GDT: 8/1/'17 - Braves (Sims) v. Dodgers (Maeda), ALBIES + SIMS DEBUTS! 7:35PM

[The Chosen One]

Adams showcased in Left.

:pound:

[GovClintonTyree]

Adams showcased in Left.

:pound:

"And Joe, what a showcase that'll be. While we get to see the Braves debut of Lucas Sims on the mound and Ozzie Albies at second, we'll also be treated to the Braves debut of Matt "The Bat" Adams in left field. Big City has had a .279 batting average this campaign and shown enough power to move Freddie Freeman to 3B, which was apparently a short term solution. Anything to get Adams' bat into the lineup, eh, Joe?"

"Adams. He has the inside out swing. Takes it the other way. Great piece of hitting. Like to see him bunt more."

"Right you are, Joe. Stay tuned for this interdivisional matchup between the Dodgers of Los Angeles, many of whom used to be Cubs or will be later, and your Atlanta Braves, from right here in Suntrust Park deep in Cobb County, far removed from the mean streets of Atlanta, right after these messages....<(rummaging around) For christ sakes, Joe, where's my blow? I can't take another Friday night listening to your demented ass talk about these losers without a little something to help me through....Joe! Goddammit, wake up!"

[Ozzie Swanson]

I think it's important during these frustrating times to remember that while our FO has clearly lost their minds, we also have two of the most incompetent announcers in baseball. Fun times in Braves Country!

[msstate7]

Ender

[The Chosen One]

Best since Andruw out there.

[Ozzie Swanson]

First impression of Sims is that his stuff isn't overpowering but he seems to be locating everything fairly well to start the game. Showed a couple good off speed pitches to get their hitters off balance. Needs to throw his curveball closer to the strike zone to keep hitters honest. Good first inning though.

[Garmel]

Gotta admit Sims isn't all that impressive. Fastball is only 91-92 with little movement. The curve, slider, and the changeup are good though.

[The Chosen One]

Gotta admit Sims isn't all that impressive. Fastball is only 91-92 with little movement. The curve, slider, and the changeup are good though.


Reminds me of Medlen. Maybe he can get Meds to help him.

[Ozzie Swanson]

Gotta admit Sims isn't all that impressive. Fastball is only 91-92 with little movement. The curve, slider, and the changeup are good though.

All about location. Could be a 4th/5th starter, could be Wisler 2.0.

[jpack1]

Anybody seen Sims pitch recently? Is this his typical FB. It seems all the reports are mid 90s

[steveAKAslick]

Nice AB Adams!! That's what I like to see from a cleanup hitter!!

[dak]

Gotta admit Sims isn't all that impressive. Fastball is only 91-92 with little movement. The curve, slider, and the changeup are good though.

Wondering if he's consciously backed off on his FB velocity this year, and that's what's led to the improved command at Gwinnett.

[UNCBlue012]

Jeez. Scherzer just pulled himself out of the game and pointed at his neck.

[Hawk]

Sims reminds me of John Wayne Ennis.

[UNCBlue012]

Gotta admit Sims isn't all that impressive. Fastball is only 91-92 with little movement. The curve, slider, and the changeup are good though. I've said it before, but I've been a Sims fanboy for years and movement is his biggest issue. He has the pitches, but some days his FB is horribly flat. When he's on, dude is a boss though

[Southcack77]

Wondering if he's consciously backed off on his FB velocity this year, and that's what's led to the improved command at Gwinnett.

Could be. I also thought the book on him was big straight fb so a little odd we haven't seen him pump one out of zone at least.

[Southcack77]

Could be. I also thought the book on him was big straight fb so a little odd we haven't seen him pump one out of zone at least.

Have a feeling some of this offspeed stuff is going to stop fooling second and third time around.

[Garmel]

Is that blonde Sims' girlfriend? Dayum!

[dak]

Could be. I also thought the book on him was big straight fb so a little odd we haven't seen him pump one out of zone at least.

