNCBlue012]

Me thinks Mike is probably done. Maybe he will do work and get back, but it's hard to say.

[dak]

Minor is probably set to make $6.5m - $7m in arbitration next year so I'd be surprised if he's tendered a contract. At least we have closure, I guess.

[Braves1976]

This news reminds me of the report about Mike's shoulder issues coming not long after in ST before last when he was allowed to throw a ton of pitches coming back in his rehab. That they weren't anyone paying attention or counting them. The only one that had an issue with it was that devil Frank Wren who was furious. He's since been fired of course.

It's these results and previous stories like this that make me think there is something we are doing wrong with pitchers that so many keep breaking down at such a high rate for us (and I am not sure it's just Fredi's brutal bullpen management of relievers).

[USMA76]

Seeing eye hit by Freeman.

[thethe]

@mlbbowman
A source has confirmed Mike Minor will undergo shoulder surgery this week. @BillShanks was the first to report this development. #Braves

What a wasted asset. Guy was so damn good.

[thethe]

Never should have given up on Kelly. Love having him back.

[USMA76]

Folty struggling to find the smallish strike zone.

[thewupk]

This news reminds me of the report about Mike's shoulder issues coming not long after in ST before last when he was allowed to throw a ton of pitches coming back in his rehab. That they weren't anyone paying attention or counting them. The only one that had an issue with it was that devil Frank Wren who was furious. He's since been fired of course.

It's these results and previous stories like this that make me think there is something we are doing wrong with pitchers that so many keep breaking down at such a high rate for us (and I am not sure it's just Fredi's brutal bullpen management of relievers).


Curse of Mazzone

[cajunrevenge]

Might as well do TJ at the same time so he doesn't lose another year down the line.

[dak]

Hardest hit ball I've seen from Jace. Thought that was a line drive out of here.

[Braves1976]

Peterson with a double, but no Joe that isn't his first extra base hit. He has one triple too.

[UNCBlue012]

Peterson with his first career double! Hitting .297!

[thewupk]

peterson power!

[Braves1976]

Hardest hit ball I've seen from Jace. Thought that was a line drive out of here.

Yea, if he'd got it a little higher it probably goes out. But at least hard enough hit for a double off the wall.

[Braves1976]

Not a good AB by EY Jr.

[thewupk]

Not a good AB by EY Jr.

par the course for him

[thethe]

Peterson is really good. I'd like to see him in the leadoff spot eventually.

[thethe]

Mukaki power!

[thewupk]

nick power!

[Braves1976]

That might be the hardest ball Markakis has hit this year. He couldn't let Jace get an extra base hit without showing he has it in him too.

[chop2chip]

Folty has looked pretty awful tonight, but having strike out stuff helps mitigate potential disasters.

[UNCBlue012]

Wow. Half of these pitches away are not even close to strikes for this guy for the Reds, yet they're called.

[thethe]

Folty has looked pretty awful tonight, but having strike out stuff helps mitigate potential disasters.

He is good enough to stay in the bigs on a losing team but he needs to improve to justify throwing him out there every fifth day next year.

[Braves1976]

Folty has looked pretty awful tonight, but having strike out stuff helps mitigate potential disasters.

He has also gotten them to chase some bad pitches, Byrd probably didn't see a strike his last AB but still took a full count to walk him and he struck out his first time chasing too. However, AJ has also done a poor job framing likely costing him some strikes. But at least AJ threw out Hamilton in the first. So he actually helped in that regard.

[USMA76]

He is good enough to stay in the bigs on a losing team but he needs to improve to justify throwing him out there every fifth day next year.

Two "ifs" for Folty. Ne needs better command of his high velocity fastball and he needs to develop a reliable second pitch to get batters off his heater. There's obviously work to be done but i think it's doable. I think he has a pretty high upside.

[thethe]

Two "ifs" for Folty. Ne needs better command of his high velocity fastball and he needs to develop a reliable second pitch to get batters off his heater. There's obviously work to be done but i think it's doable. I think he has a pretty high upside.

