9/29/2013 - Braves v. Phillies - Regular Season Finale

[Krovahn]

Atlanta Braves:
Jason Heyward CF
Justin Upton RF
Freedie Freeman 1B
Evan Gattis LF
Gerald Laird C
Andretron Simmons SS
Ellliot Johnson 3B
Dan Uggla 2B
Julio Teheran P

Philadelphia Phillies:
Cesar Hernandez CF
Jimmy Rollins SS
Chase Utley 2B
Domonic Brown LF
Kevin Frandsen 1B
Cody Asche 3B
Erik Kratz C
Roger Bernadina RF
Zach Miner P

[stpeteirish]

Philllies pitcher is not Martin again, Miner scheduled.

[Braves1976]

So second day the charm vs Martin? Hehe I know he's not starting again.

[Lville21]

I'm glad to see the "C" lineup isn't out there with possible home field advantage until the World Series still available. I think the Cubs can come through today as they have a favorable matchup with Samardzjia vs. Westbrook.

[BlackwaterPark]

Should have let me start the thread, I am undefeated

[stpeteirish]

so is CJ getting a "timeout"? (like my 2 year old g'son)

[Braves1976]

so is CJ getting a "timeout"? (like my 2 year old g'son)

No, they didn't make him go stand in the corner. Hehe.

[The Chosen One]

No, they didn't make him go stand in the corner. Hehe.

We don't know that, after the camera feed was cut. :tchop:

[nsacpi]

Should have let me start the thread, I am undefeated

We're saving you for the playoffs

[Braves1976]

We don't know that, after the camera feed was cut. :tchop:

They cut the feed because TP promised them a share of CJ's lunch money. :happy0157:

[nsacpi]

I'm one of the few who wouldn't mind playing the Dodgers. Kemp, Ethier and Ramirez are banged up. AJ Ellis is in a major almost Uggla-esque slump the last couple months. Puig has cooled off. Quite a few of our hitters have good records against Greinke. We've also hit Nolasco extremely well as a team.

[Braves1976]

We're saving you for the playoffs

Yea, he's our secret weapon. :icon_biggrin:

[Braves1976]

I'm one of the few who wouldn't mind playing the Dodgers. Kemp, Ethier and Ramirez are banged up. AJ Ellis is in a major almost Uggla-esque slump the last couple months. Puig has cooled off. Quite a few of our hitters have good records against Greinke. We've also hit Nolasco extremely well as a team.

Well, one way to look at it is that if they're that good, then we'll have to beat them at some point (either NLDS or NLCS). So might as well get Kershaw out of the way early I reckon. Hopefully we can steal one vs Kershaw, then take care of business vs Greinke and co.

[BlackwaterPark]

I would rather play the Dodgers right now honestly....

[The Chosen One]

I'm one of the few who wouldn't mind playing the Dodgers. Kemp, Ethier and Ramirez are banged up. AJ Ellis is in a major almost Uggla-esque slump the last couple months. Puig has cooled off. Quite a few of our hitters have good records against Greinke. We've also hit Nolasco extremely well as a team.

I'm in the same boat.

I think we have a better hcance of beating the daunting Dodgers in a short series than a 7 game series.

[Braves1976]

One thing is for sure, if we beat the Dodgers it will be like old times again. Let's do it '91 Braves style boys!

[NinersSBChamps]

I would rather play the Dodgers right now honestly....

You'd rather play the Dodgers than the Reds or Pirates? Please elaborate.

[Krovahn]

Philllies pitcher is not Martin again, Miner scheduled.

My bad. The place I get my lineups from had it wrong and I wasn't paying attention that closely. Fixed now.

[Braves1976]

You'd rather play the Dodgers than the Reds or Pirates? Please elaborate.

It's hard to pick playing anyone over the Pirates. If we play the Pirates all we have to do is call up Frankie Cabrera and it's in the bag. Hehe.

[Krovahn]

Should have let me start the thread, I am undefeated

Niners' thread says otherwise; but, either way. Say you for the playoffs.

[NinersSBChamps]

I just feel like we match up a lot better with Pittsburgh or Cincinnati than we do against the Dodgers. I will say one thing though that I don't look forward to playing in that little league field the Reds call a ballpark.

[NinersSBChamps]

Niners' thread says otherwise; but, either way. Say you for the playoffs.

He did lose one or two. I haven't updated for a week or so, but nevertheless he isn't undefeated.

[nsacpi]

You'd rather play the Dodgers than the Reds or Pirates? Please elaborate.

see post #11

[The Chosen One]

You'd rather play the Dodgers than the Reds or Pirates? Please elaborate.

I think anyone would prefer to play the Pirates or Reds, that's a given.

However, not all of us fear the thought of playing the Dodgers in a 5 game series. If they're as good as you say they are, we're just as screwed to play them in 7 games than 5. If we're going to beat them, might as well sneak one out.

[Braves1976]

I just feel like we match up a lot better with Pittsburgh or Cincinnati than we do against the Dodgers. I will say one thing though that I don't look forward to playing in that little league field the Reds call a ballpark.

