6/23/15: GDT - Atlanta Braves @ Washington Nationals

[Garmel]

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

Nationals
1. Denard Span (L) CF
2. Anthony Rendon (R) 2B
3. Yunel Escobar (R) 3B
4. Bryce Harper (L) RF
5. Wilson Ramos (R) C
6. Danny Espinosa (S) SS
7. Tyler Moore (R) 1B
8. Michael Taylor (R) LF
9. Stephen Strasburg (R) P

[NinersSBChamps]

It's Zimmerman starting tonight, right?

[gilesfan]

If that lineup doesn't scream "WE BEAT ELITE PITCHING," I don't know what does.

[cajunrevenge]

Get well soon freddie.

[Garmel]

It's Zimmerman starting tonight, right?

Zimmerman is tomorrow. The Nats still haven't said who's pitching tonight.

[gilesfan]

Strasburg

[nsacpi]

Expecting a huge game from Lord BABIP

[Heyward]

If that lineup doesn't scream "WE BEAT ELITE PITCHING," I don't know what does.

Who said it does?

[NinersSBChamps]

Expecting a huge game from Lord BABIP

I do as well. At least 5 total bases.

[JohnAdcox]

Who said it does?

Gilesfan. Dude, seriously, his name is right there to the left of the post.

[Heyward]

Gilesfan. Dude, seriously, his name is right there to the left of the post.

:HeywardWut:

[gilesfan]

We just beat 2 INCREDIBLE pitchers and another top flight prospect without our best hitter. I don't believe that happens with either the 2013 or 2014 teams and those temas had much better pitching.

[jsebe10]

We just beat 2 INCREDIBLE pitchers and another top flight prospect without our best hitter. I don't believe that happens with either the 2013 or 2014 teams and those temas had much better pitching.

We?

I figured you'd be in front of the TV flipping your bean and waiting to see the Nats play

[Julio3000]

This would be an appropriate time to remind the group at large that I hate the ****ing sorry-ass Zombie Expos, their ridiculous organization-wide sense of entitlement, their MLB subsidy, their questionably sentient announcers, and their lame-ass phony-historical uniforms.

They're going to win the division this year, fail to make a deep postseason run, and then we're gonna rack 'em up and do it all again next year. They may stomp us in the season series this year, but we can win TONIGHT.

Or not. Either way, **** them.

[jsebe10]

Cute move by Williams to wait to announce that pussy's activation like this would throw the team off. God I hope we beat the prison d*ck out of these fckers tonight.

[Enscheff]

It is baffling to sit KJ and start RHed hitters at 3B, 1B and LF unless he is hurt. This is the exact type of inexcusable managerial decision, no matter how little ultimate impact the move may have on a single game, that proves Fredi needs to go.

Why put the team at a disadvantage when it is so easy not to do so?

[Russ2dollas]

LF batting 8th for both teams....oh the 90s where have you gone. Ron Gant the Braves turn their lonely eyes to you.

Escobar hits third for the Nats? Wow...don't know his wrc+ but I've never thought of him as that type of guy.

I hope the Braves make it 4 in a row.....expecting some bs. For the Uggla win we owe them a dramatic win this series.

[thethe]

Kevin McAlpin ‏@KevinMcAlpin 1m1 minute ago
Rumor has it some nasty thunderstorms are due to move into the DC metro area right around game time.

[chop2chip]

We just beat 2 INCREDIBLE pitchers and another top flight prospect without our best hitter. I don't believe that happens with either the 2013 or 2014 teams and those temas had much better pitching.
Interesting that Strasburg has a career ERA of 4.28 against the Braves, which is the highest he has against any team he's faced.

Supposedly those teams couldn't hit top flight pitching.

[NinersSBChamps]

Kevin McAlpin ‏@KevinMcAlpin 1m1 minute ago
Rumor has it some nasty thunderstorms are due to move into the DC metro area right around game time.

That's just CJ taking batting practice and torching the baseball.

[CyYoung31]

That's just CJ taking batting practice and torching the baseball.

CJ only supplies the strong winds for the thunderstorms.

[NinersSBChamps]

Anyone have a radio link?

[nsacpi]

Anyone have a radio link?
Lord BABIP has vaporized them.

[jsebe10]

Watching the rain delay program about the 90s teams. God damn we really had a squad. OFs who hit 25-30 HRs a year...2 IFs doing the same. And that monster pitching staff.

[jsebe10]

Marquis Grissom has to be our most underrated CF ever

[Julio3000]

Marquis Grissom has to be our most underrated CF ever

Not underrated by Braves fans.

[Braves1976]

Marquis Grissom has to be our most underrated CF ever

Maybe so, he was certainly great with us and I hated that trade of him and Justice for Lofton. It was a terrible trade IMO. Of course Grissom helped Cleveland back to the WS right after that too. He also hit .360 with a .848 OPS for Cleveland in the '97 World Series. Huge loss trading him IMO.

