7/4/17 GDT Thread: Welcome back Freddie!!!

[thethe]

Freddie is back and playing third base!

[thethe]

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The Braves have activated INF Freddie Freeman from the 10-day disabled list. He will start at 3B tonight against Houston.

[thethe]

I'm guessing the lineup looks like this:

Ender
Phillips
Freeman
Kemp
Adams
Flowers
Markakis
Swanson

Thats a pretty good lineup. Hopefully Freddie can be slightly below average defensively.

[rico43]

My gut tells me this happened way too fast. My heart, however, is joyous. My problem is that my gut is bigger.

[rico43]

I'm guessing the lineup looks like this:

Ender
Phillips
Freeman
Kemp
Adams
Flowers
Markakis
Swanson

Thats a pretty good lineup. Hopefully Freddie can be slightly below average defensively.

Love the left/right balance. Wonder how big a crowd shows.

[cajunrevenge]

This must have huge fantasy baseball implications.

[thethe]

Love the left/right balance. Wonder how big a crowd shows.

Crowds have been great things year and I'm sure the braves will have a huge fireworks display. I'd be interested in not only how many fans buy a ticket but how many people will be at the battery tonight

[Enscheff]

Terrible idea but I can't wait to watch!

[Enscheff]

Twitker better not have Markakis and his .360 OBP hitting 7th. Something tells me he will agree with thethe though haha.

[seanyates]

Crowds have been great things year and I'm sure the braves will have a huge fireworks display. I'd be interested in not only how many fans buy a ticket but how many people will be at the battery tonight

The cheapest tickets are ~$80 right now, so I'd say it'll be a good crowd.

[thethe]

The cheapest tickets are ~$80 right now, so I'd say it'll be a good crowd.

Braves are killing it right now at the gate. If they find a way to stay competitive all throughout the summer they could get close to 3M fans.

[Preacher]

well I'm obviously excited to watch, but I think its a silly idea.

[Enscheff]

Braves are killing it right now at the gate. If they find a way to stay competitive all throughout the summer they could get close to 3M fans.

How does that math work? Last weekend against the Brewers the Braves averaged 33k. If they drew that amount for all 81 games they would draw 2.6M.

Problem is, they've been drawing 25k per weeknight game, which is a 2M pace.

Please explain thethe math to me haha

[ixiXSolidXixi]

Call Albies, Acuna, Maitan and all the others we go to the World Series!!

[Hawk]

For some reason, as bearish as I am by nature, I'm excited for this.

[chopdrew]

What's the worst that could happen? I'm excited.

[Garmel]

Here's the official lineup for tonight:

1. Ender Inciarte (L) CF
2. Brandon Phillips (R) 2B
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 3B
4. Matt Kemp (R) LF
5. Nick Markakis (L) RF
6. Matt Adams (L) 1B
7. Tyler Flowers (R) C
8. Dansby Swanson (R) SS
9. Sean Newcomb (L) P

[Chico]

This is great for Braves baseball. They are trying everything they can to sell tickets and making games entertaining to watch. That's how you make money.
The side note is they are using the media to assist in trade negotiations.
Who knows what will happen, but I appreciate the effort.

[msstate7]

Here's the official lineup for tonight:

1. Ender Inciarte (L) CF
2. Brandon Phillips (R) 2B
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 3B
4. Matt Kemp (R) LF
5. Nick Markakis (L) RF
6. Matt Adams (L) 1B
7. Tyler Flowers (R) C
8. Dansby Swanson (R) SS
9. Sean Newcomb (L) P

We've been slumping pretty bad lately. Be interesting if this lineup can get the offense going. It certainly looks good.

[Garmel]

We've been slumping pretty bad lately. Be interesting if this lineup can get the offense going. It certainly looks good.

Just at being at Suntrust will probably get the offense going. Unfortunately, the Astros will feast here as well.

[Hawk]

Unfortunately, the Astros will feast here as well.

Maybe they feasted on too much BBQ at McCann's last night.

[Garmel]

Maybe they feasted on too much BBQ at McCann's last night.

Hopefully hungover as well.

[UNCBlue012]

Our lineup is 🔥🔥🔥 though.

[goldfly]

How does that math work? Last weekend against the Brewers the Braves averaged 33k. If they drew that amount for all 81 games they would draw 2.6M.

Problem is, they've been drawing 25k per weeknight game, which is a 2M pace.

Please explain thethe math to me haha

dude, we live in an orange one and his disciples america these days

facts don't matter anymore

[goldfly]

Here's the official lineup for tonight:

1. Ender Inciarte (L) CF
2. Brandon Phillips (R) 2B
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 3B
4. Matt Kemp (R) LF
5. Nick Markakis (L) RF
6. Matt Adams (L) 1B
7. Tyler Flowers (R) C
8. Dansby Swanson (R) SS
9. Sean Newcomb (L) P

i can't figure out any logical reason to have Nick bat in front of Adams

[nsacpi]

expecting a yuge game Swanson

[msstate7]

It'll be interesting if FF really struggles defensively at 3b and even offensively for a while and Adams gets red hot again.

