6/10/15: GDT - San Diego Padres @ Atlanta Braves

[Garmel]

Padres
1. Will Venable (L) RF
2. Cory Spangenberg (L) 2B
3. Justin Upton (R) LF
4. Yonder Alonso (L) 1B
5. Will Middlebrooks (R) 3B
6. Melvin Upton Jr. (R) CF
7. Alexi Amarista (L) SS
8. Austin Hedges (R) C
9. Tyson Ross (R) P

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

[Garmel]

I don't mind seeing CJ hit 5th against LHP but not against RHP.

[jpx7]

I don't mind seeing CJ hit 5th against LHP but not against RHP.

Plus, with as many base-runners as Perez is likely to allow, the team could really use Uribe's defense.

[The Chosen One]

Did BJ get boo'd last night by the last 5k fans?

[nsacpi]

Baby Harang gonna be huge tonight.

[nsacpi]

Plus, with as many base-runners as Perez is likely to allow, the team could really use Uribe's defense.

Also Baby Harang is a groundball pitcher. So the other team has a righty going and we have a groundball pitcher. I would think that would put us in the quadrant where you keep CJ on the bench.

If we lose tonight it will be mostly the players' fault. But I hate it when the manager makes a contribution like this before the first pitch is thrown.

[thethe]

I wonder if Uribe can physically play everyday at this point in his career. If so, THEN PLAY THE MAN!

[Russ2dollas]

CJ contract is a fireable offense.....should have cost JS something too for being around and not getting rid of it.

CJ's contract being terrible is about the only thing I remember being 100% from Braves fans. To bid against yourself off a non-repeatable year with that defense.....so awful

[Julio3000]

Did BJ get boo'd last night by the last 5k fans?

Only by, like, 4475 of them.

[57Brave]

Also Baby Harang is a groundball pitcher. So the other team has a righty going and we have a groundball pitcher. I would think that would put us in the quadrant where you keep CJ on the bench.

If we lose tonight it will be mostly the players' fault. But I hate it when the manager makes a contribution like this before the first pitch is thrown.

especially since this is, you know, the 7th game of the World Series. Good lord, Chris Johnson is a Major League Third Baseman. Not like he's asking Sav to play 3rd.
With Uribes body type and age I dont think it wise to play him every day. That's what I think got Redmond in Miami fired

[sturg33]

CJ contract is a fireable offense.....should have cost JS something too for being around and not getting rid of it.

CJ's contract being terrible is about the only thing I remember being 100% from Braves fans. To bid against yourself off a non-repeatable year with that defense.....so awful

Sadly - many of the typical homers applauded it. And many even reasonable people said it was good to lock in cost control, and that if he kept up his .330 ways we'd never be able to afford his arbitration number

[thethe]

Kevin McAlpin ‏@KevinMcAlpin 3m3 minutes ago
Fredi didnt get into specifics, but said there have been internal discussions on possibly bringing up minor league starter to develop in pen

[thethe]

I think that sounds like Banuelos. Doubt they move Wisler.

[gilesfan]

Kevin McAlpin ‏@KevinMcAlpin 3m3 minutes ago
Fredi didnt get into specifics, but said there have been internal discussions on possibly bringing up minor league starter to develop in pen

This makes little sense.

[jpx7]

Kevin McAlpin ‏@KevinMcAlpin 3m3 minutes ago
Fredi didnt get into specifics, but said there have been internal discussions on possibly bringing up minor league starter to develop in pen

This makes little sense.

Agreed. It would be really dumb.

[thethe]

Agree with both of you.

[thethe]

BTW, not sure if anyone is watching MLB tonight (have some time off of work) but Smoltz has turned into a fantastic TV guy.

[chop2chip]

Agreed. It would be really dumb.

I wouldn't mind it in the second half of the season, but seems rather pointless to do it now.

Wisler will force his way into the rotation at some point this season due to injury/Williams Perez regressing. I would much rather have Banuelos continue to build confidence and build strength. We aren't that far way from Arodys and McKirahan coming back anyways.

[Garmel]

They should look at Weber and Ryan if they want more relievers. Neither one has allowed an earned run since moving up to AAA.

[nsacpi]

especially since this is, you know, the 7th game of the World Series. Good lord, Chris Johnson is a Major League Third Baseman. Not like he's asking Sav to play 3rd.
With Uribes body type and age I dont think it wise to play him every day. That's what I think got Redmond in Miami fired

I agree that you need to give Uribe a day off now and then. But we have guys like Teheran and Foltynevich for whom infield defense is less important.

[57Brave]

let's count the number of plays Johnson will have tonight.

2, maybe

box scores are not usually 5-3 over and over.
Maybe 2
.....

before you go into the statistical weeds. The Cardinal vs rockies game today w Carpenter and Arendo playing 3rd -- had one 5-3 - and a couple singles to LF. No infield singles to third.
ESPN does track infield hits . Interesting

Just relax, CJ will do fine
until he doesn't

[nsacpi]

let's count the number of plays Johnson will have tonight.