[Julio3000]

Maybe so, he was certainly great with us and I hated that trade of him and Justice for Lofton. It was a terrible trade IMO. Of course Grissom helped Cleveland back to the WS right after that too. He also hit .360 with a .848 OPS for Cleveland in the '97 World Series. Huge loss trading him IMO.

A bad deal in retrospect, but we shoulda coulda woulda been in that WS anyway.

[NinersSBChamps]

Grissom was always one of my favorites. I had a love for speedy outfielders when I was younger. Still do actually.

Grissom, Lofton, Tom Goodwin, and the likes. Also not an outfielder, but Tony Womack was a pimp.

[Braves1976]

A bad deal in retrospect, but we shoulda coulda woulda been in that WS anyway.

I hated it straight away but I am not disagreeing with your point. I just felt right away our team was weaker trading out Grissom for Lofton and that's not even considering Justice. I was a big Grissom fan though. :)

[DirkPiggler]

A bad deal in retrospect, but we shoulda coulda woulda been in that WS anyway.

Exactly. If only Eric Gregg had descended into Hell about nine years earlier.

[jsebe10]

Looking at that final out in the 95' WS...His ass ran all the way from CF to damn near LF to catch that ball.

[Julio3000]

I hated it straight away but I am not disagreeing with your point. I just felt right away our team was weaker trading out Grissom for Lofton and that's not even considering Justice. I was a big Grissom fan though. :)

Hell, I LOVED Grissom. I thought Lofton was going to be a game-changer, but he got hurt and never really got it done. I don't disagree at all that it was a bad trade, I'm just saying the 97 team still could've won the World Series.

[NinersSBChamps]

Skies might be clearing up in about 30 minutes.

[zbhargrove]

We just beat 2 INCREDIBLE pitchers and another top flight prospect without our best hitter. I don't believe that happens with either the 2013 or 2014 teams and those temas had much better pitching.

How is this statement not accurate? de Gromm and Harvey are both better than any of the Gnats starters

[zbhargrove]

Skies might be clearing up in about 30 minutes.

Already is clear. Rain stopped about 10-15 mins ago based on radar. Should start up soon when the grounds crew is finished.

[NinersSBChamps]

So anyone have a radio link please?

[keithlaw]

So anyone have a radio link please?

Here you go (http://www.ccrane.com/!Ab44YgtNLQjtb8U0fn0sTQ!/CCRadio-SW-AMFM-Shortwave-Radio)

[NinersSBChamps]

For ****s sake. Bunch of assholes here.

[jsebe10]

For ****s sake. Bunch of assholes here.

Lol

[zbhargrove]

For ****s sake. Bunch of assholes here.

Really? Lol

[gilesfan]

How is this statement not accurate? de Gromm and Harvey are both better than any of the Gnats starters

Ignoring the stupidity of theyhes statement, have you heard of Max Scherzer? Jordan Zimmermann?

[NinersSBChamps]

Really? Lol

Yep.

[NinersSBChamps]

First pitch scheduled for 915 local time. First bitch was about 30 minutes ago.

[zbhargrove]

Ignoring the stupidity of theyhes statement, have you heard of Max Scherzer? Jordan Zimmermann?

Well I carelessly forgot about Scherzer... But on no planet is Zimmerman anywhere close to either of those Mets pitchers and certainly not Strasburg. Gnats blinders!

[zbhargrove]

Yep.

What does that make you? ;)

[The Chosen One]

I hate the Navy uni's. Wish the classic grey's were default road unis.

[JCarbo76]

Well I carelessly forgot about Scherzer... But on no planet is Zimmerman anywhere close to either of those Mets pitchers and certainly not Strasburg. Gnats blinders!

Speaking of Strasburg, it's nice to see him tonight. The Braves own him.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Crap. Sam Holbrook umpiring

[gilesfan]

Well I carelessly forgot about Scherzer... But on no planet is Zimmerman anywhere close to either of those Mets pitchers and certainly not Strasburg. Gnats blinders!

DeGrom has barely one year worth of starts. Hard to claim he's better than Scherzer and Zimmermann; or even Strasburg.

You must think Harper is the best player in baseball?

[The Chosen One]

Jace power maxed out.

[cajunrevenge]

Starburg on a 90 pitch limit. Let's get him out after 4!

[Braves1976]

Dang, Peterson hit that 400 feet just missing a homer.

[The Chosen One]

Good job Nick.

[Julio3000]

I hate the Navy uni's. Wish the classic grey's were default road unis.

No doubt. They look like practice unis.

