Postseason Thread

[CyYoung31]

Ya'll watching tonight? It's about time for first pitch of the WC Game, and there's like, no one at Yankee stadium. What the hell?

[bravesfanforlife88]

Hoping the Astros win with a big night from Gattis and McCann

[bravesfanforlife88]

BTW don't know this woman's name who is announcing the game but she is God awful

[CyYoung31]

The atmosphere of this game feels more like a WNBA playoff game so far.

[bravesfanforlife88]

Yeah seems weird that the stadium isn't full before first pitch. Almost seems like an Atlanta Braves crowd :FrediPuzzled::FrediPuzzled::FrediPuzzled:

[CyYoung31]

Yeah seems weird that the stadium isn't full before first pitch. Almost seems like an Atlanta Braves crowd :FrediPuzzled::FrediPuzzled::FrediPuzzled:

Hey, in our WC game the Ted was rocking...and then later rioting.

[bravesfanforlife88]

Haha I remember

[bravesfanforlife88]

Man tanaka is throwing a bunch of junk. Even with the partially torn ucl it's working

[bravesfanforlife88]

Rasmus with a BOMB! 1-0 Astros....Gardner with a hell of a play to rob Gattis from a hit

[cajunrevenge]

Don't usually watch the playoffs because I am still bitter about how the braves went out but knowing we were going no where from the start I had appropriate time to grieve.


Anyone but the yankees!

[CrimsonCowboy]

Gomez got all of that one

[50PoundHead]

For those worried about the Braves' young pitchers, look at Keuchel's stats from his first two seasons. Not saying our guys will make the same transformation, but it does take awhile.

[CrimsonCowboy]

I think ESPN has found something with Jessica Mendoza in the broadcast booth.

[Millwood1Hitter]

I think ESPN has found something with Jessica Mendoza in the broadcast booth.

She's no Joe Morgan, haven't heard her reference "slide piece" even once.

[bravesfanforlife88]

I don't know about you guys but I really like the way the Astros are playing.

[goldfly]

I don't know about you guys but I really like the way the Astros are playing.

They are the 2013 braves

[bravesfanforlife88]

Also noted, Arod is hitting .156 with RISP in the postseason (min 40 ABs) good for worst in ML HISTORY... Couldn't happen to a better player

[cajunrevenge]

Feels like I am watching a braves playoff game. Waiting for the inevitable bullpen meltdown.

[thewupk]

I don't know about you guys but I really like the way the Astros are playing.

Somehow that all or nothing offense is winning a playoff game

[CrimsonCowboy]

Sounds like the Yankees fans are a bit less than thrilled

[Braves1976]

Good to see Houston three outs away from beating the Yankees. Hope they hold on and move on to face KC.

[CyYoung31]

They really have to do away with this one and done BS.

[CrimsonCowboy]

From MLB Memes:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CQrwQuxUsAQ1ZQ4.jpg

[UNCBlue012]

I'm sure Gattis is happy!

[nsacpi]

I'm sure Gattis is happy!
We could be Houston in 2019.

[cajunrevenge]

Ding Dong the Bitch is dead. I hope McCann misses the flight then it crashes.

[bravesfanforlife88]

Arrietta vs Cole tonight in the Cubs/Pirates game.....lets call the over/under for tonights game at 4 runs....

I'm taking the Cubs for tonight, and combined score over 4

[nsacpi]

I'm guessing the Yankees sign Price and Zobrist this off-season.

[bravesfanforlife88]

I'm guessing the Yankees sign Price and Zobrist this off-season.

Not 100% on the Yanks going after another high dollar guy after Sabbathia. Of course the first few years of his deal were good, but the back end has been a disaster

[Hudson2]

The Yanks will definitely be in on the top starters.

[cajunrevenge]

Arrietta vs Cole tonight in the Cubs/Pirates game.....lets call the over/under for tonights game at 4 runs....

I'm taking the Cubs for tonight, and combined score over 4

I will take the over and I have it as an Astros/Cubs world series. Cubs win obviously.

[bravesfanforlife88]

I will take the over and I have it as an Astros/Cubs world series. Cubs win obviously.

interesting call on the astros/cubs....

astros rank up top of who id like to see in the world series, but i think they are not there yet.

[cajunrevenge]

I think its a crap shoot really but also I think the Astros got a good matchup with the Royals in the first round. I pick the Astros because they really really need a deep postseason run to get fans back after being bad for so long. Cubs just because I want the Back to the Future prediction to be accurate. They are a literal team of destiny.

[goldfly]

Not 100% on the Yanks going after another high dollar guy after Sabbathia. Of course the first few years of his deal were good, but the back end has been a disaster

and it doesn't matter at all really

they will take the terrible back end to get the great results on the front end

[bravesfanforlife88]

I think its a crap shoot really but also I think the Astros got a good matchup with the Royals in the first round. I pick the Astros because they really really need a deep postseason run to get fans back after being bad for so long. Cubs just because I want the Back to the Future prediction to be accurate. They are a literal team of destiny.

I gotta give the edge to the Royals in this case. Astros just used their ace on 3 days rest, and they are very home run dependent on the offense. Royals find ways to manufacture runs, have fully rested pitchers, and have the unstoppable Johnny Gomes

[thewupk]

They really have to do away with this one and done BS.

The only thing I will say about that is years like this I don't mind it as much. NL Central had the 3 best teams in baseball. In years past the Cubs would of been left out which would of sucked. At least now they have a shot.

[Julio3000]

Sure, but the two worst records should play in the play-in game.

Ideally, and shouldn't be a one-and-done at all, but if we're married to that format, it's bull**** that two teams with better records than anyone else should be playing in it.

[zitothebrave]

Not 100% on the Yanks going after another high dollar guy after Sabbathia. Of course the first few years of his deal were good, but the back end has been a disaster

Also the Yankees haven't been the crazy big spenders lately. They'll sign one of the top guys, but it's been a while since they signed the top guy. Zobrist I see going to them though. I think I predicted it in my offseason thread.

[bravesfanforlife88]

Also the Yankees haven't been the crazy big spenders lately. They'll sign one of the top guys, but it's been a while since they signed the top guy. Zobrist I see going to them though. I think I predicted it in my offseason thread.

I hear you. And I don't doubt they make a run at him. I just don't see him going there.

[thewupk]

Sure, but the two worst records should play in the play-in game.

Ideally, and shouldn't be a one-and-done at all, but if we're married to that format, it's bull**** that two teams with better records than anyone else should be playing in it.

Oh I agree. It's not what I would do for sure. But compared to past systems where those 2 teams could potentially not even have a shot it's not that bad.

[Julio3000]

I'm extra salty because I like the Pirates and the Cubs and would rather see them both with a chance to advance instead of the Dodgers and the (way more likeable but still the goddamn) Mets.

Point stands, either way. Play-in game sucks, matching WC teams sucks.

[CyYoung31]

Oh I agree. It's not what I would do for sure. But compared to past systems where those 2 teams could potentially not even have a shot it's not that bad.

MLB should just adopt my idea of a two-game series.

[CyYoung31]

Awful strike call.

[msstate7]

Awful strike call.

That's brutal.

[bravesfanforlife88]

Have a feeling that's the game

[CyYoung31]

Pirates are being sore losers. Hate to see that.

[CyYoung31]

Sean Rodriguez is a douche.

[jpx7]

Sean Rodriguez is a douche.

More of a hair-tampon than a douche.

[Millwood1Hitter]

I said this many a great times last postseason, somebody please get Ernie Jr. To be the Braves full time play by play guy to replace that bafoon Chip.

[msstate7]

So Alvarez was an offensive replacement? Yikes! 3 k's

[bravesfanMatt]

So Alvarez was an offensive replacement? Yikes! 3 k's

Almost like replacing BJ with Uggla.

[Oklahomabrave]

Arrieta is a badass.