The gap between his ceiling and floor is tremendous. Guy could be a #1 starter or a decent 8th inning guy. Nobody has any idea what he is going to end up being.

[chop2chip]

He is good enough to stay in the bigs on a losing team but he needs to improve to justify throwing him out there every fifth day next year.
Yeah he can't give up homers and walk guys. That recipe is about the only one you can't skate by.

The difference, though, between Folty and this guy Desclafani is so obvious. Both have command issues, but Folty is far better equipped to accidentally pitching himself out of jams.

[USMA76]

The gap between his ceiling and floor is tremendous. Guy could be a #1 starter or a decent 8th inning guy. Nobody has any idea what he is going to end up being.

Agreed. One thing I like about Folty is that he seems to be teachable. If he takes coaching well, he could give us an absolutely overpowering (most likely)#2 or #3 starter.

[USMA76]

Can't believe that wasn't strike three to Votto. That pitch has been a strike for Desclafani...grr.

[chop2chip]

Folty is definitely getting squeezed tonight. Almost every close call has gone against him.

Also, I can't think of less intimidating home run hitter than Todd Frasier.

[thethe]

If Folty can consistently locate that slider/curve...oh man.

[chop2chip]

Agreed. One thing I like about Folty is that he seems to be teachable. If he takes coaching well, he could give us an absolutely overpowering (most likely)#2 or #3 starter.
Kiley McDaniel says Folty has a reputation of being kind of a dunce. Not that he isn't coachable, but there isn't much a cerebral factor to his game.

[thethe]

I'll say it again...Jace is a really good hitter. I'll put him anywhere on the diamond.

[Braves1976]

Peterson is an on-base machine, three more times tonight after another good AB. Now he steals second too. Great job kid!

[USMA76]

Kiley McDaniel says Folty has a reputation of being kind of a dunce. Not that he isn't coachable, but there isn't much a cerebral factor to his game.

He may not be a mensa candidate but, in watching him through his first three MLB starts, he does seem to be making incremental progress. For a young guy, that's about all you can ask.

[Braves1976]

Kiley McDaniel says Folty has a reputation of being kind of a dunce. Not that he isn't coachable, but there isn't much a cerebral factor to his game.

Yea I heard similar from my friend in Houston.

[UNCBlue012]

I love this guy. So good.

[thethe]

Peterson is an on-base machine, three more times tonight after another good AB. Now he steals second too. Great job kid!

After a SLOW start he has a 365 OBP.

[smootness]

Two "ifs" for Folty. Ne needs better command of his high velocity fastball and he needs to develop a reliable second pitch to get batters off his heater. There's obviously work to be done but i think it's doable. I think he has a pretty high upside.

His upside is through the roof. He hasn't been on in any of his starts, yet he's keeping us in every game.

He has two potential plus pitches outside of his fastball - the curve, and the hard slider that he's just now started to get down, and it's already a devastating pitch at times.

To me, he's a clear future starter, just needs to keep working on some things.

[Julio3000]

I like Folty's capacity to settle down and work. He's gone deeper into this game than I thought he would at first. That was a nasty breaking ball to Frazier.

[thethe]

I like Folty's capacity to settle down and work. He's gone deeper into this game than I thought he would at first. That was a nasty breaking ball to Frazier.

A great sign is that he seems to finish stronger than he starts. Once he gets over the beginning jitters it could be a lot of fun.

[USMA76]

I like Folty's capacity to settle down and work. He's gone deeper into this game than I thought he would at first. That was a nasty breaking ball to Frazier.

We need to get one more clean inning out of him.

[Garmel]

I don't want to see EY get another at bat with the Braves.

[thethe]

I don't want to see EY get another at bat with the Braves.

I have no clue why he is on the team anymore. Baffling.

[Hawk]

One of the things that impresses me most about Folty is the quality of his stuff does not diminish even at the 100 pitch mark.

