7/7/15: GDT - Atlanta Braves @ Milwaukee Brewers

[Garmel]

Braves
1. Jace Peterson (L) 2B
2. Cameron Maybin (R) CF
3. Nick Markakis (L) RF
4. Kelly Johnson (L) 1B
5. Juan Uribe (R) 3B
6. A.J. Pierzynski (L) C
7. Pedro Ciriaco (R) SS
8. Eury Perez (R) LF
9. Manny Banuelos (R) P

Brewers
1. Jean Segura (R) SS
2. Jonathan Lucroy (R) C
3. Ryan Braun (R) RF
4. Carlos Gomez (R) CF
5. Adam Lind (L) 1B
6. Aramis Ramirez (R) 3B
7. Khris Davis (R) LF
8. Hernan Perez (R) 2B
9. Tyler Cravy (R) P

[Horsehide Harry]

Braves lineup looks like Major League III

[Tapate50]

Braves lineup looks like Major League III

Don't insult the Buzz. They whipped Minny's behind if that jokester of a manager hadn't pulled all that funny biz.

Downtown is NOT just a pull hitter.

[gilesfan]

No way, our middle infielders are taller and not related.

And there right fielder could hit the ball over the fence.

[NinersSBChamps]

And there right fielder could hit the ball over the fence.

Yeah because he's a cheater.

[rico43]

After last night, I'd rather see just about anybody in left field than Eury.

[50PoundHead]

Will Cravy be gravy for our hitters?

[msstate7]

Reds 3
Nats 0 3rd inning

Be nice if we could knock their lead to 4 games.

[msstate7]

After last night, I'd rather see just about anybody in left field than Eury.

Nah, I'll take Perez over Gomes any day defensively

[Braves1976]

Nah, I'll take Perez over Gomes any day defensively

Perez isn't as good in LF as CF or RF but Rico's statement is a overreaction. Perez did bobble the ball a few times but the first time he did so with no play and no harm done. While his second bobble actually potentially saved a big inning as it caused the Brewers to try to score and that set up Perez getting it to Simmons for the easy out at the plate. Perez also made a nice catch at the wall early in the game too.

[msstate7]

Ugly start

[Enscheff]

ManBan hasn't hit 90 mph yet and his control is terrible so far in his first 25 pitches.

[NinersSBChamps]

Is there another rotation in baseball that throws as slow as the Braves do? With the exception of Miller nobody can hit throw hard. Not saying it's a bad thing, but it's frustrating to say the least.

[NinersSBChamps]

Can see ARam blasting one here.

[Julio3000]

Manny needs to limit the damage.

[USMA76]

Banuelos is absolutely unimpressive at this juncture.

[WaitingFor2017]

Feel better, Baby Harang.

[Braves1976]

ManBan hasn't hit 90 mph yet and his control is terrible so far in his first 25 pitches.

According to MLB.com he's hit 90 mph multiple times so far, but has mostly sat at 89 mph. He also pretty much ditched his change-up after Lucroy hit the homer and went with almost all fastballs.

[CyYoung31]

Banuelos is absolutely unimpressive at this juncture.

Did you see his first game?

[NinersSBChamps]

Did you see his first game?

You mean the one where he didn't drink water the night before? Nope didn't see it.

[nsacpi]

Expecting a huge game from Eury

[Braves1976]

It looks like they were working on something with Man-Ban in the dugout.

[USMA76]

Did you see his first game?

Nope (couldn't pick up the games while I was in Hawaii--tough break) but I read about his start and was glad we had somebody who could finally beat the gNats. I just wasn't terribly impressed with the first inning I was able to watch live tonight with his lack of velocity and command.

[NinersSBChamps]

It looks like they were working on something with Man-Ban in the dugout.

Can't stay healthy. Sounds like he's got a spot in this rotation.

[Braves1976]

Nope (couldn't pick up the games while I was in Hawaii--tough break) but I read about his start and was glad we had somebody who could finally beat the gNats. I just wasn't terribly impressed with the first inning I was able to watch live tonight with his lack of velocity and command.

It seems he has a callus or something as they showed them looking at it in the dugout after the inning. It might have effected him that inning. Hopefully nothing to worry about and he settles in now.

[Braves1976]

Can't stay healthy. Sounds like he's got a spot in this rotation.

You're a riot. :)

[USMA76]

It seems he has a callus or something as they showed them looking at it in the dugout after the inning. It might have effected him that inning. Hopefully nothing to worry about and he settles in now.

Thanks for the update and I sure hope that's the case. Calluses for a pitcher can be pretty problematic.

[Garmel]

ManBan looked much better that inning.

[cajunrevenge]

Is there another rotation in baseball that throws as slow as the Braves do? With the exception of Miller nobody can hit throw hard. Not saying it's a bad thing, but it's frustrating to say the least.

Whatever your smoking, I want some.

[NinersSBChamps]

You're a riot. :)

You're a hoot.

[Braves1976]

Good fast inning there by Man-Ban, hopefully the callus or whatever won't bother him too much and he settles in from here on out.

[Braves1976]

You're a hoot.

Don't compare me to Dan Uggla, that's just mean man. :)

[NinersSBChamps]

Whatever your smoking' I want some

Okay.

[msstate7]

Mckirahan worked a scoreless inning for Gwinnett tonight. He gave up 2 hits and struck out 1

[Braves1976]

Nice pick-off.