[Julio3000]

Arrieta is a badass.

Yeah, badass is his floor tonight. CG 11K/0 BB shutout and a SB after getting hit? There's got to be a tier above "badass."

[weso1]

Watching the Cubs makes me realize that if we're going to be competitive for the WS in 2017 we should highly consider signing one of the available aces this offseason. And I don't think that because of Arietta, but I think that because of the fact that the Cubs have Lester going in game one of the division round despite the fact that they had to use their Ace in the wildcard. I really like the idea of having Miller and another Ace going one and two for us at the top of the rotation in 2017.

[Hudson2]

I've said all along that the team can't be completely fixed this offseason. Get one big piece (ace) and a couple of filler pieces then next offseason when we have more money available go fix the offense.

[CrimsonCowboy]

I know the game is over, but I have to still share this:
https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xla1/v/t1.0-9/10930140_1552355808388425_6462934266932012927_n.jp g?oh=dce689422fa8d7577875f4e3226c7819&oe=56CF71FF

[UNCBlue012]

Arrieta is the man! What a complete reawakening his career has taken in Chicago. No more Baltimore nightmares for him!

[msstate7]

Arrieta is the man! What a complete reawakening his career has taken in Chicago. No more Baltimore nightmares for him!

Yep. Reminds of what Teheran is gonna do next season... I hope anyway haha

[AerchAngel]

Fowler looks like a skinnier version of Heyward....just look at the pic.


....he is a free agent after the season is over....hmmmm.

[msstate7]

Fowler looks like a skinnier version of Heyward....just look at the pic.


....he is a free agent after the season is over....hmmmm.

Id rather have span.

[AerchAngel]

Id rather have span.

That ship has sailed. We had a chance and punted for BJ.

[msstate7]

That ship has sailed. We had a chance and punted for BJ.

Wonder how the injuries this year will affect his price tag?

[bravesfanMatt]

Wonder how the injuries this year will affect his price tag?

he made 9 million this year. He has had solid years prior to this year and even still this year was not bad considering. I think he gets around 4/75 IMO.

[UNCBlue012]

he made 9 million this year. He has had solid years prior to this year and even still this year was not bad considering. I think he gets around 4/75 IMO.

I'd go after Revere if I had to choose anyone, but I'd be happy with Fowler or Span.

[bravesfanMatt]

I'd go after Revere if I had to choose anyone, but I'd be happy with Fowler or Span.

why would we trade for Revere? wouldn't Mallex be about the same as him, except we already have Mallex??

[jimsnores]

why would we trade for Revere? wouldn't Mallex be about the same as him, except we already have Mallex??

Seems logical (your question), but the Braves seem either to fear pushing him too soon, or they aren't convinced he will be "Revere" or better. I sure hope he will be. If he can get on base at .350 and steal at will, that's a weapon.

[bravesfanMatt]

Seems logical (your question), but the Braves seem either to fear pushing him too soon, or they aren't convinced he will be "Revere" or better. I sure hope he will be. If he can get on base at .350 and steal at will, that's a weapon.

all indications show he will be Revere like. I think he spends most of next season in AAA and then evaluate from there. But Revere is under control until 2018 so I guess we would have to trade him or have three OBP guys in the outfield for 17 and 18..

Personally I would want to focus on a LF/RF and move Nick accordingly. A catcher if they don't want CB, and pitching this year. preferably an outfielder with some pop would be nice, but I know they are not going to spend on that.. Span, Revere, Fowler are not that beneficial to this team in my opinion. but I will evaluate whatever they do when they do it, I haven't disliked too much of what they have done thus far, so I have trust.

[nsacpi]

As a mid-market team, we have to give chances to a player like Mallex Smith rather than spend a lot more money on a similar player like Revere. Sure Smith is a bit more risky given he hasn't done anything at the ML level. But mid-market teams have to give a player like that an opportunity.

My guess is Smith will play half the season in AAA and get called up is he is able to sustain the kind of performance he had there in the second half of the 2015 season.

[bravesfanMatt]

As a mid-market team, we have to give chances to a player like Mallex Smith rather than spend a lot more money on a similar player like Revere. Sure Smith is a bit more risky given he hasn't done anything at the ML level. But mid-market teams have to give a player like that an opportunity.

My guess is Smith will play half the season in AAA and get called up is he is able to sustain the kind of performance he had there in the second half of the 2015 season.


completely agree.. We will jettison off Bourn and Swisher or bury them deep on the bench and Mallex will make his debut around Aug 1st.

[UNCBlue012]

why would we trade for Revere? wouldn't Mallex be about the same as him, except we already have Mallex??

I actually completely forgot he is under control until 2018. lol so my point is moot now.

[bravesnumberone]

Rest of my picks.

Cubs over Cardinals
Dodgers over Mets

Royals over Astros
Blue Jays over Rangers

Cubs over Dodgers
Royals over Blue Jays

Cubs over Royals

Why the hell not?

[bravesfanMatt]

I actually completely forgot he is under control until 2018. lol so my point is moot now.

http://img.ifcdn.com/images/e0b03a0930f6b5a82303fd9f51ab5dd2341dbc16980d75b4a2 5dfe2893a4f66a_1.jpg

Get with the program!!

/no worries, I do it all the time...

[weso1]

Fowler looks like a skinnier version of Heyward....just look at the pic.


....he is a free agent after the season is over....hmmmm.

I guess they all look the same to you.

[bravesnumberone]

So, what you're saying is there's a white Dexter Fowler that Coppy Hart can go get?

[bravesnumberone]

Lol. Smoltz and Asshole J. Prickcyznski providing color commentary for the game tonight.

[Millwood1Hitter]

Pete Rose? WTF

[Millwood1Hitter]

AJ's a natural on the booth, really enjoying listening to him and Smoltz. Lots of knowledge about the game, too bad he won't be back, he's made for the AL.

[thewupk]

Somehow the Astros with all of their strikeouts are beating a team that doesn't strikeout in the playoffs.

[Julio3000]

Pete Rose? WTF

Add "Pete Rose and Dontrelle Willis bantering about baseball on a studio show" to the list of stuff I never thought I'd see.

AJ is not bad.

[Julio3000]

Oliver Perez is pitching in the playoffs in 2015. Add that to the list, too.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Road teams 4-0 so far

[CrimsonCowboy]

A very inconsistent strike zone in Toronto

[thewupk]

Rasmus having a hell of a post season so far

[The Chosen One]

Just.think everyone was laughing at the Rangers at the deadline for getting Hamel when they were like 5 games out.

[CyYoung31]

Have I mentioned that I hate the Cardinals lately?

[nsacpi]

Dominant performance by John Lackey. Was he on anyone's list of dominant starting pitchers before the post-season began?

[CrimsonCowboy]

There has been some questionable strike calls all day today.

[Dalyn]

Dominant performance by John Lackey. Was he on anyone's list of dominant starting pitchers before the post-season began?

Not Krista's.

[Millwood1Hitter]

Who cares about the game, show more Sam Ryan!

On a more serious note, this pitching matchup so far has been Phenominal. Reminds me of the days when it was Maddux Glavine Smoltz vs Brown Schilling Johnson Cone etc

[cajunrevenge]

And the guy the Mets tried to trade for 2 years because he doesn't fit their offensive philosophy homers to give the Mets the lead.

[CyYoung31]

And the guy the Mets tried to trade for 2 years because he doesn't fit their offensive philosophy homers to give the Mets the lead.

http://cdn1.sbnation.com/fan_shot_images/45037/murphail01.gif

[CrimsonCowboy]

I really have no dog in this fight, though if I had to root for one, it might be the Mets (can't believe I just typed that). Though this game is certainly not making me look forward to several more years of Jacob DeGrom in the division.

[AerchAngel]

There has been some questionable strike calls all day today.