I hate that ballpark too, I remember Venters gave up a pop up that somehow carried out of the park there. I was like, what in the world? That ball had no right to go out!

[NinersSBChamps]

I hate that ballpark too, I remember Venters gave up a pop up that somehow carried out of the park there. I was like, what in the world? That ball had no right to go out!

And there was that one damn game where Craig gave up back to back homers and the Reds won.

[Braves1976]

And there was that one damn game where Craig gave up back to back homers and the Reds won.

Yea, that first one he gave up doesn't go out in Atlanta and other parks. Choo's probably has a shot most anywhere though. But he'd never came to the plate if the first one is caught.

[NYCBrave]

I'm in the same boat.

I think we have a better hcance of beating the daunting Dodgers in a short series than a 7 game series.

Really? From reading the game thread last night I was under the impression if we played the Dodgers, they'd sweep us in 3 games and then just beat us in games 4 and 5 for good measure.

[GovClintonTyree]

I'm one of the few who wouldn't mind playing the Dodgers. Kemp, Ethier and Ramirez are banged up. AJ Ellis is in a major almost Uggla-esque slump the last couple months. Puig has cooled off. Quite a few of our hitters have good records against Greinke. We've also hit Nolasco extremely well as a team.

It's not a matter of who you're playing in the first round. It's having home field against the Cards that matters.

[nsacpi]

Really? From reading the game thread last night I was under the impression if we played the Dodgers, they'd sweep us in 3 games and then just beat us in games 4 and 5 for good measure.

Well today's thread is an antidote to yesterday's thread, which was dominated by a couple nervous nellies who think with their glands.

[nsacpi]

It's not a matter of who you're playing in the first round. It's having home field against the Cards that matters.

Fair point. But Pittsburgh has played well down the stretch and Cincinnati's ballpark and power hitters would cause some problems for us. The Dodgers are not playing well at the moment and have some issues with injuries.

[cajunrevenge]

We better score in the first or its gonna be a shutout and we lose.

[Mad Dog Murph]

Records against this year

Pittsburgh 4-3
Reds 4-4
Dodgers 5-2


I like our chances against any of them

[BlackwaterPark]

I think I would rather re-watch the final season of Breaking Bad marathon than this game lol

[NYCBrave]

Two things:

1) Playing the Reds/Pirates means one of those teams has to burn their ace in the wild card game and can only use them once in the NLDS. That automatically makes it an easier matchup

2) Our record against the Dodgers is skewed because we missed Kershaw both times we faced them.

[Braves1976]

The Rays ain't playing around today, already up 6-0 in the first. Texas is going to have to win and hope Cleveland loses just to get a three-way tie. Though if Texas wins and Cleveland wins Texas then plays Tampa Bay to break the tie with them.

[stpeteirish]

We better score in the first or its gonna be a shutout and we lose.

been watching some games lately?

[nsacpi]

Two things:

1) Playing the Reds/Pirates means one of those teams has to burn their ace in the wild card game and can only use them once in the NLDS. That automatically makes it an easier matchup

2) Our record against the Dodgers is skewed because we missed Kershaw both times we faced them.

Kershaw is the one strong argument for avoiding the Dodgers.

With respect to your first point, neither the Pirates nor the Reds have a pitcher who towers above the rest of their rotation. The Pirates will use Liriano and he can come back in game 3. My guess is they would use Burnett in games 1 and 5. Dusty Baker has decided to start Johnny Cueto in the Wild Card game. Same situation as the Pirates. They are using a good pitcher but not one who is their undisputed ace. My guess is Homer Bailey will be the games 1 and 5 starter if they make it.

[The Chosen One]

Why didn't Sandberg start Miner yesterday?

We had the only encounter in history of Petit vs. Pettitte

Would've loved to have seen a Miner vs. Minor matchup.

[yeezus]

Real smart by Heyward. Was Justin actually out? I couldn't tell.

[The Chosen One]

Justin was clearly safe...

[yeezus]

Justin was clearly safe...

Yeah he looked safe to me. Of course the Phils' telecast doesn't show good replays. Just call it "unbelievable" by Asche.

[Runnin]

Freddie Freeman is money.

[The Chosen One]

Freddie Freeman is money.

Sure wasn't last night though. :Sad:

[NinersSBChamps]

Hi ump.

[yeezus]

WOOOT Gattis!

[The Chosen One]

Gattisssss.

If only he could've done that against Papelbon.

[nsacpi]

The Gorn

[Runnin]

That's one way to manufacture runs.

[NYCBrave]

Kershaw is the one strong argument for avoiding the Dodgers.

With respect to your first point, neither the Pirates nor the Reds have a pitcher who towers above the rest of their rotation. The Pirates will use Liriano and he can come back in game 3. My guess is they would use Burnett in games 1 and 5. Dusty Baker has decided to start Johnny Cueto in the Wild Card game. Same situation as the Pirates. They are using a good pitcher but not one who is their undisputed ace. My guess is Homer Bailey will be the games 1 and 5 starter if they make it.

