8/15/2015 SATURDAY MINORS FINAL ... Allard: are you kidding me?

[rico43]

SATURDAY SCHEDULE

ALL TIMES EDT


SHORT-SEASON

GCL Blue Jays 3, GCL Braves 2

Jays have walkoff win in 9th
No Freeman (Rome), no Olivera.
SP: Allard 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K.
Sobotka 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.
Reese 0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K.
Barrios 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K.
LP: Matos (BS, 2-2) 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K.
Morales 2-4, HR (3rd), 2 RBI; Yelich 2-4.

DSL Yankees 7, DSL Braves 6

SP: Pantoja 3 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K.
LP: De La Cruz (0-1) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER(1R), 2 BB, 1 K.
Ventura 0-4, R, BB; T. Jospehina 0-3, 2 RBI; Concepcion 1-3, 2 R, RBI.

Danville 2, Burlington 1

WP: Clark (5-0) 5 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K.
G. Jones (Save, 1) 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K.
Riley 2-4, RBI; Acuna 2-3, 2B, SB; Ellison 2-3, 3B, R.

CLASS AAA

Gwinnett 6, Columbus 4

WP: Texeira (6-3) 6 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K.
R. Kelly (Save, 9) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K.
Bethancourt 3-5, HR (4th), 3 RBI; M. Smith 3-5, 2B, R, RBI; Mateo 2-4, 3B, R; Hunter 2-4, RBI.

CLASS AA

Mobile 2, Mississippi 1

LP: Janas (1-5) 7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K.
Garcia 1-4, 2B, R; Janas 2-3, RBI; Landoni 1-4.

ADVANCED CLASS A

Frederick 1, Carolina 0

LP: Walters (5-6) 7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K.
D. Peterson 2-4; Curcio 1-4, SB.

CLASS A

Game One
Rome 8, Lexington 2 (7)

WP: Quintana (4-4) 7 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, CG.
Gaylor 2-4, R, 3 SB; Davidson 2-3, HR (8th), 3 RBI; Tellor 2-3, R, RBI.

Game Two
Rome 3, Lexington 2

SP: McLaughlin 3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K.
WP: Marte (1-1) 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K.
T. Lewis (Save, 2) 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.
Obregon 3-3, 2 RBI; Daris 2-3, R, RBI; Baez 1-3, 2B, R; Davidson 0-1, 2 BB; Gaylor 1-3.

[Tapate50]

If Olivera doesn't get a hit today we are totally dicked, forever

[Deester11]

If Olivera doesn't get a hit today we are totally dicked, forever
Lmbo! True I say!

[Jay212033]

2 people put the ball in play against Allard today! 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 5 K man oh man please stay healthy kid!

[msstate7]

2 people put the ball in play against Allard today! 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 5 K man oh man please stay healthy kid!

3 ip 8 k... Meh

[thethe]

This is getting silly!!!

So happy we signed this kid. We coudl be looking at a Clayton Kershaw esque fast track to the big leagues. NOT THE SAME CAREER!

[clvclv]

This is getting silly!!!

So happy we signed this kid. We coudl be looking at a Clayton Kershaw esque fast track to the big leagues. NOT THE SAME CAREER!

After 3 IP?

Seriously???

I mean, *amn!!! I like the first 3 innings of his professional career, but please, for the love of God, give the kid time to go through a lineup more than once.Most of the hitters he's facing have an outside shot at reaching AA at best. Kershaw wasn't "on the fast track" after facing 9 hitters.

[thethe]

After 3 IP?

Seriously???

I mean, *amn!!! I like the first 3 innings of his professional career, but please, for the love of God, give the kid time to go through a lineup more than once.Most of the hitters he's facing have an outside shot at reaching AA at best. Kershaw wasn't "on the fast track" after facing 9 hitters.

I said COULD be. Jeez, are we not allowed to be excited about players anymore?

[mqt]

2 people put the ball in play against Allard today! 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 5 K man oh man please stay healthy kid!

No 100% K-Rate? Consider me off the bandwagon.

[Deester11]

No 100% K-Rate? Consider me off the bandwagon.
Lmao!

[msstate7]

Any word on FF and olivera's day?

[smootness]

Any word on FF and olivera's day?

Neither played in the GCL today. They may have moved them up to Rome or Gwinnett.

And I'm all in on the Allard hype. What a beast.

[nsacpi]

Allard is clearly an exceptional talent, and was generally considered the high school pitcher with the most upside in this year's draft. As with any very talented young pitcher, the big uncertainty is his ability to remain healthy as he moves through the system.