Ghost of Eric Gregg still haunts. Cubs really have ghosts possessing them. Some of those strikes were 6 inches off the plate and when announcers say the same thing, something is wrong.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Ghost of Eric Gregg still haunts. Cubs really have ghosts possessing them. Some of those strikes were 6 inches off the plate and when announcers say the same thing, something is wrong.

Yeah, that was pretty bad. There were some bad ones in the extra innings of the TEX/TOR game. Kind of surprised nobody got tossed Friday.

[NYCBrave]

I really have no dog in this fight, though if I had to root for one, it might be the Mets (can't believe I just typed that). Though this game is certainly not making me look forward to several more years of Jacob DeGrom in the division.

The thing that annoys me about DeGrom is he wasn't even a prospect. 10th round pick who debuted at age 26 and wasn't dominant in the minors.

[NYCBrave]

And now Trevor Cahill pitching the 8th inning of a playoff game with his team up by 3, unbelievable. Joe Simpson talking about how he turned his life around somehow after coming over to Chicago. Why couldn't he have done that in Atlanta?

More evidence that McDowell has become overrated?

[Julio3000]

Nice inning, Big Baby.

[CyYoung31]

Aren't we paying Cahill to pitch these games.

[bravesnumberone]

Let's go Cubs!

[NYCBrave]

It's interesting to watch these playoffs and see hitters stepping up at the plate and then realize the Braves seemingly never have this happen. In the past three playoff series the Braves have had (2010, 2012, 2013), who has had a big hit?

2010: Alex Gonzalez and Rick Ankiel in Game 2, Eric Hinske (to score Alex Gonzalez) in Game 3
2012: David Ross HR
2013: Simmons/C. Johnson (Game 2), C. Johnson/Elliot Johnson/J. Constanza (Game 4)

Why is it that our stars never seem to step up in these games?

[thewupk]

It's interesting to watch these playoffs and see hitters stepping up at the plate and then realize the Braves seemingly never have this happen. In the past three playoff series the Braves have had (2010, 2012, 2013), who has had a big hit?

2010: Alex Gonzalez and Rick Ankiel in Game 2, Eric Hinske (to score Alex Gonzalez) in Game 3
2012: David Ross HR
2013: Simmons/C. Johnson (Game 2), C. Johnson/Elliot Johnson/J. Constanza (Game 4)

Why is it that our stars never seem to step up in these games?

Braves are cursed

[bravesnumberone]

Because they're the Braves. Next question.

[CyYoung31]

The Curse of Jim Leyritz is as legit a curse as there has ever been.

[NYCBrave]

The Curse of Jim Leyritz is as legit a curse as there has ever been.

Starting to believe it

Also interesting about that 2013 NLDS against the Dodgers, both Withrow and Paco Rodriguez had 27.00 ERA's against us, and they're both now Braves :YDS:

[The Chosen One]

Heyward had a big hit in Game 2 in 2013. No love for him.

[bravesnumberone]

Heyward had a big hit in Game 2 in 2013. No love for him.

Yeah, but the team was flawed. And there were locker room problems. Not enough veteran leadership. We fixed that this year, thankfully.

[bravesnumberone]

Mets pitching is tough.

[Millwood1Hitter]

The Curse of Jim Leyritz is as legit a curse as there has ever been.

Every October the 96 WS comes back to haunt me, this week I've thought about it a lot and it's been constantly running in my head. When I recall the games, I remember exactly how I felt and what I was doing at that time. I remember as a 7th grader after the game 4 debacle, all my friends were rooting for the Yankees and so did my nagging Yankee fan English teacher, and I was so confident because we had Smoltz going. What misery.

The more I reflect, the more I'm convinced that we are indeed cursed. I'm not so sure that it wasn't rigged, the Yanks and Torree losing his brother was too good of a story and after we drubbed them in the first 2 games, I think Bud made sure the umpires had a large influence in the decesion based on what transpired the next few nights. And MLB execs were smart enough to realize that if the Yanks didn't win that series, George would have blown it up and the dynasty as we know it would not have happened, cost MLB millions of dollars over the organization with the best historical sentiment.

I'm still really bitter. Without blowing that WS, the Yanks dynasty does not happen and our FO would not have tried to reshape the team for the upcoming year and we enjoy much greater success in the playoffs going forward. After that slider, the Braves would never ever be the same again, almost as if all of us....fans, players, coaches were looking behind our backs wondering what if? What next? No matter what some freak thing is going to happen and it always does.

And it's been 20 years since 95, think about that 20 freakin years since our moment of glory.

I want to get back to the brand of baseball in the early and mid 90s. I've been watching YouTube videos all week and what excitement. Those teams were good and passionate and had fight. Don't get me wrong, the late 90s and early 00s were fun as well, playoff success or lack thereof withstanding, but they were veteran centered teams that were more businesslike. Those teams from 91-96 will always be dear to my heart.

Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Chipper, Bobby, Ryan, Avery, Javy deserved more than one. And to think, despite all the games and all the battles, guys like Andruw and Millwood and Furcal amongst many other have NONE.

And it absolutely bugs the living piss out of me that most think Maddux and Glavine were chokers. They weren't great towards the tail end of their run here, but in the 90s those guys performed upto par and were great.

One of the great falls of the organization during that timeframe is we needed to expend more resources on the bullpen and that was a great resource. I've always said the Yanks had Mo and we didn't, and that was the ultimate trump card but the Yanks also had guys like Nelson, Stanton, Llyod, Mendoza, Wetteland while we had a bunch of no name reclamation projects that worked for the most part during the season but failed when put under the microscope of the postseason with advanced scouting. One thing overlooked about 96 was the injury of Boubon, which would have helped alleviate relying on Wohlers so much. Yes, Neagle shoulders some of the blame for not going deeper, but with a competent bullpen that's not an issue. But we never did find a viable replacement for Pedro and Bobby had to rely on Bielecki and Clontz, and I don't blame him if he didn't have the utmost confidence in them. Who? It sickens me to this day.

While Neagle was great in a braves uniform, his acquisition was redundant. I often wonder what if we would have focused and acquired someone like say Jeff Shaw or Robb Nen or Roberto Hernandez.Even with the concerns with a struggling Avery we really didn't need Neagle especially with the off days with a short series. We should have and could have rode the big 3 during their prime. And the Neagle acquisition and extension was a precursor to made head scratching moves (Justice and Grissom to the Klesko trade) that later would transpire because of budgetary restraints.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Dirty play by Utley or no?

[CrimsonCowboy]

Ruben Tejada has a fractured right fibula.

[smootness]

Dirty play by Utley or no?

Of course. Not even a question. Beyond that, a horrific call to give him the base after that.

He's going to get a ball thrown at his head his next AB. And he may get some batteries to the head in NY.

[CyYoung31]

Just caught the replay. What a ****ing awful call on so many levels.

[mossy]

Just caught the replay. What a ****ing awful call on so many levels.

Yep. TOTAL dick move by Utley, horrible call by the umps.

I hope the Mets retaliate big time.

[Runnin]

Out of the baseline and past the base. That 360 move by Tejada probably not a good idea though.

[50PoundHead]

Every October the 96 WS comes back to haunt me, this week I've thought about it a lot and it's been constantly running in my head. When I recall the games, I remember exactly how I felt and what I was doing at that time. I remember as a 7th grader after the game 4 debacle, all my friends were rooting for the Yankees and so did my nagging Yankee fan English teacher, and I was so confident because we had Smoltz going. What misery.

The more I reflect, the more I'm convinced that we are indeed cursed. I'm not so sure that it wasn't rigged, the Yanks and Torree losing his brother was too good of a story and after we drubbed them in the first 2 games, I think Bud made sure the umpires had a large influence in the decesion based on what transpired the next few nights. And MLB execs were smart enough to realize that if the Yanks didn't win that series, George would have blown it up and the dynasty as we know it would not have happened, cost MLB millions of dollars over the organization with the best historical sentiment.