Yeah, had heard the same. Not watching the Pitch FX, but it seems like he's only throwing two-seamers and no four-seamers. Maybe that only makes an occasional appearance since he doesn't get great results with it.

[Freshmaker]

Is that blonde Sims' girlfriend? Dayum!

i think thats his mom lol

[chop2chip]

Sims reminds me of John Wayne Ennis.

100%

[WaitingFor2017]

Gotta love Snit. A guy with a .262 OBP hitting in the 2 hole while a guy with a .368 OBP hitting in the 6 hole.

[msstate7]

Gotta love Snit. A guy with a .262 OBP hitting in the 2 hole while a guy with a .368 OBP hitting in the 6 hole.

Dude, you hot hand?

[jpack1]

It makes so much sense to bat Neck 2nd that Snit will never do it

[Freshmaker]

dang Ozzie can fly

[Garmel]

i think thats his mom lol

Looks too young.

[Freshmaker]

great job putting Santana at 3B - that ball was hit right at his glove and he still couldn't field it...actually leaned back away from the ball

[msstate7]

Thanks snit

[chop2chip]

We need a 3B so bad

[Garmel]

"Let's put out our worst defense out there for Sims' debut".

[Ozzie Swanson]

Are they seriously calling that a hit?

[thethe]

Sims doesn't appear to have dominating stuff.

I do like his willingness to throw his change throw.

[Tapate50]

Maeda is scary looking.

[Freshmaker]

Are they seriously calling that a hit?

well, he didn't even manage to get a glove on it i guess *shrug*

[thethe]

Albies is slick with the glove around the bag.

[Garmel]

I want to kick Snitker in the nuts right now.

[jpack1]

That great D. Brilliant Snit the twit

[dak]

Sims has definitely missed up with a couple sliders and a couple curves. Finally payed the price.

[UNCBlue012]

Poor Sims. He got the worst defensive lineup possible for his debut 😂

[jpack1]

We seriously need a real 3B. That's got to be priority 1 whenever we want to compete again

[Ozzie Swanson]

This dude yelling at Justin Turner is seriously annoying.

[GeorgiaGirl]

It might actually be better for Albies to NOT have a good debut. It usually hasn't gone well for recent players to have a good debut for this team...

[Freshmaker]

Turner fouls off a pitch that would've hit him in the knee

[bravesfanMatt]

Sims still needs to make better pitches.

[Southcack77]

This dude yelling at Justin Turner is seriously annoying.

What is he saying.

Why won't he stop.

Who goes to a game to scream every pitch? Defective gene?

[Ozzie Swanson]

What is he saying.

Why won't he stop.

Who goes to a game to scream every pitch? Defective gene?

JUUUUUSSSTIIIINN

[Freshmaker]

Good job by Sims to get out of the inning with only 1 run scoring

[Freshmaker]

What is he saying.

Why won't he stop.

Who goes to a game to scream every pitch? Defective gene?

Reminds me of that LETS GO PIRATES girl from a few seasons ago. You could hardly hear the announcers she was so loud

[SJ24]

This dude yelling at Justin Turner is seriously annoying.

I thought it was funny. lol

[Garmel]

What is he saying.

Why won't he stop.

Who goes to a game to scream every pitch? Defective gene?

If Enscheff was here he would say something about the South.

[WaitingFor2017]

Hot hand...

[atl717]

Sims looks like a reliever to me. Underwhelmed with the stuff, expected more velocity.

[chop2chip]

Sims looks like a perfectly serviceable 5th starter. Hopefully he pitches well and it keeps us from blowing 12 million on another 5th starter this winter.

[Garmel]

He's going to give up too many blasts like that with his flat fastball. He's just not going to be any good I fear.

[Ozzie Swanson]

He's going to give up too many blasts like that with his flat fastball. He's just not going to be any good I fear.

I've been pleasantly surprised by his ability to locate his change up.

