GDT 9/21/13: Braves (Medlen) @ Cubs (Wood) 4:05 PM

[NYCBrave]

Braves:

1. Andrelton Simmons (R) SS
2. Justin Upton (R) RF
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
4. Chris Johnson (R) 3B
5. Evan Gattis (R) LF
6. Gerald Laird (R) C
7. Dan Uggla (R) 2B
8. B.J. Upton (R) CF
9. Kris Medlen (S) P

Cubs:

1. Starlin Castro (R) SS
2. Luis Valbuena (L) 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
4. Dioner Navarro (S) C
5. Nate Schierholtz (L) RF
6. Ryan Sweeney (L) CF
7. Brian Bogusevic (L) LF
8. Darwin Barney (R) 2B
9. Travis Wood (R) P

[The Chosen One]

Would've liked for Alex to pitch again today.

A Wood vs. Wood matchup would've been preferable.

[The Chosen One]

lol Simmons leadoff. Back to basics Fredi.

[bravesnumberone]

Alright all that bitching about not wanting the Nats to lose last night so we could celebrate on the field. Well we better win today.

[thewupk]

it's been 8 years since we had a chance to clinch a division title. doesn't seem that long to be honest.

[Heyward]

Alright all that bitching about not wanting the Nats to lose last night so we could celebrate on the field. Well we better win today.

Just seems right to do it on your own.

Not sure how they would of celebrated if the Nats lost last night.

[bravesnumberone]

Just seems right to do it on your own.

Not sure how they would of celebrated if the Nats lost last night.

I agree, now let's not mess it up by losing today.

[bravesnumberone]

I guess Mac and Huddy are the only guys left from the 2005 team.

[NYCBrave]

I guess Mac and Huddy are the only guys left from the 2005 team.

Wow, crazy to think about it. And both might be gone next year.

[Gary82]

it's been 8 years since we had a chance to clinch a division title. doesn't seem that long to be honest.

June of 2006 felt like 8 years.

[bravesnumberone]

And 2005 was Mac's rookie year and Huddy's first season with ATL.

[stpeteirish]

CJ to clean up. Fredi seems to be following the board's suggestions re this, wasn't someone calling for Gattis to be dropped and CJ be put there?

[Heyward]

CJ to clean up. Fredi seems to be following the board's suggestions re this, wasn't someone calling for Gattis to be dropped and CJ be put there?

Most wanted Gattis to 6th, and Mac 4th, CJ 5th.

[Heyward]

I agree, now let's not mess it up by losing today.

If we do, we do.

[Runnin]

That's Fredi's maybe Kris will shut them down lineup.

[drewdat]

Just seems right to do it on your own.

Not sure how they would of celebrated if the Nats lost last night.

What is the stadium specific celebration for Wrigley Field (a la the Dodgers jumping in the pool)? Having heat strokes in the bleachers? Weed-eating the ivy?

[bravesnumberone]

I'm thinking somewhere along the lines of celebrating in the Bartman area down the left-field line

[The Chosen One]

Avilan: Hey skipper, after we clinch, I'm gonna need a few days rest. My arm feels...

Fredi: We'll see.

[jpx7]

A Wood vs. Wood matchup would've been preferable.

You would.

[jpx7]

Alright all that bitching about not wanting the Nats to lose last night so we could celebrate on the field. Well we better win today.

I won't be too sad if the Braves lose and the Zombie Expos win today, since I'll be at tomorrow's tilt and wouldn't mind seeing The Clinch in person.

[Julio3000]

What is the stadium specific celebration for Wrigley Field (a la the Dodgers jumping in the pool)? Having heat strokes in the bleachers? Weed-eating the ivy?

Spit-roast a goat over a bonfire made from ivy pulled off the walls.

If you really want to torture the fans, though, just winning is probably enough.

[Julio3000]

Avilan: Hey skipper, after we clinch, I'm gonna need a few days rest. My arm feels...

Fredi: We'll see.

:)

[NYCBrave]

CJ to clean up. Fredi seems to be following the board's suggestions re this, wasn't someone calling for Gattis to be dropped and CJ be put there?

I actually think I was the one who brought this up yesterday

[The Chosen One]

You would.
:facepalm:

[Dalyn]

I actually think I was the one who brought this up yesterday

:happy0157:

[Dalyn]

:tchop:

[mfree80]

This game is not just about clinching the division. Gotta keep winning for home field.

[jason27nc]

Heyward plays, Braves win! Coincidence? I think not.

[Heyward]

Heyward plays, Braves win! Coincidence? I think not.

66-30 when he plays.

[50PoundHead]

Spit-roast a goat over a bonfire made from ivy pulled off the walls.

If you really want to torture the fans, though, just winning is probably enough.

If you really wanted to torture the Cubs' fans, I'd say bring in Steve Bartman for champagne popping and keg meister duties in the locker room.

[Dalyn]

I hope we go celebrate in Arizona's pool.

[Julio3000]

I hope we go celebrate in Arizona's pool.

It's probably safe by now, as long as it's heavily chlorinated.

