Braves at Cardinals 8-23-13

[tvsportscaster]

Braves
Jordan Schafer CF
Justin Upton RF
Freddie Freeman 1B
Chris Johnson 3B
Brian McCann C
Evan Gattis LF
Andrelton Simmons SS
Elliot Johnson 2B
Paul Maholm P

[Dunit24]

I Like That Lineup

[thethe]

It could certainly be worse. Glad to see Upton in the lineup. We need him more than ever now.

[sturg33]

BJ Upton back on the bench in favor of TWO bench players. With the loss of Heyward, it is imperative we give BJ Upton every chance to get going and get some confidence back.

But instead, Fredi the idiot wants to start two bench players, who are just as cold at the plate and worse defenders, over him.

[tvsportscaster]

BJ Upton back on the bench in favor of TWO bench players. With the loss of Heyward, it is imperative we give BJ Upton every chance to get going and get some confidence back.

But instead, Fredi the idiot wants to start two bench players, who are just as cold at the plate and worse defenders, over him.

Jordan Schafer is not a worse defender than BJ Upton. Schafer is the best defensive outfielder the Braves have.

[sturg33]

Jordan Schafer is not a worse defender than BJ Upton. Schafer is the best defensive outfielder the Braves have.

That's hilariously false.

[gilesfan]

Yeah, Fredi is an idiot for sitting down a guy with .183/.266/.295 with below average defense. WTH is he thinking!

[Diesel]

BJ Upton back on the bench in favor of TWO bench players. With the loss of Heyward, it is imperative we give BJ Upton every chance to get going and get some confidence back.

But instead, Fredi the idiot wants to start two bench players, who are just as cold at the plate and worse defenders, over him.

Yeah, I disagree with this comment too. Label them as 'bench' players if you want. We need Schafer to get back in a groove and be our leadoff guy. It lets everyone else hit where they have been successful. Schafer has still had lots of quality ABs despite not having the results lately.

[Diesel]

And maybe the metrics say differently, but my eyes tell me that Schafer is a slightly better CFer than BJ.

[tvsportscaster]

That's hilariously false.

I beg to differ, you talk to anyone in the Braves organization and they will tell you Schafer is the best outfielder they have.

[jpx7]

Schafer is the best defensive outfielder the Braves have.

I assume you intend that only in the context of Jason Heyward being on the disabled-list.

[gilesfan]

Schafer may be a better defender than BJ, but he certainly isn't a better defender than Heyward.

[sturg33]

I beg to differ, you talk to anyone in the Braves organization and they will tell you Schafer is the best outfielder they have.

I think the only person to ever say that was Joe simpson.

[sturg33]

Yeah, Fredi is an idiot for sitting down a guy with .183/.266/.295 with below average defense. WTH is he thinking!

BJ has been awful. But he has potential to be an offensive force for us. While Schafer doesn't. Schafer should be splitting time with Gattis in left, and let BJ use our 15 game cushion to try to figure it out. BJ looks like a fragile guy and his confidence is probably already down, this ain't helping.

[gilesfan]

Why does he have the potential to be an offensive force? He hasn't figured it out by now, why makes anything think he's going to figure it out in 30 games or whatever?

He swing is a mess.

[tvsportscaster]

I assume you intend that only in the context of Jason Heyward being on the disabled-list.

Yes, the best they have right now.

[sturg33]

Yes, the best they have right now.

That's not at all what you said before

[Hulavol]

No, but that is obviously what he meant....

[Russ2dollas]

No secret to our decrease in SO in the second half.....BJ not playing.

BJ is broken...I almost think he should go up and bunt for a hit every time.

NEED Gattis to get back to being a useful bat.

[Braves1976]

Elliot Johnson who's starting at second tonight has no hits in his last 31 AB's. He also has only 1 hit in his last 51 AB's.

[skillet]

Can anyone explain what Elliot Johnson is doing on this team? He is absolutely awful. Meanwhile we have Tommy La Stella tearing it up in Mississippi.

[gtcway]

Can anyone explain what Elliot Johnson is doing on this team? He is absolutely awful. Meanwhile we have Tommy La Stella tearing it up in Mississippi.

