GDT 8/14/2013: Phillies @ Braves

[Krovahn]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g_rTE7qaXag/UAINHwZiVBI/AAAAAAAAE1I/_ayVSBuYK4E/s320/braves.jpg

Tonight's lineup for your Atlanta Braves:
Jason Heyward RF
Justin Upton LF
Freddie Freeman 1B
Evan Gattis C
Chris Johnson 3B
Tyler Pastornicky 2B
Bossman Jr. Upton CF
Paul Janish SS
Brandon Beachy P

Tonight's lineup for the visiting Phillies:
Jimmy Rollins SS
Michael Young 1B
Chase Utley 2B
Dominic Brown LF
Darin Ruf RF
Cody Asche 3B
John Mayberry CF
Carlos Ruiz C
John Lannan P

[Orphan Black]

Hope Beachy keeps the progress up tonight.

[Hulavol]

Love it when the big white bear is in there!!

[chopdrew]

Damn, Janish and Pnick in there? Beachy's gonna hafta be good

[zbhargrove]

Well we don't have to look at Uggla and BJ bat together now... now (at least for today) we have to look at BJ and Janish together... I think I pefer the former, but Simmons prob does need a day off. I just wish we had a better offensive backup.

[zbhargrove]

Damn, Janish and Pnick in there? Beachy's gonna hafta be good

Are you referring to their defense or offense? Pnick is a fine defensive 2nd baseman and Janish is a fantastic defensive SS who can't hit. Offensively, yes it sucks to have Janish in there but Pnick is much better than Uggla stick wise.

[bravesnumberone]

I would have liked to have the main lineup in there to try to win the series, especially with the off day coming tomorrow. But maybe Janish can surprise us. Let's hope John Lannan doesn't put one of his two-hit shut outs up.

[Braves1976]

I would have liked to have the main lineup in there to try to win the series, especially with the off day coming tomorrow. But maybe Janish can surprise us. Let's hope John Lannan doesn't put one of his two-hit shut outs up.

I understand giving Janish a game at short. But it would be better to do so on a day Mac starts and BJ sits, IMO.

[parkvadawg]

BJ carries the offense tonight. Feels it in my bones.

[cajunrevenge]

Simmons stats over the last 7 days .150/.227/.200. I dont think he will be missed offensively.

[chopdrew]

Are you referring to their defense or offense? Pnick is a fine defensive 2nd baseman and Janish is a fantastic defensive SS who can't hit. Offensively, yes it sucks to have Janish in there but Pnick is much better than Uggla stick wise.
Offense. And when Pastornicky hits 21 hrs in a season i'll buy that he's "much better" than Uggla offensively. You people put so much stock in batting average. It's cute.

[Braves1976]

Offense. And when Pastornicky hits 21 hrs in a season i'll buy that he's "much better" than Uggla offensively. You people put so much stock in batting average. It's cute.

Pastornicky has a 1 DRS at second for his MLB career (small sample size I know) while Uggla is at -15 for this season. So defensively Pastornicky is a clear upgrade, even if he plays only average or a bit below at second.

As far as the offense goes, Uggla OPS this year isn't even .700 including his 21 homers. Plus he's one of the worst with RISP (and strikes out a lot with a runner at third and less than two outs). Pastornicky doesn't need to hit 21 homers to top that offensively. He just needs to make contact better and put up a .650 OPS or better. This will be enough to top Uggla as long as Pastornicky makes a little contact in situations Uggla almost never does (and also uses his speed to steal some bases).

[tvsportscaster]

Tarp is on the field it's raining in Atlanta yet again. Game will be delayed.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Another rain delay

[Braves1976]

Tarp is on the field it's raining in Atlanta yet again. Game will be delayed.

We've been losing everytime there is a rain delay a lot lately (or so it seems). This being the case and given our line-up I'd be okay with a rain out. Then again that might not be good if the boys lose their off day tomorrow.

[BlackwaterPark]

Damn rain :(

[chopdrew]

Lol. Is this where someone tells me about "situational baseball" again? That's quaint, like when my grandma used to take the phone off the hook during lightning storms so the house wouldn't get hit. Situational baseball does not exist over the course of 162 games, and people that advocate one player over another because of their ability to "put it in play" miss the point. I don't dispute that uggla's been hit & miss this year, but scratch singles don't impress me, regardless of situation. Mickey Mantle once said about Pete Rose that "if he (Mantle) had gone to work every day trying to hit scratch singles, he'd have worn a skirt." Don't confuse "contact" with production.

[BlackwaterPark]

We've been losing everytime there is a rain delay a lot lately (or so it seems). This being the case and given our line-up I'd be okay with a rain out.

Not I....Double headers are brutal

[tvsportscaster]

Not I....Double headers are brutal

In all likelihood if this one is rained out, they would play it tomorrow as both teams are off. The Phillies don't come back to Atlanta until the final series of the year, and the Braves certainly don't want a doubleheader that weekend certainly not with the post-season looming.

[Braves1976]

Not I....Double headers are brutal

A double header in late Sept with our call-ups should be easy. Keep in mind that by then I expect we'd already locked up our division too. But it is possible they might make it up tomorrow (our off day) so that wouldn't be good.

[Braves1976]

In all likelihood if this one is rained out, they would play it tomorrow as both teams are off. The Phillies don't come back to Atlanta until the final series of the year, and the Braves certainly don't want a doubleheader that weekend certainly not with the post-season looming.

I think we'd prefer the latter personally. We'll have extra players on hand (Sept. call-ups) to play it (and should have already won our division). But I agree that we wouldn't want to play tomorrow our off day.

[Hulavol]

Agree. I do not want a double header the last series of the season.
Besides, I am psyched for baseball tonight...

[tvsportscaster]

I think we'd prefer the latter personally. We'll have extra players on hand (Sept. call-ups) to play it (and should have already won our division). But I agree that we wouldn't want to play tomorrow our off day.

They were talking on tv, that they probably wouldn't want to risk it the last weekend of the season and it would be played tomorrow instead. However, that appears to be a moot point, because the rain has already slackened off and they should be playing shortly.

[stpeteirish]

but if they play in Sept we'll have Uggla back, with new eyes, its a no brainer Sarcasm

[mfree80]

Any word of the likelihood of,getting this one in? Or a potential start time?

[Braves1976]

Lol. Is this where someone tells me about "situational baseball" again? That's quaint, like when my grandma used to take the phone off the hook during lightning storms so the house wouldn't get hit. Situational baseball does not exist over the course of 162 games, and people that advocate one player over another because of their ability to "put it in play" miss the point. I don't dispute that uggla's been hit & miss this year, but scratch singles don't impress me, regardless of situation. Mickey Mantle once said about Pete Rose that "if he (Mantle) had gone to work every day trying to hit scratch singles, he'd have worn a skirt." Don't confuse "contact" with production.

