6/8/15: GDT - San Diego Padres @ Atlanta Braves (Only one Upton starting)

[thethe]

Kevin McAlpin ‏@KevinMcAlpin 33m33 minutes ago
#Braves lineup: Peterson 4, Maybin 8, Freeman 3, Markakis 9, Uribe 5, Pierzynski 2, Simmons 6, Cunningham 7, Miller 1

[thethe]

I'm getting a bit agitated at how much playing time AJ is getting now.

Why aren't we using this season to find out if CB can hit?

[sturg33]

I'm getting a bit agitated at how much playing time AJ is getting now.

Why aren't we using this season to find out if CB can hit?

Well, you're right that AJ sucks and shouldn't be playing. But I think we're getting our answer about Beth regardless. He's pretty terrible

[thethe]

Well, you're right that AJ sucks and shouldn't be playing. But I think we're getting our answer about Beth regardless. He's pretty terrible

CB has shown a consistent pattern of struggling in his first go around at every level. I'm not guaranteeing that he will be good at the major league level but I'm willing ot give him more than a handful of AB's to make that decision.

[sturg33]

Sure he should be playing... but I think we need to add C to the list of holes to address

[Braves1976]

Well, you're right that AJ sucks and shouldn't be playing. But I think we're getting our answer about Beth regardless. He's pretty terrible

I am not sold on Bethancourt being the future as a starter either, but sitting him for days and playing AJ after his best game including the walk-off homer isn't giving him much of a shot.

[sturg33]

Well look at the manager

[Braves1976]

Sure he should be playing... but I think we need to add C to the list of holes to address

I don't disagree with adding a catcher, that should be what they do ASAP IMO. Maybe someone like Avila if not Wieters or Lucroy. I like that Avila is left handed because I think Bethancourt will hit lefties okay. So maybe platoon them next year after signing Avila via free agency. But I would much rather have Lucroy or Wieters of course, depending on cost via trade for Lucroy and free agency in Wieters case.

[thethe]

Sure he should be playing... but I think we need to add C to the list of holes to address

As of now I would agree with this. The shame is that CB didn't get more playing time before the most important draft the Braves have had in the last 5+ years.

[Garmel]

This is a huge mismatch in our favor(Miller vs. Kennedy) tonight. We've got to take this one.

[thethe]

I don't disagree with adding a catcher, that should be what they do ASAP IMO. Maybe someone like Avila if not Wieters or Lucroy. I like that Avila is left handed because I think Bethancourt will hit lefties okay. So maybe platoon them next year after signing Avila via free agency. But I would much rather have Lucroy or Wieters of course, depending on cost via trade for Lucroy and free agency in Wieters case.

I don't believe in paying a 30+ year old catcher that much money. Wieters is going to get at least 15+ per year IMO.

[chop2chip]

I don't believe in paying a 30+ year old catcher that much money. Wieters is going to get at least 15+ per year IMO.

In retrospect, signing McCann wouldn't have been the worst decision in the world. That contract he is signed to is quite favorable.

[Braves1976]

I don't believe in paying a 30+ year old catcher that much money. Wieters is going to get at least 15+ per year IMO.

Lucroy as you know is my first choice, just he might take too much in a trade if even available. Wieters would be my second if not too much money and years, how many years is often more important than the AAV IMO. Further, I would just try to pick-up someone like Avila if Wieters costs too much in money and/or years.

[thethe]

In retrospect, signing McCann wouldn't have been the worst decision in the world. That contract he is signed to is quite favorable.

He is doing a little better than I thought. I think he is helped by Yankees stadium a bit but I still believe that the contract we would have had to offer woul dhave hurt at the back end.

[thethe]

Lucroy as you know is my first choice, just he might take too much in a trade if even available. Wieters would be my second if not too much money and years, how many years is often more important than the AAV IMO. Further, I would just try to pick-up someone like Avila if Wieters costs too much in money and/or years.

Yeah, I would be interested in Wieters if it was a 4 year deal. I feel like he is going to get a 5-6 year deal though.

[thewupk]

CB also has a 236 BABIP in only 26 games. Not saying he's good but he needs a chance to play everyday just to see if he can hit enough to make his defense worth it. He has 5 DRS in only 208 innings this year which is really good.

[chop2chip]

He is doing a little better than I thought. I think he is helped by Yankees stadium a bit but I still believe that the contract we would have had to offer woul dhave hurt at the back end.
McCann basically does all of the things excellently that AJ does atrociously. Mac would have been nice to have with our young pitching staff.

[thethe]

McCann basically does all of the things excellently that AJ does atrociously. Mac would have been nice to have with our young pitching staff.

And a great mentor for CB.

You can definitely convince me that signing Mac would have been a good move in hindsight.

At the time though we had to see if Gattis could play everyday at cather.

