GDT #3 April 2, 2014 Braves @ Brewers

[The Chosen One]

Expecting some lineup changes today. Doumit and Schafer for the Uptons. Laird for Gattis.

I doubt Gattis has day off with off day tomorrow.

[thethe]

Freddi has made good moves so far this year but I still don't like Upton in that two hole. Its important that Justin gets hot and I think in between the two young cornerstones is the way to get him hot.

[stpeteirish]

Gonna be tough to win given the pitching matchup but thats why they play the game.

Actually Harang has pitched well in Miller Park and Garza has been pummeled by Braves hitters. Not much of a sample size on Garza, but Harang's gone up against the Brewers many times with the Reds.

[nsacpi]

With a day off tomorrow, Kimbrel should be available for 3 innings.

[NYCBrave]

Braves:

1. Jason Heyward (L) RF
2. B.J. Upton (R) CF
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
4. Chris Johnson (R) 3B
5. Justin Upton (R) LF
6. Dan Uggla (R) 2B
7. Gerald Laird (R) C
8. Andrelton Simmons (R) SS
9. Aaron Harang (R) P

Brewers:

1. Carlos Gomez (R) CF
2. Logan Schafer (L) LF
3. Ryan Braun (R) RF
4. Aramis Ramirez (R) 3B
5. Jonathan Lucroy (R) C
6. Scooter Gennett (L) 2B
7. Jeff Bianchi (R) SS
8. Lyle Overbay (L) 1B
9. Matt Garza (R) P

[NinersSBChamps]

Ugh BJ just keeps Haranging around in the second spot.

[zitothebrave]

Laird goes 2-4 with a double.

[thewupk]

Laird goes 2-4 with a double.

I think Fredi just wanted some abs and is using Laird as a cover

[nsacpi]

Laird/Fredi was swinging a hot bat at the end of spring training.

[yeezus]

Is Fredi kidding with these lineups?
I can't say he's been a good manager when he's trotting out BJ in the two hole, CJ ahead of Justin, and LAIRD ahead of anyone.

[jpx7]

Is Fredi kidding with these lineups?
I can't say he's been a good manager when he's trotting out BJ in the two hole, CJ ahead of Justin, and LAIRD ahead of anyone.

Fredi Gonzalez : April's Fools Day :: Bill Murray : Groundhog Day.

[Enscheff]

BJ is 0-8 with 4 Ks. He looks as bad as ever, and even "good" BJ only puts up a low .300s OBP which is terrible for the top of the lineup. He does not belong in the 2 hole, and should have never been put there.

However, it's too soon to make any changes, so I imagine we get to see BJ hit at the top of the lineup for another couple weeks until JUp is finally moved up there. Look for the lineup to be a bit more optimized about the same time the starting pitching is solidified with the returns of Minor and Santana. It's almost like these first 2 weeks are just an extension to spring training.

[yeezus]

BJ is 0-8 with 4 Ks. He looks as bad as ever, and even "good" BJ only puts up a low .300s OBP which is terrible for the top of the lineup. He does not belong in the 2 hole, and should have never been put there.

However, it's too soon to make any changes, so I imagine we get to see BJ hit at the top of the lineup for another couple weeks until JUp is finally moved up there.

I just disagree with the "too soon to change" comment. It should have never been that way in the first place, put him at 6 and adjust accordingly.

[nsacpi]

In two games, Fredi has yet to do anything stupid. I know some of you are upset about BJ in the #2 spot. But keep in mind that lineup construction has a very small impact on a team's success. And you have to weigh the psychological importance of letting guys coming off a tough season know that they are being given a chance to start over. Taking care of BJ's psyche is important and could pay dividends later.

So far this is Laird/Fredi's best season yet as a Braves manager.

[Enscheff]

I just disagree with the "too soon to change" comment. It should have never been that way in the first place, put him at 6 and adjust accordingly.

Oh I agree, but I think we all know it's too soon to realistically expect Fredi to make any lineup changes.

[thethe]

There is no reason for BJ to be up in the 2 spot but Freddi like he always does makes a horrible move htat has ripple effects. You can't move BJ this early but he should have never been put there in the first place. Just unbelievably horrible managing. I almost want to see Uggla up there now. I can't believe how well he is seeing the ball.

[thethe]

In two games, Fredi has yet to do anything stupid. I know some of you are upset about BJ in the #2 spot. But keep in mind that lineup construction has a very small impact on a team's success. And you have to weigh the psychological importance of letting guys coming off a tough season know that they are being given a chance to start over. Taking care of BJ's psyche is important and could pay dividends later.

So far this is Fredi's best season yet as a Braves manager.

I'm really not sure if you are joking right now. My sarchasm meter is broken.

[yeezus]

So far this is Laird/Fredi's best season yet as a Braves manager.

haha

[nsacpi]

My sarchasm meter is broken.

Didn't know you had one.

[yeezus]

I'm really not sure if you are joking right now. My sarchasm meter is broken.

I'm pretty sure he was speaking facetiously with the last statement.