[Enscheff]

i can't figure out any logical reason to have Nick bat in front of Adams

I can think of 366 reasons....that's Nicks OBP in front of a power hitter. He should be hitting even higher in the lineup.

[depley]

I'm guessing the lineup looks like this:

Ender
Phillips
Freeman
Kemp
Adams
Flowers
Markakis
Swanson

Thats a pretty good lineup. Hopefully Freddie can be slightly below average defensively.

close but move Markakis up to 5th then drop Adams and Flowers down one, so Markakis and Adams back to back.

[thethe]

Would love to be able to win 3 of the next 6 games. Anything else is gravy.

[RazorbackBrave]

I didn't realize how bad we were last year until I saw this on twitter.

One year ago today - July 4th, 2016:
2B Peterson
SS Aybar
1B Freeman
RF Markakis
LF Francoeur
C Pierzynski
3B Snyder
CF Bonifacio
De La Cruz

[nsacpi]

I didn't realize how bad we were last year until I saw this on twitter.

One year ago today - July 4th, 2016:
2B Peterson
SS Aybar
1B Freeman
RF Markakis
LF Francoeur
C Pierzynski
3B Snyder
CF Bonifacio
De La Cruz

phenomenal amount of veteran leadership

[thethe]

I didn't realize how bad we were last year until I saw this on twitter.

One year ago today - July 4th, 2016:
2B Peterson
SS Aybar
1B Freeman
RF Markakis
LF Francoeur
C Pierzynski
3B Snyder
CF Bonifacio
De La Cruz

The transformation of not only the major league club but the overall organization since the sell-off has been a joy to watch. Still a lot of work to be done but the future is very bright.

[msstate7]

How long does it take for someone to drop a bunt FF's way?

[thethe]

How long does it take for someone to drop a bunt FF's way?

A lot of athletic players in Houstons lineup. Could very well happen more than once today.

[thethe]

Lets for the sake of argument assume that the Braves don't sell off any parts at the deadline. Does S-Rod get 2, 3, or 4 starts per week? I say 3 - 1 each at 2B/LF/1B.

[cajunrevenge]

Delayed?

[Pugfan]

Delayed?

Rick Camp

[RazorbackBrave]

Lets for the sake of argument assume that the Braves don't sell off any parts at the deadline. Does S-Rod get 2, 3, or 4 starts per week? I say 3 - 1 each at 2B/LF/1B.

I really wonder if they will play him at 3B some and move FF to first to give Adams a day off.

I realize that would be in the best interest of the team for that day, but I think if you are moving FF to third you have to go all in with it. Don't yank him back and forth between 1B and 3B. That's my main concern with the idea.

[Oklahomabrave]

Of course it's freaking blacked out

[Garmel]

I'm forced to watch an Astros feed.

[Freshmaker]

can't believe Freddie didn't get that double hit over his head

[nsacpi]

Newcomb not coming inside far enough w the two strike pitches

[Freshmaker]

NewKomb!

[USMA76]

I'm in the Astros TV footprint so the Braves broadcast is blacked out. I'm getting their feed on DirecTV 674.

[Freshmaker]

Brandon you dumby

[thethe]

You kidding me BP?

[msstate7]

Damn, Phillips... he's not looking the same as he was a month ago

[Ozzie Swanson]

Damnit Phillips.

[Freshmaker]

Ok good job Brandon! Way to make up for your gaffe. DP ends the inning

[thethe]

Newcomb is legit boys!

[Ozzie Swanson]

Atta boy Newcomb!

[Garmel]

I'm in the Astros TV footprint so the Braves broadcast is blacked out. I'm getting their feed on DirecTV 674.

I'm in the same boat.

[Hawk]

I'm currently 40K feet above the Pacific Ocean so meaty updates would be much appreciated.

Fortunately radio feed is working.

[msstate7]

Newcomb is impressive... teams are hitting low .200s (just like his MiLB track record), K'd altuve, and survived an error vs loaded astros team by sawing off correa

[USMA76]

So an Astros "mid tier" pitcher has an opponents batting average of .198 and is striking out 14/nine innings...wow.

[thethe]

I'm currently 40K feet above the Pacific Ocean so meaty updates would be much appreciated.

Newcomb got ahead 0-2 on Springer but threw a fat fastball right over the plate and he laced a double down the left field line. Freeman made an awful play by not being able to jump 15 feet in the air to snag the liner.
Altuve battled Newcomb by fouling off 3 0-2 pitches but eventually struck out on a 1-2 fast ball at the top of the zone on hte outside part of the plate.
Redick hit a sharp ground ball that Phillips ranges to his left but got under his glove. Clearly an error though. First and third.
First pitch to Corea broke his bat to Phillips who tagged Reddick and then threw to first for the DP.