[thewupk]

DeGrom has barely one year worth of starts. Hard to claim he's better than Scherzer and Zimmermann; or even Strasburg.

You must think Harper is the best player in baseball?

thethe certainly does

[NinersSBChamps]

What does that make you? ;)

Not one. :)

[jsebe10]

Wood is going to get lit up tonight Unfortunately.

[cajunrevenge]

Harper has been the best player this year so far. Its not like he doesn't have the talent. Nats would be dead in then water if he wasn't going Babe Ruth on the league.

[UNCBlue012]

Dumb pitching Wood.

[thewupk]

Escobar up to his old tricks there

[The Chosen One]

SIT DOWN HARPER.

[zbhargrove]

DeGrom has barely one year worth of starts. Hard to claim he's better than Scherzer and Zimmermann; or even Strasburg.

You must think Harper is the best player in baseball?

You must not read very well. I clearly said I forgot about Scherzer. He's one of the top 3 in baseball. deGromm's year+ of solid starts are more than Strasburg has had in a career. Zimmerman is consistently inconsistent. What does this have to do with Harper? Trout is definitely a better hitter but Harper has definitely put himself up there this year even though I hate the guy.

[WaitingFor2017]

Harper even wears his uniform like a douche.

[The Chosen One]

Expecting a huge game from Lord BABIP

Good man.

[WaitingFor2017]

So far, it's all about head-to-head matchups with Washington.

Atlanta is 34-30 against all other teams; Washington is 32-32 against all others.

[jsebe10]

Is it bad that I want Espinosa, Strasburg, Harper, and Spann to take a fastball off the face?

[The Chosen One]

Is it bad that I want Espinosa, Strasburg, Harper, and Spann to take a fastball off the face?

Don't think Wood's fastball at 88 is going to do much.

[chop2chip]

Is it bad that I want Espinosa, Strasburg, Harper, and Spann to take a fastball off the face?
Yes. Da fuh is wrong with you?

[gilesfan]

Wood is dealing. May not throw 90 pitches.

[jsebe10]

Yes. Da fuh is wrong with you?

That would probably suggest that I dislike them and the Nats

[The Chosen One]

Wood so smooth.

[chop2chip]

That would probably suggest that I dislike them and the Nats
... And human decency in general.

[Julio3000]

I don't wish injury on Strasburg, but, god help me, short of that I root for him to fail miserably and completely. This is a base and ungracious instinct, I know, but I just can't stand that dude for some reason.

[jsebe10]

... And human decency in general.

Nah just the Nats...simple Simon ass

[NinersSBChamps]

Maybin just keeps falling off a cliff.

[thewupk]

good pitching and defense there

[UNCBlue012]

Maybin just keeps falling off a cliff. he is def in a dry spell. Hopefully it goes away soon

[sturg33]

I'm in Atlanta - staying at a hotel on the street of the new park...

How the hell is this thing going to work?

[TURBO]

I'm in Atlanta - staying at a hotel on the street of the new park...

How the hell is this thing going to work?

Hart will make it work.

[UNCBlue012]

Do we want to actually pitch to Span or nah?

[NinersSBChamps]

he is def in a dry spell. Hopefully it goes away soon

Based on his career I'd say he was in an awesome hot streak. He's reverting back to his norms in my opinion.

[Braves1976]

According to Fangraphs, Maybin's DRS is now -10 in CF for the Braves. I didn't realize he'd been that bad of late, he was -5 DRS not long ago. If that keeps up then RF/LF might need to be in his future.

[UNCBlue012]

Come on Alex. Chill.

[CyYoung31]

I hate the Navy uni's. Wish the classic grey's were default road unis.

Along with the two-tone caps.

[thewupk]

oh defense

[jsebe10]

Based on his career I'd say he was in an awesome hot streak. He's reverting back to his norms in my opinion.

He's got to hit out of it.

[WaitingFor2017]

Probably can't allow any more runs based on Atlanta's lineup tonight. It's going to be a rough week without Freddie considering the team plays playoff-bound teams in Washington, Pittsburgh, and Washington again before he is eligible to come back.

[chop2chip]

According to Fangraphs, Maybin's DRS is now -10 in CF for the Braves. I didn't realize he'd been that bad of late, he was -5 DRS not long ago. If that keeps up then RF/LF might need to be in his future.
LF makes a world of sense. Peraza/Mallex platoon in CF :)

[NinersSBChamps]

He's got to hit out of it.

Not necessarily. He's never been a good hitter. So it's possible he hovers around .255 the rest of the season.

[NinersSBChamps]

Thanks for the radio link. I got one now.

[NinersSBChamps]

AJP gonna get a hit here.

[gilesfan]

LF makes a world of sense. Peraza/Mallex platoon in CF :)

You think he hits enough for LF?

