GDT 9/13/13: Padres (Kennedy) @ Braves (Hale) 7:30 PM

[NYCBrave]

Braves:


1. Jordan Schafer (L) CF
2. Justin Upton (R) RF
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
4. Evan Gattis (R) LF
5. Brian McCann (L) C
6. Chris Johnson (R) 3B
7. Andrelton Simmons (R) SS
8. Elliot Johnson (S) 2B
9. David Hale (R) P

Padres:


1. Will Venable (L) CF
2. Chris Denorfia (R) RF
3. Jedd Gyorko (R) 2B
4. Chase Headley (S) 3B
5. Kyle Blanks (R) LF
6. Tommy Medica (R) 1B
7. Ronny Cedeno (R) SS
8. Rene Rivera (R) C
9. Ian Kennedy (R) P

[NYCBrave]

I was looking for an update on Downs, here's the latest:



Scott Downs (finger) will see hand specialist Dr. Gary Lourie on Friday.

Downs hasn't pitched since he fractured the tip of the ring finger of his non-pitching hand while attempting to field a comebacker last Saturday. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said that the southpaw was optimistic about pitching at some point this weekend, but we should have a better idea about his status after his checkup.

[stpeteirish]

Kennedy's been OK vs us in Phoenix but not at the Ted. And the other two starters for the Pad this weekend are rookies who haven't exactly set the world on fire. I think sweep here, unless Hale is bad. Padres on the road is a nice way to get your first major league start, they ain't much on offense.

[Bye Week]

Venable owns the Braves.

[thewupk]

Been away. Why is Hale starting? To give the others a rest?

[Heyward]

Been away. Why is Hale starting? To give the others a rest?

Yup....

[Julio3000]

Elliot Johnson = Fredi's new toy.

[stpeteirish]

Looks like we won't be seeing Stasburg next week, scratched form his start tonight vs the Phils and they're going to give him at least a week .Forearm tight. Gio and Zim scheduled for nest two games so we'll see their back end guys, and Haren.

[Bdawg2309]

wonder how many batters Kennedy will hit today.


uggla: 9-95 in his last 32 games.........

[Dalyn]

Elliot Johnson = Fredi's new toy.


https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTQzcqJY4q8ILRsfOthA7du6FAUsln2V Ua7KiHKdVdpr9VuzSU8

[Dalyn]

wonder how many batters Kennedy will hit today.


uggla: 9-95 in his last 32 games.........


"Look at this 9-95. Now look at this 9-9 over here. If I cover this 5, they are basically the same player."

[Dalyn]

Hale yes! Nice pitch.

[The Chosen One]

Hale yes! Nice pitch.

:facepalm:

[Julio3000]

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTQzcqJY4q8ILRsfOthA7du6FAUsln2V Ua7KiHKdVdpr9VuzSU8

Did I miss the part where Fredi bought him from the Royals for a carton of cigarettes?

[Dalyn]

:facepalm:


http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/rdj_thanks.gif

[clvclv]

Addition to the earlier scouting report on Hale...

He's got either a girlfriend or sister that's a knockout.

[Dalyn]

Did I miss the part where Fredi bought him from the Royals for a carton of cigarettes?



I think it was half a bottle of Herbal Essence and one dry pack.

[Julio3000]

:facepalm:

Hale never amount to much.

[The Chosen One]

Hale never amount to much.

Unreal.

[Dalyn]

Addition to the earlier scouting report on Hale...

He's got either a girlfriend or sister that's a knockout.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQrWmIrjyOC0ql2juARv6nbumQowy-cHlBBblLPeNYrOSnk7L_D

[CyYoung31]

Not watching the game. What in the Hale is going on?

[Dalyn]

Not watching the game. What in the Hale is going on?

http://i.imgur.com/S3VpN.gif

If we keep this up, we are all going to hale.

[nsacpi]

Hail to Hale

[clvclv]

Hale to the Chief???

[Dalyn]

Hail to Hale


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNTPNvGomHA

[Julio3000]

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQrWmIrjyOC0ql2juARv6nbumQowy-cHlBBblLPeNYrOSnk7L_D

Either way, I hope the game goes well for the kid.

Because's she's . . . [sunglasses on]

. . . waiting to sex Hale.

YEEEAAAAAGH!!!

[Dalyn]

Either way, I hope the game goes well for the kid.

Because's she's . . . [sunglasses on]

. . . waiting to sex Hale.