[Braves1976]

CB also has a 236 BABIP in only 26 games. Not saying he's good but he needs a chance to play everyday just to see if he can hit enough to make his defense worth it. He has 5 DRS in only 208 innings this year which is really good.

AJ is on his way to a worse DRS this year than last, he finished -11 DRS last year and is already -6 DRS this year. Bethancourt 5 DRS is even better when compared to AJ who is quite terrible. I'll be happy when AJ is gone but I don't see anyone giving up anything good in a trade for him.

[thewupk]

AJ is on his way to a worse DRS this year than last, he finished -11 DRS last year and is already -6 DRS this year. Bethancourt 5 DRS is even better when compared to AJ who is quite terrible. I'll be happy when AJ is gone but I don't see anyone giving up anything good in a trade for him.

The difference between AJ and CB is like the difference between Jeter and Simmons.

[chop2chip]

AJ is on his way to a worse DRS this year than last, he finished -11 DRS last year and is already -6 DRS this year. Bethancourt 5 DRS is even better when compared to AJ who is quite terrible. I'll be happy when AJ is gone but I don't see anyone giving up anything good in a trade for him.

Bethancourt has graded out as a worst pitch framer per BP.

[Braves1976]

McCann basically does all of the things excellently that AJ does atrociously. Mac would have been nice to have with our young pitching staff.

Yea, Mac is one of the better pitch framers in MLB whereas AJ is among the worst. I think watching Mac and Ross here in the past spoiled us a bit. I miss that combo.

[thethe]

Bethancourt has graded out as a worst pitch framer per BP.

I think thats great to look at but is there a normalization impact based on the umpire?

For instance, are certain umpires less likely to give borderline calls than others? I'd imgaine so. Under this assumption then you would have to give consideration to who is umpiring. I don't think something as simple as [# of pitches out of the zone called strikes / # of pitches out of the zone] should be the metric.

Maybe i just need to read up on how they are determining this stat though.

[Braves1976]

Bethancourt has graded out as a worst pitch framer per BP.

This year? If so it sounds like the mentoring is working wonders even if it is a small sample for Bethancourt.

[Braves1976]

I think thats great to look at but is there a normalization impact based on the umpire?

For instance, are certain umpires less likely to give borderline calls than others? I'd imgaine so. Under this assumption then you would have to give consideration to who is umpiring. I don't think something as simple as [# of pitches out of the zone called strikes / # of pitches out of the zone] should be the metric.

Maybe i just need to read up on how they are determining this stat though.

Maybe Bethancourt really is just listening to AJ, learn from one of the worst and become just as bad. :)

[jsebe10]

Well, you're right that AJ sucks and shouldn't be playing. But I think we're getting our answer about Beth regardless. He's pretty terrible

It's hard for him to get anything consistent going when his idiot manager plays him once a week and sits him literally after going 3 for 4 and helping us win our only game in the past 5 games.

[thethe]

It's hard for him to get anything consistent going when his idiot manager plays him once a week and sits him literally after going 3 for 4 and helping us win our only game in the past 5 games.

Its basically the same thing, to an even worse degree, as to what he was doing to Jace at the start of the season. Look at how much better Jace was once he got regular playing time. I suspect we would see an improvement with CB if he were given a chance.

[Braves1976]

Let's look on the bright side, maybe our bullpen isn't as bad as they seem. Maybe both our catchers just cannot frame a pitch to save their life. JK. :)

[sturg33]

I wasn't arguing against playing CB... we should be.

But he's probably a worse player than AJ at this point. And Fredi is (hopefully) fighting for his job.

[jsebe10]

Its basically the same thing, to an even worse degree, as to what he was doing to Jace at the start of the season. Look at how much better Jace was once he got regular playing time. I suspect we would see an improvement with CB if he were given a chance.

I don't get it.

On a side note. I'm interested to see what the bullpen ERA is when CB is catching them compared to when AJ catches...if anyone knew how to get, that'd be awesome

[Braves1976]

Its basically the same thing, to an even worse degree, as to what he was doing to Jace at the start of the season. Look at how much better Jace was once he got regular playing time. I suspect we would see an improvement with CB if he were given a chance.

I doubt Bethancourt hits enough even with regular time, but I agree you cannot say for sure till you give him a longer look. You don't sit him for days or longer after his best game. If we don't give him a chance this year when will we?

[jsebe10]

I doubt Bethancourt hits enough even with regular time, but I agree you cannot say for sure till you give him a longer look. You don't sit him for days or longer after his best game. If we don't give him a chance this year when will we?

Consistency is key.

[Braves1976]

I don't get it.

On a side note. I'm interested to see what the bullpen ERA is when CB is catching them compared to when AJ catches...if anyone knew how to get, that'd be awesome

I remember someone posted the overall ERA being a lot better with Bethancourt than AJ weeks back. But I am not sure about just the bullpen ERA nor what the updated overall ERA is right now. But I'll try to look for that later and post if I have time before the draft.

