GDT 9/23/13: Brewers (Estrada) @ Braves (Minor) 7:10 PM

[NYCBrave]

Braves:

1. Jason Heyward (L) CF
2. Jordan Schafer (L) RF
3. Justin Upton (R) LF
4. Chris Johnson (R) 3B
5. Evan Gattis (R) C
6. Andrelton Simmons (R) SS
7. Joey Terdoslavich (S) 1B
8. Paul Janish (R) 2B
9. Mike Minor (R) P

Brewers:


1. Norichika Aoki (L) RF
2. Carlos Gomez (R) CF
3. Jonathan Lucroy (R) C
4. Aramis Ramirez (R) 3B
5. Khris Davis (R) LF
6. Sean Halton (R) 1B
7. Yuniesky Betancourt (R) 2B
8. Jeff Bianchi (R) SS
9. Marco Estrada (R) P

[weso1]

Need to give Simmons some good rest these last few games, imo.

[bravesnumberone]

I'm cool with this. We need to figure out which guys are going to be on our bench come playoff time. I'd give BJ a start tomorrow.

[nsacpi]

Is this the first time Heyward has played center with Schafer in the lineup? Seems to be a tip-off there regarding the plan for the playoffs.

[jpx7]

Is this the first time Heyward has played center with Schafer in the lineup? Seems to be a tip-off there regarding the plan for the playoffs.

You mean, besides the later innings yesterday? When Gonzalez pulled Gattis for defensive purposes, he kept Heyward in CF, but slid Justin to LF and inserted Schafer at RF.

[graffy]

I'm not sure this lineup is a tip-off for anything. I believe the McCanns had a baby girl this morning, so he isn't available (at least to start).

[MadduxFanII]

Under-appreciated aspect of this season: Justin shaking off a history of mild-to-moderate injury problems and staying in the lineup just about every day. When paired with Freeman, who's been in there every damn day after going on the DL in April, the two have provided some much-needed stability in the middle of the order.

[Julio3000]

I'm not sure this lineup is a tip-off for anything. I believe the McCanns had a baby girl this morning, so he isn't available (at least to start).

Gosh, I thought I read somewhere that he'd been watching his diet.

[ProbationDeac]

Werth homers off Wainwright, a two run shot gives the Cardinals an early 2-0 lead.

Nats have early lead.

[bravesnumberone]

Good grief, ANOTHER home run given up.

[The Chosen One]

Minor has not been good lately.

I'd be tempted to use Minor as the lefty in the pen during the NLDS instead of Wood and have Wood start.

[striker42]

You can tell their hitters to a man are coming to the plate wanting to hit the ball the other way. They have a great scouting report on Minor and are up there with a purpose in mind. And the Brewers are a team playing for nothing.

Our hitters are just up there marking time. And we're fighting for homefield advantage and to get ready for the playoffs.

[stpeteirish]

You can tell their hitters to a man are coming to the plate wanting to hit the ball the other way. They have a great scouting report on Minor and are up there with a purpose in mind. And the Brewers are a team playing for nothing.

Our hitters are just up there marking time. And we're fighting for homefield advantage and to get ready for the playoffs.

We talk the talk, say these games matter,but play like its a spring training game.

[ProbationDeac]

Minor has not been good lately.

I'd be tempted to use Minor as the lefty in the pen during the NLDS instead of Wood and have Wood start.

Feels like that's get said about everyone but Freeman and Simmons lately doesn't it?

Minor hasn't been as sharp but not terrible. His ERA has been a little high this month at 4.26. We look a little hung over as a team today which is probably to be expected with the celebration yesterday. Need to start clicking as a team going into next week.

[striker42]

Feels like that's get said about everyone but Freeman and Simmons lately doesn't it?

Minor hasn't been as sharp but not terrible. His ERA has been a little high this month at 4.26. We look a little hung over as a team today which is probably to be expected with the celebration yesterday. Need to start clicking as a team going into next week.

Yeah, when Heyward went down this team kind of shut down. Now they're having trouble getting it started again. It's worrisome.

[ProbationDeac]

Yeah, when Heyward went down this team kind of shut down. Now they're having trouble getting it started again. It's worrisome.

We are what we are. We strike out a lot, steaky hitting, rely on the homerun ball, and have some injuries in the pitching department. That said we've managed to win the division and we are in position to finish with the best record in the NL. All you can do is hope that things start clicking this week and we play well next week.

[stpeteirish]

Minor has not been good lately.

I'd be tempted to use Minor as the lefty in the pen during the NLDS instead of Wood and have Wood start.

Tempted maybe, but you can't do it, not with him winning 13 games and anchoring the rotation all year.

[ProbationDeac]

Tempted maybe, but you can't do it, not with him winning 13 games and anchoring the rotation all year.

Agreed, you don't put him in the bullpen. He's a valuable starter even with a "so-so" September.

[Braves1976]

Agreed, you don't put him in the bullpen. He's a valuable starter even with a "so-so" September.

Everyone has a so-so month, if Minor goes one more inning and no more runs. That's another quality start against a team that hits lefties well. This seems to me more overreaction by some huge Medlen fans that have never given Minor enough credit.

[The Chosen One]

Well Joe and Chip just said Maholm or Freddy would be the 4th starter in the NLDS...

It should be Wood.

Good news is, Medlen is scheduled to pitch this weekend so he could pitch Game 1 on regular rest. Medlen has earned it as he's clearly been the hottest pitcher the last few weeks.