GDT 9/26/13: Phillies (Cloyd) @ Braves (Hale) 7:10 PM

[NYCBrave]

Braves:

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

Phillies:

1. Cesar Hernandez (S) CF
2. Jimmy Rollins (S) SS
3. Domonic Brown (L) LF
4. Darin Ruf (R) RF
5. Kevin Frandsen (R) 1B
6. Cody Asche (L) 3B
7. Erik Kratz (R) C
8. Freddy Galvis (S) 2B
9. Tyler Cloyd (R) P

[bravesnumberone]

Unless Justin is hurting, he needs to be in there. We need our "A" guys going right now.

[Diesel]

Why all these days off when we don't play Monday-Wednesday? Won't that be sufficient time to recharge physically and mentally?

[jpx7]

Unless Justin is hurting, he needs to be in there. We need our "A" guys going right now.


Why all these days off when we don't play Monday-Wednesday? Won't that be sufficient time to recharge physically and mentally?

:fredi:

[thethe]

I don't think homefield is going to matter if the guys raen't performing. Either Jason/Justin are hot or they won't be. If they are I think we can win the world series. If not then we won't make it out of the first round.

[stpeteirish]

I don't get the "resting" people either. It seems as if Fredi is in denial re weather or not we're in a tussle for home field. Schafer can't hit, period. Play him when the games don't matter, like Sunday.

[tululush]

The game on Sunday could very well matter. I have a strong feeling that we'll be tied headed into Sunday. Win and we get home field advantage. Lose and we miss out. Just a hunch.


I don't get the "resting" people either. It seems as if Fredi is in denial re weather or not we're in a tussle for home field. Schafer can't hit, period. Play him when the games don't matter, like Sunday.

[stpeteirish]

Phillies lineup has no Utley, no Ruiz. Charley Manuel must not be their mgr any more.

[tululush]

For the love of g-d I would just like to see us have a 1-2-3 top of the first and then just blast the ever loving **** out of them with a 6 spot in the bottom half.

[jsebe10]

I totally understand Justin needs rest. But he needed it about a week ago. It's just too crucial right now to rest him.

[zitothebrave]

Cloyd blows hopefully he wakes our bats up.

[PawPawMaxwell]

I just got back from Atlanta coupla hours ago. Saw the Brewers debacle in its entirety. Some observation: BTW my seats last nite were a max of 30 feet from the scrum. Wonder if this inefficient ump crew confused Laird with Reed Johnson. Reed absolutely threw some punches. Didnt see Laird on my side of the pile. Freddie did not plunk anyone. He did do a lot of pushing and maybe pushed one of the blues. So big he is hard to miss.

Agree with lots of posters here. Heyward and Freeman along with Gattis and Simmons are critical to any chance to win it would seem. J Up and McCann have value as well tho seem to be pressing a lot tho not to the extent of Chris Johnson.

Minor looks almost helpless in his start. Garcia was pretty special. Maholm showed lots better in the box score than he did in person.

If there was some way to get Gennett for our leadoff and 2nd sacker, I would give up some true value. Aoki is a gnat (or flea) but Man does he have a swing.

[Hulavol]

I have a good feeling we take this game, sweep the series, and lock up home field on Saturday night.

[nsacpi]

I just got back from Atlanta coupla hours ago. Saw the Brewers debacle in its entirety. Some observation: BTW my seats last nite were a max of 30 feet from the scrum. Wonder if this inefficient ump crew confused Laird with Reed Johnson. Reed absolutely threw some punches. Didnt see Laird on my side of the pile. Freddie did not plunk anyone. He did do a lot of pushing and maybe pushed one of the blues. So big he is hard to miss.

Agree with lots of posters here. Heyward and Freeman along with Gattis and Simmons are critical to any chance to win it would seem. J Up and McCann have value as well tho seem to be pressing a lot tho not to the extent of Chris Johnson.

Minor looks almost helpless in his start. Garcia was pretty special. Maholm showed lots better in the box score than he did in person.

If there was some way to get Gennett for our leadoff and 2nd sacker, I would give up some true value. Aoki is a gnat (or flea) but Man does he have a swing.

Laird was ejected after the melee for things he said from the dugout.

[Julio3000]

Too bad JHey doesn't have power.

[zitothebrave]

Too bad JHey doesn't have power.

If he cared about baseball he would have hit a homer that would have travelled aroudn the earth several times and scored us 10 runs.

[jsebe10]

God we needed this!!!

[TURBO]

yay runs

[zitothebrave]

Bad pitching is sometimes needed to get bats awake.

[tululush]

Need more. I want them buried before they know what hit them. Also I want to decimate their pen in game 1.


yay runs

[thethe]

Love seeing Heyward hit a bomB!

[zitothebrave]

Even Schafer can hit this bum hahahaha

[buck7580]

For the love of g-d I would just like to see us have a 1-2-3 top of the first and then just blast the ever loving **** out of them with a 6 spot in the bottom half.

How about a five spot??

[Runnin]

Feast or famine.

[Julio3000]

Glad to see Lord BABIP back in the (inside-out) swing of things.

[Dalyn]

Glad to see Lord BABIP back in the (inside-out) swing of things.

Need Cuddyer to go 0-10 or so to end the year.

[thethe]

Hale could end up being an important swing man the next two years.

[The Chosen One]

If Heyward loved baseball he would've had a bloop triple.

[zitothebrave]

#doesntcareaboutbaseball

[thethe]

Heyward is just an all around amazing baseball player. I hope he and Freeman are here for the next 10 years.