I'm done!

[Freshmaker]

Standing O for Freddie

[Hawk]

Newcomb got ahead 0-2 on Springer but threw a fat fastball right over the plate and he laced a double down the left field line. Freeman made an awful play by not being able to jump 15 feet in the air to snag the liner.
Altuve battled Newcomb by fouling off 3 0-2 pitches but eventually struck out on a 1-2 fast ball at the top of the zone on hte outside part of the plate.
Redick hit a sharp ground ball that Phillips ranges to his left but got under his glove. Clearly an error though. First and third.
First pitch to Corea broke his bat to Phillips who tagged Reddick and then threw to first for the DP.

I'm done!

Thank you sir!

[msstate7]

FF

[Freshmaker]

Freeman hits a bomb of a foul ball, then singles to center

[msstate7]

Inciarte catches that easily

[thethe]

Man...Freeman is so damn good.

[Enscheff]

It's good seeing that big son of a bitch back in the LHed batters box.

[USMA76]

Standing O for Freddie

I gave him a Standing O from my living room :tchop:

[Freshmaker]

It's good seeing that big son of a bitch back in the LHed batters box.

It's official! Enscheff is all on board with Freddie at 3B!

[Garmel]

Let's make a prayer to the baseball gods that no balls are hit to Freeman.

[Freshmaker]

well dang another leadoff double

[thethe]

Newcomb not locating well right now. Leaving fastballs over the plate.

[USMA76]

well dang another leadoff double

...of the "seeing eye" variety, unfortunately.

[nsacpi]

Newcomb not locating well right now. Leaving fastballs over the plate.

Flowers keeps setting up inside and Newcomb missing away

[Freshmaker]

Double down the left field line and it's 1 - 0

[thethe]

Flowers keeps setting up inside and Newcomb missing away

There it was again to bregman. Missing arm side to therighties.

[nsacpi]

does camargo make that play

[Freshmaker]

Freddie with his first opportunity and makes the play easily. Bullet of a strike to first

[USMA76]

Double down the left field line and it's 1 - 0

The question is does a more experienced 3B get a glove on that? It was hit pretty hard.

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

Double down the left field line and it's 1 - 0

I don't think Camargo would have had it but it would have been closer. Was smoked.

Freddie just made a good "easy" play to him.

[thethe]

does camaro make that play

Depending on positioning it's possible.

[USMA76]

does camaro make that play

Camaro=Camargo, spellcheck? Seriously, I had the same question.

[Freshmaker]

NewKKomb!

[Hawk]

The radio announcers are fawning over Freeman's arm.

[Oklahomabrave]

Astros announcers are so much better than ours

[Freshmaker]

The question is does a more experienced 3B get a glove on that? It was hit pretty hard.

Yeah it really was hit hard and hit the chalk. Unless you're right on the line I don't see how anyone gets to it

[nsacpi]

maybe camargo knocks it down and saves a run

[bravesfanMatt]

Newk not commanding 2 strike pitches well. Way too much in the meat of the plate for being up 0-3.

[50PoundHead]

Camaro=Camargo, spellcheck? Seriously, I had the same question.

Camaro has better wheels.

[Freshmaker]

Aaaaand Springer with a jack

[USMA76]

Boy, it didn't look like that was hit hard enough to leave the yard. This place really is a bandbox.

[Ozzie Swanson]

This park is a little ridiculous to right field. That was a pop up to almost right center.

[Enscheff]

We are seeing what usually happens with belt high pitches.

[Ozzie Swanson]

Good changeup from Newcomb. What the hell Phillips.

[Enscheff]

The question is does a more experienced 3B get a glove on that? It was hit pretty hard.

Eye test says nobody makes that play. Defensive stats may say differently though.

[USMA76]

Lackadaisical effort by Phillips combined with amazing speed by Altuve leads to a baserunner.

[striker42]

Boy, it didn't look like that was hit hard enough to leave the yard. This place really is a bandbox.

Yeah, it would have been a routine flyball at the Ted. It really shouldn't have even been a HR here. That ball had no business carrying like it did. It's HRs like that whice give credibility to the pitchers saying the balls are juiced.

[Ozzie Swanson]

Newcomb has thrown his change up a few times this inning.

[USMA76]

Astros announcers are absolutely unafraid to tell everyone how good their team is. I guess you can do that when you have the best record in the majors.

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

Astros announcers are absolutely unafraid to tell everyone how good their team is. I guess you can do that when you have the best record in the majors.
Heck, looking at how well their lineup and random starters are producing, I can't blame them. I hope we don't get swept.

[striker42]

Correa is ridiculously good. He hit a really good pitch there.

[jsebe10]

Newcomb has thrown his change up a few times this inning.

