GDT 8/20/13: Braves (Beachy) @ Mets (Wheeler) 7:10 PM

[NYCBrave]

Braves:

1. Jason Heyward (L) RF
2. Justin Upton (R) LF
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
4. Brian McCann (L) C
5. Chris Johnson (R) 3B
6. Jordan Schafer (L) CF
7. Andrelton Simmons (R) SS
8. Paul Janish (R) 2B
9. Brandon Beachy (R) P

Mets:


1. Eric Young (S) LF
2. Daniel Murphy (L) 2B
3. Marlon Byrd (R) RF
4. Ike Davis (L) 1B
5. Wilmer Flores (R) 3B
6. Juan Lagares (R) CF
7. Travis d'Arnaud (R) C
8. Omar Quintanilla (L) SS
9. Zack Wheeler (L) P

[Tapate50]

Uggla taking BP today for the first time since LASIK

[The Chosen One]

Schafer has done nothing to show he's earned the spot or majority PT.

I'd still rather have BJ in there despite his struggles.

[Dunit24]

Uggla taking BP today for the first time since LASIK

Im anxious to see if it helps him any. A lot have given up on him and rightfully so. His numbers suck, but im holding out a little hope that his vision going from 20/30 to 20/15 will help him. We shall see!

[Hawk]

I'd still rather have BJ in there despite his struggles.

Same. I enjoy watching Schafer play, but BJ needs ABs.

[thethe]

I think they are trying to show a message to BJ. He needs to completely change his approach or he just isn't going to get many AB's. Its a little dicey with Justin being one of our best players.

[The Chosen One]

There isn't anyhting wrong with BJ's approach TBH.

He just isn't making contact. That's not an approach, that's something physical.

He takes borderline pitches he thinks are balls, and he also takes a lot of 3rd strikes. But a lot of his depressing AB's have resulted in him striking out swinging at anything whether it be a fastball or change or curve.

I hope his vision problems aren't same as McCann, Uggla, Freeman. There just must be something wrong in Turner Field where our guys keep needing lasik.

[bravesnumberone]

Jordan has had a grand total of two bad games at the plate since he came off the DL, And even the other night, when he was 0-5, he drew a couple of walks. BJ had a good road trip after coming back and a horrible homestand. I don't think either has really done anything to "earn" the spot. Maybe he's just going off matchups? BJ probably needs to be in there, but what good does it do when he does the same **** over and over and over?

[The Chosen One]

Jordan has had a grand total of two bad games at the plate since he came off the DL, And even the other night, when he was 0-5, he drew a couple of walks. BJ had a good road trip after coming back and a horrible homestand. I don't think either has really done anything to "earn" the spot. Maybe he's just going off matchups? BJ probably needs to be in there, but what good does it do when he does the same **** over and over and over?

We're stuck with BJ long term, so if he's going to be playing for us, we need to ride with him as long as we can.

Schafer has no guaranteed future with us after this year. We're 15.5 up on a guaranteed 5 game playoff series, I'd say we could feasibly experiment and take a risk by having BJ in there. I mean we've been playing well without him this entire time, so it wouldn't hurt that much to put him back in right?

[mfree80]

Schafer has no guaranteed future with us after this year.

I believe I read on here that Schafer is still in his Arby years, so if they Braves want to keep him they can. He would have to be traded or released in order to move on. He would have some trade value, but I can see the Braves wanting to. Keep him.

[bravesnumberone]

We're stuck with BJ long term, so if he's going to be playing for us, we need to ride with him as long as we can.

Schafer has no guaranteed future with us after this year. We're 15.5 up on a guaranteed 5 game playoff series, I'd say we could feasibly experiment and take a risk by having BJ in there. I mean we've been playing well without him this entire time, so it wouldn't hurt that much to put him back in right?

Yeah, BJ is obviously the long term guy in CF, but you could easily just as well say we're using the lead to showcase Schafer for a potential offseason trade. Of course that doesn't do all that great, if he scuffles. I think Fredi's focus has moved beyond the division and to getting homefield advantage because clearly we're a much better home team than road team. Right now, Schafer is doing more to help us win ball games.

I want BJ to succeed because we are stuck with him, but his salary alone shouldn't just pencil him as an every day starter. You still have to earn it to a certain degree.

[Tapate50]

There isn't anyhting wrong with BJ's approach TBH.

He just isn't making contact. That's not an approach, that's something physical.

He takes borderline pitches he thinks are balls, and he also takes a lot of 3rd strikes. But a lot of his depressing AB's have resulted in him striking out swinging at anything whether it be a fastball or change or curve.

I hope his vision problems aren't same as McCann, Uggla, Freeman. There just must be something wrong in Turner Field where our guys keep needing lasik.