If you think my point was only about situational hitting (or contact for that matter), then you missed part of it. I noted that Pastornicky wouldn't need to hit 21 homers to put up a similar OPS as Uggla too. And Pastornicky also brings speed to steal bases.

[tvsportscaster]

Any word of the likelihood of,getting this one in? Or a potential start time?

Listening to the radio rain delay show, they probably will get it in, the rain is lightening up, no word on the potential start time.

[Braves1976]

They were talking on tv, that they probably wouldn't want to risk it the last weekend of the season and it would be played tomorrow instead. However, that appears to be a moot point, because the rain has already slackened off and they should be playing shortly.

I know, that's why I edited my earlier post saying playing tomorrow wouldn't be good. I was okay with playing a DH in late Sept. though for the reasons I previously noted. I figured it would give us a chance to see someone like Mejia and Poveda (pitcher) play that might not otherwise. Which is fine by me once we lock up our division.

[Bdawg2309]

another L coming?
let's hope the trend of the last 2 rain delayed games doesn't continue

[chopdrew]

If you think my point was only about situational hitting (or contact for that matter), then you missed part of it. I noted that Pastornicky wouldn't need to hit 21 homers to put up a similar OPS as Uggla too. And Pastornicky also brings speed to steal bases.
Stealing bases is dumb. Unnecessary. I'm a Moneyball guy through & through. Listen, Uggla's been frustrating. No doubt. I think this LASIK will do him some good, and I hope it will, because when right, he hits home runs. That's why we paid him. I get really frustrated w people who talk about his batting average, because we didn't pay him to go 3-4 with three singles. I like Pastornicky, I think he's a better option off the bench than Janni. I just roll my eyes at people who think the key to winning baseball is contact. Playing for one run an inning is a coward's mentality.

[50PoundHead]

Stealing bases is dumb. Unnecessary. I'm a Moneyball guy through & through. Listen, Uggla's been frustrating. No doubt. I think this LASIK will do him some good, and I hope it will, because when right, he hits home runs. That's why we paid him. I get really frustrated w people who talk about his batting average, because we didn't pay him to go 3-4 with three singles. I like Pastornicky, I think he's a better option off the bench than Janni. I just roll my eyes at people who think the key to winning baseball is contact. Playing for one run an inning is a coward's mentality.

I don't disagree with the risk/reward angle of what you're saying, but you have to make contact to hit a HR and Uggla isn't making contact consistently. Sure, he still hits the big fly, but that is just about the only thing he brings to the table. You think any Moneyball organization would be paying Uggla what he's getting paid?

[Enscheff]

Moneyball guy talking about HRs? Did you even read Moneyball?

The problem with a lot of sabermetrics is that it assumes all runs are created equally, and all games are equally important.

Scoring 1 run off Kershaw in the NLCS is harder and more valuable than scoring 1 run off some scrub at the back end of the BP in September when the division is clinched.

When the Braves are down 2-1 in game 1 of the NLCS and Mac leads off with a double like he did a few nights ago, the rest of the lineup needs to score him. It is much easier to hit a grounder to 2B and a sac fly off Kershaw than it is to touch him up for a HR.

Most of the time it is best for players to take borderline pitches in an attempt to draw a walk rather than make weak contact, or swing for an extra base hit, but in some situtations contact needs to be made.

If you can't understand how sabemetrics fail at the micro level, then there isn't really any discussion to be had.

[Braves1976]

Stealing bases is dumb. Unnecessary. I'm a Moneyball guy through & through. Listen, Uggla's been frustrating. No doubt. I think this LASIK will do him some good, and I hope it will, because when right, he hits home runs. That's why we paid him. I get really frustrated w people who talk about his batting average, because we didn't pay him to go 3-4 with three singles. I like Pastornicky, I think he's a better option off the bench than Janni. I just roll my eyes at people who think the key to winning baseball is contact. Playing for one run an inning is a coward's mentality.

I believe there is a place for stealing bases. But I agree that we shouldn't be sending runners who don't have a very good stolen base percentage (including their track record). Plus it also goes back to my situational point you seem to totally dismiss. So I do think there are times where it's good to go for the stolen base. Otis Nixon was one of my favorite Braves back in the day.

That said, I actually appreciate Moneyball and I hate all the bunting that Fredi does.

[chopdrew]

I don't disagree with the risk/reward angle of what you're saying, but you have to make contact to hit a HR and Uggla isn't making contact consistently. Sure, he still hits the big fly, but that is just about the only thing he brings to the table. You think any Moneyball organization would be paying Uggla what he's getting paid?
Yeah, if they couldn't move him. Listen, the guy hit 21 hr blind. He walks a good bit, and his eyesight is an issue. As a guy who's eyesight went pretty much midseason playing college ball, I completely identify with that whole "duck out of the way of a curveball" thing. I sympathize with the guy. The guys hit 76 hr's as a Brave. That's not bad at all. And that in and of itself is value.

[The Chosen One]

Im fairly certain we paid Uggla to be. .240-.260 average guy, but even with the home runs and walks he's around .180.

Jesus he's so terrible I would have accepted .210-.225

[parkvadawg]

Word on the start time?

[chopdrew]

Moneyball guy talking about HRs? Did you even read Moneyball?

The problem with a lot of sabermetrics is that it assumes all runs are created equally, and all games are equally important.

Scoring 1 run off Kershaw in the NLCS is harder and more valuable than scoring 1 run off some scrub at the back end of the BP in September when the division is clinched.

When the Braves are down 2-1 in game 1 of the NLCS and Mac leads off with a double like he did a few nights ago, the rest of the lineup needs to score him. It is much easier to hit a grounder to 2B and a sac fly off Kershaw than it is to touch him up for a HR.

Most of the time it is best for players to take borderline pitches in an attempt to draw a walk rather than make weak contact, or swing for an extra base hit, but in some situtations contact needs to be made.

If you can't understand how sabemetrics fail at the micro level, then there isn't really any discussion to be had.

Don't talk down to me, dick. I understand sabermetrics. I also understand how runs are different in different situations. I also understand that if you play to only score one run against Kershaw, chances are that's all you're going to do. If you only get one, be fine with it, but don't change everything you do because you think the pitcher you're facing is elite. Playing for one, particularly in early innings, playoffs or no, gets you beat more often than not.

[The Chosen One]

Let's keep it civil guys. Thanks.

[chopdrew]

Im fairly certain we paid Uggla to be. .240-.260 average guy, but even with the home runs and walks he's around .180.