Yea but unfortunately everything he got away with facing those theee sh*tty teams is getting
Banged by this high profile offensive team. He's gotta learn another pitch...it's that simple

[striker42]

Heck, looking at how well their lineup and random starters are producing, I can't blame them. I hope we don't get swept.

Their lineup is legit. The performances they're getting from some guys in their rotation is more flukish luck.

[Freshmaker]

Lol...Gonzalez almost killed Reddick with a liner that just missed him. Foul ball

[thethe]

Astros offense is absurdly good.

[jsebe10]

I mean they are just tattooing everything.

[striker42]

I mean they are just tattooing everything.

And it's not like they're getting a bunch of hangers. They're hitting some good pitches.

[WaitingFor2017]

This is Newcomb's first start against an above average lineup after looking at who he faced his first four starts

[USMA76]

I mean they are just tattooing everything.

Yeah, they're pretty much all over everything Newcomb is throwing. These guys are definitely a step up in class from what we've seen in the NL East and on our West Coast trip.

[Ozzie Swanson]

Newcomb shouldn't be in this position right now if Phillips would wake the hell up.

[USMA76]

Newcomb shouldn't be in this position right now if Phillips would wake the hell up.

Good point.

[nsacpi]

Yea but unfortunately everything he got away with facing those theee sh*tty teams is getting
Banged by this high profile offensive team. He's gotta learn another pitch...it's that simple

also the quality of his 0-2 pitches has been poor...not close to the catchers target

[USMA76]

That'll probably do it...5-0 'Stros.

[Enscheff]

Newcomb has thrown his change up a few times this inning.

He is trying the change because the RHers are teeing off on his 2 pitch arsenal. This was bound to happen. I stated as much after his first start.

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

This is Newcomb's first start against an above average lineup after looking at who he faced his first four starts

Astros have a comfortably elite lineup. Best in the majors by results very easily.

[Ozzie Swanson]

That inning is over far sooner if Phillips wasn't playing lazy as hell. Also stop trying to jam Gurriel inside. Clearly is not working.

[Enscheff]

Are we starting to understand why Newk needs a pitch that goes away from RHers if he wants to be a TOR guy?

[Ozzie Swanson]

He is trying the change because the RHers are teeing off on his 2 pitch arsenal. This was bound to happen. I stated as much after his first start.

You were right. Don't think anyone argued with you that he needs another pitch. I thought he threw a great change up to Altuve to get a weak grounder.

[msstate7]

Peacock came in with 30 BB in 49.2 ip. Of course tonight in 32 pitches, he's thrown 24 strikes with 0 BB

[TheBravos]

Eh....Newk is bound to have a few games like this. He was way due really.

[jsebe10]

Nothing like Ender ripping a 1B to right and Phillips to kill the entire inning.

[Ozzie Swanson]

Nothing like Ender ripping a 1B to right and Phillips to kill the entire inning.

Ready for us to trade Phillips and stick Camargo at second.

[jsebe10]

I'm so fckn over Phillips....please unload him at the deadline.

[USMA76]

Ready for us to trade Phillips and stick Camargo at second.

Hey, at least Phillips can say he hasn't lost any fly balls in the sun in this game.

[Enscheff]

You were right. Don't think anyone argued with you that he needs another pitch. I thought he threw a great change up to Altuve to get a weak grounder.

I didn't see it, but that's encouraging.

This was always going to happen. He was never going to succeed with only 2 pitches. It's important to realize why it's happening and how he can fix it.

Adding the change and improving his control inside the zone will determine if he ends up as a BP arm, a "stuff" #4, or a TOR guy.

[jsebe10]

Alright get him the fck outta there...Good god.

[USMA76]

Another leadoff hit. Hopefully, we can keep them from batting around in this inning.

[CJ9]

That was a 1-0 changeup to Altuve, I'm pretty sure, and he swung and missed. Registered at 86 mph on the TV gun.

[msstate7]

That was a 1-0 changeup to Altuve, I'm pretty sure, and he swung and missed. Registered at 86 mph on the TV gun.

Maybe he didn't throw but 2 pitches in the first few starts bc he didn't need to.

[nsacpi]

pen gonna get some work

[Enscheff]

Maybe he didn't throw but 2 pitches in the first few starts bc he didn't need to.

Probably should have used that opportunity to practice the pitch so the good offenses wouldn't pound him into the dirt.

[msstate7]

Probably should have used that opportunity to practice the pitch so the good offenses wouldn't pound him into the dirt.

Probably so, but I bet flowers had more say so that he did. I'm guessing though... do rookie pitchers usually have freedom like that or do catchers guide them?

[USMA76]

...and a 16 hopper up the middle scores another run for Houston.

[Ozzie Swanson]

Dansby has got to take that ball up the middle.

[msstate7]

...and a 16 hopper up the middle scores another run for Houston.

Not our night. Hopefully we can bounce back tomorrow... hell, I hope we can bust out and get a crooked number to get the offense going again

[USMA76]

The extra point makes it 7-0, Houston. Meanwhile, the Braves look horribly overmatched...yeah, I know, thank you Captain Obvious.