YEEEAAAAAGH!!!


http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ0AqH2wFU0/TceakAzO3kI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/mrqPil4UZKg/s400/sunglasses-wear-them-cool-fail.gif

[thethe]

Certainly looks like yet another UNDERRATED Braves prospect.

[thethe]

Thats why Uggla isn't playing.

[clvclv]

We have a new 2B.

[thethe]

This kid isn't even one of our better prospects and we are to believe the Braves have a bad farm system?

[Dalyn]

Thats why Uggla isn't playing.


http://24.media.tumblr.com/0f632f4d668b98bf049f66130a8862dd/tumblr_mgdna9w39I1s301bbo1_500.gif

[Gary82]

We have a new 2B.

it's not like there's much of a competition...

[nsacpi]

Throwing 3 pitches for strikes. Kid looks good.

[CyYoung31]

By thethe, I'm being led to believe that David is pitching one Hale of a game.

[clvclv]

This kid isn't even one of our better prospects and we are to believe the Braves have a bad farm system?

All due respect to Hale, this isn't exactly a scary MLB lineup - lots of AAAA guys out there.

[thethe]

All due respect to Hale, this isn't exactly a scary MLB lineup - lots of AAAA guys out there.

He isn't anything more than a 4/5 starter but he isn't even in our top 10.

[Dalyn]

This kid isn't even one of our better prospects and we are to believe the Braves have a bad farm system?

Bad farm system!? When hale freezes over.


http://www.haletheater.org/theater/seeYOUinHALESNOWgogglesresized.jpg

[Gary82]

ian kennedy has a no hitter....come on man.

[goosecreekbrave]

So Hale's looking good? Can't see the game :-(

[clvclv]

He isn't anything more than a 4/5 starter but he isn't even in our top 10.

Would personally prefer to see him against a little better competition before going that far. Not saying he's not a major leaguer, but not quite ready to say he belongs in a rotation before he's thrown 50 pitches at this level. Need to see if he can adjust after they adjust to their first couple times seeing him.

[The Chosen One]

When I allow this place to be run and taken over by insane radicals is when Hale freezes over.

You guys better think long and hard if you want this to be another Wood debacle. Otherwise I will raise Hale.

[thethe]

Would personally prefer to see him against a little better competition before going that far. Not saying he's not a major leaguer, but not quite ready to say he belongs in a rotation before he's thrown 50 pitches at this level. Need to see if he can adjust after they adjust to their first couple times seeing him.

Agreed...I'm just saying thats best case scenario.

[Bravesfan]

Who the Hale is pitching out there? :facepalm:

[nsacpi]

When was the last time two Princeton Tigers faced off in a major league game?

[CyYoung31]

When I allow this place to be run and taken over by insane radicals is when Hale freezes over.

You guys better think long and hard if you want this to be another Wood debacle. Otherwise I will raise Hale.

Hale is clearly a hot commodity right now.

[Dalyn]

McCann trying to figure out what the hale is going on. Good idea. And it worked!

[nsacpi]

The Braves are an amazing pitching factory.

[Dalyn]

Hale is clearly a hot commodity right now.

Hale hasn't had this kind of attention since Falwell died.

[thethe]

The Braves are an amazing pitching factory.

They churn out back end of the rotation starters like nobody else. It just so happens they are doing that with top end guys often as well.

[Dalyn]

The Braves are an amazing pitching factory.

And where do you think that factory is located?

http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/250x250/37896863.jpg

[thethe]

Hale hasn't had this kind of attention since Falwell died.

I hate when I don't get what you guys reference.

[thethe]

Thats a good sign.

[Dalyn]

I hate when I don't get what you guys reference.


Insane radicals don't always make sense.

I bet that HR made hale happy.

http://a.imageshack.us/img39/3204/487v.gif

[stpeteirish]

there goes than no hitter!

[Gary82]

Time for Justin to hit about 18 homeruns in 18 hours.

[thethe]

I still dont believe Gattis can continue to swing at the first pitch as often as he does and maintain success.

[Bravesfan]

I want Tehran but I have a Minor problem. Where in the Hale Wood I have to avoid these Medlin kids....

[thethe]

Love when your catcher supports the rookie pitcher!

[Dalyn]

http://s3.argim.net/files/s/devil_dance.gif

[Gary82]

Welcome to the 20 hr club, Brian. You're gettin paaaaaiiiiiiidddd this winter.