[zbhargrove]

Wow that fastball was straight. The fastball is underwhelming me and the change up is much better than I expected.

[Freshmaker]

Wow what a catch by Sims!!

[Tapate50]

Kid does look calm and collected out there.

92 fastball looked good as long as it's down

[thethe]

Worried about the lack of movement on his fastball. The only way he can be effective with that is to have a good change that he's willing to use.

[bravesfanMatt]

Sims needs to work off his curve and change. He probably needs to throw the FB less than his other pitches.

[Ozzie Swanson]

Kid does look calm and collected out there.

92 fastball looked good as long as it's down

Agreed. Think he needs to pick his spots with his fastball, but I've been impressed with him ability to locate his change up to both sides of the plate.

[Pugfan]

Wow that fastball was straight. The fastball is underwhelming me and the change up is much better than I expected.

I'm not a fan of Mr. Gopher ball but at least he throws more than 2 pitches unlike some other young starter that we have

[TheBravos]

Kid does look calm and collected out there.

92 fastball looked good as long as it's down

Man, everyone so down on Sims. First games in the bigs and faces the BEST team in MLB. He has given up one Homerun...I don't even count the other run from that crap Santana play. What the heck else do you want from him?? How about you let the kid pitch a few games before you throw him in the pen...dang.

[Julio3000]

Reminds me of that LETS GO PIRATES girl from a few seasons ago. You could hardly hear the announcers she was so loud

This take really never gets old.

So who in that GDT? Be honest.

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

Man, everyone so down on Sims. First games in the bigs and faces the BEST team in MLB. He has given up one Homerun...I don't even count the other run from that crap Santana play. What the heck else do you want from him?? How about you let the kid pitch a few games before you throw him in the pen...dang.

Agree with this. His stuff basically always looked bad based on the reports I had read. No reason to change opinions on him now because he's in the majors. He's still a fourth/fifth starter type that may have trouble in our park, which is fine. Not everyone is going to be Kershaw.

[steveAKAslick]

Man, everyone so down on Sims. First games in the bigs and faces the BEST team in MLB. He has given up one Homerun...I don't even count the other run from that crap Santana play. What the heck else do you want from him?? How about you let the kid pitch a few games before you throw him in the pen...dang.

Yeah...tough crowd

[msstate7]

Snit's hot hand approach is really killing these mediocre to bad starters we've faced the last few days

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

Snit's hot hand approach is really killing these mediocre to bad starters we've faced the last few days

Usually works on relievers after the game is over (down by 10+).

[GeorgiaGirl]

The sad thing about the bus crash is some players from that never recovered.

[TheBravos]

Agree with this. His stuff basically always looked bad based on the reports I had read. No reason to change opinions pn him now because he's in the majors. He's still a fifth starter type that may have trouble in our park.

I'm a little surprised where his fastball is setting, but his pitches have movement and I've seen a lot of swings and misses. Not much hard contact with a really good hitting team.

Basically everyone already made their mind up before he hurled one pitch. It's like me saying after watching Ozzie bat one time "I didn't like that infield hit...he's just a bench guy."

"IF" he does turn out to be a reliever..he should be a great one. He attacks guys though and might just stick as a starter.

[msstate7]

Nice throw, flowers... you sure can gun em down

[Ozzie Swanson]

Puig is out by a mile if Flowers makes a good throw.

[chop2chip]

They had Puig dead to rights. Ugh

[Garmel]

The defense isn't helping the kid at all.

[Freshmaker]

This take really never gets old.

So who in that GDT? Be honest.

lol that thread was fantastic...i think it went 90 pages or something?

[Ozzie Swanson]

I'm really unclear how Sims is currently being charged with 3 ER? He should only have 1.

[jpack1]

Sims with a pretty good 5 innings so far. He's never going to be a top of rotation guy, but a definite back end option while he's pretty cheap.

[msstate7]

I'm really unclear how Sims is currently being charged with 3 ER? He should only have 1.

