7/19/15: GDT - Chicago Cubs @ Atlanta Braves

[Heyward]

I guess I should've put a smiley or LOL after my post. I know he's been pitching well. You have to admit that a good game against Atlanta right now doesn't exactly strengthen a pitcher's resume.

Sure, but you cant control that.

He's been their best pitcher this year.

[thethe]

Oh... so you mean those of us who said our performance was not sustainable were right?

Not sure if you've been watching but were you aware that one of the best hitters in the major leagues is hurt right now?

[sturg33]

Not sure if you've been watching but were you aware that one of the best hitters in the major leagues is hurt right now?

I am aware...

We're 4 games under since his departure... we were I think 2 games under before. But your boy Jace has come back to reality. Maybin has slowed. KJ has slowed. etc.

[Heyward]

I am aware...

We're 4 games under since his departure... we were I think 2 games under before. But your boy Jace has come back to reality. Maybin has slowed. KJ has slowed. etc.

ANd im sure that makes you happy.

[Julio3000]

Russell sure is having a nice year (again). I thought he was worthless?

"No value" was the phrase deployed, I think.

[Julio3000]

Not sure if you've been watching but were you aware that one of the best hitters in the major leagues is hurt right now?

Yes, missing Freddie hurts like hell, but your head is in the sand if you think that he'd make the difference in this team being a contender vs. an also-ran.

I'm already afraid of that narrative taking hold—we were a legit contender until Freddie got hurt!

Just like "This offense (as it sits 22/30 in MLB in runs scored) is sooooo much better than last year's" and "Markakis is really good!" as he continues a six-week slide to league average.

I've enjoyed this season and I'm optimistic about the future, given the core talent and financial flexibility we have now. But, please, let's be realistic about what we're looking at now. It's a team that tops out chasing .500, not a playoff contender, Freddie notwithstanding.

[NinersSBChamps]

Not sure if you've been watching but were you aware that one of the best hitters in the major leagues is hurt right now?

One of the best hitters? It's hard to say that, but give a number. That's easier to debate. Like top ???

[Dalyn]

It got bad...real bad the last month.

Yes. And we still have a Fredi September to look forward to with THIS team.

[Dalyn]

Why do you hate America?

[thewupk]

Not sure if you've been watching but were you aware that one of the best hitters in the major leagues is hurt right now?

Freeman out hurts. But he is not the reason others have cooled off. Freeman didn't make other hitters hit better.

[thewupk]

One of the best hitters? It's hard to say that, but give a number. That's easier to debate. Like top ???

I posted it in the other thread. But since the start of 2013 he has the 6th most offensive runs and the 11th best WRC+. I'd peg him as a top 10 hitter over the last 2 and a half years.

[Dalyn]

Yes, missing Freddie hurts like hell, but your head is in the sand if you think that he'd make the difference in this team being a contender vs. an also-ran.

I'm already afraid of that narrative taking hold—we were a legit contender until Freddie got hurt!

Just like "This offense (as it sits 22/30 in MLB in runs scored) is sooooo much better than last year's" and "Markakis is really good!" as he continues a six-week slide to league average.

I've enjoyed this season and I'm optimistic about the future, given the core talent and financial flexibility we have now. But, please, let's be realistic about what we're looking at now. It's a team that tops out chasing .500, not a playoff contender, Freddie notwithstanding.

Not a single player is going to hit 20 HRs. That hasn't happened to the Braves since 1981.

[nsacpi]

Not a single player is going to hit 20 HRs. That hasn't happened to the Braves since 1981.

We live in an era when power is not that important.

[thewupk]

We live in an era when power is not that important.

Less K's = More Runs

[nsacpi]

A lot of good things can happen when you make contact.

[KB21]

A lot of good things can happen when you make contact.

I've never understood how strike outs were such a great stat for a pitcher but not a problem as a hitter.

[thewupk]

I've never understood how strike outs were such a great stat for a pitcher but not a problem as a hitter.

The easy answer is that it's really hard for a pitcher to be good without striking out a decent amount of guys. A hitter can still strike out quite a bit and still be very productive.

[ATLBraves247]

I am aware...

We're 4 games under since his departure... we were I think 2 games under before. But your boy Jace has come back to reality. Maybin has slowed. KJ has slowed. etc.

How has Kelly cooled? Hitting over .300 in last 7 and 15 games. Do your research before you state ignorant comments.

http://m.mlb.com/player/430637/kelly-johnson

[sturg33]

How has Kelly cooled? Hitting over .300 in last 7 and 15 games. Do your research before you state ignorant comments.

http://m.mlb.com/player/430637/kelly-johnson

Not hitting the homers anymore

[gilesfan]

Unfortunately, the cluster luck of the first 2 months has worn off. People still refuse to believe it and think teams have a special ability to hit with RISP and tie hits together with magical powers.