GDT: 9/2 Pirates @ Braves

[bravesfanforlife88]

Let's take the series and *gulp* root for the cubs

[UNCBlue012]

I’m going to need a blowout win today

[GeorgiaGirl]

Lester pitching today for Chicago. Crap, he's been bad after a great first half (with very frightening analytics, for what it's worth).

Nick Kingham is a finesse pitcher, so everyone except for Acuna is probably going to be lost against him for at least 1 time through.

[Hulavol]

I’ll be at Suntrust !!

[bravesfanforlife88]

Didn't realize when I made the thread that the game starts at 5pm...what's up with that?

[msstate7]

I’ll be at Suntrust !!

Jealous.

[WaitingFor2017]

Didn't realize when I made the thread that the game starts at 5pm...what's up with that?

Braves have done this the Sunday before Memorial Day and Labor Day for a few years now when they have a home game.

I wouldn't be too happy if I were the Pirates. It's not a long flight, but they have a 1:35 PM game tomorrow in Pittsburgh.

[bravesfanforlife88]

Phillies down 2-0

[WaitingFor2017]

Ryan Flaherty is now back with the team.

I know why, but at the same time, I'm not sure why. He still struck out 9 times in 31 plate appearances in AAA.

[nsacpi]

expecting a yuge game from Albies

[UNCBlue012]

Cubs now lead 3-0.

[UNCBlue012]

Yelich GS, Brewers up 9-4 on the Nats. lol

[CyYoung31]

4-0.

[bravesfanMatt]

Yelich GS, Brewers up 9-4 on the Nats. lol

The sand fleas are done. No need to scoreboard watch them anymore.

[UNCBlue012]

The sand fleas are done. No need to scoreboard watch them anymore.

Always fun when they lose, though!

[UNCBlue012]

LMAO. Love this team.

1036337918766399488

[bravesfanMatt]

LMAO. Love this team.

1036337918766399488

They were told by this Friday that the faillies would be in first. So it is exciting times.

[bravesfanMatt]

Kapler just looks like a douche.

[thewupk]

Yelich GS, Brewers up 9-4 on the Nats. lol

He had a cycle this past week too. Sucks that the Marlins were demanding position players for him. Would of been the ideal guy to trade some of our pitching prospects for.

[UNCBlue012]

He had a cycle this past week too. Sucks that the Marlins were demanding position players for him. Would of been the ideal guy to trade some of our pitching prospects for. I can’t imagine. Albies-Yelich-Freeman-Acuna would have been a sick lineup for years to come

[bravesfanMatt]

Think the faillies are toast today. Down 5-0. Get this lead back to 4 tonight.

[bravesfanMatt]

Really enjoying watching the faillies defense today. Even with the over turn. They are so below average everywhere just about.

[UNCBlue012]

Really enjoying watching the faillies defense today. Even with the over turn. They are so below average everywhere just about. The Braves haven’t played great recently and they have a tough schedule moving forward, but the Phillies aren’t a very good team. Change the defense, my opinion changes, but they’re really rough right now.

[msstate7]

Gotta win today. Come on Julio

[UNCBlue012]

7-0 Cubs. This game is ovah

[Heyward]

7-0 Cubs, need to win to go 4 up with the tough week coming up.

[bravesfanMatt]

The Braves haven’t played great recently and they have a tough schedule moving forward, but the Phillies aren’t a very good team. Change the defense, my opinion changes, but they’re really rough right now.

Not super impressed with their offense either. Streaky hitters that base their success on homers. When the homers dry up so does the scoring.

[Heyward]

The Braves haven’t played great recently and they have a tough schedule moving forward, but the Phillies aren’t a very good team. Change the defense, my opinion changes, but they’re really rough right now.

Philly has 6 vs Marlins/Mets next week, we have 7 vs Bos, and Arizona. Philly could close that gap very quickly.

[UNCBlue012]

8-0 now lol and we (especially me) get mad at the Braves

[UNCBlue012]

Philly has 6 vs Marlins/Mets next week, we have 7 vs Bos, and Arizona. Philly could close that gap very quickly. Oh, definitely. I agree, but they’re way more flawed than Atlanta. I’m sure they’ll make some splashes this year, but they’re going nowhere if they don’t improve the defense. It’ll take more than just Machado or Harper

[thewupk]

7-0 Cubs, need to win to go 4 up with the tough week coming up.

Can't believe we will get swept all week while the Phillies win. Since they will be in 1st by Friday

[msstate7]

Philly has 6 vs Marlins/Mets next week, we have 7 vs Bos, and Arizona. Philly could close that gap very quickly.