I think the Braves signed him so that BJ isn't the worst hitter on the team to take the pressure off and hopefully get him going.

[skillet]

I think the Braves signed him so that BJ isn't the worst hitter on the team to take the pressure off and hopefully get him going.

As funny as that is, at least it is true that BJ hits better than he does, and BJ has been putrid. Why would we claim this guy? He is not even a decent minor league guy.

[Braves1976]

Tom Hart ‏@tom_hart 53s

Justin Upton was pulled away from the cage and taken off the field by Trainer Jeff Porter moments ago. There was no apparent injury.

[benchguy]

The idiot that has his team in first place...



BJ Upton back on the bench in favor of TWO bench players. With the loss of Heyward, it is imperative we give BJ Upton every chance to get going and get some confidence back.

But instead, Fredi the idiot wants to start two bench players, who are just as cold at the plate and worse defenders, over him.

[thethe]

Tom Hart ‏@tom_hart 53s

Justin Upton was pulled away from the cage and taken off the field by Trainer Jeff Porter moments ago. There was no apparent injury.

Wow

[zitothebrave]

Jordan Schafer is not a worse defender than BJ Upton. Schafer is the best defensive outfielder the Braves have.

That is not true.

[bravesnumberone]

If Justin Upton is really hurt or hurt worse now, whoever let him take swings in the cage needs to be fined.

[bravesnumberone]

There are times when you don't need any kind of stats. Schafer is a better defender than BJ, but Heyward is in the elite elite of the game. Top 5 at very worst. It isn't complicated.

[zitothebrave]

Yeah, Fredi is an idiot for sitting down a guy with .183/.266/.295 with below average defense. WTH is he thinking!

If my choice is to try to right BJ or hope Schafer starts hitting, I'd gladly bet on the first one.

[parkvadawg]

So the AAA team in the playoff's? Trying to figure out what baseball god I pissed off in my life.

[Bdawg2309]

maholm is terrible vs the cards and terrible on the road this season...this should be fun

[zitothebrave]

maholm is terrible vs the cards and terrible on the road this season...this should be fun

We have no expectations so we'll rock haha.

[Braves1976]

maholm is terrible vs the cards and terrible on the road this season...this should be fun

I really don't understand having him start his comeback against a team he never does well (and on the road for that matter). But Fredi set up the rotation after the All-Star break where he pitched on the road vs White Sox too. I questioned that also and we all know how that turned out. I won't be expecting much better tonight to be honest. But I hope that I am wrong.

That said, I like Maholm I just don't trust him vs teams he's always struggled (namely the Brewers and Cardinals). And he's been terrible on the road this year as you note.

[weso1]

I like the lineup. About as good as it gets. I do agree with sturg that BJ should be in there as much as possible. But at the same time Gattis and Schafer need as many AB's as they can get as well if Heyward can't make it back by the playoffs.

[Russ2dollas]

rather bj play 2b than this waiver pick up

we need bj to fix it. if he cant play then they need to get him in minor games to hit.

schafer is not a good of. he takes awful routes. his speed makes up for mistakes and makes his game look more impressive. hell make a running catch where bourn would be camped under a ball

[stpeteirish]

like it or not with Beachy out Maholm's our fifth starter. And if Justin's still hurt BJ plays.

We have impressive depth when you look at the # of injuries we've had.

Of course, there's always 2b. What mess. At least we don't have Janish to ***** about tonight, but we just replaced him with Eliot Johnson, not impressive.

[Braves1976]

Jim Powell ‏@Jim_Powell 2m

Justin is better and is on the field loosening up for the game. He will start in RF. Try to relax! #Braves

[zitothebrave]

Jim Powell ‏@Jim_Powell 2m

Justin is better and is on the field loosening up for the game. He will start in RF. Try to relax! #Braves

That' sgood

We need at least 4 major league quality bats in the lineup, and a lineup without Justin, Dan and Jason doesn't really let that happen. Unless Gattis or Schafer can have a hot month again.

[Runnin]

Atlanta Braves news

Beachy to have surgically repaired elbow checked by Dr. Andrews
Former Brave Otis Nixon indicted on drug charges
Heyward has broken jaw, is out 4-6 weeks
Jason Heyward out 4-6 weeks with broken jaw

What next?