2, maybe

box scores are not usually 5-3 over and over.
Maybe 2

Let's say with a groundball pitcher he has 3 plays and with a fly ball pitcher 1 play. Why not use him when a fly ball pitcher is going.

[Braves1976]

I agree that you need to give Uribe a day off now and then. But we have guys like Teheran and Foltynevich for whom infield defense is less important.

Exactly, not starting Uribe with your sinkerball pitcher on the mound is stupid (esp. when CJ is the one replacing him).

[Braves1976]

Let's say with a groundball pitcher he has 3 plays and with a fly ball pitcher 1 play. Why not use him when a fly ball pitcher is going.

Plus CJ vs righties and Uribe vs righties, both ways that makes us weaker most likely.

[gilesfan]

Just relax, CJ will do fine
until he doesn't


Well, we missed that boat because he "doesn't" in well over a year.

[57Brave]

Let's say with a groundball pitcher he has 3 plays and with a fly ball pitcher 1 play. Why not use him when a fly ball pitcher is going.

I am fairly confident CJ can field 2 or 3 ground balls. I been to the park and watched him field maybe 10-15 in a row.

Perhaps not with the range of Uribe but like I said earlier, it's not like they are asking -50poundhead to play third
.

[jpx7]

The obsolescence of Lord BABip has been effected at a breathless pace. Uribe came in straight regicidal.

Somebody hasn't noticed. :FrediPuzzled:

[Millwood1Hitter]

Kevin McAlpin ‏@KevinMcAlpin 3m3 minutes ago
Fredi didnt get into specifics, but said there have been internal discussions on possibly bringing up minor league starter to develop in pen

Has Fredi ever said anything that remotely sounds intelligent?

Fredi logic "Yeah he's gonna start the game but come out if the bullpen. He's gotta get warmed up out there."

[Julio3000]

Someone's got to close after Long John and Grilli are flipped.

[nsacpi]

Moylo
Someone's got to close after Long John and Grilli are flipped.

[Julio3000]

Moylo

Wouldn't that be badass.

[WaitingFor2017]

Heyward-esque!

[thethe]

Heyward-esque!

Heyward would have made 2 outs there.

[thethe]

Alright, solid job Perez. I'm fine with him pitching around Justin Upton all day.

[WaitingFor2017]

What stadium is SunTrust Park modeled after?

[thethe]

Damn, this kid is filthy.

[WaitingFor2017]

Has Freeman always struck out a lot or was it just hidden in prior years because the entire team struck out?

[NinersSBChamps]

Should have grabbed Tyson Ross when Hart wanted to hand players over to San Diego.

[WaitingFor2017]

Things are normal if Melvin is making an out.

[thethe]

We are going to need a better defensive CF if we want to compete.

[CyYoung31]

We are going to need a better defensive CF if we want to compete.

That's way down on our list of problems.

[Braves1976]

We are going to need a better defensive CF if we want to compete.

Maybin hasn't been the plus defender for us he has been his entire career, maybe all the time off due to injury set him back. His range numbers are down and his DRS is -5 in CF this year. That isn't like him, though before that hit this past inning he'd been looking better and more like his old self IMO. It's still a SSS of course so hopefully he gets back to playing great defense to go along with his bat so far.

[WaitingFor2017]

Welcome back, KJ

[thethe]

Man, the offense has a chance to be pretty good if Kelly contributes.

WELCOME BACK!!!

[Braves1976]

Welcome back KJ!

[Garmel]

Welcome back, KJ!

[CyYoung31]

That's the best Johnson we have.

[Garmel]

We all said the same thing. LOL!

[WaitingFor2017]

AJ hurt?

[Garmel]

AJ's hurt.

[CyYoung31]

LOL. What the hell was that?

[Braves1976]

LOL they called that a hit?

[thethe]

LOL Simmons!

[WaitingFor2017]

Horrible baserunning. Ran into two outs that inning.

[Braves1976]

Haha, they tried to hit Simmons so he hit in a run as payback. :)

[Garmel]

LOL they called that a hit?

It looked like a bad hop.

[Braves1976]

Horrible baserunning. Ran into two outs that inning.

Simmons probably did it protecting AJ who was clearly hurt and not running well.

[CyYoung31]

Simmons probably did it protecting AJ who was clearly hurt and not running well.

That's what I was thinking.

[Braves1976]

It looked like a bad hop.

They still had him after that if they made a good throw.

[Julio3000]

KJ, even with 2 weeks on the DL and part-time play, has more RBI than Nick. So does Maybin. Ditto Simmons, and even Jace.

That's not an indictment of Nick, who is getting on base like a pro, but it does say something about that iso power of his.

[NinersSBChamps]

That's what I was thinking.

Well AJ is a jerk and his teammates hate him. So that can't be true.

[Braves1976]

Well AJ is a jerk and his teammates hate him. So that can't be true.

Hate AJ or not, Simmons wants that RBI for the team. They all want to win.