I agree. I like to look at each team's last 10 though to see how they're playing. Right now Arizona and Red Sox are a combined 10-10. Miami and Mets are 9-11. This doesn't mean anything necessarily, but at least the Red Sox and dbacks aren't red hot at the moment (could change quickly though)

[salmagundy]

Trying to win this game with same tired lineup--- When are Freddie and Markakis going to be forced to sit a game or two.

Acuna
Inciarte
Freddie
Markakis
Camargo
Albies
Flowers
Swanson
Teheran

[thewupk]

Trying to win this game with same tired lineup--- When are Freddie and Markakis going to be forced to sit a game or two.

Acuna
Inciarte
Freddie
Markakis
Camargo
Albies
Flowers
Swanson
Teheran

They won't be. That said I don't think a day off or two will "fix" Nick. This is who he is.

[msstate7]

Trying to win this game with same tired lineup--- When are Freddie and Markakis going to be forced to sit a game or two.

Acuna
Inciarte
Freddie
Markakis
Camargo
Albies
Flowers
Swanson
Teheran

It won't happen. FF and markakis won't let snit sit them imo

[GeorgiaGirl]

If Markakis gets hot with BiLE back, that's going to be really telling. Magic may be real.

[Heyward]

Oh, definitely. I agree, but they’re way more flawed than Atlanta. I’m sure they’ll make some splashes this year, but they’re going nowhere if they don’t improve the defense. It’ll take more than just Machado or Harper

I agree with that, while the Braves have tons of assets to improve their team, Philly just has money.

[Braves1976]

Trying to win this game with same tired lineup--- When are Freddie and Markakis going to be forced to sit a game or two.

Acuna
Inciarte
Freddie
Markakis
Camargo
Albies
Flowers
Swanson
Teheran

i thought today was perfect day to rest them with the early game tomorrow. But no.

[thewupk]

GAME ENDER

[msstate7]

Nice defense, but damn, Julio... little softer contact

[Braves1976]

Teheran 85 mph fastball lol

[UNCBlue012]

Teheran’s fastball needs about 5 mph added to be truly effective lol

[jpack1]

Teheran is throwing 82 mph fastballs. 82.

[jpack1]

Slider at 72. WTF happened to this guy

[GeorgiaGirl]

Teheran is throwing 82 mph fastballs. 82.

But but a discord I chat on thinks who cares, his control and command overrides that.

[USMA76]

A stolen base by an opponent; haven't seen that before.

[UNCBlue012]

A stolen base by an opponent; haven't seen that before. Julio’s typically good at not allowing them. Boo

[jpack1]

Chip joe and Paul can’t figure out it’s because he’s a nibbler.

[UNCBlue012]

The ump isn’t helping Julio

[GeorgiaGirl]

Teheran has basically become the diet version of Anibal Sanchez. He tries to finesse people to death as he can't consistently get to where he can really go after them anymore.

Sometimes I'm fine keeping him as a #4 guy, and sometimes I'm not.

[jpack1]

Teheran’s stuff just sucks.

[UNCBlue012]

Julio is ass.

[bravesfanMatt]

0-2 walk says that my stuff isn’t good enough to get you out. And it is not.

[Braves1976]

bad julio tonight

[USMA76]

The ump isn’t helping Julio

Julio isn't helping Julio either.

[UNCBlue012]

He will probably go six more innings with one run allow but man it sucks digging out is hole in the first.

[Ozzie Swanson]

bad julio tonight

Time to get Wright/Wilson warmed up.

[Heyward]

Julio is so frustrating, at times he pitches like an ace, then there's games he cant get anyone out, maddening.

[jpack1]

Holy crap

[jpack1]

That guy is unreal.

[USMA76]

Throw at RA; get your ass kicked.

[UNCBlue012]

ACUNA GOAT

[Heyward]

Acuna is so good.

[Braves1976]

yea Acuna!

[USMA76]

Freddie hits that 10 feet either way and we've got a two run lead.

[msstate7]

Personally I don't mind Julio nibbling so much. I don't want him challenging too many guys in the zone

[Deester11]

If Acuña gets hit, Julio is the only one who will definitely retaliate.

[jpack1]

4 balls smoked to start the game.

[Braves1976]

we should have rested one of freeman/markakis today

[Tapate50]

Tucker acquired back from Cin.

[Braves1976]

Preston Tucker back with Atlanta.

[UNCBlue012]

Preston Tucker back with Atlanta. I really liked Preston, so I’m happy.