[jsebe10]

I remember someone posted the overall ERA being a lot better with Bethancourt than AJ weeks back. But I am not sure about just the bullpen ERA nor what the updated overall ERA is right now. But I'll try to look for that later and post if I have time before the draft.

Thanks man

[Braves1976]

Thanks man


It seems the overall ERA is closer now with Bethancourt just a little better (4.28 vs 4.33), see here: http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/fielding/_/position/c/sort/catcherERA/count/41/qualified/false/order/false

The biggest difference seems to be Bethancourt's success at throwing out runners vs AJ's lack of success doing so. I'll keep looking to see if I can find just the bullpen numbers for both.

[gilesfan]

I'm getting a bit agitated at how much playing time AJ is getting now.

Why aren't we using this season to find out if CB can hit?

I think it's pretty clear he cannot. But, I would give him the whole season as a starter to see how much he can contribute in the future; even if it's just as a backup.

[chop2chip]

I think thats great to look at but is there a normalization impact based on the umpire?

For instance, are certain umpires less likely to give borderline calls than others? I'd imgaine so. Under this assumption then you would have to give consideration to who is umpiring. I don't think something as simple as [# of pitches out of the zone called strikes / # of pitches out of the zone] should be the metric.

Maybe i just need to read up on how they are determining this stat though.

He's graded out poorly both this year and last year, but you are right to assume the sample size is way too small. A lot of the noise would be shaken out over a couple years of games.

[Braves1976]

@DOBrienAJC 4m4 minutes ago
Triple-A #Braves activated newly acquired LH Dana Eveland, and Kelly Johnson begins rehab assignment at Gwinnett tonight.

@DOBrienAJC 3m3 minutes ago
#Braves released LH Donnie Veal, who was DFA'd last week

Comments: I am looking forward to getting KJ back with us and I kinda feel bad for Veal. I mean it must be rough to get excited twice about making it back to the Majors and also get DFA'd twice in short order and now released.

[chop2chip]

I remember someone posted the overall ERA being a lot better with Bethancourt than AJ weeks back. But I am not sure about just the bullpen ERA nor what the updated overall ERA is right now. But I'll try to look for that later and post if I have time before the draft.
I don't think that is a good way of evaluation. Especially since Beth and AJ catch different SP and your SP effectively determines which RP will pitch.

[thethe]

I think it's pretty clear he cannot. But, I would give him the whole season as a starter to see how much he can contribute in the future; even if it's just as a backup.

I'd definitely say its much more likely he can't at this point.

[Braves1976]

He's graded out poorly both this year and last year, but you are right to assume the sample size is way too small. A lot of the noise would be shaken out over a couple years of games.

I thought he looked really bad overall late last season, didn't they write that off as fatigue or something? He sure hasn't been given the excuses so far this year nor been talked about near as highly.

[Braves1976]

I don't think that is a good way of evaluation. Especially since Beth and AJ catch different SP and your SP effectively determines which RP will pitch.

Good point, plus since AJ always catches Miller his overall ERA being slightly worse shows that aside from Miller he's not having much success. But keep in mind I was simply trying to find the stats requested.

[UNCBlue012]

So, Beth has a good game and doesn't get a start?

[ramadon101]

So, Beth has a good game and doesn't get a start?

It's the Braves Way (tm).

[goldfly]

So, Beth has a good game and doesn't get a start?

http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Fredi+Gonzalez+Atlanta+Braves+v+Cincinnati+jNeaVdW 9htdl.jpg

[Garmel]

I'd definitely say its much more likely he can't at this point.

Maybe it's because Bethancourt has oddball swing mechanics. Look at his home run the other night for evidence of that. If he can correct these problems he might be able to hit better.

[goldfly]

Maybe it's because Bethancourt has oddball swing mechanics. Look at his home run the other night. If he can correct these problems he might be able to hit better.

http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Fredi+Gonzalez+Washington+Nationals+v+Atlanta+EnC6 SN-6s6Xl.jpg

[dak]

MU2 is apparently not a Fredi Gonzalez fan (from DOB on twitter) . . .

Melvin Upton Jr on happy to be traded: “Definitely. I got the opportunity to be back with my brother and play for a great manager. Bud Black and the coaching staff, they all played and know what this game’s about"

[Heyward]

I'm hoping we deal AJ at the deadline and bring up Lavarnway to replace AJ and use CB as the starter the rest of the way.

[goldfly]

MU2 is apparently not a Fredi Gonzalez fan (from DOB on twitter) . . .

Melvin Upton Jr on happy to be traded: “Definitely. I got the opportunity to be back with my brother and play for a great manager. Bud Black and the coaching staff, they all played and know what this game’s about"

are there people that are Fredi fans?