[chop2chip]

You think he hits enough for LF?
Relative to our Lf's? Hell yeah.

[gilesfan]

Relative to our Lf's? Hell yeah.

Well, to major leaguers

[chop2chip]

Well, to major leaguers
I don't get the feeling we will have one employed on our roster. I have 20 years of experience as a Braves fan that's been filled with the Langerhans, Surhoffs, Mondesis, and now Gomeses of the world.

[gilesfan]

Is Kelly hurt?

[NinersSBChamps]

Is Kelly hurt?

Does it matter? Your team is winning.

[chop2chip]

Is Kelly hurt?
He might have had his coming back to earth moment a little earlier than the rest of our guys.

[CyYoung31]

Vandy is getting screwed in this Game 2.

[gilesfan]

He might have had his coming back to earth moment a little earlier than the rest of our guys.

Earth>Eury and BaBip

[chop2chip]

Earth>Eury and BaBip
BABIP is all we got I'm afraid. Live by the BABIP and die by the BABIP.

[NinersSBChamps]

Wood sounds like he's about to implode.

[UNCBlue012]

Thanks Wood. Glad to see you came to pitch tonight man.

[gilesfan]

Good grief that throw by Eury was pathetic

[NinersSBChamps]

Span is gonna rip one here.

[jsebe10]

Lol bullpen up already. Thanks for nothing Wood.

[NinersSBChamps]

Braves 0
Nationals 3
gilesfan Happy

[jsebe10]

Good grief that throw by Eury was pathetic

How about criticize the pitch...well...just as soon as you bust that nut to Harper

[NinersSBChamps]

Guess only CJ and NMark22 know how to hit.

[sturg33]

Thanks Wood. Glad to see you came to pitch tonight man.

I think you legit believe our pitchers should always throw shutouts

[NinersSBChamps]

Would think about pinch hitting, but to be honest our bench has as much chance of getting a hit as our pitcher.

[thewupk]

Our thought our offense could hit elite pitching?

[gilesfan]

Its not like the Nats are ripping cover off ball. Its just been balls through the hole and bad defense by Maybin and Jace. The hedest hit balls have been outs by Harper

[NinersSBChamps]

I think you legit believe our pitchers should always throw shutouts

It's a combo of mediocre pitching and a disgraceful lineup. It's not a good pairing.

[NinersSBChamps]

Our thought our offense could hit elite pitching?

We will know when they face an actual elite pitcher tomorrow.

[cajunrevenge]

Jace is about to set the pace all over his face.

[UNCBlue012]

Son of a. Dang it. Bad calls by the ump!

[CyYoung31]

Our thought our offense could hit elite pitching?

Strasburg isn't elite.

[thewupk]

right down the middle

[UNCBlue012]

We have missed elevated fastballs all day. He has that movement working.

[thewupk]

Strasburg isn't elite.

But he's very very good.

[NinersSBChamps]

Great at bats from the top of our order.

[UNCBlue012]

Our 1-2 has been absolute dump today.

[UNCBlue012]

At least results wise.

[jsebe10]

Our 1-2 has been absolute dump today.

Need to move Maybin down

[bravesnumberone]

Guess the Nats are back to owning us.

[jsebe10]

I'm just not sold on Wood. I think the organization is trying their damnedest to find the next Tom Glavine. I'd like them to pursuit a trade with him in the offseason.

[NinersSBChamps]

Markakis should be hitting second.

[NinersSBChamps]

I'm just not sold on Wood. I think the organization is trying their damnedest to find the next Tom Glavine. I'd like them to pursuit a trade with him in the offseason.

Can't imagine what anyone would be willing to give up for him. He's a very bleh pitcher with no good pitches. He doesn't do anything well except pitch average.

[NinersSBChamps]

But I agree we could use an upgrade over Alex Wood.

[jsebe10]

Can't imagine what anyone would be willing to give up for him. He's a very bleh pitcher with no good pitches. He doesn't do anything well except pitch average.

He's gotta decent curve...fastball at 89-90 and flat as snake nuts. Just not interested in him.

[gilesfan]

You guys thinking Wood isnt very good are pretty dumb.

[CyYoung31]

You guys are retarded.

[gilesfan]

You guys are retarded.

Damn, that popped in my head but I went with dumb.

[jsebe10]

You guys thinking Wood isnt very good are pretty dumb.

Omg bryce I'm gonna cum...ugh Bryce I'm gonna cum... Ahhhhh ::splooge:::

[NinersSBChamps]

If you don't think Wood is an ace you are dumb.

[NinersSBChamps]

Roark isn't gonna allow a hit.

[gilesfan]

No, thinking hes a bleh pitcher with no good pitches is dumb.

[thewupk]

If you don't think Wood is an ace you are dumb.