[Braves1976]

joe simpson is being an idiot again

[Braves1976]

braves announcers suck, they are basically attacking the AA regime with this nonsense.

[thewupk]

joe simpson is being an idiot again

what now?

[Braves1976]

what now?

He's making a stink over pitchers having cards in their back pocket. They are calling them "cheat sheets" lol.

[thewupk]

julio lucky. 89 mph fastball right now the middle and it's a comebacker

[thewupk]

He's making a stink over pitchers having cards in their back pocket. They are calling them "cheat sheets" lol.

lol. because more knowledge is dumb, right?

[Braves1976]

julio lucky. 89 mph fastball right now the middle and it's a comebacker

maybe it looked faster after 85 mph fastballs earlier, more likely he was guessing off speed.

[CyYoung31]

He's making a stink over pitchers having cards in their back pocket. They are calling them "cheat sheets" lol.

No problem with the Braves’ defenders carrying them, however.

Actually wouldn’t be surprised to find out the Braves’ pitchers carry them too.

[Braves1976]

lol. because more knowledge is dumb, right?

yea, he and chip are embarrassing

[UNCBlue012]

Acuna is a damn monster.

[thewupk]

Acuna is a damn monster.

already our best player at 20

[Braves1976]

No problem with the Braves’ defenders carrying them, however.

Actually wouldn’t be surprised to find out the Braves’ pitchers carry them too.

They all do under AA, which is why I said this is also attacking the AA regime. It's as if they forgot earlier this season explaining all that in the pre-game showing Markakis hand his card to someone coming out of the game late.

[UNCBlue012]

already our best player at 20 Freeman has the consistent history so I still think Freddie is our best player but it could seriously change after next year

[Heyward]

braves announcers suck, they are basically attacking the AA regime with this nonsense.

Byrd is ok, so is Glavine, Joe/Chip can go. They're terrible.

[UNCBlue012]

Dang, wasted a good opportunity

[CyYoung31]

lol. because more knowledge is dumb, right?

He even compared it to a batter stepping out to check a card on a pitcher for every count. Like, he doesn’t understand that it’s a lot easier to remember a scouting report on one pitcher as opposed to an entire lineup. Dude has the mental capacity of a toe nail.

[thewupk]

Freeman has the consistent history so I still think Freddie is our best player but it could seriously change after next year

Acuna's 283 ISO this season is currently the 2nd highest ever for someone 20 or younger in a season. Mel Ott is 1st and Ted Williams is 3rd.

[CyYoung31]

They all do under AA, which is why I said this is also attacking the AA regime. It's as if they forgot earlier this season explaining all that in the pre-game showing Markakis hand his card to someone coming out of the game late.

I haven’t seen anything about the pitchers. But it wouldn’t surprise me.

[Chipper]

I thought the catcher if not the dugout called pitches. Why does the pitcher need a cheat sheet?

[Braves1976]

I thought the catcher if not the dugout called pitches. Why does the pitcher need a cheat sheet?

I wouldn't call it a "cheat sheet" but the pre-game said all the players have them. But I think they're used by the fielders mostly and Joe going on about a pitcher using one on the mound is silly. If anything he would be using it in the dugout.

[Braves1976]

markakis needs a day off, not doing as much with pitches to hit. These afternoon games after night games coming up will not help our fatigued players.

[Braves1976]

man this offense is making another bad pitcher look okay.

[bravesfanMatt]

man this offense is making another bad pitcher look okay.

They have hit the ball hard man. Seriously.

[GeorgiaGirl]

I'd actually say it's more "Kingham is getting laced into gloves" for the most part. The problem outside the top of the order specifically is:

Freeman: Didn't pull the ball and went with the pitch. That in play is in the seats if it was pulled into right.
Markakis: Hit a hard flyball to center (don't think this one goes though).
Albies: It's plainly obvious you're better at hitting down pitches than up period but why swing at ball 2?
Inciarte: Hit a hard lineout 2nd at bat.

And one just right there with Flowers that got reversed in review. Hard hit but found a glove.

[USMA76]

"Catcher's Speed" costs us a baserunner.

[bravesfanMatt]

There ya go. Hitting it hard hasn’t worked.

[USMA76]

Julio is our best bunting pitcher since the Glavine-Maddux-Smoltz era.

[Braves1976]

damn it

[Heyward]

Thats like the 5th hit ball that was scorched, right at someone, frustrating game.

[CyYoung31]

More bad luck.

[AerchAngel]

Ban the poster who said Mercer is our Achilles heel.

But I have to tip my cap, that is the play of the day. Damn.

