7/8/15: 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. Andrelton Simmons (R) SS
7. Eury Perez (R) LF
8. Ryan Lavarnway (R) C
9. Julio Teheran (R) P

Brewers
1. Gerardo Parra (L) RF
2. Jonathan Lucroy (R) C
3. Carlos Gomez (R) CF
4. Adam Lind (L) 1B
5. Khris Davis (R) LF
6. Scooter Gennett (L) 2B
7. Jean Segura (R) SS
8. Hernan Perez (R) 3B
9. Mike Fiers (R) P

[The Chosen One]

Expecting huge Lairdership from Kelly.

[UNCBlue012]

I do not understand Teheran at all.

[Garmel]

I think Julio needs to see a shrink about these road games. It's in his head.

[UNCBlue012]

I think Julio needs to see a shrink about these road games. It's in his head.
Thank God he got out of it, got its crazy. That's exactly what it is. 7 on the road and 2 at home. How.

[jpx7]

So the Braves are officially fully torpedoing Bethancourt through their media, right?

[thethe]

So the Braves are officially fully torpedoing Bethancourt through their media, right?

What are you referencing?

[jpx7]

What are you referencing?

Seems at least Joe and Chip take every opportunity—and even create some—to disparage Bethancourt's various contributions (or lack thereof, mostly) to the 2015 Braves. Yes, Lavarnway has been an improvement, and yes, Bethancourt was pretty bad (and, I should add, not a prospect on which I was ever personally high)—but it seems like the Braves' media has gone a bit out of their way to poopoo a still quite-young player, and that usually signals some intentionality on the organization's part.

[thethe]

I'm not trading Maybin. No way...no how.

[jpx7]

Haven't seen a game, or followed much, for the past two-and-a-half weeks; looks, at first blush, like Maybin is still awesome.

[Garmel]

#Don'ttradeMaybin

[thethe]

Like I've always said...you need to hit homers to win.

[Garmel]

#Don'ttradeKJ

[jpx7]

They're having a Fiers Sale.

http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/arresteddevelopment/images/2/23/1x02_Top_Banana_(24).png/revision/latest?cb=20120118044701

[smootness]

I'm not trading Maybin. No way...no how.

I'm inclined to agree. If somebody way overlays, though, sure.

[thethe]

Getting warm feelings thinking about this team with Freeman at first and Kelly in left.

[Garmel]

Let's not get too happy because this lead isn't Julio-proof. That one Nats game proved that.

[thethe]

I'm inclined to agree. If somebody way overlays, though, sure.

I'm not even sure how to quantify an overpay with him.

What is Maybins value? A top 50 prospect? Top 10? Major league ready talent?

I have no clue....

[Julio3000]

They're having a Fiers Sale.

http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/arresteddevelopment/images/2/23/1x02_Top_Banana_(24).png/revision/latest?cb=20120118044701

<3

[Julio3000]

I'm really bummed out that we are so dependent on home runs these last few games. It's a distressing sign for the future of this team that our most productive hitters are also the ones with the most power.

[yeezus]

"oh you're thinking about trading me?" - cameron maybin

[thethe]

Kevin McAlpin ‏@KevinMcAlpin 57s57 seconds ago
#Braves have promoted RHP Tyrell Jenkins to Triple-A Gwinnett. Jenkins posted a 3.00 ERA in 16 starts at Double-A Mississippi.


Talent is coming fast boys and girls.

[Garmel]

I've been thinking about why we should switch Maybin and Nick in the lineup. We need Maybin up there with more men on base.

[WaitingFor2017]

Eury looked out to me.

[thethe]

I'm really bummed out that we are so dependent on home runs these last few games. It's a distressing sign for the future of this team that our most productive hitters are also the ones with the most power.

Oh geez...all these tongue in cheek comments from the negabraves!

We went away from a certain type of hitter. If the type of hitter we are targetting now happens to have power even better. The change in philosophy is clearly working and I think it irks alot of the posters on this board (not specifically talking about you Julio).

[thethe]

I've been thinking about why we should switch Maybin and Nick in the lineup. We need Maybin up there with more men on base.

I like him just fine in the 2 spot. That is where he will be batting when Freeman comes back.