[dak]

I don't want to see EY get another at bat with the Braves.

I wasn't surprised to see him in the lineup today after Maybin's lazy fielding play last night. Lucky it didn't cost us a run in a tie game late.

[USMA76]

I have no clue why he is on the team anymore. Baffling.

Amazing to me that we don't have anyone in the minors that wouldn't bring more to the table than EY does.

[thethe]

That hard slider is working right now. Folty flashes TOR stuff often. Very exciting.

[thethe]

One of the things that impresses me most about Folty is the quality of his stuff does not diminish even at the 100 pitch mark.

Not in the slightest. If anything, his control is sharper.

[Julio3000]

Amazing to me that we don't have anyone in the minors that wouldn't bring more to the table than EY does.

Don't we?

[The Chosen One]

I worry about Folty's mechanics. They're not sustainable long term.

[USMA76]

Give AJ credit, he's killed a couple of potential rallies by throwing out guys at second base.

[dak]

Pretty embarrassing SB attempt by Bruce. Get's thrown out easily on a lollipop throw from AJ. I will say though, Mike is doing a much better job of holding runners on in this game.

[thethe]

Wow Folty.

GIVE THE MAN ANOTHER INNING!

[thethe]

I worry about Folty's mechanics. They're not sustainable long term.

Are there mechanics that prevent injury? Seems nobody is immune anymore.

[USMA76]

Any updates on Grilli?

[Braves1976]

Folty actually is pitching his best tonight after a slow start, he doesn't usually have this much consistency with both his fastball and curveball working so well. However, it helps that they're mostly chasing too so they don't need to be strikes.

[chop2chip]

Wow Folty.

GIVE THE MAN ANOTHER INNING!

You said this in the Philly game and you ruined that game!!

But I agree haha... The guy has sick stuff

[thethe]

You said this in the Philly game and you ruined that game!!

But I agree haha... The guy has sick stuff

I kind of ruin everything! I blame myself for Jeff Francouer secretly.

[Braves1976]

Are there mechanics that prevent injury? Seems nobody is immune anymore.

Folty did have an elbow scare last year with Houston, but after that he hasn't had any issues that I know of.

[Braves1976]

Give AJ credit, he's killed a couple of potential rallies by throwing out guys at second base.

Did AJ throw anyone out before tonight this year? If so probably only one.

[Julio3000]

I kind of ruin everything! I blame myself for Jeff Francouer secretly.

Secretly, hell. We kinda blame you for everything, high expectations guy.

[Braves1976]

Don't we?

We have plenty of options, it's not that.

[thethe]

Secretly, hell. We kinda blame you for everything, high expectations guy.

Heyward couldn't handle the pressure!

[thethe]

Holy crap Kelly. Can we keep you for the next 4 years?

[The Chosen One]

Are there mechanics that prevent injury? Seems nobody is immune anymore.

Absolutely are. It's not really about preventing, more so reducing the chance of getting TJ surgery. Having bad mechanics doesn't help you out.

[UNCBlue012]

Great swing by AJ. But, no success.

[thewupk]

Holy crap Kelly. Can we keep you for the next 4 years?

his power isnt this good

[USMA76]

Heyward couldn't handle the pressure!

Not to hijack the thread but every time Shelby Miller pitches, I feel less bad about the Hayward trade. I was sick when it happened and for the first month of the season. While it's too bad we can't have them both, it seems to me that one year of Hayward vs. three of Miller's not looking so bad right now.

[jsebe10]

Phillips is a very good 2B, by all means. But I think he makes a lot of those plays flashier and harder than they really are. He could have easily gotten in front of that ball and fielded it

[thethe]

his power isnt this good

Still a good hitter though and can play all over the place.

[thewupk]

Still a good hitter though and can play all over the place.

his last 4 years say otherwise

[thethe]

TAKE THE OUT FOLTY!

[Hawk]

Damn. As soon as he paused, I knew.

[UNCBlue012]

Take Folty out.