[GeorgiaGirl]

Another hard hit out. This guy isn't pitching well, but he's going to have the magical game of get good results while mostly getting absolutely laced on in plays.

[Braves1976]

teheran has had trouble with this part of order

[UNCBlue012]

Another hard hit out. This guy isn't pitching well, but he's going to have the magical game of get good results while mostly getting absolutely laced on in plays. we’ve been bad offensively as of late but this is just awful luck today

[USMA76]

damn it

As Fredi would say...

[Braves1976]

As Fredi would say...

Acuna was really robbed, he probably beats it if he runs through regular too. Oh well.

[Braves1976]

lets gets some runs as their pen is tough

[USMA76]

This ump's strike zone is definitely different than what Foxtrax is telling us as he's calling pitches inside the zone balls and vice versa.

We appeared to catch a break on strike three to Polanco but I'm not sure how you get to point a bat at an ump and not get tossed.

[nsacpi]

quality start by Julion

[Braves1976]

well here's the pen, missed are shot at the starter

[Braves1976]

Freeman had a pitch to hit and missed it again, he must be fatigued.

[CyYoung31]

I’d rather not take my chances again against this pen, trailing.

[TURBO]

And they get a BS hit like that

[salmagundy]

Freeman had a pitch to hit and missed it again, he must be fatigued.

Has Freddie increased his "launch angle"? It appears that he is swinging with far more upper cut than in the past.

[CyYoung31]

Auto Outbies due up!

[Braves1976]

Julio giving us a shot

[Enscheff]

Sequencing luck can obviously affect total runs scored, but one way to help make sure your sequencing luck sucks is to put your best HR hitter batting 1st while the guy with no power and a huge OBP hits 4th.

[Enscheff]

Think the faillies are toast today. Down 5-0. Get this lead back to 4 tonight.

Think there’s a group of Phillies fans who whine as much as the ones on these boards when the Phillies lose?

Think they are crying about the season being over too?

[Braves1976]

Camargo struckout on ball four

[msstate7]

If that stands, I think that gets albies going

[Braves1976]

ozzie hit that just slow enough

[USMA76]

Camargo struckout on ball four

Sure looked that way.

[bravesfanMatt]

This game reminds me of the giants series. We keep ripping pitches right at people.

[Braves1976]

send Albies, then hope for two rbi hit

[Heyward]

they just said no Sale or Price for Boston and pitching for Braves is Touki, Newk, Folty.

Auto loss with Newk vs Boston.

[msstate7]

Dansby can fly, can he?

[USMA76]

At least we get to see Duvall bat in the biggest moment of the game.

[bravesfanMatt]

Come on duval.

[msstate7]

They should walk him to face acuna

[bravesfanMatt]

Dufail.

[Braves1976]

wasted another shot

[msstate7]

Duvall is a rally killer. Think we need to see DPete or someone else

[AerchAngel]

AD

You suck.

[USMA76]

At least we get to see Duvall bat in the biggest moment of the game.

That result wasn't at all predictable.

[Heyward]

why not Culberson there?

[AJonesATL]

Dufail.

That really was one of the worst AB's I can remember seeing in a while. Hopefully he can get going in September, but at this paceI'm not sure he'd make the postseason roster should we make it.

[bravesfanMatt]

why not Culberson there?

My thought. Duval is better with no one on. He has more power. Or is supposed to. When you only need a single give me cluberson.

[mfree80]

why not Culberson there?

Or Zuk?

[50PoundHead]

Another solid start for Teheran.

[salmagundy]

Worthless Ks looking. Isn't there another RH batter to send up there?? Why wasn't Culberson used instead of automatic Failure

[Braves1976]

Duvall is streaky, he has not played as much as he's use to here either. i'd used someone else there with him slumping

[Braves1976]

winkler gives up a hit to their .100 hitting catcher

[striker42]

Duvawful.

[Braves1976]

Venters coming in

[msstate7]

Damn Swanson

[striker42]

I guarantee this error will cost us the game

[Braves1976]

Braves defense again

[USMA76]

I guarantee this error will cost us the game

Getting old.

[msstate7]

Great job, venters

[Braves1976]

ty Venters, still alive. need runs now!

[bravesfanMatt]

We go for 4 runs here. Book it

[CyYoung31]

These random defensive lapses are getting old. We’ve been a great defense all year. Makes no sense to turn into the Bad News Bears all of a sudden.

[Chipper]

These random defensive lapses are getting old. We’ve been a great defense all year. Makes no sense to turn into the Bad News Bears all of a sudden.

Stop being so negative, these guys are human.

