7/2/15: GDT - Washington Nationals @ Atlanta Braves

[Garmel]

Nats
1. Denard Span (L) CF
2. Danny Espinosa (S) SS
3. Yunel Escobar (R) 3B
4. Bryce Harper (L) RF
5. Wilson Ramos (R) C
6. Dan Uggla (R) 2B
7. Tyler Moore (R) 1B
8. Michael Taylor (R) LF
9. Max Scherzer (R) P

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. Kelly Johnson (L) 1B
7. Andrelton Simmons (R) SS
8. Eury Perez (R) LF
9. Manny Banuelos (R) P

[nsacpi]

Expecting a huge game from Kelly Johnson.

[Tapate50]

Eager to see Man Ban. Will make sure to tune in

[Garmel]

Kevin McAlpin ‏@KevinMcAlpin

Freeman still feeling pain from the PRP injection. Started new treatment 3 days ago. "I will not be back before the All Star Break"

[Millwood1Hitter]

Kevin McAlpin ‏@KevinMcAlpin

Freeman still feeling pain from the PRP injection. Started new treatment 3 days ago. "I will not be back before the All Star Break"

Good! Go home for the rest of the season and rest up, get healthy, and make a serious run in the near future.

[Julio3000]

Sit down, Bryce.

[Russ2dollas]

no video b/c of mlb's blackout rules.

fb around 90 not super exciting. but getting some swing and misses

[CyYoung31]

Man-Ban looks good. That was a sick change to Golden Boy.

[thewupk]

no video b/c of mlb's blackout rules.

fb around 90 not super exciting. but getting some swing and misses

his change looks pretty good

[CyYoung31]

no video b/c of mlb's blackout rules.

fb around 90 not super exciting. but getting some swing and misses

He's going to hover between 91-93, which is fantastic for a lefty starter.

[cajunrevenge]

no video b/c of mlb's blackout rules.

fb around 90 not super exciting. but getting some swing and misses

Same velocity Wood pitches with.

[Braves1976]

Umpire calling a ball two inches off plate strike two set up that strikeout for Jace. If not for that count ends up 3-1 and different AB.

[chop2chip]

You can definitely tell he has control issues, but he gets really good downward movement on his changeup. I was impressed AJ called two changeups on 3-2 counts as well.

[sc1767]

The kid looks like he belongs to me.

[CyYoung31]

Manny is going to have to throw a CG shut out to have any prayer of winning this game.

[cajunrevenge]

Manny is going to have to throw a CG shut out to have any prayer of winning this game.

And hit a solo homer.

[Garmel]

Fat boy can still pick it. That probably gets by CJ.

[thewupk]

suck it uggla

[Julio3000]

Uribe is crazy quick for a fat guy.

[Braves1976]

Man-Ban's curveball isn't working so far tonight, none are near strikes. Maybe nerves causing him to overthrow it.

[Julio3000]

Man-Ban's curveball isn't working so far tonight, none are near strikes. Maybe nerves causing him to overthrow it.

Might get better as he settles in--or tires out.

[Russ2dollas]

im getting cards and pads....zombie braves of with bj leading off

[Braves1976]

Might get better as he settles in--or tires out.

Yea, hopefully.

[TURBO]

im getting cards and pads....zombie braves of with bj leading off

J Up is like clock work. Started the season out on fire. Looked like a MVP candidate. But has really cooled off. Exactly what he did with us.

[Enscheff]

Braves might not get a base runner tonight.

[buck75]

Braves might not get a base runner tonight.

Thinking this might be a possibility

[Garmel]

J Up is like clock work. Started the season out on fire. Looked like a MVP candidate. But has really cooled off. Exactly what he did with us.

One of the reasons why I don't want the Braves to go after him this offseason.

[Braves1976]

Man-Ban doesn't have his best stuff so far tonight, but is mostly locating his pitches well. The fastball and change-up have been fine overall though.

[thewupk]

One of the reasons why I don't want the Braves to go after him this offseason.

I agree. I'd rather have consistent mediocrity.

[Julio3000]

Ban is looking strong.

[Garmel]

I agree. I'd rather have consistent mediocrity.

Brilliant

[Braves1976]

I still like Eury Perez, if nothing else he'll make a good 4th outfielder and potential platoon partner for Smith in the future.