I don't know, watching him pinch hit and tap it to SS the other night was tough. I wanted to scream at the screen "ONE GD PITCH?!?!" . I mean coming up cold, after not hitting all year... take a frickin pitch dude.

I feel like he has lost any idea of the zone, coupled with guessing very wrong.

[PawPawMaxwell]

Shafer will be arb eligible for first time in 14. Dont see the Braves riding him thru that with BJ anchoring down CF and Heyward more than capable.
Even a trade can be iffy if we make a long run thru the playoffs and have to make quick decision about tenders and non-tenders.

[bravesnumberone]

Yeah, we seem to have a couple guys who have yet to grasp the concept of not swinging at the first pitch frequently.

One other thing about Fredi, I think he's likely using a strict platoon even if he says he isn't.

[tvsportscaster]

I have absolutely no problem at all with Schafer playing over BJ. They said on the broadcast the other day that perhaps the Braves were getting a little preturbed that BJ wasn't really making the necessary adjustments.

[mfree80]

They also said that BJ understood why he was losing AB's and knows he has to prove himself to get it back.

[bravesnumberone]

Once he stops swinging through 88 mph fast balls or just watching them go by, he'll be starting in no time. Another thing is keeping his front foot away from the third base dugout. If he could just correct those two things, he'd probably take off and catch fire.

[gtcway]

Maybe this has been said already, but this is the perfect time for BJ to be out there trying to get his act together. We're what, 15 games up on the Nats. Get him out there to try to figure out how to hit in time for the postseason.

[Enscheff]

I have to agree. These mostly meaningless games are precisely the time you keep running your $90M investment out there to see if he can get back on track.

[bravesnumberone]

Maybe he'll hit a pinch hit bomb to win the game tonight. Might as well call it now.

[The Chosen One]

I have absolutely no problem at all with Schafer playing over BJ. They said on the broadcast the other day that perhaps the Braves were getting a little preturbed that BJ wasn't really making the necessary adjustments.

That's strange because Bobby or Fredi or JS or Wren have ever publicly called out any player like that.

It might be smoke and mirror. IDK

[Bdawg2309]

Maholm starting Thursday ... On the road vs the cards..yikes

[Chico]

These games are not meaningless. We need to be focused on home-field advantage.

[emk418]

We obviously should not mess with our lineup right now but if Schafer is going to play everyday I would love to put him 2nd and Justin 4th.

[stpeteirish]

Its not like BJ isn't playing. He's in a platoon, when he starts hitting he'll usurp Schafer in a matter of days. If he never starts hitting, you guys still want him in there?

There's gotta be some performance to get playing time. Same goes with Schafer.

[The Chosen One]

Its not like BJ isn't playing. He's in a platoon, when he starts hitting he'll usurp Schafer in a matter of days. If he never starts hitting, you guys still want him in there?

There's gotta be some performance to get playing time. Same goes with Schafer.

We don't face as many lefties as we do righties... so platooning him would be stupid.

I'd like to see BJ be somewhat contributive by the time October comes because Fredi would be insane to start Schafe over him in postseason.

I'd give Schafer 1/3 starts against righties, and BJ everything lefties and other 2/3 against righties.

[Dalyn]

Braves:


6. Jordan Schafer (L) CF


https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q89/534031_552543568145401_627309525_n.jpg

:fredi:

[chopdrew]

I guess I don't understand why so many of you who advocated shoving Dan Uggla in front of a firing squad are wanting the only guy who's been worse all year to get to play. I'm not trying to start a fight, I'm genuinely curious...

[Hulavol]

Am really excited to see Beachy again tonight. I suspect that he will look pretty much like an ace.

[Dalyn]

I guess I don't understand why so many of you who advocated shoving Dan Uggla in front of a firing squad are wanting the only guy who's been worse all year to get to play. I'm not trying to start a fight, I'm genuinely curious...


I want to see Uggla play for a bit longer. That said, BJ didn't even get half a year of sucking before Fredi started treating him like a good decision (something to be avoided). Uggla hasn't been treated like that yet.

[tvsportscaster]

Justin Upton late scratch from the lineup with an upper back strain.
Simmons now batting 2nd and playing SS
Everyone else moves down one with Gattis playing LF.

[chopdrew]

I want to see Uggla play for a bit longer. That said, BJ didn't even get half a year of sucking before Fredi started treating him like a good decision (something to be avoided). Uggla hasn't been treated like that yet.

That is true. I really wonder what happened after he got his contacts on that last road trip to make him go so bad again. At first I thought maybe he just left them in Atlanta, but then he got back and sucked too. I hope that both their issues can be solved before October, but at least Uggla has something diagnosable.

[Dalyn]

Justin Upton late scratch from the lineup with an upper back strain.
Simmons now batting 2nd and playing SS
Everyone else moves down one with Gattis playing LF.


Unbelievable.