Jesus he's so terrible I would have accepted .210-.225

Batting average doesn't matter. His obp is lower than i'd like, and thats disappointing, but batting average is archaic. I'm more concerned over whether or not he eats too much garlic than I am with his batting average. He strikes out too much, and his obp is lower than normal for him, but batting average just takes up a spot on his baseball card at this point. We as a people have WAY more accurate measure of his productivity than batting average. Now, you could say that those way more accurate measures are also lacking, and i'd agree with you, but don't tell me about batting average. You're smarter than that.

[chopdrew]

Let's keep it civil guys. Thanks.
My bad, Keif. I don't like being talked down to. Won't happen again. Going stir crazy waiting for game.

[The Chosen One]

Batting average doesn't matter. His obp is lower than i'd like, and thats disappointing, but batting average is archaic. I'm more concerned over whether or not he eats too much garlic than I am with his batting average. He strikes out too much, and his obp is lower than normal for him, but batting average just takes up a spot on his baseball card at this point. We as a people have WAY more accurate measure of his productivity than batting average. Now, you could say that those way more accurate measures are also lacking, and i'd agree with you, but don't tell me about batting average. You're smarter than that.

I don't normally care about batting average but .180 for a starting second baseman getting 15 million is unacceptable. His OBP would be higher if his batting average was better.

[jpx7]

I'm more concerned over whether or not he eats too much garlic

That's not possible.

[tvsportscaster]

Word on the start time?

Still raining, they're a long way from starting.

[parkvadawg]

That's not possible.

Agreed no such thing

[The Chosen One]

This season convinced me batting average was overrated considering CJ and Freddi are our only average guys. Every one else has been closer to 200 than 300. But I repeat, Ugglas's .180 for how much he is getting paid is unacceptable. Bj doesn't even walk.

[chopdrew]

I don't normally care about batting average but .180 for a starting second baseman getting 15 million is unacceptable. His OBP would be higher if his batting average was better.
Well, you're not wrong about his numbers. .305 obp is unacceptable. But you guys act like he's not trying, like he's sitting at home counting his money and laughing evilly. I hope this LASIK helps. If it doesn't, I'll be ready to give up on him too.

[The Chosen One]

Well, you're not wrong about his numbers. .305 obp is unacceptable. But you guys act like he's not trying, like he's sitting at home counting his money and laughing evilly. I hope this LASIK helps. If it doesn't, I'll be ready to give up on him too.

Never said he wasn't trying. I know he cares because he drops an f-bomb after every strike out. However he is the highest paid player on the team and this isn't little league where you get A for effort.

[Braves1976]

Well, you're not wrong about his numbers. .305 obp is unacceptable. But you guys act like he's not trying, like he's sitting at home counting his money and laughing evilly. I hope this LASIK helps. If it doesn't, I'll be ready to give up on him too.

I don't recall ever questioning Uggla's effort. I love that he always hustles to first, etc. Now I have questioned BJ for not hustling, but not Uggla.

[tvsportscaster]

Tarp is coming off, no start time yet.

[chopdrew]

Never said he wasn't trying. I know he cares because he drops an f-bomb after every strike out. However he is the highest paid player on the team and this isn't little league where you get A for effort.

BJ makes more than him. Not that THAT helps his case...;)

[tvsportscaster]

8:55 First pitch

[ESP47]

Batting average doesn't matter. His obp is lower than i'd like, and thats disappointing, but batting average is archaic. I'm more concerned over whether or not he eats too much garlic than I am with his batting average. He strikes out too much, and his obp is lower than normal for him, but batting average just takes up a spot on his baseball card at this point. We as a people have WAY more accurate measure of his productivity than batting average. Now, you could say that those way more accurate measures are also lacking, and i'd agree with you, but don't tell me about batting average. You're smarter than that.

What on earth are you talking about? First you say batting average doesn't matter, then you say his obp is lower than you'd like. Now considering Uggla is one of baseballs walk leaders....what other useless stat out there would he need to improve to get his obp up to his career norms?

You say playing for 1 run is foolish. So why does it matter if he strikes out too much? Swing for the fences if 1 run innings and batting average don't matter.

You're coming at everyone as this statistical know it all and then you're turning around pointing out Uggla's faults...which all in turn point directly at the very statistic that you're saying doesn't matter.

[Braves1976]

Lincecum sure isn't what he use to be, he looks rather bad against the Nats so far tonight.

[AUTiger7222]

8:55 first pitch

[chopdrew]

What on earth are you talking about? First you say batting average doesn't matter, then you say his obp is lower than you'd like. Now considering Uggla is one of baseballs walk leaders....what other useless stat out there would he need to improve to get his obp up to his career norms?

You say playing for 1 run is foolish. So why does it matter if he strikes out too much? Swing for the fences if 1 run innings and batting average don't matter.

You're coming at everyone as this statistical know it all and then you're turning around pointing out Uggla's faults...which all in turn point directly at the very statistic that you're saying doesn't matter.

The statement "batting average doesn't matter, but his obp is low." isnt at all contradictory. I understand how on base percentage is calculated.

I do think playing for one run is foolish. At any point. A team should be fighting to keep an inning from ending, regardless of who the pitcher is.

I'm probably Uggla's biggest supporter. I think his HR's, RBIs, and runs scored are undervalued. But if he's going to keep up his current contact rate, he's gonna have to walk a lot more.

Do you think batting average matters? If so, please never address me again.

[bravesnumberone]

Since there was a rain delay, we probably lose.

The one plus of the delay was them showing the Chipper documentary. Makes me miss him even more.

[AUTiger7222]

Lol. Is this where someone tells me about "situational baseball" again? That's quaint, like when my grandma used to take the phone off the hook during lightning storms so the house wouldn't get hit. Situational baseball does not exist over the course of 162 games, and people that advocate one player over another because of their ability to "put it in play" miss the point. I don't dispute that uggla's been hit & miss this year, but scratch singles don't impress me, regardless of situation. Mickey Mantle once said about Pete Rose that "if he (Mantle) had gone to work every day trying to hit scratch singles, he'd have worn a skirt." Don't confuse "contact" with production.

Dan Uggla has an OPS of just .696 this season. Sorry but that is pathetic. No arguing about it. Pastornicky is capable of posting an OPS close to that.

[AUTiger7222]

Since there was a rain delay, we probably lose.

The one plus of the delay was them showing the Chipper documentary. Makes me miss him even more.

I miss him too but I've seen it so many times that I'm sick of it. I'm sick of all these rain delay shows. Why can't they show something different?

[50PoundHead]

Yeah, if they couldn't move him. Listen, the guy hit 21 hr blind. He walks a good bit, and his eyesight is an issue. As a guy who's eyesight went pretty much midseason playing college ball, I completely identify with that whole "duck out of the way of a curveball" thing. I sympathize with the guy. The guys hit 76 hr's as a Brave. That's not bad at all. And that in and of itself is value.