[ESP47]

When I allow this place to be run and taken over by insane radicals is when Hale freezes over.

You guys better think long and hard if you want this to be another Wood debacle. Otherwise I will raise Hale.

Hale Hitler!

[Gary82]

I want Tehran but I have a Minor problem. Where in the Hale Wood I have to avoid these Medlin kids....

uh....Maholm.

[Dalyn]

Hale Hitler!

Okay. With this one, jew really took it too far.

[Gary82]

David O'Brien ‏@ajcbraves 48s
#Braves McCann homered on 0-2 pitch, his 20th to give him his 6th consecutive 20-homer season and 7th in 8 full seasons


HOF career in the making.

[Dalyn]

David O'Brien ‏@ajcbraves 48s
#Braves McCann homered on 0-2 pitch, his 20th to give him his 6th consecutive 20-homer season and 7th in 8 full seasons


HOF career in the making.

Amazing.

[thethe]

Yeah, the Braves have a bad farm system.

[Julio3000]

Hale's looking hearty.

[Gary82]

9 Ks through 4.2 innings. A pretty sharp debut.

[Julio3000]

Yeah, the Braves have a bad farm system.

The Hale you say.

[thethe]

Whats UGgla doing back in the game?

[Dalyn]

Did you guys see what Fredi was writing?

(sic)

PLAOfS

Fredi Garcia
David Hell
Chris Medlane
Mic Major

(sic)

[Gary82]

That Mic Major kid is special.

[thethe]

I don't know...This kid has some solid stuff. Nothing special or anything but a nice three pitch arsenal.

[Dalyn]

Another nice inning. Hale is on fire!

[Gary82]

When you consider how well the Padres have been playing against us the past couple of years, it's one hale of a statement.

[nsacpi]

I still dont believe Gattis can continue to swing at the first pitch as often as he does and maintain success.

Freeman is another one who loves the first pitch.

[Julio3000]

When you consider how well the Padres have been playing against us the past couple of years, it's one hale of a statement.

He held Venable to one hit, so Hale must've frozen over.

[thethe]

Freeman is another one who loves the first pitch.

Freeman is much more talented.

[Julio3000]

Freeman is another one who loves the first pitch.

Been around the top of the league in that category all year.

[stpeteirish]

early hook, is he hurt? Or hale?

[Gary82]

He held Venable to one hit, so Hale must've frozen over.

He was Venable to Hale's pitching arsenal.


:)

[stpeteirish]

maybe Schafer can bunt for an out too.

[Gary82]

early hook, is he hurt? Or hale?

I think he threw 90 something pitches.

[mfree80]

Gattis does swing at the first pitch a lot. The difference between him and Freddie is that Gattis usually 0-2 after two pitches. Freddie can swing at the first pitch then still have a good AB.

[Dalyn]

early hook, is he hurt? Or hale?

http://i.imgur.com/y2Zwk.gif

[NinersSBChamps]

Runs are good.

[ESP47]

Ok enough with the puns. They're getting Hale-uh cheesy.

[Julio3000]

Did you guys see what Fredi was writing?

(sic)

PLAOfS

Fredi Garcia
David Hell
Chris Medlane
Mic Major

(sic)

On the other side it said:

Dan I'm sorry but you got to sit for a few days. I know you been working hard and taking extra BP alot. But sometimes you got to go with the hot hand and right now thats Eliiot.

[Heyward]

Would of gone Hale for one more inning but maybe had a pitch limit for him.

Impressive debut though.

[mfree80]

Good one Chip. Hale, Fire and ...

[Dalyn]

Would of gone Hale for one more inning but maybe had a pitch limit for him.

Impressive debut though.

http://twistedsifter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/headless-gymnast-perfect-timing.jpg

[Gary82]

Would of gone Hale for one more inning but maybe had a pitch limit for him.

Impressive debut though.

I think it's one of those manager decisions. You want to give the kid the chance for the decision and pull him while he's on top of his game. Confidence builder, and such.

[Gary82]

http://twistedsifter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/headless-gymnast-perfect-timing.jpg

What a pretty....foot head you have, ma'am.

[weso1]

Runs are good.

Not when you're on an airplane.

[weso1]

What a pretty....foot head you have, ma'am.

Giraffe neck.

[Gary82]

I need to go get a headicure.

[Dalyn]

I need to go get a headicure.

http://i.imgur.com/mrmVE.gif

[Gary82]

6-1 Nats over Phillies. If we want this division, we're going to have to eliminate the magic number ourselves.