[thewupk]

Chip got so excited the no hitter was gone in the 3rd inning

[chop2chip]

Chip got so excited the no hitter was gone in the 3rd inning

I couldn't stop laughing at how sincerely happy he was about it. I have heard less enthusiasm on a walk off triple.

[UNCBlue012]

Ban is looking strong. I like him! And this is all with his curve practically being nonexistent thus far.

[Braves1976]

Man-Ban threw a good curveball there after one way outside. That's a start and I like him shaking off AJ to do it.

Oh that was close!

YES! Struck him out on the curveball!

[thethe]

Pitching for days...

[Julio3000]

Harper got the Ban-hammer right there.

[Heyward]

SIT DOWN HARPER

[chop2chip]

This guy has cahones. That's the third strikeout on an off speed 3-2 pitch.

I'm impressed.

[The Chosen One]

We can't call him Big Man, because we already have Williams in the rotation.

[Heyward]

Manny looks awfully impressive so far.

So much pitching.

[thethe]

Max is crazy good.

[NinersSBChamps]

Man Ban thank you ma'am!

[NinersSBChamps]

Pitching for days...

Hitting for...

[ramadon101]

Hitting for...

Please make good on your previous statements and leave. You add nothing to these forums and are a constant drag. It's one thing to have founded criticisms of the organization or a particular move (all of which I respect) but you are nothing but a negative troll.

[thethe]

We got this guy for two relievers???

Ok

[buck75]

Well we've had a base runner; let's score a run.

[chop2chip]

We got this guy for two relievers???

Ok
I like Shreve a lot, but man Man Ban looks great.

[Braves1976]

Can we bring Uribe back for next season? I like him a lot.

[thethe]

Can we bring Uribe back for next season? I like him a lot.

Guy needs to be part of the team next year. Not just because of need but because he still really good.

[buck75]

Okay, why didn't KJ bunt?

[Braves1976]

Good job Simmons!

[Runnin]

SIMBA!

[buck75]

attaboy Simba!

[thethe]

Moving this posts guys.

[ATLBraves247]

Span sure didn't move too fast to get out of the way of that change. Sure did steal the base fast though, lol.

[thethe]

Oh geez...what is going on here?

[Braves1976]

Uh oh, Man-Ban apparently hurt himself on one of those pitches.

[Heyward]

Not sure about this move

Edit: Looks hurt, wonderful

[Julio3000]

****.

[Runnin]

What is it now? Man Ban hurt.

[buck75]

Bummer ManBan may be hurt

[chopdrew]

This is why we can't have nice things...

[ATLBraves247]

This isn't good, good thing we have a lot of SP depth. Hopefully its nothing serious.

[Braves1976]

Hopefully it's something minor and they're being safe, also hope bullpen comes in and can get one out where Man-Ban isn't charged with any runs after his great game.

It looks like some sort of left leg injury. Hopefully a minor one or say a cramp or similar.

[Julio3000]

At least Fredi didn't mess around with it. Baby steps.

[Julio3000]

Hopefully it's something minor and they're being safe, also hope bullpen comes in and can get one out where Man-Ban isn't charged with any runs after his great game.

Hopefully just blisters or something.

[chop2chip]

Hopefully it's something minor and they're being safe, also hope bullpen comes in and can get one out where Man-Ban isn't charged with any runs after his great game.
Fredi doesn't play it safe. I hope nothing popped. That would be awful.

[Garmel]

Let's hope it's just a cramp in his leg.

[thewupk]

How many leg injuries we going to have this year

[thethe]

Looks like a leg injury.

Thankfully Freddi didn't eff this up and took him out.

[Krovahn]

Hope it is a blister or something. ManBan just went toe to toe with Scherzer and was the better pitcher tonight until those two HBP, which were likely due to his injury. Great performance from him tonight.

[Braves1976]

Fredi doesn't play it safe. I hope nothing popped. That would be awful.

True, but Man-Ban apparently told them he cannot go on in this case. He was clearly favoring his leg on replay.

[jcc03004]

Who's coming in I'd bring in jj now

[NinersSBChamps]

Please make good on your previous statements and leave. You add nothing to these forums and are a constant drag. It's one thing to have founded criticisms of the organization or a particular move (all of which I respect) but you are nothing but a negative troll.