[nsacpi]

multi-extra base hit game

[Julio3000]

Lazy.

[Lville21]

J-Hey with good hustle to get that run back.

[Julio3000]

multi-extra base hit game

Nice.

[thethe]

I know Elliot Johnson sucks but I like him.

[Julio3000]

I know thethe likes him but Elliot Johnson sucks.

[Julio3000]

Cloyd afraid of a Fred.

[thethe]

Its so awesome to hear the sound when Gattis hits a ball hard.

[buck7580]

Why is Laird up?

[Julio3000]

He would plunk the first pitch if he could.

[BlackwaterPark]

What happened to Brian?

[Julio3000]

He was retroactively ejected from yesterday's game.

[drewdat]

What happened to Brian?

Getting the night off since we're blowing them out so far.

[Julio3000]

Love Billy Wagner. He meant a lot to the team relative to the short tenure he had.

[The Chosen One]

On the bright side, in 4 days we won't have to listen to Chip and/or Joe for another 5 months.

[jsebe10]

On the bright side, in 4 days we won't have to listen to Chip and/or Joe for another 5 months.

At least Joe makes some sort of damn sense. Chip is just annoying.

[buck7580]

On the bright side, in 4 days we won't have to listen to Chip and/or Joe for another 5 months.

What does Joe do that bugs you?

[The Chosen One]

Chip: "Boy Billy Wagner looked good didn't he?"

KAPAYA :snort:

[The Chosen One]

We're going to get shutout the rest of the night.

[TURBO]

We're going to get shutout the rest of the night.

If we dont, ban,

[The Chosen One]

Heyward's not that good. Anyone can get two bloop doubles and a bloop homer.

[The Chosen One]

If we dont, ban,
:icwudt:

[zitothebrave]

Another double, I feel like Heyward can't improve on anything

[Julio3000]

Jason y u no hit line drives?

[Julio3000]

Chip: "Boy Billy Wagner looked good didn't he?"

KAPAYA :snort:

:-)

Why hasn't Chip use "KAPAYA!" as a catch phrase? Before you say it's lame, consider who we're talking about.

#FISTED

[Dalyn]

Jason y u no hit line drives?


Honey Heyward don't care.

http://d2.yimg.com/sr/img/2/02bd90b8-ec66-3a29-89be-0ed76aba8818

Honey Heyward don't give a ****.

[Julio3000]

OK, I feel like we're playing with house money now, since Jason didn't get his left jaw Niese'd by that one.

[Lville21]

Wow, Evan... When did that pitch ever look good?

[jsebe10]

Evan has to learn to lay off that.

[drewdat]

Getting the night off since we're blowing them out so far.

J/K, he's actually just injured. Ha ha.

"McCann left the game with a right adductor strain. Status is day-to-day." - Bowman

[thethe]

Evan has to learn to lay off that.

He really isn't far away from being a big time impact bat. Hopefully an offseason worth of work and more experience will help him out.

[jsebe10]

On the bright side, in 4 days we won't have to listen to Chip and/or Joe for another 5 months.

You think they are bad , turn it over to ESPN and listen to them drool and slurp over Logan Thomas' weenis. Can't believe they are soooo on love with that guy, he's burnt garbage.

[jsebe10]

He really isn't far away from being a big time impact bat. Hopefully an offseason worth of work and more experience will help him out.

Agreed. Has the ability to be a game changer. Just gotta learn to lay off certain pitches and know what pitchers are trying to do with him.

[Bdawg2309]

mccann's body isn't built for the whole season..
another bad 2nd half...hitting .220 in august,.213 in september for the past 3 years

[tululush]

I bet Mac won't play again until the playoffs start. Sigh. Wish we had his bat but it's probably going to be Laird and Gattis the remaining 3 games. Wish we had hfa already locked up.

[Bdawg2309]

surprised they still haven't used bethancourt

[Dalyn]

Laird is getting his walking in early today. Is he wearing crocs?

[bravesnumberone]

I don't know whether it's best to rest Mac or give him more at bats. Either way, we're going to need his bat in order to have a shot.

[The Chosen One]

I don't know whether it's best to rest Mac or give him more at bats. Either way, we're going to need his bat in order to have a shot.

Going to need Justin's, Mac's, BJ/and Or Elliot/Uggla's bat to have a shot. And maybe Simmons too. Heyward and Freeman are the only ones I'm not worried about. To an extent I'm not worried about CJ.

[zitothebrave]

mccann's body isn't built for the whole season..
another bad 2nd half...hitting .220 in august,.213 in september for the past 3 years

Funny you don't mention July where he rocked.

Mac hasn't hit as well as he did in the second half as he did in the first. But the body thing is just silly.

[The Chosen One]

Joe just really hates advanced sabermetrics.

[zitothebrave]

Joe just really hates advanced sabermetrics.

I'm pretty sure Joe hates any statistic that doesn't count the number of times someone fisted one in the hole.

[Julio3000]

I'm pretty sure Joe hates any statistic that doesn't count the number of times someone fisted one in the hole.

Fisted in the hole? You mean Chip, right?

[The Chosen One]

Fisted in the hole? You mean Chip, right?

Pretty big fail by Zeets there.

Not sure if it's banworthy, but a warning has been issued in advanced per CB Bucknor.

[The Chosen One]

I love Heyward, even if he doesn't love baseball.

[Julio3000]

HR-2B-2B-2B. Dude has stalled.

[The Chosen One]

It's crazy.

A week from now, we'll be playing in the NLDS.