[parkvadawg]

Wait so Justin is playing?

[bravesnumberone]

Good God.

[Braves1976]

Justin swung at ball four there. Oh well, that's two AB's almost walks that both ended in outs.

[drewdat]

Atlanta Braves news

Beachy to have surgically repaired elbow checked by Dr. Andrews
Former Brave Otis Nixon indicted on drug charges
Heyward has broken jaw, is out 4-6 weeks
Jason Heyward out 4-6 weeks with broken jaw

What next?

Out 4-6 weeks; Heyward, Jason breaks jaw.

[Julio3000]

This dude Kelly needs to rethink the 'stache.

[Julio3000]

Out 4-6 weeks; Heyward, Jason breaks jaw.

Nice.

[Julio3000]

Also, plunk the Cardinals sideways.

[Lville21]

They got a ton of pitches out of Kelly that inning... Do that for 4 more innings, and he's done.

[bravesnumberone]

Lol even the television feed is ****ed up.

[Julio3000]

Lol even the television feed is ****ed up.

Go easy on him. His dad and grandfather were broadcasting legends. Those are big shoes to fill.

[Julio3000]

Ergh. Haven't really missed watching Maholm pitch.

[zitothebrave]

Glad Maholm was being efficient.

[bravesnumberone]

Gattis, sincerely, what the f***? Swing at some **** curve ball and take a fast ball over the plate.

[jsebe10]

Evan please get it going :(

[bravesnumberone]

It's a damn shame that isn't Kelly Johnson hitting.

[Braves1976]

Good job Simmons, you cleared the pitcher, er, I mean the Elliot Johnson fella.

LOL he gets a hit his first AB after going 0-31 coming in (and 1-51 in his last 51 AB's).

[bravesnumberone]

Lol son of a *****. Yeah, he's better than Janish.

[Julio3000]

CJ > EJ > BJ > PJ (?)

[zitothebrave]

CJ > EJ > BJ > PJ (?)

What do you have against Brian Johnson?

[Braves1976]

We need to enjoy that hit by EJ, we might not see another for a while unless his track record changes here.

[Braves1976]

The Braves need to trade Laird for Rob Johnson before this series is over. We're collecting Johnson's and are close to having the whole set.

[bravesnumberone]

Shades of Chipper. Much better inning from Paulie.

[Julio3000]

If he gets 51 ABs for us, we are well and truly plunked.

[thethe]

Wow, CJ sucks at defense.

[Braves1976]

The Brave fans that complain about Simmons at the plate should watch Kozma a bit. He's one of the worst hitting shortstops among starters.

[Russ2dollas]

Wow, CJ sucks at defense.

one play does not make an argument, but someone who is awful at 3B doesn't make that play.

He still is in the lower half of 3B, but he isn't hurting us at 3B. Simmons covers his range issues.

[bravesnumberone]

Dana, that's why that inside pitch you've been calling all night isn't a freaking strike.

[Braves1976]

one play does not make an argument, but someone who is awful at 3B doesn't make that play.


I disagree. For example, I've seen Young make similar plays at third, but I'd still argue that he's very bad defensively overall.

[thethe]

one play does not make an argument, but someone who is awful at 3B doesn't make that play.

He still is in the lower half of 3B, but he isn't hurting us at 3B. Simmons covers his range issues.

Agreed. I'd never say he was even average. I just don't think he is the worst defensive player in the history of baseball which is how he is described around these parts.

[bravesnumberone]

We're making him throw pitches, but still can't score off of him.

[bravesnumberone]

"There's a lot of Johnsons on the field tonight." - Joe Simpson

:YDS:

[Julio3000]

"There's a lot of Johnsons on the field tonight"

—Actual Joe Simpson

[thethe]

Awesome that Maholm got his pitch count in order. 48 over three innings is not bad.

[jgriff3029]

lol,Joe: "There are a lot of Johnsons on the field tonight"

[Julio3000]

Busch Stadium seems like an appropriate place for a bunch of Johnsons to hang out.

[thethe]

Did someone just say something about Johnson?

[bravesnumberone]

Busch Stadium seems like an appropriate place for a bunch of Johnsons to hang out.

Plus, the concessions have weiners.