[bravesnumberone]

BABIPimping

[Bj1133]

All he does is hit

[bravesnumberone]

When is there going to be some ****ing accountability on umpires for balls/strikes?

[Bj1133]

This strike zone Wood is getting is already ridiculous. First pitch to Freeman and that pitch to Laird were both out of the zone by a good measure

[bravesnumberone]

Lulggla

[Mrs. Meta]

This game is not just about clinching the division. Gotta keep winning for home field.

Not that I disagree, but man, has Turner been a house of horrors in the playoffs for us :Sad:.

[jsebe10]

I just don't understand running this lineup out there....this is a lineup you put out there tomorrow, after we clinch. No Heyward but here's BJ and Uggla in the same lineup? Come on.

[bravesnumberone]

I just don't understand running this lineup out there....this is a lineup you put out there tomorrow, after we clinch. No Heyward but here's BJ and Uggla in the same lineup? Come on.

Guessing Heyward's legs were sore. In any event, Fredi failed not putting his boy Elliot at leadoff.

[NYCBrave]

I just don't understand running this lineup out there....this is a lineup you put out there tomorrow, after we clinch. No Heyward but here's BJ and Uggla in the same lineup? Come on.

The plan all along was for Heyward to play 5 innings followed by a day off, similar to how he would in spring training. He wasn't even supposed to be back yet so what is there to complain about?

[jpx7]

this is a lineup you put out there tomorrow

For my sake, I hope not.

[Bj1133]

I just don't understand running this lineup out there....this is a lineup you put out there tomorrow, after we clinch. No Heyward but here's BJ and Uggla in the same lineup? Come on.

What other alternatives are there? Maybe Elliot instead of Uggla, but certainly not Schafer over BJ (lefties don't hit Wood very well). Seems like people on here would accept the fact that our CF/2B options aren't great right now instead of whining about it every game.

[jsebe10]

The plan all along was for Heyward to play 5 innings followed by a day off, similar to how he would in spring training. He wasn't even supposed to be back yet so what is there to complain about?

I'm not complaining. But literally, this is our Sunday get away day lineup on the day we can wrap up the division. Laird, BJ, and Uggla have no business in there today.

[jsebe10]

What other alternatives are there? Maybe Elliot instead of Uggla, but certainly not Schafer over BJ (lefties don't hit Wood very well). Seems like people on here would accept the fact that our CF/2B options aren't great right now instead of whining about it every game.

Again, I'm not not complaining. I just mentioned I didn't understand. Get over yourself.

[Bj1133]

BJ can't catch a break

[Dalyn]

:Sad:

[jsebe10]

Lucky ass catch.

[Dalyn]

Lucky ass catch.

Hardly. Dude can play defense. Watched him a lot with Oakland.

[TURBO]

what happened to the Auburn guy?

[jsebe10]

Hardly. Dude can play defense. Watched him a lot with Oakland.

Kinda just threw the glove out there and it fell in. Props for manning up on that wall though.

[jpx7]

what happened to the Auburn guy?

gr8?

[Garmel]

That's a home run on most days.

[TURBO]

gr8?

no, the guy who posted a bit earlier on here

[Dalyn]

I really want Medlen to hit Wood so I can finally use, "He got good Wood on that ball!"

[Yogi44]

Lucky ass catch.
Not sure if we are watching the same game. That took some skill and guts with the brick wall there.

[bravesnumberone]

Hell, if Heyward just stood there with the bat on his shoulders in the leadoff spot, the Braves would score more runs :)

[Dalyn]

Hell, if Heyward just stood there with the bat on his shoulders in the leadoff spot, the Braves would score more runs :)

Same for Uggla.

[bravesnumberone]

Let's give Medlen some freaking run support.

[jpx7]

Speculative question for the gallery: If the Braves do indeed clinch today, is it at all likely that they won't pitch Teheran tomorrow?

[Dalyn]

:tchop:

[bravesnumberone]

DA BEAR

[Dalyn]

The speed of Freeman made that happen.

[thethe]

If Evan could do that on a more consistent basis then he could be an everdyay player. He took something off his swing and went the other way. That was beautiful..

[Dalyn]

If Evan could do that on a more consistent basis then he could be an everdyay player. He took something off his swing and went the other way. That was beautiful..

And took a pitch.

[Mrs. Meta]

If Evan could do that on a more consistent basis then he could be an everdyay player. He took something off his swing and went the other way. That was beautiful..

Your fandom is beautiful!

[jsebe10]

Speculative question for the gallery: If the Braves do indeed clinch today, is it at all likely that they won't pitch Teheran tomorrow?

Probably not. I'm sure BJ, Ugggla, or Laird will pitch tomorrow.

[bravesnumberone]

Alright, BJ.

[Bj1133]

Gotta swing there BJ - this ump's zone is all over the place today

[thethe]

Your fandom is beautiful!

Meh....You are allowed to change your opinions over time when you get more information.

[Mrs. Meta]

Very patient AB for BJ there!

[jsebe10]

Gotta swing there BJ - this ump's zone is all over the place today

Lol. "A-ugh A-ugh A-ugh....gulp"

[Bj1133]

Speculative question for the gallery: If the Braves do indeed clinch today, is it at all likely that they won't pitch Teheran tomorrow?