[dak]

are there people that are Fredi fans?

The man has coached for quite some time in this league, and I honestly don't remember a single current or former player praising him. I don't suspect a lot of guys hate him, but he doesn't exactly command respect.

[CyYoung31]

MU2 is apparently not a Fredi Gonzalez fan (from DOB on twitter) . . .

Melvin Upton Jr on happy to be traded: “Definitely. I got the opportunity to be back with my brother and play for a great manager. Bud Black and the coaching staff, they all played and know what this game’s about"

Well, we know that after the ESPN mics picked up him clowning Fredi last year.

[dak]

Well, we know that after the ESPN mics picked up him clowning Fredi last year.

I must have missed that one. What did they catch him saying?

[CyYoung31]

I must have missed that one. What did they catch him saying?

When BJ got up to pinch run, he referred to Fredi as "the mother****er" and was bitching about Fredi's use of him. It was against the Nationals I think.

[Julio3000]

MU2 is apparently not a Fredi Gonzalez fan (from DOB on twitter) . . .

Melvin Upton Jr on happy to be traded: “Definitely. I got the opportunity to be back with my brother and play for a great manager. Bud Black and the coaching staff, they all played and know what this game’s about"

They call that the Full Hanley.

[dak]

Nice. In a Fredi versus Melvin dispute, I'm not even sure whose side to take.

[CyYoung31]

I'd wager that the only ones that love Fredi are the Braves' beat writers. And that's only because he makes their jobs really easy.

[thewupk]

The man has coached for quite some time in this league, and I honestly don't remember a single current or former player praising him. I don't suspect a lot of guys hate him, but he doesn't exactly command respect.

I think Dan Uggla likes Freddi

[Julio3000]

I'd wager that the only ones that love Fredi are the Braves' beat writers. And that's only because he makes their jobs really easy.

Well, that and teh jokez.

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff511/poinsett/33040275-d1b2-4cc9-a940-75a89a30e3d4_zps3406f10f.jpg

[thewupk]

I'm looking forward to Kimbrel closing this one out tonight

[thethe]

I'm looking forward to Kimbrel closing this one out tonight

Face Uribe in the 8th?

[stpeteirish]

@DOBrienAJC 4m4 minutes ago
Triple-A #Braves activated newly acquired LH Dana Eveland, and Kelly Johnson begins rehab assignment at Gwinnett tonight.

@DOBrienAJC 3m3 minutes ago
#Braves released LH Donnie Veal, who was DFA'd last week

Comments: I am looking forward to getting KJ back with us and I kinda feel bad for Veal. I mean it must be rough to get excited twice about making it back to the Majors and also get DFA'd twice in short order and now released.

"activate" to the big club or to AAA? Dumping Veal and sending KJ to Gwinnett doesn't open up a spot on the big club's 25 man roster.

"Kinda" feel bad for Veal? Why? he was awful and just being bad would keep you employed with this team.

[thewupk]

Face Uribe in the 8th?

Hopefully in the 8th

[UNCBlue012]

Markakis.. Get that out of here. You're giving a ball you should of hammer 400 feet out of here.

[USMA76]

Looked up "warning track power" and saw a photo of Markakis.

[Garmel]

Nick almost hit one out.

[Julio3000]

Nick almost hit one out.

Boomkaki-tease?

[UNCBlue012]

Wow Shelby.

Great at-bat, but he did not mix it up well there. Right over the middle.

[USMA76]

Eight foul balls and then rips a double...ouch.

[thethe]

Please keep Maybin.

[Braves1976]

Peterson-Maybin combo produce again. Good job boys. 1-1

[thewupk]

It's pretty funny that one of the few Braves hitter of the past decade it seems that actually comes here via trade or FA and and doesn't suck is considered a salary dump.

[UNCBlue012]

I LOVE MAYBIN

[thethe]

Please keep Maybin.

^

[Julio3000]

Small ballin

[UNCBlue012]

KAKIS POWER

[Braves1976]

LOL @ Kemp in the OF. :)

[jsebe10]

Good piece of hitting, Nikki

[thethe]

Nick power!

Man, if this team only had some BP arms....

[thethe]

Small ballin

Surprisingly better than big ballin

[sturg33]

Markakis with bullet bloop double

[sturg33]

Surprisingly better than big ballin

Do you think?

[thethe]

Markakis with bullet bloop double

Oh Sturg....

[thewupk]

LOL @ Kemp in the OF. :)

worse than Markymark?

[sturg33]

I swear thethe should apply to be a broadcaster or beat writer for Braves

[thethe]

I swear thethe should apply to be a broadcaster or beat writer for Braves

I'd love to be a beat writer for one of my favorite teams...

This year is just so much sweeter because of the doom and gloom offseason.