[USMA76]

This is a revolting development.

[Garmel]

Looks like this inning is going to be a train wreck.

[thethe]

I'm a fan of keeping Folty out here.

[jsebe10]

I'm a fan of keeping Folty out here.

Me 2. Fck it. Growing pains.

[dak]

I'm okay with Folty to Byrd. Need Avilan to face Votto though.

[chop2chip]

I always cringe when I see the pitcher throw to second to start the double play.

[jsebe10]

I'm a fan of keeping Folty out here.

Our bullpen will blow it anyway.

[UNCBlue012]

This is just so sickening. That error was so bad there.

[Hawk]

Rookie mistake.

[thethe]

This will serve as a valueable learning experience for Folty. I don't care that he let up the tying run. This start was a HUGE positive.

[jsebe10]

Unearned run.

[The Chosen One]

I always cringe when I see the pitcher throw to second to start the double play.

Except when Maddux did it. You knew it'd be accurate.

[smootness]

Absolutely are. It's not really about preventing, more so reducing the chance of getting TJ surgery. Having bad mechanics doesn't help you out.

What is unsustainable about his mechanics?

[jsebe10]

Fckn Avilan. Jesus. Anyone else have that gut feeling that Votto is going to make his biznatch

[chop2chip]

Except when Maddux did it. You knew it'd be accurate.
It makes sense in retrospect why he has won every gold glove since 1940.

[weso1]

That was a really dumb decision to bunt there by the Reds, but they got away with it because of the bad throw. I mean you bunt a slow player over to second with a guy who hasn't hit much coming up next.

[USMA76]

OK dumb question concerning scoring. Looking at the boxscore on ESPN, it shows Folty with three earned runs. Why isn't the last one unearned as it was set up by an error and (without it) the inning would be over with no runs scored? I didn't think it mattered if the error was on the pitcher.

[Julio3000]

Not that I know ****, but I'm fine with leaving Folty out there to start the 7th. Shame about the error.

[thethe]

It makes sense in retrospect why he has won every gold glove since 1940.

What happened before 1940?

[smootness]

OK dumb question concerning scoring. Looking at the boxscore on ESPN, it shows Folty with three earned runs. Why isn't the last one unearned as it was set up by an error and (without it) the inning would be over with no runs scored? I didn't think it mattered if the error was on the pitcher.

I think it does matter. It certainly should.

[Julio3000]

Fckn Avilan. Jesus. Anyone else have that gut feeling that Votto is going to make his biznatch

No.

[The Chosen One]

What is unsustainable about his mechanics?

Too much arm and shoulder. Follow through is erratic. Think Matt Harvey.

[50PoundHead]

A lot of people supporting Fredi, but Foltynewicz gave him 6 solid innings and was at 95 pitches. I pull him.

[USMA76]

OK dumb question concerning scoring. Looking at the boxscore on ESPN, it shows Folty with three earned runs. Why isn't the last one unearned as it was set up by an error and (without it) the inning would be over with no runs scored? I didn't think it mattered if the error was on the pitcher.

Never mind, they just changed it back to two earned runs.

[Braves1976]

OK dumb question concerning scoring. Looking at the boxscore on ESPN, it shows Folty with three earned runs. Why isn't the last one unearned as it was set up by an error and (without it) the inning would be over with no runs scored? I didn't think it mattered if the error was on the pitcher.

Once Avilan got Votto out that run should've been unearned, a hit by Votto would've made it earned though (correction, a hit would've made three earned and four runs). So end result is an unearned run.

[The Chosen One]

What happened before 1940?

The Babe

[jsebe10]

It's only unearned if Trout, Lebron, Harper, or SEC Football is on the mound. Stop watching anything and everything ESECPN

[USMA76]

I think it does matter. It certainly should.


Turns out I was right. If a pitcher makes an error, it's still an unearned run.