[WaitingFor2017]

It's probably a good thing Julio misses the series in Colorado even though he has been great the last two innings.

[Garmel]

I like him just fine in the 2 spot. That is where he will be batting when Freeman comes back.

Yeah, but I like him with ducks on the pond. He can drive in runs where Nick has a hard time.

[jpx7]

Oh geez...all these tongue in cheek comments from the negabraves!

Wasn't your tongue all up in your own cheek just a page ago in this thread?

[yeezus]

Maybin isn't really a HR hitter and has been productive.
I don't think anyone is opposed to home runs, per se.

[jpx7]

Really don't think that was "worth a look", Joe—but Fredi's challenge-deployment is difficult to defend, I'm sure.

[thethe]

Wasn't your tongue all up in your own cheek just a page ago in this thread?

I think there is more malice when it comes from the negabraves. But, thats probably just a part of my over sensitivity to all things Braves.

[thethe]

Maybin isn't really a HR hitter and has been productive.
I don't think anyone is opposed to home runs, per se.

He isn'ta home run hitter. He is a good hitter that hits line drives. Some of them go out of the park.

[ATLBraves247]

I like this team a lot. Cameron Maybin is probably overachieving, but I wouldn't trade him unless I got an offer I couldn't refuse. We understand our weak areas for the future are 3B, OF, C, and relief pitching. So unless I got offered something that would benefit our future I wouldn't deal anyone.

[ATLBraves247]

Teheran has such horrible body language, I'm telling yall he isn't a big game pitcher. He had a no hitter and was acting like he was down 10 to 0. That's mental weakness guys

[USMA76]

Khris Davis HR is scheduled to land in about three minutes.

[thethe]

Oh Teheran. Where have you gone?

[WaitingFor2017]

Need a nice 1-2-3 inning against the 8-9-1 Turds of Milwaukee.

[Russ2dollas]

brewers have 4 good OF. Can we get one without giving up someone on our current MLB roster...unless they want CJ :)

[thethe]

brewers have 4 good OF. Can we get one without giving up someone on our current MLB roster...unless they want CJ :)

When Freeman gets back where would that OF play?

[jpx7]

Just a urinal-cake of an AB by Perez.

[cajunrevenge]

I like him just fine in the 2 spot. That is where he will be batting when Freeman comes back.

I like the idea of May in hitting third and Freeman cleanup. Maybe when Peraza comes up.

[Russ2dollas]

RF or LF. Are you sold on Perez?

[thethe]

RF or LF. Are you sold on Perez?

Kelly is in LF and Nick is in RF.

[WaitingFor2017]

I'm done with Eury and to the point of wanting Gomes starting until Freddie comes back.

[CrimsonCowboy]

LOL Pierzynski

[thethe]

Huge inning here.

I'm guessing Jim Johnson is the closer for today?

[The Chosen One]

Ok Julio, we see you giving up these homers.

[WaitingFor2017]

Exhibit F on why Carlos Gomez is a douchebag. He struts and flips his bat on a wall-scraping home run.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Eury, why are you crashing into walls to try and catch something you had no chance at?

[USMA76]

Didn't we have a four run lead about a half an hour ago? smh

[Garmel]

We need some more runs, boys.

[WaitingFor2017]

That stranded runner on 3rd with 1 out in the top of the 6th is looking pretty big right now. Thanks, Eury.

[WaitingFor2017]

Viz - 7th
Avilan - 8th
Johnson - 9th

[jpx7]

Exhibit F on why Carlos Gomez is a douchebag. He struts and flips his bat on a wall-scraping home run.

More like Exhibit FU.

[ATLBraves247]

Great job Jace, good thinking on your part and we had a little help from bad Brewer defense.

[WaitingFor2017]

Eury owes Nick the Stick dinner in Denver.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Nice job, Markakis!

[thethe]

Nice job, Markakis!

He's a bum!

[USMA76]

Markakis with an excellent AB to drive in a much needed run.

[USMA76]

Exhibit F on why Carlos Gomez is a douchebag. He struts and flips his bat on a wall-scraping home run.