[thethe]

Ooh boy...Gattis is just horrible right now.

[bravesnumberone]

I can't even look down for a second without Gattis swinging at a pitch. At what point is an adjustment going to be made?

[thethe]

I can't even look down for a second without Gattis swinging at a pitch. At what point is an adjustment going to be made?

I hope its not because he is unwilling to listen. I think he still has a future but he needs to drastically change his approach.

[emk418]

Gattis will be fine. He just needs ABs. I'm also very interested in seeing Terdo get some starts.

[skidlee]

Give Terdo those ABs. Gattis is lost.

[bravesnumberone]

Gattis will be fine. He just needs ABs. I'm also very interested in seeing Terdo get some starts.

Not if he keeps swinging at the first or second pitch regardless of where it is.

[Braves1976]

Elliot Johnson just chased ball three and four. We could've cleared the pitcher otherwise.

[Julio3000]

I venture to say that our new second baseman Plays the Game the Right Way™.

[bravesnumberone]

These Cardinal middle infielders are annoying. They get to everything, seemingly.

[stpeteirish]

everything on the ground. 12 outs 3 K's other eight grounders. Good pitching, I guess.

[Jay212033]

Not if he keeps swinging at the first or second pitch regardless of where it is.

Chipper did it!

[Julio3000]

Did someone just say something about Johnson?

No. Someone said something about penis.

[Julio3000]

I venture to say that our new second baseman Plays the Game the Right Way™.

And he's turrible.

[Julio3000]

Dude. He looked out.

Nope. Good call.

[Braves1976]

That's the third time Gattis could've had an assist at second but didn't get it (over past few weeks playing in left). It was a great throw, I thought he had him. Oh well.

[thethe]

That's the third time Gattis could've had an assist at second but didn't get it (over past few weeks playing in left). It was a great throw, I thought he had him. Oh well.

He isn't a good outfielder but he isn't a bad one thats for sure.

[bravesnumberone]

Well, we're going to have to hope we can get Kelly out soon.

[Jay212033]

He isn't a good outfielder but he isn't a bad one thats for sure.

He's Matt Holidayish

[thethe]

Man, thats too bad. Maholm is pitching well.

[bravesnumberone]

Do something, Schafer.

[TURBO]

booooom

[bravesnumberone]

We're going to need a lot more of that from Justin the next month.

[Julio3000]

Felt that one coming.

[Braves1976]

Nice one Justin! Welcome back!

[PaNoMaC]

Woohoo Justin, was about to complain about not sacrificing with Jordan :)

[Jay212033]

We're going to need a lot more of that from Justin the next month.

Why?! I wanna see that in Oct. I could care less bout next month.

[The Chosen One]

Someone looks like they're stepping up now that lead-er/off is out.

[bravesnumberone]

Why?! I wanna see that in Oct. I could care less bout next month.

With Heyward out, someone's got to carry this offense in September.

[MadduxFanII]

You can say what you want about John Smoltz, but no one can reasonably accuse him of bias toward his former club. A two-run home run by Justin Upton is just an excuse to castigate the Braves' offense and explain how inevitable postseason failure will be.

And he's said things like that all year. It's admirable that results on the field can't change one's perception.

[jsebe10]

Quit nibbling Paul.

[Braves1976]

That's a terrible walk, no reason to walk Kozma who is a really bad hitter.

[bravesnumberone]

Maholm kills me with these walks.

[jsebe10]

These Cardinal middle infielders are annoying. They get to everything, seemingly.


That's a terrible walk, no reason to walk Kozma who is a really bad hitter.

There ya go buddy.

[bravesnumberone]

****ing Maholm. Can you not hold a lead? Good job walking horrible ass Kozma.

[Braves1976]

Maholm ruins so many good pitching performances by walking the worst hitters. He's doing it again tonight.

[jsebe10]

Carpenter is such an annoying player...

[bravesnumberone]

:mad0182:

[Braves1976]

Maholm still cannot beat the Cardinals, he gave this away by walking Kozma otherwise easy inning.

[The Chosen One]

:facepalm:

[bravesnumberone]

Get this scrub out of there.

[tvsportscaster]

You knew it was just a matter of time before the old Paul Maholm showed up, and it was set up by an absolute atrocious walk to a piss ass hitter.