I'm still really bitter. Without blowing that WS, the Yanks dynasty does not happen and our FO would not have tried to reshape the team for the upcoming year and we enjoy much greater success in the playoffs going forward. After that slider, the Braves would never ever be the same again, almost as if all of us....fans, players, coaches were looking behind our backs wondering what if? What next? No matter what some freak thing is going to happen and it always does.

And it's been 20 years since 95, think about that 20 freakin years since our moment of glory.

I want to get back to the brand of baseball in the early and mid 90s. I've been watching YouTube videos all week and what excitement. Those teams were good and passionate and had fight. Don't get me wrong, the late 90s and early 00s were fun as well, playoff success or lack thereof withstanding, but they were veteran centered teams that were more businesslike. Those teams from 91-96 will always be dear to my heart.

Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Chipper, Bobby, Ryan, Avery, Javy deserved more than one. And to think, despite all the games and all the battles, guys like Andruw and Millwood and Furcal amongst many other have NONE.

And it absolutely bugs the living piss out of me that most think Maddux and Glavine were chokers. They weren't great towards the tail end of their run here, but in the 90s those guys performed upto par and were great.

One of the great falls of the organization during that timeframe is we needed to expend more resources on the bullpen and that was a great resource. I've always said the Yanks had Mo and we didn't, and that was the ultimate trump card but the Yanks also had guys like Nelson, Stanton, Llyod, Mendoza, Wetteland while we had a bunch of no name reclamation projects that worked for the most part during the season but failed when put under the microscope of the postseason with advanced scouting. One thing overlooked about 96 was the injury of Boubon, which would have helped alleviate relying on Wohlers so much. Yes, Neagle shoulders some of the blame for not going deeper, but with a competent bullpen that's not an issue. But we never did find a viable replacement for Pedro and Bobby had to rely on Bielecki and Clontz, and I don't blame him if he didn't have the utmost confidence in them. Who? It sickens me to this day.

While Neagle was great in a braves uniform, his acquisition was redundant. I often wonder what if we would have focused and acquired someone like say Jeff Shaw or Robb Nen or Roberto Hernandez.Even with the concerns with a struggling Avery we really didn't need Neagle especially with the off days with a short series. We should have and could have rode the big 3 during their prime. And the Neagle acquisition and extension was a precursor to made head scratching moves (Justice and Grissom to the Klesko trade) that later would transpire because of budgetary restraints.

What people tend to forget about that game is that Belliard was hand-cuffed on the ground ball before Leyritz hit the HR and only got a force at 2B instead of the DP. Leyritz can hit one nine miles and it doesn't tie the game if that little tic doesn't occur.

[bravesnumberone]

Yeah, I'd keep Utley out of the lineup in New York. But if it's not him, they'll throw at one of their big bats.

[bravesnumberone]

Every October the 96 WS comes back to haunt me, this week I've thought about it a lot and it's been constantly running in my head. When I recall the games, I remember exactly how I felt and what I was doing at that time. I remember as a 7th grader after the game 4 debacle, all my friends were rooting for the Yankees and so did my nagging Yankee fan English teacher, and I was so confident because we had Smoltz going. What misery.

The more I reflect, the more I'm convinced that we are indeed cursed. I'm not so sure that it wasn't rigged, the Yanks and Torree losing his brother was too good of a story and after we drubbed them in the first 2 games, I think Bud made sure the umpires had a large influence in the decesion based on what transpired the next few nights. And MLB execs were smart enough to realize that if the Yanks didn't win that series, George would have blown it up and the dynasty as we know it would not have happened, cost MLB millions of dollars over the organization with the best historical sentiment.

I'm still really bitter. Without blowing that WS, the Yanks dynasty does not happen and our FO would not have tried to reshape the team for the upcoming year and we enjoy much greater success in the playoffs going forward. After that slider, the Braves would never ever be the same again, almost as if all of us....fans, players, coaches were looking behind our backs wondering what if? What next? No matter what some freak thing is going to happen and it always does.

And it's been 20 years since 95, think about that 20 freakin years since our moment of glory.

I want to get back to the brand of baseball in the early and mid 90s. I've been watching YouTube videos all week and what excitement. Those teams were good and passionate and had fight. Don't get me wrong, the late 90s and early 00s were fun as well, playoff success or lack thereof withstanding, but they were veteran centered teams that were more businesslike. Those teams from 91-96 will always be dear to my heart.

Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Chipper, Bobby, Ryan, Avery, Javy deserved more than one. And to think, despite all the games and all the battles, guys like Andruw and Millwood and Furcal amongst many other have NONE.

And it absolutely bugs the living piss out of me that most think Maddux and Glavine were chokers. They weren't great towards the tail end of their run here, but in the 90s those guys performed upto par and were great.

One of the great falls of the organization during that timeframe is we needed to expend more resources on the bullpen and that was a great resource. I've always said the Yanks had Mo and we didn't, and that was the ultimate trump card but the Yanks also had guys like Nelson, Stanton, Llyod, Mendoza, Wetteland while we had a bunch of no name reclamation projects that worked for the most part during the season but failed when put under the microscope of the postseason with advanced scouting. One thing overlooked about 96 was the injury of Boubon, which would have helped alleviate relying on Wohlers so much. Yes, Neagle shoulders some of the blame for not going deeper, but with a competent bullpen that's not an issue. But we never did find a viable replacement for Pedro and Bobby had to rely on Bielecki and Clontz, and I don't blame him if he didn't have the utmost confidence in them. Who? It sickens me to this day.

While Neagle was great in a braves uniform, his acquisition was redundant. I often wonder what if we would have focused and acquired someone like say Jeff Shaw or Robb Nen or Roberto Hernandez.Even with the concerns with a struggling Avery we really didn't need Neagle especially with the off days with a short series. We should have and could have rode the big 3 during their prime. And the Neagle acquisition and extension was a precursor to made head scratching moves (Justice and Grissom to the Klesko trade) that later would transpire because of budgetary restraints.

I was in the upper deck in CF the night Leyritz hit the homer. Amongst a bunch of Yankee fans. I've hated them ever since, but had a grudging respect for how those Yankee teams played.

That was also a big turning point for Wohlers. He was never the same and later was downright awful. I think that loss really did kill our postseason confidence. Had we won that World Series, the Yankees dynasty definitely doesn't happen because that crazy nut Steinbrenner was ready to fire Torre. And we might have won another 2-3 from '97-'99.

Maybe all those failures were a balance to the regular season dominance we had. It takes a lot to be able to do what we did for 14 years that goes beyond talent.

[NYCBrave]

Heyward had a big hit in Game 2 in 2013. No love for him.

Off of our boy Paco Rodriguez lol, and no I don't count it because we were winning at the time. It was big though. In 48 playoff plate appearances, Heyward has a line of .170 BA with a .443 OPS

[NYCBrave]

I was in the upper deck in CF the night Leyritz hit the homer. Amongst a bunch of Yankee fans. I've hated them ever since, but had a grudging respect for how those Yankee teams played.

That was also a big turning point for Wohlers. He was never the same and later was downright awful. I think that loss really did kill our postseason confidence. Had we won that World Series, the Yankees dynasty definitely doesn't happen because that crazy nut Steinbrenner was ready to fire Torre. And we might have won another 2-3 from '97-'99.

Maybe all those failures were a balance to the regular season dominance we had. It takes a lot to be able to do what we did for 14 years that goes beyond talent.