[USMA76]

With Kennedy approaching 80 pitches in the third inning, it'd sure be nice to get to their bullpen early in the first game of the series--and put them at an "arms disadvantage" for the remaining two games.

[thewupk]

I swear thethe should apply to be a broadcaster or beat writer for Braves

Anyone is better than Bowman

[sturg33]

I'd love to be a beat writer for one of my favorite teams...

This year is just so much sweeter because of the doom and gloom offseason.

Yes, when expectations are brought down so much, we celebrate mediocrity

[sturg33]

Anyone is better than Bowman


I like Bowman more DOB

[Julio3000]

Oh Sturg....

I'm greedy. I'd like to have Peterson, Cam, and Markakis at the top of the order followed by Freddie and another legit power bat.

[sturg33]

I'm greedy. I'd like to have Peterson, Cam, and Markakis at the top of the order followed by Freddie and another legit power bat.

I'm definitely on the Maybin train... By far the best deal of the offseason

[thethe]

Yes, when expectations are brought down so much, we celebrate mediocrity

Missing the big picture yet again..

[thethe]

I'm greedy. I'd like to have Peterson, Cam, and Markakis at the top of the order followed by Freddie and another legit power bat.

Hopefully Uribe and Kelly can give us something this year.

[sturg33]

Missing the big picture yet again..

Is that what you think?

[USMA76]

I swear thethe should apply to be a broadcaster or beat writer for Braves

How 'bout manager?

[thewupk]

I'd love to be a beat writer for one of my favorite teams...

This year is just so much sweeter because of the doom and gloom offseason.

I dunno. Last year we had the hope and expectation of contending. Even if that ended horribly I would still rather go through that then with no hope of contending.

[sturg33]

I am just noticing this, but Miller's follow through looks exactly like Max Sherzer to me

[thethe]

I dunno. Last year we had the hope and expectation of contending. Even if that ended horribly I would still rather go through that then with no hope of contending.

For me its more exciting to watch a team that I know has a bright future.

[thethe]

Jace is so smooth at second base. I don't want to move him off of that position.

[thethe]

Maybin should be in the future plans. Need to figure out 3B and C for next season.

[USMA76]

Jace is so smooth at second base. I don't want to move him off of that position.

Between Uribe, Simmons, Peterson, and Freeman, I'd like to think our infield has a lot fewer holes than most even if Freddie doesn't have the greatest range in the world.

[sturg33]

Between Uribe, Simmons, Peterson, and Freeman, I'd like to think our infield has a lot fewer holes than most even if Freddie doesn't have the greatest range in the world.

Uribe basically plugged the entire hole himself

[CyYoung31]

It's pretty funny that one of the few Braves hitter of the past decade it seems that actually comes here via trade or FA and and doesn't suck is considered a salary dump.

Both Maybin and Uribe.

[USMA76]

Uribe basically plugged the entire hole himself

Defense aside, he's sure looked awful at the plate tonight.

[CrimsonCowboy]

What was that, Juan?

[CyYoung31]

After that interview, why do I get the feeling that Roy Clark probably likes to attend cocaine parties with Chip.

[CyYoung31]

Mike Trout is one home run away from being the answer to the trivia question.

[thewupk]

Both Maybin and Uribe.

The baseball gods are smiling on us

[thethe]

The baseball gods are smiling on us

Maybe because the devil (Wren) is no longer with the organization!

[USMA76]

Maybe because the devil (Wren) is no longer with the organization!

In all seriousness, it's impressive how quickly we've managed to overcome so many of Wren's boneheaded moves. Our main "sucking chest wound" that remains is the bullpen and, unfortunately, I don't see that one healing quickly.

[thewupk]

Maybe because the devil (Wren) is no longer with the organization!

That must be it

[thethe]

In all seriousness, it's impressive how quickly we've managed to overcome so many of Wren's boneheaded moves. Our main "sucking chest wound" that remains is the bullpen and, unfortunately, I don't see that one healing quickly.

Can't fix a disaster in one offseason. But, the majority of it has been fixed and if they get this draft right then we will be quickly back to contending for a world series.

[USMA76]

Heady play by Uribe.

[stpeteirish]

Doesn't look like we'll need much from the dreaded bullpen tonight.

[thethe]

I can't believe how good Shelby Miller is....

[thethe]

We need Maybin in RF next year. Markakis is not good there.

[jpx7]

Markakis: the triple-maker.

[Julio3000]

Markakis: the triple-maker.

Markakis, stolid, triple-maker

[thethe]

Thank the heavens for Simmons.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Simmons is such a weapon in the field

[WaitingFor2017]

Let Shelby go another inning.

[Julio3000]

Markakis: the triple-maker.

After that, my next one needs to be a double for sure.

[Julio3000]

Thank the heavens for Simmons.

Always.

[sturg33]

Anyone else notice that when Fredi gets the ball at the end of an inning... he always throws it to another player?