And you claim you know Braves front office personnel. You are nothing, but an attention seeker who pretends to be in the know.

[chop2chip]

True, but Man-Ban apparently told them he cannot go on in this case. He was clearly favoring his leg on replay.
If it's a leg injury then that's good news. Even a severe leg injury is preferable to anything elbow related.

[Garmel]

Masset got lucky.

[Krovahn]

Guys, don't say leg injury. Take it back! Nope. Not a leg injury. :(

[The Chosen One]

And you claim you know Braves front office personnel. You are nothing, but an attention seeker who pretends to be in the know.


Please make good on your previous statements and leave. You add nothing to these forums and are a constant drag. It's one thing to have founded criticisms of the organization or a particular move (all of which I respect) but you are nothing but a negative troll.

Both of you please calm down. :Sad:

[thethe]

If it's a leg injury then that's good news. Even a severe leg injury is preferable to anything elbow related.

Considering he is ona strict innings limit a 3-4 week vacation would not be a bad thing for Manny.

He can take this successful performance and really kick it into full gear for the rest of the season in AAA.

[Braves1976]

Great game by Man-Ban despite it ending in injury. Thankfully the line drive Masset gave up was right at Uribe. Hopefully Man-Ban will be fine and still gets a win.

[cajunrevenge]

Knowing the pen has to pitch 3 innings being up 1-0 feels like we are behind.

[ATLBraves247]

Knowing the pen has to pitch 3 innings being up 1-0 feels like we are behind.

Let's hope they can lock it down. We need this win bad.

Man Ban, cramping and dehydration. Good deal.... I mean at least its nothing serious.

[alwilliamsv]

Banuelos left due to cramping and dehydration. Best case right there.

[Julio3000]

Banuelos left due to cramping and dehydration. Best case right there.

Whew.

[Heyward]

Let's hope they can lock it down. We need this win bad.

I would comment but one of the mods may ban me, i'll just say nothing.

[Krovahn]

Phew.

[Braves1976]

Banuelos left due to cramping and dehydration. Best case right there.

Good to hear nothing serious. So he should be fine for his next start. Great game by him before the cramping and dehydration effected him.

[Garmel]

****ing Maybin.

[Braves1976]

I like Maybin but he has to make that catch. He hasn't been good defensively so far in CF this year, sorry to say.

[thethe]

Maybin has not been good in CF this year.

[thethe]

Awful Maybin.

Just awful.

[Braves1976]

Figures, there goes the possible W for Man-Ban too.

[Garmel]

Just cost us a run.

[UNCBlue012]

More stupid baseball.

[JohnAdcox]

I like Maybin but he has to make that catch. He hasn't been good defensively so far in CF this year, sorry to say.

I imagine he’d be fine in left. Just saying.

[Braves1976]

Maybin has not been good in CF this year.

Maybin came in with a -11 DRS in CF so far this year, that is not like his career numbers at all. I keep waiting for him to start looking like the old Maybin again defensively but so far not happening.

[JohnAdcox]

The Gnats, with actual thunder in their lineup, play better ABC/small ball than we do.

[Braves1976]

I imagine he’d be fine in left. Just saying.

I agree, that is why I said the other day that if we keep him moving him to RF or LF might be best.

[chopdrew]

AS frustrating as that was, it could've been way worse. Just keep fighting...

[blueagleace1]

Curious as to why Fredi didn't have Eveland face Harper..??

[Tapate50]

Max is such a horse. Guy is nasty

[thethe]

Max is such a horse. Guy is nasty

Haven't seen a pitcher this dominant since Pedro.

[jcc03004]

Curious as to why Fredi didn't have Eveland face Harper..??

Because eveland sucks...

[jcc03004]

Haven't seen a pitcher this dominant since Pedro.

Yah what is the nationals window? That rotation is scary as close as I've seen to say 93 when we had the big 3 plus a healthy Avery

[jcc03004]

Damn Johnson's been pretty good this year. Didn't realize how good he's been

[thethe]

Yah what is the nationals window? That rotation is scary as close as I've seen to say 93 when we had the big 3 plus a healthy Avery

That depends if Harper goes tothe Yankees.

[blueagleace1]

Because eveland sucks...

And any of the available options are lights out? Eveland is the prototypical LOOGY and what better guy to use your LOOGY on than Harper??