[Braves1976]

Yea, it was a good idea to bring Maholm back to start on to road vs the Cardinals...

[drewdat]

Maholm just ****ed around and got a triple-double.

[BoneThrower]

Maholm= :Gasp:

[bravesnumberone]

Good to know batting practice is over. Maybe we manage to score a pair, but I doubt it.

[jsebe10]

These Cardinal middle infielders are annoying. They get to everything, seemingly.


Good to know batting practice is over. Maybe we manage to score a pair, but I doubt it.

Going to have to be way of the long ball...

If Gattis gets a hit here. We will win.

[skidlee]

Again why Gattis over Terdo?

Give the kid some ABs

[BoneThrower]

Gattis needs to sit for awhile.....he's completely lost at the plate.

[emk418]

Gattis needs to sit for awhile.....he's completely lost at the plate.

He needs AB's. His problem is he's been sitting for a long time. He needs at bats to try to straighten out.

[Russ2dollas]

Gattis broken....i don't think he can play LF...I think it taxes him physically and mentally.

If you do his stats as a c, as a PH, and as a LF.....he's awful at LF.

It doesn't look like ppl are attacking a particular area on Gattis. It looks like ppl are just trying to throw nasty pitches down the middle, and knowing they'll end up somewhere where gattis will swing.

[gilesfan]

Gattis needs to sit for awhile.....he's completely lost at the plate.

Been that way for a couple months.

[skidlee]

He isn't going to get straightened out when all he does is swing at high fastballs and breaking stuff in the dirt

He has no strike zone judgment

[jsebe10]

Nice 1-2-3 inning for Chris Sabo...

[BoneThrower]

He needs AB's. His problem is he's been sitting for a long time. He needs at bats to try to straighten out.


Then give him AB's in AAA and call up Constanza. The last thing we need is ANOTHER guy in our lineup who does nothing but gets out.

[Braves1976]

He needs AB's. His problem is he's been sitting for a long time. He needs at bats to try to straighten out.

Exactly, but Gattis bashers like skid could care less. He missed a lot of time with injury and hasn't played regularly going back even before that. He needs to start playing regularly and mostly at one position again. Then he should snap out of it and get his timing back, etc.

[jsebe10]

These Cardinal middle infielders are annoying. They get to everything, seemingly.


Good to know batting practice is over. Maybe we manage to score a pair, but I doubt it.


Then give him AB's in AAA and call up Constanza. The last thing we need is ANOTHER guy in our lineup who does nothing but strikes out.

He doesn't strike out a lot.

[Braves1976]

Then give him AB's in AAA and call up Constanza. The last thing we need is ANOTHER guy in our lineup who does nothing but strikes out.

Does nothing but strike out? I think you're confusing Gattis with BJ Upton, lol.

[skidlee]

Wow I am a basher grow up

We need hitters right now and Gattis isn't one.

[Braves1976]

Wow I am a basher grow up

We need hitters right now and Gattis isn't one.

I don't need to grow up, you're not just a basher you're often wrong but never admit it when that's proven to be the case.

[skidlee]

I see its attack skid night again

Where have I been wrong and never admited it?

[BoneThrower]

Does nothing but strike out? I think you're confusing Gattis with BJ Upton, lol.


Yep, that's totally my bad. Watching our game, preseason NFL games and typing on here didn't work out too well. Multi-tasking fail. Meant to say another guy in our lineup who does nothing but gets out, not strikes out.

[Braves1976]

I see its attack skid night again


Save the pity party, it gets old.

[skidlee]

Save the pity party, it gets old.

Waiting for you to prove me wrong

[The Chosen One]

Calm down gentlemen.

Sucks we're losing but I hate whenever we're losing in games like this everyone just starts attacking each other.

It gets old.

[Braves1976]

Waiting for you to prove me wrong

I am not interested in playing that game again. It was done enough over at Scout.

[skidlee]

Just keep him in Fredi he sucks anyway

No need to hurt the pen more

[jsebe10]

Mahalom's pissy start causing our bullpen to get taxed. Again.

[Braves1976]

Calm down gentlemen.