[Braves1976]

Acuna is our offense

[Braves1976]

wow huge break

[Braves1976]

freeman needs a day off bad, he missed another that ab before that error

[mfree80]

wow huge break

These random errors.... oh wait!

[Heyward]

freeman needs a day off bad, he missed another that ab before that error

He doesnt like missing games but giving Duda a spot start couldnt hurt.

[USMA76]

He doesnt like missing games but giving Duda a spot start couldnt hurt.

Especially against the Sawx.

[Braves1976]

He doesnt like missing games but giving Duda a spot start couldnt hurt.

I know, I am not blaming snit for him being so stubborn that way. But snit needs to talk to him and do it. Plus Duda had been really hot this past week including two homers for KC and 5 RBI's in games just before the trade. He is an over .800 OPS man vs righties and hit 30 homers last year too. He ain't a bad player.

[USMA76]

Sure would be nice if Ozzie could open a can of "whupass."

[USMA76]

Sure would be nice if Ozzie could open a can of "whupass."

Or maybe just get a bloop hit.

[bravesfanMatt]

Infield fly rule. Come on umps.

[CrimsonCowboy]

That will look like a line drive in the box score

[CyYoung31]

Stop being so negative, these guys are human.

Hey, Pot, it’s Kettle.

[Braves1976]

he gave him too good a pitch to hit 0-2 otherwise Albies may have k'd chasing

[mfree80]

Or maybe just get a bloop hit.

He hit that really hard....:cooter:

[Braves1976]

come on Duda put this away!

[bravesfanMatt]

Swanson has my back.

[Braves1976]

Duda chased that nasty curve, bad era but what a curve so far

[Braves1976]

that helps

[msstate7]

Wow albies

[bravesfanMatt]

Boom

[CyYoung31]

****ing Ozzie.

[Heyward]

Much needed insurance, finish it off.

[bravesfanMatt]

We go for 4 runs here. Book it

Genius!!

[Braves1976]

crazy inning, lets get this w in the books

[AerchAngel]

Emma with lipstick please.

[striker42]

Luck evened out a bit that inning. Crushing balls all game with little to show for it. That inning we had multiple hits on soft hit balls.

[BeanieAntics]

We go for 4 runs here. Book it

Wow

[CrimsonCowboy]

http://i.imgur.com/P6x0U.gif

[TURBO]

Emma with lipstick please.

https://media.giphy.com/media/TMvUyRusOgXNm/giphy.gif

[AJonesATL]

Just looking at our schedule to come and it is not going to be easy. Every win this month will be huge. Big to gut out these past two games. Up 4 in the easy is feeling good though

[Heyward]

4 games up

[TURBO]

https://media.giphy.com/media/4wMlW2RcOCVCU/giphy.gif

[Heyward]

Just looking at our schedule to come and it is not going to be easy. Every win this month will be huge. Big to gut out these past two games. Up 4 in the easy is feeling good though

Yep it wont be easy to win the East.

[striker42]

Magic number down to 23.

[nsacpi]

schedule looks tough except for the games against the phillies

[Braves1976]

Braves win, back 4 up. i still say freeman and markakis need a day off but ty pirates for almost giving us this game with errors and a bad line-up. Teheran was great after the first too, our pitching has been saving us with our offensive struggles.

[bravesfanMatt]

Good win. However, it is still mathematically possible to be in second after Friday’s game.

[bravesfanMatt]

Wonder if we should have an opener for JT starts.

[Braves1976]

Acuna was our MVP again today on offense.

[AerchAngel]

Acuna was our MVP again today on offense.

His plate discipline is off the charts. He just doesn't chase bad pitches.

[Hudson2]

Anybody still think Acuna isn’t ROY?

[bravesfanMatt]

Anybody still think Acuna isn’t ROY?

Was thinking of posting this. Crazy a month ago no one thought Soto could lose. Acuña: hold my o’douls

[thewupk]

Anybody still think Acuna isn’t ROY?

Playoff race may get him some extra votes but Soto is playing just as well so far. I still think acuna has the edge right now.

[UNCBlue012]

Swanson has quietly been very good as of late as well.

[Acuña’s Bat Flip]

1036405754838872064

1036399089275944961

[jpack1]

Big win today.

JT guts it out for us. Still can’t figure out where his velocity went. Stuff obviously declines with age but his decline is crazy.

[Acuña’s Bat Flip]

JT is one strikeout away from 1,000 for his career.

[zbhargrove]

Swanson has quietly been very good as of late as well.

Swanson has been really good. He changed his stance. Would be yuge if it's a real new result.