Carlos Gomez is an ass. In unrelated news, water is wet.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Mark Bowman ‏@mlbbowman 1m1 minute ago
Markakis has collected seven of his 28 RBIs since June 27. He is 6-for-9 w/ RISP during this span.




But but but.................................He hasn't hit a home run.......................

[Russ2dollas]

He's a bum!

This post dated 2018. Then correct.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Nice catch Markakis

[USMA76]

Great play by Markakis!

[thethe]

This post dated 2018. Then correct.

We will see. I think we are going to get a better Markakis next year after he is able to work out in the offseason.

[buck75]

Great play by Markakis!

Rangy RF

[jpx7]

Mark Bowman ‏@mlbbowman 1m1 minute ago
Markakis has collected seven of his 28 RBIs since June 27. He is 6-for-9 w/ RISP during this span.

But but but.................................He hasn't hit a home run.......................

Well, he hasn't, and it's comical. That's not to suggest he's been terrible at the plate—but he's a slow-footed RF for whom, so far at least, it'd be charitable to use the phrase "warning-track power". I don't think I'm alone in finding some ribbing to that effect funny, nor do I think such japery should gall the Joneses of Markakis' fan-club.

[VirginiaBrave]

Some day we are gonna regret not trading Julio I fear. There is something off. Not sure if its physical or mental, but he never looks comfortable and in control on the mound.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Hopefully a road confidence booster for Teheran

[CyYoung31]

Fredi will send him out for the 8th, just watch.

[CyYoung31]

Some day we are gonna regret not trading Julio I fear. There is something off. Not sure if its physical or mental, but he never looks comfortable and in control on the mound.

7 innings, 8 ks, 2 hits.

[thethe]

Huge inning from Julio. Nice work!

[VirginiaBrave]

7 innings, 8 ks, 2 hits.

That's all well and great but something is different. His focus just doesn't seem the same. It seems like nothing comes easy. Like the game is balanced on every pitch.

[CyYoung31]

That's all well and great but something is different. His focus just doesn't seem the same.

I don't know what more you want. Great start considering the park he's pitching in, and the lineup he's facing.

[CrimsonCowboy]

If I get that Food Depot jingle stuck in my head, someone is gonna pay......................

[ATLBraves247]

That's all well and great but something is different. His focus just doesn't seem the same. It seems like nothing comes easy. Like the game is balanced on every pitch.

Agreed

[CyYoung31]

Fredi still hasn't figured out that Avilan has reverse splits.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Are you kidding me? Two freaking bloops

[jpx7]

That bloop life.

[thethe]

Oh dear lord please don't lose this game.

[USMA76]

Great to start the bottom of the eighth inning with two bloop singles...

[jpx7]

Fredi still hasn't figured out anything.

Minor emendation.

[thethe]

Fredi still hasn't figured out that Avilan has reverse splits.

He probably doesn't know what reverse splits means.

[CyYoung31]

Oh dear lord please don't lose this game.

Seems like we always lose getaway day games on the road in heartbreaking fashion.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Welp

[jpx7]

Of course.

[thethe]

Un flippin believable.

[CrimsonCowboy]

I really cannot stand Carlos Gomez

[ATLBraves247]

Just knew that was about to happen.

[CyYoung31]

Just can't get over that .500 hump.

[USMA76]

So much for the sweep.

[thethe]

This would be such a deflating loss.

[jpx7]

Just can't get over that .500 hump.

It's simply not meant to be. Fans should embrace this fact and enjoy the ride anyways.

[Hawk]

Ffffff

[CrimsonCowboy]

Not breaking any news here, but Avilian just not dependable like he has been in the past.

[Garmel]

This is one lucky bs inning for the Brewers.

[ATLBraves247]

Who do we have coming up?

[WaitingFor2017]

Did Carlos hit the game winning homer of game 7 in the world series? I saw no difference in celebration.

[CrimsonCowboy]

https://heavyeditorial.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/barkley-head-shake-o.gif

[VirginiaBrave]

I don't know what more you want. Great start considering the park he's pitching in, and the lineup he's facing.

I want to see him take a game by the throat like last year. Not taking bites out of the baseball and slumping around on the mound like he has at times this year.