My paranoia wonders if it's because he's quietly protesting and doesn't want to be the one to give fans the baseball.

I do not remember him doing it last year

[sturg33]

Markakis should have gotten an error for that play. But perhaps that will help him win another gold glove

[Julio3000]

That play blew a question for me in the YNOT. Thanks, Nick.

[USMA76]

Cheap "hit" for Chris Johnson but an add on run here would be nice.

[weso1]

Anyone else notice that when Fredi gets the ball at the end of an inning... he always throws it to another player?

My paranoia wonders if it's because he's quietly protesting and doesn't want to be the one to give fans the baseball.

I do not remember him doing it last year

Worst protest ever

[USMA76]

Insert Benny Hill music to accompany the Padres defense in this inning.

[thethe]

Anyone else notice that when Fredi gets the ball at the end of an inning... he always throws it to another player?

My paranoia wonders if it's because he's quietly protesting and doesn't want to be the one to give fans the baseball.

I do not remember him doing it last year

Reaching.....

[sturg33]

Worst protest ever

lol I don't know... just seems odd to me.

[sturg33]

Reaching.....


What would I be reaching for?

[Julio3000]

lol I don't know... just seems odd to me.

It's for the kids, man. Getting a ball tossed to you by a player is so much cooler than getting one from
:FrediWut:

[thethe]

Damn, liked that they didn't bunt there with Maybin. oh well

[cajunrevenge]

Still love you Cameron.

[sturg33]

It's for the kids, man. Getting a ball tossed to you by a player is so much cooler than getting one from
:FrediWut:

Sorry - just realized I spelled it wrong. Was referring to Freddie Freeman

[weso1]

I actually think Fredi made the right call there, but just oh well.

[USMA76]

Freddie walks on ball five.

[sturg33]

I actually think Fredi made the right call there, but just oh well.

Agreed no reason to bunt Maybin there.

[USMA76]

"Quackenbush comes on with three ducks on the pond."

Stop it Chip, you're killing me...

[CrimsonCowboy]

Are you kidding me?

[WaitingFor2017]

Should be 5-1

[CyYoung31]

My paranoia tells me that Freddie was also protesting on that play.

[weso1]

My paranoia tells me that Freddie was also protesting on that play.

I actually buy this one.

[sturg33]

My paranoia tells me that Freddie was also protesting on that play.

You read my mind

[NinersSBChamps]

Are you kidding me?

What happened?

[Braves1976]

Good AB by Uribe, should've had an RBI or two.

[weso1]

What happened?

Uribe hit a routine grounder up the middle and Freeman dove for the ball to try and stop the SS from making a play on it.

[CrimsonCowboy]

What happened?

What looked to be a two run hit for Uribe hit Freeman on the base path

[UNCBlue012]

Idiot bullpen

[weso1]

And here comes the pen.

[USMA76]

What looked to be a two run hit for Uribe hit Freeman on the base path

That could be a huge (mis) play in this game.

[WaitingFor2017]

The bad Jim Johnson has been around recently.

[NinersSBChamps]

What looked to be a two run hit for Uribe hit Freeman on the base path

Thanks.

[UNCBlue012]

@mlbbowman: The #Braves will take RHP Mike Soroka with the 28th pick

[CyYoung31]

Eddie Vedder time.

[CyYoung31]

You can tell Kimbrel wishes he was still a Brave.

[USMA76]

Screwed by the ump on (what should've been) strike three.

[CyYoung31]

...And I wish he was too...

[Braves1976]

I figured Grilli would blow his next save chance because he hasn't pitched enough.

[UNCBlue012]

Wow. He was struck out.

[weso1]

Freeman's inability to dodge a snail may come back to bite us.

[CyYoung31]

Horrible AB by Middlebrooks.

[USMA76]

Can't believe "Melvin" is being booed in Atlanta.

[CyYoung31]

I hope Melvin gets picked off.

[Braves1976]

LOL - here we go again.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Good grief

[Five]

Lmao

[USMA76]

I hope Melvin gets picked off.

...or not--smh

[Garmel]

This keeps keep getting better and better.

[CyYoung31]

Figures.

[Five]

****ing disgusting.

[thethe]

Just a stupid decision to try and pick someone off there. Wow.

[USMA76]

Un-effing believable.

[57Brave]

f nnn Freddie

[jpx7]

Ha.

[WaitingFor2017]

Even the "reliable" back end of the pen was s*** tonight.

[Julio3000]

Melvin Upton. New team, still a pinch-runner.

[UNCBlue012]

We have a team full of idiots that don't even care about winning. WHAT DUMB MISTAKES. Another easy win thrown away.

[WaitingFor2017]

LOL at Melvin almost getting out at home plate for "cruising" on home on an easy sac fly.

