7/12/15: GDT - Atlanta Braves @ Colorado Rockies

[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. Jonny Gomes (R) LF
8. Andrelton Simmons (R) SS
9. Alex Wood (R) P

Rockies
1. Charlie Blackmon (L) CF
2. DJ LeMahieu (R) 2B
3. Troy Tulowitzki (R) SS
4. Nolan Arenado (R) 3B
5. Carlos Gonzalez (L) RF
6. Wilin Rosario (R) 1B
7. Nick Hundley (R) C
8. Drew Stubbs (R) LF
9. Chad Bettis (R) P

[msstate7]

Starting Gomes in lf vs a rhp in a huge outfield park is questionable at best

[NinersSBChamps]

Bettis was absolutely pissed on from the Angels. I think like 8 runs in less than 2 innings. That being said 6 plus innings of two runs allowed sounds about right.

[msstate7]

If we lose today, we'll be closer to 4th place than 2nd.

[msstate7]

Maybin a late scratch. Could there be a deal in the making? Maybe he really is sick

[NinersSBChamps]

Maybin a late scratch. Could there be a deal in the making? Maybe he really is sick

I am sure he's sick. Sick of being on a loser team.

[NinersSBChamps]

Brsves got a break for once. Now they need to take advantage.

[msstate7]

This team is pathetic

[stpeteirish]

Starting Gomes in lf vs a rhp in a huge outfield park is questionable at best

with Maybin out and KJ at 1b there's really no one else.

[nsacpi]

Expecting a huge game from Jonny Gomes

[msstate7]

with Maybin out and KJ at 1b there's really no one else.

Maybin was scratched after my post.

I'd still rather have Kelly in lf and CJ at 1b then Gomes in lf

[msstate7]

CJ yesterday.
Simmons today.
Fredi will do nothing

[msstate7]

Our TV guys are dumb as rocks and they know don't throw outside to Gonzalez. Why don't our pitchers?

[stpeteirish]

Our TV guys are dumb as rocks and they know don't throw outside to Gonzalez. Why don't our pitchers?

We have to be the only team in baseball that can't hit this pitching staff.

[VirginiaBrave]

I would seriously have to consider a back the truck up to acquire Arenado. The guy is the guy we need.

[NinersSBChamps]

Good play by KJ to AJ.

[NinersSBChamps]

I would seriously have to consider a back the truck up to acquire Arenado. The guy is the guy we need.

Yep been saying this for a couple years now. If the Rockies were playing a little better he'd be an MVP candidate.

[NinersSBChamps]

The ace Alex Wood!

[msstate7]

Gomes in lf

[VirginiaBrave]

Better yet how about Nolan and Blackmon or Cargo??

[NinersSBChamps]

Better yet how about Nolan and Blackmon or Cargo??

Can't believe the Braves didn't get Blackmon. They pretty much grab everyone from the Atlanta area. Cargo is good, but his health has always been a big concern.

[USMA76]

This team is an absolute train wreck.

[Tapate50]

They are diving across the plate on stuff away. No presence on the inside half. Was like this yesterday as well.

[VirginiaBrave]

This team is an absolute train wreck.

Far from it, its a solid competitive team that makes mistakes...

[ATLBraves247]

We have to get some runs here,We need this win bad.

[NinersSBChamps]

Lol and people say Jace is fast?

[ATLBraves247]

I would seriously have to consider a back the truck up to acquire Arenado. The guy is the guy we need.

He is a stud

[NinersSBChamps]

Far from it, its a solid competitive team that makes mistakes...

Solid? They are going to lose five in a row to teams who will not win 80 games this season. They are a bad team who played over their heads for months. Reality is setting in and that reality is 70 wins.

[msstate7]

If jace's struggles continue about a week into the 2nd half, I think we'll see Peraza

[USMA76]

Far from it, its a solid competitive team that makes mistakes...

I used to agree but am having a hard time believing that now. Even "a competitive team that makes mistakes" doesn't suffer a four game sweep at the hands of team that's 10 games under .500 and appears to have quit in the process. We haven't even held the lead in a game for, what, 30 innings now?

I'm sticking with "train wreck" until they give me a reason to believe otherwise.

[thewupk]

This team is an absolute train wreck.

But really fun to watch

[msstate7]

The Rockies pitching staff... The Rockies!!!... Is shutting us down! We are in no way a solid team.

[msstate7]

6 k's thru 3...

The fat lady is an encore bc we were done yesterday

[thewupk]

We have to get some runs here,We need this win bad.