Just think about that for a second people. Think about how long we've come. How much Wood... nvm.

[Gary82]

Heyward hitting well makes me feel a lot better about our postseason chances.

[The Chosen One]

Heyward hitting well makes me feel a lot better about our postseason chances.

Gives me a Matthewsesque thrill up my leg.

[The Chosen One]

Galarraga and Weiss?

[Gary82]

Gives me a Matthewsesque thrill up my leg.

I don't know about a thrill, but my pants are tighter.

[The Chosen One]

I don't know about a thrill, but my pants are tighter.
:facepalm:

[The Chosen One]

I think at this point after 6 innings yesterday Lohse was only at like 25 pitches.

[Gary82]

:facepalm:

I couldn't help it. :icwudt:

[TXBravesFan]

I miss when Boog Sciambi was the PBP guy and he and Joe would go back and forth about sabrmetrics. At least then there was a coherent discussion and Joe could actually be persuaded on some things (rarely). Nobody in the booth right now can carry that other side of it.

[Julio3000]

Chip, Joe, and Tom Hart discussing sabermetrics. Oh sweet Baby Jesus. Shut up.

Joe in Gob Bluth mode: "Come on!"

[Gary82]

speaking of broadcasters, Don told Jim to "defecate in his fedora" tonight.

[thethe]

Why in the Hale did Freddi change pitchers?

[Gary82]

Why in the Hale did Freddi change pitchers?

He got Wood.

[thethe]

Wood is going to be a weapon in the playoffs out of the pen. I think its a smart move. Just try to nurse Garcia through 5-6 innings.

[Julio3000]

Wood is going to be a weapon in the playoffs out of the pen. I think its a smart move. Just try to nurse Garcia through 5-6 innings.

Better start Laird, then.

[zitothebrave]

If Heyward cared he's have 10 hits today

[Julio3000]

That dude was due for some good BABIP fortune.

[Hulavol]

Gotta Jump in here....once Chip quit wetting his pants with "There's a Drive!!" every time we hit a routine fly ball short of the track.....I have grown to really enjoy his homerism. Said differently, I like Chip and Joe!

[Julio3000]

If Heyward cared he's have 10 hits today

A single is a clear sign of decline.

[Hulavol]

5 for 5.....bitches...

[BlackwaterPark]

If I was Freddi I would start pulling the starters

[Julio3000]

Gotta Jump in here....once Chip quit wetting his pants with "There's a Drive!!" every time we hit a routine fly ball short of the track.....I have grown to really enjoy his homerism. Said differently, I like Chip and Joe!

Chip's pbp has gotten better. His everything else needs some work.

[Gary82]

5 hits for Heyward.


5

[Hulavol]

If I was Freddi I would start pulling the starters

Yep...and put Bethancort in there already...

[BlackwaterPark]

Yep...and put Bethancort in there already...

yep. Really want him to play

[Gary82]

http://www.davidrm.com/rmphotoblog/images//2010/03/tj201003191417-2.jpg

Heyward has been trained to wear power armor.

[Hulavol]

yep. Really want him to play

I can understand though...Lard needs some abs...he is going on to next week. CB is not. But I sure do want to see CB play a little. Hopefully we clinch HFA on Saturday, and CB gets a start on Sunday...

[buck7580]

TP and Hubbard

[CyYoung31]

Chip is such an idiot.

[Julio3000]

5 for 5.....bitches...

Turner Field : Twitter
Phillies: Bill Shanks
Jason Heyward: Jason Heyward

[Hulavol]

Can't believe how much you guys hate poor ol chip...now, I do laugh at your jokes...but dang fellas.

[Hulavol]

Need more. I want them buried before they know what hit them. Also I want to decimate their pen in game 1.

Ask, and ye shall receive...

[Julio3000]

Plunking ridiculous.

[buck7580]

Simmons again

[Hulavol]

Simba!

[Runnin]

What a play by Simmons.

[Julio3000]

Glad Fredi found a way to squeeze in some work for Avilan.

[KayJayNZ]

Why is Avilan pitching in a 6 run game?

:mad0182:

[Julio3000]

Simmons is seriously some kind of defensive savant.

[TURBO]

WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON

[Heyward]

Avilan in a 7-1 game, seriously?

[Hulavol]

Oh Hale Yes!

[buck7580]

Good work Heyward

[Heyward]

Good work Heyward

Thanks.

[Hulavol]

Ok...win out and HFA is ours. I like our chances.....

[bravesnumberone]

Yes, please do defend Fredi on that one.

Good, comfortable win. Keep winning.

Great sign from Heyward, too, and Hale pitched pretty well.

[zitothebrave]

Simmons is seriously some kind of defensive savant.

May be the perfect description.

[Julio3000]

Haha @ Jason making Constanza jump to give him five.

[Hulavol]

I just realized...Billy Wagner is a good luck talisman....

[Dalyn]

Glad Fredi found a way to squeeze in some work for Avilan.

I just don't get it. He had a good inning but was still shaking his arm. I guess Honey Fredi don't give a ****.

[zitothebrave]

Ok...win out and HFA is ours. I like our chances.....

More importantly we're a win and dodger loss from a lock to hosting the DS which is most important. I think being away for the LCS could benefit us.

[tululush]

:) For my next request I will ask for another beat down of the Phillies tomorrow night and for the Cubs to beat down the Cards as well. Cut that magic number down to 1 heading into Saturday.


Ask, and ye shall receive...

[Heyward]

More importantly we're a win and dodger loss from a lock to hosting the DS which is most important. I think being away for the LCS could benefit us.