[Braves1976]

BTW, I can understand why the Padres are pissed at Simmons. But Simmons is our boy so if they want to mess with him the rest of the team better back him up.

I am not saying they won't, just saying if the Padres want a rumble then let's rumble. :)

[WaitingFor2017]

I would say to hit Melvin if you have to hit a Padre, but he's an easy out, so why give that up?

[Braves1976]

Right after I posted that Perez hits Justin. I don't think on purpose though.

[USMA76]

BTW, I can understand why the Padres are pissed at Simmons. But Simmons is our boy so if they want to mess with him the rest of the team better back him up.

I am not saying they won't, just saying the Padres want a rumble then let's rumble. :)

For all of Simmons' graceful athleticism defensively, he's the most spastic slider I've ever seen at the Major League level. He's made enemies of the Nats, the Brewers, and now the Padres. I know there's no intent on his part to be "dirty" but he absolutely has to clean up that part of his game.

[thethe]

What Williams Perez is doing is not sustainable.

[Braves1976]

I would say to hit Melvin if you have to hit a Padre, but he's an easy out, so why give that up?

I'd argue it makes more sense to hit their best player like Perez just did. Just ideally with no one on base. You don't hit Melvin because he's an easy out as you say.

[Braves1976]

For all of Simmons' graceful athleticism defensively, he's the most spastic slider I've ever seen at the Major League level. He's made enemies of the Nats, the Brewers, and now the Padres. I know there's no intent on his part to be "dirty" but he absolutely has to clean up that part of his game.

I don't disagree that he is a bad slider, I am not sure why he slides that way.

[WaitingFor2017]

When is Wisler going to be ready and replace Williams?

[cajunrevenge]

I would say to hit Melvin if you have to hit a Padre, but he's an easy out, so why give that up?

This. Throw at him every at bat.

[USMA76]

I don't disagree that he is a bad slider, I am not sure why he slides that way.

My guess is that it's just a matter of the coaching he's had as he's come up through the system. He got to the ML level pretty quickly, so perhaps he's just never had much opportunity to work on it. It's like bunting--a fundamental that you can't ignore if you want to be a complete player and fully contribute to your team.

[Garmel]

They still had him after that if they made a good throw.

I forgot about that. Good point.

[thethe]

Haha, that look by Freeman to Upton was hysterical. Freeman is going to get hit in his next AB.

[WaitingFor2017]

So, I'm thinking the front office burned the bridges with Justin in re-signing him after this year. He's had a different demeanor this series than we normally see him.

[CyYoung31]

Perez is Jorge Sosa.

[Braves1976]

When is Wisler going to be ready and replace Williams?

I like Perez, he needs to cut down on the walks though. His sinker has a lot of movement, his change-up has been good but he needs to throw it for strikes more.

[USMA76]

Haha, that look by Freeman to Upton was hysterical. Freeman is going to get hit in his next AB.

I'd like to think that's not going to happen. The Padres sent their message to Simmons and you could tell by Perez' reaction that his plunking of JUp was unintentional. The timing of the HBP was perhaps suspicious but pitchers don't react like that if they're really trying to nail a batter.

[Julio3000]

Justin is not going to sign with us. People just need to put that to bed.

[Braves1976]

Perez with another hit.

[Garmel]

Perez with a hard hit.

[thethe]

Justin is not going to sign with us. People just need to put that to bed.

I think it was unrealistic to think he would ever sign here after his brother was sent out.

[thethe]

Jace Peterson is good

[Braves1976]

Peterson getting something going too.

[thethe]

No No No

No bunting

[thethe]

Alright, now we have something going here.

[Braves1976]

Good AB by Maybin. Ross in trouble now. Time to make him pay!

[thethe]

Bah...Need something a little better than that Freddie!

[NinersSBChamps]

Freddie was so awesome that at bat.

[The Chosen One]

I think it was unrealistic to think he would ever sign here after his brother was sent out.

I don't think he cares about that nor his bro. His brother got paid already, I'm sure his brother just wants him to get paid too.

I don't think Justin would've re-signed with us because he'd be out of our willing to spend price range.

[USMA76]

Freddie was so awesome that at bat.

We must not be watching the same game.

[thethe]

Other than questionable defense Markakis has been very good for us this year.

[thethe]

Markakis was slugging .515 coming into this game in the month of June.....

Nicks double count per month:

April - 3
May - 7
June - 5 (Less than halfway through)

Just sayin...

[USMA76]

Other than questionable defense Markakis has been very good for us this year.

Actually, Markakis' defense hasn't been that bad IMO. It's just that we got spoiled watching Heyward play RF to a rarely seen level of excellence. It's not his fault that he's not Hayward defensively, nor is it our fault for remembering what we had.

[Braves1976]

Wait, CJ struckout vs a righty with the bases loaded? Who would've predicted that? If there was only one out he'd probably hit into a DP instead. :)

[thethe]

Actually, Markakis' defense hasn't been that bad IMO. It's just that we got spoiled watching Heyward play RF to a rarely seen level of excellence. It's not his fault that he's not Hayward defensively, nor is it our fault for remembering what we had.