I'd say he will still go, just nothing strenuous

[Yogi44]

BJ, why do I ever get my hopes up you will actually come thru in tough situations?

[Mrs. Meta]

Meh....You are allowed to change your opinions over time when you get more information.

T'was a serious compliment :)

...I'm also (still) waiting for you to tell me why our 49ers didn't run the ball at the end of the superbowl :Sad:

[bravesnumberone]

BJ had better not get one start in the playoffs.

[thethe]

T'was a serious compliment :)

...I'm also (still) waiting for you to tell me why our 49ers didn't run the ball at the end of the superbowl :Sad:

Bad playcalling. Its ok, we will have another shot in the next few years with the talent we have.

[Mrs. Meta]

Bad playcalling. Its ok, we will have another shot in the next few years with the talent we have.

Not if Aldon Smith has anything to say about it! :sad:

Haha, I do agree with you though.....by in large.

[jsebe10]

BJ had better not get one start in the playoffs.

He will be in there if we force a game 7....along with Uggla and Laird....bc according to some people on here living under a rock, there are no better options

[thethe]

I hope we get this Medlen in the postseason.

[bravesnumberone]

Keep on pitching, Medlen.

[NYCBrave]

He will be in there if we force a game 7....along with Uggla and Laird....bc according to some people on here living under a rock, there are no better options

You're serious complaining about Laird being used on a day game after a night game, when the division is already well in hand?? You're also complaining that we're using BJ when obviously it's just to spell Heyward for this one day while makes his way back. Get with the program here.

[bravesnumberone]

I hope we get this Medlen in the postseason.

Hopefully because we sure don't give him much in terms of run support.

[bravesnumberone]

You're serious complaining about Laird being used on a day game after a night game, when the division is already well in hand?? You're also complaining that we're using BJ when obviously it's just to spell Heyward for this one day while makes his way back. Get with the program here.

Yeah I don't mind the moves. Although, I wouldn't have minded getting Reed Johnson a start to help shake more rust off while letting Gattis catch.

[Dalyn]

Nice play.

[jsebe10]

You're serious complaining about Laird being used on a day game after a night game, when the division is already well in hand?? You're also complaining that we're using BJ when obviously it's just to spell Heyward for this one day while makes his way back. Get with the program here.

The game yesterday was at 2....and yes I am complaining about that. Heyward, no...,just no BJ. Especially on a day when we can clinch the division for the FIRST TIME IN EIGHT YEARS!!!!

[thethe]

I think Medlen is fully asserting himself as our best pitcher. Just like he did last year.

I hope the Braves think long and hard before entertaining trade offers for him.

[jsebe10]

I think Medlen is fully asserting himself as our best pitcher. Just like he did last year.

I hope the Braves think long and hard before entertaining trade offers for him.

Agreed. He's really turned it on this month. We certainly needed that out of him.

[bravesnumberone]

I think Medlen is fully asserting himself as our best pitcher. Just like he did last year.

I hope the Braves think long and hard before entertaining trade offers for him.

If he does get traded, we better have some significant offensive talent coming back.

[Dalyn]

Plunk.

[bravesnumberone]

Damn wind.

[thethe]

If he does get traded, we better have some significant offensive talent coming back.

For real. If he is traded then he needs to command equivalent value of a borderline ace or a really good #2.

MEDLEN IS THAT TYPE OF PITCHER!

If the value doesn't match that then you might as well offer him an extension.

[bravesnumberone]

Grrrrrr

[bravesnumberone]

leadoff walks :facepalm:

[Dalyn]

Would be nice to see Bethancourt.

[bravesnumberone]

Would be nice to see Bethancourt.

Unless Mac is coming back next year, or Lairdass is the man moving forward, we need to get him in there more.

[NYCBrave]

Yeah I don't mind the moves. Although, I wouldn't have minded getting Reed Johnson a start to help shake more rust off while letting Gattis catch.

I don't think Reed Johnson is able to play the field yet or else we'd be seeing that.

[bravesnumberone]

I don't think Reed Johnson is able to play the field yet or else we'd be seeing that.

Ok, my mistake. Would love to see him on offensively in the playoffs.

[CyYoung31]

Not sure about this ump.

[bravesnumberone]

My goodness, Navarro is fat.

[Dalyn]

I like how Medlen talked **** and then started pitching better than the rest of the team.

[bravesnumberone]

Now we just need Minor to talk **** and stop giving up 2-3 runs in the first.

[cajunrevenge]

I think Medlen is fully asserting himself as our best pitcher. Just like he did last year.

I hope the Braves think long and hard before entertaining trade offers for him.

I just hope he gets a little more benefit of the doubt next year. It was ridiculous that some actually wanted to send him to the pen this year when he dared to let his era get up yo 3.60. When a starter puts up a 0.95 era in the second half and owns the ML record for consecutive team wins in his starts he damn well deserves a full season in the rotation.