[Gary82]

Did anyone see the modifications they did to Heyward's helmet?

http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/6/64395/1264354-shredder2.jpg

[weso1]

Did anyone see the modifications they did to Heyward's helmet?

http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/6/64395/1264354-shredder2.jpg

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles... oh I thought we were doing Turbo's game.

[Pugfan]

Ha ha did anybody see
Hales grandma take her teeth out.

[stpeteirish]

Hope they give Hale another start, maybe vs Chicago?

[Gary82]

Ha ha did anybody see
Hales grandma take her teeth out.

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/article/media_slots/photos/001/011/134/9505158166_b817cc79ed_o_original.gif?1376426767

[TURBO]

Late to this one. Got stuck in a hale storm

[Dalyn]

Late to this one. Got stuck in a hale storm

Welcome to the hale party.

http://www.forkparty.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/2-55.jpeg

[Gary82]

tight spot in the 7th. bases loaded no out.

[weso1]

Late to this one. Got stuck in a hale storm

OHHH HALE NO!

[The Chosen One]

Ayala is gonna make Hale raise Hell here in a second.

[Heyward]

Why in the world leave Ayala in for 2?

Avilan is fresh, and Walden returned.

[Garmel]

Padres have had a bunch of bloop hits tonight.

[Dalyn]

Why in the world leave Ayala in for 2?

Avilan is fresh, and Walden returned.


:fredi:

[Dalyn]

Padres have had a bunch of bloop hits tonight.

A bloop grand slam would be awful here.

[TURBO]

Padres have had a bunch of bloop hits tonight.

They didnt have a chance against the man from Hale

[Garmel]

Another bull**** hit! Jesus Christ.

[Dalyn]

Nice play.

[Dalyn]

Looks like Fredi brought the wrong bag of tricks again.

http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4528730662963389&pid=15.1

[nsacpi]

Well done David Carpenter.

[Gary82]

Wins and losses are overrated for pitchers, as everyone knows, but I really want the team to get this win for Hale.

[Teheran_49]

I'm at work and haven't seen the game but Hale's stats look impressive. Hope to see more starts from the guy and should be ahead of Kameron Loe which I stated when they brought up Loe.

[Dalyn]

I blame thethe.

[NinersSBChamps]

Ugh this team is bad and we can't seem to beat them.

[Dalyn]

That wasn't terrifying or anything.

[Dalyn]

You keep going to the mound, Fredi. I don't think it means what you think it means.

[stpeteirish]

bullpen hasn't given away too many this year.

[mfree80]

Kind of sucks for Hale, but overall, the Bullpen has been very good all year.

[nsacpi]

You keep going to the mound, Fredi. I don't think it means what you think it means.

With the September roster expansion, all these moves by Fredi is not going to net the platoon advantage. He's over-managing given the bigger rosters.

[Dalyn]

He needs to keep it downs.

[Gary82]

unbelievable.

[Garmel]

*sigh* Another bloop hit and RBI.

[Dalyn]

With the September roster expansion, all these moves by Fredi is not going to net the platoon advantage. He's over-managing given the bigger rosters.

Sadly, it doesn't surprise me.

[KayJayNZ]

Didn't understand not sending Hale out for the 6th. Didn't understand sending Ayala out for a 2nd inning or removing him after 2nd hit of that inning.

:fredi:

Also 5 hits from the offense.

:facepalm:

[NinersSBChamps]

Padres just have our number.

[Dalyn]

I wish I still lived in...


http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqi8onLoEq1qzdljco1_500.jpg

[Dalyn]

Loe in the bullpen.

Loe in the bullpen.

Loe in the bullpen.

:facepalm:

[jsebe10]

Again...nothing from Terdo

[jsebe10]

Again...nothing from Schafer

[Dalyn]

Schafer working on that .183 .239 .232 .470 second half.

[NinersSBChamps]

Five hits..

[jsebe10]

Loe with an ERA close to 9 coming in during a key inning.

[Dalyn]

Loe in.

Any chance TP wants to manage during the playoffs?

[jsebe10]

They are going to rip his titts.

[KayJayNZ]

Loe pitching ... we are trying to win this game, right?

:confused:

[Dalyn]

Loe pitching ... we are trying to win this game, right?