[zbhargrove]

Big win today.

JT guts it out for us. Still can’t figure out where his velocity went. Stuff obviously declines with age but his decline is crazy.

His velocity is obviously still down but I don't think the board realizes how good he's been the past month+

[CyYoung31]

Braves are now 4-3 in their last 7 games.

[zbhargrove]

Braves are now 4-3 in their last 7 games.

FINNISH!!!!!!

[bravesfanMatt]

Braves are now 4-3 in their last 7 games.

Doomed

[Acuña’s Bat Flip]

It's time for meltdown mode.

[UNCBlue012]

I don’t really know how, but Julio’s last 7+ games have been excellent.

[CyYoung31]

I don’t really know how, but Julio’s last 7+ games have been excellent.

What’s his record over those last 7?

[Acuña’s Bat Flip]

What’s his record over those last 7?

Wins don't matter any longer but JT turns it on around this time of year.

[jpack1]

His velocity is obviously still down but I don't think the board realizes how good he's been the past month+

He’s throwing those 87 mph fastballs by hitters. It’s crazy. He’s been good last 6 weeks or so. He has had a very strange season for sure. How long can he keep it up?

[Southcack77]

Basically it’s luck with Teheran at the moment.

I mean it’s good he isn’t waking 5 per 9 any more, don’t get me wrong, but matter of rule before the balls in play start dropping.

But maybe Atlanta can ride it.

[Acuña’s Bat Flip]

He’s throwing those 87 mph fastballs by hitters. It’s crazy. He’s been good last 6 weeks or so. He has had a very strange season for sure. How long can he keep it up?

A player on another team asked one of our announcers how JT does it and if he threw a magic ball?

[zbhargrove]

Basically it’s luck with Teheran at the moment.

I mean it’s good he isn’t waking 5 per 9 any more, don’t get me wrong, but matter of rule before the balls in play start dropping.

But maybe Atlanta can ride it.

His peripherals don't seem to think luck is a big part of it

[Chipper]

****ing Ozzie.

Is that all you do? Complain about everything?

[CyYoung31]

Is that all you do? Complain about everything?

I don’t know. Maybe if you actually visited this board regularly and contributed anything of value you’d know the answer to that.

But, it sounds like you know as much about my posting tendencies as you do about sample sizes.

By the way, how’s that “Braves will be in 2nd by next week” theory working out for you?

[Acuña’s Bat Flip]

Is that all you do? Complain about everything?

He can be positive when he isn't trolling.

[CyYoung31]

He can be positive when he isn't trolling.

You do understand that dude is a troll, right?

If I’m a troll, so is just about everyone else on this board.

[CyYoung31]

By the way, Ozzie’s chains are no more. Time for a name chang, my friend.

[Acuña’s Bat Flip]

You do understand that dude is a troll, right?

If I’m a troll, so is just about everyone else on this board.

I get that vibe from him.

[Deester11]

Basically it’s luck with Teheran at the moment.

I mean it’s good he isn’t waking 5 per 9 any more, don’t get me wrong, but matter of rule before the balls in play start dropping.

But maybe Atlanta can ride it.
He's kept his team in position to win when he pitches. That's what should matter. I could care less if he's underhand tossing the ball.

[nsacpi]

He's kept his team in position to win when he pitches. That's what should matter. I could care less if he's underhand tossing the ball.

he's brought down the walks in August and September, which has helped him produce a FIP below 3.5 for those months

[thewupk]

he's brought down the walks in August and September, which has helped him produce a FIP below 3.5 for those months

Julio is on a good roll. 7.71 K/9 , 2.20 BB/9, 0.55 HR/9 - 3.25 FIP in last 5 starts. That's after a posting a 7.09 FIP in the 3 games prior to that.

That said he is what he is at this point. 4.95 FIP last year and 4.88 FIP on the season so far. He will give you runs like he's on right now and he can give you those 3 clunkers like he had before this. In other words....a back end starter. He is dependable in that he will pitch you innings and doesn't have any injury concerns. Will be fine as a back end guy next year.

[Southcack77]

Julio is on a good roll. 7.71 K/9 , 2.20 BB/9, 0.55 HR/9 - 3.25 FIP in last 5 starts. That's after a posting a 7.09 FIP in the 3 games prior to that.

That said he is what he is at this point. 4.95 FIP last year and 4.88 FIP on the season so far. He will give you runs like he's on right now and he can give you those 3 clunkers like he had before this. In other words....a back end starter. He is dependable in that he will pitch you innings and doesn't have any injury concerns. Will be fine as a back end guy next year.