Fair point. Something I didn't realize about Liriano was he was a lot better pre-all star break than post. Before the all star break he had a 2.00 ERA. After the break, 3.95 including 5.14 in September.

Interesting that the Reds would go with Cueto over Latos. I'd think Latos is the closest they have to an ace, especially since Cueto has only been back for 2 starts.

[NinersSBChamps]

We needed that last night Evan.

[yeezus]

Gerald Laird looks like the type of guy that you see on the beach with his family in a tank top and swim trunks drinking a corona.

[nsacpi]

Fair point. Something I didn't realize about Liriano was he was a lot better pre-all star break than post. Before the all star break he had a 2.00 ERA. After the break, 3.95 including 5.14 in September.

Interesting that the Reds would go with Cueto over Latos. I'd think Latos is the closest they have to an ace, especially since Cueto has only been back for 2 starts.

Apparently Latos is having some soreness in his arm.

[thethe]

Hopefully this will be the start of a hot streak for Gattis. He is a guy that could carry a team in a series.

[The Chosen One]

Apparently Latos is having some soreness in his arm.

We need a Dusty toothpick smiling picture like the one we have for Fredi just for moments like this.

:fredi:

[yeezus]

We need a Dusty toothpick smiling picture like the one we have for Fredi just for moments like this.

:fredi:

less talk, more action.

[nsacpi]

Hopefully this will be the start of a hot streak for Gattis. He is a guy that could carry a team in a series.

Same could be said of Heyward, Freeman, Justin, McCann, Simmons. That's why I like our chances. If one or two of those guys gets hot, we should be fine.

[The Chosen One]

Dan hasn't had to shoulder the load all year... all we've asked of him was to contribute SOMETHING.

[Runnin]

Swish.

[zitothebrave]

Well, we're hopefully gonna do our job (cannot imagine the Phillies scoring 3 on us when we have the lead like this) hopefully the Cubs can do their's and not get rolled over.

[jsebe10]

Gerald Laird looks like the type of guy that you see on the beach with his family in a tank top and swim trunks drinking a corona.

A Mexican?

[Lville21]

Come on, Dan. You could've at least cleared Teheran.

[thethe]

Come on, Dan. You could've at least cleared Teheran.

Teheran should be clearing Uggla.

[thethe]

Same could be said of Heyward, Freeman, Justin, McCann, Simmons. That's why I like our chances. If one or two of those guys gets hot, we should be fine.

I think we are going to see big things from Simmons.

[zitothebrave]

I think we are going to see big things from Simmons.

I hope so. Right now our lineup is constructed where it seems like after you get past CJ nothing will happen. A little spark from 7/8 is much needed.

[Braves1976]

EJ showed some range and his arm at third there. If that's CJ that ball is fielded by Simmons.

[Runnin]

Simmons catches that easily.

[Braves1976]

I hope so. Right now our lineup is constructed where it seems like after you get past CJ nothing will happen. A little spark from 7/8 is much needed.

Simmons hasn't had a day off in forever it seems, hopefully the days off before the first playoff game gives him a re-charge.

He's looked tired at times lately to me, though still doing well as much as he's played.

[thethe]

Really nervous about Teherans innings but that guy is such a damn stud.

[Braves1976]

Simmons catches that easily.

Yea, but Gattis and him almost had a car wreck not long ago. So that may have effected how Gattis went after it. We cannot afford him running over Simmons whatever the case.

[NYCBrave]

What are the Cardinals hoping/expecting to get out of Westbrook today? He hasn't made a start since August 21st, and hasn't pitched at all since September 6th. Strange

[thethe]

Tehearn should be batting 8th

[Braves1976]

Teheran is a better hitter than Uggla. If we batted him 8th today we'd have more runs.

[Braves1976]

What are the Cardinals hoping/expecting to get out of Westbrook today? He hasn't made a start since August 21st, and hasn't pitched at all since September 6th. Strange

He looks good so far, two easy outs in first.

[The Chosen One]

MV5

[GovClintonTyree]

He looks good so far, two easy outs in first.
C'mon, Cubs. Grow a set.

[nsacpi]

Laird heating up at the right time

[The Chosen One]

Laird, Professional Hitter 2013.

[zitothebrave]

Teheran is a better hitter than Uggla. If we batted him 8th today we'd have more runs.

Both of those are not accurate statements.

[zitothebrave]

C'mon, Cubs. Grow a set.

Won't happen. Cubs are rolling over.

[nsacpi]

Simba power

[zitothebrave]

Good job Simmons!

[Braves1976]

Kelly is now pitching for the Cardinals.

[NYCBrave]

Kelly is now pitching for the Cardinals.

Right. Just read they wanted Westbrook to start the game as a tribute to him for his contributions to the organization.

[NYCBrave]

Henderson Alvarez is throwing a no hitter vs. Detroit. He's through 7 innings.

[zitothebrave]

First I want to say, I'm knocking on wood, but Julio is averaging just around 10 pitches an inning, great job by him.

[bravesnumberone]

Lol Phillies.