[Buzzworm]

This would be such a deflating loss.

its amazing to think with all the trades during the offseason that we would be in first if our bullpen hadn't blown so many leads..they have been better the past month but these games hurt esp when we get runs from our o like we have been getting...

[msstate7]

If avilan comes into the game and allows the 1st guy to reach, just go get em. Really wish we'd get a lh specialist and part ways with avilan. Maybe mckirahan will be decent

[CrimsonCowboy]

Did Carlos hit the game winning homer of game 7 in the world series? I saw no difference in celebration.

Every home run he hits seems to bring out the clown in him. Wish McCann slugged him that evening in Atlanta.

[WaitingFor2017]

Wish we would see Gomez again, so he can get a Folty fastball in the ribs.

[thethe]

its amazing to think with all the trades during the offseason that we would be in first if our bullpen hadn't blown so many leads..they have been better the past month but these games hurt esp when we get runs from our o like we have been getting...

I'm ok with a blown game every now and again. No bullpen is perfect. Earlier in the year it was outrageous.

This is just going to be a tough loss to take but the one thing this team has shown is a backbone. I expect them to bounce back. Just be 500 at hte break and get Freeman back.

[ATLBraves247]

its amazing to think with all the trades during the offseason that we would be in first if our bullpen hadn't blown so many leads..they have been better the past month but these games hurt esp when we get runs from our o like we have been getting...

Exactly

[UNCBlue012]

As overly crappy as Julio has been this year, the BP has killed him. They've allowed a lot of his inherited runs score and cost his probably 2-3 wins. His era is probably closer to 3.80-4.15 if they don't screw him. This will probably be another one of those games that is a win 90% of the times and a game we again DONT get over .500.

[USMA76]

I'm ok with a blown game every now and again. No bullpen is perfect. Earlier in the year it was outrageous.

This is just going to be a tough loss to take but the one thing this team has shown is a backbone. I expect them to bounce back. Just be 500 at hte break and get Freeman back.

I can live with blown games but it's the ones we lose in which we had huge leads that really grate on me e.g. eight runs against the Nats, six runs against the Mets, and four runs today when we were in position to sweep and get over .500. Those are the ones that really sting.

[UNCBlue012]

I can live with blown games but it's the ones we lose in which we had huge leads that really grate on me e.g. eight runs against the Nats, six runs against the Mets, and four runs today when we were in position to sweep and get over .500. Those are the ones that really sting.

The Nats and Mets games even more for me. You simply cannot do that against divisional foes. You can't.

[ATLBraves247]

As overly crappy as Julio has been this year, the BP has killed him. They've allowed a lot of his inherited runs score and cost his probably 2-3 wins. His era is probably closer to 3.80-4.15 if they don't screw him. This will probably be another one of those games that is a win 90% of the times and a game we again DONT get over .500.

He's giving up a lot of home runs so far in his career, that should be alarming. You can't blame the bullpen for that.

[thethe]

There we go Pedro!

Lets get him in!

[UNCBlue012]

He's giving up a lot of home runs so far in his career, that should be alarming. You can't blame the bullpen for that.

I do agree. I mean, in a park like this, he was bound to give up one, at least. I just am frustrated for the guy. He has one obviously bad year, and the BP has made it even worse. Nonetheless, I don't think he's the Ace that 'many' of us believed he is. high 2 guy, maybe.

Also, nice infield single for Ciriaco. We NEED to score here.

[thethe]

I'd like to see a drag bunt here. Force the defense to make a play.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Bad at bat

[UNCBlue012]

What an absolutely awful at-bat for Peterson. He knows better than that. At least advance him.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Safe!

[ATLBraves247]

He was safe as hell

[UNCBlue012]

SAFE! By far!

[CrimsonCowboy]

Good grief. Idiot umpires

[ATLBraves247]

Oh my gosh, that's horrible.

[USMA76]

Ballgame.

[UNCBlue012]

Holy. That is one of the worst calls, ever. lol

[thethe]

Awful loss.

[UNCBlue012]

I'm way too happy about the team's future to be upset right now about this year (weird to say that), but that was a bad call and an even worse loss.