HFA won't matter vs LA, at best we will maybe split vs Greinke/Kershaw, if not maybe lose both games.

Let St Louis and LA battle each other.

[Heyward]

I just don't get it. He had a good inning but was still shaking his arm. I guess Honey Fredi don't give a ****.

I just don't get it, why not Varvaro or anyone else?

Rest him until the DS.

[bravesnumberone]

It's just incredibly stupid, and there isn't another way to put it. Innings like that are what Kameron Loe is made for.

[Hulavol]

:) For my next request I will ask for another beat down of the Phillies tomorrow night and for the Cubs to beat down the Cards as well. Cut that magic number down to 1 heading into Saturday.

Let it be written....let it be done.

[zitothebrave]

HFA won't matter vs LA, at best we will maybe split vs Greinke/Kershaw, if not maybe lose both games.

Let St Louis and LA battle each other.

We will have to beat the best at some point. And considering LA has been ice cold this month I'd much rather face them at home than not.

[tululush]

You are insane. Pitching is what wins in the playoffs and you want to face Kershaw twice and Greinke once? What is the matter with you? Masochist.


We will have to beat the best at some point. And considering LA has been ice cold this month I'd much rather face them at home than not.

[bravesnumberone]

In the NLCS, we might see Kershaw three times and Greinke twice. Though it's unlikely they'd go that route.

I think I'd quite honestly rather see Bronson Arroyo next Thursday over Kershaw, but that's just my opinion.

[tululush]

Yeah let's get hfa and then let Stl and LAD deal with each other. Even if LAD wins out I'd much rather face them in a 7 game series than a 5 game.


In the NLCS, we might see Kershaw three times and Greinke twice. Though it's unlikely they'd go that route.

I think I'd quite honestly rather see Bronson Arroyo next Thursday over Kershaw, but that's just my opinion.

[The Chosen One]

If we dont, ban,

Ban for you? :)

[zitothebrave]

Fisted in the hole? You mean Chip, right?

No I meant Joe, who do you think taught Chip about the fine arts of fisting?

[zitothebrave]

You are insane. Pitching is what wins in the playoffs and you want to face Kershaw twice and Greinke once? What is the matter with you? Masochist.

Dodgers have been cold. And pitching can fall apart in the playoffs. Phillies with Lee, Halladay, and Hamels didn't do diddly poo. We only won one with Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz. It's not just pitching.

[cajunrevenge]

The Dodgers are 18-14 in games started by Kershaw. Lets not pretend the Dodgers are unbeatable when Kershaw pitches.

[The Chosen One]

5 hits for Heyward.


5

Does that qualify as a multi hit game, or 2?

[Julio3000]

No I meant Joe, who do you think taught Chip about the fine arts of fisting?

Well, he certainly had something up his ass tonight.

[tululush]

Still don't want to face him twice in a 5 game series. He's the best pitcher in baseball. You can't seriously be wishing to face him twice.


The Dodgers are 18-14 in games started by Kershaw. Lets not pretend the Dodgers are unbeatable when Kershaw pitches.

[jpx7]

Gives me a Matthewsesque thrill up my leg.

Spoiler alert: Lord Mattew dies.

[NinersSBChamps]

Good win it looked like. No runs after the second inning is a letdown though. Wins are all we need at this point though.

[Heyward]

The Dodgers are 18-14 in games started by Kershaw. Lets not pretend the Dodgers are unbeatable when Kershaw pitches.

Kershaw has a sub 2 ERA, and he's had 11 leads blown, dumb stat.

I'd rather see him in the NLCS if not at all.

[tululush]

Dodgers just lost. We just clinched home field in the nlds.

[cajunrevenge]

Kershaw has a sub 2 ERA, and he's had 11 leads blown, dumb stat.

I'd rather see him in the NLCS if not at all.

I am making a point which is that it should not be looked upon as an automatic loss when/if we face Kershaw. I know if/when it happens you will approach it like an automatic loss but thats not really outside of the norm.

[Heyward]

I am making a point which is that it should not be looked upon as an automatic loss when/if we face Kershaw. I know if/when it happens you will approach it like an automatic loss but thats not really outside of the norm.

Not an auto loss but it will be very tough to beat him if we have to face him, he's really good.

Facing the best pitcher on the planet isn't a good thing.

[The Chosen One]

Not an auto loss but it will be very tough to beat him if we have to face him, he's really good.

Facing the best pitcher on the planet isn't a good thing.

Not if Kris Medlen is matching up against him two times.

[The Chosen One]

Homefield advantage or not, when the playoffs start, we're going to have the highest paid bench on a postseason roster ever.

[tululush]

That's fine. I could care less once the playoffs start who plays. I just want results.


Homefield advantage or not, when the playoffs start, we're going to have the highest paid bench on a postseason roster ever.

[cajunrevenge]

Not an auto loss but it will be very tough to beat him if we have to face him, he's really good.

Facing the best pitcher on the planet isn't a good thing.

This is how I feel any conversation between me and you about the braves chances goes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCFB2akLh4s

[Heyward]

This is how I feel any conversation between me and you about the braves chances goes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCFB2akLh4s

I've said many times I think we're built for 162 over a playoff series, let's hope they prove me wrong.

[Dalyn]

Spoiler alert: Lord Mattew dies.

:Gasp:

[thewupk]

Homefield advantage or not, when the playoffs start, we're going to have the highest paid bench on a postseason roster ever.