[gilesfan]

Circus music on any ball hit to center.

[JohnAdcox]

I agree, that is why I said the other day that if we keep him moving him to RF or LF might be best.

Been saying the same, mate.

[ATLBraves247]

Cameron isn't a bad CF, who else would we play there?

[buck75]

Maybin is one for two in sliding catches

[gilesfan]

Yah what is the nationals window? That rotation is scary as close as I've seen to say 93 when we had the big 3 plus a healthy Avery

This offseason will be crucial for them. span, Desmond, Zimmermann, and Fister all free agents. They have tons for pitching depth but losing Zimm would be huge. Taylor/Turner likely replace Span/Desmond. They should have Harper and Rendon for the next couple years.

[smootness]

Yah what is the nationals window? That rotation is scary as close as I've seen to say 93 when we had the big 3 plus a healthy Avery

Their rotation is quite a bit older than we were then, and they may lose Zimmerman. They have Giolito coming, though. Their window isn't defined because they do a good job of keeping the system stocked and don't sell out for the present. But their window with their current guys? I'd say 3-5 years.

[jcc03004]

And any of the available options are lights out? Eveland is the prototypical LOOGY and what better guy to use your LOOGY on than Harper??

I'd trust Johnson in that spot over either of our lefties. What the heck has happened to avilan? All of a sudden he can't get out lefties

[gilesfan]

Cameron isn't a bad CF, who else would we play there?

Hes terrible out there. Maybe Eury would be better.

[jimsnores]

Cameron isn't a bad CF, who else would we play there?

Mallex. (not now)

[blueagleace1]

I'd trust Johnson in that spot over either of our lefties. What the heck has happened to avilan? All of a sudden he can't get out lefties

So you're giving Johnson the 7th and 8th??

[jcc03004]

I'd go after Zimmerman if I was the braves. I think Julio is better as a 2. Although I'm not sure Zimmerman is an ace either

[smootness]

This offseason will be crucial for them. span, Desmond, Zimmermann, and Fister all free agents. They have tons for pitching depth but losing Zimm would be huge. Taylor/Turner likely replace Span/Desmond. They should have Harper and Rendon for the next couple years.

I don't think Taylor is anything special. Turner could be, but it may take him a little while. But either way, their lineup will at least be dangerous with Harper and Rendon, if Rendon can stay healthy.

[jcc03004]

So you're giving Johnson the 7th and 8th??

In this case yah. Would have loved to get man ban this win

[ATLBraves247]

How has he looked terrible? I'm not seeing Eury as a better option.

[jcc03004]

In this case yah. Would have loved to get man ban this win

Wonder what we do for a loogy next year? Someone in the system?

[JohnAdcox]

Cameron isn't a bad CF, who else would we play there?

I was more looking to the future, mate, when Smith, or maybe Peraza is in Center. If we don’t trade for thunder (I don’t doubt Hart’s ability to do so), you could do worse than an outfield of Markakis, Smith, and Maybin. Granted, we’d need a bat at third or catcher under that scenario, but you could do worse.

[blueagleace1]

This is where Grilli scares me.

[gilesfan]

I don't think Taylor is anything special. Turner could be, but it may take him a little while. But either way, their lineup will at least be dangerous with Harper and Rendon, if Rendon can stay healthy.

Taylor is a possible gold glove caliber defender with speed and pop. But the strike outs are going to keep the average down.

[gilesfan]

How has he looked terrible? I'm not seeing Eury as a better option.

You dont have to look much further than tonight when hes made teo routine plays into diving attempts

[cajunrevenge]

The Gnats, with actual thunder in their lineup, play better ABC/small ball than we do.


lolololololololol

[blueagleace1]

I was more looking to the future, mate, when Smith, or maybe Peraza is in Center. If we don’t trade for thunder (I don’t doubt Hart’s ability to do so), you could do worse than an outfield of Markakis, Smith, and Maybin. Granted, we’d need a bat at third or catcher under that scenario, but you could do worse.

JA I totally agree.. not opposed at all to that outfield. I think we can find some type of power from third base.

[Heyward]

Haven't seen a pitcher this dominant since Pedro.

Greinke's been just as good, just hasnt had any run support worth a damn.