[dak]

OK dumb question concerning scoring. Looking at the boxscore on ESPN, it shows Folty with three earned runs. Why isn't the last one unearned as it was set up by an error and (without it) the inning would be over with no runs scored? I didn't think it mattered if the error was on the pitcher.

I believe that run is unearned. MLB At Bat app showing it as unearned.

[Julio3000]

A lot of people supporting Fredi, but Foltynewicz gave him 6 solid innings and was at 95 pitches. I pull him.

Fine to pull him, too, but I don't think it was a mistake to leave him out there.

[jsebe10]

OK dumb question concerning scoring. Looking at the boxscore on ESPN, it shows Folty with three earned runs. Why isn't the last one unearned as it was set up by an error and (without it) the inning would be over with no runs scored? I didn't think it mattered if the error was on the pitcher.

It's only unearned if Trout, Lebron, Harper, or SEC Football is on the mound. Stop watching anything and everything ESECPN

[smootness]

Too much arm and shoulder. Follow through is erratic. Think Matt Harvey.

I'm cool with that.

[WaitingFor2017]

Fredi not thinking about extra innings again by wasting Avilan on one batter.

[USMA76]

Great, we've got to face Laz Diaz' love child on the mound for the Reds again.

[Russ2dollas]

only on game day........but 6 and 2/3 with only 3 runs in this bandbox......that's pretty good.

Folty is clearly nervous early. He needs to play this year to get over that.

He needs to work on a lot of things, but he has added that hip turn and modified that turn quickly. He's got a chance to be special.

[Braves1976]

Gosselin doubles after a missed call by ump, he should've been struck out. Thanks ump!

[Julio3000]

Gosselin's stock is up a tick or two,

[USMA76]

Gosselin doubles after a missed call by ump, he should've been struck out. Thanks ump!

We caught a break on that one, no doubt.

[50PoundHead]

Gosselin keeps his lead over Ciriaco in the 25th man sweepstakes.

[WaitingFor2017]

Gosselin keeps his lead over Ciriaco in the 25th man sweepstakes.

Can we keep both and DFA EYJR?

[UNCBlue012]

I love this bench.

[The Chosen One]

Gosselin keeps his lead over Ciriaco in the 25th man sweepstakes.

Survival of the hittest.

[USMA76]

Hopefully that intentional walk to Markakis will motivate Tron.

[The Chosen One]

If anyone thinks pitch framing doesn't mean anything, I thought Pena sucked at it 10 years ago.

[jsebe10]

If anyone thinks pitch framing doesn't mean anything, I thought Pena sucked at it 10 years ago.

Doesn't mean much when your SS rolls over a hook to SS. Good thing em there was 2 outs or it would have been his 12th twin killing.

[WaitingFor2017]

Johnson needs to pitch a 2nd inning if the game is tied since he didn't throw many pitches.

[The Chosen One]

Johnson needs to pitch a 2nd inning if the game is tied since he didn't throw many pitches.
:FrediConfident:

[50PoundHead]

Now pitching for the Reds.

https://pmcdeadline2.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/chappie-poster.jpg?w=640

[Braves1976]

Doesn't mean much when your SS rolls over a hook to SS. Good thing em there was 2 outs or it would have been his 12th twin killing.

As long as Simmons hits behind another slow runner who gets on base well in Markakis, he'll hit into more DP's because he usually hits hard groundballs and he's slow himself. If you want to lower that number you'll need someone speedy hitting ahead of him that can steal second before hand.

[chop2chip]

Johnson has quietly rebounded after the Toronto implosion.

[WaitingFor2017]

Wasting your closer on these turds in the bottom of the lineup when Johnson was still fresh? If you're going to use Grilli, save him for Byrd, Votto, Frazier, etc. when they come to play in extras. We are getting much closer to seeing Perez and Cahill.

[USMA76]

Pena hitting .347. i never thought much of him when he was a Brave but WTF?

[57Brave]

It is standard practice for the closer to throw the 9th inning in a tie game on the road. Been that way since the late 70's

[50PoundHead]

Boy, this has been the year of the ex-Braves tormenting their former employer.

