8-27-13 GDT: Indians at Braves

[zitothebrave]

Hard to believe, but Wood is pushing up there between Minor and Teheran. Those two are close, but Wood sliding between them and adding pressure is going to be good for them.

Not a bad effort there.

Personally I would have gone with Julio and Minor better look over their shoulder cause Wood is right behind them.

[thethe]

Is Wood our best starter now? Seriously.

Kid is awesome. Second favorite starter after Julio.

[zitothebrave]

Oh yeah, and 19

Way to go boys, getting close to clinching this thing.

[Dalyn]

Not a bad effort there.

Personally I would have gone with Julio and Minor better look over their shoulder cause Wood is right behind them.

Wood.

[Braves1976]

Great pitching by Wood and the bullpen again. Good win, but Schafer isn't the answer at lead-off. Not that BJ is either, Heyward was but he's hurt of course. I am wondering why Walden didn't pitch again? Further, I don't like that Fredi continues to only start Gattis a few times a week (even with Heyward out). Though it makes more sense to sit him for Joey T than Schafer. Gattis hasn't started in the last 5 days (4 games). He was on the bench a lot leading up to his injury too. This and the long injury lay off before, moving around a lot, has to make it even harder for him to get going once he gets in there. If this continues he won't be effective if needed come playoff time (no matter the role), IMO.

BJ also needs to play more too as much as I hate to say it. I am not a fan but we need him to get going as well.

[thethe]

Rotation depth in this organization is sick. Only be better next year. So many options.

[zitothebrave]

I agree 1000% that Bossman needs to be starting. What we should be doing is Starting Bossman and hitting him 8th and tell him he needs to earn his postseason spot.

[bravesnumberone]

Yeah, nobody is really stepping up enough. If Gattis would just for the love of God take a few pitches, he'd probably have more success. Terdo seems to be doing pretty well lately. Neither Schafer nor BJ is the answer in center. My hope is we get Heyward back for October and put him in center, Justin in right and Terd/Gattis in left.

[zitothebrave]

Yeah, nobody is really stepping up enough. If Gattis would just for the love of God take a few pitches, he'd probably have more success. Terdo seems to be doing pretty well lately. Neither Schafer nor BJ is the answer in center. My hope is we get Heyward back for October and put him in center, Justin in right and Terd/Gattis in left.

That's cool by me honestly, but Bossman should be starting right now and be given a shot to earn his way onto the postseason roster.

[bravesnumberone]

I agree 1000% that Bossman needs to be starting. What we should be doing is Starting Bossman and hitting him 8th and tell him he needs to earn his postseason spot.

Well if that happens, say hello again to Simmons again at leadoff. Unless Fredi rolls with CJ there.

[Dalyn]

Upton
Freeman
Johnson
McCann
Uggla
Joey/Gattis/Schafer
Simmons
P
BJ

That is what I would go with for a bit.

[bravesnumberone]

Why? We need Freddie driving in runs?

CJ
Justin
Freeman
Mac
Terd/Gattis
Uggla
Simmons
P
BJ

[Pugfan]

What was impressive is that the Indians often hammer lefties. Cleveland is one of the best against lefties. 3rd highest Ops in the American League. .751

[Braves1976]

I also considered Justin Upton lead-off. I'd support trying him there too, he took off batting second before. Maybe he'll do so again if moved to lead-off. It's worth a shot anyway given our other options. I sure don't want to see anymore of Schafer, BJ or Simmons there. I am okay with Simmons second though because he's did well there.

Here's what I'd try:

J. Upton - RF
Simmons - SS
Freeman - 1B
Mac - C
CJ - 3B
Uggla - 2B
Gattis - LF
BJ Upton - CF
P

Note, I split up the strikeout kings Uggla and BJ Upton. I would also start Joey T in left when not starting Gattis.

[zitothebrave]

Well if that happens, say hello again to Simmons again at leadoff. Unless Fredi rolls with CJ there.

Chris
Justin
Freddie
Mac
Uggla
Terds
Simmons
Bossman

That would be my lineup.

And I'd roll with Simmons at leadoff, no worse than Schafer at leadoff if I had to choose between giving BJ a shot to right the ship before the season is over or not. If we had Heyward I'd advocate a platoon of somesort with BJ but as it is might as well trot him out there everyday and hope he figures out what is wrong.

[bravesnumberone]

I'm fine with BJ getting playing time as long as our lead holds up. I just don't think I can stomach Andrelton Simmons leading off every single game with a pop up.

[Dalyn]

I'm fine with BJ getting playing time as long as our lead holds up. I just don't think I can stomach Andrelton Simmons leading off every single game with a pop up.

Simmons, Schafer, and/or BJ should not be even close to the top of the lineup.

[bravesnumberone]

I mean I'd literally almost rather have McCann there. God***** Niese.

[Julio3000]

Not a bad effort there.

Personally I would have gone with Julio and Minor better look over their shoulder cause Wood is right behind them.

It could end up being a sticky situation.

[zitothebrave]

It could end up being a sticky situation.

Last thing we need is seeing Wood in a pissing contest.