[CrimsonCowboy]

http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/3/36009/754752-mrmagoo.jpg

[msstate7]

Awful loss.

Can't believe fredi left avilan out there. Jim Johnson Shouldve came on after 1st guy reached.

[DirkPiggler]

That's two times today where the Braves were screwed on replays. Not really by the replay, but by the ump calling the initial plays out instead of safe. Both would have likely been upheld as too close to overturn no matter how they were called.

[Garmel]

I don't mind umps when they miss close calls but come on. That play at 2nd wasn't even close.

[msstate7]

FWIW radio guys said not enough evidence to overrule before decision was in

[Russ2dollas]

it would be nice to have the challenge in the 9th....

availan should not have been out there to start. He's been great vs RH after that....

Wish they would trade availan.....

[CrimsonCowboy]

Can't believe fredi left avilan out there. Jim Johnson Shouldve came on after 1st guy reached.

From what I was reading on Twitter, Johnson would have closed today with Grilli unavailable.

[thethe]

Can't believe fredi left avilan out there. Jim Johnson Shouldve came on after 1st guy reached.

Archaic though process with how to use your closer. The game was on the line with Gomez up. He should have been brought in at that point. But, you have to save Johnson to pitch to the bottom of the order!

[msstate7]

it would be nice to have the challenge in the 9th....

availan should not have been out there to start. He's been great vs RH after that....

Wish they would trade availan.....

Fredi should've stuck with what's been working... Run Johnson out in the 8th. Worry about the 9th when you get there. As it is, we saved Johnson for what? Colorado?

[msstate7]

Archaic though process with how to use your closer. The game was on the line with Gomez up. He should have been brought in at that point. But, you have to save Johnson to pitch to the bottom of the order!

Exactly. The 8th was the save. Kinda like in the playoffs when we saved Kimbrel for next year

[jpx7]

FWIW radio guys said not enough evidence to overrule before decision was in

The challenge-system in baseball heavily disincentives chancing your challenge early in the game on toss-up plays that aren't crucial and don't have a high likelihood of going your way. Fredi evidently does not comprehend this.

[Heyward]

Pretty much every manager keeps their closer on the shelf until they lead, its the book.

None bring them in a whole lot in the 8th, in different situations.

Bad loss though.

[JusticeForAll23]

I can live with blown games but it's the ones we lose in which we had huge leads that really grate on me e.g. eight runs against the Nats, six runs against the Mets, and four runs today when we were in position to sweep and get over .500. Those are the ones that really sting.
This. It's extremely frustrating yet not even a little bit surprising at the same time. Our bullpen is just all kinds of incompetent. Despite that, and the firesale in the off-season to go into "rebuild" mode, we're still sitting at one game below .500 85 games into the season. With just a halfway competent bullpen this team would be in the wildcard and division hunt despite trading away most of our key pieces in the off-season.

[smootness]

Pretty much every manager keeps their closer on the shelf until they lead, its the book.

None bring them in a whole lot in the 8th, in different situations.

Bad loss though.

I don't really care what most other managers would do, though. It's not smart. Find one smarter than that.

[msstate7]

Pretty much every manager keeps their closer on the shelf until they lead, its the book.

None bring them in a whole lot in the 8th, in different situations.

Bad loss though.

If you don't want a pitcher in a different situation, then shouldn't Johnson pitch the 8th? Johnson isn't the normal closer, so your hold him to a normal situation doesn't hold water.

[Heyward]

Trevor Rosenthal was sitting on the bench in Game 5 vs SF with their season/game on the line.

It's just how all managers operate with the closer/book rule on the road.

[Heyward]

If you don't want a pitcher in a different situation, then shouldn't Johnson pitch the 8th? Johnson isn't the normal closer, so your hold him to a normal situation doesn't hold water.

Im not saying i agree with the move, im just saying pretty much every manager does this.

I would have used Viz in the 8th to see how he'd handle it.

[Heyward]

I don't really care what most other managers would do, though. It's not smart. Find one smarter than that.

Find me one who does it differently, breaking you wont find one.

All managers do it even though its stupid.

[msstate7]

Im not saying i agree with the move, im just saying pretty much every manager does this.

