GDT 4/24 Atlanta (8-7) @ Philadelphia (5-11) 7:05 pm (ET)

[Julio3000]

Trading Shreve was the head scratcher. Russell fckn sucks and EVERYONE knows that.

At least we traded Shreve for Banuelos. We traded Russell for space formerly occupied by James Russell.

[Garmel]

Look at tonight's lineup. Could Fredi be learning? https://www.facebook.com/Braves/phot...type=1&theater

[weso1]

Didn't the Braves get something like 2 million bucks for releasing Russel though? Where would we be without that money? I'll tell you where we'd be. We'd be without a #5 starter. Just close your eyes for one minute and imagine what this team would look like without Cahill. Imagine that man not lumbering toward the mound, imagine that belly not swaying in the wind in a braves uniform whilest he delivers a pitch ending up God knows where. Imagine him not taking up two spots on the bench... that wooden bench. It aint strong enough. Imagine him not falling on his ass when that bench breaks, naked and afraid, covered in his own sunflower seeds. I want you to picture that big boy. Now... Now imagine he's good.

[Braves1976]

We need to look on the bright side more around here. Grilli has been great. Martin has been a breath of fresh air. Avilan has rebounded nicely from a disastrous 2014. I have a feeling we'll be happy with Cornely and/or Kohn. Also Donnie Veal is pitching well in AAA. And I think Thomas can pitch at the major league level. I think the team as a whole will be no better than palatable. But the pen is an area where I think some long-term solutions will be found. And I haven't even mentioned guys who are starting in the minors but figure to be in the pen at the major league level. Banuelos for example. Now if only Fredi can figure out how to use these guys without breaking them down.

This is a fair point. However, I wouldn't rule out Man-Ban making it as a starter.

[Julio3000]

Didn't the Braves get something like 2 million bucks for releasing Russel though? Where would we be without that money? I'll tell you where we'd be. We'd be without a #5 starter. Just close your eyes for one minute and imagine what this team would look like without Cahill. Imagine that man not lumbering toward the mound, imagine that belly not swaying in the wind in a braves uniform whilest he delivers a pitch ending up God knows where. Imagine him not taking up two spots on the bench... that wooden bench. It aint strong enough. Imagine him not falling on his ass when that bench breaks, naked and afraid, covered in his own sunflower seeds. I want you to picture that big boy. Now... Now imagine he's good.

+1
+1000 if imagined in MM's cornpone accent.

[Julio3000]

Look at tonight's lineup. Could Fredi be learning? https://www.facebook.com/Braves/phot...type=1&theater

Yeah. Could this be our first GDT without a lineup gripe?

[Braves1976]

That's the fellow! The one those clever boys said had no value whatsoever.

Spring Training is so telling, didn't you know that? Russell is done...

[dak]

You mean this Russell?

Gordon Wittenmyer
@GDubCub
2 more scoreless innings for James Russell at Iowa Friday. In 4 g, has 9 Ks, no walks, no runs in 6 1/3 IP.

I think Russell has a good shot to make it back up . . . if nothing else, for additional depth in September. I certainly don't think the Braves have any regrets on that one.

The one that I was wondering if they might regret was Jose Veras. It seems like he still hasn't caught on anywhere. Kinda surprised.

[Braves1976]

Didn't the Braves get something like 2 million bucks for releasing Russel though? Where would we be without that money? I'll tell you where we'd be. We'd be without a #5 starter. Just close your eyes for one minute and imagine what this team would look like without Cahill. Imagine that man not lumbering toward the mound, imagine that belly not swaying in the wind in a braves uniform whilest he delivers a pitch ending up God knows where. Imagine him not taking up two spots on the bench... that wooden bench. It aint strong enough. Imagine him not falling on his ass when that bench breaks, naked and afraid, covered in his own sunflower seeds. I want you to picture that big boy. Now... Now imagine he's good.

Yea, plus we'd still be stuck with that bum Wandy who looked good his first start back for Texas last night.

[Braves1976]

the guy we got for him is doing well in AAA, FWIW. Averaging over a K/9

Kurcz has 3 saves so far closing for Gwinnett, his strikeout numbers are good but he's also walked 6 in his 6.1 innings. So he needs to cut down on the walks, but other than that I have liked him overall. Further, I don't know about him being a future closer in the Majors but he does remind me a lot of Varvaro.