There is a difference between being an ace and being average.

[Braves1976]

Wood could only be giving up a run tonight with some defense. It seems everyone but Simmons has either failed to make a play or mishandled balls tonight.

[Oklahomabrave]

You guys thinking Wood isnt very good are pretty dumb.

Yeah, Wood has clearly been at worst an above average pitcher since he has been in the league.

[NinersSBChamps]

No, thinking hes a bleh pitcher with no good pitches is dumb.

That's what he is. Middle of the rotation type of guy. Nothing wrong with that, but he is far from anything special. He wouldn't even make the Nationals rotation though.

[NinersSBChamps]

There is a difference between being an ace and being average.

So you actually think he's a good pitcher? I think calling him average which is what I did, a fair assessment.

[jsebe10]

No, thinking hes a bleh pitcher with no good pitches is dumb.

"OMg Bryce easy! You're trying to kill it....oooo Bryce!!"

[Braves1976]

So you actually think he's a good pitcher? I think calling him average which is what I did, a fair assessment.

Wood is a very good pitcher, if you or anyone else cannot see that I cannot help you.

[NinersSBChamps]

Wood could only be giving up a run tonight with some defense. It seems everyone but Simmons has either failed to make a play or mishandled balls tonight.

Does that include giles on Strasburg?

[jsebe10]

Wood is a very good pitcher, if you or anyone else cannot see that I cannot help you.

He's alright. I am just not personally impressed with him. No need to call me dumb or retarded.

[NinersSBChamps]

He's alright. I am just not personally impressed with him. No need to call me dumb or retarded.
You should know better than that by now. You say something not uber positive about anyone on the team and you are automatically an idiot.

[Braves1976]

Does that include giles on Strasburg?

I don't know but if so I rather not witness that. :)

[jsebe10]

Does that include giles on Strasburg?

Points. +1

He's probably stroking his shlack and fingerbanging his own butthole to Harper...as we speak

[NinersSBChamps]

Have the Braves gotten a runner to third base?

[Braves1976]

He's alright. I am just not personally impressed with him. No need to call me dumb or retarded.

OK. Who called you dumb or retarted? It sure wasn't me.

[gilesfan]

Wood has an ERA under 3 since he came up in 2013. Which ranks top 10 in the NL.

Claiming that you are called out for being negative is wrong.

[gilesfan]

OK. Who called you dumb or retarted? It sure wasn't me.

That would be me

[NinersSBChamps]

Wood has an ERA under 3 since he came up in 2013. Which ranks top 10 in the NL.

Claiming that you are called out for being negative is wrong.

But his uZrFxIPWAr says he is at I.ou12 rate.

Aka he's average.

[smootness]

That's what he is. Middle of the rotation type of guy. Nothing wrong with that, but he is far from anything special. He wouldn't even make the Nationals rotation though.

This is aggressively stupid.

[smootness]

But his uZrFxIPWAr says he is at I.ou12 rate.

Aka he's average.

And it got even stupider.

[NinersSBChamps]

And it got even stupider.

Can't remember why I didn't put you on ignore.

Thanks for reminding me why I need to.

[NinersSBChamps]

Have a game, Jace.

[smootness]

Can't remember why I didn't put you on ignore.

Thanks for reminding me why I need to.

I'm honored.

[NinersSBChamps]

Wow Maybin made a goal.

[cajunrevenge]

Please Carpenter vs Uribe rematch!

[Braves1976]

Here it comes folks. Uribe vs Carpenter!

[NinersSBChamps]

Yes! The rematch!!! Carpenter versus Uribe.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Uribe vs. Carpenter coming up

[cajunrevenge]

We have seen this movie before.

[NinersSBChamps]

http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2013/10/08/images/mlbf_31110455_th_35.jpg

[NinersSBChamps]

Uribe continues to ef the Braves against Carpenter.

[Braves1976]

Nothing but fastballs this time and Uribe flies out.

[bravesnumberone]

Goddamnit, where was that two years ago?

[chop2chip]

Good game Woody. Pitched well against a great offense.

[NinersSBChamps]

Good game Woody. Pitched well against a great offense.

Didn't give his team a shot to win.

[CyYoung31]

Didn't give his team a shot to win.

Oh, really?

[UNCBlue012]

That's what he is. Middle of the rotation type of guy. Nothing wrong with that, but he is far from anything special. He wouldn't even make the Nationals rotation though. Id choose Wood over a guy like Gio or Roark personally.

[Braves1976]

Oh, really?

Niners needs to stop drinking while posting it seems. :)

[UNCBlue012]

I think I'm more mad that a struggling Rendon is 4-4 against us. Struggling players always get the swing back against our boys!