I would have used Viz in the 8th to see how he'd handle it.

I don't fault Fredi for starting the 8th with avilan, but I do for leaving avilan out there. I'd have pulled him after 1st guy reached, but certainly would be pulled him after 2 reached. Go get your sinker ball pitcher and go for the DP

[smootness]

Find me one who does it differently, breaking you wont find one.

All managers do it even though its stupid.

Bruce Bochy

[smootness]

I don't fault Fredi for starting the 8th with avilan, but I do for leaving avilan out there. I'd have pulled him after 1st guy reached, but certainly would be pulled him after 2 reached. Go get your sinker ball pitcher and go for the DP

This is my issue. Once there is danger, the guy on the mound is off, and Carlos Gomez is up, you go with whoever your best option is.

[WaitingFor2017]

My problem is not with the bullpen usage in the 8th inning today even though a change should have been made sooner. My problem is the lack of getting runners home from 3rd with less than 2 outs in the last 4 games. This team cannot take a chance in squandering any run chances knowing our bullpen situation as well as not having many home run hitters.

[Heyward]

Bruce Bochy

Post me some examples.

And one manager doesnt change the fact nearly all managers use the closer rule on the road.

How about 4 other managers that do it other than Bochy if he does it?

[msstate7]

I think there's a silver lining in losses like this...

Hart isn't stupid. He sees Fredi just isn't real smart, so I expect a move to be made. Most of us here agree that we aren't making the playoffs this year, so losses like today aren't that costly and get us closer to a new manager

[NinersSBChamps]

Braves gonna Braves.

[NinersSBChamps]

Didn't see the game, but how is Fredi at fault for Avilan sucking? Also Carlos Gomez is awesome. Wish we had a player who was as talented as him. Seems like he always owns the Braves.

[msstate7]

Didn't see the game, but how is Fredi at fault for Avilan sucking? Also Carlos Gomez is awesome. Wish we had a player who was as talented as him. Seems like he always owns the Braves.

It's not Fredi's fault avilan sucks. It is Fredi's fault for leaving avilan in after the 1st 2 reached in the 8th inning with the number 2-4 hitters coming up

[WaitingFor2017]

This loss stings to me much more than the 10-2 lead over Washington and the 8-3 lead over the Mets based on how the Braves had been playing and how good the pen had been working the last 3 weeks.

[smootness]

Post me some examples.

And one manager doesnt change the fact nearly all managers use the closer rule on the road.

How about 4 other managers that do it other than Bochy if he does it?

There are plenty of managers who would have pulled Avilan. And I just refuse to believe that there are none who would use their best available pitcher there. Some others have the same dumb philosophy as Fredi, but Johnson isn't even our dang closer. He was just designated 'closer' for that game. It's inexcusable to blow games like that regardless of how many other managers would play it similarly.

Plenty of managers have used their closer for 4-5 outs, though. It's not that uncommon.

[Braves1976]

I'll tell y'all one thing, Viz better not pitch tomorrow because he's thrown four straight days now going back to Gwinnett including Fredi warming him up at least once the game in the Brewers series he didn't come into. I don't want him getting worn out just after returning...

[Heyward]

There are plenty of managers who would have pulled Avilan. And I just refuse to believe that there are none who would use their best available pitcher there. Some others have the same dumb philosophy as Fredi, but Johnson isn't even our dang closer. He was just designated 'closer' for that game. It's inexcusable to blow games like that regardless of how many other managers would play it similarly.

Plenty of managers have used their closer for 4-5 outs, though. It's not that uncommon.

Im not talking about pulling Avilan.

What managers use their closer in a regular season game, on the road, for a 4-5 out save.

There just arent very many.

[msstate7]

Im not talking about pulling Avilan.

What managers use their closer in a regular season game, on the road, for a 4-5 out save.

There just arent very many.

Terry Collins does

[VirginiaBrave]

newsflash...still won the series. all we really need to do at this point

[bravesnumberone]

newsflash...still won the series. all we really need to do at this point

Yep. But you can't still be pissing games like this away against **** teams if you ever want to have a shot at competing this year. Of course, it won't matter anyway if we don't beat the top teams.