2 er

That was a double by puig

[Freshmaker]

892547576129630208

[GeorgiaGirl]

I'm really unclear how Sims is currently being charged with 3 ER? He should only have 1.

Let's start with the Santana play was never called an error for some reason when it should've been. Then with the last play I'm not sure what you call.

[jpack1]

1 ER thru 5 vs the best team in MLB. Not all bad.

[Pugfan]

The sad thing about the bus crash is some players from that never recovered.

It sucks that the bus crashed but that team didn't have any good prospects other than Sims. Dustin Peterson was ok

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

I'm a little surprised where his fastball is setting, but his pitches have movement and I've seen a lot of swings and misses. Not much hard contact with a really good hitting team.

Basically everyone already made their mind up before he hurled one pitch. It's like me saying after watching Ozzie bat one time "I didn't like that infield hit...he's just a bench guy."

"IF" he does turn out to be a reliever..he should be a great one. He attacks guys though and might just stick as a starter.

Yeah, by "stuff" I just meant fastball. His other three pitches look average to above average, with his curve looking like his best pitch (with averageish control or a bit above making them play up). We should definitely give him a shot as a starter, I'm more worried about his flyball tendencies a la Julio and Wisler in Suntrust Park.

#notascout

[GeorgiaGirl]

1 ER thru 5 vs the best team in MLB. Not all bad.

It's not 1 ER though for some reason, lol. Santana's goof was not called an error for some silly reason.

[jpack1]

I know the line is 3ER. But thats a crock of crap.



It's not 1 ER though for some reason, lol. Santana's goof was not called an error for some silly reason.

[Pugfan]

Let's start with the Santana play was never called an error for some reason when it should've been. Then with the last play I'm not sure what you call.
It was a rocket of course they're not going to call it an error. He needs to stop hanging his curveball otherwise he won't last.

[UNCBlue012]

Overall, I think Sims has been solid

[Southcack77]

Agree with this. His stuff basically always looked bad based on the reports I had read. No reason to change opinions on him now because he's in the majors. He's still a fourth/fifth starter type that may have trouble in our park, which is fine. Not everyone is going to be Kershaw.

He has always had good strikeout totals and was hard to hit.

But his walks and mistakes tended to hurt him.

To me he is getting too much of the plate and has benefitted fro first hitters not expecting the offspeed stuff.

But this hasn't been terrible.

[msstate7]

Why did snit pull Adams? SRod hand hot now?

[chop2chip]

Lots of swinging strikes tonight for young Sims.

[thethe]

Sims has had to have thrown over 15 change ups today

[msstate7]

Sims pretty good debut if you ask me

[Freshmaker]

welp

892553606636990465

[TheBravos]

Yeah, by "stuff" I just meant fastball. His other three pitches look average to above average, with his curve looking like his best pitch (with averageish control or a bit above making them play up). We should definitely give him a shot as a starter, I'm more worried about his flyball tendencies a la Julio and Wisler in Suntrust Park.

#notascout

This is a perfect example of looking at the line and not seeing the game. He has not walked anyone (that I remember), and really should have one run...it should be 1-0 right now after 6.

To be truthful, I've don't remember Wisler going six inning without being torched in the last year. Julio gave up what three dingers his last game?

Sims doesn't seem to be at all in awe...he didn't seem an ounce scared. I think he might surprise a bit.

[Ozzie Swanson]

So the official scorer just assumes a stolen base even though Puig would've been out by a mile if Flowers makes a halfway decent throw? Is the official scorer drunk tonight?

[UNCBlue012]

6 IP, 3 ER (boo), 0 BB against the best team in baseball? Helluva debut. Not his fault the defense screwed him multiple times

[Freshmaker]

So the official scorer just assumes a stolen base even though Puig would've been out by a mile if Flowers makes a halfway decent throw? Is the official scorer drunk tonight?

he and Sutton are almost done with a 12 pack

[GeorgiaGirl]

They said Sims upside was a solid #2 before his ups and downs began, I think he can still be a #3 or #4 and possibly eat innings. He got hit hard a few times but wasn't really phased by it, Wisler and Blair probably implode in this start.