[tvsportscaster]

New Braves lineup
Heyward RF
Simmons SS
Freeman 1B
Gattis LF
McCann C
Johnson 3B
Schafer LF
Janish 2B
Beachy P

[parkvadawg]

Having a hard time understanding this move. When is it ever going to be a better time to get BJ going then now?

[Dalyn]

That is true. I really wonder what happened after he got his contacts on that last road trip to make him go so bad again. At first I thought maybe he just left them in Atlanta, but then he got back and sucked too. I hope that both their issues can be solved before October, but at least Uggla has something diagnosable.

BJ also has something Uggla doesn't have, skills that don't slump - speed and defense. It is ridiculous to treat him like this so early in his Braves career.

[thethe]

BJ also has something Uggla doesn't have, skills that don't slump - speed and defense. It is ridiculous to treat him like this so early in his Braves career.

Yeah, I'm frustrated with him but you can't just give up on a 75 million dollar investment. This doesn't feel good to me.

[parkvadawg]

Yeah, I'm frustrated with him but you can't just give up on a 75 million dollar investment. This doesn't feel good to me.

Sure doesn't

[chopdrew]

I guess it has to be because of what the commentators were alluding to. Maybe he doesn't want to make adjustments. I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you, I just feel like if one has been treated like this and the other hasn't, there's gotta be a reason why. Although BJ didn't help himself by not hustling after that triple in Philly...

[Dalyn]

I guess it has to be because of what the commentators were alluding to. Maybe he doesn't want to make adjustments. I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you, I just feel like if one has been treated like this and the other hasn't, there's gotta be a reason why. Although BJ didn't help himself by not hustling after that triple in Philly...

Fredi is the main reason the Braves traded for Uggla. Fredi is the reason Uggla is treated differently than BJ.

[tvsportscaster]

Fredi is the main reason the Braves traded for Uggla. Fredi is the reason Uggla is treated differently than BJ.

Not necessarily, you seem to forget that Fredi benched Uggla for a time down the stretch last year when he was struggling mightily.

[chopdrew]

I will say that while neither of them have done much positive, Uggla's 21 HR may have kept him from being team goat for a while. I do think he agreed to LASIK to keep from being benched.

[Dalyn]

Not necessarily, you seem to forget that Fredi benched Uggla for a time down the stretch last year when he was struggling mightily.

That was after more than a full year with the team. BJ was benched (and juggled around in the lineup) the first time on day 9. 9! Dan didn't get benched for even a day until the middle of July.

[Dalyn]

That day in July, by the way, was the only day Dan had off all year.

[chopdrew]

That was after more than a full year with the team. BJ was benched (and juggled around in the lineup) the first time on day 9. 9! Dan didn't get benched for even a day until the middle of July.

I do think BJ can be a hard guy to slot in a lineup. He doesn't walk enough to lead off, doesn't go the other way enough to hit in the 2-hole...he's a hard guy to put in one specific slot. That was true before he went completely in the crapper.

[Dalyn]

I do think BJ can be a hard guy to slot in a lineup. He doesn't walk enough to lead off, doesn't go the other way enough to hit in the 2-hole...he's a hard guy to put in one specific slot. That was true before he went completely in the crapper.

When a player lacks consistency, a manager can help by creating consistency in the areas they can control. Lineup. Playing time. Practice. etc etc

[Hawk]

No, Chip, it wasn't Angel Pagan for Zack Wheeler. It was Beltran.

[chopdrew]

When a player lacks consistency, a manager can help by creating consistency in the areas they can control. Lineup. Playing time. Practice. etc etc

Help me out here.Are you blaming Fredi for Bj's struggles?

[parkvadawg]

Meh

[Hawk]

Gattis with a mini-howitzer out there.

[thethe]

Help me out here.Are you blaming Fredi for Bj's struggles?

I wouldn't blame Fredi per se but I don't think he is doing what he should to help him get out of it.

[Julio3000]

No, Chip, it wasn't Angel Pagan for Zack Wheeler. It was Beltran.

Seriously?

[Dalyn]

Help me out here.Are you blaming Fredi for Bj's struggles?


Obviously, something is off with BJ. That is one issue. Fredi is not giving him the opportunity to get out there and work through it when we have a 15+ game lead in the division. That is another issue.

[chopdrew]

I wouldn't blame Fredi per se but I don't think he is doing what he should to help him get out of it.

Let me ask you this; I'm assuming that so many people are advocating BJ playing bc o the commanding lead the Braves have in the division. If it were a tight race, would you still advocate playing him? Again, I'm not wanting to be argumentative, I'm just curious...

[thethe]

Let me ask you this; I'm assuming that so many people are advocating BJ playing bc o the commanding lead the Braves have in the division. If it were a tight race, would you still advocate playing him? Again, I'm not wanting to be argumentative, I'm just curious...