[CrimsonCowboy]

On a completely different note:

Burlington Royals ‏@BRoyalsKC 4m4 minutes ago
Congratulations to B-Royals Manager Scott Thorman on his first professional win in minor league baseball as a manager.

[Garmel]

So, who goes down when Vizcaino comes back? Cunniff?

[chop2chip]

Didn't give his team a shot to win.
Got your shift covered at Wal Mart so you could watch the game I see.

[Garmel]

Simmons has had a ton of blooper hits of late.

[Braves1976]

So, who goes down when Vizcaino comes back? Cunniff?

Good question, it may depend on how Eveland does between now and then. Cunniff is a good guess though barring a trade.

[smootness]

Id choose Wood over a guy like Gio or Roark personally.

And Fister. And Strasburg right now.

[UNCBlue012]

Infield single off the mound for Johnson! Come on Jace... Redeem yourself for the awful game.

[blueagleace1]

Didn't give his team a shot to win.

Quality start.

[NinersSBChamps]

Got your shift covered at Wal Mart so you could watch the game I see.

No listened to it on the radio. And I don't work Tuesday anyway.

[UNCBlue012]

And Fister. And Strasburg right now. I was a bit frustrated with him tonight, but he's a baller. His ERA for his career is that of an Ace, no doubt there.

[NinersSBChamps]

Quality start.

Sometimes you need to be better than quality. And quality start isn't the best stat either. It's a 4.50 ERA.

[UNCBlue012]

PLEASE MAYBIN

[CrimsonCowboy]

Great at bat

[The Chosen One]

Wuuuuuuhhh

[Braves1976]

Great AB Jace, now Maybin could tie it with a hit.

[UNCBlue012]

Jace hasn't gotten the results he's wanted, but he has been giving up great at-bats.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Man, I would love to see a gapper here

[UNCBlue012]

LUCKY ASS NATS.

[Braves1976]

Oh man, that was almost a fair ball down the line. So close.

Damn, pop up game over.

[blueagleace1]

Sometimes you need to be better than quality. And quality start isn't the best stat either. It's a 4.50 ERA.

Quality start is that because an average MLB team scores 3.4 runs per game.

[The Chosen One]

Phuck.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Horrible at bat

[UNCBlue012]

Dang Maybin. Really?

Such awful luck all night.

Had a great chance to get the win, but we've gotta get back at it tomorrow.

[bravesnumberone]

Fail. Just can't get over that .500 hump.

[AerchAngel]

3 inches

[NinersSBChamps]

3 inches

I got 2.

[The Chosen One]

I got 2.

No wonder why you're always angry.

[Braves1976]

No wonder why you're always angry.

Haha, I hope he is very good at oral and doesn't mind his woman playing with toys. :)

[blueagleace1]

The thing I love about this team and it's been brought up on here multiple times, is the fact they NEVER quit. We've made more games close in the 8th/9th innings this year than I can ever remember.

[UNCBlue012]

I know there are a lot of injuries, but this Nationals team isn't very good. I feel like I say that every year, but they have so many flaws. It's like they just don't click.

[blueagleace1]

I know there are a lot of injuries, but this Nationals team isn't very good. I feel like I say that every year, but they have so many flaws. It's like they just don't click.

I totally agree! They play so many guys out of position too. Rendon, Escobar, Espinosa (been playing 1st), Zimmerman, and Werth to an extent with him always playing RF.

[VirginiaBrave]

This seems a lot like 2012 when they weren't all that much difference between the teams but the Nats got every break head to head. Pena's homer changed that, but I am afraid Uggs homer changed it back.

[blueagleace1]

They are still a good team -solely because of their rotation- but they aren't the team that so many "experts" and some "Braves fans" claimed were the clear favorites to win the World Series.

[AerchAngel]

The thing I love about this team and it's been brought up on here multiple times, is the fact they NEVER quit. We've made more games close in the 8th/9th innings this year than I can ever remember.

I am still pissed. I swore Maybin was going to tie or give us the lead, those freaking 3 inches is in my head. ARGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

[NinersSBChamps]

No wonder why you're always angry.

Well aren't you Asian of some sort? So you are at half of that.

[blueagleace1]

I am still pissed. I swore Maybin was going to tie or give us the lead, those freaking 3 inches is in my head. ARGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

I know right! Baseball God's will even that one out, they always do. You smoke a ball and it gets robbed then you get jammed and get a duck fart to fall in.

[VirginiaBrave]

I was having flashbacks of Ramiro Pena in the eighth and the Uribe in the playoffs a couple years ago off Carp...

[Runnin]

I'm fine as long as Bryce Harper doesn't hit a HR.

[AerchAngel]

I'm fine as long as Bryce Harper doesn't hit a HR.

