GDT: 5/3 Braves @ Mets

[striker42]

I think his four seamer is pretty flat, but you're right that the issue is in his locating that pitch. When he throws it right down the pipe on a 3-1 count then that hitter is just going to tee off on it. The two seamer he throws does have some movement. So the key on the two seamer is to keep that pitch down and keep the four seamer up above the belt. So overall I agree that control and command is his biggest issue.

I'm with you on the command thing. He's not giving up HR's because his fastball is straight. He's giving up HR's because he's falling behind and grooving a 4 seamer. I don't care who you are, when you've got a 3-1 count and groove a 4 seamer, it's going to get destroyed.

 

[smootness]

He needs to rely primarily on the 2-seamer and use the 4-seamer only as an out pitch to blow by hitters. He can still throw the 2-seamer 93-94, and that's plenty fast.

 

[Enscheff]

I think his four seamer is pretty flat, but you're right that the issue is in his locating that pitch. When he throws it right down the pipe on a 3-1 count then that hitter is just going to tee off on it. The two seamer he throws does have some movement. So the key on the two seamer is to keep that pitch down and keep the four seamer up above the belt. So overall I agree that control and command is his biggest issue.

News fash: all 4 seamers are straight. The HR to Wright was a 93 MPH 4 seamer right down the middle on a hitter's count. Folty was pitching behind from the start, and he paid for it, simple as that. Until he can start locating his 2 seamer down in the zone and elevating his 4 seamer above the hitter's hands, he will continue to get shelled. It has very little to do with AJP flashing the signs to him.

He will either figure it out this year or be moved to the BP. This is the perfect season to finally make a decision with Folty. Give him 20 starts at the MLB level and see what happens.

 

[auyushu]

Certain that is keeping him up nights

Apparently you missed the Eddie Haas - Chuck Tanner - Russ Nixon era.

I'd imagine the fact that very few people consider him a good manager probably does, and he's likely fired before going into next season because of it. And no, didn't miss the Tanner/Nixon era, been watching the Braves since 83. Just because those were terrible managers doesn't mean Fredi isn't too.

 

[57Brave]

I remember Chuck Tanner promising a parade. Then going out and getting Omar Moreno who Tanner played . and played. and played.

Let me put it this way, Moreno made BJ look like Willie McGee. JacePeterson and Tommy LaStella look like Ryne Sandberg

For all of FG's faults , he has never been that bad.

You have to remember I watched every inning of the 64 Phillies when Gene Mauch literally pissed (over managed his way) away a 6 game lead with 10 to go.

I always thought it amazing that the TV people fawned over Tony Larussa yet his teams never seemed to throw to the right base or hit cut off men.

He just had better players. FG has never had that advantage.

I've thought 4 or 5 times over the past coupelyears Gonzalez shouldn't make it through the week.

But this is the Braves, not the Steinbrenner Yankees

 

[57Brave]

I'd imagine the fact that very few people consider him a good manager probably does, and he's likely fired before going into next season because of it. And no, didn't miss the Tanner/Nixon era, been watching the Braves since 83. Just because those were terrible managers doesn't mean Fredi isn't too.

I learned a long time ago that if management thinks like those in the stands ( or couch TV) they will shortly be watching the games with the ones in the stands and on the couch watching.

I admire the Braves managements patience with players this month . Front office and coaching staff