Thats a good question. I would probably go with a straight platoon unless BJ started showing some more. But if both start to not hit then I would go with BJ full time.

[thethe]

Thats a bad play by Freeman. He needs to catch that.

[Hawk]

Seriously?

He corrected himself after the commercial break. IIRC the Braves were in on the Beltran sweepstakes too, the Mets wanted none other than Mike Minor.

[parkvadawg]

Cmon Fredito

[Julio3000]

He corrected himself after the commercial break. IIRC the Braves were in on the Beltran sweepstakes too, the Mets wanted none other than Mike Minor.

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff511/poinsett/null_zpse43af80b.jpg

[chopdrew]

Jon Heyman just tweeted Chase Headley just went on waivers...

[parkvadawg]

Can he go back to defensive replacement please

[chopdrew]

Can he go back to defensive replacement please

He sure does hit like one, doesn't he?

[chopdrew]

Little slow in here tonight. I wonder if this is what the scout board feels like all the time...

[thethe]

Heyward is just unbelievable in RF.

[Hawk]

Sick.

[Julio3000]

****ing ridiculous.

[thethe]

Little slow in here tonight. I wonder if this is what the scout board feels like all the time...

No, we have a GDT!!!

[parkvadawg]

He is good

[chopdrew]

LOL. In that instance, the GD could stand for two things...

[parkvadawg]

He sure does hit like one, doesn't he?

I don't follow the minors like I should but Gosselen (sp) had got to be better right?

[Hawk]

Nice fastball by Beachy there at 93.

[BremanFan88]

I don't follow the minors like I should but Gosselen (sp) had got to be better right?
He had a sub .700 OPS in AAA so not really.

[thethe]

Beachy has looked good today. His location is more precise than it has been in all his other starts.

[chopdrew]

Beachy has looked good today. His location is more precise than it has been in all his other starts.

That's good. I have my doubts about Meds as the #3 in the postseason...

[thethe]

Wow, Gattis looks awful right now. So sad.

[chopdrew]

Wow, Gattis looks awful right now. So sad.

Gamecast made that foul look like it was 8 rows back. Obviously not the case.

He'll be ok. I think he's been rushed to the big leagues a good bit. He's gotta keep making adjustments. His sample size isn't near big enough to render a verdict yet...

[emk418]

Wow, Gattis looks awful right now. So sad.

He needs AB's. He's fine.

[Julio3000]

Paul Janish at bat
A dry twig tossed into flame
Consumed in seconds

[Julio3000]

That's good. I have my doubts about Meds as the #3 in the postseason...

I have doubts if he even loves the number 3.

[zitothebrave]

Jon Heyman just tweeted Chase Headley just went on waivers...

Someone will claim him and a trade won't go down.

[weso1]

Hey guys! Let's go team.

[thethe]

Beachy has been great today. Wonderful sign.

[tvsportscaster]

I'm afraid until they get Wheeler out of the game the Braves aren't going to get crap.

[thethe]

I'm afraid until they get Wheeler out of the game the Braves aren't going to get crap.

We just have too many hitters who aren't hitting right now.

[ChapelHillMatt]

There is that terrible fielder making yet another good defensive play.

[tvsportscaster]

We just have too many hitters who aren't hitting right now.

Well they are also being hurt by a very weak bottom of the lineup now without Uggla. Paul Janish is pretty much an automatic out.

[jsebe10]

Well they are also being hurt by a very weak bottom of the lineup now without Uggla. Paul Janish is pretty much an automatic out.

He's so frustrating to watch....

[Bdawg2309]

why does this team suck so much vs the mets?

[Hulavol]

error city....

[tvsportscaster]

This game is over

[jsebe10]

why does this team suck so much vs the mets?

Honestly man, they haven't really been hitting that good lately. Thank god our pitching was decent and the Nats suck...

[tvsportscaster]

Looks like the Braves took two off days this week instead just the one, because they look awful tonight.

[skidlee]

Well they are also being hurt by a very weak bottom of the lineup now without Uggla. Paul Janish is pretty much an automatic out.


we have about 3 auto outs right now

Janish
Gattis
Pitcher

[thethe]

Beach has NOTHING on his fastball right now.

[Lville21]

Well, it's a good thing the Mets aren't making the playoffs.

[AUTiger7222]

Get home and see that the Braves are going to lose another game to the Mets. What is this spell the Mets have over the Braves?

[tvsportscaster]

Well, fortunately its a quick turnaround, just forget about this fiasco and come back and win tomorrow.

[thethe]

Well, fortunately its a quick turnaround, just forget about this fiasco and come back and win tomorrow.

This game isn't over yet sir.

[AUTiger7222]

This game isn't over yet sir.

Game isn't over with yet but the fat lady is warming up.