Sucks we're losing but I hate whenever we're losing in games like this everyone just starts attacking each other.

It gets old.

I'll stop the interaction if you want, but it won't change my opinion. Nor did I mean anything I said above as an personal attack. I'll leave it at that and move on.

[bravesnumberone]

Hard to believe we actually led this game (briefly).

[Teheran_49]

Gattis has been terrible and he hasn't done anything outside his first two months. He's also never really played a ton of games since we drafted him so maybe he's hit a wall. This team is really in trouble as our offense is a complete joke now without J-Hey. This team is extremely difficult to watch and the injuries look like they are going to be too much for us to over come.

[thethe]

Who cares? Why is this being brought up in a GDT?

[skidlee]

I asked a question and I wasn't doing anything more then what most direct at uggla or BJ

[skidlee]

Gattis has been terrible and he hasn't done anything outside his first two months. He's also never really played a ton of games since we drafted him so maybe he's hit a wall. This team is really in trouble as our offense is a complete joke now without J-Hey. This team is extremely difficult to watch and the injuries look like they are going to be too much for us to over come.

Watch out your going to rock the boat

[jsebe10]

These Cardinal middle infielders are annoying. They get to everything, seemingly.


Good to know batting practice is over. Maybe we manage to score a pair, but I doubt it.


Gattis has been terrible and he hasn't done anything outside his first two months. He's also never really played a ton of games since we drafted him so maybe he's hit a wall. This team is really in trouble as our offense is a complete joke now without J-Hey. This team is extremely difficult to watch and the injuries look like they are going to be too much for us to over come.

Hey...check it out, BJ hitting b

[bravesnumberone]

:facepalm:

[Russ2dollas]

ppl are attacking b/c it's frustrating. Heyward, Hudson, beachy, EOF, etc.

Gattis was a golden God. Now he looks like Keith Law said he'd be.

BJ awful and making a ton of money for a long time.

We look like 1 and done in the playoffs. Future not as bright w/o McCann, Beachy, and having BJ and Gattis.....but that could all change in a week of good news.

Really need Uggla to be fixed by Lasix.

[BoneThrower]

At least BJ didn't strike out....:rock:

[skidlee]

We have to hope whoever is leading off can get on base while heyward is out.

Jup freeman cj and mccann is plenty to get us to the playoffs

[bravesnumberone]

:facepalm::facepalm:

[jsebe10]

Swung at ball 4 twice. Not very lead off hitter like.

[Braves1976]

Swung at ball 4 twice. Not very lead off hitter like.

He is horrible vs lefties and since coming off DL not good vs anyone. But hopefully he comes around again.

[Lville21]

Schafer now 3-26 with 9 K compared to 3 BB since coming back from injury..... I'd rather have BJ.

[jsebe10]

It really just feels like a big hangover from losing Heyard in New York...got handled by four eyes on the mound tonight and outside of a couple, NO 1 is hitting, and haven't been, especially the guys we are relying on to pick up Heywards slack.

[bravesnumberone]

At this point, I'll just be glad if we don't get swept and get out of the series without any more injuries.

[jsebe10]

These Cardinal middle infielders are annoying. They get to everything, seemingly.


Good to know batting practice is over. Maybe we manage to score a pair, but I doubt it.



Schafer now 3-26 with 9 K compared to 3 BB since coming back from injury..... I'd rather have BJ.

I gotta disagree buddy. Lol. BJ is just unbearable to fathom any longer.

[tvsportscaster]

At this point, I'll just be glad if we don't get swept and get out of the series without any more injuries.

Yeah, that's what I'm worried about, we just need to somehow manage to get a split, but that will be a tall order.

[jsebe10]

Why do I want Carpenter to take one to the face?

[Braves1976]

At this point, I'll just be glad if we don't get swept and get out of the series without any more injuries.

To be honest, I expected us to lose the first two of this series. I figured Maholm and Medlen to get beat, then for us to win game three and hopefully game four too. A split vs the Cardinals in St. Louis is pretty good.

[bravesnumberone]

Just let Vavaro take one for the team, please.

[tvsportscaster]

This one is not exactly any better.

[Braves1976]

Why do I want Carpenter to take one to the face?