[The Chosen One]

Uggla will dig deep from within to find a way to K here.

[The Chosen One]

We've been screwed twice now at 2nd base. Terrible terrible.

[Lville21]

2B ump has had a rough game.

[bravesnumberone]

Goddamn, why don't you just put a Cardinals hat on, ****ing prick.

[Garmel]

The umpire at 2nd needs a new pair of glasses.

[zitothebrave]

Why was EJ trying to steal second?

[nsacpi]

Pitched around Uggla there. Respect.

[NinersSBChamps]

Hi ump.

[The Chosen One]

Why was EJ trying to steal second?

More of a chance Uggla will GIDP or K than EJ getting caught stealing.

[zitothebrave]

Now we'd be bases loaded one out with a shot to drive in another.

Stupid decision to run there when we have a pitcher reeling.

[NinersSBChamps]

Why was EJ trying to steal second?
There is a hornets nest at first base and he's allergic.

[bravesnumberone]

Now we'd be bases loaded one out with a shot to drive in another.

Stupid decision to run there when we have a pitcher reeling.

I just don't understand. There are plenty of times where we haven't run when we needed to.

[jsebe10]

Now we'd be bases loaded one out with a shot to drive in another.

Stupid decision to run there when we have a pitcher reeling.

????
Johnson has the most SBs on our team and the umpire blew the call...

[Braves1976]

Both of those are not accurate statements.

They're more accurate than statements you've made about Simmons in the past, lol.

That said, I wasn't even being serious with that post. But I know you have a soft spot for Uggla, that's fine.

[Braves1976]

????
Johnson has the most SBs on our team and the umpire blew the call...

Yep, EJ was clearly safe. Bad call cost us not EJ stealing.

[Braves1976]

J.C. Boscan is catching for the Cubs, lol.

[zitothebrave]

????
Johnson has the most SBs on our team and the umpire blew the call...

There are situations you don't run. I don't care if that was Bourn. Miner was on the verge of getting KTFO

[Lville21]

Henderson Alvarez with a no-hitter through 8 for the Marlins. It would be a perfect game, but he hit Prince Fielder.

[Braves1976]

The Cubs just gave up a double to the pitcher Joe Kelly. Pathetic.

[NYCBrave]

Henderson Alvarez with a no-hitter through 8 for the Marlins. It would be a perfect game, but he hit Prince Fielder.

Other problem is, the score is 0-0

[bravesnumberone]

And just like that we've let them back in it. Jesus Christ.

[Lville21]

Unbelievable. Atlanta has left at least two runs off the board as well with runners being thrown out.

[NinersSBChamps]

Unbelievable. Phillies are giving us this and we apparently don't want it.

[zitothebrave]

Now we have to score more runs. Damn.

[Braves1976]

This game won't matter anyway. Cubs losing thanks to a double by pitcher and two out base hit.

Cardinals are going to sweep.

[jsebe10]

There are situations you don't run. I don't care if that was Bourn. Miner was on the verge of getting KTFO

Wtf are you talking about? Miner wasn't even the ball game. Ramirez was pitching you idiot.

[NYCBrave]

Freakin Cardinals are so annoying, they somehow kill it with 2 outs and RISP.

[zitothebrave]

Unbelievable. Phillies are giving us this and we apparently don't want it.

Meanwhile the Cubs are content to just lie there and take it. I'll give the Phillies props for not rolling over cause yo udon't want to see a team do that but the Cubs are being pathetic.

[bravesnumberone]

Freakin Cardinals are so annoying, they somehow kill it with 2 outs and RISP.

It's what great baseball teams do at this time of year.

[bravesnumberone]

Meanwhile the Cubs are content to just lie there and take it. I'll give the Phillies props for not rolling over cause yo udon't want to see a team do that but the Cubs are being pathetic.

This was the argument I made two years ago when everyone was pissed at the Phillies because they dared to play hard against us the last series of the year when we needed a win to get into the postseason.

[NYCBrave]

This Marlins game is fun to watch. They need to score a run here in the bottom 9th to get Henderson Alvarez the no-hitter. I've never seen something like this.

[nsacpi]

Laird playing smart. A David Ross special.

[The Chosen One]

Laird is the Braves' Most Exciting Player.

[NinersSBChamps]

Laird with a bunt. I knew he would do this.

[zitothebrave]

Laird is the Braves' Most Exciting Player.

Laird has the grit needed to win.

[Braves1976]

This Marlins game is fun to watch. They need to score a run here in the bottom 9th to get Henderson Alvarez the no-hitter. I've never seen something like this.

That was great for the Marlins, wild finish too. Congrats to the kid on the no hitter.

[nsacpi]

Laird is the Braves' Most Exciting Player.

Easily

[bravesnumberone]

TAKE A ****ING PITCH

[nsacpi]

Uggla time. I can sense it.

[NinersSBChamps]

Elliot is full of so much fail.

[Braves1976]

Wow, if we get nothing here. That's ugly.

[zitothebrave]

Well, it's looking more and more like the Elliot Johnson shine is fading. How annoying.