[weso1]

Now that was a great AB by Heyward.

[jpack1]

Really wish J Up was in there.

[jsebe10]

Now that was a great AB by Heyward.

Honestly....his best 1 in a while. Very patient

[emk418]

Simmons will come through.

[Julio3000]

He's seeing the ball...and being pitched carefully. Full counts all night.

[AUTiger7222]

Chances of Simmons getting a hit here? 000000000000000.1%. Hell, I'll call it right now. Simmons pops up the 1st pitch to the SS.

[Garmel]

I don't want to see a first pitch popup.

[parkvadawg]

Honestly....his best 1 in a while. Very patient

I know he's been really awful lately........

[thethe]

He's seeing the ball...and being pitched carefully. Full counts all night.

I think he has seen over 24 pitches today.

[Julio3000]

Wheeler-dealer, huh, Chip?

7th inning and Chip's wondering where his dealer at.

[david55]

Yes it was!!!!
Now that was a great AB by Heyward.

[thethe]

TRON!!!!!!

[AUTiger7222]

HOLY WOW!!! SIMBA DID GET A HIT!!!!

[thethe]

I can't believe that some of our fans are still giving up on our team this year. We never die!

[jpack1]

That a boy Simba.

[weso1]

Chances of Simmons getting a hit here? 000000000000000.1%. Hell, I'll call it right now. Simmons pops up the 1st pitch to the SS.

welp

[emk418]

Chances of Simmons getting a hit here? 000000000000000.1%. Hell, I'll call it right now. Simmons pops up the 1st pitch to the SS.

Great prediction.

[Julio3000]

Jason is money in the bank to score from first on a double.

[AUTiger7222]

Honestly....his best 1 in a while. Very patient

Really? Didn't Heyward have a 2 homerun game the other night?

[weso1]

Simmons follows Heyward with another great AB.

[stpeteirish]

Chances of Simmons getting a hit here? 000000000000000.1%. Hell, I'll call it right now. Simmons pops up the 1st pitch to the SS.

there you go.

[parkvadawg]

I can't believe that some of our fans are still giving up on our team this year. We never die!

As soon as the game is over posts come , we come back.

[parkvadawg]

Really? Didn't Heyward have a 2 homerun game the other night?

Nope he must be 0 for 100000000000000000

[AUTiger7222]

Great prediction.

Maybe me expecting the worse possible outcome from Simmons actually caused the universe to wanna make me look like a fool and caused him to get a hit.

[jpack1]

I love this team. There is just no quit in this team. Win or lose the effort and talent is there.

[jsebe10]

Big hit Simba.....now watch Freddie the MVP magician work.

[stpeteirish]

I thought Pedro Feliciano was dead. Baseball wise, that is.

[emk418]

Maybe me expecting the worse possible outcome from Simmons actually caused the universe to wanna make me look like a fool and caused him to get a hit.

That sounds like me with Uggla.

[thethe]

Wow, I really thought Freeman woudl come through there. .

[jsebe10]

Chances of Simmons getting a hit here? 000000000000000.1%. Hell, I'll call it right now. Simmons pops up the 1st pitch to the SS.

Really? Didn't he just hit a bases clearing double?

[stpeteirish]

That was pretty weird, Freddie's avg with RISP is about 200 points higher than Simmons'

[Orphan Black]

As great as Simmons three run double was, he swung at ball 4 which is annoying because it was a terrible to pitch to try and hit.

[Julio3000]

Great prediction.

Even better decimal placement.

[AUTiger7222]

Great inning Braves! 2 out damage!

[AUTiger7222]

Really? Didn't he just hit a bases clearing double?

It was posted before the at-bat thank you. And I had good reason not to expect Simmons to get a hit there. He was 6-for-50 with 2 outs and RISP before that at-bat.

[Runnin]

This game isn't over yet sir.
I wouldn't mind seeing "game over" on the censor list.

[AUTiger7222]

Even better decimal placement.

Sorry. Numbers are not my friend. I've spent hours today doing crappy math homework tonight. Getting math homework on the 1st day of school should be illegal.

[Runnin]

I love that camera angle.

[skidlee]

Amazing that David Carpenter has pitched in 6 straight games.

Wren go get another damn right handed reliever and kick ayala to the curb

[thethe]

Amazing that David Carpenter has pitched in 6 straight games.

Wren go get another damn right handed reliever and kick ayala to the curb

That will be either Medlen or Beachy in the postseason. A trade is not needed.

[skidlee]

That will be either Medlen or Beachy in the postseason. A trade is not needed.

Got to get there first

Carpenter is going to be **** by the playoffs

But Ayala is pointless on this team. Varvaro is your long man. Go get another quality RH reliever

[Julio3000]

Sorry. Numbers are not my friend. I've spent hours today doing crappy math homework tonight. Getting math homework on the 1st day of school should be illegal.