The point being, he's effing blind. His trend line was in steady decline before his eyes started bothering him. My point is this (and others have decried your Moneyball comparison) is that a Moneyball team would have brought him in for a year and then let him walk because he was going to get too expensive. If you look at the A's, that's what they did consistently in the early-2000s after they had to break up their core (the 3 stud pitches, Giambi, and Tejada). If a team is supposedly hamstrung by budget issues, you don't roll the dice with a guy like Uggla. And unfortunately, Uggla doesn't get any points for what he's done in the past. This ain't golf where you get a handicap based on what you've done before. The game is played in real time and space.

As for sympathy, I sympathize with pretty much every player when they are trending downward as fast as Uggla is.

[chopdrew]

The point being, he's effing blind. His trend line was in steady decline before his eyes started bothering him. My point is this (and others have decried your Moneyball comparison) is that a Moneyball team would have brought him in for a year and then let him walk because he was going to get too expensive. If you look at the A's, that's what they did consistently in the early-2000s after they had to break up their core (the 3 stud pitches, Giambi, and Tejada). If a team is supposedly hamstrung by budget issues, you don't roll the dice with a guy like Uggla. And unfortunately, Uggla doesn't get any points for what he's done in the past. This ain't golf where you get a handicap based on what you've done before. The game is played in real time and space.

As for sympathy, I sympathize with pretty much every player when they are trending downward as fast as Uggla is.
So they would've cut him, knowing they'd still have had to pay him for three years, OR, they would've traded him to some team and ate 80 cents on the dollar to get rid of him?

[jsebe10]

Offense. And when Pastornicky hits 21 hrs in a season i'll buy that he's "much better" than Uggla offensively. You people put so much stock in batting average. It's cute.

Dude, Uggla sucks. You might have the same eye sight as him...

I'll stop putting so much stock into batting average just as soon as MLB stops handing out accolades for it.

[bravesnumberone]

I miss him too but I've seen it so many times that I'm sick of it. I'm sick of all these rain delay shows. Why can't they show something different?

It was the first time I'd seen it, but I agree they tend to re-run stuff over and over. Wish they had the rights to some old highlights video or something like that.

[chopdrew]

Also, I've had LASIK. It's phenomenal. It's Tommy John for the optic system. I see better than 20/20 now. It wouldn't surprise me if he saw significant improvement from this.

[chopdrew]

Dude, Uggla sucks. You might have the same eye sight as him...

I'll stop putting so much stock into batting average just as soon as MLB stops handing out accolades for it.

They shouldn't give accolades for it anymore.

[thethe]

Also, I've had LASIK. It's phenomenal. It's Tommy John for the optic system. I see better than 20/20 now. It wouldn't surprise me if he saw significant improvement from this.

I agree. I think we are going to see a better Uggla in September. I really do not want him on the team but his level of ineptitude was much more than just simple regression.

[thethe]

Batting average does matter to an extent. You have to prove that you can actually hit a baseball. Not saying you need to hit 300 but you can't hit 230 and be effective IMO for a long period of time. Sure, there is the rare case of Adam Dunn but that is few and far between.

[Braves1976]

So they would've cut him, knowing they'd still have had to pay him for three years, OR, they would've traded him to some team and ate 80 cents on the dollar to get rid of him?

I'm pretty sure part of 50's point was that they'd let him walk (instead of signing him long term to a big contract right away like we did).

[thethe]

Bad call yet again.

[bravesnumberone]

It's not the most important stat, but there's still something to be said for how many hits you get on average.

[ESP47]

The statement "batting average doesn't matter, but his obp is low." isnt at all contradictory. I understand how on base percentage is calculated.

I do think playing for one run is foolish. At any point. A team should be fighting to keep an inning from ending, regardless of who the pitcher is.

I'm probably Uggla's biggest supporter. I think his HR's, RBIs, and runs scored are undervalued. But if he's going to keep up his current contact rate, he's gonna have to walk a lot more.

Do you think batting average matters? If so, please never address me again.

Yeah batting average matters and I'm going to address you with it whether you like it or not.

There's only a certain amount of walks a player can draw unless they're being pitched around ala Barry Bonds. Dan Uggla isn't a player that pitchers pitch around. He draws walks by having a good eye and taking borderline pitches that sometimes get him on base and sometimes send him back to the pine. Statistically there's only so many walks a guy like Uggla can take before he has hardly any hits and has a record smashing amount of strikeouts. If you're already one of the top players at drawing walks and your OBP is still hovering around .300...then the only other plausible explanation is batting average. You see if Mr. Uggla had a "normal" batting average of .250 or so, he'd now have an OBP of about .370. Oh how wonderful would that be?!?

Hitting the ball and not getting out wins games. What a novel idea!

If you're going to ***** and moan about being talked down to, I'd suggest not talking down to others at the same time.

[chopdrew]

Batting average does matter to an extent. You have to prove that you can actually hit a baseball. Not saying you need to hit 300 but you can't hit 230 and be effective IMO for a long period of time. Sure, there is the rare case of Adam Dunn but that is few and far between.
You can if you walk enough to keep your obp at a respectable level. My point is, and has been for a while, that there is no difference between a walk and a hit. I believe that. Getting on base is better than not getting on base. Has Uggla been doing that enough? No. He hasn't. And I agree with anyone else who thinks that. I just think we put way too much stock in a "batting" stat that throws out between 25-35% of a guys at bats.

[chopdrew]

Yeah batting average matters and I'm going to address you with it whether you like it or not.

There's only a certain amount of walks a player can draw unless they're being pitched around ala Barry Bonds. Dan Uggla isn't a player that pitchers pitch around. He draws walks by having a good eye and taking borderline pitches that sometimes get him on base and sometimes send him back to the pine. Statistically there's only so many walks a guy like Uggla can take before he has hardly any hits and has a record smashing amount of strikeouts. If you're already one of the top players at drawing walks and your OBP is still hovering around .300...then the only other plausible explanation is batting average. You see if Mr. Uggla had a "normal" batting average of .250 or so, he'd now have an OBP of about .370. Oh how wonderful would that be?!?

Hitting the ball and not getting out wins games. What a novel idea!

If you're going to ***** and moan about being talked down to, I'd suggest not talking down to others at the same time.

Well, enjoy being wrong. Batting average is obsolete as a measure of a players effectiveness.

[bravesnumberone]

Good job working around some bad luck. Let's score early and often.

[AUTiger7222]

I miss Simba's defense already. I'm sure Beachy does too.

[chopdrew]

I'm pretty sure part of 50's point was that they'd let him walk (instead of signing him long term to a big contract right away like we did).