[nsacpi]

Pinch hit here? Julio has gotten his five innings in.

[buck7580]

Need a hit jose

[jsebe10]

Weird move here.

[tiger2vette2]

Pinch hit here? Julio has gotten his five innings in.

Are we playing in playoff form today? We should be, and if so, I say put B-Mac in.

[Braves1976]

2-0 Cardinals another runner in scoring position. Thanks for nothing Cubs!

[NinersSBChamps]

And why didn't Fredi pinch hit for Minor last night. This is the right call this time.

[bravesnumberone]

Are we playing in playoff form today? We should be, and if so, I say put B-Mac in.

But he's tired. :Sad:

[NYCBrave]

Another 2 out RBI hit for the Cardinals, what a surprise. The Cubs aren't laying down, they're just horrible.

*edit: as I'm typing they just had another.

[The Chosen One]

Laird is the new talisman.

[Garmel]

Hernandez is having a rough one in CF today.

[bravesnumberone]

Thanks Jose. See what happens when you take a couple damn pitches and force him to throw strikes?

[nsacpi]

Constanza still has it. Incredible clutchness.

[tiger2vette2]

Georgie!

[zitothebrave]

SUMMER OF GEORGE!!!

[Lville21]

Georgie Boy makes up for EJ's blunder!!!!

[Braves1976]

Constanza making a bid for the playoff roster (maybe over Schafer)? He got a triple in our one game playoff last year. Plus in the minors he always performed his best in the playoffs.

[nsacpi]

Constanza making a bid for the post-season roster. Could he take BJ's spot?

[buck7580]

Nice hit and bat flip by jose

[bravesnumberone]

Braves have no one to blame but themselves. Losing 2 of 3 to the Brewers. Cardinals are taking care of their business; we're only going to finish 4-3 on this homestand at best.

[NinersSBChamps]

Jose on the playoff roster over BJ. It's not even close.

[nsacpi]

Braves have no one to blame but themselves. Losing 2 of 3 to the Brewers. Cardinals are taking care of their business; we're only going to finish 4-3 on this homestand at best.

such a bunch of losers

[Braves1976]

Constanza still has it. Incredible clutchness.

I wanted to see him more when Schafer was struggling. I know he's not starter material but he always turns it on in big games (speaking of his minor league career of course).

[nsacpi]

I wanted to see him more when Schafer was struggling. I know he's not starter material but he always turns it on in big games (speaking of his minor league career of course).

Schafer has good numbers against Greinke and Nolasco.

[bravesnumberone]

such a bunch of losers

I was responding to everyone getting mad at the Cubs. I still think we can beat the Cardinals in a playoff series, easily. But we blew our chance at homefield when we couldn't take care of crappy teams (Padres, Brewers) at home.

[NinersSBChamps]

such a bunch of losers

No, but we controlled our own destiny and once again the Cardinals beat us out.

[Braves1976]

Constanza making a bid for the post-season roster. Could he take BJ's spot?

I'd consider him over Schafer too personally.

[nsacpi]

I'd like to see our post-season roster include the white talisman, the white Hispanic talisman and the black Hispanic talisman. And the Gorn.

[Braves1976]

The Cardinals are making this game nothing more than a tune-up for us.

3-0 Cardinals now.

[Diesel]

We need those Luis Polonia type of players for the bench!! Remember him in '95?? Had a couple of key hits if I recall correctly.

[bravesnumberone]

I'd take Schafer and George over BJ.

[tiger2vette2]

Question: Didn't they say last year that the rules would revert back to normal this year regarding the wild card, in that division foes wouldn't play each other in the divisional round? Why didn't that happen?

[zitothebrave]

So the last month EJ has a slash of .254/.310/.317

While Uggla has sucked for sure its' not like Johnson has done well. Should have Uggla playing cause at least there's potential for upside.

Should be our PS lineup of

CF - Jason
RF - Justin
1B - Freddie
C - Mac
LF - Gattis
3B - Johnson
SS - Simmons
2B - Uggla

Only perk Johnson brings is defense. But if we cared about that we'd have someone else at 3B.

[nsacpi]

Question: Didn't they say last year that the rules would revert back to normal this year regarding the wild card, in that division foes wouldn't play each other in the divisional round? Why didn't that happen?

I don't think they ever said such a thing.

[Yogi44]

I am convinced that had Heyward not been out for the jaw injury, we would have had HFA decided a long time ago.

[jsebe10]

Those ABs are the 1s that worry me with Justin in the playoffs.

[buck7580]

I am convinced that had Heyward not been out for the jaw injury, we would have had HFA decided a long time ago.

Yep

[nsacpi]

Those ABs are the 1s that worry me with Justin in the playoffs.

Yeah he makes a lot of outs.

[Braves1976]

I am convinced that had Heyward not been out for the jaw injury, we would have had HFA decided a long time ago.

No doubt, but we also threw away a few games with Loe too.

[zitothebrave]

I am convinced that had Heyward not been out for the jaw injury, we would have had HFA decided a long time ago.