Thats probably a fair point. Heyward is the best in the league out there.

[thethe]

Wait, CJ struckout vs a righty with the bases loaded? Who would've predicted that? :)

Braves should just suck it up and make him a bench bat. Not everyone can be flipped for value.

[Garmel]

CJ hitting fifth. :facepalm:

[NinersSBChamps]

Markakis was slugging .515 coming into this game in the month of June.....

Nicks 2B double count per month:

April - 3
May - 7
June - 5 (Less than halfway through)

Just sayin...

But he sucks because he hasn't hit a home run.

[Braves1976]

Braves should just suck it up and make him a bench bat. Not everyone can be flipped for value.

I think they've pretty much tried too by bringing in Uribe who's done nothing but help minus a bad first day. Of course that doesn't explain Fredi starting him vs a righty with a sinkerballer pitching.

[thethe]

Awkward play by Kelly there.

[CyYoung31]

Love me some KJ. **** the haters.

[NinersSBChamps]

Love me some KJ. **** the haters.

Who hates KJ?

[thethe]

Jace Peterson has some decent range.

[Braves1976]

KJ looks like a gold glover compared to Gomes in LF.

[Garmel]

Padres have a lot of hard hit balls that have found people.

[thethe]

Padres have a lot of hard hit balls that have found people.

Yeah, Williams Perez has been crazy lucky tonight.

[USMA76]

Who hates KJ?

Not me. I'm elated that he's back in the lineup and he makes our roster better.

[USMA76]

KJ looks like a gold glover compared to Gomes in LF.

Oprah Winfrey would look like a gold glover compared to Gomes in LF.

[Braves1976]

Good job Perez.

[Braves1976]

Oprah Winfrey would look like a gold glover compared to Gomes in LF.

Haha, that's cold homie. Funny but cold. :)

[CyYoung31]

Who hates KJ?

He's had haters since 2005. Even at the beginning of this year there were people calling to DFA him.

[thethe]

Holy crap....

LET'S GET SOME DAMN BP ARMS! We can win this division.

[Braves1976]

Yeah, Williams Perez has been crazy lucky tonight.

Not really, Maybin didn't catch that liner to center that was catchable. Peterson has made some nice plays and KJ but those are plays they usually make. KJ isn't a bad LFer, esp. coming in on balls. If he has issues it's going back sometimes, not often though.

[thethe]

This ump has squeezed Ross all night.

[thethe]

So is Kelly going to turn our weakest position into a strength?

Peterson
Maybin
Freeman
Uribe
Markakis
Kelly
Simmons
CB

Why can't that team contend for a weak division title?

[Braves1976]

So is Kelly going to turn our weakest position into a strength?

Peterson
Maybin
Freeman
Uribe
Markakis
Kelly
Simmons
CB

Why can't that team contend for a weak division title?

They could with a better bullpen and new manager.

[The Chosen One]

Hart wants to try to flip AJ, KJ, CJ, Uribe, Gomes in the same way he wants to flip Grilli and JJ. It's why they're getting most of the PT over Cunningham, Beth. Etc.

[USMA76]

So who finishes third in a footrace from home to first between Brian McCann, Sid Bream, and AJ? They'd time that contest with a sundial.

[keithlaw]

Holy crap....

LET'S GET SOME DAMN BP ARMS! We can win this division.

Unless we get like 5 of them I don't think we'll seriously content for the division

[thethe]

They could with a better bullpen and new manager.

Yeah, I'm interested to see what happens come July when Aardsma/Eveland/Viz/McKirkan are there though. That might be a decent pen.

[Braves1976]

So who finishes third in a footrace from home to first between Brian McCann, Sid Bream, and AJ? They'd time that contest with a sundial.

Not sure but I'd cheer for Sid since he came made it home safe in the '92 NLCS. However, I still say not pinch running for him that night was crazy stupid. I think even Bream thought it was a mistake. Thank God Bonds ignored Van Slyke on positioning or..

It all worked out that night though thankfully for the Braves and Cox.

[USMA76]

So much for starting the inning with an easy out by the pitcher...smh.

[Braves1976]

So much for starting the inning with an easy out by the pitcher...smh.

Do you think Bethancourt makes that play? I do, AJ is moving slower than usual due to being hurt it seems.

[The Chosen One]

Kubitza called up. Interesting.

[Braves1976]

KJ should've had that, he broke in too early and going back on the ball is his weakness. He is very good coming in but breaking back not as good.

[Julio3000]

Danger Zone.

[USMA76]

Do you think Bethancourt makes that play? I do, AJ is moving slower than usual due to being hurt it seems.

Realizing it's easy to say at this juncture...CB makes that play. CB at least doesn't throw the ball into left field costing us a run.

[USMA76]

KJ should've had that, he broke in too early and going back on the ball is his weakness. He is very good coming in but breaking back not as good.