[dak]

Several of us were debating Mallex Smith earlier this week, and this afternoon I found a recent scouting report on Mallex from Garrett Spain of TC. Not sure of this guy's track record, but it' pretty in depth. I was happy to see that Spain thinks Mallex has improved on defense since the start of the year. I'd previously seen Bill Shanks comment this summer that some in the Braves' organization still think Mallex will need to move to LF. Here's an excerpt of the good and the bad when it comes to his defense:


Mallex is without a doubt a pure center fielder, and his speed makes him a potential plus defender at the position. This is, however, his only above average defensive skill at this point. He plays a very shallow center field, but struggles to track balls behind him. He struggles with his reads and impacts his own defensive range with poor angles and reads. He often redirects himself multiple times tracking a fly ball, and tends to struggle to catch balls hit near the wall. This is due to a level of timidity once he hits the warning track, and he usually comes off of his read and tries to reach out and catch the ball away from his body. On balls hit to the gaps and in front of him he is a good defender, and does a much better job of getting to the ball without event. I'm not without hope though, as he has made strides in his defense since last year. He is a bit of a work in progress in the outfield but he makes up for it with his speed and should be at worst an average defender. His arm will prevent him from being able to play right field, but I think it is better than most reports say. There isn't a ton of strength there, but he makes accurate throws and gets rid of the ball quickly. He charges the ball well and positions his feet to get the ball to a good throwing position in a short motion. I have upgraded his arm grade 5 points because of this, and he should do a fair job of controlling the run game though he will never rack up impressive assist numbers.

http://www.talkingchop.com/2015/7/29/9053797/mallex-smith-scouting-report-atlanta-braves

[clvclv]

Any word on FF and olivera's day?

Actually spoke to someone yesterday that hangs out on one of the other message boards that mentioned someone mentioned Olivera's expected to be activated Tuesday. Not sure how credible that is since I didn't get a chance to ask if they provided a link.

[rico43]

Actually spoke to someone yesterday that hangs out on one of the other message boards that mentioned someone mentioned Olivera's expected to be activated Tuesday. Not sure how credible that is since I didn't get a chance to ask if they provided a link.

Don't hold your breath. DOB had Freddie activated Wednesday and Olivera in late August or early Sept.

[steveAKAslick]

I said COULD be. Jeez, are we not allowed to be excited about players anymore?

I think he may be referring to the fact that you're excited about EVERY player to a fault and that every prospect is on the fast track with no flaws...you're definitely a glass half full guy lol, it's almost like NinersSBchamps is you identical evil twin...I'm excited about Allard to but they aren't gonna rush him, his frame is a little small and I'd think they'd possibly let him try to fill out a little nore

[msstate7]

Davidson 2-3, hr (8), 3 rbi

[msstate7]

Where is Olivera today?

[Braves1976]

I think he may be referring to the fact that you're excited about EVERY player to a fault and that every prospect is on the fast track with no flaws...you're definitely a glass half full guy lol, it's almost like NinersSBchamps is you identical evil twin...I'm excited about Allard to but they aren't gonna rush him, his frame is a little small and I'd think they'd possibly let him try to fill out a little nore

That comp does kinda fit, lol. However, I don't believe it's a matter of one side being evil or good. They're just over the top in the opposite direction and that makes it harder to take them serious.

[UNCBlue012]

Beth with a 2-run homer in the 1st for Gwinnett. Awesome.

[Heyward]

Beth with a 2-run homer in the 1st for Gwinnett. Awesome.

Prays they actually give him a shot but they wont :facepalm:

[Heyward]

Allard has been really impressive but its a bit too early for the Kershaw comparisons.

[msstate7]

Allard has been really impressive but its a bit too early for the Kershaw comparisons.

Yeah, let him get a quality start first. Until then, he's the next David price haha

[IslandBrave]

Mallex 2-4 tonight. He's killing it now.

[msstate7]

Bethancourt 2-4, hr, 3 rbi

[msstate7]

Mallex 2-4 tonight. He's killing it now.

Now hitting .267

[chop2chip]

Bethancourt 2-4, hr, 3 rbiI have been real impressed with him this year. He is still so young and performing excellently at AAA. I hope he gets a full look next year.

[Braves1976]

Now hitting .267

Make that .270 now as he's now 3-5 including his 10th double, Mallex is on fire.

[msstate7]

Make that .270 now as he's now 3-5 including his 10th double, Mallex is on fire.