[WaitingFor2017]

Gotta win this pretty soon. Only Eveland, Avilan, and Brigham left in the pen.

[Heyward]

I'd go after Zimmerman if I was the braves. I think Julio is better as a 2. Although I'm not sure Zimmerman is an ace either

Not at the money he'll command.

I'd go for Greinke if he hits FA.

[gilesfan]

Greinke's been just as good, just hasnt had any run support worth a damn.

Greinke hasnt been close at you look at anything past ERA

[smootness]

Taylor is a possible gold glove caliber defender with speed and pop. But the strike outs are going to keep the average down.

They're going to keep the average way down. He is very good defensively, but I don't think he'll ever hit well enough to be better than average.

[Heyward]

Greinke hasnt been close at you look at anything past ERA

Says the homer.

[gilesfan]

Says the homer.

Show me where im wrong

[Heyward]

Pretty much have to win it in these next 2 AB's.

Nats will have a fresh pen and Braves have nothng left

[Heyward]

Show me where im wrong

Is the goal to hold the other team from scoring?

[Krovahn]

WOOOOOOOOOOOO

[NinersSBChamps]

Was it foul?

[Heyward]

Was it foul?

Its not reviewable.

[ATLBraves247]

Cameron just won the game boys

[buck75]

Chopping Maybin

[Krovahn]

Huge series win!

[NinersSBChamps]

Its not reviewable.

Aware of that. Just curious if it was a blown call. Would be nice get one like that against these piss pushers.

[WaitingFor2017]

Sweep the Phillies to get back to .500. It's doable.

[buck75]

A thing of beauty - right over the bag

[Julio3000]

That's twice now that Maybin has won a game after screwing up. Love the heart.

[ATLBraves247]

Was it foul?

It went over the bag, thus making it a fair ball

[Julio3000]

I mean, that was CB Bucknor at third . . . surely he got it right.

[gilesfan]

I mean, that was CB Bucknor at third . . . surely he got it right.

Was there ever video showing the ball down the line?

[ATLBraves247]

He gets no respect, he's clutch with runners in scoring position.

[Julio3000]

Was there ever video showing the ball down the line?

From what I saw, it looked like it went over the bag. Didn't see a very good angle, though.

[gilesfan]

Is the goal to hold the other team from scoring?

I think we just saw why using ERA can be dumb.

[smootness]

I think we just saw why using ERA can be dumb.

Obviously more should go into evaluation, but it does have value...since it's the primary way to judge your results so far. Peripherals can be better for predicting in the future, but I think ERA has become almost undervalued. There will always be guys who consistently out pitch their FIPs and K rates and so on.

[ATLBraves247]

I agree, I look at era and whip to decide how dominant a pitcher is, Ks are nice but there are some good strikeout pitchers that have inflated eras.

[gilesfan]

Obviously more should go into evaluation, but it does have value...since it's the primary way to judge your results so far. Peripherals can be better for predicting in the future, but I think ERA has become almost undervalued. There will always be guys who consistently out pitch their FIPs and K rates and so on.

And how many that outpitch their peripherals over a large sample are due to defense behind them? Or a guy that gets to pitch in Dodger Stadium?

[cajunrevenge]

I am president of the Greinke fan club and the difference between the two is innings pitched. 1.75 era pitching 8 innings a start is a lot better than 1.75 era pitching 7 innings a start.

[jimsnores]

Haven't seen a pitcher this dominant sinceP̶e̶d̶r̶o̶.....Man Ban. (Fixed it for you).

[ATLBraves247]

http://https://mobile.twitter.com/Braves/status/616784701701931008/photo/1 (https://mobile.twitter.com/Braves/status/616784701701931008/photo/1)

Who won this game?

[smootness]

And how many that outpitch their peripherals over a large sample are due to defense behind them? Or a guy that gets to pitch in Dodger Stadium?

Some. And there are also some who are better at inducing weak contact than others.

[rico43]

He gets no respect, he's clutch with runners in scoring position.

CB or Cameron?

[Braves1976]

Man-Ban confirmed in his post-game interview that he called out AJ and told Fredi he couldn't continue. So that explains him coming out as everyone knows Fredi and co's track record of not pulling hurting pitchers (Teheran and Perez most recently).

That said, great game by the kid and good job by Maybin on the winning hit. Happy for him to do that again after the misplay in CF (same as last time too).

