GDT: #77 2:10 EST (Minor) Braves @ (Cosart) Stros'.

[UNCBlue012]

Braves Lineup:
1. BJ Upton CF
2. La Stella 2B
3. Freeman 1B
4. Gattis DH
5. Heyward RF
6. Justin Upton LF
7. Johnson 3B
8. Simmons SS
9. Laird C
Minor LHP (4.20)

Stros Lineup:
1. Fowler CF
2. Altuve 2B
3. Singleton 1B
4. Springer RF
5. Dominguez 3B
6. Castro C
7. Carter DH
8. Guzman LF
9. Marwin SS
Cosart RHP (3.78)

We've taken the series, so I can't complain with the outcome today... BUT, we want a win, so let's do that. I've been pretty dang happy with our pitching this series. Harang was solid and Alex Wood was masterful. I know it's the Astros, but we've gotta start somewhere!

Surprisingly, BJ Upton hasn't look completely awful from the leadoff spot. I want more from him, but he's been decent! Hopefully we can do work tonight and take this 3-game streak into a huge 4-game (DH included) series against the Phils!

[nsacpi]

Position-less Laird is gonna be huge.

[weso1]

Shirley Laird isn't DHing today?

Glad to see Freeman in there. Still think it's absurd that Justin is batting 6th, but whatever I guess.

[bravesnumberone]

Need to sweep.

[UNCBlue012]

Shirley Laird isn't DHing today?

Glad to see Freeman in there. Still think it's absurd that Justin is batting 6th, but whatever I guess.

Good call. I fixed it! haha and I think it is as well. I love Heyward hitting fifth, but Justin is in the wrong spot.

[50PoundHead]

I still like La Stella, but for all the clamoring about moving him up when he was hitting around .400, there certainly hasn't been much for moving him down in the midst of his current 3-37 (6-40 counting BBs).

[UNCBlue012]

This cracks me up. David thinks Fredi is an idiot too

http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/po...espnapi_public

[Fredi Gonzalez]

2-0 since BJ moved to leadoff. Thats the only stat that matters.

[Julio3000]

2-0 since BJ moved to leadoff. Thats the only stat that matters.

The only question: good managing or GREAT managing?

[Julio3000]

I predict that the only time Gerald Laird is shaken off today is when he pees. Dude is a maestro back there.

[thethe]

I hope that BJ becomes a singles hitter in the leadoff spot that takes a bunch of pitches.

[Julio3000]

Position-less Laird is gonna be huge.

Laird's best position is prone & digesting.

[nsacpi]

The only question: good managing or GREAT managing?

Hall of Fame caliber managing

[Garmel]

Strange. BJ looked like a professional hitter there. He had two strikes on him and he shortened his swing and took to right field for a hit.

[Julio3000]

Hall of Fame caliber managing

This is first-ballot stuff, right here.

[bravesnumberone]

BTW, this is Game 78. Are we ever going to get it right?

[Julio3000]

BTW, this is Game 78. Are we ever going to get it right?

Um, have we obviously not just found the solution to the leadoff problem that we didn't have?

[Garmel]

Bull**** double there. Stupid stadium.

[jsebe10]

Bull**** double there. Stupid stadium.

How? Minor threw him a belt high fastball right down the middle. He needs to get the fckn ball down.

[bravesnumberone]

Minor is an extremely frustrating pitcher sometimes. Still learning.