Arod got benched in the playoffs last year. His salary alone should cover Uggla and Upton.

[The Chosen One]

Arod got benched in the playoffs last year. His salary alone should cover Uggla and Upton.

:YDS:

[thethe]

More likely scenario for 2014?

a) Hale is in AAA
b) Hale is the fifth starter
c) Hale is packaged in a deal
d) Zito is an idiot

[50PoundHead]

This is how I feel any conversation between me and you about the braves chances goes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCFB2akLh4s

Top Ten all-time movie clip.

Yes, it looks like we'll have about $35 million on the bench in the playoffs.

Again, playoffs are (and have always been) a crapshoot. My main worry is that I believe our gas gauge is on "E." I don't know how much we have in the tank and whether or not we can turn it up. That said, I don't see a juggernaut in the NL or AL this season.

[50PoundHead]

More likely scenario for 2014?

a) Hale is in AAA
b) Hale is the fifth starter
c) Hale is packaged in a deal
d) Zito is an idiot

You forgot Hale in the bullpen so I'll make that (e). I would say (a) or (e) depending on what happens during the off-season. I don't agree with (d).

[zitothebrave]

More likely scenario for 2014?

a) Hale is in AAA
b) Hale is the fifth starter
c) Hale is packaged in a deal
d) Zito is an idiot

D!

Also I'm fairly sure Hale is going to AAA.

Our rotation next year will be barring injury, Minor, Medlen, Julio, Wood, vet (could be Huddy, or anyone else)

I also think we will try to bring back Garcia on a minor league deal.

[thethe]

You forgot Hale in the bullpen so I'll make that (e). I would say (a) or (e) depending on what happens during the off-season. I don't agree with (d).

d) is a valid response but Zito's name can be easily replaced with mine

Not sure I want to see Hale moved to the pen. Obviously if the need is there then its ok but his value overall will be greater if he remains a starter.

[thethe]

D!

Also I'm fairly sure Hale is going to AAA.

Our rotation next year will be barring injury, Minor, Medlen, Julio, Wood, vet (could be Huddy, or anyone else)

I also think we will try to bring back Garcia on a minor league deal.

I think with the added experience that the top 3 got that the Braves won't hesitate to use both Wood/Hale. Wood got his major league experience so I think the Braves are fairly confident that he will succeed. But, you are probably right and Huddy will be back.

[zitothebrave]

Hudson I think comes back. Odds are Hudson signs on a deal I'm thinking 1/4 or something like that.

[gilesfan]

Wait, haven't read much. Thethe claiming Hale is the next big thing yet?

[thethe]

Wait, haven't read much. Thethe claiming Hale is the next big thing yet?

No, I have said he could be a valueable swingman/5th starter. I will take a league min 5th starter any day of the week.

[Krovahn]

Does that qualify as a multi hit game, or 2?2.5, I believe.

[The Chosen One]

2.5, I believe.

Halves? There are no halves in baseball. Only thirds.

[mfree80]

Hudson I think comes back. Odds are Hudson signs on a deal I'm thinking 1/4 or something like that.

I agree that Hudson will probably be back year to year for a few more seasons. I think next year we are looking at:

Minor
Medlin
Teheran
Wood

Hudson
Beachy
Hale

We have proven that it takes 8 to get through a season. I think with the clean up yesterday, Beachy will come back strong. I would like to see him start in the pen until needed like Medlin did last year. That give six to start, with Hale and whoever breaks out next year waiting in the wings. (The Braves always seem to have an unexpected breakout pitcher).

[thethe]

Martin/Northcraft/Schlosser/Gilmartin will get shots next year as well.

Braves hvae ridiculous starting pitching depth right now for the upcoming future.

[PawPawMaxwell]

Martin/Northcraft/Schlosser/Gilmartin will get shots next year as well.

Braves hvae ridiculous starting pitching depth right now for the upcoming future.
Got all that depth for sure. Now what do we need going forward that that depth can get us. Lead off and viable 2nd baseman for sure. Much as he has done to help this year, using Heyward to lead off is somewhat of a waste of talent.

[zitothebrave]

Martin/Northcraft/Schlosser/Gilmartin will get shots next year as well.

Braves hvae ridiculous starting pitching depth right now for the upcoming future.

Yup. What's most important though is that we get the guys who'll be more than depth to develop since we'll need shortly replacements for guys like Medlen.

[thethe]

I think we could actually give Meds an extention as below market rate. I think the majority of people share your opinion of him which I think its inaccurate. I wouldn't mind seeing Medlen sign a 4 year 48 million dollar deal.

[cajunrevenge]

I dont know about everyone else but I am ready to jump on the Hale bandwagon. Not gonna proclaim him to be a top of the rotation starter but I can see the mid rotation potential. He's not a big time prospect so he wont be handed anything but I can see him doing very well as a long reliever in the pen and spot starter. At some point injuries will get him an extended look as a starter. I think he is a top 10 prospect for the Braves now and I feel really good about having him for depth next year. If there is an open spot in the pen I expect him to win it next year.

[zitothebrave]

I think we could actually give Meds an extention as below market rate. I think the majority of people share your opinion of him which I think its inaccurate. I wouldn't mind seeing Medlen sign a 4 year 48 million dollar deal.

Too much cheddar. That 12M could go to Heyward, Justin, Freddie, Simmons, etc. We have tons of pitching in the minors almost no hitting prospects worth a damned.

[zitothebrave]

BTW I think the Rays have it 100% correct in how to build a long term winners. Keep your important hitters (for them it was Longoria and Zobrist) and trade off your pitchers when they get expensive. Who knows maybe Medlen can net us a Wil Myers type.