[Braves1976]

Man-Ban went to change-up 3-2 to get Lucroy out this time, same pitch he homered only a better one that time.

[USMA76]

Back to the point about our pitchers' "lack of velocity," I think we look at teams like the Mets with Harvey, deGrom, and Syndergaard (sp?) who all hit 98 or so on the radar gun and our guys look pretty pedestrian by comparison. That said, I'm optimistic that Wood, Teheran, Wisler, and Banuelos can be nearly as effective. Our only young "fireballer" is Folty and his velocity still doesn't keep his outings from being all over the map.

[Julio3000]

Almighty Jackass doing work.

[Garmel]

THAT ASSHOLE IS ON FIRE!!!!

[thethe]

Extent AJ!

[DirkPiggler]

There's nothing wrong with the Braves having a soft-tossing lefty in the rotation. If nothing else, that's one less that our opponents can use to shut us out.

[Julio3000]

Damn, Cam!

40 RBI.

[thethe]

I don't see any reason to trade Maybin. He still has all 5 tools and is just entering his prime. I think we would be selling low on him right now.

[Runnin]

I don't see any reason to trade Maybin. He still has all 5 tools and is just entering his prime. I think we would be selling low on him right now.
calm down

[USMA76]

gNats game just went final with them losing to the Reds 5-0. Be nice if we could pick up a game in the standings tonight. FWIW Cincinnati has beaten Washington five straight; sure wish we could do that.

[Julio3000]

I don't see any reason to trade Maybin. He still has all 5 tools and is just entering his prime. I think we would be selling low on him right now.

With the caveat that I'm open to listening to a proposal for any guy on the roster, I sure am hoping that they're not actively shopping him. Seems like a perfect situation for him and for the team right now.

I don't see him taking a big step up from where he is, but where he is is damned good.

[msstate7]

gNats game just went final with them losing to the Reds 5-0. Be nice if we could pick up a game in the standings tonight. FWIW Cincinnati has beaten Washington five straight; sure wish we could do that.

We got a 2-game winning streak against them with 2 rookies. Oh and those same 2 rookies are slowing down the hottest offensive team in mlb the last 2 days. These 2 rookies may be pretty good

[Julio3000]

Manny is impressing me, considering that he isn't commanding 4 pitches and successfully attacking hitters like he did in his first start. Winning without his best stuff, so far.

[Julio3000]

Viz must have brought some dope for AJ when he came north.

[jimsnores]

We got a 2-game winning streak against them with 2 rookies. Oh and those same 2 rookies are slowing down the hottest offensive team in mlb the last 2 days. These 2 rookies may be pretty good

Manny got Scherzer started on his two game losing streak. Put a serious "cramp" in his style!

[Julio3000]

AJ leaking oil going 1st to 3rd.

[The Chosen One]

Manny is impressing me, considering that he isn't commanding 4 pitches and successfully attacking hitters like he did in his first start. Winning without his best stuff, so far.

It's like watching a version of Jo Jo Reyes that actually knows how to pitch.

[Julio3000]

It's like watching a version of Jo Jo Reyes that actually knows how to pitch.

Jo Jo + brains and cojones.

[msstate7]

AJ is red hot. Normally we rest AJ when Teheran starts, but do we do it tomorrow?

[Braves1976]

Manny is impressing me, considering that he isn't commanding 4 pitches and successfully attacking hitters like he did in his first start. Winning without his best stuff, so far.

Yea, he doesn't have his best stuff tonight but he's battled and mixed his pitches well to make it work so far just like he did in AAA in such games.

They just show his thumb and it doesn't look so good, may be effecting his stuff tonight.

[Julio3000]

Looking forward to seeing Arodys.

[USMA76]

We got a 2-game winning streak against them with 2 rookies. Oh and those same 2 rookies are slowing down the hottest offensive team in mlb the last 2 days. These 2 rookies may be pretty good

Maybe that'll inspire our older guys to "man up." Only three more consecutive wins needed against the gNats who (in spite of our two recent wins) still own us this year to the tune of 9-3.

[msstate7]

Looking forward to seeing Arodys.

I'd look forward to it a whole lot more with a 4-run lead rather than 2

[WaitingFor2017]

Someone posted on Twitter that no one in the Braves lineup tonight was in the Braves Organization last year. You don't see that too often.

[The Chosen One]

I'd look forward to it a whole lot more with a 4-run lead rather than 2

I think Avilan is looking forward to him pitching regardless. Just so Luis doesn't have to come into the game.

[The Chosen One]

Someone posted on Twitter that no one in the Braves lineup tonight was in the Braves Organization last year. You don't see that too often.

It appears Wren ran them all off too.

[Julio3000]

Looking forward to seeing Arodys.

But not just this instant.

[thethe]

Someone posted on Twitter that no one in the Braves lineup tonight was in the Braves Organization last year. You don't see that too often.

It's been awesome to see this plan work out the way it has so far.

[msstate7]

Not crazy about vizcaino's 1st appearance this year here. Hopefully it works out

[Braves1976]

Man-Ban battled despite his best stuff, probably a good idea to take him out now as his thumb didn't look too good. Hopefully Viz can hold them here and bullpen has a good night overall where Man-Ban can get his first MLB win.