Agreed, KJ butchered that play defensively.

[dak]

Yeah, Williams Perez has been crazy lucky tonight.

Yeah, he has been stranding a lot of baserunners this year. BB / 9 rate over 5 is not gonna play for the long run. Hope he can show some improvement, as he's an easy guy to root for.

[thethe]

Thank you for making me look bad Maybin.

[USMA76]

Thank you Cameron Maybin.

[Braves1976]

Yeah, he has been stranding a lot of baserunners this year. BB / 9 rate over 5 is not gonna play for the long run. Hope he can show some improvement, as he's an easy guy to root for.

He seemed to be talking about the hard hit balls. He has walked too many but thankfully did so with a bad hitter coming up with bases loaded.

This inning he had two hits and a run go against him that shouldn't have though (pitcher hit and error, ball to LF catchable).

[dak]

Agreed, KJ butchered that play defensively.

KJ has had a few embarrassing reads this year in LF, but he has done a lot better out there than I was expecting. He's never been a guy that's looked natural / comfortable in the field to me. You've got to give him credit though . . . he's been able to do enough to stick in this league a long time.

[Braves1976]

Thank you Cameron Maybin.

That is more like it for him. I expected to see more of that given his track record.

[Julio3000]

I'll bet his defensive numbers will stabilize by the end of the year.

[Braves1976]

KJ has had a few embarrassing reads this year in LF, but he has done a lot better out there than I was expecting. He's never been a guy that's looked natural / comfortable in the field to me. You've got to give him credit though . . . he's been able to do enough to stick in this league a long time.

KJ has a good DRS in LF last I checked too, so despite his sometimes poor reads and weakness going back on balls occasionally. He is still good overall, I think he shows really good range coming in on balls and to his left more than going back.

[Braves1976]

I'll bet his defensive numbers will stabilize by the end of the year.

Hopefully. I thought maybe just all that time he missed from injury set him back a bit.

[Braves1976]

Good job by Maybin again.

[Julio3000]

That RF swing of Maybin's is so grooved.

[Braves1976]

BTW, Williams Perez could continue to have a lot of success with us given our infield defense is usually Freeman, Peterson, Simmons and Uribe. That is a very strong infield and he has a good sinker. So if he cuts down on the walks he should at least be a solid number five or better going forward.

[thethe]

Maybin better give Seitzer a nice thank you bonus at the end of the season.

[thethe]

BTW, Williams Perez could continue to have a lot of success with us given our infield defense is usually Freeman, Peterson, Simmons and Uribe. That is a very strong infield and he has a good sinker. So if he cuts down on the walks he should at least be a solid number five or better going forward.

I think he has a chance to be a solid 5. I wish he was a little more aggressive though.

[USMA76]

BTW, Williams Perez could continue to have a lot of success with us given our infield defense is usually Freeman, Peterson, Simmons and Uribe. That is a very strong infield and he has a good sinker. So if he cuts down on the walks he should at least be a solid number five or better going forward.

He absolutely has to cut down on his walks if he wants to have any longevity at this level either as a starter or as a reliever.

[Braves1976]

I think he has a chance to be a solid 5. I wish he was a little more aggressive though.

He has gotten more aggressive when in trouble, but I agree he sometimes doesn't seem aggressive enough before hand.

[thethe]

How nice is it that Melvin Upton is not wearing a Braves jersey anymore?

[USMA76]

I am sooo thankful Melvin Upton is no longer on the Braves roster. Sucks that we had to trade Kimbrel to close the deal, though.

[WaitingFor2017]

Melvin, you are no Dan Uggla.

[USMA76]

How nice is it that Melvin Upton is not wearing a Braves jersey anymore?

LOL you were quicker on the keyboard than I was.

[thethe]

Nice job Perez after a bunch of pitches in the first two innings.

[Braves1976]

Perez is through six with no earned runs so far. Very good inning there.

[Garmel]

LOL! Melvin still sucks no mater what his name is.

[WaitingFor2017]

Send Perez out there for the 7th. Make it a Perez-Johnson/Aardsma-Grilli game.

[thethe]

Send Perez out there for the 7th. Make it a Perez-Johnson/Aardsma-Grilli game.

He has a low pitch count. I'd throw him 8 tonight if he can make it. Get the rest in the pen when you can.

[USMA76]

Not flashy and no power but Markakis is, simply put, a solid major league baseball player.

[Braves1976]

He has a low pitch count. I'd throw him 8 tonight if he can make it. Get the rest in the pen when you can.

No reason not to send him out for 7th at least, then depending on how that goes maybe start the 8th.

[Julio3000]

I love Craig Kimbrel, but missing out on seeing him pitch one inning every few nights is more than worth it to be watching Maybin instead of Melvin and be sitting on $50M.

[Garmel]

Keep hitting CJ fifth, Fredi. Makes total sense.

[thethe]

Can we please not play CJ anymore?

[Braves1976]

Strikeout or DP, yep that is CJ. Having him right behind Markakis makes that an easy DP too..