[msstate7]

So the official scorer just assumes a stolen base even though Puig would've been out by a mile if Flowers makes a halfway decent throw? Is the official scorer drunk tonight?

In the OS's defense, flowers hasn't thrown out hardly anyone.

[Freshmaker]

They said Sims upside was a solid #2 before his ups and downs began, I think he can still be a #3 or #4 and possibly eat innings. He got hit hard a few times but wasn't really phased by it, Wisler and Blair probably implode in this start.

yeah - really good debut against the best team in MLB. the box score will say 3 ER but it was really 1

[Ozzie Swanson]

Jimmy Johns with the demotion!

[Tino25Dynasty]

Just checking in. Why did Matt Adams have to leave the game?

[Tapate50]

welp

892553606636990465

That playing defense for 9 innings **** is exhausting.

LF?!? Might as well be a marathon.

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

This is a perfect example of looking at the line and not seeing the game. He has not walked anyone (that I remember), and really should have one run...it should be 1-0 right now after 6.

To be truthful, I've don't remember Wisler going six inning without being torched in the last year. Julio gave up what three dingers his last game?

Sims doesn't seem to be at all in awe...he didn't seem an ounce scared. I think he might surprise a bit.

My internet connection just got too bad to watch pitches reliably. :(

Got to see enough to see the HR, HBP, and some good offspeed stuff. Good performance against the Dodgers.

[The Chosen One]

welp

892553606636990465

He may have moved more in the outfield in one game than infield the entire season.

[Ozzie Swanson]

Anyone seen the catch made by the Indians center fielder to rob Hanley Ramirez of a homerun yet? Insanity.

[msstate7]

This will be the 5th straight loss since Swanson was sent down. How long will it reach?

[Julio3000]

lol that thread was fantastic...i think it went 90 pages or something?

I remember someone posting screencaps of the "Let's Go Pirates" Girl and the cup guy. Unreal.

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

This will be the 5th straight loss since Swanson was sent down. How long will it reach?

we miss his rookie presents, so we will lose 20 straight and win the reverse pennant chase.

Joking, but it did seem like he was a good teammate.

[Julio3000]

That playing defense for 9 innings **** is exhausting.

LF?!? Might as well be a marathon.

The view from LF gave him a case of the Nick Esaskies (or the Lucille IIs).

[Freshmaker]

I remember someone posting screencaps of the "Let's Go Pirates" Girl and the cup guy. Unreal.

i was wondering if that guy was in the same game...crazy! dude seriously had a 8ft+ stack of cups he was walking around with

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

i was wondering if that guy was in the same game...crazy! dude seriously had a 8ft+ stack of cups he was walking around with

Such a great moment

[steveAKAslick]

Anyone seen the catch made by the Indians center fielder to rob Hanley Ramirez of a homerun yet? Insanity.

One of the best I've seen, doesn't quite rival Gary Matthews Jr. Or Wise to save that perfect game but impressive

[Julio3000]

This will be the 5th straight loss since Swanson was sent down. How long will it reach?

Gwinnett is undefeated since he joined, I guess.

[Julio3000]

Such a great moment

That was the same game, right? My brain isn't 100% reliable, obviously.

[Hudson2]

3b is seriously a black hole for us.

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

That was the same game, right? My brain isn't 100% reliable, obviously.
I can't remember either. I looked it up and it was in 2011 against the Pirates in the 19th inning but I can't remember if that was the let's go pirates game.

[msstate7]

Atta boy, Camargo

[Freshmaker]

Albies with a walk and then Camargo with a jack...only trailing 3 - 2 now

[Ozzie Swanson]

That ball just drilled that dude in the stands directly in the balls.