[Braves1976]

Not crazy about vizcaino's 1st appearance this year here. Hopefully it works out

Yea esp. after he pitched two nights ago and warmed up last night too. But hopefully he is at his best.

[The Chosen One]

Well he only had to throw two pitches so far. So there's that.

[msstate7]

Like I said, I think this is a perfect spot for vizcaino haha

[Braves1976]

Welcome back Viz, that worked out good.

[nsacpi]

Viz the wiz

[jimsnores]

Blistering performance by Banuelos! Hoping the bullpen can continue to give them the Viziness the rest of the way.

[thethe]

I missed Viz. I was so excited when he came up a few years back. He had the best stuff of any of the three top pitchers that we had at the time.

[Braves1976]

Like I said, I think this is a perfect spot for vizcaino haha

Yea, Viz says what were y'all worried about? I got this done in two pitches. :)

[The Chosen One]

Blistering performance by Banuelos! Hoping the bullpen can continue to give them the Viziness the rest of the way.

:facepalm:

[cajunrevenge]

He threw 2 pitches, better bring in a new reliever next inning.....

[The Chosen One]

Would really like to not see Maybin traded.

[USMA76]

Not crazy about vizcaino's 1st appearance this year here. Hopefully it works out

It couldn't have worked out much better. Nice work.

[thethe]

Would really like to not see Maybin traded.

Its possible that nobody gets traded this year!

[thethe]

Couldn't double switch with anyone here? Maybe insert Simmons in at SS.

[The Chosen One]

Its possible that nobody gets traded this year!

Something is wrong if we don't at least dump Jim Johnson. Grill I can see because he still has one year left, can maybe sel him off next year for less.

[thethe]

Like I said...great idea to PH Gomes here.

[msstate7]

We're beating these guys with rookies and geriatrics

[USMA76]

Like I said...great idea to PH Gomes here.

VETERAN LEADERSHIP!

[jimsnores]

Something is wrong if we don't at least dump Jim Johnson. Grill I can see because he still has one year left, can maybe sel him off next year for less.

Wonder if Folty to the pen might presage that? (Presage being the right word only if you consider trading Johnson potentially disastrous).

[msstate7]

Like I said...great idea to PH Gomes here.

Yeah, Gomes kills rhp haha

[thethe]

Something is wrong if we don't at least dump Jim Johnson. Grill I can see because he still has one year left, can maybe sel him off next year for less.

Depending on how the new additions work out maybe.

Baseball is a funny game. You never know how hot a team can get.

With the way its played recently is it so difficult to imagine it winning 15 of the first 20 games that Freeman gets back? THe pitching has really rounded into form right now.

[The Chosen One]

Depending on how the new additions work out maybe.

Baseball is a funny game. You never know how hot a team can get.

With the way its played recently is it so difficult to imagine it winning 15 of the first 20 games that Freeman gets back? THe pitching has really rounded into form right now.

It's not even that. Johnson and Grilli were flip candidates, as well as Kelly and Gomes.

Grilli is the only one of that 4 that has a contract for next year. That could be appealing to some teams, but it also gives us flexibility to keep him and sell him off in the offseason or next year if Hart seriously thinks we have a chance of making the playoffs.

Johnson could be replaceable. He's pitching good now but htere's no guarantee it lasts until the rest of hte season. So why even keep him? If we don't make the playoffs it's a waste. If we do, we have Viz and Folty who are hard throwers that could move up to the 8th inning.

[auyushu]

With the way its played recently is it so difficult to imagine it winning 15 of the first 20 games that Freeman gets back? THe pitching has really rounded into form right now.

15 of our first 19 games after the break will be against the Cubs, Dodgers, St Louis, Baltimore, and San Fran. So yes it would be pretty tough to imagine winning 75% of our games against a bunch of playoff teams or borderline playoff teams. Our schedule in the second half of the season is much more difficult than the first half.

[msstate7]

We need to pick both of these up if we plan on running folty out there

[smootness]

Depending on how the new additions work out maybe.

Baseball is a funny game. You never know how hot a team can get.

With the way its played recently is it so difficult to imagine it winning 15 of the first 20 games that Freeman gets back? THe pitching has really rounded into form right now.

It's very hard for me to imagine that. We haven't come close to a stretch like that all year.

We're 3 innings away from winning 6 out of 7, and it's always easy to see your team dominating after a stretch like this. But if we go lose 3 out of 4, it will then seem like we'll finish with 70 wins.

Freeman is very good and important to this team, but one player doesn't change all that much. We're as likely to go 5-15 as we are to go 15-5, IMO.

[thethe]

It's very hard for me to imagine that. We haven't come close to a stretch like that all year.

We're 3 innings away from winning 6 out of 7, and it's always easy to see your team dominating after a stretch like this. But if we go lose 3 out of 4, it will then seem like we'll finish with 70 wins.

Freeman is very good and important to this team, but one player doesn't change all that much. We're as likely to go 5-15 as we are to go 15-5, IMO.

I just believe the pitching was the part of the team that held us back for a good portion of the season and I think its pretty clear that it has improved. While it hasn't been productive the offense has had many opportunities but it missing its best hitter. I think Freeman is going to have a big impact with the way he was hitting.

[thethe]

Ouch...that sucked.

Now lets trade him.

[NinersSBChamps]

Nice job, Maybin.