My condolences.

[thethe]

Geez, get these bums out.

[thethe]

Got to get there first

Carpenter is going to be **** by the playoffs

But Ayala is pointless on this team. Varvaro is your long man. Go get another quality RH reliever

They are going to stop using him as much in September.

[AUTiger7222]

Well heck. It appears the Braves are in a boat load of trouble.

[AUTiger7222]

My condolences.

Thanks. My brain is so fried right now.

[AUTiger7222]

YES! Huge strikeout for Downs! Now get the next one!

[thethe]

Big out. Now do your job Downs and get the lefty out.

[thethe]

Thanks. My brain is so fried right now.

What kind of math?

[AUTiger7222]

Crap! Ugh!

[thethe]

Oh boy...here we go with Ayala.

Downs failed today big time.

[AUTiger7222]

LUIS AYALA????????????????????????????????????????????? ?/ NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AUTiger7222]

What kind of math?

Stupid Algebra.

[jsebe10]

LUIS AYALA????????????????????????????????????????????? ?/ NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Could be good news. This outcome here could determine if he gets the pink slip.

[Garmel]

Nice job, Ayala.

[AUTiger7222]

Whew!

[thethe]

Shocked.

[jpack1]

Hopefully Wren will leave Ayala off the postseason roster. Only way to keep Fredi from using him in big spots.

[Runnin]

Way to show these non-believers Ayala!

[jsebe10]

Thanks Luis....now can we please pur these Muts to sleep. gracious.

[AUTiger7222]

I love McCann but he is so freaking slow.

[Julio3000]

Not surprisingly, Chip's Spanish accent falls somewhere between "cocaine withdrawal jitters" and "Chip's Harry Caray impression" on the ol' ledger of Really Horrible Stuff.

[david55]

Gattis is really struggling lately .... amazing -- major league pitcher will find your weak spot ... Got to adjust!!!

[Julio3000]

Lord BABIP poops line drives.

[AUTiger7222]

Gattis is really struggling lately .... amazing -- major league pitcher will find your weak spot ... Got to adjust!!!

He just hasn't made the adjustments I expected him to.

[Garmel]

We can't buy a break. Nearly every hard hit ball has been hit straight to someone or a great play is made.

[jsebe10]

We can't buy a break. Nearly every hard hit ball has been hit straight to someone.

These sorry ass Muts get that kind of luck vs us this time of year.

[Julio3000]

We can't buy a break. Nearly every hard hit ball has been hit straight to someone or a great play is made.

This game is going to end with fatass Marlon Byrd scaling the wall to rob us of a game-tying HR.

[jsebe10]

Top 9 ya gotta go BJ, Justin, then roll it to Jason.

[jsebe10]

GOOD GOD he got a cookie to hit. lmao

[Garmel]

Damn it, Ayala.

[thethe]

Damn, that hurts.

[jsebe10]

Damn, that hurts.

He threw him a nut!!

[Julio3000]

Ayala's fastball looks like BP.

[david55]

Well only one run ... better this inning and not last inning ...

[The Chosen One]

I think you guys are kind of being overly hard on Ayala.

He's been reliably consistent and a workhorse for us the last few months.

He's the worst pitcher on one of the best assembled bullpens in modern history.

[zitothebrave]

Ayala's fastball looks like BP.

Him, I didn't realize it looked like a Multi-national oil conglomerate :icwudt:

[sturg33]

Why does Fredi trust Ayala more than Vavaro?

Why does Fredi bat our coldest hitter (Gattis) 4th?

Why does Fredi use two backup outfielders in place of our starting CF who we desperately need to get going and get some confidence in?

We may have the best record in baseball, but we could be 2-3 games better with a competent manager.

[Garmel]

BJ being BJ.

[jsebe10]

Poor BJ. Didn't have a chance...

Laird?

[chopdrew]

BJ looked helpless. Wow. 87 yr. old Latroy Hawkins embarrassing folks...

[Julio3000]

Him, I didn't realize it looked like a Multi-national oil conglomerate :icwudt:
Well, it did make a huge, flaming mess that somebody else had to clean up.

[AUTiger7222]

Why does Fredi trust Ayala more than Vavaro?

Why does Fredi bat our coldest hitter (Gattis) 4th?

Why does Fredi use two backup outfielders in place of our starting CF who we desperately need to get going and get some confidence in?

We may have the best record in baseball, but we could be 2-3 games better with a competent manager.

Word

[Julio3000]

Laird PHing in the 9th...

Dag.

[jsebe10]

Laird PHing in the 9th...

Dag.

Is Justin hurt?