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

And our streak of killing relievers continues! Way to go Camargo

[Tapate50]

Camargo regression "engaged "

[Julio3000]

I can't remember either. I looked it up and it was in 2011 against the Pirates in the 19th inning but I can't remember if that was the let's go pirates game.

All I remember is Let's Go Pirates, Julio Lugo, Scott Proctor, and (I think) the cup guy. Cy, MFII, Tapate, 50, JPX might have been in that thread, plus many others.

That girl's probably in college now.

[zbhargrove]

This is a perfect example of looking at the line and not seeing the game. He has not walked anyone (that I remember), and really should have one run...it should be 1-0 right now after 6.

To be truthful, I've don't remember Wisler going six inning without being torched in the last year. Julio gave up what three dingers his last game?

Sims doesn't seem to be at all in awe...he didn't seem an ounce scared. I think he might surprise a bit.

Near the beginning of the year last year, Wisler had a dominant handful of starts. Then everything unraveled and he hasn't been the same since.

[Freshmaker]

Dat Dude singles offa Watson

[Julio3000]

Camargo regression "engaged "

Camargo is Latin for "large, roughy spherical gourd, orange in color."

That's a rough translation. I wish I could be more specific.

[The Chosen One]

All I remember is Let's Go Pirates, Julio Lugo, Scott Proctor, and (I think) the cup guy. Cy, MFII, Tapate, 50, JPX might have been in that thread, plus many others.

That girl's probably in college now.

Legend has it Fredi asked Linebrink and Proctor to warm up twice and asked Roger to call the pen to get Linebrink to warm up two innings after he already pitched in the game.

[msstate7]

Why are we bunting there?

[Tapate50]

Ron Washington looks like he could do a heckuva fluid change on an 86 Oldsmobile, while never shaking the cherry off his cig

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

Why are we bunting there?

We only want one run and don't trust InciaHRte?

[Julio3000]

Legend has it Fredi asked Linebrink and Proctor to warm up twice and asked Roger to call the pen to get Linebrink to warm up two innings after he already pitched in the game.

I could actually buy that.

Linebrink was salty as hell at Fredi after his arm blew up.

[Tino25Dynasty]

I would have let Endar swing away there. He's hard to double up

[msstate7]

Why pitch to FF?

[Julio3000]

Ron Washington looks like he could do a heckuva fluid change on an 86 Oldsmobile, while never shaking the cherry off his cig

And talk around it the entire time.

The cocaine helps with that, too.

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

I would have let Endar swing away there. He's hard to double up

I would have because he's actually a good hitter and Santana was batting next. Maybe even hit and run.

[Hudson2]

Camargos homer ricocheted off a dodgers fans glove and hit a dude right in the nuts lol

[msstate7]

FF last 10...
7-38 (.184)

His ops is coming down quickly

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

Camargos homer ricocheted off a dodgers fans glove and hit a dude right in the nuts lol

Way to let a man down by missing a ball, sheesh.

[Pugfan]

And talk around it the entire time.

The cocaine helps with that, too.

His helmet also looks like it's 10 sizes too big. Dude has a peanut head

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

FF last 10...
7-38 (.184)

His ops is coming down quickly

Need to move him back to LF where he feels comfortable.

[Julio3000]

Need to move him back to LF where he feels comfortable.

Solid.

[Garmel]

FF last 10...
7-38 (.184)

His ops is coming down quickly

He might not be completely well until next year. I've broken my wrist/hand area twice and it takes awhile for it to get back to normal.

[Julio3000]

His helmet also looks like it's 10 sizes too big. Dude has a peanut head

We're just habituated to seeing chronic HGH and testosterone abusers, and have thus forgotten what real ballplayers look like.

[Julio3000]

He might not be completely well until next year. I've broken my wrist/hand area twice and it takes awhile for it to get back to normal.

[entire contents of brain redacted for 30 sec]

[msstate7]

Could SRod set the MLB record for k % this year?