[USMA76]

As I watched Will Smith enter the game for the Brewers, it occurred to me...does any other team have as many complete a-holes as the Brewers? I'm looking at you Will Smith, Carlos Gomez, Ryan Braun, and Francisco Rodriguez.

[msstate7]

Trade Maybin... Not really, but dang

[smootness]

I just believe the pitching was the part of the team that held us back for a good portion of the season and I think its pretty clear that it has improved. While it hasn't been productive the offense has had many opportunities but it missing its best hitter. I think Freeman is going to have a big impact with the way he was hitting.

But he was already hitting like that, and we weren't winning at anywhere near that clip. The pitching has held up well recently, but it could fall apart just as quickly. It will be nice to add some of these RPs and see what happens, but we're still a patchwork team that isn't likely to win a whole heck of a lot.

[Pugfan]

Pointless trading Jim Johnson. Not going to get anything more than a C prospect.

[thethe]

SOOOO MUCH POWER!

[thethe]

Pointless trading Jim Johnson. Not going to get anything more than a C prospect.

Thats what I'm thinking.

[jpx7]

The most Markakis hit ever.

[thethe]

But he was already hitting like that, and we weren't winning at anywhere near that clip. The pitching has held up well recently, but it could fall apart just as quickly. It will be nice to add some of these RPs and see what happens, but we're still a patchwork team that isn't likely to win a whole heck of a lot.

And we were scoring a bunch of runs the few weeks prior to his injury.

The pitching killed us in that stretch. Could have easily won 3-4 more games in that stretch.

[smootness]

Pointless trading Jim Johnson. Not going to get anything more than a C prospect.

Depends on if we really think we can make a run at a playoff spot. I doubt that we can, so I'm fine with trading him for anything. The guys under contract for next year are the ones I would hesitate before trading.

[msstate7]

Feel much better about folty coming in now.

[NinersSBChamps]

http://sportscrack.com/images/nickthestick_large.jpg

[jpx7]

Pointless trading Jim Johnson. Not going to get anything more than a C prospect.

Snagging a C-grade prospect is totally worth trading Jim Johnson. You can always use more depth—hell, maybe that C-grade prospect is traded next June for more international pool money.

[Garmel]

Man, we have two runs on bloop hits. ****ty, but they count.

[smootness]

And we were scoring a bunch of runs the few weeks prior to his injury.

The pitching killed us in that stretch. Could have easily won 3-4 more games in that stretch.

Somewhat related to Freeman, but more likely just happened to get hot for that stretch. Freeman isn't a magical pill that brings runs galore.

[smootness]

Snagging a C-grade prospect is totally worth trading Jim Johnson. You can always use more depth—hell, maybe that C-grade prospect is traded next June for more international pool money.

Is this a joke I didn't get? We won't be needing any pool money next year. We'll be the ones trading ours.

[msstate7]

Please have someone up

[Braves1976]

Folty hit 99 mph that last pitch but it was right down the pipe, so went for a base hit. He has plenty of velocity but his best fastballs are really straight.

[thethe]

I could see Folty being a nice pen option late in the year.

He is hitting his spots right now.

[jpx7]

Is this a joke I didn't get? We won't be needing any pool money next year. We'll be the ones trading ours.

It's no joke—I was just throwing out an example that depth has a lot of utility. A C-grade prospect is going to help this team a lot more when they're actually competitive than a few more innings of Jim Johnson when they aren't.

[smootness]

It's no joke—I was just throwing out an example that depth has a lot of utility. A C-grade prospect is going to help this team a lot more when they're actually competitive than a few more innings of Jim Johnson when they aren't.

Oh ok. I agree on trading Johnson, but we're going way over our international pool next year, no matter how much it is. So we'll be trading our international slots, like teams like the Dodgers did this year.

[NinersSBChamps]

lol find a new job Faulty.

[thethe]

Come on Folty. Throw your slider a little bit here.

[thethe]

Another example of bad defense from Eury Perez.

There was a chance that could have been caught or at least prevented from going to the wall.

[USMA76]

Folty hit 99 mph that last pitch but it was right down the pipe, so went for a base hit. He has plenty of velocity but his best fastballs are really straight.

...and he's given up a run with one out and a runner on second. That three run lead sure didn't last long.

[jpx7]

More like Eurinal Perez.

[buck75]

Perez should have caught Peterson's liner.

[Braves1976]

I hope all the other teams don't figure out that Folty isn't anything special where we can trade him before his value goes down. I don't think him doing bad in the bullpen again this year like he did for Houston last year will help in that regard.

[The Chosen One]

Folty needs to bring his starter's K rate to the bullpen.

[UNCBlue012]

Folty's location is just rough. But, Perez took an awful vantage to that.

[Pugfan]

Folty is terrible at finishing hitters off with 2 strikes.

[USMA76]

So our options in LF are Gomes and Perez? Splendid.

[msstate7]

The white Juan jamie

[Braves1976]

Here comes the new David Carpenter.

[cajunrevenge]

Is Fredi seriously going to use 3 relievers who are making their first appearance as a reliever in the majors this year in one game?

[thethe]

That could have a been a DP if Eury did his job.

[UNCBlue012]

He's young, but I hope he polishes it up, because that was awful.

Also, we need to get out of this.