[WaitingFor2017]

Watching Craig Kimbrel vs. Jason Heyward right now. Ironically, Jason lined out to Justin Upton to end the game.

[steveAKAslick]

He gets no respect, he's clutch with runners in scoring position.

Maybin among NL leaders with .391 average with runners in scoring position

[KB21]

This is a great problem to have:

Shelby Miller = 24
Julio Teheran = 24
Alex Wood = 24
Manny Banuelos = 24
Williams Perez = 24
Mike Foltynewicz = 23
Matt Wisler = 22
Tyrell Jenkins = 22

Please note that of these 8 pitchers, 5 were acquired this off season by this front office. This is much better than trotting Aaron Harang, Gavin Floyd, David Hale, and Freddie Garcia out there hoping to get something from them.

[smootness]

This is a great problem to have:

Shelby Miller = 24
Julio Teheran = 24
Alex Wood = 24
Manny Banuelos = 24
Williams Perez = 24
Mike Foltynewicz = 23
Matt Wisler = 22
Tyrell Jenkins = 22

Please note that of these 8 pitchers, 5 were acquired this off season by this front office. This is much better than trotting Aaron Harang, Gavin Floyd, David Hale, and Freddie Garcia out there hoping to get something from them.

Indeed. And now, our lower minors consist of Touki Toussaint, Ricardo Sanchez, Lucas Sims, and will soon have Kolby Allard. That's crazy.

[KB21]

Indeed. And now, our lower minors consist of Touki Toussaint, Ricardo Sanchez, Lucas Sims, and will soon have Kolby Allard. That's crazy.

From a prospect standpoint, the Braves system is looking more like it did under Paul Snyder and Roy Clark than it did under Tony DeMacio. Max Povse is another in the lower minors that is just 21 and in high A ball.

[CrimsonCowboy]

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

[smootness]

From a prospect standpoint, the Braves system is looking more like it did under Paul Snyder and Roy Clark than it did under Tony DeMacio. Max Povse is another in the lower minors that is just 21 and in high A ball.

Yep. Janas is 23 but is now in AA. We have pitching for days.

[VirginiaBrave]

The Uggla game has been made up for. Good win.

[KB21]

Yep. Janas is 23 but is now in AA. We have pitching for days.

I didn't realize they had moved Janas up. I know that I've read the Braves are high on Janas, even though he doesn't have the "stuff" of some of the other prospects.

[Enscheff]

This is a great problem to have:

Shelby Miller = 24
Julio Teheran = 24
Alex Wood = 24
Manny Banuelos = 24
Williams Perez = 24
Mike Foltynewicz = 23
Matt Wisler = 22
Tyrell Jenkins = 22

Please note that of these 8 pitchers, 5 were acquired this off season by this front office. This is much better than trotting Aaron Harang, Gavin Floyd, David Hale, and Freddie Garcia out there hoping to get something from them.

And Fried may actually be better than all of them.

[chop2chip]

From a prospect standpoint, the Braves system is looking more like it did under Paul Snyder and Roy Clark than it did under Tony DeMacio. Max Povse is another in the lower minors that is just 21 and in high A ball.Povse likely moved ahead of Fulenchek this year. Kiley had a glowing report about him when he watched him pitch earlier this year.

[The Chosen One]

Look, Hart has made a lot of good moves for the future but his mandate is different than Wren's. Wren's was win now with what you already have. Hart's was, unload what major league value you have to set us up for 2017. We had a good run under Wren from 2010-2013.

2014 was pretty much his last stand with the 2010 core and it didn't work out.

We've gone over the Wren vs. Hart thing hundreds of times. Hart was only able to stock our a lot of our system with impact quality pitching recently because he used big pieces like Heyward, Justin, Kimbrel, to move them over. These were established talented major leaguers. I give full credit to Hart for maximizing the trade value of Justin and Heyward whom only had 1 year left before free agency.

It's too early to know how this year's draft will pan out in the future. What we do know is Hart has been aggressive in getting international slot money. We'll never know if Wren would've done the same since he was in a win-now mode not rebuild for 2017. The front office has already given up on actually competing this year and next year whereas Wren was about "How can I get us to the playoffs this year". Who knows maybe some of our baby Braves will have matured enough for us to make some noise in 2016, but it appears 2017 is what they're aiming for and they've hinted as much.