[thethe]

Not flashy and no power but Markakis is, simply put, a solid major league baseball player.

Markakis is going to be a good Brave for the life of the contract.

[USMA76]

Can we please not play CJ anymore?

This.

[Braves1976]

Can we please not play CJ anymore?

If you want to improve his trade value, sit him vs righties and never bat him 5th or behind someone slow like Markakis. It's hard enough making him look good anytime but that just makes him look worse.

[thethe]

If you want to improve his trade value, sit him vs righties and never bat him 5th or behind someone slow like Markakis. It's hard enough making him look good anytime but that just makes him look worse.

I don't even care about his trade value at this point. Just write it off as a casualty and move forward.

[Braves1976]

Perez with a very good game, 7 innings no earned runs.

[thethe]

I'd give Perez another inning. He is not a max effort guy.

[USMA76]

Perez with a very good game, 7 innings no earned runs.

Hope I don't jinx him but his ERA is now sitting at 2.78.

[Julio3000]

Nice job by Perez.

[Braves1976]

Hope I don't jinx him but his ERA is now sitting at 2.78.

That includes his terrible numbers in relief too, isn't his ERA as a starter under 2.00? I know it was only 2.35 coming into the game.

[thethe]

That includes his terrible numbers in relief too, isn't his ERA as a starter under 2.00? I know it was only 2.35 coming into the game.

He's pitching well for sure. Helping the pen out after the last few days was HUGE.

[Braves1976]

Sweet bunt hit by Cunningham.

[UNCBlue012]

He's at 1.80 ERA in a starting role.

[thethe]

NICE BUNT!

[USMA76]

That includes his terrible numbers in relief too, isn't his ERA as a starter under 2.00? I know it was only 2.35 coming into the game.

I didn't know his ERA as a starter going into this game was that low. Seven innings with no ER would seemingly have to take his starting ERA below 2.00.

[keithlaw]

Always good to see Cunny squirt one down the line

[USMA76]

How 'bout we don't hit into a DP here?

[Julio3000]

Always good to see Cunny squirt one down the line

He might be good on the squeeze.

[Braves1976]

I didn't know his ERA as a starter going into this game was that low. Seven innings with no ER would seemingly have to take his starting ERA below 2.00.

Yea, now his ERA is 1.80 as a starter. He's been great as starter despite the walks, but I agree he needs to cut them down and tonight was a good start.

[thethe]

Peterson is basically the ideal leadoff man.

[keithlaw]

How 'bout we don't hit into a DP here?

Well now theres no way they can get Cunny and Asshole at the same time

[UNCBlue012]

MAYBIN

[Julio3000]

Mother****ing Maybin.

[thethe]

Holy crap Maybin. You are toooooo good!

[Braves1976]

Peterson walks and Maybin follows with an RBI, where have I heard that before? Both on base multiple times as usual again tonight. :)

[thethe]

Maybin looks real happy here. Lets not mess that up with something stupid like trading him.

[USMA76]

Padres manager is pissed at the home plate ump but the Fox Trax showed that he called those pitches correctly.

[Braves1976]

Padres manager is pissed at the home plate ump but the Fox Trax showed that he called those pitches correctly.

Yea, I thought the first one was inside too. Peterson sure has a lot of full counts it seems.

[UNCBlue012]

@mlbbowman: Cameron Mabyin has 22 hits in his past 54 at-bats.

That spelling

[thethe]

Yea, I thought the first one was inside too. Peterson sure has a lot of full counts it seems.

Not afraid to hit with 2 strikes. Probably part of his competitive nature from being a football player.

[Tapate50]

Maybin comes across as a great fella. Seems to be smiling and having a good time out there

[USMA76]

Freddie's killed more rallies tonight than the Tsar's Dragoons. (Doctor Zhivago reference)

[Braves1976]

Freeman not having his best game. Great throw by Justin which is surprising for him, that isn't his strong area. He is often not accurate with his strong throws like that.

[UNCBlue012]

Freddie is straight up sucking it tonight.

[Braves1976]

Maybin comes across as a great fella. Seems to be smiling and having a good time out there

Yep, I like him a lot for that reason too.

[Braves1976]

Damn, we should've had more. Oh well.

[thethe]

The offense is good without Freddie. Its pretty awesome when he hits.

[stpeteirish]

so how does Melvin look?

[nsacpi]

Baby Harang massive tonight

[Braves1976]

Perez had a great game considering he also went 1-2 at the plate and scored a run while giving up no earned in 7 innings. So that is a plus on both sides.

[USMA76]

so how does Melvin look?

He sucks as a Padre just like he sucked as a Brave.

[Braves1976]

so how does Melvin look?

He looks like BJ to me. :)

[Garmel]

Baby Harang massive tonight

He was huge.

[UNCBlue012]

Bullpen letting guys get on already. And this Spangenberg guys needs to leave.

[Garmel]

Nice pitching, Cunt!