I don't want to see anyone take one in the face again. I saw two players take it in the face in one day (I was watching the Texas game when Houston's player got hit in the face). So I've seen enough, it's harder to stomach after what happened to Heyward too.

[Braves1976]

Just let Vavaro take one for the team, please.

Agreed, we need to save rest of bullpen unless we comeback next AB.

[bravesnumberone]

I don't want to see anyone take one in the face again. I saw two players take it in the face in one day (I was watching the Texas game when Houston's player got hit in the face). So I've seen enough, it's harder to stomach after what happened to Heyward too.

I just want Niese to give up 40 runs over his next four starts. And no I'm not blaming him.

[jsebe10]

These Cardinal middle infielders are annoying. They get to everything, seemingly.


Good to know batting practice is over. Maybe we manage to score a pair, but I doubt it.


I don't want to see anyone take one in the face again. I saw two players take it in the face in one day (I was watching the Texas game when Houston's player got hit in the face). So I've seen enough, it's harder to stomach after what happened to Heyward too.

I wasn't being sincere. But Carpenter really urks me for some reason. Like a Danny Espinoza if you will. Just that stupid look on his dumb face and that beard.

[bravesnumberone]

Three of the Cardinals' hits this inning, if we had hit those balls, their infielders would have gotten to.

Hard to get upset at Vavaro when our offense isn't coming back any way.

[Braves1976]

I wasn't being sincere. But Carpenter really urks me for some reason. Like a Danny Espinoza if you will. Just that stupid look on his dumb face and that beard.

I understand, I feel the same about certain players too.

[jsebe10]

These Cardinal middle infielders are annoying. They get to everything, seemingly.


Good to know batting practice is over. Maybe we manage to score a pair, but I doubt it.


Three of the Cardinals' hits this inning, if we had hit those balls, their infielders would have gotten to.

Hard to get upset at Vavaro when our offense isn't coming back any way.

It's that fckn Carpenter man...I'm telling you, you want that guy plunked. He's the luckiest player in baseball and you all will see how lucky this chocolate covered douche turd is.

[bravesnumberone]

The Cardinals in general are an exceptionally annoying team.

[jsebe10]

These Cardinal middle infielders are annoying. They get to everything, seemingly.


Good to know batting practice is over. Maybe we manage to score a pair, but I doubt it.


The Cardinals in general are an exceptionally annoying team.

Completely agree. And extremely lucky. Beating up on those poor bastards in the central for years

[NinersSBChamps]

Gonna be a long 35 games or whatever. If any team could blow a lead like ours, it's this team. Don't make history.

[bravesnumberone]

:Sad:

[NinersSBChamps]

No home runs for Gattis for nearly a month.

[BoneThrower]

Right. Down. The. Middle. :facepalm:

[bravesnumberone]

Simmons has been hitting the ball well lately. Hopefully a good sign.

[The Chosen One]

So many hard hit balls tonight.

Babip not in our favor.

[Jay212033]

Gonna be a long 35 games or whatever. If any team could blow a lead like ours, it's this team. Don't make history.

Dude really?!

[Braves1976]

Gonna be a long 35 games or whatever. If any team could blow a lead like ours, it's this team. Don't make history.

Nah, the Nats would have to get crazy hot and we'd have to go crazy cold just to make it close. It ain't happening. The worst case I see is they get to only four or five back at some point, then run out of time. That's the worst case though, IMO.

To sum it up, the Braves have already won this division. It's just a matter of when they'll get to celebrate it officially.

[Diesel]

I don't know if this has been mentioned, but the chick on the Fox 1 game break is extremely creepy. She's hilariously bad, from her fake voice to the weird stare she 'charms' the camera with. Wow.

[NinersSBChamps]

Dude really?!

I don't think it will happen, but the Nats will gain a ton of ground.

[Braves1976]

I don't think it will happen, but the Nats will gain a ton of ground.

So you're saying you think my worst case example cited above happens? If so, I doubt it but I don't see us finishing ahead of the Dodgers and probably not the Central winner either. I did before we lost Heyward though.

[bravesnumberone]

When we lose six straight, and the Nats win six straight, then we'll talk. We can't win them all, but neither can they.