[USMA76]

Oh, well, it just gives us a chance for another walk off win (ever the optimist).

[CrimsonCowboy]

Can Soroka and Allard join the bullpen tomorrow?

[CyYoung31]

Okay, regardless if this is a lost season or not, I can't watch this bullpen anymore.

[CyYoung31]

LOL at Melvin almost getting out at home plate for "cruising" on home on an easy sac fly.

Yep. He really is a jackass.

[Braves1976]

The inning breakdown didn't go as expected, but I figured a blown save was coming from Grilli after he sat a while.

[WaitingFor2017]

2 errors tonight; both made by pitchers.

[weso1]

Not super pumped about matching bullpens with the Padres in extras.

[USMA76]

2 errors tonight; both made by pitchers.

Plus an error that won't show up in the box score on Freeman's baserunning brain fart.

[sturg33]

We have a team full of idiots that don't even care about winning.

Do you actually believe this? You say it every game.

[sturg33]

The good news is this will improve our draft position next year for another pitcher

[weso1]

Do you actually believe this? You say it every game.

They're all protesting.:Bowman:

[stpeteirish]

Terdo better learn to pinch hit if he expects to make a living in the majors.

[CyYoung31]

Ugh.

[weso1]

Ugh.

Nick Masset got this. Relax.

[57Brave]

Freddie mis managed the bull pen again. Wondering how long this can go on.
Freeman better learn how to run bases. That is a mistake that "we" cant have.
F nn Freddie

[USMA76]

Time for the Masset hound. Not looking good.

[sturg33]

Is Masset considered our third best guy?

[Garmel]

Is Masset considered our third best guy?

I'd say Cuniff is.

[WaitingFor2017]

Thanks to Gyorko for swinging at that garbage. Masset nearly walked a guy with a <.600 OPS.

[USMA76]

Is Masset considered our third best guy?

Leadoff man strikes out on a cap bill high pitch when Masset was doing his best to walk him.

[JusticeForAll23]

Is Masset considered our third best guy?
Eh, I think everyone in our bullpen is considered about our 7th best guy.

[USMA76]

Eh, I think everyone in our bullpen is considered about our 7th best guy.


...on a AAA pitching staff.

[weso1]

Peterson made that play look easy.

[57Brave]

When Kimbrell comes in (and he will)

first pitch a fastball ?

do you sit on it ?

[57Brave]

Raise your hand if you chastised the manager for not leaving Cody martin in a game the other day.
........

I have a new name for the bullpen

SUNOCO

[CyYoung31]

Did Joe seriously just say that Justin Upton wasn't a sure thing coming into this year?

[sturg33]

Raise your hand if you chastised the manager for not leaving Cody martin in a game the other day.
........

I have a new name for the bullpen

SUNOCO

I'm assuming Fredi G is a democrat

[sturg33]

I think if the Braves acquired Billy Hamilton he might steal like 13 bases for the season

[USMA76]

Thinking about how many games this bullpen has blown absolutely fries my brain.

...and of course it all started with a leadoff walk.

[WaitingFor2017]

Another winnable game down the toilet.

[57Brave]

careful sturg - i was scolded once for crossing forums

[UNCBlue012]

So many easy wins that we just screw over. So many.

[thethe]

Another winnable game down the toilet.

I guess we will have a better pick next year.....silver linings...

[Braves1976]

Who didn't see that coming?

[NinersSBChamps]

careful sturg - i was scolded once for crossing forums

I was scolded for crossing streams.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Braves bullpen:
https://nothrowaways.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/stock-photo-5899387-antique-gasoline-can.jpg

[chop2chip]

Are we over the "Cody Martin is good" thing yet? Sorry Dalyn

[NinersSBChamps]

Who didn't see that coming?

Coming.
There I said it.

[weso1]

Someone put Dalyn on suicide watch.

[CyYoung31]

Are we over the "Cody Martin is good" thing yet? Sorry Dalyn

Starting to see why the Braves didn't protect him.

[NinersSBChamps]

I guess we will have a better pick next year.....silver linings...

Which high school pitcher do we draft?

[atl717]

Cody Martin is not good. He had a lot of fans here. I dont want Banuelos in the pen, I want him as a starter.

[chop2chip]

Starting to see why the Braves didn't protect him.

I guess having good stuff does matter no matter how good your control supposedly is.

[USMA76]

When we meltdown in extra innings, we really do it in style.

[blueagleace1]

Why was Miller pulled in the 7th after only throwing 94 pitches???? I mean you try to give Fredi the benefit of the doubt with what he has to work with and he even say's "I'm still figuring out what works best as we struggle" but his decisions have been nothing short of atrocious. Simply pathetic.

[CyYoung31]

Do I want to stay for the ninth to see Kimbrel mow through our lineup?

[UNCBlue012]

Now avilan too. This BP man. Garbage.