I wonder what the record is for fewest XBH's by a visiting team in 4 game series here. Because the Braves may very well set that record.

[Heyward]

Said it yesterday, dont root for losses but not the end of the world in this case.

Some pieces can still get moved, sucks about Grilli going down.

[msstate7]

We need to win some close games before deadline to maximize Jim johnson's value

[ATLBraves247]

6 k's thru 3...

The fat lady is an encore bc we were done yesterday

It's not over....

[stpeteirish]

The ace Alex Wood!

more like the epitome of the average major league pitcher. which means he'll probably make 50 million dollars before he's done.

[Heyward]

It's not over....

In terms of contending, we are, give it up.

[msstate7]

It's not over....

I wanna believe. I just have a hard time seeing us score

[NinersSBChamps]

But really fun to watch

What is fun about watching them? They don't hit home runs, they don't steal bases, and they pitch okay. There is zero excitement.

[NinersSBChamps]

more like the epitome of the average major league pitcher. which means he'll probably make 50 million dollars before he's done.

According to most here, he's a solid number 2 borderline ace of a staff.

[Heyward]

According to most here, he's a solid number 2 borderline ace of a staff.

Wood is a 3-4, should trade him before his value is sunken.

[Heyward]

What is fun about watching them? They don't hit home runs, they don't steal bases, and they pitch okay. There is zero excitement.

wup was being sarcastic i think

[msstate7]

more like the epitome of the average major league pitcher. which means he'll probably make 50 million dollars before he's done.

His career era is 3.04. I think that's better than average. Not saying he's the next kershaw...

[NinersSBChamps]

His career era is 3.04. I think that's better than average. Not saying he's the next kershaw...

He's been trending downwards in a lot of categories since he started his career. There are worse pitchers out there and there are better ones. I just don't feel a team can compete with Alex Wood being anything more than a back end of the rotation guy.

[Hawk]

Can't believe the Braves didn't get Blackmon. They pretty much grab everyone from the Atlanta area. Cargo is good, but his health has always been a big concern.

They were reportedly very interested in acquiring him several years ago, when he was basically just a part-time player -- the very next season he exploded.

[thewupk]

He's been trending downwards in a lot of categories since he started his career. There are worse pitchers out there and there are better ones. I just don't feel a team can compete with Alex Wood being anything more than a back end of the rotation guy.

Wood is a solid 3 IMO. For a mid market team like the Braves he is really valuable while making league min and early arby years. He's not a guy you would want to extend though.

[USMA76]

He's been trending downwards in a lot of categories since he started his career. There are worse pitchers out there and there are better ones. I just don't feel a team can compete with Alex Wood being anything more than a back end of the rotation guy.

Compete, yes--win anything, probably not.

[msstate7]

He's been trending downwards in a lot of categories since he started his career. There are worse pitchers out there and there are better ones. I just don't feel a team can compete with Alex Wood being anything more than a back end of the rotation guy.

Couple of weeks ago they said on TV broadcast that wood had the 4th best era among lh starters in mlb since wood came into league.

Oh and wood is the least of our problems.

[VirginiaBrave]

no...the 80s were a train wreck. This is a team missing its best bat and a rotation that the pieces are there but they are just not quite ready for prime time yet. Miller, Julio, Wood and Perez can match up with anybody. I will admit to being light on power but it hasn't killed us.

[rico43]

I'm sure I'll remember this year as the year that guys got injured as soon as they got hot (KJ, Perez, Freddie) and the year our next great pitching staff broke into the big leagues.

I get to grow old watching Wisley, Banuelos, Allard, Jenkins, etc. for the next decade. I can focus on preseason college football and survive this year.

[NinersSBChamps]

Couple of weeks ago they said on TV broadcast that wood had the 4th best era among lh starters in mlb since wood came into league.

Oh and wood is the least of our problems.

I am not a stat guy at all. But home runs are up, strikeouts are down, and walks are up per 9 innings. Those are telling in my opinion.

[msstate7]

Simmons needed that.

Coming into this game...

Last 7 games = .105 avg .190 obp

Last 15 games = .130 avg .200 obp

Last 30 games = .226 avg .274 obp

I don't care how good you are defensively. That's pathetic. That's ... Janish

[NinersSBChamps]

Couple of weeks ago they said on TV broadcast that wood had the 4th best era among lh starters in mlb since wood came into league.

Oh and wood is the least of our problems.