[msstate7]

Dansby has got to take that ball up the middle.

It was kind of out of his hands there once Phillips cut it off

[percival]

Ready for us to trade Phillips and stick Camargo at second.

Did Phillips get "no trade" assurances as part of his trade to ATL? Seems like I remember reading something to that effect at the time (or at least that was a potential sticking point).

[jsebe10]

Thanks for the double up of commercials Hinch....

[TheBravos]

Hitting on all cylinders tonight fellas!!

[thethe]

Sure is refreshing to see a team that strikes out as little as the astros. I'm rooting for them to win the WS for sure.

[nsacpi]

Sure is refreshing to see a team that strikes out as little as the astros. I'm rooting for them to win the WS for sure.

they remind me of the 2015 braves in that regard

[thethe]

they remind me of the 2015 braves in that regard

2015 braves rated higher on the 'fun to watch' meter.

[jsebe10]

Sure is refreshing to see a team that strikes out as little as the astros. I'm rooting for them to win the WS for sure.

Might as well root for them since they are making us their little btch tonight...

[msstate7]

Sure is refreshing to see a team that strikes out as little as the astros. I'm rooting for them to win the WS for sure.

They aren't winning the WS with their current pitching staff imo

[thethe]

They aren't winning the WS with their current pitching staff imo

I don't know....keuchel /Mcullers is not an awful start.

[nsacpi]

2015 braves rated higher on the 'fun to watch' meter.

everyone wanted to dance with them

[WaitingFor2017]

Worst 3 umpires?

1. Angel Hernandez
2. Laz Diaz
3. Joe West

Am I missing any notables?

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

Worst 3 umpires?

1. Angel Hernandez
2. Laz Diaz
3. Joe West

Am I missing any notables?
CB Bucknor

[WaitingFor2017]

CB Bucknor

1. Hernandez
2. Bucknor
3. West
4. Diaz

Honorable Mention: Sam "Infield Fly" Holbrook

[msstate7]

Get a big inning... hopefully it'll get the offense going again

[TheBravos]

I will say this....Houston didn't "pretend" to field a winning team in the rebuild. They tanked HARD and were able to draft the best players. It is now paying off. Our future is in good shape, it could have been even better.

[Ozzie Swanson]

Grabbing Danny Santana from the Twins looks to have been a good move. I like him as a bench piece the next few years.

[msstate7]

Boy, this is pitiful

[Lenny]

I'm not able to watch the game tonight. Hows Freddie looking at third?

[msstate7]

I'm not able to watch the game tonight. Hows Freddie looking at third?

Mike Schmidt 2.0

He's had 2 plays, which he made. One was a grounder that required a long throw and other was pop up

[TheBravos]

Ok....so.....yeah.....not very good.

[Enscheff]

Easy portion of the schedule is over.

[The Chosen One]

How did Fredito look at third?

[Hawk]

How did Fredito look at third?

Jim Powell said on radio that he could see him staying over there 'for years to come' ...

[Enscheff]

Jim Powell said on radio that he could see him staying over there 'for years to come' ...

Well, if you're looking for an expert unbiased opinion, a Braves announcer is definitely the first place to look haha.

[Preacher]

How did Fredito look at third?

There was a rocket down the line I don't think many would get, but he seemed slow to react to it.

He made a normal play look normal on a bouncer right to him - throw across the diamond was solid. I think the arm plays over there just fine. Range is never going to be good.

[Hawk]

Well, if you're looking for an expert unbiased opinion, a Braves announcer is definitely the first place to look haha.

Clearly you've never heard Chip Caray.

[thewupk]

Braves ranked 20th in runs per game entering tonight at 4.57 The slide continues

[goldfly]

think how crazy it is to move a franchise mvp type player for a person that you think needs to bat 6th

[The Chosen One]

think how crazy it is to move a franchise mvp type player for a person that you think needs to bat 6th

Pretty sure when Chipper moved to LF it was for Vinny Castilla, who also was hitting 6th behind Jones-Sheff-Jones.

And then when DeRo became a starter in 2004, Chipper opted to stay there for DeRo to be in the lineup.

[goldfly]

Pretty sure when Chipper moved to LF it was for Vinny Castilla, who also was hitting 6th behind Jones-Sheff-Jones.

And then when DeRo became a starter in 2004, Chipper opted to stay there for DeRo to be in the lineup.

and i thought then, as i do now, that an adult should stand up and say, no

[zbhargrove]

Nothing like Newcomb pitching and Freddie returning to really give us a boost.

[Super]

I will say this....Houston didn't "pretend" to field a winning team in the rebuild. They tanked HARD and were able to draft the best players. It is now paying off. Our future is in good shape, it could have been even better.