You think a guy whose velocity mysteriously dips to 87 on the reg doesn’t have injury concerns? I’d won’t be too surprised if he doesn’t pitch next year.

He’s a replacement level player who is owed a ton of money. The Braves should be paying a player like this a million or so and they owe him 12.

An extension that has turned out badly. The money owed is only thing preserving him on the roster and it’s realky a negative.

[Southcack77]

He's kept his team in position to win when he pitches. That's what should matter. I could care less if he's underhand tossing the ball.

What happened, happened.

But if we are predicting what he’ll do going forward...a .220 BABIP is unreasonably low.

If he continues having a .220 Babip and continues fooling batters with soft pitches, that would be great.

[thewupk]

You think a guy whose velocity mysteriously dips to 87 on the reg doesn’t have injury concerns? I’d won’t be too surprised if he doesn’t pitch next year.

He’s a replacement level player who is owed a ton of money. The Braves should be paying a player like this a million or so and they owe him 12.

An extension that has turned out badly. The money owed is only thing preserving him on the roster and it’s realky a negative.

No I don't. I just think his stuff has declined massively.

He was at 1.5 bWAR/1.1 fWAR last year and is at 1.3 bWAR/0.5 fWAR so far this year. He's making 11 million next year. So maybe a slight overpay but he's not a replacement level player yet.

[Acuña’s Bat Flip]

JT is who he will always be.

[GeorgiaGirl]

Julio did tell reporters his shoulder was bothering him at some point this season.

There's no need to just toss him away. It's possible he's not on the team next year (as I do think that you can afford to trade 1 starter), but if he is, there shouldn't be wailing and gnashing of teeth about it. Just accept that the guy that we saw in 2013-2016 is gone because his stuff is gone and that he's a 4th/5th starter now. And nobody should be (although I didn't see it here) getting their panties in a wad about a silly FSSE commercial saying "watch Julio Teheran, the Braves ace against ….". That's not going to happen anymore anyway.

If it gets hard to deal with him, and it's always possible it could, then you should have the depth to take care of it and simply remove him from the rotation. 2019 is his last year of his contract before an option, which can be declined, so there should be no problems with making a salary trade in season, burying him in the pen, or (hopefully not here) releasing him.

[Acuña’s Bat Flip]

I wouldn't just throw him away. He is only one strikeout away from 1,000 for his career.

[Deester11]

What happened, happened.

But if we are predicting what he’ll do going forward...a .220 BABIP is unreasonably low.

If he continues having a .220 Babip and continues fooling batters with soft pitches, that would be great.
I get your continual release, trade, he’s nothing rants against Julio, but he’s been more than serviceable OF LATE. The soft toss thing is Julio now. Get over it. He may be gone next year, but he’s the least of my worries with this team at this point.

[Southcack77]

Julio did tell reporters his shoulder was bothering him at some point this season.

There's no need to just toss him away. It's possible he's not on the team next year (as I do think that you can afford to trade 1 starter), but if he is, there shouldn't be wailing and gnashing of teeth about it. Just accept that the guy that we saw in 2013-2016 is gone because his stuff is gone and that he's a 4th/5th starter now. And nobody should be (although I didn't see it here) getting their panties in a wad about a silly FSSE commercial saying "watch Julio Teheran, the Braves ace against ….". That's not going to happen anymore anyway.

If it gets hard to deal with him, and it's always possible it could, then you should have the depth to take care of it and simply remove him from the rotation. 2019 is his last year of his contract before an option, which can be declined, so there should be no problems with making a salary trade in season, burying him in the pen, or (hopefully not here) releasing him.

He probably will be on the team next year, because the Braves don't like to eat money and he's owed a lot of it. Unlikely anyone else is going to be taking him unless they are sending back an equally bad contract or are getting a good prospect for it. But I hold out hope that some tear down team would find some value in him.

He probably should not be getting starts that might otherwise be going to Gohara, Soroka, Fried, Touissant, Wilson, Wright, Weigel, etc. He's of dubious use in the pen, and paying him 12 million to anchor the Gwinnett rotation is not ideal.

This is hardly an emergency because they can always cut him if he's bad as you say.

[Southcack77]

No I don't. I just think his stuff has declined massively.

He was at 1.5 bWAR/1.1 fWAR last year and is at 1.3 bWAR/0.5 fWAR so far this year. He's making 11 million next year. So maybe a slight overpay but he's not a replacement level player yet.


throwing 92 in some starts and 87 in others seems like a physical issue to me.

Perhaps, it's something an offseason might help restore. Perhaps not.