I've been harping on this and I'll continue to say it. I truly believe there is a correlation of the Braves post season failures and the culture of the organization. There has never been a sense of urgency to win, which comes from the culture the front office/management have created and our apathetic fan base. Living in NYC, I've been able to see that winning is the only option or else the fans/writers/organization are deemed a failure. With Atlanta, it's always been "Oh well, good try, maybe next year." The Mets have been made to be a laughingstock by the media in NY over the past decade. When have Bowman/DOB or any of these other Atlanta journalists ever once done anything to hold the team accountable? It's always a positive spin and that just feeds into this same culture. Don't see anything ever changing, especially with a faceless ownership who cares about the bottom line, and these old relics (who've once done amazing things but are wellllll past their prime) being kept around in our front office.

[bravesnumberone]

I've been harping on this and I'll continue to say it. I truly believe there is a correlation of the Braves post season failures and the culture of the organization. There has never been a sense of urgency to win, which comes from the culture the front office/management have created and our apathetic fan base. Living in NYC, I've been able to see that winning is the only option or else the fans/writers/organization are deemed a failure. With Atlanta, it's always been "Oh well, good try, maybe next year." The Mets have been made to be a laughingstock by the media in NY over the past decade. When have Bowman/DOB or any of these other Atlanta journalists ever once done anything to hold the team accountable? It's always a positive spin and that just feeds into this same culture. Don't see anything ever changing, especially with a faceless ownership who cares about the bottom line, and these old relics (who've once done amazing things but are wellllll past their prime) being kept around in our front office.

Nailed it.

[weso1]

I actually did not think Utley's slide was dirty. It was a late slide and a bit high, but I thought it was completely legal and I thought Utley did the right thing. Yes, his goal was to take out Tejada, but that's what he is supposed to do on that play and especially in that situation.

[CyYoung31]

Off of our boy Paco Rodriguez lol, and no I don't count it because we were winning at the time. It was big though. In 48 playoff plate appearances, Heyward has a line of .170 BA with a .443 OPS

It ended up being the game winning hit.

[CyYoung31]

I actually did not think Utley's slide was dirty. It was a late slide and a bit high, but I thought it was completely legal and I thought Utley did the right thing. Yes, his goal was to take out Tejada, but that's what he is supposed to do on that play and especially in that situation.

It wasn't even a slide.

[weso1]

It wasn't even a slide.

His leg slid on on the ground. A high slide and a late slide, but definitely a slide. He definitely wanted to take him out, but that's what he's supposed to do there.

[smootness]

His leg slid on on the ground. A high slide and a late slide, but definitely a slide. He definitely wanted to take him out, but that's what he's supposed to do there.

Baseball has to change this. It shouldn't be allowed to just take a player out, and it technically isn't. The rule says that if a player is clearly trying to just stop a double play and interferes, both the runner and batter are out. But somewhere along the line, baseball decided that so long as a baserunner can still technically touch the base somehow, he can basically do whatever he wants. It's insane.

And yes, it is dirty. He 'slid' with the sole intention of taking Tejada out. He started his slide at the bag, didn't really even slide, and never touched the base. That's as dirty as it gets. The fact that this is celebrated in some baseball circles is absurd. But even guys like Pedro and Alex Cora came out strongly against it and called it dirty.

[Julio3000]

Baseball has to change this. It shouldn't be allowed to just take a player out, and it technically isn't. The rule says that if a player is clearly trying to just stop a double play and interferes, both the runner and batter are out. But somewhere along the line, baseball decided that so long as a baserunner can still technically touch the base somehow, he can basically do whatever he wants. It's insane.

And yes, it is dirty. He 'slid' with the sole intention of taking Tejada out. He started his slide at the bag, didn't really even slide, and never touched the base. That's as dirty as it gets. The fact that this is celebrated in some baseball circles is absurd. But even guys like Pedro and Alex Cora came out strongly against it and called it dirty.

Yep, agreed across the board.

Umpires should be instructed to enforce the interference rule on egregious cases like that, with no exception. I don't know why they aren't.

[Hawk]

Chipper said it was dirty too.

I dislike that word choice though, it seems to infer malintent.

Was the slide too aggressive? Or cheap? Yeah.

Utley wanted to break up the DP, not maim Tejada.

[msstate7]

Didn't realize altuve has 15 hr's this year. Wow... That really shows how weak of a team we had this year

[smootness]

Chipper said it was dirty too.

I dislike that word choice though, it seems to infer malintent.

Was the slide too aggressive? Or cheap? Yeah.

Utley wanted to break up the DP, not maim Tejada.

But I'm sick of the 'Utley wasn't trying to hurt Tejada' defense. No one is saying Utley was thinking, 'I'm about to break this douche's leg.' But he was completely reckless and had no regard for Tejada. I don't think he wanted to or intended to hurt Tejada. But based on his actions, he clearly didn't really care that much what happened to Tejada. Especially since he just popped up and ran off the field after the play.

That's a dirty play. Especially for a career middle infielder himself. He absolutely knows the danger of what he did, and he did it anyway.

[Hawk]

But I'm sick of the 'Utley wasn't trying to hurt Tejada' defense.

Why? Because it contradicts a boring, monochromatic perspective?

A 'dirty' play is Robert Fick trying to swat the ball out of Eric Karros' glove. Not a hard slide.

It was a crucial moment in a crucial game for a player who is at the end of sterling (and respected) career. Sometimes adrenaline takes over. Utley has always played hard as hell. If he had been wearing a Braves uniform we would be all over that grit, as LA fans seem to be.

And the sentiment that Utley "clearly really didn't care" about Tejada is, well, pretty ridiculous on several levels. We're not talking about Pete Rose here.

[Hawk]

Ken Rosenthal:

Spoke today with one of the most fair-minded major leaguers I know.

This is his perspective on the Utley slide. I'm presenting it simply with the goal of trying to add perspective.

"In any sport when you put a replay in slow motion viewers/analysts think athletes are weighing thoughts and pros/cons because it looks slow.

"We play on instincts and react to situations. We know with one out, 1st and 3rd and a double-play situation we HAVE to try and break up the play.

"We don't take into account the possibility of a bad throw or middle infielder being in awkward position."

I pointed out to the player that Utley's slide was high and late. He did not disagree.

"Two points...

"In a regular season game Tejada likely catches ball and takes the one out, but he knows situation as Chase does who probably (but maybe not because he plays one way) slides different.

"Both guys know the series is essentially on the line there and want to make a winning play."

[smootness]

Ken Rosenthal:

Spoke today with one of the most fair-minded major leaguers I know.

This is his perspective on the Utley slide. I'm presenting it simply with the goal of trying to add perspective.

"In any sport when you put a replay in slow motion viewers/analysts think athletes are weighing thoughts and pros/cons because it looks slow.

"We play on instincts and react to situations. We know with one out, 1st and 3rd and a double-play situation we HAVE to try and break up the play.

"We don't take into account the possibility of a bad throw or middle infielder being in awkward position."

I pointed out to the player that Utley's slide was high and late. He did not disagree.

"Two points...

"In a regular season game Tejada likely catches ball and takes the one out, but he knows situation as Chase does who probably (but maybe not because he plays one way) slides different.

"Both guys know the series is essentially on the line there and want to make a winning play."

All of that is fine. It's still a dirty play. Utley's sole purpose in making that 'slide' was to take out Tejada to break up the DP. The fact that he is a MI himself and still went in way late and not even in a real slide shows me he had no regard for what ultimately happened to Tejada on the play. His goal was taking Tejada out by any means necessary.

If that's a regular season game, Utley also doesn't go in like that because he knows the danger, and it's not a big enough situation to warrant it.

It has nothing to do with it being in slow-motion. It looks worse in real time. In real time, it's obvious Utley didn't care about sliding past the bag or even touching the bag at all. His sole purpose was diving into Tejada's legs for the purpose of taking him out. Obviously, every knows the potential consequences when you do that, but he did it anyway.