[thethe]

Too much cheddar. That 12M could go to Heyward, Justin, Freddie, Simmons, etc. We have tons of pitching in the minors almost no hitting prospects worth a damned.

Braves can still manage to pay a starter or two even with keeping all those guys. Its all about not paying for back end of the rotaiton pitching or any bullpen. Eventually Ugglas money is gone. Heck, you could even just give Ugglas money to Medlen. Braves hit the jackpot with pitching the last 4 years. I have confidence that back end type guys will continue to be produced but I don't think we should assume that TOR type arms will develop like Medlen.

[zitothebrave]

Braves can still manage to pay a starter or two even with keeping all those guys. Its all about not paying for back end of the rotaiton pitching or any bullpen. Eventually Ugglas money is gone. Heck, you could even just give Ugglas money to Medlen. Braves hit the jackpot with pitching the last 4 years. I have confidence that back end type guys will continue to be produced but I don't think we should assume that TOR type arms will develop like Medlen.

I'd rather bank that money. if you will. I think a wiser sepnd than Medlen would be to allocate that money to Mac for 3-4 years.

[thethe]

I'd rather bank that money. if you will. I think a wiser sepnd than Medlen would be to allocate that money to Mac for 3-4 years.

How is that wise? Mac will not be better than he has been this year. More than likely he will slowly deterioate. Not to mention the Braves have somewhat competant replacements for him already.

I just can't see anyway where it makes more sense to give money to a 30+ catcher as opposed to a 28+ borderline ACE pitcher.

[cajunrevenge]

I agree re-signing Medlen is a better move than re-signing McCann. Brian will take more money and I think is a bigger risk. I have gone back and forth on re-signing McCann so many times this year it is crazy but we are going to need Medlen more than McCann. I feel more confident giving Medlen an extension now that he has already had TJ surgery. From what I have read the ligament is stronger in the 5 years after surgery then it goes back to normal. That gives me reason enough to consider Medlen a good health risk over a 4 year deal. 4/48 is a very fair deal. I think 4/44 is what I would predict. I think he gets 8 mill this year then 12 mill next year in arbitration. That would mean we buy out 2 years of free agency for 28 million at 4/48. I dont see that as much of a bargain for the Braves. The way to get optimal value is to give him a big salary in the 4th year then trade him before that year.

edit - Freeman is #1 priority when it comes to extensions.

[gilesfan]

Thethe is back on the McCann decline I see.

[thethe]

Thethe is back on the McCann decline I see.

Not sure where you are getting that. I'm just making the debate that it would make more sense to give Medlen money over Mac.

You should consider debating the content of the post more as opposed to the poster my friend!

[thethe]

I agree re-signing Medlen is a better move than re-signing McCann. Brian will take more money and I think is a bigger risk. I have gone back and forth on re-signing McCann so many times this year it is crazy but we are going to need Medlen more than McCann. I feel more confident giving Medlen an extension now that he has already had TJ surgery. From what I have read the ligament is stronger in the 5 years after surgery then it goes back to normal. That gives me reason enough to consider Medlen a good health risk over a 4 year deal. 4/48 is a very fair deal. I think 4/44 is what I would predict. I think he gets 8 mill this year then 12 mill next year in arbitration. That would mean we buy out 2 years of free agency for 28 million at 4/48. I dont see that as much of a bargain for the Braves. The way to get optimal value is to give him a big salary in the 4th year then trade him before that year.

edit - Freeman is #1 priority when it comes to extensions.

100% agree on all accounts. Braves need to just throw money at Freeman until he accepts. Guy is going to be a top 10 hitter in baseball more than likely for the next 10 years.

[tululush]

The Diamondbacks absolutely lucked out when they gave Goldschmidt his contract. They signed him in March for 5 years $32 million. With a club option for 14.5 millino in '18. Wow. Talk about a steal. Goldschmidt is going to be the next best 1b in the league imo. Interesting to see what Freeman commands. Did he turn down an offer already? If so does anyone know the figures?

edit: for those that don't know this is Goldy's line this year (3 games remaining)

.303/.403, 103 r, 36 hr, 124 rbi, 15 sb


100% agree on all accounts. Braves need to just throw money at Freeman until he accepts. Guy is going to be a top 10 hitter in baseball more than likely for the next 10 years.

[thethe]

Yeah, thats the best contract in baseball right now. Maybe Chris Sale is in there as well.

I believe Freeman has one more year of MLB expereience under his belt but you have to hope that we can sign him for something like 8 years 120 million.

[zitothebrave]

How is that wise? Mac will not be better than he has been this year. More than likely he will slowly deterioate. Not to mention the Braves have somewhat competant replacements for him already.

I just can't see anyway where it makes more sense to give money to a 30+ catcher as opposed to a 28+ borderline ACE pitcher.

YOu don't know that Mac will or won't be better than he was this year. He's a multiple time all-start, multiple silver slugger winning catcher. Sure he could fade away or he could keep on keeping on, you don't know. As far as Medlen goes, he may very well be a borderline ace. But he's just that, borderline. Mac is a borderline HOF catcher. Sure he could stink the next 3-4 years or he could keep playing well.

I would invest the money in Mac then package Gattis with Johnson for a long term 3B option and propsects. We have a chance to build a dynasty and keeping Mac around for a few years should solidify that more.