Sure, but he hit .290 the year before they traded for him. I'm sure that was enough for some people. Hell, his first year here he only hit .233, but he had 36 hr. That's an output I was more than happy with.

[Braves1976]

Good job working around some bad luck. Let's score early and often.

Janish is solid defensively at short and I don't mean to pick on him. But Simmons likely makes both those plays for outs. That's just how great Simmons is defensively. It makes you appreciate him even more when he's not in there.

[Tapate50]

Anyone feel like having Simmons in there would have shortened that inning by about 7 or 8 pitches?

[BravesBlock]

Also, I've had LASIK. It's phenomenal. It's Tommy John for the optic system. I see better than 20/20 now. It wouldn't surprise me if he saw significant improvement from this.
I had it back in 2000 and agree that it is awesome. As long as his bat speed hasn't dropped off as some here have speculated then he should at least clearly see the ball miss his bat. 😄

[AUTiger7222]

You can if you walk enough to keep your obp at a respectable level. My point is, and has been for a while, that there is no difference between a walk and a hit. I believe that. Getting on base is better than not getting on base. Has Uggla been doing that enough? No. He hasn't. And I agree with anyone else who thinks that. I just think we put way too much stock in a "batting" stat that throws out between 25-35% of a guys at bats.

If you truly believe there's no difference between a hit and a walk you need to get a clue. It's a hell of a lot easier to score on 3 singles in a row than it is to get 4 straight walks to score a run. And for all the praise you're giving Uggla about having 21 homeruns he still has a slugging percentage below .400 and an OPS below .600. Sorry but those are terrible numbers especially when the guy's average is .180.

[thethe]

Anyone feel like having Simmons in there would have shortened that inning by about 7 or 8 pitches?

Not sure if he could have done anyting with Browns grounder but he definitely makes the play on Michael Young.

Shouldn't be a slight to Janish because Simmons might be only a handful of MLB SS that can make that play.

[thethe]

Heyward is amazing!

[TURBO]

boooooom

[Braves1976]

Anyone feel like having Simmons in there would have shortened that inning by about 7 or 8 pitches?

No doubt about it.

Good start by Heyward!

[The Chosen One]

Love Heyward.

[AUTiger7222]

HOMERUN JASON HEYWARD!!!!!

[Tapate50]

If he love baseball that would have been a two run job. Nice!

[chopdrew]

Ok, onto game discussion. Nice job working out of trouble there, Beach.

[Gary82]

Heyward's nothing but a 4th OFer.

[bravesnumberone]

Great start!

[AUTiger7222]

I absolutely love it when Jason Heyward is doing that!

[Gary82]

Jason's avg up to .255 now. Amazing comeback.

[Heyward]

Love Heyward.

Thanks.

[The Chosen One]

Heyward is the next Francoeur.

[AUTiger7222]

Sure, but he hit .290 the year before they traded for him. I'm sure that was enough for some people. Hell, his first year here he only hit .233, but he had 36 hr. That's an output I was more than happy with.

Unless Dan Uggla has had eye issues for 3 years now he's not come close to the same level of production with the Braves that he had with the Marlins

2006 - .819
2007 - .805
2008 - .874
2009 - .813
2010 - .877
2011 - .764
2012 - .732
2013 - .696

[JusticeForAll23]

We've already matched our run total from our previous two rain delay games....combined!

[50PoundHead]

So they would've cut him, knowing they'd still have had to pay him for three years, OR, they would've traded him to some team and ate 80 cents on the dollar to get rid of him?

I had some details of the contract wrong, but what I'm arguing is that they shouldn't have extended him for four years when (or shortly after) they traded for him. They should have let him play a year and then let him gauge the market. He had six years in and would have been a free agent. If he has a monster year, offer him arbitration. Of course, the Braves don't do that.

As for batting average not mattering, I agree it is not the sole determinant of a player's value. I don't think any one statistical category is by itself. For the record, Uggla's isoOBP is the second highest of his career, so the fact that his OPS is low is directly related to his failure to hit the ball. One can argue, perhaps persuasively, that BABIP has an element of luck, but when you are striking out at the rate Uggla is, luck's not playing that big a role.

I don't have anything inherently against Uggla. He is who he is, but he's if he's not an .800 OPS guy with a bat, he's not worth what he's being paid.

[AUTiger7222]

Anyone feel like having Simmons in there would have shortened that inning by about 7 or 8 pitches?

Yep

[skidlee]

I don't see why anyone would want Pastor getting 500+ ABs as their teams starting 2b. I just don't see his bat playing in the majors well enough to be considered and everyday player.

Has a team ever does a shift where they move to the opposite field? Because thats exactly want you would do for pastor. He is a punch and judy hitter with sub par D.

I hope the braves trade him.

[Gary82]

Another hit for Freeman. ho hum

[thethe]

BE PATIENT EVAN!

[Julio3000]

Heyward is amazing!

Could probably move him now.

[bravesnumberone]

Weightroom.

Great baserunning by Freddie

[thethe]

So close. If this was a hot night that was gone.

[thethe]

Could probably move him now.

Could we get Francouer back for him?

[Braves1976]

Gattis just missed a three run bomb, but worked out like bunting both runners up.

[parkvadawg]

Wonder when the "I was wrong about Jason posts will start" it's about that time.

[Braves1976]

Come on CJ!

[AUTiger7222]

I don't see why anyone would want Pastor getting 500+ ABs as their teams starting 2b. I just don't see his bat playing in the majors well enough to be considered and everyday player.

Has a team ever does a shift where they move to the opposite field? Because thats exactly want you would do for pastor. He is a punch and judy hitter with sub par D.

I hope the braves trade him.

I agree. Rev isn't a guy you want starting but I think he would be a good bench bat who could hit enough if he needed to start for a couple of weeks you wouldn't suffer from having absolutely no production in that spot.

[zitothebrave]

Who cares less about baseball, Jason or Justin?

[Dalyn]

Could we get Francouer back for him?

Not if thethe Gonzalez has anything to do with it!

http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4604596888144261&pid=15.1

[bravesnumberone]

CJ is way late.

Not that time.

[TDlxANDER]

Wow...what a catch

[weso1]

BS

[BravesBlock]

Wonder when the "I was wrong about Jason posts will start" it's about that time.
No where near time for that. I still think if we can package him for a TOR starter we should do it. We have a couple of options for right field.

[Gary82]

CJ with a sac fly. 2-0!

[Braves1976]

Man, I thought that would drop. Great catch. Come on Pastornicky!

[weso1]

Great job by CJ to at least get one there.

[bravesnumberone]

Great hustle, Pastor.

[AUTiger7222]

I like Rev's speed. Got a hit out of nothing there to keep the inning going.