The reason I dislike the rush by everyone to say, 'Utley didn't intend to hurt Tejada,' is because it's simplifying the situation for the purpose of defending Utley. A football player who makes a dirty hit on a player doesn't necessarily intend to hurt that player. Very, very few people in any sport are going to take an action for the actual purpose of causing injury. But there absolutely are players who make plays they know cross the line without real concern for the danger involved for the player. In my opinion, this was clearly one of those cases.

[CyYoung31]

Why? Because it contradicts a boring, monochromatic perspective?

A 'dirty' play is Robert Fick trying to swat the ball out of Eric Karros' glove. Not a hard slide.

It was a crucial moment in a crucial game for a player who is at the end of sterling (and respected) career. Sometimes adrenaline takes over. Utley has always played hard as hell. If he had been wearing a Braves uniform we would be all over that grit, as LA fans seem to be.

And the sentiment that Utley "clearly really didn't care" about Tejada is, well, pretty ridiculous on several levels. We're not talking about Pete Rose here.

I don't see the difference between this play, and Fick's swat. They're both dirty plays, and both technically illegal. I don't really think Fick's intention was to injure Karros, just simply knock the ball loose just as Utley was doing here. An act doesn't have to have the intent to injure to be dirty anyway.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Chase Utley has been suspended for Games 3 and 4

653378855915401216

[mossy]

Chase Utley has been suspended for Games 3 and 4

653378855915401216

Probably to prevent a beanball war.

[Runnin]

I've been harping on this and I'll continue to say it. I truly believe there is a correlation of the Braves post season failures and the culture of the organization. There has never been a sense of urgency to win, which comes from the culture the front office/management have created and our apathetic fan base. Living in NYC, I've been able to see that winning is the only option or else the fans/writers/organization are deemed a failure. With Atlanta, it's always been "Oh well, good try, maybe next year." The Mets have been made to be a laughingstock by the media in NY over the past decade. When have Bowman/DOB or any of these other Atlanta journalists ever once done anything to hold the team accountable? It's always a positive spin and that just feeds into this same culture. Don't see anything ever changing, especially with a faceless ownership who cares about the bottom line, and these old relics (who've once done amazing things but are wellllll past their prime) being kept around in our front office.
I don't see anything wrong with working hard to have a solid organization and trying to put the best team possible on the field. You can bet there is plenty of competitive fire to win in the FO. But this 'urgency to win' stuff is pretty silly anywhere but on the field. It's just sports, fer chrisssakes. Good, hard-nosed players want to win as bad as the fans.

[weso1]

I couldn't disagree more with MLB's decision. A legal play (based on what umps actually call) in which Utley's only intent was to break up the double play. If you need to change the rule in the offseason then do it, but a suspension is completely over the top. Had Tejada not gotten hurt there wouldn't even be a discussion about a suspension.

[weso1]

I don't see the difference between this play, and Fick's swat. They're both dirty plays, and both technically illegal. I don't really think Fick's intention was to injure Karros, just simply knock the ball loose just as Utley was doing here. An act doesn't have to have the intent to injure to be dirty anyway.

Because Fick had a clear understanding that what he was doing was against the rules. Umps almost never call the runner out when they slide late or high. Utley was just doing his job, based on his understanding of the rules. Keep in mind that the umps didn't call Utley out for his slide.

[CyYoung31]

Because Fick had a clear understanding that what he was doing was against the rules. Umps almost never call the runner out when they slide late or high. Utley was just doing his job, based on his understanding of the rules. Keep in mind that the umps didn't call Utley out for his slide.

Yeah, okay. Utley didn't "understand". Gotcha.

[weso1]

Yeah, okay. Utley didn't "understand". Gotcha.

That's not what I said. Utley clearly understood what he was allowed to do. The umps ruled him safe.

[nsacpi]

Dominant pitching performance by Estrada so far. Anyone had him on their list of dominating pitchers going into the post-season?

[Hawk]

I don't see the difference between this play, and Fick's swat. They're both dirty plays, and both technically illegal. I don't really think Fick's intention was to injure Karros, just simply knock the ball loose just as Utley was doing here. An act doesn't have to have the intent to injure to be dirty anyway.

I guess the difference to me is that we wouldn't be talking about this had Tejada not been injured (which would have probably been the case if Utley went into his slide a tenth of a second earlier). In reality, Chase would have probably been applauded for breaking up the DP and earning the Dodgers the tying run. Fick's play was bush league any way you slice it.

[50PoundHead]

I guess the difference to me is that we wouldn't be talking about this had Tejada not been injured (which would have probably been the case if Utley went into his slide a tenth of a second earlier). In reality, Chase would have probably been applauded for breaking up the DP and earning the Dodgers the tying run. Fick's play was bush league any way you slice it.

There's no comparison between what Fick did and what Utley did. Utley was breaking up a possible DP and admittedly slid late, but he was always in arm's length of the second base bag. Fick's was just a total bush league play. Hawk is right. If Tejada hadn't gotten injured, no one would be talking about this at all.

[smootness]

There's no comparison between what Fick did and what Utley did. Utley was breaking up a possible DP and admittedly slid late, but he was always in arm's length of the second base bag. Fick's was just a total bush league play. Hawk is right. If Tejada hadn't gotten injured, no one would be talking about this at all.

That doesn't mean we shouldn't be talking about it. It's always been BS, and it's a shame it took an actual injury to cause people to get upset about it.

It's not a baseball play. Umps have done a terrible job of enforcing the rule, and it eventually led to this.

[Braves1976]

Didn't realize altuve has 15 hr's this year. Wow... That really shows how weak of a team we had this year

Altuve could almost lead our team in homers, haha. Just a few off of Freeman's total in fact.

[depley]

I am sorry a rolling block past the bag is not a slide to break up a double play, it is an intentional act to hitting the player, I see a big difference.

[CyYoung31]

There's no comparison between what Fick did and what Utley did. Utley was breaking up a possible DP and admittedly slid late, but he was always in arm's length of the second base bag. Fick's was just a total bush league play. Hawk is right. If Tejada hadn't gotten injured, no one would be talking about this at all.

They were both cheap, desperation plays. So, yes, there is a comparison.

[Millwood1Hitter]

I've been harping on this and I'll continue to say it. I truly believe there is a correlation of the Braves post season failures and the culture of the organization. There has never been a sense of urgency to win, which comes from the culture the front office/management have created and our apathetic fan base. Living in NYC, I've been able to see that winning is the only option or else the fans/writers/organization are deemed a failure. With Atlanta, it's always been "Oh well, good try, maybe next year." The Mets have been made to be a laughingstock by the media in NY over the past decade. When have Bowman/DOB or any of these other Atlanta journalists ever once done anything to hold the team accountable? It's always a positive spin and that just feeds into this same culture. Don't see anything ever changing, especially with a faceless ownership who cares about the bottom line, and these old relics (who've once done amazing things but are wellllll past their prime) being kept around in our front office.

This is definately part of the issue, any other city if their manager doesn't use the best closer in the game, arguably the most dominant pitcher in the game, for 2 innings in an elimination game, that manager would be lucky to get out of the country without the head cooked on a silver platter. Fredi would feel fortunate getting deported back to Cuba. But that's not the case HERE, instead we got writers writing articles justifying why putting a journeyman reliever that had little success until that year into the spot and saving Kimbrel was the right move.

I can't critize Bobby though. Did he make mistakes, yes, but his strengths way outweighed the negatives and he did a great job considering the circumstances, and again we didn't have much luck on our side. But JS on the other hand should have been let go in the organization a long long time ago. JS was an absolute trainwreck for the most part starting in the spring of 1997 to the end of his tenure here. I won't elaborate, as I've done that many times before.

[CrimsonCowboy]

That Correa kid is special

[CrimsonCowboy]

WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CyYoung31]

Can someone explain this move to me?

[CrimsonCowboy]

Can someone explain this move to me?