[The Chosen One]

:Sad:

[jsebe10]

I don't care who the eff you are...if your name isn't Justin Upton, Freddie Freeman, or Brian McCann, if you gotta 3-1 count down by 4 in the ninth, you take for strike two.... No excuse

[Braves1976]

When we lose six straight, and the Nats win six straight, then we'll talk. We can't win them all, but neither can they.

We're probably due a mini-losing streak at some point. But everyone has 'em, nothing to panic over. We're sitting pretty as far as the division goes. It's just a shame that losing Heyward will likely cost us a shot at the best record (and home field). Plus he'd be a huge loss come playoff time of course.

[bravesnumberone]

Well bleh game. Maholm started out alright but stupidly walked a horrible hitter and followed that up with batting practice.

Outside of Justin's homer, offense was largely dormant. Hit some hard balls right at guys but also had some pitiful attempts up there. Just one loss, but in case some of our hitters didn't get the memo, it's time to step their game up, or we're going to be in trouble.

[tvsportscaster]

I don't care who the eff you are...if your name isn't Justin Upton, Freddie Freeman, or Brian McCann, if you gotta 3-1 count down by 4 in the ninth, you take for strike two.... No excuse

Absolutely agree, he was wild and you've got to make him throw another strike there.

[zitothebrave]

Maholm, gonna get tendered

[Braves1976]

Maholm, gonna get tendered

Yep, then when he accepts we'll go all Soriano on him. :icon_biggrin:

Seriously, I know you're just hacking on Thethe. I'm kidding too obviously.

[NinersSBChamps]

So you're saying you think my worst case example cited above happens? If so, I doubt it but I don't see us finishing ahead of the Dodgers and probably not the Central winner either. I did before we lost Heyward though.

It's a small chance that the Nats really make it close, but us being the three seed is going to happen now.

[Bdawg2309]

LOL

maholm road ERA: 6.08
home ERA: 1.93
road starts: 14
home starts: 7

[chopdrew]

It's a small chance that the Nats really make it close, but us being the three seed is going to happen now.

Not with our schedule.

[Hulavol]

Not with our schedule.

Exactly.

[thewupk]

Only the biggest debbie downers (and we have a few on here) think the Nats are going to make it close. With our schedule we will still be in a fight for top spot in the NL.

[bravebonebook]

Before Heyward went down, we had a chance at the top spot. Now, along with the pitchers wearing down a little (i.e. Minor, Beachy,) we'll probably end up third. Would be nice if Braves could eke out the second best spot so we'd have a second round home field advantage if (I'm assuming the Dodgers get the top spot) there was an upset in their first playoff series. But other than mathematically, there's no real chance anyone is catching us to win the East. At the end, the standings will make it look like the Nats were close but the truth will be that Atlanta had to cruise into the playoffs because of the injuries and fatigue. Remember that the other teams will be affected by the same fatigue and etc. as the Braves players too.

Now, we better be in a lot better shape when the playoffs start, including Heyward ignoring his agent and getting his butt out there when those games start!!

[Julio3000]

I don't know if this has been mentioned, but the chick on the Fox 1 game break is extremely creepy. She's hilariously bad, from her fake voice to the weird stare she 'charms' the camera with. Wow.

Yeah, for sure. She gives the impression of having been grown in a lab somewhere.

[NinersSBChamps]

Only the biggest debbie downers (and we have a few on here) think the Nats are going to make it close. With our schedule we will still be in a fight for top spot in the NL.

And with our roster we will be assured the 3 spot.

[gilesfan]

I don't care who the eff you are...if your name isn't Justin Upton, Freddie Freeman, or Brian McCann, if you gotta 3-1 count down by 4 in the ninth, you take for strike two.... No excuse

You want major league hitters to have auto take on when it's one of the most advantageous spots for hitters? Want them swinging no matter what when its 0-2 as well, bc that makes about the same amount of sense.

[thewupk]

And with our roster we will be assured the 3 spot.

The difference between Heyward and Schafer/ B Upton/Gattis for a month isn't going to cripple us. We are still a very good team.

[thethe]

There is no chance in my mind that we get the top spot. But, that might not be the worst thing because then the wild card team gets teh dodgers and hopefully the wild card teams are STL or CIN. I want the Pirates int he first round.