For sure. When we got swept in Philly earlier this year we lost all our games by 1 run, odds are he would have made an impact in a few games like that. I believe we've lost 4 1 run games that Jason was out for and we may have won otherwise.

[nsacpi]

Avilan has not shown the same sharp curveball the last month.

[NYCBrave]

So the last month EJ has a slash of .254/.310/.317

While Uggla has sucked for sure its' not like Johnson has done well. Should have Uggla playing cause at least there's potential for upside.

Should be our PS lineup of

CF - Jason
RF - Justin
1B - Freddie
C - Mac
LF - Gattis
3B - Johnson
SS - Simmons
2B - Uggla

Only perk Johnson brings is defense. But if we cared about that we'd have someone else at 3B.

I don't understand how people keep thinking there is potential for upside with Uggla. He's got his chance numerous times this year and failed each time. September for example, he's 6-47 (.128 .268 .191) with 20 Ks and 8 Walks and only 1 HR. He's had 1 homer in the past more than 100 ABs. Elliot at least brings defense and speed.

[buck7580]

Hope Elliott is ok

[buck7580]

For sure. When we got swept in Philly earlier this year we lost all our games by 1 run, odds are he would have made an impact in a few games like that. I believe we've lost 4 1 run games that Jason was out for and we may have won otherwise.

Those are the games which really hurt.

[Lville21]

We can play the "What if" game for many games, but the two most recent games that stick out to me is Craig's off day in Washington on the first game of a doubleheader and a home game against the Padres when Atlanta led 3-0 going into the 7th, and the pen blew the lead and ultimately the game.

[Braves1976]

Who was the drunk handling the camera on Freeman's fly out there? LOL!

[zitothebrave]

I don't understand how people keep thinking there is potential for upside with Uggla. He's got his chance numerous times this year and failed each time. September for example, he's 6-47 (.128 .268 .191) with 20 Ks and 8 Walks and only 1 HR. He's had 1 homer in the past more than 100 ABs. Elliot at least brings defense and speed.

Uggla has sucked this year that's for sure. But Elliot Johnson has sucked his entire career.

[tiger2vette2]

The blown saves against the Reds...

[Braves1976]

Gattis with another very good AB, worked the count and hit a line drive single to left. That's three hits including the two-run homer to put us up 3-0 in the first. Hopefully a playoff preview for Gattis today.

[The Chosen One]

Since we are going to get thrashed by the Dodgers and Co., the only thing I look forward to when watching our team is the creative ways Laird can reach base safely.

[NYCBrave]

Uggla has sucked this year that's for sure. But Elliot Johnson has sucked his entire career.

So you go with the guy who is doing better at the current time, and there is no question that's Elliot Johnson

[tiger2vette2]

I've only been a Cubs fan for an hour and a half and already I'm miserable.

[NYCBrave]

Haven't heard a peep out of the people who were complaining Laird was getting a start yesterday.....

[buck7580]

Wish Simmons would widen his batting stance to cut down on hitting pop-ups.

[zitothebrave]

So you go with the guy who is doing better at the current time, and there is no question that's Elliot Johnson

If you call a .600 OPS "better" Uggla could be a solid hitter for the playoffs, Johnson will suck. Sure Uggla could suck.

[Braves1976]

Wow, the Philly catcher almost got ate by a White Bear.

[tiger2vette2]

Agree with Zito. EJ brings us nothing, Uggla brings us nothing but has shown he is capable of bringing something before. He is streaky and could get (relatively) hot. Go with Uggla.

[Braves1976]

Let's see Uggla do that!

[buck7580]

wow

[Garmel]

I hope we have something special planned for the Cubs for mailing it in like they're doing this series. Perhaps we should send them a "**** you very much" card.

[NYCBrave]

Agree with Zito. EJ brings us nothing, Uggla brings us nothing but has shown he is capable of bringing something before. He is streaky and could get (relatively) hot. Go with Uggla.

Uggla has brought nothing this season, and you want to hope he will "get it" in a short 5 game series? At worst, Elliot gives us defense and base running. Those advocating Uggla over Elliot have done nothing to prove Uggla should be in except said "Elliot has always sucked". Sorry but you're wrong and the stats prove it for this whole season as well as defense and base running.

[jsebe10]

Agree with Zito. EJ brings us nothing, Uggla brings us nothing but has shown he is capable of bringing something before. He is streaky and could get (relatively) hot. Go with Uggla.

Lol y'all are crazy. No Uggla. Never again.

[tiger2vette2]

Ultimately I don't think it really matters, EJ vs Uggla. Neither will be the difference in whether or not we win the WS

[Lville21]

Time for BJ to get garbage work?

[Braves1976]

Always dangerous agreeing with Zito, right after he did so EJ hit a bases clearing triple down the line.

[tiger2vette2]

2 on, 1 out for the Cubs...

Edit: There's the double play. Move along, nothing to see here...

[Braves1976]

2 on, 1 out for the Cubs...

So you were saying? That didn't take long did it? Bring on the Dodgers!

[jsebe10]

2 on, 1 out for the Cubs...