[USMA76]

That, folks, is a painful loss.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Welp

[bravesnumberone]

Lol. Defense costs another game.

[The Chosen One]

Well those who complained about Fredi not pitching Grilli in the 9th in a tie game can be happy now.

And I bet Simmons is super pissed at himself for messing that up.

[UNCBlue012]

What an idiot. Another easy win lost.

[thewupk]

good game

[WaitingFor2017]

Another winnable game blown up.

That makes about 4 lost games that could've easily been wins.

[Braves1976]

Not the way I wanted to see Grilli return..

[jsebe10]

12 runners left on base. Peterson 3 times because of EYJ and the pitchers slot. Gotta hit in big situations.

[chop2chip]

12 runners left on base. Peterson 3 times because of EYJ and the pitchers slot. Gotta hit in big situations.
That's why I don't mind if we lose this year when it's guys like EY that serve as the root.

I thought Folty was tremendous. His line looks ugly but he turned it around. That's very important to see from a young pitcher.

[chop2chip]

Another winnable game blown up.

That makes about 4 lost games that could've easily been wins.
Trading Craig Kimbrel has to have an effect some how.

[Julio3000]

Trading Craig Kimbrel has to have an effect some how.

The pen has been brutal, but it would be a different story if Grilli and Johnson were 7th/8th inning guys and everyone else's roles were adjusted accordingly. That may make it so we take it on the chin a few times, but that's where we are. Hopefully we'll spend that money wisely. Go get 'em tomorrow.

Pena has always been able to hit the ball with the fat part of the bat. There was no place for him in Atlanta, but I'm not surprised to see him stick in the bigs.

[Braves1976]

The pen has been brutal, but it would be a different story if Grilli and Johnson were 7th/8th inning guys and everyone else's roles were adjusted accordingly. That may make it so we take it on the chin a few times, but that's where we are. Hopefully we'll spend that money wisely. Go get 'em tomorrow.

Pena has always been able to hit the ball with the fat part of the bat. There was no place for him in Atlanta, but I'm not surprised to see him stick in the bigs.

Yea, I haven't said a lot on that particular trade because how that trade turns out won't be told till I see how we spend that money.

[chop2chip]

The pen has been brutal, but it would be a different story if Grilli and Johnson were 7th/8th inning guys and everyone else's roles were adjusted accordingly. That may make it so we take it on the chin a few times, but that's where we are. Hopefully we'll spend that money wisely. Go get 'em tomorrow.

Pena has always been able to hit the ball with the fat part of the bat. There was no place for him in Atlanta, but I'm not surprised to see him stick in the bigs.

Yeah. The common misperception was that we replaced with Kimbrel with Grilli. We actually replaced Kimbrel with Kohn, Cornely, Perez, etc. Johnson, Martin, Grilli, and Avilan have done okay.

[Braves1976]

James Russell a bullpen arm we miss that we gave away for nothing. He is doing well with Chicago again, but he did well with us last year too. He also has been fine with his velocity, hitting 90 mph tonight including on a strikeout of Duda a few mins ago.

[chop2chip]

James Russell a bullpen arm we miss that we gave away for nothing. He is doing well with Chicago again, but he did well with us last year too. He also has been fine with his velocity, hitting 90 mph tonight including on a strikeout of Duda a few mins ago.
To be fair, I liked Mckirran before he got suspended. I doubt we would have carried three lefties and I'm fine with Russell being the odd man out of that trio.

[Braves1976]

To be fair, I liked Mckirran before he got suspended. I doubt we would have carried three lefties and I'm fine with Russell being the odd man out of that trio.

I wasn't sure about the kid, partly since Fredi didn't seem to have any idea of his reverse splits. But either way Russell is a good reliever and given his track record vs righties last year I'd still not just release him.