[thethe]

I just hope he gets a little more benefit of the doubt next year. It was ridiculous that some actually wanted to send him to the pen this year when he dared to let his era get up yo 3.60. When a starter puts up a 0.95 era in the second half and owns the ML record for consecutive team wins in his starts he damn well deserves a full season in the rotation.

Nah, he is just at best a middle of the rotation pitcher.

Such a joke.

[cajunrevenge]

I like how Medlen talked **** and then started pitching better than the rest of the team.

I don't remember that what did he say?

[NYCBrave]

I just hope he gets a little more benefit of the doubt next year. It was ridiculous that some actually wanted to send him to the pen this year when he dared to let his era get up yo 3.60. When a starter puts up a 0.95 era in the second half and owns the ML record for consecutive team wins in his starts he damn well deserves a full season in the rotation.

Let's be real though, it was over a small sample size in both cases. We didn't really know what we had with Medlen. Plus, in the beginning of this season, his command was clearly off, and he was being outpitched by every other starter in our rotation.

[Dalyn]

I don't remember that what did he say?

He was pissed that Fredi kept pulling pitchers early and not letting them work out of trouble.

[bravesnumberone]

I wouldn't mind this umpire so much if he would just establish a consistent strike zone.

[bravesnumberone]

Medlen explained it best. He stopped thinking so much and just started throwing the baseball, and it's paid off tremendously.

[50PoundHead]

I can't watch where I'm at. Was the called 3rd to Uggla a strike?

[bravesnumberone]

It was outside. Pretty close though.

[bravesnumberone]

Wood put the ball on Medlen:Sad:

[50PoundHead]

It was outside. Pretty close though.

Can you get your money back on LASIK or do you have to give the Dr. your eyes?

[Dalyn]

That Carayed.

[bravesnumberone]

Can you get your money back on LASIK or do you have to give the Dr. your eyes?

I think the doctor has to give the organization the money, and Gattis eats the bad eyes.

[Heyward]

Unless Mac is coming back next year, or Lairdass is the man moving forward, we need to get him in there more.

I think you'll see him start near the end of the year.

[50PoundHead]

I think the doctor has to give the organization the money, and Gattis eats the bad eyes.

I think Uggla's future might be in "beep baseball."

[jsebe10]

The fill ins are 0-7 with 3 Ks and 2 BB...

[Dalyn]

Nice catch. Upton is a lot better in right than in left.

[bravesnumberone]

Great play, Justin. Fat Andruw would have made it routine.

[Dalyn]

The fill ins are 0-7 with 3 Ks and 2 BB...

:dance:

[jsebe10]

Nice play Justin.

[Heyward]

He will be in there if we force a game 7....along with Uggla and Laird....bc according to some people on here living under a rock, there are no better options

Uggla, sure, who else starts for him, EJ?

Barring injury, Mac will be the C.

[bravesnumberone]

Play the ball in front of you for God's sake.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Simmons is so smooth

[bravesnumberone]

Good grief, Simmons. I didn't even see that ball. :suprise:

[jsebe10]

Nice turn! Kris has pitched his ass off today.

[bravesnumberone]

Nice turn! Kris has pitched his ass off today.

Yes he has. He deserves a win. This offense needs to add on right now.

[bravesnumberone]

OK! Get him in now.

[bravesnumberone]

Patience here, CJ.

Great effort by Travis Wood today.

[Dalyn]

Need a hit, CJ!

[Dalyn]

Plunk.

[bravesnumberone]

:facepalm:

[bravesnumberone]

Fail.

[bravesnumberone]

Heyward back in.

[bravesnumberone]

I'm sorry, but if we hold this to the ninth, I want McCann in there with a chance to celebrate.

[jsebe10]

Heyward back in.

Lol. Fckn Fredi

[bravesnumberone]

Bravo Medlen! Don't fck this up, bullpen.

[The Chosen One]

I'm sorry, but if we hold this to the ninth, I want McCann in there with a chance to celebrate.

I'm sure he'd go in just because he's better defensively than Laird or Gattis.

[bravesnumberone]

THROW STRIKES

[The Chosen One]

Come on bullpen... don't let us down now please. You've been our only constant all year.

[bravesnumberone]

WHY COULD WE NOT BRING IN KIMBREL...


**** THIS

[The Chosen One]

Fugg me. Sorry Kris.

[The Chosen One]

Downs has been pretty terrible since that fingering incident.

[Strike3urout]

WHY COULD WE NOT BRING IN KIMBREL...


**** THIS

Or...Carpenter?

[TURBO]

Nice piece of hitting by Rizzo

[bravesnumberone]

Sigh, the offense owes Medlen an apology, too. Again, it's what happens when you miss opportunity after opportunity.

[jsebe10]

And this why you don't play your struggling full ins and bat them back to back to back in a clinch game right there! 1 run. Rule of thumb for managers....YOU ALWAYS GIVE YOUR TEAM THE BEST OPPORTUNITY TO WIN.

[Yogi44]

This is the reason you go with your best lineup possible until you clinch.

[jpack1]

Just hate when managers take out a guy pitching well. At 106 pitches. Your guy is dealing why go to somebody else.

[bravesnumberone]

NOW we bring in Carpenter.