[Braves1976]

The white Juan jamie

Pretty much, both are throwers with big fastballs rather than good pitchers.

[jimsnores]

Is Fredi seriously going to use 3 relievers who are making their first appearance as a reliever in the majors this year in one game?

Surprised? Actually, it was probably his best option tonight. Hopefully DCARP2 can get it done.

[ATLBraves247]

Perez definately doesn't need to play center, for all those Maybin haters.

[msstate7]

Is Fredi seriously going to use 3 relievers who are making their first appearance as a reliever in the majors this year in one game?

Fredi knows what he's doing... Hahahahahaha

[thethe]

This ump has made some qustionable calls this inning.

[Pugfan]

Of all the the young pitchers Folty is the worst by far. Can't locate for crap and his off pitches are either hangers or in the dirt.

[CyYoung31]

Is Fredi seriously going to use 3 relievers who are making their first appearance as a reliever in the majors this year in one game?

It's ****ing ridiculous.

[USMA76]

Could've been worse. Always nice seeing Braun cough up a hairball.

[thethe]

HUGE!

[Braves1976]

Gamel, see what I mean about Carpenter's slider? :)

[mqt]

Is Fredi seriously going to use 3 relievers who are making their first appearance as a reliever in the majors this year in one game?

You're right, we should have gone with proven, consistent performers like Aardsma. :)

[msstate7]

Carpenter comes in with his 88-mph fastball and gets it done.

[CyYoung31]

Do the same jokes that worked for the last David Carpenter, work for this David Carpenter? Or have we decided to retire those?

[Braves1976]

It's ****ing ridiculous.

Yea, so was Viz only throwing two pitches and Gomes PHing vs a righty (despite the rare hit). But Fredi is going to Fredi.

[Braves1976]

Carpenter comes in with his 88-mph fastball and gets it done.

Carpenter mainly throws a 88-89 mph sinker with that slider we saw as his strikeout pitch. He gets a lot of ground balls too.

[CyYoung31]

Yea, so was Viz only throwing two pitches and Gomes PHing vs a righty (despite the rare hit). But Fredi is going to Fredi.

That's what I mean. No reason why Viz shouldn't have gone out there for the 7th.

[mossy]

Forgive my ignorance but is this the same Carp that gave up the HR to Uribe in the game y'all will never forget?

[Garmel]

Gamel, see what I mean about Carpenter's slider? :)

Yep. That was nearly as nasty as Sergio Romo's slider.

[thethe]

Forgive my ignorance but is this the same Carp that gave up the HR to Uribe in the game y'all will never forget?

No, just happens to have hte same name.

[Krovahn]

Do the same jokes that worked for the last David Carpenter, work for this David Carpenter? Or have we decided to retire those?

They might need a little restoration, but they should work just fine.

[msstate7]

Carpenter mainly throws a 88-89 mph sinker with that slider we saw as his strikeout pitch. He gets a lot of ground balls too.

He just struck out one of the game's best hitters in a huge spot... I like him... So far

[CyYoung31]

Forgive my ignorance but is this the same Carp that gave up the HR to Uribe in the game y'all will never forget?

Do they look anything alike?

[mossy]

No, just happens to have hte same name.


Thanks, I've not paid close attention and was confused for a minute.

I'm constantly not recognizing players on this years team. :/

[mossy]

Do they look anything alike?


Do they?

[Braves1976]

Yep. That was nearly as nasty as Sergio Romo's slider.

Yea, he has got most of his K's with it in Gwinnett. Also sorry about the typo on Garmel (I noticed I left out the r). :)

[msstate7]

Forgive my ignorance but is this the same Carp that gave up the HR to Uribe in the game y'all will never forget?

That carpenter is a nat now

[Julio3000]

Do the same jokes that worked for the last David Carpenter, work for this David Carpenter? Or have we decided to retire those?

If he can nail down a frame by screwing Braun into the ground like that, I'd say he adze a lot to the bullpen mix.

/test

[jpx7]

Do they look anything alike?

Close enough.

[Pugfan]

We need to bring back the David Carpenter just for laughs.

[Braves1976]

We need to bring back the David Carpenter just for laughs.

Uribe would rather he stay a Nat as long as he's a Brave. :)

[Pugfan]

Do they?

If they both shaved their heads probably.

[CyYoung31]

If he can nail down a frame by screwing Braun into the ground like that, I'd say he adze a lot to the bullpen mix.

/test

A little flimsy, but I think it's something we can build upon.

[bravesnumberone]

We need to bring back the David Carpenter just for laughs.

As many relievers as we've used this year, it would be an insult if we didn't wind up using two guys with the same name.

[weso1]

Carpenter 2.0 looks like a Roogy to me. That delivery is going to be tough on righties. Now Fredi will mainly use him against lefties.

[bravesnumberone]

This feels like a game we might blow.

[UNCBlue012]

Son of a gun. We should be smart and not give up runs.

[NinersSBChamps]

This feels like a game we might blow.

Might?

[Braves1976]

Why did we use so little of Viz and Carpenter again?

[NinersSBChamps]

Son of a gun. We should be smart and not give up runs.

Or maybe not pitch two pitchers for a total of 2/3 of an inning.

[USMA76]

This feels like a game we might blow.

We're working on it, just wait.

[weso1]

A.J. with the solid framing.