[thethe]

YOu don't know that Mac will or won't be better than he was this year. He's a multiple time all-start, multiple silver slugger winning catcher. Sure he could fade away or he could keep on keeping on, you don't know. As far as Medlen goes, he may very well be a borderline ace. But he's just that, borderline. Mac is a borderline HOF catcher. Sure he could stink the next 3-4 years or he could keep playing well.

I would invest the money in Mac then package Gattis with Johnson for a long term 3B option and propsects. We have a chance to build a dynasty and keeping Mac around for a few years should solidify that more.

I just don't know. We all love Mac. He is the heart and sole of the team outside of Huddy. I just don't see how it makes more sense to give a 30+ year old catcher who hasn't been a top hitting catcher for a couple years a long term deal over a guy who has pitched like a TOR starter for the last 18 months. I'm just concerned that Mac is not going to age well and that while his injuries are something of the past they could have taken a toll on his future performance as well.

The argument about Mac being a HOF catcher is just silly. Sure, he is a potential HOF catcher because of his whole career and not what he is currently doing. Medlen is CURRENTLY a borderline ace.

[tululush]

Could really go for a 3 hit, 8ip shutout of the Phils tonight.


I just don't know. We all love Mac. He is the heart and sole of the team outside of Huddy. I just don't see how it makes more sense to give a 30+ year old catcher who hasn't been a top hitting catcher for a couple years a long term deal over a guy who has pitched like a TOR starter for the last 18 months. I'm just concerned that Mac is not going to age well and that while his injuries are something of the past they could have taken a toll on his future performance as well.

The argument about Mac being a HOF catcher is just silly. Sure, he is a potential HOF catcher because of his whole career and not what he is currently doing. Medlen is CURRENTLY a borderline ace.

[thethe]

Could really go for a 3 hit, 8ip shutout of the Phils tonight.

I would guess they would pull him after 6 innings tonight regardless of how well he was pitching. Could be wrong.

[jpx7]

:Gasp:

Edited to be less gasp-inducing.

[jpx7]

Halves? There are no halves in baseball. Only thirds.

Well, except for half-innings.

[cajunrevenge]

Good teams dont pay for what players have done, they pay for what players will do. Yes McCann has had a fantastic career and I hope he goes on to a HoF career but what he has done is irrelevant to the situation. He is a good hitting catcher no longer an elite hitting catcher. There is no reason to think he will hit better going into his 30's. Now if we could DH 2-3 times a week then his hitting might pick up because of less wear and tear on his body but we cant do that. I think its very possible he has a resurgence in his career DHing part time and moving to a better hitters park but that wouldnt happen with the Braves. I like Brian but he isnt 15 million a year better than Gattis. 15 million I think is conservative.

Add on to that letting McCann go we get a top 40 or so draft pick. Its the best move no two ways around it.

[thethe]

Good teams dont pay for what players have done, they pay for what players will do. Yes McCann has had a fantastic career and I hope he goes on to a HoF career but what he has done is irrelevant to the situation. He is a good hitting catcher no longer an elite hitting catcher. There is no reason to think he will hit better going into his 30's. Now if we could DH 2-3 times a week then his hitting might pick up because of less wear and tear on his body but we cant do that. I think its very possible he has a resurgence in his career DHing part time and moving to a better hitters park but that wouldnt happen with the Braves. I like Brian but he isnt 15 million a year better than Gattis. 15 million I think is conservative.

Add on to that letting McCann go we get a top 40 or so draft pick. Its the best move no two ways around it.

Nailed it!

[zitothebrave]

I just don't know. We all love Mac. He is the heart and sole of the team outside of Huddy. I just don't see how it makes more sense to give a 30+ year old catcher who hasn't been a top hitting catcher for a couple years a long term deal over a guy who has pitched like a TOR starter for the last 18 months. I'm just concerned that Mac is not going to age well and that while his injuries are something of the past they could have taken a toll on his future performance as well.

The argument about Mac being a HOF catcher is just silly. Sure, he is a potential HOF catcher because of his whole career and not what he is currently doing. Medlen is CURRENTLY a borderline ace.

Over the last 3 years Mac has a 110 wRC+ ignoring his bad year he's been pretty consistently around 120.

Mac's career wRC+ by season

2005 - 93
2006 - 142
2007 - 95
2008 - 135
2009 - 119
2010 - 123
2011 - 122
2012 - 87
2013 - 122

Medlen has done very well the last 2 seasons, BUT those great numbers are propped up by a hot streak last year he'll likely never replicate again. This year he has an 88 ERA- and a 95 FIP- neither are ace level.

[thethe]

Seriously Zito? You are taking away a hot streak from Melden and taking away a bad season from Mac to do this comparison?

Come on man. Its more than likely that Macs best years are behind him. If a team wants to pay hjim for what he has done then by all means let them do it. Medlen still has his best years in front of him or at least something resembling what he did this year.

[tululush]

If they do and it's +/- 1 run and he's sitting under 100 pitchs then that would be stupid. He'll have 5 days of rest after tonight before game 1. Pitching him to win the game. Taking him out early makes no sense.


I would guess they would pull him after 6 innings tonight regardless of how well he was pitching. Could be wrong.

[zitothebrave]

Seriously Zito? You are taking away a hot streak from Melden and taking away a bad season from Mac to do this comparison?

Come on man. Its more than likely that Macs best years are behind him. If a team wants to pay hjim for what he has done then by all means let them do it. Medlen still has his best years in front of him or at least something resembling what he did this year.

Mac has a long and decorated history of hitting well above average. Medlen has no history of being a 40 ERA- pitcher. He has no history over being close to that.