[CrimsonCowboy]

I swear, I would DFA this entire bullpen and call up seven guys from Gwinnett and Mississippi at this point. How much worse can they be?

[chop2chip]

I remember this Avilan character from last year too.

[ViperVisor]

http://i.imgur.com/kyjP3wL.gif

[atl717]

The most frustrating thing is the ranting and raving about players who are not really doing anything. Like Jace Peterson. Like Cody Martin. Im fine with the rebuild. But people want to pretend we have found a bunch of answers after 60 games. We have a ton of holes.

[jsebe10]

Do I want to stay for the ninth to see Kimbrel mow through our lineup?

Oh yea. And watch the Uptons celebrate as if they were ran out of town by abd angry mob.

[USMA76]

Now avilan too. This BP man. Garbage.

Garbage just called...said he felt insulted.

[chop2chip]

Do I want to stay for the ninth to see Kimbrel mow through our lineup?

Might not have to. Doesn't look like it's going to be a save situation.

[Garmel]

Why was Miller pulled in the 7th after only throwing 94 pitches???? I mean you try to give Fredi the benefit of the doubt with what he has to work with and he even say's "I'm still figuring out what works best as we struggle" but his decisions have been nothing short of atrocious. Simply pathetic.

Knowing what the bullpen's been like there was no point taking Shelby out.

[57Brave]

Canmt wait until tomorrow to see how FG blew this game.

a) left Cunningham in as the only position player without a hit
b) used no one but JJ and Grilli yet ...
c) had Cody Martin (the version of Tommy La Stella) in a high "leverage situation" where he again got his tits lit


forum favorite didnt get a guy out in the 11th.
2 days ago it was terrible managing

sheeesh

my problem with this is there are knowledge able baseball fans here.
Knowledgeable baseball fans are not a lynch mob -- especially given the team

C'mon guys, up your game

[jsebe10]

The most frustrating thing is the ranting and raving about players who are not really doing anything. Like Jace Peterson. Like Cody Martin. Im fine with the rebuild. But people want to pretend we have found a bunch of answers after 60 games. We have a ton of holes.

What are you talking about? This team is literally a manager and a decent bullpen away from being in the division lead...

[CyYoung31]

Knowing what the bullpen's been like there was no point taking Shelby out.

To be fair, Johnson and Grilli have been good this year.

[USMA76]

Knowing what the bullpen's been like there was no point taking Shelby out.

Whoa--we wouldn't have been able to pinch hit with Joey T. if we hadn't pulled Miller.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Phil the Bucket ‏@Phil_the_Bucket 31s31 seconds ago
Braves decide to use all remaining draft picks on relievers.

[blueagleace1]

I did some research and it took a while to go through every game but check this out...

The Braves bullpen has blown a lead in 14 of (now) 57 games. Let that sink in.

[NinersSBChamps]

Why was Miller pulled in the 7th after only throwing 94 pitches???? I mean you try to give Fredi the benefit of the doubt with what he has to work with and he even say's "I'm still figuring out what works best as we struggle" but his decisions have been nothing short of atrocious. Simply pathetic.

http://www.trbimg.com/img-52a776e1/turbine/sfl-marlins-fredi-gonzalez-rafael-furcal-blog--001/600/600x400

[chop2chip]

What are you talking about? This team is literally a manager and a decent bullpen away from being in the division lead...Piggy backing off our earlier debate, we could use a clean up hitter on the roster.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Kevin McAlpin ‏@KevinMcAlpin 48s48 seconds ago
Cody Martin posted a 1.54 ERA (2 ER/11.2 IP) w/14 K over his first 10 appearances.

In 11 appearances since, 9.90 ERA (11 ER/10 IP) w/10 K

[jsebe10]

Piggy backing off our earlier debate, we could use a clean up hitter on the roster.

Lol. For sure.

[Braves1976]

The most frustrating thing is the ranting and raving about players who are not really doing anything. Like Jace Peterson. Like Cody Martin. Im fine with the rebuild. But people want to pretend we have found a bunch of answers after 60 games. We have a ton of holes.

Jace Peterson has nothing to do with Cody Martin and last I checked him and Maybin got us the lead tonight. Peterson has played great defense at second and has two hits tonight.

[jsebe10]

Kevin McAlpin ‏@KevinMcAlpin 48s48 seconds ago
Cody Martin posted a 1.54 ERA (2 ER/11.2 IP) w/14 K over his first 10 appearances.

In 11 appearances since, 9.90 ERA (11 ER/10 IP) w/10 K

And was this after he was just randomly sent down to Gwinnette for some odd reason?

[CrimsonCowboy]

Don't think I want to watch this

[Braves1976]

Whoa--we wouldn't have been able to pinch hit with Joey T. if we hadn't pulled Miller.

Haha, that was a good one. :)