They also weren't "tanking," they were just very, very bad. They got Springer at 11 and Correa at 1 (who wasn't considered the best player in the draft, IIRC, but more of a $$ pick). They also took Mark Appel (passing on Bryant) and Brady Aiken with #1 overall picks, which is two terrible seasons followed by drafting guys who didn't contribute anything to you.

[thethe]

They also weren't "tanking," they were just very, very bad. They got Springer at 11 and Correa at 1 (who wasn't considered the best player in the draft, IIRC, but more of a $$ pick). They also took Mark Appel (passing on Bryant) and Brady Aiken with #1 overall picks, which is two terrible seasons followed by drafting guys who didn't contribute anything to you.

Springer ended up being a stud and altuve became a superstar.

Similar things can happen to the braves with acuna and albies.

[Super]

Springer ended up being a stud and altuve became a superstar.

Similar things can happen to the braves with acuna and albies.

Definitely. And with other guys, as well.

[thethe]

Definitely. And with other guys, as well.

Especially the pitching. There is a universe where the braves win 92+ games annually for multiple seasons just because theirbstarting pitching is better than most teams.

[thewupk]

Especially the pitching. There is a universe where the braves win 92+ games annually for multiple seasons just because theirbstarting pitching is better than most teams.

Indeed. Braves are set up pretty well to contend in the future for several years.

[msstate7]

The largest crowd in suntrust history was just too much pressure on our team. We'll win 5 in a row now to close out the break. Astros probably didn't sleep a wink worrying bout facing Jamie tonight

[UNCBlue012]

Last night was expected. Newcomb is a rookie, playing one of the better lineups (statistically) in MLB history up to his point in the year. He'll be fine.

[Super]

Last night was expected. Newcomb is a rookie, playing one of the better lineups (statistically) in MLB history up to his point in the year. He'll be fine.

And poor defense did him no favors. BP missed two plays that should've been fairly routine. Kemp took 18 minutes to get to a ball in LF. He certainly didn't pitch well, though.

This is why I say I don't see how you can go into next year with Kemp in LF and/or Freeman at 3rd. Kemp is just so, so bad out there and with young pitchers coming up you can't really have that. Last night made me really want Albies up to start the season next year.

[nsacpi]

And poor defense did him no favors. BP missed two plays that should've been fairly routine. Kemp took 18 minutes to get to a ball in LF. He certainly didn't pitch well, though.

This is why I say I don't see how you can go into next year with Kemp in LF and/or Freeman at 3rd. Kemp is just so, so bad out there and with young pitchers coming up you can't really have that. Last night made me really want Albies up to start the season next year.

One of the things that will happen as the prospects come up is that our defense will improve. Albies will be a defensive upgrade at second. Same with Acuna in right. When we get around to acquiring a third baseman it is likely that this will also upgrade the defense. The team can succeed with Kemp in left if the rest of the defense is above average.

[thewupk]

Last night was expected. Newcomb is a rookie, playing one of the better lineups (statistically) in MLB history up to his point in the year. He'll be fine.

I didn't realize the Astros had been that good. Their team WRC+ of 125 would be good for 2nd all time to only the 27 Yankees who were at 126. That's damn impressive.

[bravesfanMatt]

Very impressed with the Stros last night. I think Newk was missing on several pitches. Pitches that where supposed to be breakers down were in the middle.. fastballs either in or up were belt high, middle.. But the Stros also hit some good pitches.. the springer homer was impressive to take a slow curve that was outside and muscle it opposite field.. I know.. short porch.. but still that was a good pitch. A couple doubles were lined off good pitches too. I am not discouraged by Newk's start. He faced a really hot team with not his best command and sloppy play at 2B didn't help either.

[DirkPiggler]

Pretty sure when Chipper moved to LF it was for Vinny Castilla, who also was hitting 6th behind Jones-Sheff-Jones.

And then when DeRo became a starter in 2004, Chipper opted to stay there for DeRo to be in the lineup.

Chipper moved to LF for a guy who should've been batting 8th in AAA.

Seriously. F*** Vinny Castilla. For this to be a valid comparison to the current Freeman/Adams positional merry-go-round, it would have to be Freddie moving so that Jace or Bonerface could get regular at-bats.

Once again, just because it rolls off the tongue/keyboard...F*** Vinny Castilla.

[Julio3000]

SVOD was the pinnacle of player nicknames, but I was always disappointed that "Vinny Cashsteala" didn't catch on more.

[smootness]

I didn't realize the Astros had been that good. Their team WRC+ of 125 would be good for 2nd all time to only the 27 Yankees who were at 126. That's damn impressive.

Yes, they are sick.

[Enscheff]

think how crazy it is to move a franchise mvp type player for a person that you think needs to bat 6th

Haha, well said.

[Enscheff]

The largest crowd in suntrust history was just too much pressure on our team. We'll win 5 in a row now to close out the break. Astros probably didn't sleep a wink worrying bout facing Jamie tonight

If you think they pounded Newk, just wait until that RHed-heavy lineup gets to take hacks against Garcia.