[Freshmaker]

that looked like a balk...or something...from Jansen there. started his motion then froze his front foot over the mound for 2 seconds before completing the pitch...weird

[zbhargrove]

Pretty happy with Sims' performance. One thing though... I thought his fastball hit the mid to upper 90s at one point in his career. Maybe I'm confused... I dunno

[bravesfanMatt]

Could SRod set the MLB record for k % this year?

Jansen is pretty good. Was there any doubt what Srod was going to do there.

[msstate7]

Jansen is pretty good. Was there any doubt what Srod was going to do there.

Is there ever any doubt what SRod is gonna do?

[Heyward]

Jansen is quite great.

[bravesfanMatt]

Ozzie time maybe??

[Julio3000]

Yeah, that's the real takeaway tonight. Pretty darned good effort from Sims.

[bravesfanMatt]

Ozzie time maybe??

Neck. Ball four I think.

[Garmel]

[entire contents of brain redacted for 30 sec]

:pound:

[msstate7]

6 straight losses... pressure is mounting... gonna have to promote acuna and soroka by Friday

[Julio3000]

:pound:

Just too many broken wrist jokes out there.

[Julio3000]

Could SRod set the MLB record for k % this year?

It's a stout 50% so far. He's a grinder, so I think he can bust it and get it up to 55% by the end of the year or until someone physically prevents him from suiting up, whichever comes first.

[jsebe10]

Is there ever any doubt what SRod is gonna do?

SRod is fckn trash...

Nice defensive replacement he was for the fckn 6th...cost Adams an AB in the 9th vs Jansen.

[GeorgiaGirl]

SRod is fckn trash...

Nice defensive replacement he was for the fckn 6th...cost Adams an AB in the 9th vs Jansen.

Adams left because he was "dizzy".

[jsebe10]

Adams left because he was "dizzy".

Yea I just read that...

He's still trash though.

[thewupk]

Braves aiming for another high draft pick. Keep it up guys.

[cajunrevenge]

2018 draft is gonna be awesome though. Much much better than 2017.

[Russ2dollas]

Anyone going to analyze the statcast data on Sims?

I was wondering how straight the fastball was. That was his big issue in the scouting things I read.

Sounds like he didn't have his good Curve tonight. Pretty solid debut though.

If he can just be a 5th starter that is valuable for us. One less Vet we have to overspend on. Maybe buy another year of control on Gohara/Allard/Soroka/Wright.

[TheBravos]

2018 draft is gonna be awesome though. Much much better than 2017.

No one will remember if we win 72 or 78 games this year. They "should" get some young guys experience and get a good draft pick. Of all the trades we have made, MOST of this rebuild hinges on players we have drafted (or International signings). Dansby should be back up soon, and SRod should be sitting ALOT. I like him...he is a great player, but just because you "can" come back early from a major injury doesn't mean you should.

They need to put about six players on waivers and maybe they can move a couple. This is really all about 2018 at this point. The scariest thing to me now, is since the team will most likely finish poorly and coming into next season, they will want excitement. You can almost double down on the fact Coppy could make a foolish over pay type trade to sell tickets. Hopefully he puts his efforts into moving guys like Kemp, Nick and JJ. That would probably help the team more than giving up a boatload of prospects for a #2 or #3. The Garcia trade worked well, and that's the type of guy he needs to be looking for. We have another potential 3-5 guys that could be ready in the next year alone. It's really pointless to give up prospects for pitching at this point. Sims, Newk, Gohora, Fried (who is turning the corner in his last three starts) will all be on the 40
man. Medlen and Albers should be in the mix, and guys like Touki (who has progressed), Wright and even Soroka and Allard should be knocking on the door late 2018.

That's a lot of guys for 2-3 spots max.

[Tapate50]

Encouraged to see 94 from Sims in the 6th (I think it was the 6th). At 93-94 he can get by with the straight heater, but he has to stay VERY mixed on his pitches. The offspeed stuff didn't look bad at all and liked most everything as average or flashing a little better than at its peak until that curve started getting away from him up high.