[sturg33]

By the way, I don't know his name, but I think this umpire behind the plate is really great. He's done two other games this year where I remember how much I love his strike zone and he rarely misses. Another good game tonight

[chopdrew]

Word

Wait, so you're asking why he's playing Gattis, who needs at bats to get going, and calling him a bad manager for doing that. THEN, you're blaming him for NOT playing BJ Upton bc he needs at bats to get going, and calling him a bad manager for doing that, too. You can have either one, but not both. Some of you are ridiculous...

[zitothebrave]

Well we didn't bring our A game on the offensive side or pitching side. Beachy was good HR aside. Got to give the Mets props they earned the win today.

[Dalyn]

I can't believe how frustrating it is having Fredi as the manager.

[AUTiger7222]

By the way, I don't know his name, but I think this umpire behind the plate is really great. He's done two other games this year where I remember how much I love his strike zone and he rarely misses. Another good game tonight

His name is Alan Porter and he's one of the better umpires.

[jsebe10]

Well we didn't bring our A game on the offensive side or pitching side. Beachy was good HR aside. Got to give the Mets props they earned the win today.

Yea, the 2 errors that led to 3 runs weren't a factor at all...They didn't earn a thing.

[AUTiger7222]

Wait, so you're asking why he's playing Gattis, who needs at bats to get going, and calling him a bad manager for doing that. THEN, you're blaming him for NOT playing BJ Upton bc he needs at bats to get going, and calling him a bad manager for doing that, too. You can have either one, but not both. Some of you are ridiculous...

No. I was saying that Gattis doesn't need to be hitting 4th ahead of McCann and Johnson.

[chopdrew]

No. I was saying that Gattis doesn't need to be hitting 4th ahead of McCann and Johnson.
Ok. I misread that. My bad. Yeah, I wouldn't mind if on nights with this particular bunch of players, Fredi went;
Schafer
Simba
Heyward
Freeman
Johnson
McCann
Gattis

[jsebe10]

I can't believe how frustrating it is having Fredi as the manager.

Bad thing about it....tomorrow being a day game, Laird will be catching and I'm sure he will give another starter a day off like Freddie or Johnson...

[AUTiger7222]

Wow. Zack Wheeler has beaten the Braves 3 times this season. First rookie pitcher to beat the Braves 3 times in a season since Tom Seaver also did it for the Mets.

[parkvadawg]

Ok. I misread that. My bad. Yeah, I wouldn't mind if on nights with this particular bunch of players, Fredi went;
Schafer
Simba
Heyward
Freeman
Johnson
McCann
Gattis

Put Simba last and move everyone up and I agree. Simba has no business at the top of the order

[sturg33]

Ok. I misread that. My bad. Yeah, I wouldn't mind if on nights with this particular bunch of players, Fredi went;
Schafer
Simba
Heyward
Freeman
Johnson
McCann
Gattis


I thought you were a moneyball guy... Simba 2nd?? (.288 OBP)

[AUTiger7222]

Ok. I misread that. My bad. Yeah, I wouldn't mind if on nights with this particular bunch of players, Fredi went;
Schafer
Simba
Heyward
Freeman
Johnson
McCann
Gattis

Yeah I wouldn't mind seeing that.

[AUTiger7222]

I thought you were a moneyball guy... Simba 2nd?? (.288 OBP)

It's a very little sample size (just 77 PA), but Simmons has a .329 OBP in the 2nd spot coming into tonight's game.

[sturg33]

It's a very little sample size (just 77 PA), but Simmons has a .329 OBP in the 2nd spot coming into tonight's game.

A. People don't magically become hitters if they change spots in the order. It's a coincidence.

B. .329 is still pretty bad.

C. You covered the sample size problem

[zitothebrave]

I thought you were a moneyball guy... Simba 2nd?? (.288 OBP)

Yeah

On a night liek tonight our lineup should have been

Jason
Johnson
Mac
Freddie
Simmons
Gattis
Schafer
Janish

When we only have 4 good hitters, they shoudl be hitting 1-4. Not 3-6

[chopdrew]

Simmons is one of those guys i think you just have to stick in a spot and let him work it out. I like the lineup symmetry w l/r that way, but I'd be ok with Heyward back @ 2, too. Although he's been so good I hesitate to move him. Maybe I'm overreacting after one loss. I hope Justin Upton is back in tomorrow. It thickens out the lineup and moves the other guys back more where they're supposed to be.

[chopdrew]

Yeah

On a night liek tonight our lineup should have been

Jason
Johnson
Mac
Freddie
Simmons
Gattis
Schafer
Janish

When we only have 4 good hitters, they shoudl be hitting 1-4. Not 3-6

If I remember right, Johnson's not been good in the 2-hole.