[MadduxFanII]

Russell's got a career 107 ERA+ and a 2.56 K/BB ratio. His reverse splits and lack of dynamite stuff make him kind of a difficult piece to fit in the puzzle, but we really weren't in a position to give away bullpen arms. It's one thing to trade guys as part of a re-build, but DFAing Russell achieved nothing. He's not going to be a part of the next good Braves' team, but you need someone to get outs in a re-building year.

[Braves1976]

Russell's got a career 107 ERA+ and a 2.56 K/BB ratio. His reverse splits and lack of dynamite stuff make him kind of a difficult piece to fit in the puzzle, but we really weren't in a position to give away bullpen arms. It's one thing to trade guys as part of a re-build, but DFAing Russell achieved nothing. He's not going to be a part of the next good Braves' team, but you need someone to get outs in a re-building year.

The only thing releasing Russell and Wandy did was give us 4 million of the 5.5 million needed to waste on Cahill..

[sturg33]

Well those who complained about Fredi not pitching Grilli in the 9th in a tie game can be happy now.

And I bet Simmons is super pissed at himself for messing that up.

I am happy. Kudos to Fredi for evolving

[Millwood1Hitter]

I am really super exciting about Folty....if he somehow can harness that stuff and control it.....WOW! Hopefully he can stay healthy because I really really really am starting to get exciting to see how it all comes together with all these high upside arms.

[thethe]

I am really super exciting about Folty....if he somehow can harness that stuff and control it.....WOW! Hopefully he can stay healthy because I really really really am starting to get exciting to see how it all comes together with all these high upside arms.

Baseball will always be about pitching and those that have it will typically do better than those that don't. Not all the time obviously but I'll take my chances with top flight power arms.

[stpeteirish]

That's why I don't mind if we lose this year when it's guys like EY that serve as the root.

I thought Folty was tremendous. His line looks ugly but he turned it around. That's very important to see from a young pitcher.

There a bright side of this the most recent loss. Folty handling that lineup in that ballpark. His best start so far

[UNCBlue012]

It was a good and bad game and though the outcome makes me want to scream, there was more good than bad.

I'm incredibly happy for Folty and I hope he can continue to grow, cause he could be special. I think he has the tendencies to be a bulldog one day.

Something has to happen with the BP, it's cost us about 6 "easy" wins this year. I'm sure management expected something like this when Walden, Carpenter and Kimbrel were all traded, but man.

[MadduxFanII]

Something has to happen with the BP, it's cost us about 6 "easy" wins this year. I'm sure management expected something like this when Walden, Carpenter and Kimbrel were all traded, but man.

If you think about it, we actually traded away or released an entire bullpen. Kimbrel, Walden, Carpenter, Shreve, Varvaro, Hale and Russell isn't a bad-looking unit by itself, and we got rid of all those guys. Now, most of the moves to get rid of those guys were reasonable, and a lot of them are struggling- Kimbrel's getting kicked around a little, Walden is hurt, Varvaro's been DFAed, Carpenter's numbers are unimpressive and Hale isn't even in the bigs. But you don't trade away that many arms without suffering a bit.

I do think we might well end up seriously regretting losing Shreve.

[UNCBlue012]

If you think about it, we actually traded away or released an entire bullpen. Kimbrel, Walden, Carpenter, Shreve, Varvaro, Hale and Russell isn't a bad-looking unit by itself, and we got rid of all those guys. Now, most of the moves to get rid of those guys were reasonable, and a lot of them are struggling- Kimbrel's getting kicked around a little, Walden is hurt, Varvaro's been DFAed, Carpenter's numbers are unimpressive and Hale isn't even in the bigs. But you don't trade away that many arms without suffering a bit.

I do think we might well end up seriously regretting losing Shreve.

I agree, Shreve was a guy I was huge on. I wasn't against the overall trade, but I hated losing him. He would be huge in this BP right now.

[Tapate50]

I agree, Shreve was a guy I was huge on. I wasn't against the overall trade, but I hated losing him. He would be huge in this BP right now.

Harang huge?