:confused:


http://25.media.tumblr.com/104ca95b315287da076765f5a0384fec/tumblr_mgrbzztXsx1rvj9cso1_400.gif

[Dalyn]

Thanks, ump!

[stpeteirish]

five of our last six batters have struck out. Not the way to get back in this one.

[KayJayNZ]

Nice job by Loe.

Gattis will tie it up shortly. :tchop:

[drewdat]

Loe seems pretty dominant in the 9th. Perhaps he's just miscast.

[Dalyn]

Nice job by Loe.

Gattis will tie it up shortly. :tchop:

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRzjm4nX8TPtQ6bco11WS3glO7OJpUNv 2m-ql4jF5C0-jWI7Y4Y

[Dalyn]

Come on, Gattis! It's a bear necessity.

[Dalyn]

Wow. No reason at all to ever throw him a strike.

[Dalyn]

Pathetic.

[Gary82]

Thank goodness we won't see the Padres in the playoffs. They own us.

[NinersSBChamps]

Way to battle to the end...

[jsebe10]

We are limping into the playoffs. These guys look completely worn out.

[stpeteirish]

Wow. No reason at all to ever throw him a strike.

Gattis, I presume.

Pretty dreadful game, way to many K's tonight, and no Uggla or BJ to blame.

[Dalyn]

Gattis, I presume.

Pretty dreadful game, way to many K's tonight, and no Uggla or BJ to blame.

Schafer has been completely dreadful in the second half. Starting him over BJ just really highlights how ignorant management is.

[jsebe10]

I don't know what other convincing Fredi needs to not pitch Ayala

[Heyward]

Didn't quite get pulling Hale after 5 innings.

Ayala for one is ok, two innings was beyond dumb.

Not sure anyone else throws a scoreless inning, guess we will never know.

That one stung though.

[jsebe10]

Schafer has been completely dreadful in the second half. Starting him over BJ just really highlights how ignorant management is.

Dude seriously, get off BJs 9 incher...Schafer is the much better option. Plain and simple.

[Dalyn]

I don't know what other convincing Fredi needs to not pitch Ayala

Ayala can handle an inning. Fredi putting him back out there for two (and leaving him there until he loaded the bases) was just...

[Heyward]

I don't know what other convincing Fredi needs to not pitch Ayala

One inning is ok.

In the 7th with Avilan/Walden/Carpenter ready, it just makes no sense at all.

For 2 innings was retarded, and I never get at Fredi but that was beyond stupid.

[pfiggy]

Way to snatch defeat pfrom the jaws of victory men......... :facepalm:

[Dalyn]

Dude seriously, get off BJs 9 incher...Schafer is the much better option. Plain and simple.


Pretty simple, really.

Schafer's career numbers: .230 .312 .315 .628

Upton's career numbers: .249 .330 .411 .740

Schafer's second half numbers: .183 .239 .232 .470

Upton's second half numbers: .235 .287 .306 .593

Schafer isn't better for his career OR hotter lately. No reason at all to start him over BJ.

[Gary82]

Right now, I'm not interested in Schafer or BJ starting for us. I feel in the long run, that BJ is the superior player (to Schafer), but it is absolute torture watching these two play. Gimme Heyward in center, and gimme him now.

[Bdawg2309]

get cunningham in there in CF

terdoslavich has been garbage as well

[buck7580]

get cunningham in there in CF

terdoslavich has been garbage as well

Not sure why Cunningham was not recalled.

[bravesnumberone]

Sigh, what about the Padres is it that we have to play with our thumbs up our ass against them?

[zbhargrove]

Pretty simple, really.

Schafer's career numbers: .230 .312 .315 .628

Upton's career numbers: .249 .330 .411 .740

Schafer's second half numbers: .183 .239 .232 .470

Upton's second half numbers: .235 .287 .306 .593

Schafer isn't better for his career OR hotter lately. No reason at all to start him over BJ.

This times 1000... Schafer was a nice story for an extremely small sample size but he fell back to earth to where he always has been... Which is much worse player than BJ even when BJ is at his worst. People need to wake up and get off Schafers jock because he's terrible.

[Teheran_49]

Just got off work and saw where we lost....AGAIN! This is getting ridiculous. We have an easy schedule yet we can't win these games and sew up the division.

I have a hard time believing the Nats will catch us but damn its only a 10 game lead when it was like 15 last week. After the past 2-3 years how can a Braves fan not be worried? This is really getting old year after year.