I agree is isn't a problem. The offense that can't hit is the real issue. If the team actually cared about improving the offense and getting talented players to fill the many voids, I'd be less worried about Alex Wood being our third starter.

[USMA76]

I'm sure I'll remember this year as the year that guys got injured as soon as they got hot (KJ, Perez, Freddie) and the year our next great pitching staff broke into the big leagues.

I get to grow old watching Wisley, Banuelos, Allard, Jenkins, etc. for the next decade. I can focus on preseason college football and survive this year.

Fair enough. Maybe we can develop a bullpen and put some power in the lineup along the way. It sure doesn't help that we lost our closer from a relief corps that was (overall) suspect to begin with.

[NinersSBChamps]

Oh em gee that was a good throw...

[USMA76]

Oh em gee that was a good throw...

LOL...speaking of the 80s.

[VirginiaBrave]

I'm sure I'll remember this year as the year that guys got injured as soon as they got hot (KJ, Perez, Freddie) and the year our next great pitching staff broke into the big leagues.

I get to grow old watching Wisley, Banuelos, Allard, Jenkins, etc. for the next decade. I can focus on preseason college football and survive this year.

Well a couple guys will be delt for a bat...my money is on Julio...

[msstate7]

Fair enough. Maybe we can develop a bullpen and put some power in the lineup along the way. It sure doesn't help that we lost our closer from a relief corps that was (overall) suspect to begin with.

I don't think a closer will be needed very much from here on out anyway

[USMA76]

I don't think a closer will be needed very much from here on out anyway

Unfortunately, you're probably right.

[NinersSBChamps]

Ground rule double might have hurt us there. Although that fat slob probably doesn't score from first anyway.

[Garmel]

Cargo took an awful route on the Gomes double.

[USMA76]

Ground rule double might have hurt us there. Although that fat slob probably doesn't score from first anyway.

You can't be referring to the finely tuned, professional athlete who stars at the catching position for the Atlanta Braves.

[msstate7]

Walk wood please

[NinersSBChamps]

Another managerial blunder. No reason to not pinch hit.

[NinersSBChamps]

You can't be referring to the finely tuned, professional athlete who stars at the catching position for the Atlanta Braves.

Actually was referring to Urine..who wasn't at first base.

[NinersSBChamps]

Cleared Jace. So that was good.

[msstate7]

Another managerial blunder. No reason to not pinch hit.

Esp with Teheran available

[VirginiaBrave]

What is fun about watching them? They don't hit home runs, they don't steal bases, and they pitch okay. There is zero excitement.

I would rather watch this than the whiff masters that were Heyward, Uggla, Upton, Upton, and Gattis...

[auyushu]

Another managerial blunder. No reason to not pinch hit.

Yeah, that was a baffling move right before the ASB. Of course Fredi is the master of baffling moves that make no sense.

[thewupk]

I would rather watch this than the whiff masters that were Heyward, Uggla, Upton, Upton, and Gattis...

You do know only Simmons struck out less than Heyward right?

[UNCBlue012]

Lol, more dumb baseball. 2 outs and then you throw that crap.

[msstate7]

D-O-N-E!

[Braves1976]

Why do they keep going change-up when it isn't working? Damn.

[thethe]

Woods a good pitcher but I think he's a bit overrated by us.

[Braves1976]

BTW, Bowman is reporting that the Braves are likely to bring back AJ next year. If so that is truly stupid. Of course it sounds like they'll trade Uribe and are not even considering bringing him back. If true they are making a mistake IMO.

[thewupk]

Woods a good pitcher but I think he's a bit overrated by us.

What about Jace?

[UNCBlue012]

Jeez. This is how you shouldn't play baseball. This team makes no sense.

[NinersSBChamps]

lol way to go alex wood.

[thethe]

What about Jace?

He may have been overrated as well. I'm thinking his thumb is bothering him still. Maybe another cortisone shot is in order or a long term solution as the season wears.

[NinersSBChamps]

Woods a good pitcher but I think he's a bit overrated by us.

Us? Don't lump me in with you homers.

[Garmel]

He may have been overrated as well. I'm thinking his thumb is bothering him still. Maybe another cortisone shot is in order or a long term solution as the season wears.

I think Jace's main problem is that he's trying to pull everything and he's rolling over the ball.

[thewupk]

Jeez. This is how you shouldn't play baseball. This team makes no sense.

This is how you play bad baseball

[Jay212033]

Sending Wood back out today was uncalled for! He can't say because the BP was burnt out this is the last game before the All Star break the pen will have plenty of time to get some rest! He should've pinch hit for Wood in the Top of the 6th with the bases loaded and 1 out! Sigh.....to have a competent manager!