[mossy]

We could be up 15 runs and Fredi would be in trouble for something. Never gets old to listen to either.

[UNCBlue012]

JEEZ.

[Braves1976]

That was a bad pitch and Davis just got under it. Whew.

[weso1]

Perez is a bit of a spaz. Not sure I see him working out more than a 4th OF.

[Julio3000]

The good news is that we have 4 more pitchers in the pen. The bad news is that three of them have pitched every night for a week and the 4th is something called a Jake Brigham.

[bravesnumberone]

Chip Caray is brutal at judging the ball off the bat.

[Garmel]

Yea, he has got most of his K's with it in Gwinnett. Also sorry about the typo on Garmel (I noticed I left out the r). :)

No problemo. :)

[NinersSBChamps]

David Aardsma is gonna throw for the Home Run Derby.

[CyYoung31]

We could be up 15 runs and Fredi would be in trouble for something. Never gets old to listen to either.

I don't see how you can defend this bullpen management.

[CyYoung31]

This game has a chance to go into extras, and then what? Who do we have left in the pen?

[Pugfan]

Perez is a bit of a spaz. Not sure I see him working out more than a 4th OF.

Castanza jr. Takes some horrible angles out their.

[buck75]

Perez is a bit of a spaz. Not sure I see him working out more than a 4th OF.

Perez is a bobblehead in motion

[mossy]

I don't see how you can defend this bullpen management.

Where did I defend it? Please quote something relevant.

My point is he makes one move, and it's then brought up about 900 times.

We're still winning a game, but that's never enough, right?

[Pugfan]

Chip Caray is brutal at judging the ball off the bat.

Not as bad a John Sterling.

[Braves1976]

I don't see how you can defend this bullpen management.

No kidding, Viz hits 97 mph twice to get a quick DP. Let's take him out. Carpenter looks great to one batter, OK let's sit him down too. I can't make this stuff up, it speaks for itself. Shoot even pinch hitting for Viz with Gomes is not wise despite the rare double vs a righty (Gomes as everyone knows stinks vs righties normally).

[bravesnumberone]

I don't see how you can defend this bullpen management.

Yeah, it's one thing when most of the bullpen has sucked, but the way he constantly yanks guys for no real reason like tonight is absurd.

[buck75]

No kidding, Viz hits 97 mph twice to get a quick DP. Let's take him out. Carpenter looks great to one batter, OK let's sit him down too. I can't make this stuff up, it speaks for itself. Shoot even pinch hitting for Viz with Gomes is not wise despite the rare double vs a righty (Gomes as everyone knows stinks vs righties normally).

I think Viz has pitched in a lot of minor league games this past week

[The Chosen One]

Chip was about to say "a strike'em out..."

[CyYoung31]

Where did I defend it? Please quote something relevant.

My point is he makes one move, and it's then brought up about 900 times.

We're still winning a game, but that's never enough, right?

Quit complaining about people having valid complaints. Bullpen management affects the team in the long run, if not immediately.

[bravesnumberone]

What the **** are we running for on a 3-1 count? Jesus Christ on a cracker.

[UNCBlue012]

For a really quick dude, Jace is so bad at stealing.

[msstate7]

Peterson isn't a good base stealer

[USMA76]

What the **** are we running for on a 3-1 count? Jesus Christ on a cracker.

Fredi's obviously trying to save Maybin's at bat so he can lead off the next inning...

[Pugfan]

Peterson gets caught stealing way too often. It's killing his WAR

[Braves1976]

I think Viz has pitched in a lot of minor league games this past week

Not really, but he did warm up yesterday without pitching and had pitched the day before for Gwinnett. So tonight was three straight days throwing if you count warming up without pitching last night.

[mossy]

Quit complaining about people having valid complaints. Bullpen management affects the team in the long run, if not immediately.

Have a ball.

[NinersSBChamps]

Dumb decision to steal that time with a 3-1 count. Even dumber to let Jace try and steal a base. 8-17 on stolen base attempts.

[bravesnumberone]

First time this season Grilli has pitched three straight. Sounds tons of promising.

[CyYoung31]

Have a ball.

I don't even complain about Fredi very much.

[weso1]

I think he lacks confidence as a base stealer. You could see it in his face when he got thrown out. Just a look of bewilderment. He struggles with his reads more than anything. Just needs to figure out that part of his game. It's something that can be learned.

[57Brave]

Perhaps a sign mixup

[USMA76]

I think he lacks confidence as a base stealer. You could see it in his face when he got thrown out. Just a look of bewilderment. He struggles with his reads more than anything. Just needs to figure out that part of his game. It's something that can be learned.

If he wants to stay in the leadoff spot, he's going to have to figure it out.

[Braves1976]

Congrats to Man-Ban on his first MLB win, nice job by Grilli pitching three straight. Series win. Good return for Viz and debut for Carpenter too.

[CrimsonCowboy]

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

[UNCBlue012]

Wiinnnn! And we are back to .500! Grilli has been really good this year and exceptionally so the last few weeks.

[CyYoung31]

Yay!

[Runnin]

There's some trade bait.

[thethe]

Just beat a team 2 games in a row against a team that was hot. Oh yeah we didn't have our best player.

Well done.