Washington keeps winning and we keep losing. You also have to wonder if the past couple of years are in these players psyche with the massive choking we've done recently. I really hate to say this but I don't see us getting past the first round any way. This team is not built for the play-offs. I'm usually pretty up beat about my favorite teams but unfortunately the truth hurts.

[CyYoung31]

Just got off work and saw where we lost....AGAIN! This is getting ridiculous. We have an easy schedule yet we can't win these games and sew up the division.

I have a hard time believing the Nats will catch us but damn its only a 10 game lead when it was like 15 last week. After the past 2-3 years how can a Braves fan not be worried? This is really getting old year after year.

Washington keeps winning and we keep losing. You also have to wonder if the past couple of years are in these players psyche with the massive choking we've done recently. I really hate to say this but I don't see us getting past the first round any way. This team is not built for the play-offs. I'm usually pretty up beat about my favorite teams but unfortunately the truth hurts.

Christ. Go home and go to bed.

[tvsportscaster]

Last time I checked, the Braves still have the best record in the NL, and there's no way the Nats are going to catch. Washington is not even discussing catching the Braves. They are holding out hope for the wildcard. All of that being said, last night's loss ranks up there as one of the worst and most inexcusable of the season. To waste an outing like that from that kid was borderline criminal.

[The Chosen One]

Just got off work and saw where we lost....AGAIN! This is getting ridiculous. We have an easy schedule yet we can't win these games and sew up the division.

I have a hard time believing the Nats will catch us but damn its only a 10 game lead when it was like 15 last week. After the past 2-3 years how can a Braves fan not be worried? This is really getting old year after year.

Washington keeps winning and we keep losing. You also have to wonder if the past couple of years are in these players psyche with the massive choking we've done recently. I really hate to say this but I don't see us getting past the first round any way. This team is not built for the play-offs. I'm usually pretty up beat about my favorite teams but unfortunately the truth hurts.

Let's say, if we make it past the first round, you get a one week ban? :eusa_dance:

[zitothebrave]

Last time I checked, the Braves still have the best record in the NL, and there's no way the Nats are going to catch. Washington is not even discussing catching the Braves. They are holding out hope for the wildcard. All of that being said, last night's loss ranks up there as one of the worst and most inexcusable of the season. To waste an outing like that from that kid was borderline criminal.

If the Braves only win 2 games the rest of the way the Nats have to go 10-5 to win. THey're not a threat. The Braves would pretty much have to lose out for the Nats to have a realistic prayer, cause the Nats will not win out and odds are that even if the Braves struggle, they'll win 5 games of their last 15.

[bravebonebook]

I do see one scenario which would nuke the worth of this entire season:
1. Braves win division
2. Nats stay hot, even winning 2 (or God forbid, 3) from us in Washington; gets their little sphincters all pumped up
3. Nats win Wild Card
4. Because of Braves limping to the finish, Nats overcome logic and are able to beat them in a play-off series because "they believe".

That POS team Marlins did it in 1997. Hope the Braves beat these Padre pretenders and then rip the Nats' throats out next week! Put an end to this end of the year foolishness.

[NYCBrave]

I'm usually one to defend Fredi, but the bullpen management was a real head scratcher tonight. I'll just chalk it up to him having too many options and getting too excited.

As for games like this, we haven't had many all year where the bullpen let us down. I'm glad to get one out of the way before we head to the playoffs.

[Teheran_49]

Let's say, if we make it past the first round, you get a one week ban? :eusa_dance:

I'm not going to bet against my team I can't do that but obviously you haven't watched the Braves for the past 12 years.

[Teheran_49]

Last time I checked, the Braves still have the best record in the NL, and there's no way the Nats are going to catch. Washington is not even discussing catching the Braves. They are holding out hope for the wildcard. All of that being said, last night's loss ranks up there as one of the worst and most inexcusable of the season. To waste an outing like that from that kid was borderline criminal.

As I stated I said I know it won't happen but with the past couple of years it's hard not to believe that it can't happen. I see everyone is blaming Freddi and Ayala but no one is blaming Walden? Why? Checking the stats it seems he was worse than Ayala and he's the reason we blew this game. So why not go after Walden???

[tvsportscaster]

As I stated I said I know it won't happen but with the past couple of years it's hard not to believe that it can't happen. I see everyone is blaming Freddi and Ayala but no one is blaming Walden? Why? Checking the stats it seems he was worse than Ayala and he's the reason we blew this game. So why not go after Walden???