I'm wondering the same thing. Why burn David Price in a 7-1 game and not have him available for the deciding Game 5? Don't get it. Especially since Dickey was pitching great and only threw 78 pitches.

[Heyward]

Can someone explain this move to me?

I dont get it either, Game 5 isnt until Wednesday so they'd have a day off.

Dickey was doing fine.

Guess they like Stroman more vs Texas than Price if they hang on.

[NYCBrave]

I don't see anything wrong with working hard to have a solid organization and trying to put the best team possible on the field. You can bet there is plenty of competitive fire to win in the FO. But this 'urgency to win' stuff is pretty silly anywhere but on the field. It's just sports, fer chrisssakes. Good, hard-nosed players want to win as bad as the fans.

Baseball is a job to these guys. Most of them want to win less than the fans want the team to win. It's up to the organization/fan base to put the expectation on the team that nothing short of winning will be accepted. Well, in Atlanta it seems that losing is acceptable, and the passion just doesn't seem to be there.

[50PoundHead]

Lots of rookies neglecting the age old saw about the value of third base with two outs. First Gore gets thrown out at 3B trying to steal and then Russell injures himself stretching a double into a triple.

[JusticeForAll23]

F**k yeah.

Cubs young studs teeing off on the Cards in the 5th.

[Horsehide Harry]

F**k yeah.

Cubs young studs teeing off on the Cards in the 5th.

Kinda hard to defense that Rizzo bomb

[Julio3000]

Heyboom

[The Chosen One]

So glad to see Heyward hitting cleanup and producing.

[nsacpi]

Not a MOL hitter. Doubt the Cards will try to bring him back.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Breaking News: Jake Arrieta is human!

[NYCBrave]

These playoffs are like Home Run Derby, jeez!

[msstate7]

Can we still trade Teheran for soler?

[NYCBrave]

Not a MOL hitter. Doubt the Cards will try to bring him back.

.170 BA .443 OPS as a Brave in playoffs.....

[Julio3000]

.170 BA .443 OPS as a Brave in playoffs.....

Yeah, he sucks.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Can we still trade Teheran for soler?

I was fixing to say, remember that rumor around deadline time?

[thewupk]

So glad to see Heyward hitting cleanup and producing.

This isn't real. Heyward just isn't a good hitter.

[thewupk]

.170 BA .443 OPS as a Brave in playoffs.....

10000 OPS with the Cards

[NYCBrave]

Yeah, he sucks.

That wasn't my intent, just a disaster to see him step up and produce for another team but not for us (outside of 1 big hit against the Dodgers).

[CyYoung31]

.170 BA .443 OPS as a Brave in playoffs.....

What a large sample size you have there, Grandma.

[Heyward]

Not a MOL hitter. Doubt the Cards will try to bring him back.

He has 13 HR's all year if you include that one, still isnt.

They'll try to bring him back i presume.

[thewupk]

He has 13 HR's all year if you include that one, still isnt.

They'll try to bring him back i presume.

Because HR is what makes a hitter a MOL hitter. I guess you'd rather have Gattis and his 27 homers instead of Heyward and his 14 hitting 4th.

[msstate7]

Cahill is pitching in the nlds... Smh

[The Chosen One]

That wasn't my intent, just a disaster to see him step up and produce for another team but not for us (outside of 1 big hit against the Dodgers).

He did have that home run in game 3 at LAD but we were already blown out by then thanks to Teheran.

Again it's sample size. 2010 he had the bad wrist we were lucky to see him play. After losing Chipper and Prado right before the end of the season I'm glad Heyward was out there. 2012 wildcard game 2013 he came back from the broken jaw a week before the playoffs started.

[CyYoung31]

WTF IS THIS ****

[BlackwaterPark]

Cahill looks nasty...

[The Chosen One]

He has 13 HR's all year if you include that one, still isnt.

They'll try to bring him back i presume.

Freeman has how many? And he's the one that plays the offensive position.

[Heyward]

Because HR is what makes a hitter a MOL hitter. I guess you'd rather have Gattis and his 27 homers instead of Heyward and his 14 hitting 4th.

Actually, yeah, ideally i'd have Heyward 2nd or 3rd.

[CyYoung31]

Freeman has how many? And he's the one that plays the offensive position.

Freeman was hurt all year.

[NYCBrave]

What a large sample size you have there, Grandma.

I'm not a Heyward hater at all, just sad he didn't step up over 50 AB's on the big stage for us, could have used that

[thewupk]

Actually, yeah, ideally i'd have Heyward 2nd or 3rd.

So you want a hitter with a WRC+ of 99 hitting 4th?

[Hawk]

Cahill is pitching in the nlds... Smh

Thethe was right.

[thewupk]

I'm not a Heyward hater at all, just sad he didn't step up over 50 AB's on the big stage for us, could have used that

neither has any other Brave in well over a decade

[Hawk]

Good to hear Joe Simpson in mid-season form slamming Baez.

[thewupk]

Freeman was hurt all year.

I thought Heyward was the injury prone player

[Heyward]

Freeman has how many? And he's the one that plays the offensive position.

Freeman had no protection, and was hurt, bad comparison.

[Heyward]

Figures, Heyward probably hits a HR to tie it up here.

[BlackwaterPark]

Good to hear Joe Simpson in mid-season form slamming Baez.

Why does he not like Baez?

[BlackwaterPark]

How the hell is Wainwright pitching just 5 months after tearing his achilies?

[Julio3000]

How the hell is Wainwright pitching just 5 months after tearing his achilies?

Deer antler spray.

[The Chosen One]

How the hell is Wainwright pitching just 5 months after tearing his achilies?

Is it the right foot or left? I'd be more interested because he pushes off the left.

[nsacpi]

He has 13 HR's all year if you include that one, still isnt.

They'll try to bring him back i presume.

Don't think so given that his agent supposedly want 30M with an opt out.

[BlackwaterPark]

I interrupt this thread...

Steve Spurrier is retiring

[50PoundHead]

Don't think so given that his agent supposedly want 30M with an opt out.

It's all going to depend on his contract demands. With one more year of Holliday along with Piscotty and Grichuk, the Cardinals aren't desperate. I'm sure they want to keep him, but it will be price dependent.

[Heyward]

How the hell is Wainwright pitching just 5 months after tearing his achilies?

He plays on the Cardinals, they have a deal with the devil.

[sturg33]

Man, I'd love to find the time to go through the threads back in April/May when the usual suspects were dogging Heyward this year...

He put up 6 WAR this year. Damn

[The Chosen One]

Alex Wood finds ways to pitch in mop up relief of Game 3 NLDS Dodger games.

[Millwood1Hitter]

Alex Wood finds ways to pitch in mop up relief of Game 3 NLDS Dodger games.

Who would have thunk? If I were the Dodgers, he would have started game 1 followed by Grienke and Kershaw.

[50PoundHead]

Tough situation for Wood though. First relief appearance of the year and it's in a big game. Probably tough adjusting.

[acesfull86]

Who would have thunk? If I were the Dodgers, he would have started game 1 followed by Grienke and Kershaw.

?

Or line it up the way they did so Kershaw and Greinke can each get 2 starts

[The Chosen One]

?

Or line it up the way they did so Kershaw and Greinke can each get 2 starts

So thankful a Mets fan would be lurking and posting on a Braves board when his team is playing in a big playoff game. lol

:Bowman:

[Millwood1Hitter]

?

Or line it up the way they did so Kershaw and Greinke can each get 2 starts

Haven't you heard? Wood is Cole Hamels II. Grienke is mentally weak with his social disorder, and Kershaw can't win in October, therefore you pitch your best pitcher in game 1, which for the Dodgers happens to be Alex Wood.

That being said, bad attempt at humor aside, I don't believe we got enough value for Wood and Petaza but some think he's the second coming of Koufax. Hopefully Olivera can channel his inner Cespedas, time will tell.