[mossy]

Series win.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b171/JamieSanders/Mobile%20Uploads/B67EAAD1-9722-4AA2-A4A3-7460BA837E7A_zpsha5qrmke.png (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/JamieSanders/media/Mobile%20Uploads/B67EAAD1-9722-4AA2-A4A3-7460BA837E7A_zpsha5qrmke.png.html)

[CyYoung31]

Grilli should pitch 3 days in a row more often.

[bravesnumberone]

Great pitching by Grilled Cheese. Three straight days didn't affect him.

Three straight series wins now. Need to keep beating up on the Brewers and Rockies.

[Runnin]

.500 BABY
http://rack.1.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDEzLzA3LzA1LzBhL2V4Y2l0ZWRiYWJ5LjlhZWY3LmdpZg pwCXRodW1iCTEyMDB4OTYwMD4/f01f5d34/cc5/excited-baby.gif

[USMA76]

Six of seven to go from five games under .500 to 42-42.

[CyYoung31]

Now, can we please get over the .500 hump tomorrow?

[The Chosen One]

Now, can we please get over the .500 hump tomorrow?

Probably not with Julio pitching the road tomorrow.

Hopefully he pitches like he did Opening Day 2014.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Manny Banuelos' first M.L. win.

[thethe]

Now, can we please get over the .500 hump tomorrow?

I just want 500 by the all star Break and then get Freeman back.

[smootness]

I don't want to go out on too much of a limb, but there seems to be a strong correlation between Grilli pitching the 9th and us winning. We might want to try it more often.

ETA: The numbers also back this up. 28-7 when Grilli pitches, 14-35 when he doesn't. Just saying. This isn't rocket science.

[The Chosen One]

I don't want to go out on too much of a limb, but there seems to be a strong correlation between Grilli pitching the 9th and us winning. We might want to try it more often.

ETA: The numbers also back this up. 28-7 when Grilli pitches, 14-35 when he doesn't. Just saying. This isn't rocket science.

Hopefully his right arm isn't grilled by the time we trade him.

[jimsnores]

I just want 500 by the all star Break and then get Freeman back.

May your half-full glass spill over onto my plate of expectations.

[jimsnores]

I just want 500 by the all star Break and then get Freeman back.

May your half-full glass spill over onto my plate of expectations.

[thethe]

May your half-full glass spill over onto my plate of expectations.

There is plenty to share.

[Braves1976]

Justin Upton continues to slump, his OPS is lower than Maybin's so far this year. He is also now hitting .259 after going 0-4 tonight.

These cold streaks with Justin along with his defense make me not want to sign him given what he'll cost. I'd be more interested in bringing Heyward back.

[msstate7]

Justin Upton continues to slump, his OPS is lower than Maybin's so far this year. He is also now hitting .259 after going 0-4 tonight.

These cold streaks with Justin along with his defense make me not want to sign him given what he'll cost. I'd be more interested in bringing Heyward back.

Only think about jhey is he's a lefty. We really need a good rh hitter

[Pugfan]

Only 4 games back after 84 games played, lol. For a team not trying to win this year. That's some funny stuff

[The Chosen One]

Only 4 games back after 84 games played, lol. For a team not trying to win this year. That's some funny stuff

That's front office vs guys on the field. Even last year's team was trying to win even if they didn't get the job done.

[Pugfan]

That's front office vs guys on the field. Even last year's team was trying to win even if they didn't get the job done.

Yeah, that's what I meant. The front office wasn't trying to win this year. I find it comical that they have a better record than the Padres a team that went all out to win this year.

[The Chosen One]

Yeah, that's what I meant. The front office wasn't trying to win this year. I find it comical that they have a better record than the Padres a team that went all out to win this year.

In fairness, Pads play in a stronger division and our first half schedule has been pretty easy. Second half schedule looks brutal. We haven't even played the Cardinals yet.

[auyushu]

In fairness, Pads play in a stronger division and our first half schedule has been pretty easy. Second half schedule looks brutal. We haven't even played the Cardinals yet.

Yep, 14 of the 28 series we play in the first half will have been against teams with losing records (and another 5 of those series against a barely above .500 Mets and Giants teams). In the second half only 9 of the 23 series we play will be against teams who currently have a losing record. Our schedule in the first half has been very easy, and will pick up a great deal very quickly after the all star break.

And given that we are 8 games below .500 against teams that have a .500 record or better (17-25) we would have to really pound the crap out of the bad teams (or get a whole lot better offensively) in order to stay above .500.

[Runnin]

Hopefully his right arm isn't grilled by the time we trade him.
That sounds like a good scenario to me. Use him up, then trade him.

[VirginiaBrave]

Get on the train boys!!!! We are in this thing for the long haul, no matter what the Professor and Julio say...

[thethe]

Yep, 14 of the 28 series we play in the first half will have been against teams with losing records (and another 5 of those series against a barely above .500 Mets and Giants teams). In the second half only 9 of the 23 series we play will be against teams who currently have a losing record. Our schedule in the first half has been very easy, and will pick up a great deal very quickly after the all star break.

And given that we are 8 games below .500 against teams that have a .500 record or better (17-25) we would have to really pound the crap out of the bad teams (or get a whole lot better offensively) in order to stay above .500.

Good thing this is the best version of the team we have had all year. Especially when our MVP comes back.

[emk418]

I just don't want to get trapped in this middle ground. Preferably keep playing well and make a move for bullpen help and a bat. Or fall out so we can spin off a few guys.