[TDlxANDER]

Nice hustle by Pastor

[JusticeForAll23]

Nice to see a productive out after back-to-back games of back-to-back K's with a runner on 3rd and less than 2 outs.

[zitothebrave]

No where near time for that. I still think if we can package him for a TOR starter we should do it. We have a couple of options for right field.

None of them good though.

BOOM

[Gary82]

whats with all the infield singles

[Braves1976]

I thought he might beat that out, that's what I love about his speed. Nice hustle kid. But now it's up to BJ Upton.

[thethe]

No where near time for that. I still think if we can package him for a TOR starter we should do it. We have a couple of options for right field.

First you offer a contract extention. If he turns it down then you trade him.

[weso1]

Man... that was Utley's ball all the way, but the pitcher still needs to get over there.

[Dalyn]

I agree. Rev isn't a guy you want starting but I think he would be a good bench bat who could hit enough if he needed to start for a couple of weeks you wouldn't suffer from having absolutely no production in that spot.

I think Tyler could actually become (somewhat) valuable offensively with experience. .290 .340 .370 with around 20 stolen bases. Not fantastic, but not bad at all.

[parkvadawg]

No where near time for that. I still think if we can package him for a TOR starter we should do it. We have a couple of options for right field.

Like? Gattis in left fill time? No thanks what if Mac doesn't sign?

[thethe]

I think Tyler could actually become (somewhat) valuable offensively with experience. .290 .340 .370 with around 20 stolen bases. Not fantastic, but not bad at all.

I agree. Don't get the negative sentiment towards him.

[TDlxANDER]

Oh hey look, BJ's back

[thethe]

Oh boy...BJ just doesn't have a clue.

[AUTiger7222]

BJ just stands there like he has no clue.

[zitothebrave]

First you offer a contract extention. If he turns it down then you trade him.

Or you just let him leave via FA and get a high draft pick. We have to try to keep Heyward at all costs. Period. Heyward and Freeman are 2 you build around.

[skidlee]

I agree. Don't get the negative sentiment towards him.

because he isn't as good as people think he is

[Gary82]

It said BJ took three strikes. Does he have any idea where the strike zone is? Maybe he needs LASIK.

[Braves1976]

Terrible AB by BJ again, he just sat there and took them right down the pipe.

[chopdrew]

No where near time for that. I still think if we can package him for a TOR starter we should do it. We have a couple of options for right field.

You wanna trade Jason Heyward and I'M the idiot? lol...

[chopdrew]

It said BJ took three strikes. Does he have any idea where the strike zone is? Maybe he needs LASIK.

Vaginal Reconstruction...

[Runnin]

Young Bossman disproving the old adage that there's no such thing as a bad BJ.

[Dalyn]

because he isn't as good as people think he is

No one thinks he is that good.

[Braves1976]

I agree. Don't get the negative sentiment towards him.

Agreed. Plus Pastornicky is better defensively than Uggla at second.

[jpack1]

How can you be so lost to take 2 88mph FBS down the pipe.

[AUTiger7222]

I think Tyler could actually become (somewhat) valuable offensively with experience. .290 .340 .370 with around 20 stolen bases. Not fantastic, but not bad at all.

I don't think he would hit that much. I think he could do maybe .260/.320/.340 with around the 20 stolen bases if he were to start everyday. There's been much worse guys than that get 500 at-bats in a season. I was just saying on a good team like the Braves he's the perfect guy to have on the bench since he can play both infield and outfield. Having seen a few games of him playing the outfield I'm perfectly comfortable with him out there.

[skidlee]

Or you just let him leave via FA and get a high draft pick. We have to try to keep Heyward at all costs. Period. Heyward and Freeman are 2 you build around.

I agree

[BravesBlock]

Like? Gattis in left fill time? No thanks what if Mac doesn't sign?
Justin stays in left. As we have all witnessed, his defense isn't good enough for right. Gattis is our fall back in case we lose Mac. If Mac resigns then I could see them trading Laird or Gattis. For right field I think we let Terdo and Shaffer battle it out.

[zitothebrave]

No one thinks he is that good.

Some peopel think he's better than Uggla, and that likely isn't the case.

[Heyward]

First you offer a contract extention. If he turns it down then you trade him.

Sadly, I agree.

Better get value instead of a meh draft pick.

[Tapate50]

I would love to be a fly on the wall when Fedi and Beej discuss his issues.

[thethe]

Or you just let him leave via FA and get a high draft pick. We have to try to keep Heyward at all costs. Period. Heyward and Freeman are 2 you build around.

Can't let a player of his value leave for just a draft pick. You give it one more year and if he doesn't accept a contract you trade him for a bunch of studs. Getting a draft pick for Jason Heyward is a complete and utter disaster.

[Gary82]

I think Pastor would need to excel defensively to start every day, and I just don't see that happening. He doesn't have great instincts.

edit: He hasn't exhibited to me great instincts.

[skidlee]

Agreed. Plus Pastornicky is better defensively than Uggla at second.


that isn't exactly hard to do

[zitothebrave]

Justin stays in left. As we have all witnessed, his defense isn't good enough for right. Gattis is our fall back in case we lose Mac. If Mac resigns then I could see them trading Laird or Gattis. For right field I think we let Terdo and Shaffer battle it out.

Jordan Schafer to start? Lulz

Not to mention I'd love seeing how many doubles and triples an OF with Terds in RF lets up

[Heyward]

No where near time for that. I still think if we can package him for a TOR starter we should do it. We have a couple of options for right field.

Only reason I'd do that is because I don't think he'd sign an extension with us.

What ace are we talking about whose under control for 5+ years?

[AUTiger7222]

Where the hell did a bat come from?

[50PoundHead]

I don't see why anyone would want Pastor getting 500+ ABs as their teams starting 2b. I just don't see his bat playing in the majors well enough to be considered and everyday player.

Has a team ever does a shift where they move to the opposite field? Because thats exactly want you would do for pastor. He is a punch and judy hitter with sub par D.

I hope the braves trade him.

I'm not a big Pastornicky guy, but pretty much the exact words you wrote about him were written about Martin Prado when he first came up. It's way early on Pastornicky. He likely projects as a utility guy. He reminds me a lot of Jamey Carroll.

[Heyward]

Or you just let him leave via FA and get a high draft pick. We have to try to keep Heyward at all costs. Period. Heyward and Freeman are 2 you build around.

So you'd take a measly draft pick over proper value if you know he wont stay?

I love Heyward, but if we can't sign him, it's best to get value back for him. Letting him walk for a draft pick would be awful.

I hope they can extend him, but if not, it's best to unfortunately trade him for a haul.

[Julio3000]

Janish had no idea what to do with the bat.