If he finishes the year like this, gotta figure Maybin will be moved in offseason. Even if Mallex isn't quite ready to start '16, Bourn can handle it till he is

[auyushu]

If he finishes the year like this, gotta figure Maybin will be moved in offseason. Even if Mallex isn't quite ready to start '16, Bourn can handle it till he is


Yep, and having him come up in June would help from a money perspective if he winds up being good. Win Win.

[thethe]

Mallex just doing what he has done his whole minor league career. Not surprised at all.

[UNCBlue012]

Mallex and Beth with 3 hits. Good lord. Doing work. Beth needs to freaking be up.

[msstate7]

Mallex and Beth with 3 hits. Good lord. Doing work. Beth needs to freaking be up.

I agree. Why not call him up? If the goal is to trade him so they want him to keep putting up good AAA stats, why release stories about him not putting in pregame work and saying his defense is poor? I really don't understand what we're doing with him.

[Garmel]

Make that .270 now as he's now 3-5 including his 10th double, Mallex is on fire.

Are most of his doubles caused by power or doubles caused by his speed?

[Braves1976]

Are most of his doubles caused by power or doubles caused by his speed?

Mostly speed and balls hit in the gaps, line drives usually. But some have been deep shots and off the wall too.

This one was a recent double he hit off the wall: http://www.milb.com/multimedia/vpp.jsp?content_id=356216283&sid=milb

He also has 5 triples total this year, IIRC more of them have been off the wall (as is this one video linked): http://www.milb.com/multimedia/vpp.jsp?content_id=227478583&sid=milb

[cajunrevenge]

Quick, trade for whoever it was that made contact against Allard. Surely they are hall of fame talents.

[dak]

I agree. Why not call him up?

It seems to me that the Braves are trying to keep AJP happy in case they want to re-sign him. If we had brought up Beth in the beginning of August to catch 4-5 games a week and relegated AJP to a backup, it may hinder our ability to sign him next year under the premise that he can compete for the starting job. I'm not saying I like this strategy, but I think this is a possible reason for what we're seeing.

I actually think re-signing AJP makes it more likely that we keep Bethancourt. These are the two most likely scenarios I can see: (1) add a middling veteran (like AJP) to compete with Bethancourt for the starting job, or (2) add a bona fide starting catcher (Wieters, Lucroy), trade Bethancourt to a team that values him as a potential starter, sign a veteran backup.

[Braves1976]

It seems to me that the Braves are trying to keep AJP happy in case they want to re-sign him. If we had brought up Beth in the beginning of August to catch 4-5 games a week and relegated AJP to a backup, it may hinder our ability to sign him next year under the premise that he can compete for the starting job. I'm not saying I like this strategy, but I think this is a possible reason for what we're seeing.

I actually think re-signing AJP makes it more likely that we keep Bethancourt. These are the two most likely scenarios I can see: (1) add a middling veteran (like AJP) to compete with Bethancourt for the starting job, or (2) add a bona fide starting catcher (Wieters, Lucroy), trade Bethancourt to a team that values him as a potential starter, sign a veteran backup.

I do think part of it is about keeping AJP happy, it's no secret that he is literally like family to John Hart. However, I don't think bringing back AJP makes it more or less likely Bethancourt stays. But if anything I'd think it would make it less likely.

[msstate7]

If Bethancourt comes up and crashes, AJ resigns. If Bethancourt comes up and lives up to potential, who cares if AJ comes back?

AJ's feelings should mean nothing in this decision. AJ at best is good again next year. We need to try and solve the catching problem long term IMO

[dak]

If Bethancourt comes up and crashes, AJ resigns. If Bethancourt comes up and lives up to potential, who cares if AJ comes back?

I would be very surprised with any scenario where Bethancourt is effectively guaranteed the starting job coming into Spring Training. So if he's not traded, the Braves will need to add a catcher through FA or trade that is more than just a pure backup type. I have mixed feelings about that person being AJP, but he seems more likely than not if they go that route.

[Dalyn]

Where is Olivera today?

He hurt himself again.

[msstate7]

He hurt himself again.

What? He's still showing up on live stats for Rome

[Dalyn]

What? He's still showing up on live stats for Rome

Are you SURE it's really him?

http://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lev4o1Ju4N1qbqwhno1_500.jpg

[nsacpi]

turtle

[Chico]

Mostly speed and balls hit in the gaps, line drives usually. But some have been deep shots and off the wall too.

This one was a recent double he hit off the wall: http://www.milb.com/multimedia/vpp.jsp?content_id=356216283&sid=milb

He also has 5 triples total this year, IIRC more of them have been off the wall (as is this one video linked): http://www.milb.com/multimedia/vpp.jsp?content_id=227478583&sid=milb

I could watch those triples all day. Love the oppo field double off the wall.