I betcha the universe would explode if Wood and Heyward were to face each other in the playoffs. It would be like a team of Brett Favre's playing a team of Brett Favre's with John Madden announcing.

[VirginiaBrave]

I think we now have a candidate for worst manager in the game and its not Fredi. Gibbons taking Dickey out at 7-1 score was just dumb. And using Price when he should be lined up for game 5 was beyond stupid.

[CrimsonCowboy]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CRK5Z12WoAAkv9h.jpg

[thewupk]

I think we now have a candidate for worst manager in the game and its not Fredi. Gibbons taking Dickey out at 7-1 score was just dumb. And using Price when he should be lined up for game 5 was beyond stupid.

Actually he's playing a good long game. Stroman is really really good and likely a better a bet against the Rangers than Price. This also sets up Price to start game 1 of the ALCS.

[Dalyn]

Actually he's playing a good long game. Stroman is really really good and likely a better a bet against the Rangers than Price. This also sets up Price to start game 1 of the ALCS.

Yep. Playing to the win, not the loss.

[Heyward]

I think we now have a candidate for worst manager in the game and its not Fredi. Gibbons taking Dickey out at 7-1 score was just dumb. And using Price when he should be lined up for game 5 was beyond stupid.

Texas has hit Price really well.

But it will be a big talk if Stroman doesnt come through.

[Millwood1Hitter]

Fredi on when you have a starter that is 0-6 as a starter in the playoffs and has struggled in that role, "you run him out there, see what he's got, he's got to get one eventually, right? I mean, he's like their best pitcher or something. Why play matchups, then?"

[Heyward]

Smh Cards never go away.

[smootness]

Piscotty and Heyward have been fantastic for them in this series. Heyward keeps bumping that contract up more and more.

[smootness]

And the Cubs just keep coming. That offense is going to be absurd in 2-3 years.

[smootness]

Schwarber is some kind of unicorn beast. What a monster.

[Heyward]

And the Cubs just keep coming. That offense is going to be absurd in 2-3 years.

If they sign one of the aces this winter gonna be a serious problem next year.

[NYCBrave]

Schwarber is some kind of unicorn beast. What a monster.

Imagine if we can draft someone like him next year and he'll be ready for the magical season of 2017 and a star out of the box?

[Dalyn]

Get it to Heyward, and they'll be fine.

[Dalyn]

Cubs!

[NYCBrave]

Get it to Heyward, and they'll be fine.

Heyward is officially a free agent, let's bring him home

[Dalyn]

Cahill with the win.

[Heyward]

Thank god, **** the Cardinals and their arrogant stuck up fans.

[Dalyn]

Thank god, **** the Cardinals and their arrogant stuck up fans.

Now that the season is officially over, The Don needs to add '15 to your title.

[CyYoung31]

Alright Johns, time to get working on Heyward's new contract.

[cajunrevenge]

These playoffs are going great. Yankees lose. Cardinals lose. Hopefully Dodgers get finished off. Rooting for the Cubs just because I want the back to the future thing to happen. Rooting for the Astros because I live in Houston and they need a deep playoff run to get interest back after so many really bad years. Rooting for the Mets just because they went about rebuilding the right way and arent winning because they have a huge payroll. I can respect that. Big fan of Matt Harvey, Wheeler, and Thor. Plus most of my best memories in baseball involve the Mets :)

[Hudson2]

Soler or Schwarber would he my main target this offseason. Teheran and Jenkins? Schwarzenegger could catch or play lf. It would free up money to to sign an ace.

[Heyward]

Soler or Schwarber would he my main target this offseason. Teheran and Jenkins? Schwarzenegger could catch or play lf. It would free up money to to sign an ace.

I can maybe see Soler.

Schwarber is untouchable, no way he's getting dealt.

[thewupk]

Cubs!

Team of destiny. 30 years in the making.

[NinersSBChamps]

Ef the Cubs. Rooting hard for the AL regardless of who makes it.

[Hudson2]

I can maybe see Soler.

Schwarber is untouchable, no way he's getting dealt.

Soler would be fine with me. That would be a step in the right direction to fixing the offense.

[thewupk]

Good outcome for the Cards/Cubs series. I'm pulling for the Cubs and Heyward had a really good series.

[Heyward]

Good outcome for the Cards/Cubs series. I'm pulling for the Cubs and Heyward had a really good series.

Same, hopefully he gets paid and is on another team next year, interested how much he's gonna command in FA.

[thewupk]

Same, hopefully he gets paid and is on another team next year, interested how much he's gonna command in FA.

I think 25+ easy. I think the 30 million his agent is shooting for will be a little too much.

[NinersSBChamps]

Same, hopefully he gets paid and is on another team next year, interested how much he's gonna command in FA.


I just want people to stop with this fantasy about him coming back here. I hope he signs with a team as quickly as possible when he can...this place is going to be terrible in the meantime.

[Heyward]

I just want people to stop with this fantasy about him coming back here. I hope he signs with a team as quickly as possible when he can...this place is going to be terrible in the meantime.

Yeah we arent getting him, not at the money he's gonna command.

[Heyward]

I think 25+ easy. I think the 30 million his agent is shooting for will be a little too much.

I could see 27-28 a year, rumor is he wants an opt out after Year 3 or 4.

[thewupk]

I just want people to stop with this fantasy about him coming back here. I hope he signs with a team as quickly as possible when he can...this place is going to be terrible in the meantime.

I know. Wanting top shelf talent on the Braves sucks.

[Heyward]

I know. Wanting top shelf talent on the Braves sucks.

LOL everyone would like him back, just not gonna happen.

[cajunrevenge]

I could see 27-28 a year, rumor is he wants an opt out after Year 3 or 4.

These opt outs are getting ridiculous.

[CrimsonCowboy]

654100628990525440

[thewupk]

LOL everyone would like him back, just not gonna happen.

I doubt everyone would want him back. And whether it's Heyward or someone else they will need to bring in a top guy at some point if they want to contend anytime soon.

[Heyward]

I doubt everyone would want him back. And whether it's Heyward or someone else they will need to bring in a top guy at some point if they want to contend anytime soon.

Also true, looking at the FA market next couple years, not much out there.

Or get lucky in the draft.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Wow

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[bravesnumberone]

Stick it up your ass, Cardinals!

[CrimsonCowboy]

Don't tell me Collins is going to put deGrom in the game.

[Heyward]

Don't tell me Collins is going to put deGrom in the game.

For one inning, wouldnt be bad.

Pretty much a bullpen session.

[Heyward]

Greinke/DeGrom with a spot for the NLCS on the line, buckle up.

[AerchAngel]

Some Cardinal fans are on suicide watch.

Not because they lost. But they lost to the Cubs.

[bravesnumberone]

It'd be the ultimate irony if the Cubs, a third-place team, won the whole thing.

[Heyward]

It'd be the ultimate irony if the Cubs, a third-place team, won the whole thing.

They won 96 games, not like they barely snuck in.

[CrimsonCowboy]

I know a lot of fans wanting to see someone else besides the usual teams win the World Series. Many are tired of the Giants, Cardinals, Yankees, Red Sox, and such winning it all it seems every year. This ought to make some happy. Of the teams left now:

Toronto Blue Jays: Last won World Series in 1993
Los Angeles Dodgers: Last won World Series in 1988
New York Mets: Last won World Series in 1986
Kansas City Royals: Last won World Series in 1985
Chicago Cubs: Last won World Series in 1908
Texas Rangers: Has never won the World Series
Houston Astros: Has never won the World Series

[bravesnumberone]

They won 96 games, not like they barely snuck in.

Of course. But still they'd be the first third-place team ever to win it. Just neat, considering they've somehow not won in over 100 years.

[The Chosen One]

Technically the Cubs were 5th place in the NL. (2nd Wild Card team non division winner).