[Enscheff]

Very impressed with the Stros last night. I think Newk was missing on several pitches. Pitches that where supposed to be breakers down were in the middle.. fastballs either in or up were belt high, middle.. But the Stros also hit some good pitches.. the springer homer was impressive to take a slow curve that was outside and muscle it opposite field.. I know.. short porch.. but still that was a good pitch. A couple doubles were lined off good pitches too. I am not discouraged by Newk's start. He faced a really hot team with not his best command and sloppy play at 2B didn't help either.

I showed the heat maps...he's been pitching like that since he got to Atlanta. He was lucky to be facing bad lineups that weren't punishing those mistakes.

It was a bad outing by Newk, but nothing changed from his other outings.

1. He still has the FA and CU to be a TOR guy.
2. He still needs to add a change.
3. He still needs to work on command within the zone.

I said as much after his first outing and got bitched at by the pozzies. Now that they have seen those areas of concern cause him to get pounded by a quality lineup, everyone is suddenly saying the same things I said a month ago.

His ERA and FIP are now exactly in line with each other, just like I said would happen over a very short period of time when a drastic correction occurred.

The pozzies were offended and threw a tantrum when I suggested these things...and they were wrong...again. As usual.

[Enscheff]

One of the things that will happen as the prospects come up is that our defense will improve. Albies will be a defensive upgrade at second. Same with Acuna in right. When we get around to acquiring a third baseman it is likely that this will also upgrade the defense. The team can succeed with Kemp in left if the rest of the defense is above average.

Absolutely. Teams have won before with terrible defensive sluggers in LF. The Braves can do the same.

However, for it to work, they must be smart about defensive replacements late in games. So far, Twitker has completely failed at getting Kemp out of the game in favor of a pinch runner and/or better defender. Kemp also must DH in every single game played in an AL park, without exception.

A large part of Kemp's offensive slide of late is likely due to wearing down. He should have played about 50 less innings in LF so far this season alone with proper defensive substitutions.

Twitker has to go this offseason. He is a terrible tactical manager and needs to be replaced before his mistakes lose games that matter.

[bravesfanMatt]

I showed the heat maps...he's been pitching like that since he got to Atlanta. He was lucky to be facing bad lineups that weren't punishing those mistakes.

It was a bad outing by Newk, but nothing changed from his other outings.

1. He still has the FA and CU to be a TOR guy.
2. He still needs to add a change.
3. He still needs to work on command within the zone.

I said as much after his first outing and got bitched at by the pozzies. Now that they have seen those areas of concern cause him to get pounded by a quality lineup, everyone is suddenly saying the same things I said a month ago.

that is why I said I wasn't discouraged. he made pitch.. just not enough to beat a quality team. His command needs to improve.. I think his control is there. Just throwing strikes in the bigs is not going to make you a star. you have to throw quality strikes and also know how to set guys up. He has a good enough curve that high heat would be an effect 2 strike pitch.. even if they laid off, a curve that drops in or drops out of the zone after said high heat would probably result in an out.

I didn't like some of the sequencing I saw. The first batter of the game was FB, FB, FB that resulted in double.. I know Flowers was looking for FB up and Newk didn't get it there.. but I thought a curve in the dirt should have been called then FB up.

[bravesfanMatt]

Absolutely. Teams have won before with terrible defensive sluggers in LF. The Braves can do the same.

However, for it to work, they must be smart about defensive replacements late in games. So far, Twitker has completely failed at getting Kemp out of the game in favor of a pinch runner and/or better defender. Kemp also must DH in every single game played in an AL park, without exception.

A large part of Kemp's offensive slide of late is likely due to wearing down. He should have played about 50 less innings in LF so far this season alone with proper defensive substitutions.

Twitker has to go this offseason. He is a terrible tactical manager and needs to be replaced before his mistakes lose games that matter.

I am not confident that a Bobby Cox influenced FO would make a better choice. Snitker is a jello mold of Bobby.. same as Freddiot. Bobby needs to ride off into the sunset and stop 'helping' make decisions. this is not the 90's anymore. time to move on and upgrade. We don't have 4 HOF'rs with another 2 close to manage every season.

[smootness]

I am not confident that a Bobby Cox influenced FO would make a better choice. Snitker is a jello mold of Bobby.. same as Freddiot. Bobby needs to ride off into the sunset and stop 'helping' make decisions. this is not the 90's anymore. time to move on and upgrade. We don't have 4 HOF'rs with another 2 close to manage every season.

Bobby Cox is likely not involved on any tangible level in decision-making.

Remember that Snitker is not really the guy the FO wanted. They likely thought there was no chance of him being the manager in 2017...but then the team played far better than expected down the stretch, and there was really no other option.