[zitothebrave]

So you'd take a measly draft pick over proper value if you know he wont stay?

We're a winning team. I'll take a yerar of winning and a draft pick over a year of losing and some prospects.

[Gary82]

Dang, Beachy doesn't play. Braves already coming back up to bat.

[AUTiger7222]

Justin stays in left. As we have all witnessed, his defense isn't good enough for right. Gattis is our fall back in case we lose Mac. If Mac resigns then I could see them trading Laird or Gattis. For right field I think we let Terdo and Shaffer battle it out.

Justin is better in RF than LF. He won the fielding bible in RF a couple years ago. This year he's playing LF in the majors for the first time ever.

[The Chosen One]

Creatures of the night wondering why the Owl isn't on the field.

[bravesnumberone]

BJ either needs his head or eyes examined. I mean how much can one suck? Does he just think every pitch is a ball?

Keep on rolling, Beachy.

[Braves1976]

that isn't exactly hard to do

Nor did I suggest that was the case.

[Dalyn]

Jordan Schafer to start? Lulz

Not to mention I'd love seeing how many doubles and triples an OF with Terds in RF lets up

Can't believe people don't remember how terrible Jordan really is.

[weso1]

Janish is like an AL pitcher having to bat in an interleague game for the first time.

[parkvadawg]

So you'd take a measly draft pick over proper value if you know he wont stay?

Pretty confident we will keep Jason. We should. Someone shoot me in the face if Schafer is ever the starting RF

[zitothebrave]

Justin is better in RF than LF. He won the fielding bible in RF a couple years ago. This year he's playing LF in the majors for the first time ever.

People don't realize that playing the 2 corner spots is different. Balls jump differently and carry differently. Justin will improve in LF. People also have to remember that coming up Justin was originally an IF. He's only been playing the OF for about 6 or 7 years

[thethe]

We're a winning team. I'll take a yerar of winning and a draft pick over a year of losing and some prospects.

Trade one year of winning now for a couple of years of losing later? No thanks. You can trade a player of Heywards ability for an above average RF plus stud prospects.

I want Heyward to stay. I have wanted him to sign an extension even when he was struggling but if he makes it clear that he doesn't want to stay here then you need to move him. Getting a draft pick for Hewyward is a complete waste.

[skidlee]

I'm not a big Pastornicky guy, but pretty much the exact words you wrote about him were written about Martin Prado when he first came up. It's way early on Pastornicky. He likely projects as a utility guy. He reminds me a lot of Jamey Carroll.



I was never against Prado playing. I didn't understand why they traded for Uggla and moving Prado to LF.

[Braves1976]

Come on Janish work a walk!

Grrr, someone give Janish the take sign anytime he has 3-1 strike on him.

[BravesBlock]

I would love to be a fly on the wall when Fedi and Beej discuss his issues.
What do you when? Hopefully they have already had that conversation. If not then Freddi is not doing his job. I would love to be a fly on the wall in Frank Wrens luxury box while he is watching a game and BJ is playing. Wonder what he says in private.

[mfree80]

Can't believe people don't remember how terrible Jordan really is.

I really do believe players improve and mature. I think JS has turned a corner. I think he could start.

[yeezus]

I was never against Prado playing. I didn't understand why they traded for Uggla and moving Prado to LF.

No I don't, you're that guy from the book store, right?

[yeezus]

I really do believe players improve and mature. I think JS has turned a corner. I think he could start.

He would get exposed.
..again.
He's a very good 4th OFer. Not a starter.

[chopdrew]

Run that pitch count up, Lannan. Damn. Somebody left the pitching machine out there.

[Heyward]

We're a winning team. I'll take a yerar of winning and a draft pick over a year of losing and some prospects.

We are, but we also are building for tommorow.

If you can get a big offer back, it's something to consider assuming he would decline an extension.

[TDlxANDER]

True or False...Paul Janish should never swing in a 3-1 count.

[bravesnumberone]

Every single one of our pitchers is a better hitter than Janish.

[Gary82]

Mark Bowman ‏@mlbbowman 7m
B.J. looks at three strikes in a five-pitch at-bat to leave runners at the corners. He's now hitting .095 (7-for-74) w/ RISP.

Insane. I'd leave BJ off the playoff roster at this point.

[AUTiger7222]

It's a damn shame when the pitcher knows the strike zone and your "star" center-fielder doesn't.

[Heyward]

Pretty confident we will keep Jason. We should. Someone shoot me in the face if Schafer is ever the starting RF

He already turned down an extension, so it's not out of the realm to think he may not.

[Braves1976]

Haha, Beachy is better than Janish. He didn't swing and worked a walk. If Janish would've took the rest of AB he'd probably be on second now given Lannan's control issues.

[Dalyn]

I really do believe players improve and mature. I think JS has turned a corner. I think he could start.


Some certainly do. He is a valuable 4th outfielder. Nothing wrong with that.

[AUTiger7222]

Heyward is just smoking everything!

[yeezus]

Jason is just LACING the ball lately. Man!

[Heyward]

True or False...Paul Janish should never swing in a 3-1 count.

He should never swing at all.

[bravesnumberone]

Heyward is winning.

[thethe]

Jason hitting the ball HARD!

[Braves1976]

Heyward can do no wrong! Nice hustle as usual too! Good baserunning all around boys!

[Gary82]

IM NOT TRADING HEYWARD!:elefant:

[chopdrew]

j-hey up to .352 bop. I remember in april/may when we all thought he was garbage. He was carrying too much weight with that appendix.

[yeezus]

Heyward is just smoking everything!

You can't say this, Shanks just saw it and said "even crack, right??"

[skidlee]

No I don't, you're that guy from the book store, right?

huh?

[parkvadawg]

Schafer would have hit that 600 feet

[BravesBlock]

Justin is better in RF than LF. He won the fielding bible in RF a couple years ago. This year he's playing LF in the majors for the first time ever.
Which makes it odd that he appears to be a better defender in Left than Right.

[zitothebrave]

Trade one year of winning now for a couple of years of losing later? No thanks. You can trade a player of Heywards ability for an above average RF plus stud prospects.

I want Heyward to stay. I have wanted him to sign an extension even when he was struggling but if he makes it clear that he doesn't want to stay here then you need to move him. Getting a draft pick for Hewyward is a complete waste.

No lock those prospects amount to anything.

[Tapate50]

.226 other than the lead off spot and .364 in it? Like, whoa.

[AUTiger7222]

People don't realize that playing the 2 corner spots is different. Balls jump differently and carry differently. Justin will improve in LF. People also have to remember that coming up Justin was originally an IF. He's only been playing the OF for about 6 or 7 years

No he wasn't. BJ was the one that used to play IF. Justin has always played the OF since was drafted but it was always RF and CF. He never played LF in the minors or majors.