I guess you despise him just like I do :icwudt:

[gilesfan]

This seems a lot like 2012 when they weren't all that much difference between the teams but the Nats got every break head to head. Pena's homer changed that, but I am afraid Uggs homer changed it back.

The Nats are +20 in runs on the year and we are -15. If anything we are a little bit lucky to only be 3 back.

[thewupk]

The Nats are +20 in runs on the year and we are -15. If anything we are a little bit lucky to only be 3 back.

Don't let the homers see this. And this can be mainly attributed to our good fortunes with RISP.

[VirginiaBrave]

The Nats are +20 in runs on the year and we are -15. If anything we are a little bit lucky to only be 3 back.

Luck has very little to do with it. Basically they are playing the game the right way. Most of that negative run differential came as a result of a couple blowouts so I don't put a lot of stock in it. What I look at are they doing the little things to win games? Moving runners, etc. That's a resounding yes. Last night is a prime example, Wood was not even close to being on and he still only gave up 2 legit runs. One was on Maybin and he got that back with the homer and came within a foot of winning the game later. Overratedburg dominated us for half the game and the guys still had a chance to win. That's the important thing. That's the mental toughness that wins championships.

[gilesfan]

Please don't be offended, but I don't know if this is a parody account or not.

Every team has blowouts.

The team is exactly league average in 'moving runners'

Luck has nothing to do with it, yet Maybin came within a foot of winning the game on a check swing ball down the first base line. Would that have been luck?

[CyYoung31]

Luck has very little to do with it. Basically they are playing the game the right way. Most of that negative run differential came as a result of a couple blowouts so I don't put a lot of stock in it. What I look at are they doing the little things to win games? Moving runners, etc. That's a resounding yes. Last night is a prime example, Wood was not even close to being on and he still only gave up 2 legit runs. One was on Maybin and he got that back with the homer and came within a foot of winning the game later. Overratedburg dominated us for half the game and the guys still had a chance to win. That's the important thing. That's the mental toughness that wins championships.

The Nationals are a better team than us. I do t see how you could possibly argue otherwise.

[smootness]

The Nats are +20 in runs on the year and we are -15. If anything we are a little bit lucky to only be 3 back.

Both teams are roughly where they should be, though. 5 games over .500 is about right for +20. 1 game under is a little on the good side for a -15, but not by much. The Nats have not been unlucky so far this year in the record they have. They may improve and win more games in the second half, but their record stands about where it should given the way their guys have actually played.

Their rotation has not been good, and their defense is horrendous. Their offense is actually what's carried them so far. Now, you may argue their pitching is due to improve, and it may be, but we'll have to wait and see on that. They'll probably win the division, as they should, but I doubt they go out and win 95+.

[gilesfan]

Both teams are roughly where they should be, though. 5 games over .500 is about right for +20. 1 game under is a little on the good side for a -15, but not by much. The Nats have not been unlucky so far this year in the record they have. They may improve and win more games in the second half, but their record stands about where it should given the way their guys have actually played.

Their rotation has not been good, and their defense is horrendous. Their offense is actually what's carried them so far. Now, you may argue their pitching is due to improve, and it may be, but we'll have to wait and see on that. They'll probably win the division, as they should, but I doubt they go out and win 95+.

Using Adjusted Equivalent Runs, the Nats should have 38 wins and the Braves should have 31. The Braves have benefitted from cluster luck offensively. The Nats have hit .260/.323/.409 and scored 314 runs while the Braves have hit .258/.322/.370 and scored 295 runs. The data suggests the gap between the two in runs scored should be much more significant.

Pitching wise, the Nats have the following:

8.10 k/9
2.38 bb/9
0.72 HR/9

This equates to a 3.25 FIP, which is 3rd in the NL. Using xFIP would rank them 6th in the NL. Furthermore, they lead the NL in pitching WAR. They have been extremely unlucky having the highest BABIP in the NL at .319.

The Braves have the following:

7.14 k/9
3.25 bb/9
1.00 hr/9.

FIP of 4.16 (12th in NL) and xFIP of 4.16 (13th in NL)

Despite this wide game, the Nats have given up 294 runs to the Braves 310.

Some of the problems with the runs given up is due to defense; which fangraphs has as a 10 run differential.

Substituting projected runs scored (using underlying stats to state how many runs the team "should" have scored ) for actual runs scored; indicates a Nats record of 38-33 and a Braves record of 34-37.

I think the Nats have been a bit unlucky pitching wise and the Braves have been a bit lucky hitting wise. Overall, the Nats might be right were their record should be (or a win below) while the Braves are 2-4 wins higher than what they "should" be. The Nats have also had Fister, Stras, Rendon, Werth, Span, and Zimmerman miss significant time.

In terms of projected wins, fangraphs has the Nats at going 52-39 for a 90-72 record and the Braves going 41-50 with a 76-86 record. I think that projection might be a couple wins shy on each team.