[Braves1976]

Nice turn of the DP by Peterson and Simmons as usual. Has anyone hit a ball to CJ tonight? I don't think so and I am thankful too.

[WaitingFor2017]

Too bad Cunniff's spot is up or I would let him close the 9th to really save the pen.

[UNCBlue012]

I really like Cunniff. He's nothing special, but he just pitches well.

[USMA76]

Too bad Cunniff's spot is up or I would let him close the 9th to really save the pen.

Might do it anyway--sacrifice an at bat for giving the rest of the BP pretty much a night off with a three run lead. Something to consider. If the Braves score in the bottom of the eighth, it becomes an even more credible option.

[CyYoung31]

"Ducksnort" probably has a different meaning for Chip.

[USMA76]

"Ducksnort" probably has a different meaning for Chip.

Gee, what exactly are you implying? LOL

[thethe]

I love when Tron has that Jeter esque lean in watching the pitch go outside.

[CyYoung31]

I love when Tron has that Jeter esque lean in watching the pitch go outside.

He isn't half the defender Jeter was though.

[The Chosen One]

I wonder if Quackenbush is related to former Phillie/Astro Brandon Duckworth.

[USMA76]

He isn't half the defender Jeter was though.

Be nice if Simmons wound up with the five rings, however.

[The Chosen One]

2 outs 9th inning last batter and the crowd is as quiet as its the 3rd inning no outs.

[thethe]

Nice game boys!

[UNCBlue012]

Great win!

[USMA76]

2 outs 9th inning last batter and the crowd is as quiet as its the 3rd inning no outs.

Calling the sparse attendance at tonight's game a "crowd" is being generous.

[NinersSBChamps]

Would be nice to get a series win tomorrow. Who is toeing the rubber?

[UNCBlue012]

This offense has been an absolute joy to watch.

[NinersSBChamps]

He isn't half the defender Jeter was though.

You are right. He's 300 percent the fielder Jeter was.

[thethe]

This offense has been an absolute joy to watch.

Kind of what happens when you move away from the strikeouit.

[Heyward]

Crazy we're probably in 1st with a halfway decent pen in a rebuilding year.

[Dalyn]

"Ducksnort" probably has a different meaning for Chip.

Cocrakoin

[Heyward]

Would be nice to get a series win tomorrow. Who is toeing the rubber?

Julio

[CyYoung31]

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CuWQfMGjZF4/hqdefault.jpg

You know, these guys ain't so ****ing bad.

[thethe]

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CuWQfMGjZF4/hqdefault.jpg

You know, these guys ain't so ****ing bad.

Great to have you aboard!

[thethe]

Moving forward I think that we should go under the premise that John Hart and his staff know what they are doing. Agreed?

[Russ2dollas]

still early

but the Pads won the offseason and we lost it. Basically the same team right now

[thethe]

still early

but the Pads won the offseason and we lost it. Basically the same team right now

Like you said, still very early but the amount of love that was being thrown AJ Prellers way was a bit disgusting.

[Russ2dollas]

Moving forward I think that we should go under the premise that John Hart and his staff know what they are doing. Agreed?

sort of ....but the fun of message boards is thinking of what you'd do as GM and arguing....

Like I consider Jace and Peraza SS who are going to have a 350 OBP and slug about 350. I think we lower their value by playing them at 2B. And I don't understand moving either to OF. I'd see if someone needs a SS and trade one of them to fill a hole at 3B or OF.

[thethe]

sort of ....but the fun of message boards is thinking of what you'd do as GM and arguing....

Like I consider Jace and Peraza SS who are going to have a 350 OBP and slug about 350. I think we lower their value by playing them at 2B. And I don't understand moving either to OF. I'd see if someone needs a SS and trade one of them to fill a hole at 3B or OF.

I would agree that the Braves should move Peraza as soon as he gets hot in AAA. Every position he would plays (SS/2B/CF) are well taken care of at this time.

[NinersSBChamps]

Moving forward I think that we should go under the premise that John Hart and his staff know what they are doing. Agreed?

The season is roughly 1/3 complete. The Braves are under .500, so let's take it easy and annoint Hart the bestus. I will say they are exceeding my expectations and I am happy with their play so far.

[chop2chip]

Like you said, still very early but the amount of love that was being thrown AJ Prellers way was a bit disgusting.

Not from me. I hated his offseason.

Especially if Justin leaves. Incredibly shortsighted and reckless given the Padres are a small market team.

[Julio3000]

This is a likeable, watchable, rootable team. I still think it's more likely to be playing tag with .500 if things go well, rather than competing for a playoff spot, but I've genuinely enjoyed the season so far.

The success of the rebuild is going to be judged by the efficacy of the young guys acquired this offseason, and by what the Johns do with the money freed up in the Kimbrel/Melvin trade. That was the deal that turned my frown upside down with regard to the future, but the FO still has to follow through and add some quality pieces.

I like this club, but before we go handing out laurel wreaths, let's remember that we're still a game under .500.