[Braves1976]

Woods a good pitcher but I think he's a bit overrated by us.

He certainly isn't overrated by you, lol. Also, it's silly to make an issue out of games in this joke of a ballpark. I hardly even consider the stats by pitchers here when bad.

[VirginiaBrave]

BTW, Bowman is reporting that the Braves are likely to bring back AJ next year. If so that is truly stupid. Of course it sounds like they'll trade Uribe and are not even considering bringing him back. If true they are making a mistake IMO.

No problem if it is as the back up. I actually like the guy. I think he gets a bad rap.

[Heyward]

Jeez. This is how you shouldn't play baseball. This team makes no sense.

Well the team isnt good, so not surprising.

[Julio3000]

You do know only Simmons struck out less than Heyward right?

Just let it go. His aesthetic bias towards contact hitters has him convinced that last year's problem was strikeouts, not having ****ty hitters in half of our lineup.

[Heyward]

BTW, Bowman is reporting that the Braves are likely to bring back AJ next year. If so that is truly stupid. Of course it sounds like they'll trade Uribe and are not even considering bringing him back. If true they are making a mistake IMO.

What other options are there?

Unless they got in on Wieters or traded for Lucroy.

I'd be fine with AJ for another year.

[Heyward]

Just let it go. His aesthetic bias towards contact hitters has him convinced that last year's problem was strikeouts, not having ****ty hitters in half of our lineup.

It was both.

[NinersSBChamps]

He certainly isn't overrated by you, lol. Also, it's silly to make an issue out of games in this joke of a ballpark. I hardly even consider the stats by pitchers here when bad.

Please stop with the ballpark excuse. Both teams are playing in the same stadium. One team is head and shoulders better than the other.

[Julio3000]

It was both.

Well, some of those ****ty hitters struck out a lot.

[NinersSBChamps]

The only issue with bringing AJ back for 2016 is that it's not for longer! AJ at his age is easily the third best hitter on this team. I'd be happy with him for a two year extension if it mean't he would be around for the self-imposed magical season of 2017.

[Heyward]

The ballpark excuse is stupid, yes Coors field sucks for pitchers but both teams have to pitch in it.

And Wood is overrated by some on here, he doesnt suck but statements like he's a 1-2, best pitcher on the team, is laughable. He's good but certainly would move him for a impact bat this winter.

[Heyward]

The only issue with bringing AJ back for 2016 is that it's not for longer! AJ at his age is easily the third best hitter on this team. I'd be happy with him for a two year extension if it mean't he would be around for the self-imposed magical season of 2017.

Unless we're getting Wieters or Lucroy, there arent many options in FA we can get better than AJ.

[NinersSBChamps]

Jace Peterson is so worthless.

[stpeteirish]

No problem if it is as the back up. I actually like the guy. I think he gets a bad rap.

some people here act like no one over 30 can ever be any good.

[stpeteirish]

an opportunity in the 8th to add to our impressive LOB total.

[Braves1976]

What other options are there?

Unless they got in on Wieters or traded for Lucroy.

I'd be fine with AJ for another year.

If you're fine with AJ starting another year you're fine with bad game calling and bad defense at catcher another year. Also, likely no playoffs again too as catcher position is that important. I'm not fine with any of that.

There are many options better than AJ. He is the worst defensive starting catcher in MLB according to DRS and among the worst in other categories too.

[Braves1976]

The ballpark excuse is stupid, yes Coors field sucks for pitchers but both teams have to pitch in it.

And Wood is overrated by some on here, he doesnt suck but statements like he's a 1-2, best pitcher on the team, is laughable. He's good but certainly would move him for a impact bat this winter.

Thank God you're not the GM, you'd trade our best players and keep the bad players like AJ.

[Braves1976]

Please stop with the ballpark excuse. Both teams are playing in the same stadium. One team is head and shoulders better than the other.

It isn't an excuse, everyone knows that about Colorado. That is why no good pitcher wants to go there without being overpaid and why they have such a hard time keeping good pitching.

[Heyward]

Thank God you're not the GM, you'd trade our best players and keep the bad players like AJ.

Curious, who should be catcher if not AJ?

I wouldnt trade everyone away.

But Wood is hardly some ace the way you think he is.

[Heyward]

There are many options better than AJ. \

Name them?

[mossy]

At least we only have to play at Coors once a year. That place is a nightmare.