I think it's a pretty big overpay for what he is, but I guess if he bounced back to being a 1 WAR guy, you could do worse. Though I can't see much reason anyone would rather see him pitching than the young players he is blocking.

[Deester11]

throwing 92 in some starts and 87 in others seems like a physical issue to me.

Perhaps, it's something an offseason might help restore. Perhaps not.

I think it's a pretty big overpay for what he is, but I guess if he bounced back to being a 1 WAR guy, you could do worse. Though I can't see much reason anyone would rather see him pitching than the young players he is blocking. There are 12 million reasons. Aside from the fact that his 87 has been working lately, I almost want him to stay there if he continues to be successful.

[Southcack77]

There are 12 million reasons. Aside from the fact that his 87 has been working lately, I almost want him to stay there if he continues to be successful.


He leads the majors in opponent BABIP. His number is .220. The next pitcher in the majors is at .231.

Even if we buy that he has a natural talent to limit BABIP (which fangraphs writing suggests is not really a thing) he's vastly outperforming his career average, which is .270.

I dearly hope he continues to put up that kind of performance, but its simply not going to last forever. I know that seems like an obvious statement when you look at the numbers, but I do see lots of folks saying essentially, but what if he does?

My guess is that he will start the season in the Braves rotation next year, but not finish it there.

the money certainly makes a difference. It's the only thing keeping him a Brave, IMO.

[Deester11]

He leads the majors in opponent BABIP. His number is .220. The next pitcher in the majors is at .231.

Even if we buy that he has a natural talent to limit BABIP (which fangraphs writing suggests is not really a thing) he's vastly outperforming his career average, which is .270.

I dearly hope he continues to put up that kind of performance, but its simply not going to last forever. I know that seems like an obvious statement when you look at the numbers, but I do see lots of folks saying essentially, but what if he does?

My guess is that he will start the season in the Braves rotation next year, but not finish it there.

the money certainly makes a difference. It's the only thing keeping him a Brave, IMO. Look, I'm not adverse to any trade with JT. I'm sure that ship is probably at the dock, but this is the now and I don't see an implosion necessarily happening...but I'm sure the next start he gets hit around, you'll be there to tell us he's not worth this, not good, etc. Your opinion. I just think we're beyond what he used to be. In forecasting the future rotation, I don't see him being a part of it. Of that we can agree.

[Enscheff]

He's kept his team in position to win when he pitches. That's what should matter. I could care less if he's underhand tossing the ball.

What matters is what's likely to happen in the future. Julio doesn't project to be anything more than a ~1 win guy moving forward.

Other teams know this, and nobody will trade for him. Just dumping him and getting nothing in return for that salary is not a reasonable course of action. The Braves may as well use him in lieu of acquiring their standard veteran SP for $10M.

[Southcack77]

Look, I'm not adverse to any trade with JT. I'm sure that ship is probably at the dock, but this is the now and I don't see an implosion necessarily happening...but I'm sure the next start he gets hit around, you'll be there to tell us he's not worth this, not good, etc. Your opinion. I just think we're beyond what he used to be. In forecasting the future rotation, I don't see him being a part of it. Of that we can agree.

I don't recall spending a lot of time highlighting his bad starts, but all right.

I'm just pretty consistent in saying that it is regrettable that the Braves owe him so much money next year and likely will not be able to move his salary.

I will probably say it a few more times whenever the discussion is about the Braves 2019 rotation and their payroll.

Not because I dislike Julio or want to be right, but because that's just how I see it. The Braves would be better off paying a similar player less or giving a younger player a chance, IMO. But they've put themselves in a box by guaranteeing next season.

and perhaps next year he will totally rebound and have a great year. If I didn't doubt that would happen, I wouldn't hold the opinion I have. But if it happens that will be great for the Braves and I'll be happy to be wrong.

I don't sense we actually have very different opinions on this, you just seem to not like to see negative views of Teheran.

All of us do seem to repeat ourselves at times. It's a 162 game season after all.

[Deester11]

What matters is what's likely to happen in the future. Julio doesn't project to be anything more than a ~1 win guy moving forward.

Other teams know this, and nobody will trade for him. Just dumping him and getting nothing in return for that salary is not a reasonable course of action. The Braves may as well use him in lieu of acquiring their standard veteran SP for $10M.
I agree with that take, even @southcrack. Like he says it's a long season and honestly I'm ready to win in the playoffs and worry about the rotation after. I think Gausman and Folty can anchor the rotation amidst an array of good arms.

[Acuña’s Bat Flip]

I agree with that.