Edit: There's the double play. Move along, nothing to see here...

Yup.

The snakes in St Louis slithered there way outta that inning. I hate them.

[nsacpi]

Elliot Johnson's rejoinder to zito was rather elegant and well-timed.

[thethe]

Uggla should never start a game for the Braves again. Its over.

[jsebe10]

Elliot Johnson's rejoinder to zito was rather elegant and well-timed.

Because he's an idiot.

[Braves1976]

Wow, anyone checking out that Tampa Bay score? It was 7-0 Tampa Bay and now 7-6 and bases loaded for Toronto in bottom of 8th (two outs). Could it be they are about to blow a 7-0 lead the same way the Yankees did to them 2011 on the last day?

Rodney gets out of the 8th, but only a one run lead headed to the 9th.

[Braves1976]

Ultimately I don't think it really matters, EJ vs Uggla. Neither will be the difference in whether or not we win the WS

Yea, some said that about Mark Lemke in the past too I'm sure. The playoffs are a different beast, sometimes the least expected are the hero.

[zitothebrave]

Yea, some said that about Mark Lemke in the past too I'm sure. The playoffs are a different beast, sometimes the least expected are the hero.

Or Brooks Conrad happens.

[nsacpi]

Or Brooks Conrad happens.

Elliot has the better glove (over both Conrad and Uggla).

[zitothebrave]

Because he's an idiot.

How quaint. I'm glad your mom let you post on the internet so you could be so insightful.

[zitothebrave]

Elliot has the better glove (over both Conrad and Uggla).

Brooks was a solid fielding second baseman. Problem was he was out of position.

[nsacpi]

Hanson vs Medlen
Minor vs Medlen
Uggla vs Johnson

Will zito's streak remain intact? Enquiring minds want to know.

[Braves1976]

Elliot has the better glove (over both Conrad and Uggla).

True, also his best position is second. Plus Uggla has the worst DRS among second basemen in MLB this year. So if Conrad was so bad at second, then that would make him and Uggla better comps.

[nsacpi]

Brooks was a solid fielding second baseman. Problem was he was out of position.

He had a bad case of the yips against the Giants, both at third and second.

[Braves1976]

He had a bad case of the yips against the Giants, both at third and second.

He was also screened by the ump on the ball in the 9th. MLB Network did a not well known breakdown showing an angle that made that clear. But by then folks were too busy bashing Conrad to listen. Further, Conrad shouldn't have been still in there in the 9th after the earlier errors.

[zitothebrave]

Hanson vs Medlen
Minor vs Medlen
Uggla vs Johnson

Will zito's streak remain intact? Enquiring minds want to know.

Is anyone in their right mind taking Elliot Johnson over Uggla? I mean whatever if you want to argue that Johnson has been better lately and should start, fine, but you're comparing a guy who's best season is a .654 OPS to a guy who's worst season is whatever Uggla ends up with this year (should be slightly over .670)

Anyone who wants Elliot Johnson on this team next year is wrong. He's Paul Janish with worse defens.e

[nsacpi]

Wood restores order

[The Chosen One]

He was also screened by the ump on the ball in the 9th. MLB Network did a not well known breakdown showing an angle that made that clear. But by then folks were too busy bashing Conrad to listen. Further, Conrad shouldn't have been still in there in the 9th after the earlier errors.

The earlier error was not his fault... Heyward should've called him off and taken it. Conrad damn near sprinted half a football field to try and catch that pop up that Heyward had a better path to and it was basically in mid-shallow right.

[tiger2vette2]

Ok. Bringing up Brooks Conrad has convinced me. I want EJ.

[nsacpi]

Is anyone in their right mind taking Elliot Johnson over Uggla? I mean whatever if you want to argue that Johnson has been better lately and should start, fine, but you're comparing a guy who's best season is a .654 OPS to a guy who's worst season is whatever Uggla ends up with this year (should be slightly over .670)

Anyone who wants Elliot Johnson on this team next year is wrong. He's Paul Janish with worse defens.e

We're arguing about playoff playing time. If this was April, I would agree you let Uggla play most of the games.

[Braves1976]

Hanson vs Medlen
Minor vs Medlen
Uggla vs Johnson

Will zito's streak remain intact? Enquiring minds want to know.


In the long run, I like his case for Minor over Medlen. The Hanson pick wasn't bad pre-injury issues either. But it seems he's living in the past regarding Uggla.

[Braves1976]

The earlier error was not his fault... Heyward should've called him off and taken it. Conrad damn near sprinted half a football field to try and catch that pop up that Heyward had a better path to and it was basically in mid-shallow right.

I agree, but Conrad still had previous yips issues (namely that last series vs Philly) so I'd still used DH at second in the 9th. Cox had did so earlier in the series so not sure why not then.

[thethe]

In the long run, I like his case for Minor over Medlen. The Hanson pick wasn't bad pre-injury issues either. But it seems he's living in the past regarding Uggla.