[thethe]

Mac has a long and decorated history of hitting well above average. Medlen has no history of being a 40 ERA- pitcher. He has no history over being close to that.

New expectations are built in each year. You can't just look at someones history and predict what they are going to do in the future. Thats is a foolish game to play. Thats the type of game that gets you into a 4 year extention for Dan Uggla. Look at what he did before!

[zitothebrave]

New expectations are built in each year. You can't just look at someones history and predict what they are going to do in the future. Thats is a foolish game to play. Thats the type of game that gets you into a 4 year extention for Dan Uggla. Look at what he did before!

Uggla isn't very comparable to Mac at all. Mainly because Uggla's value was entirely in his bat. Mac has value in his bat, glove, leadership, and more.

McCann with 130 games played is a 4 WAR player.

[Bdawg2309]

i checked the schedule on the MLB at bat app

it lists thursdays game in this order:

game 1: nl div winner 3 vs div winner 2
game 1: nl wc winner vs nl div winner 1

really hope that's the case if the braves get the #1 seed... tired of the stupid early games

[thethe]

Uggla isn't very comparable to Mac at all. Mainly because Uggla's value was entirely in his bat. Mac has value in his bat, glove, leadership, and more.

McCann with 130 games played is a 4 WAR player.

But we will also have to play Mac more money and generally catchers break down faster than any other position. If we had more money to spend I would absolutely want Mac back. I just don't think it makes sense given the Braves money situation.

[Heyward]

On Mac/Meds, tough.

Depends on price, really.

If we could get Meds for 4/48, I'd do it.

For a discount, sure, if he's wanting 5/75 or more, that's too much IMO.

[Heyward]

Good teams dont pay for what players have done, they pay for what players will do. Yes McCann has had a fantastic career and I hope he goes on to a HoF career but what he has done is irrelevant to the situation. He is a good hitting catcher no longer an elite hitting catcher. There is no reason to think he will hit better going into his 30's. Now if we could DH 2-3 times a week then his hitting might pick up because of less wear and tear on his body but we cant do that. I think its very possible he has a resurgence in his career DHing part time and moving to a better hitters park but that wouldnt happen with the Braves. I like Brian but he isnt 15 million a year better than Gattis. 15 million I think is conservative.

Add on to that letting McCann go we get a top 40 or so draft pick. Its the best move no two ways around it.

Yep, look at the Cards with Pujols, Rangers with Hamilton, etc.

I know Mac isn't commanding 20 million plus, but still a lot of money.

[Dalyn]

Edited to be less gasp-inducing.


:Gasp:




:Gasp:




:Gasp:

[zitothebrave]

But we will also have to play Mac more money and generally catchers break down faster than any other position. If we had more money to spend I would absolutely want Mac back. I just don't think it makes sense given the Braves money situation.

I think Mac signs here for around your proposed Medlen offer. Maybe less.

And catchers with similar arcs to Mac generally age acceptably. His number 1 comp according to bref is Lance Parrish who caught regularly and did well until he was 35 or so. Sure he had some bad years in his early 30s also had some really good ones as well.

[thethe]

I think Mac signs here for around your proposed Medlen offer. Maybe less.

And catchers with similar arcs to Mac generally age acceptably. His number 1 comp according to bref is Lance Parrish who caught regularly and did well until he was 35 or so. Sure he had some bad years in his early 30s also had some really good ones as well.

I think its a better bet for Medlen to be more valueable over the next four years. You seem to feel otherwise but time will tell who was right.

[thewupk]

We pretty much know what Mac is going to be for a few more years. Yes any player can hit the decline suddenly and at catcher it can happen even faster. But Mac WRC+ of 122, 87, 122, 123, and 119 the last 5 years. 2012 being the obvious outlier when his BABIP was 234. That's being pretty damn consistent to me. He's not the player he showed in 06 or 08 (inflated BABIP in those years) and shouldn't be paid like those years either. Mac doesn't qualify because of playing time but he would have the 5th best WRC+ among catchers and has the 3rd most homers. He's still a top catcher in the game. Might not be an all-star every year due to the emergence of Posey but he's still a 4+ win catcher. Those are extremely valuable. This team is young and good but I don't think our window is all that big. We won't be able to keep everybody. Mac makes us a better team right now and we need to take advantage of it.

[thethe]

We pretty much know what Mac is going to be for a few more years. Yes any player can hit the decline suddenly and at catcher it can happen even faster. But Mac WRC+ of 122, 87, 122, 123, and 119 the last 5 years. 2012 being the obvious outlier when his BABIP was 234. That's being pretty damn consistent to me. He's not the player he showed in 06 or 08 (inflated BABIP in those years) and shouldn't be paid like those years either. Mac doesn't qualify because of playing time but he would have the 5th best WRC+ among catchers and has the 3rd most homers. He's still a top catcher in the game. Might not be an all-star every year due to the emergence of Posey but he's still a 4+ win catcher. Those are extremely valuable. This team is young and good but I don't think our window is all that big. We won't be able to keep everybody. Mac makes us a better team right now and we need to take advantage of it.

Mac is currently still a good player. Its all about using the limited money wisely. In a perfect world I would take Mac for the rest of his career but I believe that Medlen will be a more important piece to the Braves winning and losing than Mac would be.

[Nerfherders]

I just have to say that I was at this game - the first time at Turner field to see my Braves at home, and on my birthday no less. No greater birthday present than a big braves win. And my wife bought me Freddie Freeman jersey to boot. An awesome birthday all around.