Good point about Walden, but he's also still recovering from an injury and three weeks worth of inactivity. Another culprit is the offense, once again, they do all their damage in one inning and do nothing the rest of the way. They need to start getting add on runs when they can and that will lessen the margin for error.

[nsacpi]

I don't think any of what Fredi did last night was horrible. But there were three things we can nitpick at:

1) Leaving Ayala in for the second inning

2) Walden just pitched his first game in weeks in Thursday. Does it make sense to use him in back-to-back games right off the bat? To me there are risks of two kinds here. One is the risk of re-injury. You want to ease a guy back in especially when the regular season is not that big a deal anymore. Also there is the risk his arm needs a little time to round into the kind of shape it needs to be in for him to pitch effectively on consecutive days.

3) Twice Fredi made a move to get a platoon advantage relative to a hitter and twice Bud Black just burned that hitter by going to the bench. It seems to me that when the rosters expand in September, the kind of moves Fredi made to get the platoon advantage don't make much sense because the other manager has so many other options on his bench.

[bravesnumberone]

Like I said, you don't want this Washington team in the postseason in a short series. Braves do need to get their **** together and actually do something against the Padres. I'm ****ing sick of it.

[gcbraves]

In fairness, a lucky grab of Mac's line drive with runners on by Kennedy was flukish at best. The dude wasn't even looking and just stuck his glove up at the right time to avoid being killed by it. That inning and the game could have been very different had the ball not found his glove.

[Garmel]

In fairness, a lucky grab of Mac's line drive with runners on by Kennedy was flukish at best. The dude wasn't even looking and just stuck his glove up at the right time to avoid being killed by it. That inning and the game could have been very different had the ball not found his glove.

This. Also, look at the hits that the Padres had last night. In the inning when they scored two runs they had four soft hits in a row. You can't do anything about that. Pure luck.

[Braves1976]

One inning is ok.

In the 7th with Avilan/Walden/Carpenter ready, it just makes no sense at all.


Agreed. It cost us the game, it wasn't Walden being rusty or only scoring three runs. We had a three run lead late enough to hold on with our bullpen but mismanaging it cost us the game. Loe pitching in a one run game was bad too, but so is him being on the team. I just hope this Ayala usage is not a playoff preview. If it is we'll go out pretty fast IMO.

[Braves1976]

get cunningham in there in CF

terdoslavich has been garbage as well

Joey T's issue is similar to that of Gattis previously. He hasn't been starting enough to stay sharp (or to break a slump). Plus it's not easy to have success pinch hitting starting so little. But I guess he'll need to get use to it if being on our bench next year is his future.

[Braves1976]

I don't think any of what Fredi did last night was horrible. But there were three things we can nitpick at:

1) Leaving Ayala in for the second inning

2) Walden just pitched his first game in weeks in Thursday. Does it make sense to use him in back-to-back games right off the bat? To me there are risks of two kinds here. One is the risk of re-injury. You want to ease a guy back in especially when the regular season is not that big a deal anymore. Also there is the risk his arm needs a little time to round into the kind of shape it needs to be in for him to pitch effectively on consecutive days.

3) Twice Fredi made a move to get a platoon advantage relative to a hitter and twice Bud Black just burned that hitter by going to the bench. It seems to me that when the rosters expand in September, the kind of moves Fredi made to get the platoon advantage don't make much sense because the other manager has so many other options on his bench.

I was thinking the same on all three points.

[NYCBrave]

I don't think any of what Fredi did last night was horrible. But there were three things we can nitpick at:

1) Leaving Ayala in for the second inning

2) Walden just pitched his first game in weeks in Thursday. Does it make sense to use him in back-to-back games right off the bat? To me there are risks of two kinds here. One is the risk of re-injury. You want to ease a guy back in especially when the regular season is not that big a deal anymore. Also there is the risk his arm needs a little time to round into the kind of shape it needs to be in for him to pitch effectively on consecutive days.

3) Twice Fredi made a move to get a platoon advantage relative to a hitter and twice Bud Black just burned that hitter by going to the bench. It seems to me that when the rosters expand in September, the kind of moves Fredi made to get the platoon advantage don't make much sense because the other manager has so many other options on his bench.

Point number three was my biggest issue last night.

[Braves1976]

Point number three was my biggest issue last night.

Bud Black made Fredi look bad, that's for sure. The expanded rosters helped of course, but Fredi knows about that so no excuse.