[AUTiger7222]

A. People don't magically become hitters if they change spots in the order. It's a coincidence.

B. .329 is still pretty bad.

C. You covered the sample size problem

I disagree with the notion that guys don't produce differently in different spots. Brian Jordan was a great hitter in the #4 spot who saw a huge decline in his numbers when he hit 5th in a huge number of plate appearances in both spots.

[tvsportscaster]

Some of you guys are wondering about Ayala. Well, when the Braves activate Maholm Thursday someone has to go to make room. You wonder if the Braves will DFA him or what they do. Another option is sending Wood down to AAA, skip his next start since you're giving them rest and then in 10 days you can recall him and he can make his other starts. We'll see soon enough.

[AUTiger7222]

If I remember right, Johnson's not been good in the 2-hole.

He hasn't. .154/.214/.192 (.407) in 28 PA this season. It's the only 6 games of his career that he has hit 2nd.

[AUTiger7222]

Some of you guys are wondering about Ayala. Well, when the Braves activate Maholm Thursday someone has to go to make room. You wonder if the Braves will DFA him or what they do. Another option is sending Wood down to AAA, skip his next start since you're giving them rest and then in 10 days you can recall him and he can make his other starts. We'll see soon enough.

Who said anything about Wood getting rest? The only pitcher I've heard about getting rest is Minor.

[chopdrew]

I disagree with the notion that guys don't produce differently in different spots. Brian Jordan was a great hitter in the #4 spot who saw a huge decline in his numbers when he hit 5th in a huge number of plate appearances in both spots.
I agree with the notion that they shouldn't, but for whatever reason, there are guys that do and guys that don't. There's no chartable reason for it. It's one of those psychological aspects of sports that's unexplainable.

[zitothebrave]

If I remember right, Johnson's not been good in the 2-hole.
I don't really care.

In a situation like tonight where we have 4 good major league hitters you hit them 1-4 and just hope for the best. I put Johnson 2 because it's the best breakup of the lefty/righty splits.

[tvsportscaster]

Who said anything about Wood getting rest? The only pitcher I've heard about getting rest is Minor.

They said earlier the plan was instead of going to a 6-man rotation they were going to skip a rotation each time through with some of their young starters just to give them some rest. So that means, both Wood and Teheran will get some rest.

[bravesnumberone]

Missed the game. I see we still are having issues "solving" the Mets lol. Little irritating that we're 7-8 against them, but whatever. Is Justin's back strain just a day-to-day thing?

[AUTiger7222]

I agree with the notion that they shouldn't, but for whatever reason, there are guys that do and guys that don't. There's no chartable reason for it. It's one of those psychological aspects of sports that's unexplainable.

Yep.

[AUTiger7222]

I don't really care.

In a situation like tonight where we have 4 good major league hitters you hit them 1-4 and just hope for the best. I put Johnson 2 because it's the best breakup of the lefty/righty splits.

True

[AUTiger7222]

They said earlier the plan was instead of going to a 6-man rotation they were going to skip a rotation each time through with some of their young starters just to give them some rest. So that means, both Wood and Teheran will get some rest.

Good to know. I was worried about Wood and Teheran and how much they would have left in the tank come October.

[AUTiger7222]

Missed the game. I see we still are having issues "solving" the Mets lol. Little irritating that we're 7-8 against them, but whatever. Is Justin's back strain just a day-to-day thing?

Yep.

[Julio3000]

Maybe this has been said already, but this is the perfect time for BJ to be out there trying to get his act together. We're what, 15 games up on the Nats. Get him out there to try to figure out how to hit in time for the postseason.

I was drive-by posting tonight and missed most of the thread, but I'll chime in to say yeah, this.

Or maybe just "yep." ;-)

[Dunit24]

I read where Wheeler said after the game gameplanning against the Braves is easy. I have a feeling hes going to eat those words sooner rather than later. I doubt he was trying to be disrespectful, but this Braves team seems to feed off that kinda stuff.

[Tapate50]

To his credit, we never hit pitchers very well the first few times seeing them.

[Dunit24]

To his credit, we never hit pitchers very well the first few times seeing them.

I think Wheeler is going to be a stud. I dont know if last night was a fluke, but 95 on the corners with his breaking stuff is going to be a pain through the years.

[zitothebrave]

Wheeler has TOR potential. Command is the only concern with him. If he gets that down he'll be a force.

[sturg33]

Mets have Harvey, Wheeler, and Synddagaurd coming. They are going to have quite the rotation

[thethe]

Mets also have more pitching in the lower minors. With their potential payroll ceiling they will be a force.

[Braves1976]

I was happy to see Beachy's velocity up again last night through four innings. But I noticed it started to fade in the 5th and more in the 6th. He had something like three straight fastballs of only 85 mph in the 6th. But through 4 innings he hit 93 mph a few times and had no issues hitting 92 mph quite a bit as needed.

This suggests to me that after the 5th he was a bit tired (and should've been pulled earlier).