[The Chosen One]

I personally think someone wanted to trade Freeman as well, but they didn't do so to not completely piss off the fanbase after trading Heyward, Kimbrel, Gattis, AND Justin.

I think Heyward and Kimbrel were more popular with fans than Freeman.

[Pugfan]

[

I think Heyward and Kimbrel were more popular with fans than Freeman.[/QUOTE]

I'm not so sure about that. Freeman has been my favorite Brave for the past 2 or 3 years and I'm sure that's the case with a lot of Brave fans.

[CyYoung31]

Watching Craig Kimbrel vs. Jason Heyward right now. Ironically, Jason lined out to Justin Upton to end the game.

Bizzaro world.

[cajunrevenge]

I personally think someone wanted to trade Freeman as well, but they didn't do so to not completely piss off the fanbase after trading Heyward, Kimbrel, Gattis, AND Justin.

I think Heyward and Kimbrel were more popular with fans than Freeman.

No, they kept Freeman because he is our new Chipper. Freeman doesn't have bad months and he hits well with RISP. He doesn't hit .150 for months like Heywood and Upton. He also torches our 2 main division rivals.

[cajunrevenge]

8 innings 1 run with 0 walks wasn't good enough to get Wisler's name on Baseball Tonight in his debut. Just watched the recap on ESPN.com and good news, its the Baseball Tonight spotlight game. Whoppee. Did you know Scherzer was good? So good that he pitched for both sides then hit a solo home run off himself to win the game in the bottom of the 9th. No word on if Banuelos was even in the stadium to witness Scherzer"s impressive feats.

[thethe]

No, they kept Freeman because he is our new Chipper. Freeman doesn't have bad months and he hits well with RISP. He doesn't hit .150 for months like Heywood and Upton. He also torches our 2 main division rivals.

Freeman is one of the best hitters in the major leagues and was willing to sign an extension without milking every last dollar out of the team. There was no way he was going to be traded.

[thethe]

Too bad Freeman got hurt or else the Braves might be in first place right now.

[thewupk]

Too bad Freeman got hurt or else the Braves might be in first place right now.

Or if we had a better bullpen and among other things.

[thethe]

Or if we had a better bullpen and among other things.

Yeah...but the BP is actually decent right now. Just needed a few tweaks. The Freeman loss to me has made the difference in 3 games at least So far.

[KB21]

Freeman is one of the best hitters in the major leagues and was willing to sign an extension without milking every last dollar out of the team. There was no way he was going to be traded.

Agree. Freeman, Simmons, and Teheran were all not going to be traded. Those extensions were done AFTER John Hart came on as a consultant. Those deals were done with the idea that they would be building blocks for the team in the future. I think you would be naive to believe that there wasn't some idea that they would be making a change at the top at the end of the season when those extensions were done. I also believe Hart genuinely wanted to get a deal done with Jason Heyward, but they were not going to give him more than Freddie Freeman because Freeman is the better, more consistent hitter.

[KB21]

Look, Hart has made a lot of good moves for the future but his mandate is different than Wren's. Wren's was win now with what you already have. Hart's was, unload what major league value you have to set us up for 2017. We had a good run under Wren from 2010-2013.

2014 was pretty much his last stand with the 2010 core and it didn't work out.

We've gone over the Wren vs. Hart thing hundreds of times. Hart was only able to stock our a lot of our system with impact quality pitching recently because he used big pieces like Heyward, Justin, Kimbrel, to move them over. These were established talented major leaguers. I give full credit to Hart for maximizing the trade value of Justin and Heyward whom only had 1 year left before free agency.

It's too early to know how this year's draft will pan out in the future. What we do know is Hart has been aggressive in getting international slot money. We'll never know if Wren would've done the same since he was in a win-now mode not rebuild for 2017. The front office has already given up on actually competing this year and next year whereas Wren was about "How can I get us to the playoffs this year". Who knows maybe some of our baby Braves will have matured enough for us to make some noise in 2016, but it appears 2017 is what they're aiming for and they've hinted as much.

What I know is that Frank Wren gave out bad contracts to free agents, and the farm system went from being a top 10 system in baseball to a bottom 5 system in baseball under his watch.