[The Chosen One]

Ok I'm going to work now.

[bravesnumberone]

:facepalm::Sad::mad0182::roll::confused::Wall:

[The Chosen One]

Reminds me of early in the seasonw hen Medlen was dealing and offense was giving him -5 runs of support per game. Only difference is our bullpen ain't holdin' like they were before.

[KayJayNZ]

:fredi:

[jsebe10]

This is the reason you go with your best lineup possible until you clinch.

Exactly. And you know the idiot will let Laird leadoff too.

[rniki10]

We would have been better off just leaving Kris in the game. But hey, we have Laird, Uggla and BJ for the 9th.

[tvsportscaster]

Sigh, the offense owes Medlen an apology, too. Again, it's what happens when you miss opportunity after opportunity.

Absolutely, when you fail to add in runs it puts increasing pressure on your pitchers. The Braves offense just didn't get the job done again. Seems like a broken record. Oh, well, maybe tomorrow is the day.

[Heyward]

Sigh, the offense owes Medlen an apology, too. Again, it's what happens when you miss opportunity after opportunity.

We had like 2 chances to score runs, last inning and the one where we had runners at 2nd-3rd, with one out and BJ stranded the bases loaded.

But that's what happens when you score 1 run, no margin for error.

[bravesnumberone]

Every single man in the lineup and relievers and Fredi for that matter need to apologize to Medlen right now.

[CyYoung31]

This ain't over.

[bravesnumberone]

We had like 2 chances to score runs, last inning and the one where we had runners at 2nd-3rd, with one out and BJ stranded the bases loaded.

But that's what happens when you score 1 run, no margin for error.

Yeah you can't come away empty-handed there like we did.

[Heyward]

Exactly. And you know the idiot will let Laird leadoff too.

Day game after night game, not a huge deal.

[Garmel]

*sigh* Right now we can't trust Avillan, Downs, and Walden.

[jsebe10]

Why is he hitting !?!?

[cajunrevenge]

Let's be real though, it was over a small sample size in both cases. We didn't really know what we had with Medlen. Plus, in the beginning of this season, his command was clearly off, and he was being outpitched by every other starter in our rotation.

Small sample size sure but Medlen had a 3.86 ERA as a starter before going down with TJ surgery in what was his first go round as a starter in the majors. No one is good enough to post a sub 1.00 ERA but his peripheral stats backed up that he was very good. His FIP which a lot of people use as a predictor for ERA was 2.22 as a starter. Yeah he struggled a bit early in the year with his command but proving he can still be a good pitcher without his best command only makes him look better to me. Last year he wasnt lights out to start the year either. He had a really bad July, pitchers can go thru slumps just like hitters. Last year as a reliever he had a really bad May. It happens. Outisde of that bad month he has an ERA under 2.75. I know coming into this season he was hard to predict but he should have that chance to prove himself based on what he had done previously. I think we can all agree now that putting him in the pen would not have been the right decision. He has about 2 full seasons worth of being a good starter all together, he deserves better than being demoted to the pen because he has a bad month.


N

[Dalyn]

Fredi is just dumb. Whatever.

[bravesnumberone]

Laird shouldn't be hitting here.

[tvsportscaster]

This ain't over.

Yes it is

[Lville21]

No Mac to PH? Come on.

[Yogi44]

Why not McCann here?

[bravebonebook]

This offense makes me think they need to clinch with a Nats loss tonight; they're still in but a good offense would settle it on the field with a W. If the Nats win, maybe they can do it tomorrow...maybe...

[jsebe10]

Day game after night game, not a huge deal.

Ha. Yea a night game that started at 2 pm eastern.

[bravesnumberone]

What a ****ing pathetic swing.

[bravesnumberone]

And Uggla just taking **** down the middle.

[bravesnumberone]

Fitting that BJ is up here.

[tvsportscaster]

No Mac to PH? Come on.

Because the best Mac can do is put you within one run. Schafer or Elliot Johnson would have been a better option. But it doesn't matter they already lost anyway.

[jpack1]

That is why people hate on Uggla. Strike 3 down the middle.

[Lville21]

Does this team/Fredi not want home-field advantage? Have they seen that they are going to be the only playoff team with a losing record on the road?

[bravesnumberone]

BJ should be fined for swinging at that. That was a complete ****ing garbage ninth.

[jsebe10]

The sorry fill ins 0-10 with 6Ks and 2 BB....

Fine job...,Huh NYCBrave?

[jpack1]

Those 3 in the ninth are pathetic. None should get even 1 postseason start. Including their manager.

[tvsportscaster]

And this offense is exactly why the Braves will not go very far in the playoffs. You have to do better than score one freakin run off the Cubs, and the pitching is only going to be better in the post-season. What a joke they are right now.

[Lville21]

1 game lead over St. Louis for best record -- Cardinals can trim that to 1/2 game later tonight.

[thethe]

Travis wood is a damn good pitcher.

[jsebe10]

Should we keep resting Mac after an coming off an off day Thursday, a night game at 2 pm and a day game at 4 pm?!?