[smootness]

Substituting projected runs scored (using underlying stats to state how many runs the team "should" have scored ) for actual runs scored; indicates a Nats record of 38-33 and a Braves record of 34-37.

So pretty much exactly what I said.

I don't think there's any doubt that the main reason the Nats' ERA is much higher than their FIP, while the Braves' is slightly lower, is due to defense. The Braves have elite defense up the middle and now good defense at 3B and a 1B that has limited range but is very good otherwise. They also have an OF defense that is probably about average. The Nats' defense is pretty bad.

That's fine that Fangraphs projects the record that way from here on out. I understand why they do, and I won't be surprised if it plays out that way. But I guarantee you their projected records for each team to this point in the season had a much wider gap than even the 'projected' numbers suggest, as well. As always, we'll just wait and see.

I think the Nats are the obvious easy favorites to win the division, and I think it's very likely the Braves miss the playoffs. I'd be fairly surprised, though, if the gap between the two teams ends up being more than 12 or so games.

[gilesfan]

The Braves have great defense at SS and 2B and good defense at 3B. They are really bad at C and 1B. The outfield defense is certainly below average; all 3 are negative defenders.

If you think the difference will be anywhere near 12 games, it supports my counter to Virginia Brave that essentially claimed the teams were even.

[thethe]

Nats are a better team without doubt. But, the Nats have been arguably the best team in the NL for the last 3 years and they don't have much to show for it.

[VirginiaBrave]

The Nationals are a better team than us. I do t see how you could possibly argue otherwise.

The standings make my argument for me. 3 games is nothing at this point of the season. I swear if the Braves do catch them, you'll still find some way to belittle the accomplishment...

[VirginiaBrave]

Nats are a better team without doubt. But, the Nats have been arguably the best team in the NL for the last 3 years and they don't have much to show for it.

Change that to two of the last three years, remember we smoked their overrated butts in 2013...

[UNCBlue012]

Change that to two of the last three years, remember we smoked their overrated butts in 2013...

You just used the word right there: overrated.

The Nats are NOT a bad team, by any means. But, they are overrated. They've been overrated for the last four years or so.

[smootness]

The Braves have great defense at SS and 2B and good defense at 3B. They are really bad at C and 1B. The outfield defense is certainly below average; all 3 are negative defenders.

Pierzynski is obviously not good, though the numbers suggest he isn't the absolute butcher some make him out to be. And sure, Freeman's metrics show him to be pretty well below-average, but I don't think the metrics have figured out a great way to evaluate all the things a 1B does, yet. His range is bad, but he definitely gets us outs here and there than other 1B don't simply by the way he takes throws. Either way, yes, we're below-average at those two spots.

Markakis' numbers say he's below-average, though not by a ton. He's serviceable out there even with limited range. The numbers say Maybin has been slightly below-average this year, but if you take the last several years as a whole, he's about average or slightly above. And obviously when we play Gomes, we're well below-average in left. But Kelly Johnson has been slightly above and Perez is about average.

So I would say on the whole our OF defense is either average or slightly below-average. It isn't bad.

[CyYoung31]

The standings make my argument for me. 3 games is nothing at this point of the season. I swear if the Braves do catch them, you'll still find some way to belittle the accomplishment...

Are you ****ing joking? If by some miracle the Braves end up winning the division this year, I'll be jumping for joy down Music Row in the nude. Posts like that make me think you're a troll.

[Russ2dollas]

I heard the Nats have had one of the easiest schedules in baseball so far......

[gilesfan]

I heard the Nats have had one of the easiest schedules in baseball so far......

Nats, Braves, and Pirates have.

[smootness]

In looking at more numbers, it appears the Braves' defense has been rated as roughly average this year, while the Nats have been rated among the worst, if not the absolute worst, in all of baseball. So again, that would explain at least a good bit of the disparity in FIP/ERA numbers.

[VirginiaBrave]

Are you ****ing joking? If by some miracle the Braves end up winning the division this year, I'll be jumping for joy down Music Row in the nude. Posts like that make me think you're a troll.

Troll my butt...but I don't use stats to back up everything in baseball...honestly you act like three games is 20...

[gilesfan]

In looking at more numbers, it appears the Braves' defense has been rated as roughly average this year, while the Nats have been rated among the worst, if not the absolute worst, in all of baseball. So again, that would explain at least a good bit of the disparity in FIP/ERA numbers.

The difference according to fangraphs is 10 runs.

[smootness]

The difference according to fangraphs is 10 runs.

Ok

[CyYoung31]

Troll my butt...but I don't use stats to back up everything in baseball...honestly you act like three games is 20...

And neither do I. Get off your soap box because you're preaching to the wrong person.