Medlen will always be a better pitcher than Minor

[zitothebrave]

Medlen will always be a better pitcher than Minor

Except for you know, the whole of 2013

[nsacpi]

In the long run, I like his case for Minor over Medlen. The Hanson pick wasn't bad pre-injury issues either. But it seems he's living in the past regarding Uggla.

He was arguing for Hanson over Medlen last year. Minor and Medlen remains an open question. I like both, but like Medlen a little more.

[Braves1976]

Medlen will always be a better pitcher than Minor

Nah, Medlen has had a great month while Minor hasn't. But he's not a better pitcher than Minor nor has he been over the whole season. It's just everyone remembers the most recent games.

[thethe]

Except for you know, the whole of 2013

I still think Medlen was better but to each his own.

[NYCBrave]

And the Cardinals with their 4th hit with 2 outs and RISP this year. They have the highest average with RISP in the past 50 years this season. That's just extreme luck that hasn't evened out. I probably loathe them more than any other team right now.

[zitothebrave]

I still think Medlen was better but to each his own.

Minor struck out more, walked less, and went deeper into games (though not by a large margin) those are the 3 things I look at first. Medlen was better at not giving up homers (which si important) and at stranding runners which is largely flukey.

[thethe]

Nah, Medlen has had a great month while Minor hasn't. But he's not a better pitcher than Minor nor has he been over the whole season. It's just everyone remembers the most recent games.

I have been saying it for longer than his hot streak.

[nsacpi]

Except for you know, the whole of 2013

It is close. Medlen slightly lower if you go by ERA and xFIP. Minor slightly lower FIP. Talking full season numbers. There is certainly not a slam dunk case that Minor has had a better season. There is a very strong case that Medlen has had a better second half.

[Gary82]

And the Cardinals with their 4th hit with 2 outs and RISP this year. They have the highest average with RISP in the past 50 years this season. That's just extreme luck that hasn't evened out. I probably loathe them more than any other team right now.

They're on their way to winning, too. Looks like it will be the Dodgers for us.

[thethe]

Minor struck out more, walked less, and went deeper into games (though not by a large margin) those are the 3 things I look at first. Medlen was better at not giving up homers (which si important) and at stranding runners which is largely flukey.

Medlen had that one start shortened or else it would have been negligible. Medlen was a mess at the start of the season. He showed what he was in the second half.

[The Chosen One]

Good to see we all still love each other heading into the playoffs.

[buck7580]

hope Betancourt catches the top of 9th

[zitothebrave]

Medlen had that one start shortened or else it would have been negligible. Medlen was a mess at the start of the season. He showed what he was in the second half.

I think he showed us what he was all season. A guy who has ups and downs like any other pitcher. He had a streak similar to his current one in June or so and you were lauding that as the real Medlen as well.

[The Chosen One]

Most Exciting Player.

Genius at getting on base. Laird just giving us a preview.

[Braves1976]

He was arguing for Hanson over Medlen last year. Minor and Medlen remains an open question. I like both, but like Medlen a little more.

That's a fair point, I wasn't sure how far back his Hanson over Medlen view went. I was just pointing out how most of us viewed Hanson very highly before his injury issues. As far as the Medlen over Minor stuff, I agree that Medlen has been great this month (really great numbers wise). But if you consider the season as a whole Minor has been a bit better. It's close though so if given more time, I can see the open question argument.

That said, I don't agree that Medlen will be better than Minor in future seasons.

[zitothebrave]

Haha Cloyd. Maybe the Phillies are doing us a favor by getting our bats hot going into the postseason.

[zitothebrave]

Most Exciting Player.

Genius at getting on base. Laird just giving us a preview.

Laird just finds ways to win.

[Lville21]

It's official -- Braves - Dodgers

[Gary82]

Cardinals won. DAMN IT.

[Gary82]

Elliot Johnson with 5 RBI today. :emot-siren.gif.17:

[sentenza]

Wow! Laird 4-4 and a walk.
Elliot with 5 (!) RBIs

[The Chosen One]

Is Gattis done for teh day?

I thought BJ replaced J-Hey in the CF spot.

[tiger2vette2]

Clayton Kershaw's overrated... right?

[sentenza]

Cubs gave up this series. 2 runs in the last 3 games. This teams should lose 110 games next season.

[The Chosen One]

Laird just finds ways to win.

Laird gives us that rah rah that we've been missing since Brian Jordan.

[Braves1976]

Clayton Kershaw's overrated... right?

Nah, but I hope he has a bad game in game one (and 5 if needed) of the playoffs.

[Garmel]

We put Walden in a tight game yesterday but not in a blowout today?

[50PoundHead]

Medlen will always be a better pitcher than Minor

I'm with you.

[sentenza]

No more chance to reach 100 Ks this season!

[The Chosen One]

I wish Ruiz was playing... so Kimbrel could hit him.

[buck7580]

Does anyone know what time the game starts on Thursday?

[The Chosen One]

Fredi about to cry again.

[The Chosen One]

Does anyone know what time the game starts on Thursday?
I think the NL is going alone on Thursday, and ALDS starts Friday.

It's likely we'll have the primetime game over St. Louis-Cinncy/Pitts