[bravesnumberone]

Either way, you do not let those three bat in the ninth when down 2. It's unacceptable. Fredi, play the regulars tomorrow.

[jsebe10]

0-10..,,6Ks and 2 BBs

[Pugfan]

The bullpen better get their sh!t together. They have been garbage lately.

[bravesnumberone]

I'm sure Medlen's arm would have fallen off if he reached 115 pitches.

[Heyward]

And this offense is exactly why the Braves will not go very far in the playoffs. You have to do better than score one freakin run off the Cubs, and the pitching is only going to be better in the post-season. What a joke they are right now.

Travis Wood has an ERA under 3, not like we were facing some scrub.

He's pretty good.

[VirginiaBrave]

You'll see how much homefield matters to Braves once we clinch. They know to assure it, they can't afford loses like today but we took one. It doesn't matter to the braves.

[jsebe10]

This is the reason you go with your best lineup possible until you clinch.


I'm sure Medlen's arm would have fallen off if he reached 115 pitches.

Nah.
This is the blow pen and Laird, Uggla, and BJ.

[bravesnumberone]

Travis Wood has an ERA under 3, not like we were facing some scrub.

He's pretty good.

But that's mostly all we'll face in October, and the bottom line is we're going to have to score more than one run to win. Oh well, maybe Miami can do something tonight.

[TURBO]

Time to go play GTA

[jsebe10]

But that's mostly all we'll face in October, and the bottom line is we're going to have to score more than one run to win. Oh well, maybe Miami can do something tonight.

Shhhiiiiieeeettttt. You know Miami don't win outside of Marlins park and Turner Field.

[Heyward]

But that's mostly all we'll face in October, and the bottom line is we're going to have to score more than one run to win. Oh well, maybe Miami can do something tonight.

Well, Mac and Heyward weren't in the lineup.

And that's besides the point, were we supposed to score 10+ runs off him?

Jesus, you people complain about everything.

[bravesnumberone]

Well, Mac and Heyward weren't in the lineup.

And that's besides the point, were we supposed to score 10+ runs off him?

Jesus, you people complain about everything.

We still had capable hitters in there. No we weren't supposed to score 10, but 3-4 might have worked???

[tvsportscaster]

Travis Wood has an ERA under 3, not like we were facing some scrub.

He's pretty good.

Yeah, maybe that's the case today, but it hasn't been with some of these other clowns that's been shutting them down lately, so my thoughts still hold.

[Heyward]

We still had capable hitters in there. No we weren't supposed to score 10, but 3-4 might have worked???

Sure but Wood is pretty good, could give credit to the other team, ya know?

We had like 2 chances to put up runs, hes good.

[bravesnumberone]

He's good. Braves have got to be better though in those situations. Let's just go get them tomorrow, hopefully with the A lineup.

[Heyward]

Yeah, maybe that's the case today, but it hasn't been with some of these other clowns that's been shutting them down lately, so my thoughts still hold.

Well, missing arguably the teams best player has had that affect.

Wood is very good, give credit when it's due.

Who are these scrubs, Roark has an ERA around 1, Haren has been the Nats best pitcher in September.

Not sure who else but I suppose we are supposed to win every game, and put up 10 runs per game.

[jsebe10]

This is the reason you go with your best lineup possible until you clinch.


Sure but Wood is pretty good, could give credit to the other team, ya know?

We had like 2 chances to put up runs, hes good.

Sometimes you just gotta tip your cap...lol

[bravesnumberone]

No we just need to hit a little better against tough pitching with the playoffs around the corner. It's what winning teams tend to do.

[Heyward]

Sometimes you just gotta tip your cap...lol

Or give credit to the other team.

Convinced a pitcher could throw a perfect game, would score 10 runs, and you idiots would somehow blame Fredi.

[bravesnumberone]

Is it just so far out of the universe to think maybe Medlen could have kept going there? Or that we could have least tried pinch-hitting a lefty or two there in the ninth?

[Heyward]

Is it just so far out of the universe to think maybe Medlen could have kept going there? Or that we could have least tried pinch-hitting a lefty or two there in the ninth?

I would of brought in Walden if anyone.

Maybe Meds gives up more hits, and some runs.

And down by 2, doesn't really matter.

[bravesnumberone]

I would of brought in Walden if anyone.

Maybe Meds gives up more hits, and some runs.

And down by 2, doesn't really matter.

Doesn't matter to you that maybe Jordan or EJ can find their way on base, setting up an opportunity for Mac later in the inning?

I would have trotted Carpenter out to begin with. Walden's been scaring me lately

Anyway, I'll let off now. Game's over.

[jsebe10]

Or give credit to the other team.

Convinced a pitcher could throw a perfect game, would score 10 runs, and you idiots would somehow blame Fredi.

No one is convinced Medlen is perfect, but he was damn close today. Now what I am blaming on Fredi is throwing out that line up that featured Simmons who historically struggles in the leadoff spot and for running out our worst hitters in Laird, STRuggla, and Upton out there who were combined 0-10 with 6Ks....He did not put his pitcher in a good position for run support. Sitting Heyward to keep h fresh but brings him in the 8th. Then letting Laird leadoff the 9th. You can only tip your cap so many times in season. I figured 14 shutout cap tips were enough.