[Russ2dollas]

The season is roughly 1/3 complete. The Braves are under .500, so let's take it easy and annoint Hart the bestus. I will say they are exceeding my expectations and I am happy with their play so far.

true. nats are still better and have the money to keep guys. they have a farm ranked as high as us or higher. Mets have money and are better now. They have a farm system. Miami has a bunch of talent and will get Fernandez back at the break.

It's not an easy division. We still don't have a guy you think will hit 25 plus HRs. Maybe FF, but that's pushing it. Not sure we can live on a lineup with 3 or more guys with OBP>Slugging

[thethe]

The season is roughly 1/3 complete. The Braves are under .500, so let's take it easy and annoint Hart the bestus. I will say they are exceeding my expectations and I am happy with their play so far.

The primary goal of this season wasn't to be good and they may just end up being average. What happens when they are actually trying to be good in the current year?

[NinersSBChamps]

The primary goal of this season wasn't to be good and they may just end up being average. What happens when they are actually trying to be good in the current year?

I think they are an okay team. Much better than I thought. I didn't know the Braves weren't trying to be good. Regardless of what happens in the off season. Every team's goal is to win and in essence be good.

[Heyward]

true. nats are still better and have the money to keep guys. they have a farm ranked as high as us or higher. Mets have money and are better now. They have a farm system. Miami has a bunch of talent and will get Fernandez back at the break.

It's not an easy division. We still don't have a guy you think will hit 25 plus HRs. Maybe FF, but that's pushing it. Not sure we can live on a lineup with 3 or more guys with OBP>Slugging

Nats have a ton of guys to pay in the next few years.

Off the top of my head.

Ramos, Desmond, Harper, Span (probably replaced by Taylor), Zimmerman, Stras, Fister, Storen are all due new deals in the next 2-3 years.

Not saying they wont keep them but can only pay so many.

And we're probably in 1st if we had a halfway decent pen in a rebuilding year.

[CrimsonCowboy]

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

[VirginiaBrave]

See, y'all coming around. This series coming up with the Mets though looms large as one can in June. Get swept and all this mo gets flushed away, win the series and its game on. I thought after the Uggla bomb they would run off they haven't so things look good.

[VirginiaBrave]

Everybody needs a change of outlook around here. Forget 2017. This is not about what the Braves are going to do two years from now. It's about what's going on now. This is a young team that is growing up in front of your eyes night in and night out and getting better by the day (bullpen excluded) and some of you could care less. It's '17 this and '17 that, do you think those 25 guys in that clubhouse give a rat's behind about 2017? I would say no! As far as the competition, it's us, the Nats, and the Mets. The Marlins stuck a fork in themselves when they fired Redmond. They are done. The Nats for all that talent are like we were last year, very talented, not much of a team. They won't run and hide anytime soon. I don't think the Mets have run off and hide in them either. They are good but certainly not by leaps and bounds better than the Braves. The race is on....

[CyYoung31]

Everybody needs a change of outlook around here. Forget 2017. This is not about what the Braves are going to do two years from now. It's about what's going on now. This is a young team that is growing up in front of your eyes night in and night out and getting better by the day (bullpen excluded) and some of you could care less. It's '17 this and '17 that, do you think those 25 guys in that clubhouse give a rat's behind about 2017? I would say no! As far as the competition, it's us, the Nats, and the Mets. The Marlins stuck a fork in themselves when they fired Redmond. They are done. The Nats for all that talent are like we were last year, very talented, not much of a team. They won't run and hide anytime soon. I don't think the Mets have run off and hide in them either. They are good but certainly not by leaps and bounds better than the Braves. The race is on....

And yet, this "young" team is quite a bit older average age-wise than last year's team. The only young players we have are Peterson and the guys in the rotation, although they will likely get younger as the season progresses. Let's not act like this is the 'Baby Braves'.

[VirginiaBrave]

Ok so you don't count Simba, CB, Cunniff, and Freddie as young...alrighty then.

[CyYoung31]

Ok so you don't count Simba, CB, Cunniff, and Freddie as young...alrighty then.

Freddie and Simmons have been around a while, and they're both 26. CB, sure.

Either watch, this team is filled with old guys and isn't nearly as young as last year's team. I'm simply pointing out your hypocrisy.

[VirginiaBrave]

Freddie and Simmons have been around a while, and they're both 26. CB, sure.

Either watch, this team is filled with old guys and isn't nearly as young as last year's team. I'm simply pointing out your hypocrisy.

Ok maybe I should have said "young core" does that work better for you, Professor? And yes, Freddie and Simba are still very young to these 42 year old eyes. They are both still well under 30 and I dare say neither have had their "career year" yet. What you call "hypocrisy" I consider objectivity.

[Braves1976]

:popcorn:

[bravesnumberone]

Not used to us winning series against the Padres.

[Braves1976]

Not used to us winning series against the Padres.

We could still split, another game tomorrow.

[The Chosen One]

We used to own the Pads. I remember we used to go Petco and it was almost a guaranteed sweep.

Now they've been really annoying against us.