GDT #36: May 11, 2014 Cubs (Jackson) @ Braves (Le Grand Harang)

[thethe]

Teheran is getting dinged for the .188 BABIP and relatively high flyball rate. He also started out the season with some low strikeout games. His strikeout rate has been much better the last few games.

Of course Teheran has a low BABIP. His fastball has absurd movement on it. Nobody is squaring up the ball against him. Not to mention that changeup is slowly coming along this year.

[nsacpi]

Of course Teheran has a low BABIP. His fastball has absurd movement on it. Nobody is squaring up the ball against him. Not to mention that changeup is slowly coming along this year.

Yeah, but there have been plenty of great pitchers with great movement that have not been able to sustain that kind of BABIP.

[Braves1976]

Great to sweep but not surprising that we did given the Cubs lack of power, etc. Our fly ball pitchers really matched up well against the Cubs who lack so much in the power area. Personally, I wasn't impressed with Harang yesterday but I loved the results. I thought he got away with some mistakes that a good team with power doesn't miss. Further, the ump wasn't giving the low strike and that cost both pitchers at times, Jackson mostly. But Harang was getting pitches rather high and away called strikes that more often than not were off the plate. That really helped him out at key times, while not calling the low strike only hurt him once (on the walk to Rizzo IIRC).

That said, I wish we could play the Cubs more but for the rest of the month our schedule gets tough again.

[yeezus]

I remember just a couple of members here flipping their lid when we opted for Harang over Garcia. Chances Garcia is pitching nearly this well? 0%?

[NinersSBChamps]

I remember just a couple of members here flipping their lid when we opted for Harang over Garcia. Chances Garcia is pitching nearly this well? 0%?

Chances Garcia pitches in America again?

[Julio3000]

[cajunrevenge]

I remember just a couple of members here flipping their lid when we opted for Harang over Garcia. Chances Garcia is pitching nearly this well? 0%?

No one in their right mind would have given Harang a 1% chance to do this well either.

[UNCBlue012]

I don't believe Floyd will implode at all. Brave fans for some reason still don't acknowledge how good this guy was in the AL in a big time hitters ballpark.

I'm in agreement here. I like Floyd and I like his stuff/composure. His stuff is hittable, but he's a great groundball pitcher with a very solid defense behind him. I'm a fan, all around. I think he would fit perfectly down the stretch with Teheran, Minor, Santana, Floyd, Wood/Harang

[Braves1976]

I've said all along that I prefer Floyd to Harang and it isn't close IMO. Harang's start is a fluke and depending on who he faces his numbers will get more back to his track record. Keep in mind that like Harang Derek Lowe started great to this point his final year starting with Cleveland. Then he turned into the washed up pumpkin that he really was all along and ended up released that same season. I am not saying that extreme will happen with Harang but I also wouldn't rule it out. Further, Floyd on the other hand should do better in the NL with Simmons behind him and no Uggla assuming his starting days are ending. Floyd had some good years pitching in a hitter friendly ballpark and the AL. No reason to think he cannot do it again here if healthy.

[The Chosen One]

How about a wild twist.

Trade Harang for pen help, Sign Freddy Garcia for depth.

[thethe]

I'd wait to trade Harang for another month or two unless the offer is crazy. I don't think we will end up getting anything of value for him either way.

[Braves1976]

I'd wait to trade Harang for another month or two unless the offer is crazy. I don't think we will end up getting anything of value for him either way.

I will be surprised if his numbers look anywhere near this good in two months, at least if he stays in the rotation that long.

[PawPawMaxwell]

I remember just a couple of members here flipping their lid when we opted for Harang over Garcia. Chances Garcia is pitching nearly this well? 0%?

I wonder what happened to the AUPussyCat?

[thethe]

I will be surprised if his numbers look anywhere near this good in two months, at least if he stays in the rotation that long.

I agree. I just don't think other GM's are going to give us anything of value if he is traded now or in two months. I'd just hold out hope he can continue. He isn't getting by on smoke and mirrors at this point.

[Powder Blues]

I agree! He is getting by with legit stuff right now. While he may not keep this up all season, it is not smoke and mirrors. He gives us a legit chance to win, each time out.

I agree. I just don't think other GM's are going to give us anything of value if he is traded now or in two months. I'd just hold out hope he can continue. He isn't getting by on smoke and mirrors at this point.