[PawPawMaxwell]

With the game in a position to clinch, and Kimbrel only threw 8 pitches last nite, after the day off. Why not let Kimbrel go for a 5 out save, clinch, and then you can rest everyone tomorrow and go home in style.

[bravesnumberone]

With the game in a position to clinch, and Kimbrel only threw 8 pitches last nite, after the day off. Why not let Kimbrel go for a 5 out save, clinch, and then you can rest everyone tomorrow and go home in style.

That would require logical thinking.

[CyYoung31]

That would require logical thinking.

I don't understand the point when Carpenter and Downs have been reliable all year.

[CyYoung31]

Best case scenario is that the Nats game gets rained out. That way we don't have to root for them to ****ing win.

[NYCBrave]

The sorry fill ins 0-10 with 6Ks and 2 BB....

Fine job...,Huh NYCBrave?

And what were the other options? Schafer? Have you seen how horrible he's been? Elliott Johnson? What has he done that warrants playing time? It was McCann's rest day so that's why we had Laird in.

[Bj1133]

And what were the other options? Schafer? Have you seen how horrible he's been? Elliott Johnson? What has he done that warrants playing time? It was McCann's rest day so that's why we had Laird in.

People on this board complain and complain, without offering up any real alternatives. It gets really tiring to read.

[bravesnumberone]

But again, why not play McCann, the team veteran, with a chance to clinch and then give him Sunday off? And it was mentioned in the game by Chip that Fredi said Heyward felt fine after playing yesterday, so why not put him in there to start with? I understand trying to hold McCann for when someone got on base in the ninth, but with Schafer and EJ, while they may not do anything but strike out, there's still a chance they bunt their way on or something, not to mention a RHP was in the game. Those are real alternatives. Some of you just don't want to accept them.

[Heyward]

And what were the other options? Schafer? Have you seen how horrible he's been? Elliott Johnson? What has he done that warrants playing time? It was McCann's rest day so that's why we had Laird in.

Well, Mac got the day off on Thursday but well said.

Schafer has been worse than BJ.

Not sure EJ does anything either.

But it is ridiculous how people complain after every loss, supposed to win every game apparently.

[Heyward]

But again, why not play McCann, the team veteran, with a chance to clinch and then give him Sunday off? And it was mentioned in the game by Chip that Fredi said Heyward felt fine after playing yesterday, so why not put him in there to start with? I understand trying to hold McCann for when someone got on base in the ninth, but with Schafer and EJ, while they may not do anything but strike out, there's still a chance they bunt their way on or something, not to mention a RHP was in the game. Those are real alternatives. Some of you just don't want to accept them.

Probably doesn't matter, keep complaining and blaming Fredi when we scored 1 ****ing run.

But that's on Fredi too, right?

[Heyward]

That would require logical thinking.

Downs and Carp have been good all year, didn't have a good day, it happens, that's baseball.

[bravesnumberone]

Probably doesn't matter, keep complaining and blaming Fredi when we scored 1 ****ing run.

But that's on Fredi too, right?

Well I already mentioned the crappy run production, but you'd rather chalk it up to Wood being Randy Johnson out there. It's completely beside the ****ing point. We may have still only managed one run with Heyward and McCann in there, but you put your best foot out there with a chance to clinch, and, as so many of you on here harped on, actually celebrate clinching.

[bravesnumberone]

Downs and Carp have been good all year, didn't have a good day, it happens, that's baseball.

Downs has clearly struggled since his injury. We could have gone without using him today. Medlen should have been allowed to finish the inning. If he gave up the lead, that's baseball too.

[Heyward]

Well I already mentioned the crappy run production, but you'd rather chalk it up to Wood being Randy Johnson out there. It's completely beside the ****ing point. We may have still only managed one run with Heyward and McCann in there, but you put your best foot out there with a chance to clinch, and, as so many of you on here harped on, actually celebrate clinching.

I never said he's Randy Johnson but some people on here act like he's a bum because he's on the Cubs. Hell, I think he made the All Star team.

Does Trout suck because he's on a bad team, no.

[Heyward]

Downs has clearly struggled since his injury. We could have gone without using him today. Medlen should have been allowed to finish the inning. If he gave up the lead, that's baseball too.

I agree he should of stayed in, we don't know what would of happened.

[bravesnumberone]

I never said he's Randy Johnson but some people on here act like he's a bum because he's on the Cubs. Hell, I think he made the All Star team.

Does Trout suck because he's on a bad team, no.

I wasn't blaming one particular thing on the loss, but you can only control what your team does, and the three main things that hurt us today were first and foremost, the lack of key hits when we needed them, the bullpen being off and not having our best guys in there the whole game.

I was under the impression this was a game thread where things including managerial moves could be discussed. We're not all team employees here.

[NYCBrave]

I wasn't blaming one particular thing on the loss, but you can only control what your team does, and the three main things that hurt us today were first and foremost, the lack of key hits when we needed them, the bullpen being off and not having our best guys in there the whole game.