But it worked out ok because we can still cut him loose after this season (which I think is probable, especially since I think it is likely we limp home a little bit in the second half) and then bring in 'our guy' to manage a better team next year.

I don't know who they would hire, maybe it's not anyone better than Snitker. But I have to hope.

[Enscheff]

Bobby Cox is likely not involved on any tangible level in decision-making.

Remember that Snitker is not really the guy the FO wanted. They likely thought there was no chance of him being the manager in 2017...but then the team played far better than expected down the stretch, and there was really no other option.

But it worked out ok because we can still cut him loose after this season (which I think is probable, especially since I think it is likely we limp home a little bit in the second half) and then bring in 'our guy' to manage a better team next year.

I don't know who they would hire, maybe it's not anyone better than Snitker. But I have to hope.

Meanwhile, Bud Black has the Rockies playing better this year than anyone predicted.

[smootness]

Meanwhile, Bud Black has the Rockies playing better this year than anyone predicted.

I'm not convinced Black is a great manager, but yeah, it kinda stinks that we had to hold onto Snitker.

[CyYoung31]

I am not confident that a Bobby Cox influenced FO would make a better choice. Snitker is a jello mold of Bobby.. same as Freddiot. Bobby needs to ride off into the sunset and stop 'helping' make decisions. this is not the 90's anymore. time to move on and upgrade. We don't have 4 HOF'rs with another 2 close to manage every season.

Bobby had nothing to do with Sniker getting hired.

[bravesfanMatt]

I'm not convinced Black is a great manager, but yeah, it kinda stinks that we had to hold onto Snitker.

I was going to say something like Enscheff.. I think we can't get 'our' guy because I think coppy wanted Black as his guy. but like you said, he couldn't hire him.. but I think Bobby has more play than you let on. I think him and Hart are tied together a bit more tightly than most think.. also, there is this 'Brave's way' from the 90's that gets tossed around like there is some sort of tradition that is 100's of years old. It also influences decision making.. The worse thing an org can do is to rule off antiquated methodologies.

I am not being a nega-brave.. I still think overall I like the process.. but I think they tried to win too soon because losing is not the 'Braves way'..

[smootness]

I was going to say something like Enscheff.. I think we can't get 'our' guy because I think coppy wanted Black as his guy. but like you said, he couldn't hire him.. but I think Bobby has more play than you let on. I think him and Hart are tied together a bit more tightly than most think.. also, there is this 'Brave's way' from the 90's that gets tossed around like there is some sort of tradition that is 100's of years old. It also influences decision making.. The worse thing an org can do is to rule off antiquated methodologies.

I am not being a nega-brave.. I still think overall I like the process.. but I think they tried to win too soon because losing is not the 'Braves way'..

I just think most of that is PR noise. When they say 'Braves Way,' I hear, 'Don't worry, casual fans...remember when we won so much for so long? We're going to do that again.' I don't think they actually walk into the office and make decisions according to some 'Braves Way' ethos. Coppy is the primary one pulling strings now, and he had nothing to do with that stretch. And honestly, I never viewed any of that talk as meaning anything specific about pitching or decision-making...as far as it is actually tangible, I just took it to mean that we were going to focus more on scouting and building up the farm system.

And in the same way, I don't think Bobby Cox is making any decisions or influencing them. He's certainly not spending time in the FO, and I can't imagine they call him up and say, 'Hey, who do you think we should hire as manager?' I just don't buy any of that. Again, I think any links with Bobby Cox were entirely for show for the fans who see Bobby Cox and think 'winning'.

[Enscheff]

I just think most of that is PR noise. When they say 'Braves Way,' I hear, 'Don't worry, casual fans...remember when we won so much for so long? We're going to do that again.' I don't think they actually walk into the office and make decisions according to some 'Braves Way' ethos. Coppy is the primary one pulling strings now, and he had nothing to do with that stretch. And honestly, I never viewed any of that talk as meaning anything specific about pitching or decision-making...as far as it is actually tangible, I just took it to mean that we were going to focus more on scouting and building up the farm system.

And in the same way, I don't think Bobby Cox is making any decisions or influencing them. He's certainly not spending time in the FO, and I can't imagine they call him up and say, 'Hey, who do you think we should hire as manager?' I just don't buy any of that. Again, I think any links with Bobby Cox were entirely for show for the fans who see Bobby Cox and think 'winning'.

I don't buy it. The most valuable asset the Braves organization possessed a year ago was Dansby Swanson. Coppy seemed to understand how to manage that asset, and was then overruled by the other Johns who wanted to needlessly promote him.

If the Braves trade BP I fully expect to see the exact same mistake being made with Albies this year. For that reason alone I would prefer the Braves hold onto BP for the rest of this season. Then maybe something else can happen to keep Albies down in AAA for a few weeks in 2018, because it's a certainty the stone aged remnants in the FO will want to see him at 2B on opening day at the cost of his age 27 season...which will likely be worth $30M+.