[zbhargrove]

SRod is fckn trash...

Nice defensive replacement he was for the fckn 6th...cost Adams an AB in the 9th vs Jansen.

He's back early from a car crash injury to his shoulder that was supposed to keep him out the entire year. Give the guy a break.

[smootness]

2018 draft is gonna be awesome though. Much much better than 2017.

Eh, that's what they said about 2017 in comparison with 2016. Unless 2016 was historically bad (it wasn't great at the top, I'll give you that) and 2018 will be historically great, then I doubt that.

[thethe]

Anyone going to analyze the statcast data on Sims?

I was wondering how straight the fastball was. That was his big issue in the scouting things I read.

Sounds like he didn't have his good Curve tonight. Pretty solid debut though.

If he can just be a 5th starter that is valuable for us. One less Vet we have to overspend on. Maybe buy another year of control on Gohara/Allard/Soroka/Wright.

My main takeway is that Sims is not afraid to throw his changeup even though its not a plus (barely avearge) pitch. Sometimes I think the willingness to throw it goes a long way.

[Preacher]

I was really surprised to see so much meh regarding Sims, I thought he actually looked pretty durned good, and not as a potential TOR or anything like that - but if he can eat up innings and pitch at the back of the rotation as a starter that has a lot of value.

I loved seeing an effective change, a pretty good curve and he mixed them well, better control than I had feared and he threw a lot of first pitch strikes. Keep in mind that's a VERY good offensive team and a VERY terrible defense playing behind him. I thought he looked fine and if he is what we saw yesterday he's got three at least average pitches.

Good debut, now lets see if he can build on it and if we can put a better defense behind him for the next start.

[Preacher]

I'll also add for a kid making his first start he looked pretty unflappable. A couple of bad plays from Santana and Flowers really didn't rattle him.

I was impressed.

[Hudson2]

I'm all for sucking and letting the young guys learn. The 2018 draft is loaded.

[cajunrevenge]

No one will remember if we win 72 or 78 games this year.


Oh we will never hear the end of it if the Braves win 78 games this year. Captain Ego would never let that go.

[cajunrevenge]

Eh, that's what they said about 2017 in comparison with 2016. Unless 2016 was historically bad (it wasn't great at the top, I'll give you that) and 2018 will be historically great, then I doubt that.


Fair enough. I thought the 2017 draft was complete ****. Not even that high on Wright (but would be very happy to be wrong). Is personally prefer high school draft picks in the early rounds and 2018 is loaded with good HS pitchers. Georgia is particularly loaded with HS talent.

[clvclv]

I'll also add for a kid making his first start he looked pretty unflappable. A couple of bad plays from Santana and Flowers really didn't rattle him.

I was impressed.

Seconded. No one's getting the cart before the horse here, but he looked like he deserved a shot - unlike several guys recently. JMO, but it was refreshing to see someone who was willing to throw strikes. If they hit them, so be it. Can't imagine anyone considers him a future #2/#3 type, but if he can keep mixing his pitches he obviously has the stuff (and makeup) to be a solid back of the rotation guy.

[smootness]

Fair enough. I thought the 2017 draft was complete ****. Not even that high on Wright (but would be very happy to be wrong). Is personally prefer high school draft picks in the early rounds and 2018 is loaded with good HS pitchers. Georgia is particularly loaded with HS talent.

All I'm saying is that this seems to be what they say every year at this time. 'Next year will be even better.' More than likely, that's because they're still projecting these guys and looking more at ceiling, but inevitably come draft time, some guys haven't really progressed like hoped and it's not the historically great year people thought it would be.

2017 was a good draft year at the top. I think it may not seem that way because of the lack of big-time power hitters who are relatively safe, but it was a very good draft. But it wasn't as good as once hoped with guys like Mark Vientos and JJ Schwartz dropping off, and a guy like Jordon Adell not entirely reaching where some thought he could get to.