I was under the impression this was a game thread where things including managerial moves could be discussed. We're not all team employees here.

Are you that worried about clinching? You're acting like this was a do or die game for us, the division has been locked up for 2 months!!!

[bravesnumberone]

Are you that worried about clinching? You're acting like this was a do or die game for us, the division has been locked up for 2 months!!!

No I'm not worried. Again, for the one millionth time, more concerned about getting homefield, and therefore, you can't be giving away games like this one and the other day in Washington. It wasn't a do or die game, but I'm assuming the goal was to clinch as soon as possible, and to that end, go ahead and put your best lineup out there, maybe win and then rest guys on Sunday for getaway day. It's common sense. Hell, even for any three-game series, you typically wait until the last game.

[NYCBrave]

No I'm not worried. Again, for the one millionth time, more concerned about getting homefield, and therefore, you can't be giving away games like this one and the other day in Washington. It wasn't a do or die game, but I'm assuming the goal was to clinch as soon as possible, and to that end, go ahead and put your best lineup out there, maybe win and then rest guys on Sunday for getaway day. It's common sense. Hell, even for any three-game series, you typically wait until the last game.

The way the team is playing, does it look like home field is going to matter one way or the other? Home field is the first round is what I'm most concerned about, and that's well in our reach. However, we scored one run, ONE FREAKING RUN. The hitting has been a joke all month. It's nobodys fault but theirs. I'm not convinced that having McCann and Elliot Johnson out of the lineup was the difference in the game.

[bravesnumberone]

The way the team is playing, does it look like home field is going to matter one way or the other? Home field is the first round is what I'm most concerned about, and that's well in our reach. However, we scored one run, ONE FREAKING RUN. The hitting has been a joke all month. It's nobodys fault but theirs. I'm not convinced that having McCann and Elliot Johnson out of the lineup was the difference in the game.

How many times do I have to say it? It isn't that McCann was or wasn't the difference; it's that he's better and would have been better to start with after having a day off Thursday, playing a DAY game Friday and the chance to take Sunday off. Heyward, who supposedly felt great, was a better option than BJ to start the game. It's that EJ or Schafer would have had a chance to bunt their way on in the ninth, possibly setting up McCann with a chance to tie it. Rather than watching Laird's pathetic attempt, followed by Uggla's and BJ's. Why do managers even make any changes, be it taking a starter out, changing relievers, pinch-hitting, pinch-running, substituting defensive specialists? TO GIVE THEM THE BEST CHANCE POSSIBLE AT BEING SUCCESSFUL.

[bravesnumberone]

And if we're going to get homefield for one round, why not try for both rounds? Especially when we're 30 games over .500 at home and below .500 on the road, and when most of our pitchers pitch better at home.

[jsebe10]

And what were the other options? Schafer? Have you seen how horrible he's been? Elliott Johnson? What has he done that warrants playing time? It was McCann's rest day so that's why we had Laird in.

Other options?!? At this point in time Schafer, Terdo, or even Constanza is a better option than your 14 mil golden boy. And yes Elliot Johnson is a better option because he can hit to all sides of the field and steal bases when he is on. Uggla and BJ is hitting in the .180s for Christ sake! With Laird, Uggla, BJ, and the pitcher hitting, that's 4 guaranteed outs you freakn genius. They don't give you the heat opportunity to win...why are we even stuck on that on game 154!?!

[jsebe10]

The way the team is playing, does it look like home field is going to matter one way or the other? Home field is the first round is what I'm most concerned about, and that's well in our reach. However, we scored one run, ONE FREAKING RUN. The hitting has been a joke all month. It's nobodys fault but theirs. I'm not convinced that having McCann and Elliot Johnson out of the lineup was the difference in the game.

You've got to be kidding me....are you really not going to throw BJ in there ? Really?

[Heyward]

Other options?!? At this point in time Schafer, Terdo, or even Constanza is a better option than your 14 mil golden boy. And yes Elliot Johnson is a better option because he can hit to all sides of the field and steal bases when he is on. Uggla and BJ is hitting in the .180s for Christ sake! With Laird, Uggla, BJ, and the pitcher hitting, that's 4 guaranteed outs you freakn genius. They don't give you the heat opportunity to win...why are we even stuck on that on game 154!?!

Schafer has been worse than BJ in the last month, doesnt make a difference.

I agree on EJ but doesn't make a huge difference either way in all likelyhood.

[The Chosen One]

Our best bet for this year is to slot Uggla at 6, BJ at 7 and Simmons at 8. Schafer and EJ are not the answer.

[bravesnumberone]

Since the Nats got rained out, we'll have another chance tomorrow. Let's not blow it this time!

[bravebonebook]

Don't forget the other side of yesterday's 2 headed monster: most of the bullpen has been porous lately! That stumble in one of the team's best assets, half the starting staff faltering here at the end and the continued, streaky ineptitude of the offense sometimes does not bode well for the playoffs only a week away! Losses stink and everyone wants to see them clinch but yesterday was this team's fatal flaws in a microcosm.

Maybe another day of the Cubs and then some Brewers will get the team back on track!