[Gary82]

All loaded up for Freddie!

[50PoundHead]

I was never against Prado playing. I didn't understand why they traded for Uggla and moving Prado to LF.

I was talking more about their projection when first entering the bigs. When I first saw Prado, I never thought he'd be able to pull the ball with any authority

I get that they needed power and traded for Uggla. I thought, and still think, that Prado made himself into a pretty good baseball player, but you need different-sized gears to have optimum synergy and I can see why they traded for Uggla.

[Braves1976]

Come on Freeman let's blow them out early! Oh, Lannan's out eh? OK.

[skidlee]

wow taking him out?

is he hurt?

[Tapate50]

Here comes the Vanilla Gorillla!

[bravesnumberone]

Well that sucks. Hopefully nothing serious for Lannan. Also sucks because we haven't done all that great against their terrible bullpen.

[Heyward]

No lock those prospects amount to anything.

But a pick in the 30's will?

[thethe]

No lock those prospects amount to anything.

Obviously not but if the draft pick (which is more of a crapshoot) turns out to bust then you literally got NOTHING back for Jason Heyward. That should not be an option. Unless there is some indication from McGuirk that they will open up the vault to keep Heyward then trading him should ALWAYS be an option.

[parkvadawg]

Lannan owns us

[zitothebrave]

No he wasn't. BJ was the one that used to play IF. Justin has always played the OF since was drafted but it was always RF and CF. He never played LF in the minors or majors.

Justin played 2B and SS IIRC growing up. Gilesfan can come in later for clarification.

[Julio3000]

Jason hitting the ball HARD!

If by "ball," you mean "pipe," yeah, most definitely.

Seriously, dude is just a force right now.

[50PoundHead]

Let's break this thing open. Lannan has been a pain in our side for years. It would be nice to knock him around tonight.

[Dalyn]

You can't say this, Shanks just saw it and said "even crack, right??"


:snort:

[AUTiger7222]

John Lannan is coming out with an injury.

[AUTiger7222]

Justin played 2B and SS IIRC growing up. Gilesfan can come in later for clarification.

Right but I was talking about since he got drafted. All he's played since he got drafted is RF and CF. This is the first time he has ever played LF. So it's a major adjustment for him.

[zitothebrave]

Obviously not but if the draft pick (which is more of a crapshoot) turns out to bust then you literally got NOTHING back for Jason Heyward. That should not be an option. Unless there is some indication from McGuirk that they will open up the vault to keep Heyward then trading him should ALWAYS be an option.

False, we got an extra year of Jason Heyward.

[parkvadawg]

Which makes it odd that he appears to be a better defender in Left than Right.

Don't agree with that. Justin is lost in left. What I will say is not many if anyone is better than Jason in right

[weso1]

Need to at least get one here.

[Dalyn]

Come on, Gattis!

http://theultimateshowdown.net/images/Nut-Punching-Bear.jpg

[skidlee]

I was talking more about their projection when first entering the bigs. When I first saw Prado, I never thought he'd be able to pull the ball with any authority

I get that they needed power and traded for Uggla. I thought, and still think, that Prado made himself into a pretty good baseball player, but you need different-sized gears to have optimum synergy and I can see why they traded for Uggla.

Well I don't see Pastor turning himself in a starting major league player. At best he will be a decent utility guy.

I understand that the braves needed RH power and the trade for Uggla was pretty easy to make. And if he was still keeping his OBP and OPS high while hitting his 30+ HRS it would have been awesome.

[BravesBlock]

Insane. I'd leave BJ off the playoff roster at this point.
Would the Atlanta Braves have the guts to do that. I agree that if he hasn't turned it around by the time playoffs start that he should be left off the roster but does anyone believe that Wren would actually do it?

[AUTiger7222]

Which makes it odd that he appears to be a better defender in Left than Right.

It depends on which defensive stats you're looking at.

[mfree80]

wow taking him out?

is he hurt?

Yeah. His feelings are hurt because the Braves ar e eating him up.

[skidlee]

But a pick in the 30's will?

The braves have had a lot of 1st round picks to bust

[TDlxANDER]

Here comes the Vanilla Gorillla!

Joel Przbyilla?

[thethe]

Wow, just missed it!

[bravesnumberone]

Good job, Freeman.

[AUTiger7222]

Crap! Just a couple feet too short.

[parkvadawg]

Freeman's topspin really plays with my emotions

[Braves1976]

Man, Gattis just missed a three run bomb earlier. Now Freeman just missed a grand slam. Come on Gattis!

[thethe]

Check to see if that ball is ok.

[weso1]

I can't believe Janish touched that bat.

[bravesnumberone]

Break it open here.

[Gary82]

bases loaded again.

[Dalyn]

Come on, Gattis!

http://theultimateshowdown.net/images/Nut-Punching-Bear.jpg


HBP

:icwudt:

[zitothebrave]

Way to go BABIP!!

[Braves1976]

Way to go CJ! 5-0 Braves. Come on Pastornicky let's get some more boys!

[thethe]

Johnson is a hitting machine.

[pfiggy]

atta CJ

[Gary82]

babip strikes again!:tchop:

[weso1]

CJ is is just ridiculous.

[ChapelHillMatt]

CHRIS JOHNSON CAN HIT

[50PoundHead]

Well I don't see Pastor turning himself in a starting major league player. At best he will be a decent utility guy.

I understand that the braves needed RH power and the trade for Uggla was pretty easy to make. And if he was still keeping his OBP and OPS high while hitting his 30+ HRS it would have been awesome.

Don't get me wrong. I pretty much agree on Pastornicky. I think he projects to be a decent utility guy if he learns to play 3B and OF. Can handle the bat and runs fairly well.

[Dalyn]

http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/files/2013/07/Chris-Johnson.jpg

[Tapate50]

Way to go BABIP!!

Pure luck.

[chopdrew]

"Captain Throw-In" with the big ab. Nice.

[bravesnumberone]

I'm not really used to our 2B making contact.

[parkvadawg]

I'll admit I never saw CJ being this good. I'm going to need some folks from the other site to confess to their sins for Jason.

[skidlee]

thethe

what you said today about the league min relievers so we can keep Kimbrel does seem like what the braves might do.

Avilan
Lamm
Shea Simmons
Ryan Harper

Could be doable

[weso1]

I feel like the Dbacks may have a da buyer's remorse.

[Braves1976]

Good start, hopefully Beachy stays sharp and gives us another shutdown inning too.

[Heyward]

The braves have had a lot of 1st round picks to bust

Of course, that's my point.

If he declines an extension, I don't see what's wrong with dealing him for a big haul instead of letting him walk for basically nothing unless that pick becomes Mike Trout.