[50PoundHead]

I just don't want to get trapped in this middle ground. Preferably keep playing well and make a move for bullpen help and a bat. Or fall out so we can spin off a few guys.

I think the most we should do if we continue to lurk around the playoff scene is stand pat. I don't think we should go out and add pieces unless it's a pure rental of a mid-range commodity that comes extremely cheap. If we fade, start selling off parts.

[Dalyn]

It would be a shame to waste such a great opportunity to get a good return for Grilli and Johnson.

[msstate7]

It would be a shame to waste such a great opportunity to get a good return for Grilli and Johnson.

If we're able to get a great return, we won't pass it up. Not sure we'll get a great return though

[keithlaw]

It would be a shame to waste such a great opportunity to get a good return for Grilli and Johnson.

Flip them for prospects then flip the prospects for Kimbrel :Bowman:

[Dalyn]

If we're able to get a great return, we won't pass it up. Not sure we'll get a great return though

We don't need a great return. Just a good one.

[thethe]

We don't need a great return. Just a good one.

I think because Gilli is signed to an affordable deal for next year that its not a no-brainer to trade him if the return isn't great.

I do agree that if the return is good we should explore trading Johnson. Hopefully this is made easier with an improvement from guys like Viz and Mckirahan (sp?)

[Dalyn]

I think because Gilli is signed to an affordable deal for next year that its not a no-brainer to trade him if the return isn't great.

The dude is 38. Odds are he will never have a higher trade value than right now.

[thethe]

The dude is 38. Odds are he will never have a higher trade value than right now.

And he is giving the Braves tremendous value with his pitching. I know the original plan was to trade all these pieces and it still may be. But, based on the results I think a re-evaulation should be made. The end result might be the same sell-off but I don't think we should be surprised if the team stands pat.

[Hawk]

The dude is 38. Odds are he will never have a higher trade value than right now.

The only argument I'm willing to make for keeping Grilli is that his departure without a clear, immediate successor (assuming Jimmy also goes) in the wings might put the bullpen in an uncomfortable state of flux. But, if Vizcaino looks up to the task -- then sayonara Melted Cheese Man.

[Dalyn]

And he is giving the Braves tremendous value with his pitching. I know the original plan was to trade all these pieces and it still may be. But, based on the results I think a re-evaulation should be made. The end result might be the same sell-off but I don't think we should be surprised if the team stands pat.

It wouldn't surprise me. Standing pat would fit the negative side of the Mukaki Rebuild. I sure hope Hart doesn't make that mistake.

[Dalyn]

The only argument I'm willing to make for keeping Grilli is that his departure without a clear, immediate successor (assuming Jimmy also goes) in the wings might put the bullpen in an uncomfortable state of flux. But, if Vizcaino looks up to the task -- then sayonara Melted Cheese Man.

I actually think him leaving to create that void is an important step toward fielding a competitive team in 2017. You don't want your first year without him to BE 2017.

[thethe]

It wouldn't surprise me. Standing pat would fit the negative side of the Mukaki Rebuild. I sure hope Hart doesn't make that mistake.

The rebuild that has seen the farm system rise to a top 5-10 status with rumors of the Braves being locks to get the best international prospect in the last 10-15 years?

What more could be asked for? Why are we completley discounting the intrinsic value of being a playoff team in terms of future revenues?

[Dalyn]

The rebuild that has seen the farm system rise to a top 5-10 status with rumors of the Braves being locks to get the best international prospect in the last 10-15 years?

What more could be asked for? Why are we completley discounting the intrinsic value of being a playoff team in terms of future revenues?

I specifically said the NEGATIVE side of the Mukaki Rebuild. Clearly that means there is a positive side, which you have outlined above. We picked up a few guys trying to take a chance and get some production so we could get a good return to HELP the rebuild. To not do that now because we are a few games better than expected at this point would be asinine. But it would fit the negative side of the rebuild.

[Hawk]

I actually think him leaving to create that void is an important step toward fielding a competitive team in 2017. You don't want your first year without him to BE 2017.

I guess that presupposes the replacement comes from within the organization. If the Braves have designs to trade for a closer (Kimbrel) or sign somebody like Chapman/Storen after 2016 that would seem like a smaller issue. Nevertheless, interesting point.

[Dalyn]

I guess that presupposes the replacement comes from within the organization. If the Braves have designs to trade for a closer (Kimbrel) or sign somebody like Chapman/Storen after 2016 that would seem like a smaller issue. Nevertheless, interesting point.

I honestly think we're going to try Feliz there next year. He is having a terrible year, which I actually think increases the chance that we'll go after him.

[Hawk]

I honestly think we're going to try Feliz there next year. He is having a terrible year, which I actually think increases the chance that we'll go after him.

I wouldn't be opposed to that at all.

[thethe]

I specifically said the NEGATIVE side of the Mukaki Rebuild. Clearly that means there is a positive side, which you have outlined above. We picked up a few guys trying to take a chance and get some production so we could get a good return to HELP the rebuild. To not do that now because we are a few games better than expected at this point would be asinine. But it would fit the negative side of the rebuild.

The primary objectives have been met though. Trading Grilli is probably not going to change the future of the franchise all that much. However, having an above average closer this year and next increases the chances of making the postseason that will absolutely have an impact on the future. Just my opinion.