The Rockies were literally a couple of swings away from making the 95 series interesting. Game one could have gone either way. Thank God for Chipper Jones and that magical play at third, and for Lance Painter (pitcher) who struck out for the last out in game 1. That game is probably one of the most underrated and least remembered in our history.

[ATLBraves247]

Curious, who should be catcher if not AJ?

I wouldnt trade everyone away.

But Wood is hardly some ace the way you think he is.

I would keep Wood, he's a gamer. If Fredi pinch hit for him things could have turned out differently today.

[Braves1976]

Name them?

Just about all of them are better than him defensively. But if you want to know those I'd prefer check the threads about catcher where I named them. There are multiple threads that came up already so I doubt you missed them all.

[Braves1976]

I would keep Wood, he's a gamer. If Fredi pinch hit for him things could have turned out differently today.

Good point but Fredi is going to Fredi.

[Heyward]

I would keep Wood, he's a gamer. If Fredi pinch hit for him things could have turned out differently today.

We scored 3 runs today, still lose, so i doubt it.

[Braves1976]

At least we only have to play at Coors once a year. That place is a nightmare.

The Rockies were literally a couple of swings away from making the 95 series interesting. Game one could have gone either way. Thank God for Chipper Jones and that magical play at third, and for Lance Painter (pitcher) who struck out for the last out in game 1. That game is probably one of the most underrated and least remembered in our history.

Yea, I hate Colorado. I still remember that huge lead we had here in 2010 and blew it. Crazy stuff happens here and no telling what is going to happen with your off-speed pitches for pitchers.

[stpeteirish]

I would keep Wood, he's a gamer. If Fredi pinch hit for him things could have turned out differently today.

comical; our bullpen would have had to pitch if Wood didn't, did you notice how they pitched? And which one of our ****ty pinch hitters would have made a difference in what was an 8 run loss?

This board and its blaming every freaking loss on managerial decisions is comical.

We've got a bad team.

[Dalyn]

We've got a bad team.

AND a bad manager. Both are to blame.

[gilesfan]

Right there in contention. We just need a couple moves for the playoff push.

[mossy]

Who are the Braves considering as the closer now? I've missed the scuttle on this.

[Dalyn]

Who are the Braves considering as the closer now? Viz? Do they trust Johnson enough? I've missed the scuttle on this.

Wouldn't be a bad idea to give Johnson a couple to boost his trade value.

[Braves1976]

Who are the Braves considering as the closer now? I've missed the scuttle on this.

Bowman says JJ for now and named Vizcaino as the most likely candidate should Johnson be traded as expected.

@mlbbowman 10h10 hours ago
Jim Johnson will now serve as the #Braves closer. If Johnson is traded later this month, Vizcaino might get the role

[VirginiaBrave]

Just let it go. His aesthetic bias towards contact hitters has him convinced that last year's problem was strikeouts, not having ****ty hitters in half of our lineup.

part of the reason they were s----y was because they couldn't make simple contact...

[Runnin]

Right there in contention. We just need a couple moves for the playoff push.
Herr Schadenfreude in da house.

[Julio3000]

part of the reason they were s----y was because they couldn't make simple contact...

One of the worst was Tron, who hardly Ks. And of the guys you mentioned, three were positive contributors and one was a fringe MVP candidate. If you think that those guys were the problem...whew.

Cameron Maybin is a better hitter than BJ Upton. Juan Uribe is a better hitter than Chris Johnson. Jace Peterson is a better hitter than Dan Uggla. Are they better hitters because they strike out less often, or are they better hitters who strike out less often?

[thewupk]

part of the reason they were s----y was because they couldn't make simple contact...

And now our simple contact got us swept at Coors field.

Team .302 WOBA and WRC+ of 90. Comapred to a team .298 WOBA last year with a WRC+ of 86. Braves were 11th last year and 9th this year. Plenty of time to catch last years team.

[thewupk]

Also of note is that last years offense had a team WOBA of .304 and WRC+ of 92 at the all-star break. So to this point in the season last years team was better offensively. Who knew.

[Julio3000]

And now our simple contact got us swept at Coors field.

Team .302 WOBA and WRC+ of 90. Comapred to a team .298 WOBA last year with a WRC+ of 86. Braves were 11th last year and 9th this year. Plenty of time to catch last years team.

The 2014 club cratered in the 2nd half. 1st half numbers were better than the current edition's. Food for thought for those who said EY Jr and Bert Callaspo were going to anchor a contending team.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Well, that was a terrible way to go into the break.:facepalm: