With every new season, new players are added to the roster. Some to replace departing players, some to improve the line up and some to fill a need. The 2018 Braves have a fair share of new faces dotting the line up card as the 2018 marathon begins. I will keep this fairly short and identify the position players only in this post. By the time I get around to the pitching staff it may be obsolete.
First is Ryan Flaherty, a 31 y/o journeyman who has spent the majority of his major league career as a 2nd baseman in Baltimore of the American League. An alum of Vanderbilt, he is a former 1st round pick in 2008 (41st overall) by the Chicago Cubs. This spring he was in the Phillies’ camp after the Orioles declined to resign him for 2018. He opted out of his contract with the Phillies with about a week to go in spring training when became apparent he would not be part of the Fightin’s 2018 plans.
Ryan, who is Nick Markais’ brother in law, was signed by the Braves as insurance for the infield when Johan Camargo was sidelined by an oblique injury about two weeks prior to the end of spring training. While Flaherty is not a prototypical 3rd baseman, he is solid with the glove and has not embarrassed himself with the lumber. He had a very good spring training with the Phillies and has been a plus so far this season.
Next is 27 y/o outfielder Preston Tucker, a refugee from the loaded Astro’s organization. Preston is the older brother of Kyle Tucker, who is heralded as the next great outfielder for that franchise. Tucker played the entire 2018 season with the Astro’s triple A affiliate Fresno of the PCL. Tucker was acquired from the Astro’s for cash considerations in December and, to be truthful, appears to be a placeholder for the Braves super-star-in-waiting, Ronald Acuna, Jr. So far Preston has played a solid defense in left and has been clutch with the bat. It should be interesting as to whether or not he or Lane Adams remains on the major league roster when Acuna arrives on the scene.
A good interview with Tucker by Gabriel Burns is found here.
The final player I will mention is 36 y/o catcher Chris Stewart, late of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Signed as a depth piece for the organization which has a dearth of major league catching talent, he was added to the major league roster essentially to allow for Kurt Suzuki and Tyler Flowers to be used as a pinch hitter on those days which they did not start behind the plate.
As it turned out it became a stroke of good luck with Tyler Flowers going down to an oblique injury during his first at bat. When Suzuki was hit in the hand in game two, it was necessary for the Braves to have a solid backstop who could step in.
While x-rays did not reveal a fracture to Suzuki’s right hand, the Braves made a trade for another catcher with major league experience in Carlos Perez, who had been DFA’d by the Angels last Tuesday. The Braves sent infielder Ryan Schimpf to the Angels in exchange for the 27 y/o Venezuelan. Perez batted .265 in spring training but did not really have a spot on the Angel’s 25 man roster with a .195 career batting average. No one should mistaken the trade as anything but an insurance policy for the Braves at the catching position.
Thanks much, Chief! We appreciate all your hard work!
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Thanks CL. I thought the old blog was getting a bit slow to load which always drives Ber crazy. 🙂
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If Zuk goes on the DL, Perez simply takes his roster spot. But it doesn’t sound like they want to do that, so who loses his spot? I think it’s either Peter Bourjos or Lane Adams. Personally, I’d rather have Lane Adams because “Adams” is not quite as easily misspelled as “Bourjos”. That plus I have a certain comfort level with Lane from last season. Of course, Thoppy doesn’t have that same experience.
Also, DFA’ing Bourjos or Lane would open the 40-man spot needed for Sanchez. I predict that will result in Shane Carle being sent down as he has minor league options remaining, and Sanchez would take his role anyway… at least for a couple of weeks.
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Couple of quick hits then I must do some work…
I am increasingly impressed by Ryan Flaherty. I had no idea who he was when he was signed, but he’s done nothing but hit for us. Granted there is not alot of power there, but as long as he keeps the line moving I’m perfectly OK. From all appearances, every batter in our lineup is giving these opposing pitchers quality AB’s and working for good pitches.
And how about Dansby? I don’t want to get too excited too early, but the adjustments he’s made in his swing are paying early dividends. Philly pitchers tried throughout that series to pitch him away consistently, and he dealt with all of those pitches quite well… to the tune of 5 H in 14 AB’s… 2 of them for extra bases.
Ozzie is my early favorite player to watch. I could just watch him run the bases all day. The kid’s an All-Star. All the hype and buzz will be around Ronald Acuna, but Ozzie is gonna push for the ROY himself. We could have a classic case of Ozzie and Acuna hurting each other’s chances and the award ending up in someone else’s hands.
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I have to agree on Ozzie, he is the most exciting 2nd baseman to watch since the arrival of Jose Altuve and that is saying a lot. It’s a long season and so many pit falls ahead of the Braves. Of course one could say that of every team.
I still predict that Matt Adams will hit at least one home run this series against the Braves but the Nits are loaded with guys who can crush the ball. Most of the homers they hit in Cinncy were of the big league variety.
The roster moves are typical of early April, we will see a bunch of pitchers on the Gwinnett to Cobb shuttle.
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Nice new counters, CL.
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Gotta try to keep my guys happy! 😀
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… which you do very well. 😀
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“The Braves added Carlos Perez and Anibal Sanchez to the roster today. Socolovich was DFA’d and Ravin was placed on the DL with a viral infection.”
Boman…
The old viral infection to the DL excuse…
Ravin: “yeah Cap, you wanted to see me”?
Snit: “Yes, how are you feeling son”?
Ravin: “I feel great Cap, why do you ask”?
Snit: “Thoppy just called, said you need to take a couple of sick days”.
Ravin: “uh, do I need to cough or something”?
Snit: “I’ll get back to you on that”…. “But it will be for at least 10 days”…
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Something new, guys! Now we can reply to specific comments. Let me know if you like it or if you think it is a waste of time. 🙂
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kewl…
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2nite’s lineup:
Ender, CF
Ozzie, 2B
Freddie, 1B
Kakes, RF
Tuck, LF
Dans, SS
Flaherty, 3B
Stew, C
Newk, LHP
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Did I mention that I’ going to the game tomorrow night to see Julio vs. Scherzer?
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Wow! I’d send you some reporter’s credentials so you could do some real reportin’, but Gil has them.
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Ha… Maybe the mailman… 🙂
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I will believe it when I see it.
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Ain’t that the truth… I just don’t see the Braves shelling out $400MM for any player, I would rather they spread that kind of money around. Thoppy must think he is still in LA. Has the nightmare which was Alec Rodriguez not taught him anything?
Besides, Bryce longs to play in the bright lights of New York or LA…
Has the plight of Freddie Freeman without protection not shown him anything? Hey, I’m not against having a player of Bryce Harper’s caliber on the Braves payroll but I think it would be the height of foolishness to tie so much of a team’s payroll in one player.
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I think it’s more a case of Steve Phillips trying to have a “hot take”. And of course, we are talking about it, aren’t we?
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And while I’m on a rant… Last night’s game against the Nits was over early. Newk showed he was not ready for prime time. He let the reputation of the big bad gNats get in his head. He showed absolutely no confidence in his ability as a pitcher. On the other hand, I thought Anibal Sanchez pitched great for his 3 innings. Maybe the gNats were tired from all the base running by the time he appeared on the scene.
Okay, time to put last night’s fiasco in the rear view mirror and look forward to good Julio’s outing against Scherzer.
Note to Julio, there is no shame in walking Harper 4 times tonight….
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To be honest, the idea of an outfield of Acuna, Inciarte and Pache excites me…
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Of course, all that said, Acuna, Inciarte, Harper would certainly excite me. 😉
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Harper wouldn’t look twice at ATL. Interesting thought, though. The old adage about putting all of your eggs in one basket has merit. 🙂
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What if they’re really, really good eggs?
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I hope Vee is enjoying the slug fest tonight. 10-5 Braves in the 4th but a long way to go.
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I never heard about this! Glad she is going to be ok! http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2018/04/02/braves-reporter-gets-hit-in-eye-by-foul-ball.html
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Aha, caught you not paying attention Ber….
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Wow what a game. During the top of the 1st inning, I was thinking that it was going to be a long night, and not in a good way. When the bloodletting ended at 3-0 before the Braves came to bat, I made the remark to my friend that we needed to at least score 1 run to show some signs of life. I never expected to take the lead.
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A few observations about SunTrust Park:
First, it is the prettiest ballpark I’ve ever been too. Just beautiful.
Also, when they said the seats would be close to the action, they weren’t kidding. I felt like we were sitting on the field, about halfway down the RF line. As an aside to that, the angles were a little hard for viewing from our seats. We were a little too low. Umpires and coaches continually impeded our sight line to the plate. Of course, we were in the 4th row. Next time I’ll sit a little farther back.
The whole atmosphere for enjoying a game has been enhanced. The scoreboards are breathtaking, and the constant real-time info on the pitcher and batter are great for those who love the numbers. I noticed with Julio that his ERA was adjusted batter to batter. And at times, that was not a good thing. Of course, with A.J. Cole, it was worse. At one point he had a 54.00 ERA. 🙂
The Freeze is fast. Very fast.
Traffic was managed very effectively, and the parking was easy. That said, our lot was not open to us until 5:30pm. That may or may not have been disclaimed before purchasing it online. I do not know as I didn’t purchase the tix/parking. The result was that we didn’t get to spend any time in The Battery, instead going back out on the main road and finding a restaurant to kill time until 5:30pm.
What I did see of The Battery is amazing. Why hasn’t anyone thought of doing that before?
Oddly, we could not enter the ballpark itself and go to our seats until 6:00pm, so we didn’t get to see any of the Braves’ batting practice, and only the last few minutes of the Nats’ BP. I didn’t know that was a thing. Wonder why?
And lastly, exiting was easy, and the exit traffic was as well managed as the earlier traffic. They really have done a nice job of making the experience as positive as possible.
I’ll go back for sure.
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Now, a few observations about the Braves up close.
First thing that stood out to me is that Ryan Flaherty is tall… really tall. The dude has some seriously long legs. Almost disproportional.
Second, Ozzie is just as fun to watch run from a flat angle as he is from a high angle.
Julio’s body language and performance was as flat as our sight lines. Not sure what his problem is. I sure hope that he can figure it out and pull out of his funk. (So we can get something decent for him when we trade him.)
I really like Preston Tucker. That kid is a ballplayer.
Kakes can still play. He’s as steady as a heartbeat.
How about Shane Carle coming in and completely shutting down the Nats? In fact, the whole bullpen did. Dan Winkler gave up a garbage run in the 9th, but the pen really did its job.
I like this team from many perspectives. If our starting pitching will give us some chances, I think we’ll win some games. The offense is not flukey. They do all the little things to produce runs. That’s a credit to Snit in my book.
Bonus observation: Bryce Harper is good.
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A far cry from the clear skies and mild temps last night. Perfect game weather.
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Not underrated in Braves Country.
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Bit of info from Bowman:
Before Tuesday’s game, the Braves dealt right-handed reliever Akeel Morris to the Angels in exchange for a player to be named later or cash. Atlanta designated Morris for assignment on Saturday to create a 40-man roster spot for [catcher Carlos] Perez, who was acquired from the Angels in exchange for Ryan Schimpf.
Morris looked promising as a September callup in 2016, but was passed in the pecking order by the plethora of talented young Braves hurlers.
Jason Hursh should not sign any long term leases either.
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Thanks for the update and observations Vee, always good to have someone to pass along the eyeball test.
Yes, things looked dim early for the Bravos but they came right back. For some reason I never felt like the Braves had enough runs.
Yes, modern day ball players are tall, I’m/was 6’1″ (now 5’11”) and I feel like a munchkin next to them. It is like being at a basketball game.
Someone is going to have a tough time moving Preston Tucker out of left field if he keeps this up, Maybe all he needed was a chance and regular playing time.
Yes, Julio sucked, even from my seat a 1000 miles away.
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OK, I may be seriously jumping ahead here, but we like to stay on the bleeding edge of things around here.
As it currently stands, the AAA Gwinnett Stripers have 6 starters in their rotation, and 7 if you count the rehabbing Luiz Gohara. There are, in no particular order, Max Fried, Lucas Sims, Aaron Blair, Matt Wisler, Mike Soroka, Kolby Allard, and the aforementioned Gohara.
And when Gohara is deemed ready to move up to The Show, somebody has to move back down. So we’re still at 7 starters.
We also need to acknowledge that at some point around mid-season, barring some unforeseen setback, Kyle Wright will be in line for a move up the ladder.
Don’t misunderstand… depth is a great thing, especially in starting pitching. But it has to still be managed.
If it’s me in charge, I’m working Wisler out of the bullpen exclusively now. He’ll never crack the rotation again. Same can be said for Aaron Blair. But I’m making sure that Soroka, Fried, and Allard have regular turns first and foremost, with Gohara working in as regularly as possible during his rehab. All other things being equal, I’m giving the #5 spot to Sims unless it’s needed for a rehabbing pitcher, and I’m keeping Wisler and Blair around only for bullpen depth/swingman duties.
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Of course, the minor league MO is now to split time with starters. Seldom do we see a guy go more than 5 innings. Great training for the bigs, right? Like running wind sprints to train for a marathon.
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Someone is going to have a tough time moving Preston Tucker out of left field if he keeps this up, Maybe all he needed was a chance and regular playing time.
He is a ballplayer. He will be the one to lose his starting job to Acuna, but he’ll instantly improve our bench. Peter Bourjos should be the odd man out there. Lane Adams had another solid pinch hit last night and looks to have picked up exactly where he left off in 2017. Ber and I are squarely on the same page with this one.
Back to Tucker. I like him alot. He may go to the bench in another couple of weeks, but he’ll be back in LF once Acuna takes over in RF for Kakes, whenever that may be.
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Also, I’m looking for the Braves to be shopping Charlie Culberson (and they probably already are putting out feelers.) Another guy who has earned a spot on this team is Ryan Flaherty, either as a starter at 3B or as a reserve. All he’s done is hit, and he’s played some darn good defense as well. If he stays there, Johan comes back as the utility guy. If Johan gets the go at 3B, Flaherty probably takes the utility job. Culberson has been somewhat invisible so far. His RH bat, on a currently all RH bench, doesn’t help him any either.
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Okay Ber, wake up… 12:10 start time for the game today…
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Oh! Afternoon getaway game today. 12:10pm start time. Just realized it.
Ber wake up!
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ok, what am I doing wrong with the reply thingy? well, lets see if it works now….I was having root canal done when you are were telling me to wake up
and for the last 4 months, I have had to get up at 6 am to go to a bleh job downtown…bleh…did I mention bleh?
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Great minds…
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And now a word or two about the Nits. Wow, that is some deep line up and a really strong bench. Going to be some tough sledding against that beast but they can be had, Just not easily.
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Roster notes:
The Braves DFA’d catcher Chris Stewart before today’s game and selected the contract of RHRP Luke Jackson. The presence of the 27-year-old Carlos Perez on the roster and the improved motion in Zuk’s wrist pretty much pushed the 36-year-old Stewart’s exit. Adding another reliever prior to the game is pretty much the new modus operandi in baseball. Use the shuttle to keep fresh arms in an increasingly used bullpen.
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And based on 1 whole inning of work behind the plate, Perez looks to be in the same defensive mold as Flow and Zuk. He just stole that last strikeout of Trea Turner by framing that down-and-away slider perfectly. I am happy to have a young(er) catcher on the bench, personally.
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YEAH BABY!!!!
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It’s gonna be hard to move Tucker out of the lineup. He just might be the power guy we need behind Freddie.
Any team looking for an older veteran professional hitter OF on an expiring deal?
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And the new guy guns down Scherzer on a pickoff throw behind the runner at 1B. Sweet!
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I realize it’s early in the game, and we need to get past the 6th with consistency, but Folty is showing his real stuff and potential today.
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A someone mysterious strike zone today. Oh well, it’s get a way day, swing away guys…
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somewhat…. dang auto correct…
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Okay, Folty has settled down a bit as he and Perez get on the same page.
And a lead off walk to Preston Tucker shows why you play these game on the field and not on paper.
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Carlos Perez looks good behind the plate, but not so much at the plate. He’s not gonna push Zuk or Flow for playing time.
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And Folty drives in 2 with a double against Scherzer? This is a weird game…
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Max hit Folty’s bat pretty squarely on that pitch.
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Not trying to count any chickens or Nats before they’ve hatched, but if the Bravos can hold onto this 4 run lead, the Braves will take 2 early series against 2 division rivals. Not a bad way to start the year in my book.
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That’s what Bobby always preached, right? Just win the series…
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Yes, the pitchers with 3 RBI so far, doing the best Shohei Ohtani imitation. 🙂
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By the way, Adam Eaton stole a double and an RBI away from Ozzie two inning ago, that was at least a 4 star catch. Definitely save a run.
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Just an observation, until teams are willing to ignore pitch counts, it is going to be tough to see a starting pitcher like Folty going deep into games.
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That said, he should go 6 and maybe 7 today.
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… yet still couldn’t get out of the 6th. We’ve not had a starter go 6 yet in this young season. That’s why they have to keep the reliever shuttle active. It’s going to become a problem the longer this goes on.
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Get-a-way day guys…. swing at everything close
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That was a save right there for Freeman. It won’t go down in the score book as one but that was one for sure..
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Sigh, the Nits announcers are such whiners.
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Okay, AJ with a good inning and a not so good inning, had Harper and let him spit the hook…
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C’mon Winkler…
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Well, that was fun…
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Just watched a bit of the Yankees / Tampa game… now, that is one tough line up to face in the Yankees…
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Notes from young Gabe Burns this afternoon, seemingly answering my questions from earlier today. Wonder if he reads us too? 😉
Mike Soroka will start opening day for Gwinnett on Friday. Followed by Wisler, Blair, Allard, Sims
Max Fried is in Double-A Mississippi
Well, there ya go.
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Does anyone else get the feeling this may well be the final go round for Wisler and Blair in the Atlanta organization? I know, they are still young but at some point, you have to fish or cut bait… (See what I did there?) 🙂
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All righty then, another day off for the Braves as the travel to the Mile High City. It is pretty high in elevation too, but, I digress…
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Mississippi is a good spot for Fried right now. Little difference in the talent level any longer. A few more vets at Triple A but ball clubs seem to want to stockpile their talent at Double A these days.
Anyhoo, it’s a good problem to have, especially with the difficulty all the Braves’ relievers appear to have in being consistent in the strike zone.
Speaking of which, I hope the Braves let Julio pitch in Denver rather than holding him back a day and having him face the Nationals Monday.
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So, while it is encouraging for the Braves to be 4-2 at this point, having taken down both the Phillies and the Washington Nits, I am reminded of what my late, former father-in-law, who was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. “Early Days son, early days…. “
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I posted this yesterday, at 4:08 pm responding to the Berigan wake up Duet 😉
very confused with the reply thingy….your reply stays up with the post you are replying to? How will said replyee (or whatever) know you have replied? so confuzzled…
ok, what am I doing wrong with the reply thingy? well, lets see if it works now….I was having root canal done when you are were telling me to wake up
and for the last 4 months, I have had to get up at 6 am to go to a bleh job downtown…bleh…did I mention bleh?
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Wow, talk about adding insult to injury, a bleh job and a root canal…. Plus missing a good ball game. Triple threat right there. Hope you are feeling better.
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Just finished watching the Mutts take down the Nits. Adam Eaton may have tweaked his knee again, that sucks for him.
Lots of off days early in the season but I suspect that is to allow for the normally crummy weather we have in early spring. Still might not be enough.
Pittsburg played the Twins in the snow yesterday. It has to be hard on the ballplayers after enjoying the warmer climes during spring training.
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4 pm local time for today’s game against the Rocs. That is if the weather holds off long enough. Nothing like Denver in early spring.
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http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2018/04/06/bald-eagle-lands-on-seattle-mariners-pitcher-james-paxton-prior-to-start-national-anthem.html
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I figure the eagle recognized Paxton as a Canuk.. Of course it would be really weird if he was beset by a loon…
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Remember the time that enormous high capacity heaters with blowers (almost like jet engines) were put into the dugout so the players wouldn’t freeze? Snow everywhere. Good times?
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Good times indeed CL, cold weather becomes them…
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Good evening folks, watching Anibal Sanchez pitch against the Rocs and thinking to myself, what a good pick up he was/is for the Braves. I know, it’s early yet but he just looks very comfortable, throwing free and easy. It’s about time the Braves got a player who someone else is paying the majority of the freight on.
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Well, after a heart breaker last night, the Braves play a beautifully pitched game by Newk behind a power display by Markakis, Swanson and Albies. Just a well played game by the good guys. Now, it is back to the future and D.C. at Cherry Blossom time. Hey, DC can have its redeeming qualities as long as you are flying over it at 1000 feet….
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Wow!!
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Man how I loved Bob Horner. If he had not gotten hurt… or if the medical staffs were as advanced then as they are now…
What a hitter indeed!
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Memories…
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And how about this one? I remember it…
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Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!! 😆
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Good morning fellow Stuffians, I was rooting for the Nits last night to beat the Mutts for a purely selfish reason, I hate the idea of the Braves going into DC facing a team which is talented on a losing streak. I just don’t see the Nits losing 6 or 7 or 8 games in a row.
That being the case, it is not as if the Braves are without a clue on how to beat the Nits. Scherzer has shown to be human this season but Harper truly has Julio’s number, the best we can hope for I would imagine is to walk Harper 4 times and try to get out Zimmerman who will be batting behind him.
Even though the Braves had to fly across country yesterday, I suspect they got to bed earlier than the Nationals last night, yep, keep using those relief pitchers…. 12 innings is hard on a relief corps.
The Mutts are clicking right now but it is early days. They have chinks in their armor too.
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V, I was quite tickled by the GIF by Lane Adams…funny cuz it’s true! 😛
Now, about that Dale Murphy photo. Clearly, that’s Bob Horner’s DAD, with Murph…no way that old man is Bob Horner!!!!
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Ber, if we are lucky, we all turn into our dads. 🙂
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Sometimes you really do just have to
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Yes Vee, a lot of cap tipping going on last night. Just like cow tipping, but different…
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So, a strong performance by Julio was not enough last night when Scherzer had the double whammy of of being both good and being the beneficiary of a wide strike zone from CB Buckner. Max did not really need the help but there it was.
New game tonight, let us hope the Braves get some runs for Folty early so he can relax a bit.
On Ozzie Albie… wow, what is not to like about that kid. He is the Braves’ version of Jose Altuve’. If he can stay healthy, he is going to a lot of All-star games.
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Scherzer had the double whammy of of being both good and being the beneficiary of a wide strike zone from CB Buckner. Max did not really need the help but there it was.
Truth on both parts. Scherzer is still the best, and Bucknor is still the worst.
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Ozzie has become my favorite Braves player in a very short time. I want an Albies #1 jersey.
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But first things first. I will have to obtain a Gwinnett Stripers hat for Thursday’s game. It’s a must.
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I had wondered what a “Striper” was. Fish? Frog? Something known only in Georgia? 😀
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Striped bass. 🙂
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I got the fish part from the picture, but my knowledge of fresh water fish is extremely lacking. Read ‘non-existent’. Have never fished anywhere except the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks for adding to my mental data bank! 😀
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I hope I don’t have to tip it.
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I just read a graphic showing the International League (AAA Gwinnett) youngest players on Opening Day 2018. The 3 youngest in the IL are:
Ronald Acuna (20.3)
Mike Soroka (20.6)
Kolby Allard (20.7)
Ha ha ha. And what’s funnier is that all 3 will likely be in Atlanta before season’s end.
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I know there has been at least 2 rumors linking Atlanta to making a run at Bryce Harper this offseason. There have also been rumors (likely just people making logical connections) for other high profile players. And the assertion has been made that such FA’s wouldn’t want to come here.
But I believe that’s just incorrect.
First, we are exceeding and will continue to exceed expectations for 2018. The young talent here is for real, and the core that has been put together is both talented and hungry. The offense is not flukey but rather they are doing the foundational things right and simply performing their jobs. And they are anchored by perennial MVP candidate Freddie Freeman.
Second, we will open up a butt ton of available funds at this season’s end, making it feasible to obtain star players via both trade and FA. And the trades will be made possible because of a well stocked minor league system that can continue to supply major league talent for years to come.
Those 2 ingredients together set this organization up for consistent success for years to come, making it quite attractive for someone of high stature.
I’m not saying that Bryce Harper is coming. But who knows..? I won’t rule it out. But I am saying that if Thoppy targets someone for this team, we won’t get snubbed because we’re the “lowly” Braves. That train has left the station.
Next season our young pitching will be even stronger, and our current young core will be more experienced. We’ll add the next young lineup stud in Austin Riley. And we’ll have 2 holes that need to be filled from the outside – OF and catcher.
Is there a player that wouldn’t want to share the OF with Acuna and Inciarte? The right guy could make them the best trio in baseball. That’s attractive.
It’s also exciting to think about.
Charlie Blackmon was a guy I was looking at, but he just got extended by COL. But there are still some good candidates out there aside from the obvious Harper. AJ Pollock? Cutch? Adam Jones? Marwin Gonzalez?
There is talent available. There are exciting times to come.
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Bryce Harper is a generational talent. If you can get him, you get him. But if you can’t, why not get a guy like Cutch for a few years until Cristian Pache is ready? He’s not over the hill and will give you 20+HR/80+RBI for your money. He won’t have to shoulder the load and he’ll be a great influence on the younger players while still giving you solid production from the 5 or 6 hole.
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So as to lineup configuration, I once again have to ask Freddie Freeman to give up his favored 3rd spot and be my cleanup hitter. And I’ve got numbers to back me up.
In 2017, he was clearly the team’s top RBI producer if you extrapolate his numbers out to 162 games. He was just 5 behind team leader Nick Markakis even though he played in only 115 games. He also lead the team in OPS (on base percentage + slugging) by a wide margin ->.989 to .823.
And the stats show that the cleanup hitter comes to bat with runners on base over half the time, more than any other spot in the lineup. That’s where I want Freddie.
So I want my high OBP guys – Ender, Ozzie, Acuna – on base ahead of Freddie, and I want Freddie driving them in. If I can get a guy like Cutch to protect Freddie at #5, or even young Austin Riley when he grows into that role, I’ve really got something going at the top and middle of the order. Follow that with a resurgent Dansby Swanson and a catcher that can at least hold his own and our lineup becomes quite formidable.
There are exciting times to come.
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Freddie will still need protection no matter where he bats in the line up. The trend these days is to put your best hitter in the 2 hole. I don’t know why other than possible getting more at bats.
While I believe Acuna is eventually a number three hitter, I don’t think it is a good place to put him initially. The 6 hole might just the place for him to start but the front office nerds will figure it out after running their analytics.
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*The 6 hole might just the place for him to start
Yes, I agree to start. But eventually, like in a few weeks, he’ll move on up in the order.
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I just hope that Acuna has the maturity to handle the enormous circus that will constantly surround him and be able to keep his focus on the game and his abilities. Franceur couldn’t and it did him in. A terrible waste of a man’s talent and livelihood. I truly pray that the same doesn’t happen to Acuna.
If I was in Braves management, I’d do everything I could to limit the access the media types have to Acuna. As in “build the wall” now.
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That is true, CL, but we have to also realize the circus was already all around him last year. Once he was dubbed “The Answer To Everything” in the Australian League in the summer of 2017, the cat was out of the bag.
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Limited cap tipping today as Strasburg was certainly on his game, but the Braves still had some chances they couldn’t cash in.
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Yes, it was another tough game to watch if you were a Braves’ fan. Ozzie getting caught at third in the first inning portended what was in store. It change the entire tenor of the contest.
All the breaks appear to go the Nits’ way last night.
So, 1 o’clock game today and while not a critical game as far as the season goes, it is important for the Braves to reestablish themselves as far as where they are in regards to the NL East.
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Ben Sheets…. I forgot he was ever here. Crazy, huh?
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How could you forget? I thought he pitched great but wear and tear revealed itself pretty quickly with Big Ben.
Now, the Braves need to hit a couple of homers today. Get back on track.
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After the day game today, the Braves have a travel day to Chi town and 3 straight day games against the Cubs after being off Thursday. Thursday is a good day for Vee to go see Ronald Acuna play in Gwinnett.
Now, back to the present. I don’t think the Braves will get shut out again today by the Nits’ starting pitcher.
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OZZIE !!
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The 5 DPs turned by the Braves so far today should remind everyone how significant good defense is to a team’s record..
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And the injury to McCarthy should remind everyone that you can never have too much pitching (and that McCarthy is not a stranger to the DL.)
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McAlpin: McCarthy dislocated the same left shoulder last May lifting weights in the Dodger weight room. Only missed two weeks.
2 weeks = 2 starts, at least
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So… Blair or Wisler?
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FUDGE!
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So… Blair or Wisler?
Cringe…
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Gil in Mechanicsville
April 2, 2018 at 1:55 pm
I still predict that Matt Adams will hit at least one home run this series against the Braves
Prophet star to Gil…
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Viz is trying to single-handedly give this game away…
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So… Blair or Wisler?
It hurts to say this, but Blair takes the mound for them tonight so would match up turn-wise in the rotation. But the Braves have an off day tomorrow, so by pushing everybody back 1 day through this turn, they can avoid having to make that call for another 8 days during which time they can ready whomever they want.
I really doubt it’s Blair or Wisler. Those boats have sailed.
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Braves need to score here as I have no confidence in Rameriz
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So… Blair or Wisler?
I’d like to see what’s behind door #3 Monty
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Whew… grasped victory from the jaws of defeat today.
When Bourjos came up to bat, the Nit’s announcers made issue of his 0-15 BA. I told Josie… He’s Due… Yippee…
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Braves are sooooo lucky this didn’t happen here. It’s funny, everyone anbd their brother said the White Sox made out like bandits when they traded away their name talent, but I guess with the Cubs doing so well, and the Cubs not doing well….White Sox Fans just don’t care
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2769847-report-974-fans-attended-rays-vs-white-sox-game-at-guaranteed-rate-field
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Hey Ber, it’s not to late yet… Of course a losing record plus horrible weather, look for Marlins stadium to be equally vacant several times this summer.
The fact remains, people hate to be around losers, they fear it will infect them too….
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I sure made a lot of errors in the span of a few words Hey, I was in a hurry to get to the store 😉
the Pirates are doing very well early on, and their loyal fanbase just doesn’t care, from the footage I have seen on MLBTV. they weren’t even doing the ChiSox thing of at least getting top prospects back, the Pirate brass wanted lesser prospects and many years of control. That will sure fire up a fanbase…
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Freddie is going to have to lead McCarth with his throws a little better.
Yes, a pretty stout comeback, twice…
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Just checked the preview for tonight’s Gwinnett Stripers game. I not only get to see Ronald Acuña Jr. before his promotion to The Show, but I also get to see Mike Soroka on the mound. This could not have been any better timed.
Actually, one thing that could make it better would be if Austin Riley were playing, but with Rio Ruiz continuing to ply his trade at 3B there, and with Johan Camargo rehabbing at 3B there also, Riley opened the 2018 season at AA.
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Let us know how everyone looked, I’m sure Soroka will only get to pitch a maximum of five innings, that is the way of the minor leagues these days. Does the IL use the DH for all their games or just in AL affiliate parks?
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Hopefully, Acuna will snap out of his doldrums tonight for you.
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Well, long story, but suffice to say a series of events – the perfect storm if you will – conspired against me and 8 paid for seats right next to the home dugout are going unused tonight.
I don’t want to talk about it… 😠
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Oh, no!!! I’m so sorry, V! I know you were truly looking forward to going. Hugs, my friend. 😦
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That’s a bummer….
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… and they are still tied in the 15th inning. Now I’m kinda glad I couldn’t make it.
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Well, it would be like going to a double header, unfortunately, most parks shut down their concessions in the 7th inning.
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They lost in 15 with OF Jaff Decker pitching.
Oh… by the way… the minor leagues are operating on that new “time saving” rule where they start every inning after 9 with a runner on 2B. How’d that work out last night?
#gameendednearmidnight
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By the way… today is reportedly the first day Ronald Acuña Jr. can be called up and the team retain that extra year of contractual control. There has been much speculation that he would join the team in Chicago today, while others believe he’ll debut at home on Monday vs. Philly.
Now, after a 3-20 start, some folks are saying he’s “scuffling” and should stay in AAA.
Here’s what I say: talent always rises. Because of the way the schedule worked, he went 8 days between the Futures Game vs. Atlanta and the first game of the Stripers’ season. That’s a long layoff between facing pitching.
This kid will be just fine.
Should he come up today? Monday?
Quite honestly, whatever Thoppy decides to do will be met with criticism, but the reality is that there is probably not a bad answer. The current Braves team is among the leaders in offense currently, and this has been a prime opportunity to evaluate Preston Tucker. It’s been very good and very valuable.
But we all know it’s only a matter of time… and a relatively short time at that.
I’m not gonna get hung up on a technicality of today, Monday, or whatever. The future will arrive when it’s right for the team and the organization.
Plus, you never what other events might transpire over the next week, day, hours. You just never know.
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Actually, Burns corrected himself later that Fried isn’t taking Blair’s specific rotation spot, rather is joining the rotation. Pitching on 2 days rest would obviously be, uh, not good.
The thing to note here is that Blair was injured on the play, and the team hasn’t expounded on the injury. Of course, minor league teams don’t report the same way the big boys do, and there’s no clamoring of reporters to get specifics. But it sounds like Blair will miss some time at any rate. I hope his injury isn’t serious.
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The current Braves team is among the leaders in offense currently
That was from the Department of Redundancy Department.
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😀 😀 😀
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Day game today in Wrigley. 2:20pm ET start…
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Thunderstorms forecast for Chicago today and tomorrow. Hourly forecast says 25% rain chance and cloudy at game time; jumps to 95% with heavy thunderstorms at 3pm. Yikes. Doesn’t get any better tomorrow… and is only slightly better on Sunday.
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Any time you hear Dr. Andrews mentioned you know it’s not good…
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Greetings Stuffville, Ozzie doing what Ozzie does… Preston Tucker saying Acuna? You don’t need no stinking Acuna… and what of Anibal? Makes someone in the Braves front office look brilliant.
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That blows for Blair.. truly , no player deserves it. A reminder of how fragile ball players really are.
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Tucker and Sanchez have been great. Flaherty hasn’t been bad himself. Kinda makes you feel pretty good about the new homeboy upstairs, doesn’t it. Seems to be able to evaluate major league talent astutely.
I suppose we have to give Chuck Hernandez some credit for Sanchez, and our other pitchers too. I’ve been pretty critical of him, but he’s obviously doing something right himself.
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Let’s play two!
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Wind gust up to 55MPH? Hit em high and watch them die? That should make for some real adventures on all fly balls and pop ups.
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https://twitter.com/Blair_Force1/status/985169406631215104?s=19
You can bet this fan is rooting hard for this guy.
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That makes two of us, V!
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Wow, they look like a real baseball team!
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well, they looked like a real team….
I of course flipped by when it was 10-2, in the 5th, and since I have missed so many games this year, I stayed with this one…sorry about that…
I do think the cold hurt the braves pitchers, but , the cub pitchers were able to deal with it(but then again, they have had a cold April there)
just…sucks…
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Well, that got ugly fast…. up 10-1 only to lose 14-10… Serious bullpen implosion in the eight inning. Oh well, put it in the rear view mirror and get them tomorrow. or not… forecast not encouraging,
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GIL!!! May there be many more, each more blessed and happy than the last.
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Happy Birthday Gil. Hope you have many many more.
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Not much to say about yesterday’s ugly conclusion. But as Gil alluded, it’s one game. And it was one game in extreme conditions. Yes, both teams faced the challenges, but it’s awful hard to make any judgments based on extremes.
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Now, moving forward…
Luke Jackson has been DFAd and Lucas Sims has been recalled. Two things to take from this: first, Lucas Sims needs to embrace the opportunity given to him. This is his best future role with the Braves. He needs to start it now. And they need him now.
Second, and don’t miss this one, designating Jackson opens a spot on the 40-man roster. That might just signal a much anticipated addition…
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Thanks guys for the birthday wishes, I feel 100 but still a little short of that goal, I guess I’m like a taxi which has seen hard service, lots of rough miles from folks who don’t care. Proverbial rented mule… That’s me… 🙂
Yes, Luke Jackson, while he was not the loser yesterday, he was the fellow who started the bus over the cliff. If the Braves can find someone who can throw strikes with regularity, I look for Ramirez to part ways with the Braves too. Just saying.
I’m glad the Cubs decided to call the game early today, allows for the Braves to get into Atlanta ahead of the storm and get settled and puts yesterday further in the rear-view mirror.
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Happy birthday Gil, hope it’s been a good one! Perhaps you got an oil change, and a new set of tires 😉
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Thought this might be interesting to use guys, even though it’s not talk of braves prospects…very interesting what Bo Bichette does to his stance with 2 strikes…. https://www.bigthreesports.com/brendan-rodgers-bo-bichette-vlad-guerrero-jr/
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Interesting indeed, Ber. Essentially learning two separate swings.
Equally as interesting is the Hartford nickname: The Yard Goats. Minor league baseball has some of the best team names ever.
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Would prefer to continue to see Ozzie and Dans at 1 & 2, but it is what it is…
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Lost in all the Ron Acuna talk and weather talk and such was the fact that Daniel Winkler finally fulfilled his Rule 5 roster obligation late last week and no longer has that axe hanging over his head. He’s 100% an Atlanta Brave now. Good for him… I like the kid both as a player and more importantly as a person. Seems like one of the good ones.
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There appear to be some on other Braves sites who are all a twitter because Acuna has not yet may his appearance in the Big A.
My feelings is he will show up as soon as he “shows up”..
Speaking of which, Julio really showed up tonight. Great performance.
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Looks like I got my wish, Julio looked sharp last night, aside from one hanger to Odubel Herrera, he looked like a different pitcher. I see a strong influence from Anibal Sanchez in his pitch selection. He had a 69 mph breaking pitch that I had never seen before from him. Yee haw…
The Nits pulled one out against the Mutts last night too, looks like the Mutts can have their bullpen troubles too. Don’t we know all about that?
I am still not sure about Viz, just don’t feel confident he is the answer, Minter had his shaky moments in the 8th too.
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That’s the Julio we’ve been looking for. He was fantastic. As was Ozzie… my new favorite Brave.
Ozzie All-Starbies
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I am still not sure about Viz, just don’t feel confident he is the answer, Minter had his shaky moments in the 8th too.
Even the very best will. I trust Minter more than Viz, and it’s not even close.
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Yes Vee, Minter appears to have a bit more swagger than Viz, Viz might well be this season’s version of Jim Johnson.
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Viz might well be this season’s version of Jim Johnson
He might find himself traded by late July.
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He’s the best!
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Lugbauer was an 11th round pick last year out of UMich where he came in as a C as a freshman, but was moved to 3B for the next 3 years. The Braves drafted him to move back to C. There is very little info on him since he’s not a Top 30 prospect,
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Interesting. In a move that flew under the Braves’ news radar, they released AAA catcher Kade Scivicque last Friday. He re-signed with the Tigers today (which is how I learned of his release) and was assigned to their AA team.
Scivicque was traded to the Braves for Erick Aybar, and that’s about the talent level we got back. He was mainly organizational depth, but with the offseason signings of Chris Stewart and Rob Brantley, that depth was no longer a problem. The more recent acquisition of Carlos Perez probably sealed the deal for Scivicque. Perez will certainly by sent down to AAA when Flow is ready to return from his oblique injury, which could be as early as this weekend.
And look for Stewart to enter the coaching ranks before too much longer. That’s where he was headed before the Braves came calling earlier this year.
While Zuk and Flow (sounds like a 70’s action series) are still producing for the home boys in 2018, the future is still up in the air. Alex Jackson is still at AA and on track, but at least 2 years away. Not sure how the gap will be bridged. I doubt Brantley or Perez figure into it, though. Maybe AJax is part of a package for a bona fide ML catcher this offseason.
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It is usually Double A and Triple A where the rubber meets the road so to speak.
I saw where Scivicque was released (DFA) last week but did not really think it was all that important. Some guys peak out in the minors, it happens.
The Mutts have lost Travis d’Arnaud for the season so there is that. Catchers are almost as injury prone as pitchers it appears.
I’m looking for a good game out of Folty tonight…
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“Ramirez says shoulder tightness contributing to his woes”
Okay then, DL should be a welcome outcome for him then….
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Shoulder tightness is convenient. Head tightness could be a factor as well. A DL stay for him will be welcome for us as well.
Next man up?
Could be Chase Whitley, who suffered the staph infection in camp. He was activated from the DL just yesterday and sent to Gwinnett. He is reportedly at full health. He made 3 somewhat forgettable appearances in his rehab stint, but those could be due to the layoff. I doubt he’s ready for a callup.
Could be Jason Hursh, who was once a top prospect but has failed to impress in a couple of callups. Not likely.
Could be Josh Ravin, who was in the bullpen earlier, but placed on the DL on April 2 with a “viral infection” when the Braves added catcher Carlos Perez. I wonder if he has “recovered”? 😉 Seems a good possibility.
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Ravin pitched in last night’s Triple A game: 2 innings, 0 hits, O walks, 4 Ks… Bring him up…
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Another good match up in store for tonight for the Braves, while I hate the late (7:35 PM) starts, I fully understand with the Braves straddling two time zones.
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The 7:35 start time also helps clear the rush hour traffic from the area around SunTrust Park…
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For those keeping up with such things, Ronald Acuña Jr. picked up 2 hits last night including a 395 blast to LF that almost cleared the high retaining wall behind the home bullpen. If he puts up another couple of games like that in a row, he could be headed to STP sooner than later.
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We talked about it, but I didn’t think they would actually do it. I am shocked he accepted a minor league deal, but I suppose at this juncture there’s no way he could be ready for major league action. Gotta have an opt out date I would think.
Folks, this means that Thoppy isn’t just mailing it in for 2018.
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NOTE: This is for 3B, not OF. Very important distinction.
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Well said.
Why it’s good for Joey Bats: He wasn’t given a sniff as an OF during FA, and even now. Proving he can still play 3B gives him more value and extends his career.
Why it’s good for the Braves: If he can indeed play 3B, he becomes the 1 year bridge to Austin Riley who profiles better power numbers at 3B than Flaherty does and provides the missing protection to Freddie at cleanup. And let’s admit the truth… the guy is entertaining.
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While I am not a big fan of bat flips, that only applies when it is the opposing team doing the flipping… Like San Fran’s adoration of Barry Baroids, if he is hitting home runs for us, he can do back flips around the bases…
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Prediction:
At 37, having played very few meaningful innings at 3B in several years, this will become more of a showcase for Bautista to move along to an AL team in need of a bat.
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Here’s what I really want to talk about today…
What becomes of Preston Tucker when RAJ gets the callup? There is much debate right now mostly centering around the phrase “small sample size”. But every season starts with the same sample size, and this season has started very successfully for Tuck.
He current leads the team in RBI with 13 (over Freddie’s 12). He’s 2nd on the team in HR’s behind the hulking Ozzie Albies with 3 (to Ozzie’s 5). He’s 3rd in SLG (.522) behind those noted sluggers Albies and Dansby Swanson, and he’s 5th in AVG (.283).
More notably, he leads Nick Markakis in every offensive statistical category except OBP (.365 to .320).
That said, Nick has had a strong start to his 2018 campaign as well, slashing a respectable 266/.365/.406 w/ 2 HR’s and 9 RBI.
Personally, I’d rather see Nick traded and RAJ called up to take over in RF, leaving Tuck in LF. perhaps his old team, the Orioles, might be interested. Their current RF – Craig Gentry – isn’t exactly exciting anyone in Maryland, and at age 34 isn;t likely to turn the corner anytime soon.
It should also be noted that the O’s recently lost their utility IF for a period of time and just recalled a career minor leaguer to fill the role. Another former O, and bro-in-law of Kakes, Ryan Flaherty, might fit that role perfectly for them. Maybe we could package the family duo together. Gotta make room for Johan soon somehow…
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Day game. Stripers are up 6-1 over Scranton in the 6th inning. RAJ has a hit and a run scored in 4 AB’s, while Max Fried went 5.1 IP and allowed just 1 ER and 5 H while striking out 4.
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Didn’t consider the LH Biddle. Assumed we’d replace righty with righty. Oh well…
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Biddle, drafted in 2010, set to make his major league debut.
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MLBTR:
It’s a long-awaited call-up for Biddle, who was selected in the first round of the 2010 draft and once regarded among the game’s hundred top pre-MLB players. Injuries disrupted his progress, however, and forced him out of the rotation.
Since landing with the Braves and working back to health, Biddle has shown well in the upper minors. He turned in 49 2/3 innings of 2.90 ERA ball last year at Double-A, registering 9.6 K/9 against 2.9 BB/9. And Biddle was off to an excellent start in the highest level of the minors in 2018, allowing just three hits and no runs while running up eight strikeouts against a single walk in his 6 1/3 innings.
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I don’t know what the hell it says I can’t find the file I don’t know where we split it I don’t
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You ok there buddy?
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Well crap!
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As for whom may come in to replace Sanchez in the rotation, the pitchers are on an extra day’s rest with the game being postponed last Sunday, so they could pitch Newk tomorrow in that spot and he’d be on regular rest. But you still have to address it on Friday. Don’t ask who is on that schedule in Gwinnett… (Matt Wisler). Soroka’s next possible turn is Sunday, followed by Allard on Monday. Max Fried started today. In other words, there isn’t a good candidate (Wisler) from AAA to fill that spot tomorrow OR Friday.
Lucas Sims for 4 or 5 innings, followed by Johnny Allstaff? It could happen.
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… and don’t think about Luiz Gohara. He made his first rehab start yesterday to mixed results. He threw 62 pitches (35 strikes) in 3.1 IP, giving up 5 H’s with 4 K’s and 3 BB’s.
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I think the best chances at the moment are for Lucas Sims to make the emergency start tomorrow with Soroka getting the spot next time around.
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Yep, Johan started at 3B for the Gwinnett Stripers this afternoon where he went 3-5 with a 2B, a run scored and a run driven in.
Busy fella.
Ryan Flaherty is in tonight’s lineup at 3B for the Bravos.
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You gotta think they won’t even think about pitching him tonight.
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Hamstrings are not to be trifled with are they? Actually, it blows…. Sanchez was a bright spot in the Braves rotation.
Ah well, it’s an ill wind that doesn’t fill somebody’s sails… Good for Johan, he will be in the game at some point, likely as a pinch hitter.
Well, we got the probable DL call right on Ramirez, just not his replacement. Not like anyone has mentioned him as a candidate anywhere.
By the way, I don’t expect Ramirez back before he proves he can throw strikes, it may be a while.
Joey Bats…. very interesting….
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Ender’s first inning catch was a sure web gem for tonight.
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Another thought about the Braves signing Bautista to potentially play third base, I doubt he will make plays like the one Flarerty just did to rob Herrera of a hit. Well, there are just not many Nolan Arenados out there are they?
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You ok there buddy?
why sure, why do you ask? 😕
I was trying…trying to make a post at work with my phone, something I have very rarely done…then I tried to do it by voice …quickly…clearly, it didn’t work….
I was trying to say to V after talking about Preston’s hot start, what do you think about the DH now…and instead, that stuff was posted, I think a combo of 3 people talking around the same time…sigh…
sorry.
braves were up 4-2, now up 7-2! Don’t blow it guys…
should be in bed now….
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Ber, there is a commercial for Alexis in there somewhere… 🙂
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There was a moment when I felt physically ill last night, the moment Freddie got hit on his left wrist in exactly the same spot that cost him a MVP season last year. So far, the Braves are saying the X-rays did not reveal a fracture but I would imagine an MRI will be done today. Regardless, not good news.
Other than that Mrs Lincoln, how was the play….
McCarthy pitched a pretty game, Ender prove to him that the Braves had his back so just throw. Worked out well. Ozzie developed a case of the yips last night, I think he was still brooding over getting picked off first. You just cannot allow things like that to carry over. It is in the past, unless you have a way back machine, you can only learn from your mistake and move on.
A last comment on Freeman, I think he will end up on the DL for a couple of weeks at least. Likely Flowers will take his place for now. We’ll see…. The high flying Mutts come to town tonight, the Nits have shown the New Yorkers are human.
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I was trying to say to V after talking about Preston’s hot start, what do you think about the DH now
I might just surprise you, but I’ve thought about this for a little while now.
It’s obvious that it will never go away in the AL. And with interleague play what it is now, the rules should probably be the same on both sides. I think I’m ready to accept it.
It hurts me to say that, but it is what it is.
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And it doesn’t hurt that I’ve been watching alot of high school baseball this year where the DH is prevalent.
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BREAKING via MLBTR:
The Reds announced this morning that they’ve fired manager Bryan Price and pitching coach Mack Jenkins. Bench coach Jim Riggleman will assume managerial duties on an interim basis, while Triple-A skipper Pat Kelly will take over Riggleman’s duties as bench coach. Double-A pitching coach Danny Darwin has also been added to the Major League coaching staff. The Reds will conduct a search for a permanent managerial replacement “later in the year,” the team added.
Wow… not even 3 full weeks into the season? That was a quick trigger…
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The Reds announced this morning that they’ve fired manager Bryan Price and pitching coach Mack Jenkins.
Reading between the lines: What the Reds GM was saying was. “What do you mean you can’t win with the bunch of sweat hogs we gave you to plat with? It’s you or me and I hold the cards so adios dudes…”
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So if, big if, Freddie has to do 10 days on the DL…
Although he has no major league experience at 1B, Preston Tucker has 13 minor league games there. Best I can tell, he was primarily an OF at UFla. Can’t find specific position breakdowns for his college days, but his draft profile listed him as a OF/1B.
I’d like to see him get some reps with Wash at 1B… because I think we might could find a guy to play LF easier than 1B. Know what I mean?
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In the event Freddie is “day to day”, look for Johan to get the innings at 1B. Not a hard call there…
Now tonight’s starter? The crystal ball is getting cloudy…
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Let’s see if I can do voice text this time be I have kind of been on the fence to sort of wanting a DH but now it just makes so much sense imagine if you could have Lane Adams and Preston and perhaps even Joey bats coming off the bench pinch-hitting or dhing. Now we can just get baseball to get a 26 player on each team
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This seems like a BAAAAAD idea to me… 🙄
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I would expect a very rowdy crowd tonight, especially if the opposing teams scores either early or not at all…. Word of advice to all in attendance, make sure you either have a designated driver or a place to sleep at the stadium.
Advice to the outfielders, wear your batting helmets the entire game…
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WHEW!
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Please. No.
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Yes, Braves fans… this is the guy that will be on the mound for us tonight.
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Game tape from Wisler’s last major league start:
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LOL!!
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The above post would be even funnier if they were not so true… Ah well, the good news is Freddie’s wrist is not fractured but I’ll bet he has a heck of a bone bruise. It can be just a painful and debilitating in the short term.
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Hope he’s really physically ready and not coming back too quickly! Don’t want lingering problems all year.
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I was just sitting here thinking about the fact that they DFA’d Lane Adams today to make room for Matt Wisler. Y’all realize that was unnecessary because Wisler was already on the 40-man roster, right? They could have simply optioned a pitcher to make room. Yet they kept the open slot and cast off an OF. Has RAJ written all over it. His spot is just sitting there waiting for him to get hot.
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Agreed Vee, it has additional moves coming written all over it…
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Hey CL, the Braves vs Mets game is free tonight on MLB TV…
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Chief, would you believe that mlb won’t let me in?? You have to register, which I did. Got “confirmation error”. ???????
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I’m almost afraid I will jinx the guy but Wisler looks like a different guy pitching tonight…
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I have to take it back. The boy did well. I haven’t checked, but has another Braves starter pitched into the 8th inning this year? Or the 7th for that matter…
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you just never know with baseball, right? I told you all about how my boy Matty was gonna pitch a whale of a game , right???? 😛
He is still only 25…hard to believe….and no V, heard them say no braves pitcher had pitched as far into a game as Wisler did…amazing! His slider was very good, and pinpoint control. I am sure all pitchers know pinpoint control is a key to their success, but…you can’t always make pitches go or do what you want, at least not without a lot of practice. Nothing wrong with another starting pitcher option, eh?
and how about Preston Tucker???? 18 RBI’s leads all of baseball… He will be 28 in July, is he finally putting it all together, or has the league just not figured him out yet?
can you imagine the issues if Acuna was tearing it up right now?
I guess it’s safe to say the new homeboy upstairs is all about money spent, or being spent.
Lane Adams DFA’ed, but this years Emilio Bonifacio and his .130 BA stays cuz…he has power like Lane…err, well no, but he can steal bases like Lane…no, not anymore….he’s a better CF’er for all those days off Ender is going to have! Sigh…I wonder if some team like the Giants, or the Rays will grab Lane…he would make an excellent 4th outfielder for someone…
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High, inner third fastballs appear to be Preston’s krytonite. Off speed pitches are Freddie’s nemesis right now.
Camargo made a heck of a diving catch in foul territory last night. I do love some stellar defense.
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More on Tucker, he is the age where most ballplayers finally mature. Acuna mania will arrive at some point but for now, now mess with the team chemistry…
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Acuna mania will arrive at some point
Yes… as soon a AA finds a trade partner for Kakes. 😉
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I guess it’s safe to say the new homeboy upstairs is all about money spent, or being spent.
I think he’s more about being deliberate. I think he has a plan, and that he’s alot more patient that we fans are.
As to why DFA Lane over Borjous? Whether we prefer one over the other or not, we’ve watched both for a number of weeks. Other teams have not focused any attention on either Peter Borjous or Lane Adams. They’ll only look at this year’s spring numbers and 17 regular season games. Borjous wins that battle. Plus, he’s spent time as a major league starting OF. He would be more likely to be claimed. I think Lane has a good chance of slipping through.
And by that same logic, Peter Borjous would be more tradeable before July 31. IMO, if we can win the waiver gamble, Lane has a better chance of staying longer in the organization than does Borjous.
Like you, Ber, I would like to have Lane on my bench, I hope we don’t lose him to a waiver claim, and I hope that if he does make it through and that he accepts an outright assignment to AAA. (He’s been outrighted before by the Yankees, so he can refuse an assignment and become a FA if he wants.)
I imagine that there is somewhat a loose handshake agreement between Lane and AA. These things aren’t usually left to chance. Those execs make alot of coin for a reason.
And of course, it must all be framed in the context of Acuna-mania anyway. There’s a better than good chance that Borjous will simply follow Lane into DFA limbo shortly as well.
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BTW- I also think that Charlie Culberson could be traded to accommodate RAJ. Or maybe even Ryan Flaherty. Unless you think Flaherty has suddenly figured out how to hit a base ball at age 31 (career slash .222/.293/.360). Might be a good time to trade him while he has value and before he comes back to his norm – unlike what Coppoloser did with Matt Adams last year.
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base ball
Did I really put that space in there?
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He’s absolutely raking at AA. This kid has made “the turn” and is prepping to take the next step. He probably faces better “stuff” at AA, but not better control. I expect him to bump up a level by mid-season. Johan is already out of his way at AAA, and the organization will have to make a call on Rio soon. Riley is forcing it…
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I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am about all of our youngsters that are here or on the verge of being here. Riley, Dans, Ozzie, Ender, RAJ… not to dismiss the pitchers. Holy cow!
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Think about this…
An IF of Riley, Dans, Ozzie and Freddie, and an OF of RAJ, Ender, and a big bopping veteran FA. And I’m trying to keep Flow and Zuk past this year too.
That’s a lineup that will score alot of runs. Heck, they already are with the guys who are here already!
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V, I just seem to recall Thoppy being a bit hamstrung in Toronto, financially…and when he did make a big deal (Thor and Travis d’Arnaud for RA Dickey) it really wasn’t a good deal longterm….
As to why DFA Lane over Borjous? Whether we prefer one over the other or not, we’ve watched both for a number of weeks. Other teams have not focused any attention on either Peter Borjous or Lane Adams. They’ll only look at this year’s spring numbers and 17 regular season games. Borjous wins that battle. Plus, he’s spent time as a major league starting OF. He would be more likely to be claimed. I think Lane has a good chance of slipping through.
V, I just have to respectfully disagree here…I will grant you Borjous is a better fielder, but that’s it. 3 for 23 with 1 extra base hit, little power , and a useless basestealer these days (even though he is still fast)
Lane is like Grégor Blanco to me (yes, I copied and pasted his name 😛 ) only with more power…a guy that does the little things right, and helps teams win…not sure Lane can bunt all that well though…well, time will tell. A Smart scout would tell his team to take a chance on him….
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Interesting!
Congrats to Phil Coyne who, at age 99, is retiring after an amazing 81-year run as a @Pirates usher. Phil began working as an usher at Forbes Field in 1936. In ’35 he was in the crowd at Forbes Field to witness Babe Ruth’s final three home runs of his career.
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https://twitter.com/ToddPratt07/status/968898415156453377
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Good evening Stuffville, okay, a rain out gives the Braves another Sunday off, kind of but also gives them series win against the Mutts. Wasn’t that a fantastic finish to the game Saturday night? WOW! Just WOW!
And the Braves may not have fielded their best team yet… The addition of Joey Bats, the imminent return of Tyler Flowers and the probable addition of Acuna Jr all bode well for the Braves. So, it’s on to Philly, keep it going guys…
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When you realize it has rained ALOT at your home/office…
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Me getting ready to walk the dog this morning…
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How I took my daughter to school today…
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Won’t be long now.
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So we have 4 games starting tonight vs. the woeful Reds in Cincy. Young Gabe Burns of the AJC puts it quite succinctly: “The Reds are 3-18 with third-worst run differential in MLB. Their worst start in 137-year history. You may view this as a positive opportunity, or a prime chance for disappointment.”
Good teams hold their own against top opponents and make hay vs. bad opponents. This is when we’ll see if the Braves have taken a step forward or not. We need to take 3 of these 4 games, and we should dominate them.
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Let’s pray that they don’t fall apart with overconfidence and LOSE to them! Prime opportunity for embarrassment! 🙂
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As to Joey Bats, Bowman reports that he’s made quick progress in his new organization. I’ll point out a couple of major bullet points:
Though he was forced to make his own preparations as he went through the entire offseason unsigned, Bautista reported to the Braves’ Spring Training facility last week and provided clear indications he had not just been sitting around waiting for an opportunity.
Bautista has not regularly played third base over the past decade, but Braves infield instructor Adam Everett has been encouraged by what he has seen thus far.
And this from Snit: “The reports are really good — defensively, offensively, how he’s playing the game, the shape he’s in. I think that’s what blows everybody away, the shape that he is in. He’s in good baseball shape. It’s just a matter of timing and getting him to Triple-A to see a little better pitching.”
To that last part, Bowman informs: He’ll be promoted in time to play both ends of Triple-A Gwinnett’s doubleheader against Rochester on Monday at Frontier Field.
This is what’s called “the fast track”. Bautista was not signed to be depth. He was signed to play. He’ll play as soon as possible.
We could add both Jose Bautista and Ronald Acuna withing the next week, and Tyler Flowers may not be that far behind.
My crystal ball sees Charlie Culberson and Peter Borjous as the guys on the bubble, with young Carlos Perez definitely being DFA’d (0 options remaining) to make room for Flow’s return.
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I always manage to butcher Peter Bourjos’ name. Adams was alot easier to spell.
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This is the “go to” lineup we could see very soon:
Ender, CF (L)
Ozzie, 2B (S)
Freddie, 1B (L)
Bautista, 3B (R)
Kakes, RF (L)
Flowzuki, C (R)
Acuna, LF (R)
Dans, SS (R)
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V, I will admit to sitting in front of the computer in my undies, but you are brave man to sit there plum nekked! I guess when its raining like it it was the last 2 days, you don’t want any wet clothes on…..
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I guess when its raining like it it was the last 2 days, you don’t want any wet clothes on
Might catch a cold.
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Bowman obviously reads the ol’ B&S…
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I was just about to post the same comment by Bowman and opine the same observation on reading the B & S…
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Well, it’s not exactly rocket surgery…
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V, ever watch the local news coverage of the braves? Clearly, the folks doing the sports “reporting” know nothing about baseball, and even less about the braves (if someone is on a channel that I might not watch often, please let me know) anyways…I find it funny that they have been hyping Acuna a fair bit. Perhaps the news directors, someone…does know something about baseball. So, I have seen a little footage of Acuna hitting, especially yesterdays 3 hits. Acuna did not look comfortable. I really, really can’t believe someone was messing with his swing, perhaps he’s trying too hard. He just seems to LUNGE at the ball, nothing like the smooth cobra like swing of last year (you’ve never seen a cobra swing a bat? It’s a site to behold, let me tell ya) Of course, the highlights I saw last year were on mainly homers….I don’t know..whats funny is Ozzie is still the youngest player in the majors…that’s amazing to think about, isn’t it?
I REALLY wanted to see Acuna in LF to start the season…and I know folks want Riley here mid season…but…there is a reason besides starting the clock to not bring them up at 20, 21, right? and you don’t have to worry about them hurting their arms like , oh I don’t know vertually every stud starter at AA and AAA right now. Luiz Gohara, is also only 21 , yikes!!!!
we need to have, oh what is that word I hate??? Patience
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I don’t even have the patience to wait for the this song to rock out…fast forward, fast forward!!! 😉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErvgV4P6Fzc
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wait…it never really rocks out, it’s mostly a ballad….time to play Paradise City 😛
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V, ever watch the local news coverage of the braves?
I never watch local news coverage of anything. I never watch local news. Come to think of it, I never watch any news. Not anymore. Not since it became the fifth column of The Left.
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Not sure if this is a strong opinion or a sourced reporting of fact. But it is widely speculated…
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Uh… maybe that’s his source…
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It should also be noted that Camargo has minor league options remaining.
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Yes, I would believe that the Braves would rather see Camargo bat everyday than to get stale on the bench. Either way, by the time the Braves come home from this road trip, I think we will see a much different team.
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Yes Vee, I gave up on the “news” a couple of years ago, it only ticked me off to listen to the tripe.
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So excited about this one!!
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Walks’ll kill ya. Bad loss tonight. Undoes alot of good.
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It was ugly wasn’t it? The strike zone was not called fairly but if you aren’t throwing strikes to begin with, you seldom get the calls on the corners. Of course that’s just my lying eyes telling me that… and the little box on the screen.
Still, it is evident that the pen is lacking right now.
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Folty thru 100 pitches in 5 innings…against a bad team.
I think Gil has pointed this out before, as much as it seems like low hanging fruit, even bad teams win 60-70 games, and the Reds were way overdue.
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Expect a pitching move today… probably LHRP Jesse Biddle being demoted as he has an option remaining and tossed 23 pitches last night. Rex Brothers is a possibility to return if they want to replace LH with LH. And Brothers didn’t pitch in either of the games in yesterday’s DH split vs. Rochester.
Speaking of that double-header, Game 1 (1-0 Stripers win) is a nice glimpse of the future. Mike Soroka went 7 IP for the shutout W. Also, RAJ led the game off with a walk, then stole 2B, followed by another steal of 3B… then came home on an IF hit for the only run of the game. I think it’s fair to say he “stole” the game for the Stripers.
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As for Joey Bats, he played 3B in Game 1, and DH’d in Game 2. He was 0-3 w/ 1 K in each game. In the field, he fielded all his chances at 3B cleanly and started 1 DP.
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Jose Bautista will become #Braves starting third baseman when he’s promoted. Ryan Flaherty will be utilityman. Bautista is in Triple-A to see better pitching. Team doesn’t anticipate he’ll need much time there.
Ummm, errr….why??????????????????????????????????
Is Joey Bats a long term solution?
Is he even a good hitter anymore? (.234 in 2016, .203 in 2017)
Does he have power? Yep…22 HR’s in 2016 and 23 in 2017…..but….neither year did he even drive in 70 RBI’s . You know who is his age, can drive in 60+ RBI’s, proved he can play 3rd base, and can still, you know…have a batting average? BP of course (I am wondering if he is a bit of an Arse, cuz he’s even said he would play all over the diamond, off the bench, last I heard, no one had taken him up on that offer)
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Mike Soroka , seems the only thing wrong with him, is he is too young! 😛
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Is Joey Bats a long term solution?
Nope. He’s here to provide protection behind Freddie for the foreseeable future, which could only be until July 31 depending on how well he performs. It could possibly be for the whole year if his presence makes that much of a difference in this year’s team.
Does he have power? Yep…22 HR’s in 2016 and 23 in 2017
That’s all that really matters as the much needed threat behind Freddie.
*have a batting average? *
Not all cleanup hitters do. High avg. guys, or more specifically high OBP guys typically bat 1-3. Batters 4-6 typically just need to be able to turn a game around with 1 swing. When you combine power with avg., then you have the ingredients for a playoff team. We aren’t there yet. But next year? Time will tell. Austin Riley will be that guy at some point, but not this year.
Mike Soroka , seems the only thing wrong with him, is he is too young!
It was repeated by many during spring that Soroka had the best camp of all the pitchers. His age, and relative lack of experience above A ball, is indeed a part of it, but equally responsible is the fact that there are roadblocks at the moment. Julio, Folty, McCarthy, Newk, Sanchez, and Gohara are already in line in front of Soroka. And let’s be honest, the Braves starting pitching has been great thus far. Now the bullpen has let us down a few times, but the starters have been right on time.
But at some point, some of those guys in front of Soroka will be moved to make room. If McCarthy continues to perform as he has, he could easily be in demand in late July. Same could be said for Julio of the Braves are willing to move him. I’ve read rumblings that the Braves would like to get Gohara going and showing off that great stuff so that they can maximize his trade value, believing he’ll spend much of his career in the training room. I don’t know if that’s accurate, but I can believe it.
All that being said, these things often have a way of taking care of themselves. I would never wish ill health on anyone, but injuries do happen. At some point this year a path will open and Soroka will get his call. And he’ll start his bright future on the mound in STP.
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Cost us last night’s game.
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Yes, the normally reliable Sam Freeman had a very bad night Monday, then it became contagious when you combined spotty pitching with a progressively smaller strike zone, well, the results were obvious.
Austin Riley is burning it up in double A, I don’t know if he will get promoted to Gwinnett in mid season or nit but he is going to make it tough to keep him down on the farm next year.
Preston Tucker and Ryan Flaherty are both making it much easier to move them off the everyday line up.
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Or they could do this… 😉
BTW- I like it. Max Fried will be a starter before too much longer, but I like him to help this shaky bullpen this year. It’s an “all in” type of move for 2018.
Yes… Freeman has struggled with his control lately, but he has a better track record than does Socoblahblah.
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And let’s face it – nobody is going to put a waiver claim in on Soco, so he’ll just be outrighted to Gwinnett in a week.
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Austin Riley is burning it up in double A, I don’t know if he will get promoted to Gwinnett in mid season or nit but he is going to make it tough to keep him down on the farm next year.
He will surely be promoted to AAA by mid-season. He has nothing else to learn against AA pitching. Rio Ruiz better step up his game in a big hurry. He’s slashing a pedestrian .262/.308/.393 at Gwinnett, but striking out at an alarming 20% rate. He could be playing his way out of the organization sooner that later. Seriously… he’s obviously not in the future plans for 3B, that mantle having been snatched away by Riley. And the signing of Joey Bats proves Rio’s not very much in the current plans either.
Preston Tucker and Ryan Flaherty are both making it much easier to move them off the everyday line up.
Both coming back to “the back of their baseball card”, so to speak. I saw something recently that shocked me, which is that as hot a start as Tucker has had, he only has like 1 hit against a LH pitcher? Yep- a quick check of his stats shows that to be true. Can’t have that in the lineup everyday.
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I hope Bow is wrong about him going back. He’d be one of our better relievers already. He can help us win games now.
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Did y’all see this? Brilliant concept!
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V, I know you didn’t sign Joey B, just defending the decision….I just think it’s stupid on the GM’s part.
He clearly has a man crush on Joey B…fine. He played in 157 games last year, quite impressive. But, he played in perhaps the most homer friendly division in a all of baseball. and still only hit 22. Thats NOTHING These days.
so, the NL which he hasn’t played in in forever (Look at the trouble Carlos Santana is having in Philly, BA all the way up to .159) in mostly bigger parks…..
and he hit .203 last year and is 37. (How many cleanup hitters have that little power, and that low of a BA again?) But I am sure he is just gonna scare the heck out of NL managers and pitchers and they will know pitch to FF.
But, lets’ make a bench player out of 23 Y.O. Carmargo, (who will he take time away from, Dansby? Ozzie? pull splinters out of his butt, or back to AAA cuz we got us a stud, who is in no way a has-been)
remember what Chipper said, way, way back in FEB?????
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — In 2015, the season before the Braves hired Chipper Jones as special assistant to baseball operations, Johan Camargo tallied 22 extra-base hits with a .315 on-base percentage as a 21-year-old in High-A ball. The Panamanian infielder turned heads defensively, but wielding an MLB-quality bat seemed unlikely.
Twenty-six months later count Jones, the newly minted Hall of Famer, among those impressed with Camargo’s rapid rise to becoming a productive major-league option.
“Since I came back in the fold after I retired, he’s probably been the most improved player that I’ve seen in this organization,” said Jones, who is in Braves camp through February. “He was a guy that was a slap hitter from both sides of the plate, (swinging) a wet newspaper at the plate. He’s always had the ability to catch and throw at short, and now he’s playing third.”
Camargo arrived at last year’s spring camp in noticeably better physical condition — and the results played out. In his age-23 season, he hit .299/.331/.452 with four home runs and 27 extra-base hits in 256 big-league plate appearances while playing four different positions. The only rookies to best Camargo’s 1.2 wins above replacement in less playing were teammate Ozzie Albies and sluggers Rhys Hoskins (Phillies) and Matt Olsen (Athletics). He’s considered the frontrunner to land Jones’ former spot at the hot corner after playing 286 innings there in 2017.
Chipper Jones on 2018 Braves: ‘It’s going to start with the pitching’
Camargo’s season was undercut by a strange bone bruise in his right knee suffered while running onto the field against the Phillies, though he returned in early September and played out the rest of the campaign. He played winter ball for Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Winter League, where he hit .324/.425/.500 in 20 regular-season games and dominated in the playoffs.
“The fact that he’s a shortstop and they’re trying to find a place for him to play says a lot about his ability and what they think about him in (the front office),” Jones said. “What did he hit .290, .300 last year? And he’s a slick fielder so you’ve got to find somewhere for him to play.”
Camargo is battling Rio Ruiz and new addition Charlie Culberson, another utility option acquired from the Dodgers in the Matt Kemp trade. Barring a mid-spring addition, the third base job appears to be Camargo’s to lose.
Camargo’s season was undercut by a strange bone bruise in his right knee suffered while running onto the field against the Phillies, though he returned in early September and played out the rest of the campaign. He played winter ball for Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Winter League, where he hit .324/.425/.500 in 20 regular-season games and dominated in the playoffs.
“The fact that he’s a shortstop and they’re trying to find a place for him to play says a lot about his ability and what they think about him in (the front office),” Jones said. “What did he hit .290, .300 last year? And he’s a slick fielder so you’ve got to find somewhere for him to play.”
Chipper, oh he’s gonna play…in AAA…or once a week for Joey B
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On a happier note, Jace Peterson traded from the Yankees to the Orioles.
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wow, glad I stayed with this game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Yep. Tucker has come back to earth. The new era starts tonight.
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But, lets’ make a bench player out of 23 Y.O. Carmargo
I agree with that too. I think you’ll remember I’ve said many times previously that IMO his greatest strength is his versatility. If you take that away from him you weaken his value.
Simple difference of opinion. It’s what makes us interesting.
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Well, it was fun while it lasted but after Max Fried shook off Zuk for the forth time, I turned to Josie and said, “here goes the ball game”… Boom! 2 run walk off homer on a hanging curve ball. Kid, don’t shake off a veteran backstop when you fresh up from the bushes…
Yes, the Ronald Acuna Jr era is soon upon us…
Going to only one of many moves to happen this week.
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https://twitter.com/Blair_Force1/status/989003641133641728
Ha ha ha ha…
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I wonder now that RAJ has exited the AAA building, will Austin Riley make a move upward?
Could happen…
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Still awaiting word on who loses their big league roster spot to accommodate The Answer To Everything. I hope Peter Bourjos didn’t sign a long term lease in Cobb County.
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BTW- the conspiracy people think the move was timed to distract us from 2 pitiful losses to a pitiful team. I don’t know if that was the intent, but it worked. 😀
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Ha ha… DO’B picked the wrong leg of the road trip to take off…
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BTW- Lane Adams’ time in DFA limbo will resolve today, I believe. It does not appear that he’ll be claimed off waivers. This was a calculated risk by the front office that will pay off. Expect Lane to be outrighted to AAA today.
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Hey it actually maybe he Preston Tucker that either gets traded or released which would be a first the guy leading the team in RBIs but he can’t really play Centerfield can he?
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Joey Bats collected a hit and 2 walks in yesterday’s AAA tilt. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him join the team in Philly on Friday.
Why?
Ryan Flaherty’s last 7 games: .217/.357/.391, more closely mirroring his career slash line of .221/.292/.359. Players don’t suddenly flip a switch at age 32 and start hitting.
Before we remind ourselves of Bautista’s lackluster batting avg., we should remember his prodigious power potential (like the alliteration?), something neither Flaherty nor Johan Camargo has ever exhibited. For that matter, no one on the current roster outside of Freddie has ever come close. He is essentially this year’s Matt Kemp without the additional freight.
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Hey it actually maybe he Preston Tucker that either gets traded or released which would be a first the guy leading the team in RBIs but he can’t really play Centerfield can he?
And he can’t hit LH pitching. Just 1 hit against a lefty this season. But to your point, Preston Tucker actually has a minor league option available, so he could be demoted. That said, i really think he’ll be kept around to PH late in games against RH pitching. Bourjos’ value came as a backup CF and pinch runner. That’s not necessary with Acuna and Camargo on the roster.
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Wanna know the clearest reason Tucker has lost his starting job in LF?
Last 15 games: .167/.200/.313. It’s that simple.
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Ha ha ha ha ha…
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No question RAJ starts tonight, and no question he starts in LF.
But where do you think he bats in the order?
Talk amongst yourselves…
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My guess:
Ender, CF (L)
Ozzie, 2B (S)
Freddie, 1B (L)
Kakes, RF (L)
Acuna, LF (R)
Zuk, C (R)
Dans, SS (R)
Flaherty, 3B (R)
My preference:
Ozzie, 2B (S)
Ender, CF (L)
Acuna, LF (R)
Freddie, 1B (L)
Kakes, RF (L)
Zuk, C (R)
Dans, SS (R)
Flaherty, 3B (R)
And soon:
Ozzie, 2B (S)
Ender, CF (L)
Acuna, LF (R)
Freddie, 1B (L)
Bautista, 3B (R)
Kakes, RF (L)
Zuk, C (R)
Dans, SS (R)
More likely:
Ender, CF (L)
Ozzie, 2B (S)
Freddie, 1B (L)
Bautista, 3B (R)
Acuna, LF (R)
Kakes, RF (L)
Zuk, C (R)
Dans, SS (R)
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Doing this from work so there will be mistakes. The the thing with Preston is he hasn’t even had a chance against lefties though he’s definitely slumping of late but he got another hit last night he’s like to 413 I think that’s honestly too small a sample size
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The the thing with Preston is he hasn’t even had a chance against lefties
13 plate appearances; 2 hits
he’s definitely slumping of late but he got another hit last night he’s like to 413
.254/.289/.465… exactly. He’s brought those early gaudy numbers waaay down.
I think that’s honestly too small a sample size
That’s probable, Too small for a real assessment good or bad. And at age 27 he’s not as predictable as Ryan Flaherty.
What’s not deniable, though, is that Ronald Acuña Jr. is a far… FAR better option in LF than Preston Tucker. And I like Tucker. But I love RAJ.
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And there ya go. No surprises.
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13, huh? I like it.
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Hey, lucky number 13, (my old number) Wear it well RAJ, strive to have it retired…
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And 2nite’s lineup is:
Ender, CF (L)
Ozzie, 2B (S)
Freddie, 1B (L)
Kakes, RF (L)
Camargo, 3B (S)
Acuna, LF (R)
Dans, SS (R)
Carlos Perez, C (L)
I find this a little weird. Why bat Camargo ahead of RAJ? You don’t have the pressure at 5 that you have at 4, so that should not be the issue. And your lineup has it’s LH’s and RH’s bunched. C’mon Snit!
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I learned how to make the proper ñ for Acuña.
Hold down alt+164
It’s always a good day when I learn something.
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Shocker.
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According to young Gabe Burns, RAJ wanted uni # 24, but Zuk has it, No particular significance to # 13. He was given a short list and that’s what he took.
Prediction: next year he wears # 24.
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Or any other number he wants…..
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V, I just don’t think a team wants to ever put too much pressure on a new kid….seems they always bat 6,7, or 8th…
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Am I grinning? Is it showing?
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Okay, I know I am doing something wrong, alt+164? Do you type an n and then press the alt key and then the + key and then 164 all at the same time or in sequence?
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Above image is of Jace Peterson in his first at bat as an Oriole. Double down the right field line, 2 RBI.
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Okay, I know I am doing something wrong, alt+164? Do you type an n and then press the alt key and then the + key and then 164 all at the same time or in sequence?
Hold down alt, and while it’s down type the sequence 1 6 4.
ñ
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n
uh-oh…..
n+alt164?……
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As excited as I was about RAJ’s debut yesterday, I missed it completely. It was really inconsiderate of the Braves to do that on a Wednesday. Being in Student Ministry, my Wednesday nights are consumed by those activities.
But I did monitor his first AB on Twitter.
So close.
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I shall go hunting highlights now…
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Heroic.
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Highlights found.
How do I love them? Let me count the ways…
Ender setting the table
Ozzie HR
Camargo big hits
RAJ 1st hit, and blazing speed
Dansby big hit
Biddle 2 shutdown innings
Winkler shutdown inning
AJ 1st save
The youngsters are here and the youngsters are producing. Our patience is being paid off as the promises are coming to fruition.
And it’s sweet.
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Just hold down alt, and while it’s down type in sequence 1 6 4. The ñ will appear.
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hmmm…..it doesn’t work for me. Strange! Here’s what I get:
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https://www.mlb.com/news/prospect-ronald-acuna-debuts/c-273807250
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I can recall even recently the Braves rebuild being criticized for concentrating too much on pitching and not enough on position players. But when I look at the kids that are now here, plus one or two more to come, I see something special.
RAJ
Ozzie
Dans
Ender
Freddie
Austin Riley Soon… must be patient…
And possibly Alex Jackson, although there is still some polishing to be done.
Seriously, that lineup just needs another OF and it’s special. (FA or trade in the offseason?)
If AJax comes on like we want, it’s extra special.
I wonder how long it’ll take for Cristian Pache? 😉
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I guess I too will just continue with a plain n, the macro does not work for me either. Are you using Micro soft office Vee?
12 noon game today… Tyler Flowers reinstated yet?
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Are you using Micro soft office Vee?
Just typing into the ol’ WordPress box here…
ñ
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Show off… -)
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Of course, you can always do what I did before I learned how to type ñ…
… and that is to cut and paste it. 😀
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2day’s lineup:
Ender, CF
Ozzie, 2B
Freddie, 1B
Kakes, RF
Zuk, C
Acuña, LF
Dans, SS
Flaherty, 3B
Newk, RHP
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Tyler Flowers reinstated yet?
Ben Ingram on radio says indications are tomorrow or Saturday in Philly.
He also made a vague reference to Carlos Perez doing something, or maybe not doing something last night that rankled fans’ feathers. What happened?
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Missed a tag that was in plenty of time for an out allowing the tying run to score.
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I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before, and I’ve seen alot of baseball. As Zuk bails out backward away from an up and inside pitch, the ball hits square off the bottom of the knob and right back to the pitcher. Toss to first… out.
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HOLY COW!
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416 feet. That ball was smoked. Hacuña Matata!
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Nice catch out in the LF bleachers by a Braves fan, too!
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Atlañta Braves are still uñdefeated in the Ronald Acuña, Jr. era… 😉
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Ronald Acuña, Jr. today: 3-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R
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single, double (a thing of beauty by the way) and a homer. Not a bad day at the office.
On a side note, 2nd helmet loss. He has a way to go to catch Albies. I think they both watched too many Manny tapes…
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Ozzie had a good day at the plate as well plus Freddie with 3 doubles. Was a little hairy in the ninth inning but managed to get three put outs.
Pretty exciting little team that has been put together. Newk pitched a pretty nice game despite CB Buckner calls balls and balls….
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So, look for Jose and Flo to join the team in Philly and Culbertson and Perez to get demoted.
Then watch for the development of the next group of pitchers to get promoted.
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Haven’t heard of Bryce Wilson?
#embarassmentofriches
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My question is this, who is ready to shore up a leaky bullpen? Who in the organization can consistently throw strikes? If you look at the losses suffered so far by the Braves this season, the common denominator is late inning walks.
Hey, I am realistic, every team will lose a third of their games, I just hate it when a game that has surely been placed in the win column is thrown away. It’s demoralizing on so many levels.
So, the promotion of Acuna has given the team a boost after looking flat the first two games in Cinncy. The Braves again face Philly’s best starting pitchers. One thing for sure, The Bank Vault is not a park that treats fly ball pitchers kindly.
At least the rain should have moved through by game time.
We had a old fashion frog strangler here this morning, It rained for 25 minutes but we got a total of 1.23 inches of rain it that short amount of time.
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Speaking of pitching? One more start for Wisler or Sanchez reactivated?
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My question is this, who is ready to shore up a leaky bullpen?
Several reports late last night say that the Braves will promote Chase Whitley today, presumably to be in Philly for tonight’s series opener. It hasn’t been announced yet and there is no early speculation on a corresponding move, but I would imagine Max Fried will go back and rejoin the Gwinnett rotation.
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If you’ll recall, Whitley was the guy that developed a staph infection back in early March that derailed his spring training. Hopefully he is ready to contribute and be the reliable ‘pen arm the Braves envisioned when they signed him in the offseason.
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I like Fried but he is a kid who will benefit from more time in the minors, no need to rush him at this point. Wisler, who is still mighty young, is having typical starts you could expect from a number 4 or five, that being good start, bad start or good start, two bad starts.
Getting ACE type stuff every time out is rarefied air reserved for the young Tom Glavins and Greg Maddoxs of the world.
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So, Julio goes tonight and against Aaron Nola it is a 50/50 shot at a win. Good Julio has been more evident since Anibal Sanchez has arrived on the scene, I have to believe that Anibal has a very positive influence on the still young Julio Teheran, much the same way Ervin Santana did three years ago.
Still, I would ride Anibal as long as I could and see where the Braves are at the trading deadline. The Bravos might very well be buyers instead of sellers after the All-Star break.
As it stands, the team is starting to come together very nicely. The Braves have not yet faced the Marlins and only seen the Mets once. The Mets by the way are starting to return to earth. Don’t be surprised to see the under performing Nits come to life either. Like many teams, they are finding that opponents are not simply rolling over because they are suppose to.
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The Bravos might very well be buyers instead of sellers after the All-Star break.
I think they could be a little bit of both…
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And there ya go.
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So, no surprises, just a matter of timing right now as to who goes where and when.
Next move will include Bautista methinks…
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I feel bad for Wisler…while he got into a few jams, he really pitched well to get out of them (I think one time the bases were loaded, no outs, and he didn’t give up a run) had 4 good innings I believe…then things came undone
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I have an embarrassing story to tell….I knew the braves were playing the Reds at 12:30-35 Thurs afternoon…really wanted to listen to the game at work (since I do mindless paper filing, and working with folks half my age who always have ear buds in at work, it’s not an issue to listen to music, podcasts, etc) so…I tried…boy, did I try, but wow…tunein seems to have the market cornered…you cannot get the local broadcast on your phone it seems, unless you want to pay for “free” radio , which I don’t…so, got on my phone later, went to ESPN for the score, and saw the braves had been shut out by mad Max of the Nats 2-0…I was thinking, well, no biggie I missed the game…silly me, didn’t think that my stupid phone and stupid espn would take me to an OLD page I looked at…why would I doubt that they lost to the nats Thursday , it was right there ! Sigh…
so, when I saw V’s highlight showing Acuna hitting a homer…I was confused, but within 1, 2 hours I put 1+1 together 😛
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Nothing like modern technology to keep you on your toes, eh Ber? 🙂
It’s like when we watch a recorded show and the wife does a double take because the weather person predicts snow in the forecast and it’s July… duh..
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“Outfielder Lane Adams, whom the Braves designated for assignment last week, chose to become a free agent rather than accept an assignment to Triple-A Gwinnett, the team said Friday.”
So long LA Swiftness, we hardly knew you…
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Braves release outfielder Bourjos
Two down… Who is next?
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Yeah Baby… 10-1 victory today that could have been even bigger. Day off Monday, gives the kids a free day in the Big Apple.
Hints to the rookies… Don’t buy a “Rolex” off the street vendors.
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Hints to the rookies… Don’t buy a “Rolex” off the street vendors.
At least don’t pay alot for it.
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Hey, I have a “fake” Rolex but I knew it was a fake when I bought it. Believe it or not, there are some pretty good knock offs. The tell is the second hand. If it sweeps continuously, it is real, if it ticks off each second, it’s not. You can buy a watch that keeps time just as well for about ten dollars. It’s all just stuff however. You can’t even send it ahead…. 🙂
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So long LA Swiftness, we hardly knew you…
He could be back. It wouldn’t surprise me.
Braves release outfielder Bourjos
He won’t be back. That would surprise me.
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I’ll tell ya, they sure look like a real baseball team don’t they? It’s possible that some of these fellas that are sizzling right now could cool off, but it’s not a given.
Isn’t it interesting how carefully pitchers are trying to pitch RAJ after just a handful of major league games?
Ozzie “All-Star” Albies. Ozzie “All Star”-bies. He is as advertised.
Isn’t it fun to watch all 5 tools on full display in the person of 1 player?
How about the slickness of Lt. Dans in the field? I think what we are observing is what we might have seen as a major league rookie if he’d have been allowed to complete his development in the minor leagues instead of in Atlanta. He’s comfortable at the plate, and he’s comfortable in the field. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the mega-crush of media attention is split between Ozzie and RAJ and not on him.
And then there’s Ender, who seems to get lost in the shuffle because he wasn’t one of the anticipated prospects, but is still a youngster flashing his own All-Star resume.
Folks, we are watching a contending team gel and come together. It’s quite fun… and quite satisfying.
Now the pitchers…
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Speaking of the pitchers, it must be noted that Mike Soroka was scratched from his scheduled start yesterday due to the uncertainty surrounding both Julio and Anibal. He’s on “standby” just in case.
And Folty. That dude is maturing and blossoming in his own way right before us. He still has his moments where the wheels start to wobble, but they’re completely coming off less and less. Then coming out Saturday and touching 100mph twice in the 1st inning… not to mention another 2 at 99? I think he’s on a mission to prove something this season. I don’t know if he’s trying to prove it to Snit or to Thoppy or simply to himself. And honestly, I don’t care. I like what I’m seeing. If he can harness that tremendous talent and keep the stuff between his ears in check, he can be our version of Noah Syndegaard.
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Latest reports on Joey Bats seem to indicate that the 3B experiment is going quite well, but he’s still showing some of the effects of getting a late start facing live pitching. IMO, he’s another guy that has something to prove, and that once he’s regained his timing he’s gonna put the rest of ML on notice that the reports of his demise have been greatly exaggerated.
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And now the Austin Riley report: He went hitless yesterday (gasp!) but is still slashing a cool .310/.363/.619. I think we can allowt him go hitless a time or 2 without reacting.
Speaking of the AA Mississippi Braves, OF Tyler Neslony, whom I have been a fan of since his college days at Texas Tech and whom Gil discovered this winter, He’s rolling at the plate right now with hits in 8 of his last 9 games and multi-hit games in 4 of his last 5. He’s slashing .424/457/.455 over that period and .330/.375/.386 for the season, but he’s not showing any power yet. That is a little concerning.
And just so you’ll know it’s not all puppies and rainbows. Alex Jackson has struggled at the plate thus far in the young season and doesn’t appear to be making any breakthroughs yet with hitting. That said, he’s still managing to get on base as is reflected in his .205/.345/.318 slash line. It’s a sign of maturity to be able to work counts and obtain walks when your bat isn’t working that well. Hopefully the hits will start to come. We have a couple of younger catching prospects that are interesting in Brett Cumberland and William Contreras, but we really need his bat to start coming on this season.
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Good morning Vee, the best thing I see about this Braves team is the balance. It is not all Freddie Freeman. On days when half the line up appears to be asleep, the other half is tearing it up. Of course, when everyone is clicking, it is a really scary line-up.
The Achilles heel still appears to be the spotty relief pitching. Something the Nits struggled with the first half of last season. Come to think of it, a lack of quality relievers is evident across the league.
I am not delusional, despite what you may have heard, I don’t expect the Braves to win every night, I just want them to have a chance to win every night. There is a difference. What I hate is when they are out of it by the 3rd inning. Keep plugging away because you just never know, look at the comeback the Cubs staged against the Bravos as an example.
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Austin Riley going hitless… well, sometimes the best at bats can be just becoming a tough out. High stress pitches can wear down a hurler pretty quick.
Watching the game and observing pitch track and seeing the inconstancy in the calling of balls and strikes by the home plate umpires. I don’t mind wide or narrow zones as long as they are called the same for both sides.
It was something not in evidence for much of the week-end.
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One has to believe that were it not for affirmative action, neither CB Buckner nor Angel Hernandez would have a job in baseball other than maybe as a beer vendor in the stands.
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The duo of CB Bucknor and Angel Hernandez do more harm to the reputation of umpires than the rest of their brethren in blue all put together. They are both ignorant and abhorrent… not to mention arrogant. That’s a powerfully bad recipe for disgust.
Are there any occasions when the two bozos are in the same crew? That would make any MLB team cringe.
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Another man on a mission…
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Think maybe there are some teams wishing they had taken a rule 5 flier on DPetey? I’m glad for him, he is a good player who had a really bad setback with the wrist injury.
It is always good to have depth and sort of explains why LASwiftness opted for free agency.
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I watched parts of several games last night. The Marlins may not be the push overs we all think, they have some impressive young arms and Marteen Prado appears to have bolstered the confidence level of the entire team.
The Astros are tough and have some real pitching depth.
The Padres rolled over for the Giants.
Look out for the D’backs. Woo wee…..
and the Dodgers are not the team they were…
And the number one take away… It’s still way early….
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So apparently Mike Soroka gets to make his ML debut in NYC? I can’t think of a better bunch to have to face him. 😀
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Like they say, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere… 🙂
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Two words: Steve Avery….
I remember when he was called up from triple A Richmond only to get shelled… So, if he gets a case of nerves I will understand but Avery turn out to be a pretty stout hurler. A shame his shoulder crapped out on him.
On a side note, with the advent of twitter, it is impossible to keep anything secret.
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Avery turn out to be a pretty stout hurler. A shame his shoulder crapped out on him.
Pulled a muscle in his side (the dreaded oblique strikes again) and changed his delivery to compensate. Put a new strain on his shoulder. It all went south from there.
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Another reason to DL Julio for 10 days.
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Just glancing at the pitching matchups for the NY series. Here is what is currently listed:
Tues: Newk vs. Noah Syndergaard
Weds: Julio vs. Jacob deGrom
Thurs: Folty vs. Jason Vargas
Obviously it’s Julio’s spot in the rotation tomorrow that is in question. So why would the Braves have Mike Soroka flying to NY today?
Good question. I think that’s pretty simple. It means he’s there with the team to have a regular routine leading up to his possible start tomorrow. And he can chart the game tonight, which is what pitchers do before their next start. That’s easy.
But they didn’t have to make a roster move to give Soroka a plane ticket. So why did the Braves option reliever Chase Whitley back to AAA this morning with the corresponding move TBA?
That’s a better question. If Soroka is to make his debut tomorrow, logic would say that you keep the extra arm in the pen today and make those moves prior to the game tomorrow. So what gives?
Well, we have to look at the way the schedule has fallen to make the most educated guess (which is all we can do right now). First, the Braves had the open date yesterday, which allows us to move some folks around and still keep them on 5 days rest. By the 5 day unwritten rule, we will skip Matt Wisler (Anibal Sanchez’ spot) and kept everyone else on regular rest. Then we would look like this:
Tues: Newk vs. Noah Syndergaard
Weds: Soroka vs. Jacob deGrom
Thurs: Folty vs. Jason Vargas
Now… Soroka was scratched from his last scheduled turn on Sunday. So if he starts Wednesday, he’ll be on 8 days rest. I’m no pitching coach, but I do know that they keep their arms on a regular schedule for a reason.
Is it possible they will start Soroka tonight and bump the others down a day, giving them all an extra day? It’s certainly possible. But that premise raises the question of why they would skip Wisler at all. He hasn’t pitched badly. In fact he’s been a pleasant surprise.
I say all this to say that there is more to this picture than meets the eye at the moment. It’s very unusual to make an option move in the morning after a day off. It’s very unusual, especially when no corresponding move was announced and there is uncertainty already.
I’m keeping my eyes open this afternoon. It could get interesting.
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Add this to the intrigue. It’s from a Q&A with Bowman:
Do you think Mike Soroka will be in the starting rotation before June? — @jdetter
Let’s just say, I believe Soroka will be in the starting rotation at some point in June. There’s still a chance he could start in place of Julio Teheran on Wednesday. But after Teheran completed his side session on Sunday, the Braves seemed optimistic he had moved past the tight trapezius muscle issue that plagued him on Friday night.
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That whole Q&A is a good one. I recommend checking it out.
The link is here: https://www.mlb.com/news/braves-fans-ask-about-lineup-contruction-more/c-274561110
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2 things: 1. Matt Wisler has already been reassign to Gwinnett, or at least I think that is what I read.
2. Has anyone called the Soroka household to find out if his parents have made the trip to the big apple to see their son’s ML debut?
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The plan, as I understand it, is that he takes the rotation spot that Wisler was in, and everybody else moves back a day. This does not appear to be a spot start or temporary addition. I think it’s his unless he struggles.
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Jeff Todd, MLBTR: Thus far, Soroka has done nothing but increase the anticipation with his first four starts at the Triple-A level. In 22 2/3 innings this season for Gwinnett, he sports an attractive 1.99 ERA wih 9.5 K/9 and 2.0 BB/9. He’s also drawing grounders on an eye-popping 69.0% of the balls put in play against him.
Doesn’t come as any surprise to those of us who have followed him in his development.
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And, as usual, the crackerjack collection of sleuths assembled here at the ol’ B&S were on top of this all along. Folks, it’s tough trying to sneak dawn past a rooster…
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Uh… and there was no answer at the Soroka household when I called… 🙂
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Yes, Gil, you are correct. Matt Wisler was indeed optioned after his last start to accommodate Chase Whitley’s callup. And it was Whitley who was returned to make room for Soroka. As I asserted earlier, I can’t see this being a spot start or temporary setting (barring a real struggle).
The loser here is Anibal Sanchez, who likely just lost his starting opportunity here in Atlanta, barring the above… and injury.
And I am also in agreement with Gil that I wish they’d be cautious with Julio and give him a 10-day vaca. But I suppose those guys get paid alot of $$ to make these decisions, so…
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Now.. the next question…
Luiz Gohara was returned from his rehab status and placed on the AAA roster last week. When he’s deemed ‘ready”, what happens then?
Oh… these are such good problems to have…
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A couple of things: on Sanchez, after he finishes his rehab, he will be added to the Braves bullpen and shore up that group plus will be able to provide some experienced spot starts when the double headers begin.
Barring that, he will actually bring back a pretty nice return if AA decides to trade him to some needy team of which there are many, preferably in the AL.
As for Gohara, he wont spoil while waiting for a chance to return to the show. If he did, well, better to find out now. My advice is for the Braves to emphasize to him the importance of throwing strikes. Again, you can never have too much pitching.
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What happened? He got shelled….
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whew!!!! Sorika (SP I know, but up too late as it is) was quite good….1 little mistake…Nick M, is quite good too, but he’s old, so who cares 😛
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Yes Ber, that new kid, Soroka, was pretty special last night. Best feature? NO WALKS!!!!
The first inning was a total snipe job on Thor, he never knew what hit him…
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Because I seized a rare available night and took the family to see the new Avengers movie, I missed it completely. The good thing is that Soroka didn’t need me to do his thing.
Get used to this folks. The kids have arrived.
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Of course you can always watch it on the re-play. Encore? You have that, right? BTW, how was the movie?
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BTW, how was the movie?
First, let me say that I felt the need to go see it as soon as I could because words were beginning to leak out about it. And one of the first things I began to hear was that people either loved it or hated it… no in between.
I can say that I fall into the “loved it” camp. My wife? Not so much.
I cannot expound any more without spilling the tea… 🙂
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Yep, different mind set on movies no doubt. My wife is not a fan of action movies based on comic book characters. I, on the other hand, depends on the movie.
I guess it depends on if you were a comic book fan as a kid or not. 🙂
Great game last night by the way, I think the probability of the Braves winning this series increased exponentially with their win last night.
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Don’t ask me why I’m up, I don’t know either …guess 2 + hours sleep is plenty
anyways…I watched 6 innings, saw the braves get one run….a bit surprised they then scored 7, with Ozzie and Ronald going a combined 0 for 10!
Hopefully, Degrom’s hyperextended elbow issue won’t be serious.
Newcomb seemed to have no curve that he could count on , so naturally, he went 7 innings.
hopefully, Dansby’s wrist issue isn’t too serious either (He left the game in the 6th, but I somehow missed that)
The first inning was a total snipe job on Thor, he never knew what hit him…
that was an amazing thing to see, wasn’t it Gil? Shows what Thor is made out of cuz they didn’t score anymore after that…
I was eating out with one of my very few non internet friends that actually likes baseball, and the braves too boot. seeing all that happen in 1 inning was a lot of fun! Acuna probably hit his hardest ball yet past Todd Fraiser….
It’s the kind of ball that can put crazy ideas in a braves fan’s mind 😛
I sure wish I could find online that 3 hit game Acuna had a few days before he came up…I am no scout, but I know a good looking swing, and he had 3 that looked the kid was fooled each time….he has looked NOTHING like what I saw on local tv…perhaps it was fake baseball news 😉
If I had told ya the braves would be in 1st place on May 3rd a month ago, would use guys have been ok with that ? 🙂
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Morning Ber, took it? Yes. Believe it? Hah.. No way… Still, it’s fun to dream.
That was some big strike zone last night, but it was big for both teams, and that okay with me, as long as it is fair for all. Snappy game too, think their is a correlation?
Balance in a team’s offense is a wonderful thing to behold. The same guys do not have to produce every night, that is how you can prevent prolonged slumps.
Sucks for baseball fans everywhere with DeGrom getting hurt. You want to be able to beat the best and someone besides the Braves have to stand up to Washington…
Speaking of the Nits, Matt Adams has gotten hot and hitting bombs, he even played left field last night. I don’t think Pittsburgh saw them coming.
Miami was Miami again last night and lost to the Phillies. The wheels began to fall off with a error on a throw to first by the pitcher. That was all Aaron Nola needed to polish them off.
1 o’clock game today so try to stay awake for it… We will see if Julio has his good stuff. I expect Camago will be playing today and Charlie Culberson may take a turn at short. Got to get those guys a little playing time too.
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Yes… I know it’s not even Memorial Day yet. But it’s still refreshing.
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Beats the heck out of any other place…
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It’s been a long time since the Braves were in 1st place in anything positive. Real good to see!
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This is why Newk is becoming the pitcher he was tabbed to be. If you will recall, he was always drawing comps to Jon Lester, but the qualitifer was always that he had to throw more strikes. We all knew it could happen if his control came into focus.
This is the result of that development.
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A lot of the called strikes last night were balls according to the pitch track, but, they were out of the zone calls for de’Grom too. The results, a snappy 2 hr and 34 min game…
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A contrast between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets:
Our young stars are working hard and making plays. Their star is picking up diamonds off the infield from his broken necklace. Think that won’t make a difference in September?
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You have to wonder if the grounds keepers will be extra diligent today? 🙂
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Today’s line up: As I predicted, Camargo and Culberson playing today but their positions swapped.
Albies 2B
Acuña Jr. LF
Freeman 1B
Markakis RF
Suzuki C
Camargo SS
Culberson 3B
Teheran P
Inciarte CF
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Braves jump on Vargas early making it look easy and fun. 3-0. Should be 4-0, but the umpire apparently thinks if you turn your body 90 degrees you’ve also wandered out of the basepath. Baaaaad call.
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Vox O’Reason
*April 30, 2018 at 8:04 am
Gil: So long LA Swiftness, we hardly knew you…
Me: He could be back. It wouldn’t surprise me.
Gil: Braves release outfielder Bourjos
Me: He won’t be back. That would surprise me.
I suppose I have to call my own self out too. Peter Bourjos signed a minor league deal to return to the Braves organization on Tuesday. (The Braves released Jaff Decker to make room in AAA.) No word on Lane. He’s still looking for work.
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I have no idea what that stat represents, but I love that the Braves have 3 of the 4 top pitchers in that category… whatever it is.
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This one makes more sense. 😀
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And in case you were wondering, the ETA on Wilson (#18 prospect) is 2020. The ETA on Wentz (#7 prospect) is also 2020. You know about that Soroka guy.
Since we’re on the subject of pitcher ETA’s, the Braves’ #2 and #3 prospects respectively…
P Kolby Allard: 2018
P Kyle Wright: 2019
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Isn’t it interesting that both Allard and Wright are ahead of Soroka (#4) on the prospect list, yet Soroka is considered to have “ace” potential. What does that say of Allard and Wright?
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Home ruñ RAJ!!
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Exit velo on RAJ’s yicketty: 112 mph… 451 feet to the 2nd deck.
Yowser!
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Y’all have probably already seen this but it’s so good to read something exciting for a change.
https://www.mlb.com/news/sean-newcomb-pitches-7-shutout-innings/c-274936816
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Ronald Acuna SENIOR
https://www.mlb.com/news/jose-reyes-played-with-ronald-acunas-father/c-274934382
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Well they’re just messin’ with ’em now…
11-0, and Julio still hasn’t allowed a hit.
Wow.
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I am trying to temper the obviously early excitement, but when will it be appropriate to begin discussing what the Braves might be looking to buy at the deadline?
😀
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And just who is this year’s Justin Verlander?
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That’d be Phil Gosselin. Curious timing what with us learning about Dansby having a “sore wrist” and all. The Braves say it’s unrelated.
R-i-g-h-t.
The reports today say Dans has been dealing with this “sore wrist” for several games. That is obviously reflected in his recent slump at the plate. The kid needs to learn to speak up when he has an injury.
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As for Joey Bats, the Braves travel to Tampa next Tuesday where they will have the DH for 2 games. Is that the right timing?
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Greeting from the land of pleasant living, Made it just in time to see the start of the first inning and Albies walking to the dugout. I did get to see the serious whipping the Braves laid on the Mutts.
That is some big time firepower the Braves are wielding right now and it’s 1 thru 9+. Gosselin a good little player. Not sure where he will play but there is a possibility that Dansby could miss some time, he did get cold all of a sudden so it has been a few days.
Who knows about players trying to play thru injuries. If they say something right away, they are accused of not being tough enough and if they don’t say anything, they are criticized for that too.
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And while all homeruns count the same, no bonus for distance, that was some shot by RAJ wasn’t it? Not Mike Trout 524 ft but impressive still. I’m sure all the New York writers and media types were duly impressed.
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Who faces the axe? Charlie Culberson?
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I wonder if the Braves signed Phil Gosselin in advance of preparing to lose Culberson? Seems reasonable to me. Gosselin played all over the place for the Reds, too… including OF. And he has minor league options remaining.
By all reports, the Braves do not want to place Dans on the DL. IMO, they should do it now and let the wrist have 10 full days to heal. Get 100%.
I guess it’s easy for me to say that from my amateur GM office, though.
Back to Culberson, the Dodgers currently have 3 of their starting IF on the DL with SS Corey Seager being out for the year. Given Culberson’s past, not to mention Thoppy’s past with the Dodgers, I could see a deal in the works. And if they simply DFA him, LAD will claim him. OF Chris Taylor has replaced Seager at SS, and 82-year-old Chase Utley has replaced Logan Forsythe at 2B. With Taylor playing SS, NFL guard Matt Kemp is starting in RF. They need some help.
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“…and 82-year-old Chase Utley…”
LOL LOL
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And then there’s that, keeping everyone in the fold.
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Also, let’s remember that Bautista has played alot more OF than IF in recent years. That helps it to make even more sense to option Tucker and keep the extra IF.
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Count me among the happy. 🙂
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Ditto….
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Don’t know who Evan Phillips is? Most people don’t. He’s not listed on many prospect lists. The Braves drafted him out of UNC Wilmington – one of CL’s boys – in the 17th round of the 2015 amateur draft and he’s slowly worked his way up the chain, currently pitching at AAA Gwinnett.
The 23-year-old righty currently has a 1.88 ERA over 10 appearances (14.1 IP) racking up a cool 18 K’s in the process. The knock on him has always been his control. If he figures that out, he could be one of the next guys up to give some relief (pun fully intended) to the ‘pen.
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Classy way to turn the page in my book…
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turn the page in my book
That was a really dumb way for me to have phrased my comment. I should have said:
In my opinion, that was a classy way for him to turn the page in his career.
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Roster watch:
Still no formal announcement on Joey Bats and the necessary corresponding move.
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Makes the most sense.
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Ever feel like you have missed a week of baseball news???? Joey Bats brought up???? Dansby on the DL???? Preston Tucker send down, for 3 hours, then back up????
And….a Sell out???????????????????????????????
😯
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More news I didn’t know …. Back to Culberson, the Dodgers currently have 3 of their starting IF on the DL with SS Corey Seager being out for the year. Given Culberson’s past, not to mention Thoppy’s past with the Dodgers, I could see a deal in the works. And if they simply DFA him, LAD will claim him. OF Chris Taylor has replaced Seager at SS, and 82-year-old Chase Utley has replaced Logan Forsythe at 2B. With Taylor playing SS, NFL guard Matt Kemp is starting in RF. They need some help.
Wow, Seager is out for the year????? Did not hear that….shame…
V, have you seen Matt Kemp lately???? He looks like he did… a decade ago….amazing….I’ll see if I can find a photo
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having some real issues with wordpress today…post comment button comes and goes as it pleases….somehow liked my own post above (it was quite good 😛 )
anyway, hardly any “new” photos of Matt, keep finding old ones…hopefully this one will show up..
https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/matt-kemp-of-the-los-angeles-dodgers-celebrates-after-scoring-a-run-picture-id946691524
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Yes Ber, I have seen Kemp and you are right, he looks like a real baseball player. Amazing what someone can do when they put their mind to it.
Now, the Braves.. what an ugly start for Folty. All over the place and when he did throw a strike, it got hammered. It was a shame to stink up the joint in front of a huge crowd but that;s baseball.
Matt Adams continues to shine for the Nits, playing left field yet.
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Yeah Gil, it was a shame Folty was not sharp….All I hear about at work (outside of football season) is about the Atlanta soccer team. Great for soccer fans, but baseball has been on the back burner in the ATL for quite some time it seems…it would have been huge to win that game…hopefully folks will make the weekend a near-sellout and the braves win the series…
Glad for Matt too…just always liked the guy, he’s a clutch hitter…thought he was crazy to go to the Nats, figured he would only be a pinch hitter since they have like 5 outfielders….too bad there isn’t a DH in the NL….
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With the way Zimmerman’s skills have declined, I think Washington signed him for insurance and he has taken some turns at first but he made a pretty nice play in left to take away a home run. The Nits have a shortage of firepower with Rendon, Turner and Eaton all on the DL. Which makes it scary with them winning 6 in a row.
The Mutts almost came back on the Rockies last night too but the Rocs held them off 8-7..Whew.
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UGH! What two ugly baseball games. The team should be ashamed to have played two awful games in front of sellout crowds no less. They should not be surprised if the crowds are smaller next time they are home.
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Gil, so very true! A real shame to poop themselves like that….
Soroka will have to save the day today…(2 errors by the giants-don’t care what they say, 2, 6 so for for the series, and the braves only score 1, sigh)
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Missed everything this weekend as Mr. Vox and I took off for the weekend. We have never just picked up and taken off like that. But we did. Needed it. Missed the Braves. They’ll be fine.
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Not unexpectedly, 3B Austin Riley was promoted to AAA yesterday. Saw that one coming a mile away…
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Missed everything this weekend as Mr. Vox and I took off for the weekend.
Uh… that should be Mrs. Vox and I… 🙄
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You picked a good series to take off Vee, the Braves did the same apparently…
Not sure what the problem was but they did not look good at all.
Off day today, good, I needed the break.
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Not sure what the problem was but they did not look good at all.
As I understand, the Giants saw that the Braves were jumping all over alot of 1st pitch fastballs, so they didn’t throw them many.
That’s the difference between a good manager (Bruce Bochy) and an analytics goob (Gabe Kapler). Baseball men understand tendencies and adjustments without alot of charts and meetings.
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BTW- speaking of Austin Riley…
He was promoted along with some fella named Ronald Acuña, Jr. to AA Mississippi in July of last year where he slashed .315/.389/.511 with 8 HR’s in the final 48 games of the season. He followed that up with .333/.394/.677 and 6 HR’s in this season’s first 27 games before being promoted to AAA alongside P Bryce Wilson yesterday.
So why now? Is is because they moved Joey Bats off 3B at Gwinnett so they needed someone?
Or did they move Joey Bats on up to make way for Riley?
I just heard some radio discussion about it, and a very interesting statement was made. One of the guys paraphrased the highly respected Tim Kurkjian from an unrelated article last year where TK basically said that when a top prospect is moved up after less than 30 games at AA, he is very often promoted to The Show within a few months if he doesn’t struggle.
How many days until the no-waiver trade deadline?
The reasoning is that the pitchers in AA usually have better stuff, but the pitchers in AAA have better command. So if a kid can hit the stuff, which Riley obviously can, and he can make adjustments to the command, then he’s ready for major league pitchers. Austin Riley now has to show he can make adjustments.
Joey Bats knew he came here as a temporary replacement. I believe he came here to prove he still has something in the tank so that a contender will want him for the stretch run. The timing could be just right to see the next young phenom in a couple more months.
I’m ready.
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I learn so much from you, V. Thank you for that! (What I don’t know about Minor Leagues and the nuances there would fill volumes.)
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… not that his defense has ever been a question mark. But it’s a good example of the work this kid puts in to improve his overall game.
Riley: “You can’t be satisfied at any point or this game’s gonna punch you in the face.”
He went 1-5 in his AAA with a single, but with 3 K’s. No worries. New place, new challenges. I have confidence he’ll adjust just fine.
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AAA debut, that is…
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V, you and the misses could not have picked a better weekend to have a getaway…in case you didn’t know that fact 😉
I was pleasantly surprised how well Joey Bats played 3rd….but., I don’t get how it helps this team long term, or even short term. See what Camargo can do for a few months…
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Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann were both 21 I see, forgot that….knew they were baby braves, but thought they were 22, 23…
but we know it probably hurt Frenchy…
but, I do wonder if there is a certain method to the braves madness? Do you bring up players when they are ready? sure! but…why are these guys so polished at a very young age? Don’t the other teams want their guys ready as soon as the players are ML ready? So often hitters, and pitchers don’t get “it” til they are 24, 25, 26…. (see Jacob DeGrom, Nelson Cruz, etc)
did they get lucky with the folks they have drafted? specifically draft folks they thought would move up quickly? A special system in effect to get ’em ready faster than most players would be?
Something Coppy had ANYTHING to do with?
Has anyone read anything about this?
can I come up with any more ?????
sure!
Thoppy get Joey B just so he could look like he was doing something?
He’s been handed keys to a Rolls Royce, and basically he shouldn’t do….anything…just wash it in the driveway, don’t even think about driving the sucker!
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I was pleasantly surprised how well Joey Bats played 3rd….but., I don’t get how it helps this team long term, or even short term.
Trade asset in late July.
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Something Coppy had ANYTHING to do with?
More like “The Sunshine Boys”.
If you’ll recall, when Frank Wren was let go, John Schuerholz hired his good friend John Hart gag as a consultant (later GM) and huddled together the trio of himself, Hart and Bobby Cox, which the media quickly dubbed The Sunshine Boys. Their first order of business was to hire back a mass of former scouts that had been run off by Wren’s mad control issues. In their wisdom, they knew that scouting would be the key to making the “retool”, which of course became a full on rebuild, work in the best and most efficient way. So they hired the best they could round up and let them do their jobs. If Coppy had any responsibility attached it’s that he allowed them to work freely and trusted their judgment as opposed to the Frank Wren “final say” method.
Anyway, the scouts have seemingly hit on a remarkably high percentage of players, and those players have been developed well. That is probably also a credit to The Sunshine Boys, who gutted and retooled the development group right after gutting and retooling the scouting group.
It’s yet another reason to be grateful to BC and JS, even in their retirement and semi-retirement. JH was darned lucky to be in their circle.
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I will give Coppy credit for a few things, though. He had a knack of signing veterans for the short term that he could flip for prospects for the long term. They didn’t all pay off, but many did. He also had a way of signing vets on short term deals that he could reap a draft pick from when they left via FA. He was a crafty little dude who worked hard and thought outside the box. Unfortunately for him, he also though outside the rules.
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Bowman says he’s going to pitch out of the bullpen.
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In case anyone was wondering, Ronald Acuña, Jr. can hit a baseball…
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How some teams brawl… 😆
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Note above… Kris Bryant and Starlin Castro are former teammates. Bryant obviously knows that the ribcage tickle is Castro’s kryptonite. Score that round Bryant: 1 – Castro: 0
Seriously, though. Isn’t a little bit fun to see calm and camaraderie in the midst of chaos?
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So, maybe POTUS should try and tickle Kin Jung Um… Hey, it could start a trend 🙂
Now baseball… While the Braves bats were silenced last night other than RAJ big blast, the pitching somehow hung on but not without quite a bit of drama in the ninth inning.
Albies may two terrific plays in the waning innings to help hold the Rays in check.
Still, a tight zone last night but pretty much even for both teams.
So, the Phillies took down the Giants last night???? How does this happen?
Three teams with 20 wins atop the NL East but every division looks like they have at least one poor sister upon whom they are beating up on. Weird…
Message, DON’T BLINK!
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Voice text expect all sorts of errors and nonsensical junk well the trop Tropicana Field that’s not the most exciting place to play a baseball game is it? I could barely keep my attention no score look like another low-scoring affair did something with my car for a half hour came back and I’ll send the Braves are leading five to nothing! Watch some more and of course no more offense but hey Tampa had been pretty hot before we got there a win’s a win
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Oh, and how about them Orioles? Look for a huge selloff to begin soon. They need pitching. Now, who has a surplus??? 🙂
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Mets lose in extras to the Reds on a walk off homer by a pinch hitter. Tough slogging for the Mutts right now, still early however. A lot of baseball yet to be played.
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Oh, did I mention that J Bruce was called out for batting out of order? First time it has happen since 2010. SO? Who was suppose to be watching the game?
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Kakes is on a tear. Looks like the power stroke is back. I like the timing. I’m sure he does too. 🙂
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2day’s lineup:
Ozzie, 2B
RAJ, LF
Freddie, 1B
Kakes, RF
Zuk, C
Ender, CF
Joey Bats, 3B
Johan, SS
Folty, RHP
Ender batting 6th… interesting. I think Ozzie/RAJ/Freddie is magical. I’m glad it didn’t change.
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That’s a pretty detailed tweet there, Bow. Good info.
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Ken Rosenthal
Verified account @Ken_Rosenthal
It’s a little early for All-Star talk, but how cool would it be if Nick Markakis played in his first ASG at age 34?
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So, after the Giants clowned the Braves at STP for a three game sweep, htye breeze into Philly and the Fightin’s sweep four from the San Frans… Go figure, strange game baseball….
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The Braves appear to have developed a knack for putting together the “Big Inning”. While it was not a majectic 450 footer, Albie’s wall scraper was a thing of beauty for this Braves’ fan. No stat cast numbers to ooh and aah over but wow, did it ever gaff the fish…
On Joey Bats… are we tired of him yet?
Gohara put in two innings of work to gain a save, good for him. He looked okay, not stellar but no complaints. No excited over the home run he gave up but he did make them put it play and with a big lead, he did exactly what a relief pitcher is suppose to do, throw strikes….
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On Joey Bats… are we tired of him yet?
Confession… I have not watched a Braves game since his callup. Man, this is a really busy time for my family and for me. That, plus the local HS team, with whom I am very good friends with the head coach, has advanced to the AAAA Final Four in our state playoffs, and I’ve been attending every game I possibly can while they’re on this run. They advanced last night to now face Tyler Flowers’ HS alma mater. (How about that for circling back and tying it back in?)
For the Braves I have to just keep up via Twitter and catch the highlights later. You do what you have to do…
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2nite’s lineup:
Ozzie, 2B
RAJ, LF
Freddie, 1B
Kakes, RF
Zuk, C
Ender, CF
Johan, SS
Flaherty, 3B
McCarthy, RHP
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When McCarthy’s sinker ain’t sinkin’, it’s stinkin’.
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I look for McCarthy to get one more opportunity to get his act together before someone else gets his spot. He was very hittable last night.
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Okay, this will be short and sweet. I will try to run off a new blog lede as I am sure the current edition is powerfully slow to load for Ber.
Meanwhile, although it appears that young Ronald Acuna has cooled a bit at the plate (he has a tough time laying off the down and away slider) (Jeff Francoure anyone) Freddie Freeman has loaded this team on his broad back and is carrying them merrily along.
Newk looks like the kid the was traded for and Viz looks shaky when called upon two days in a row. Don’t look for him tomorrow in Chi Town. 2:20 game by the way.
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Speaking of Braves prospects…
Yesterday in Gwinnett, Austin Riley went 4-5 with 8, yes 8 RBI. 3 of those 4 hits left the yard, including a Grand Slam. Not a bad day.
Oh… and all Kolby Allard did was pitch 8 innings allowing just 2 hits and 0 runs, while collecting 8 K’s.
The sun is shining on Braves Country.
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Make that 25-15 CL… Whew! Talk about a cliff hanger, today’s game sure was one. Biggest play of the game may well have been Ender’s 5 star catch. Heck of a game.
Bad weather moving into Atlanta area tomorrow, I hope the planes get in before it hits.
Storms predicted for we folks in Mechanicsville tonight. Hey, it is May and hot weather and high humidity breed thunder storms, I can live with it. Besides, we need the rain.
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We are facing thunderstorms for the next 10 days… or so the prognosticators say. Good times…
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Speaking of prognosticating, methinks one of the reasons you saw Joey Bats for the whole game yesterday is that AA may be looking for a new home for him… in a generous way. You know, saying, “Look. The guy can play 3B and OF, and he has something left in the tank.”
And to a lesser degree, he may be doing the same with Charlie Culberson, although I think he prefers to keep Charlie around. But when Dans comes back from the DL, which he was eligible to do yesterday, somebody has to go.
Of course, AA can buy some time by simply optioning Preston Tucker to AAA. I’d look for that first.
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Any word on Dansby? That appears to be a well kept secret. I’m sure they have enough pictures of his wrist to paper his bedroom walls by now. While toes are not to be trifled with, wrist can be even more troubling.
On Joey Bats… Lefty pitcher, right handed bat…
Another observation, Camargo is a much better third baseman than he is a shortstop.
Camargo has become exposed with the everyday play due to the absence of Dansby. Opposing pitchers also have discovered Acuna has some holes in his swing, that and he is a sucker for down and away sliders off the plate. he should talk to Dansby about how he was able to recognize that pitch and able to lay off, of course being willing to go the other way instead of trying to pull everything could help. Just saying….
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Any word on Dansby?
The speculation yesterday was that they were just waiting for the team to get back home today to activate him. I still think they’re trying to find a taker for JB. I hope they don’t cut ties with Charlie. I believe he’s a valuable asset off the bench. I wouldn’t be opposed to Dans taking a game or 2 of rehab at AAA to get his timing back. But looking at the weather forecast, that might not happen in the general Atlanta area for another week. Perhaps he can go to Pearl for better weather? I dunno. But wait! A quick glance at the Gwinnett schedule shows that they will be in Ohiio for the next 6 days for a 3 gamer with Columbus followed by 3 more with Toledo.
The Braves finally get a 6 game homestand and the weather is supposed to suck for the entirety of that timespan. Bleh.
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Seemingly random note, but something we shouldn’t sleep on…
The 2018 amateur draft is just 3 weeks away (June 4-6). The Braves pick #8 in round 1. This draft will be a tricky one since we lost our 3rd round pick and the slot value that goes with it, diminishing our overall draft pool money amount. That means the team could look to employ a tactic that Coppy & Co. was actually quite good at: picking a kid higher in the 1st round than expected so that they could sign him under slot value, then spreading those savings out later to get better value with the next pick or two. That strategy allowed them to get both Ian Anderson and Joey Wentz in the 2016 draft.
From all that I’ve read, this year has a clear #1, college pitcher Casey Mize from Auburn, but is wide open after that with a long line of quality college bats expected to go in the 1st round. That means the Braves will have their choice from a handful of hitters if they choose to go that route. They could also stick to their historical trend and take a HS pitcher, since most of the big pitching talent is already creeping up in the system away from the lower levels.
I have glanced at the catching prospects, and it looks like the top guy, Joey Bart from Georgia Tech, will be long gone before the Braves select at #8, possibly even being the #2 pick behind Mize. And there’s no way he gets past the Mets at 6. The next highest rated catcher is expected to be taken in the 2nd round, possibly 3rd, so you can see the dropoff from the top guy.
Regardless, it’s something I’ll be keeping an eye on between now and June 4.
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I’d say that he knows something we don’t. Expect him to be activated today.
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Bowman with conflicting info. Or maybe Dans just meant he gets to hang out in the clubhouse.and dugout…
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Could well be a pitcher going down, or not… Several possible options, including a trade for Joey Bats.
While Turner Field seldom suffered from a rain out, STP seems to be in the bull eye for thunder storms… uh, any trailer parks near by? Just wondering because, well, you know. 🙂
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https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/suntrust-park-ga/30339/weather-radar/196689_poi
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Oh boy…
But there’s a question. He’s out with a broken hand. His suspension will run concurrent with his rehab. is he really being punished? Oh… that’s right. He loses about a half season’s pay while suspended, or roughly $12M. That’s punishment.
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This is good news. It’s also good news for the Georgia High School baseball playoffs. The semi-final round for AAAA starts this afternoon at 4pm with a double-header between my hometown Jefferson Dragons and Blessed Trinity. Gotta earn at least a split tonight to force a deciding game 3 tomorrow. Hopefully my Dragons can sweep tonight and come home with a Finals spot in their pocket. It’s gonna be a battle. The Titans were state champs in 2014 and 2015, runners up in 2016 and 2017. They have a long winning history and tradition there. They are also the high school alma mater of the Braves’ Tyler Flowers. I’ll take a split tonight and be happy. Our #1 pitcher is a small lanky kid with a rubber arm that doesn’t throw hard but gets people out. I don’t have his stats, but he’s racked up the complete games and wins. But he isn’t big and doesn’t throw near 90, so he isn’t on anyone’s radar. Funny thing though… earlier this season he beat highly touted Kumar Rocker – a certain 1st round pick in 3 weeks – going all 7 innings and earning a key region victory. He’ll face Blessed Trinity’s #1, a kid that is being heavily scouted by both colleges and pro teams.
I like our chances. 🙂
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Speaking of the draft (again), Jim Callis of ESPN has a new mock out. he has the Braves taking high school 3B Nolan Gorman from Phoenix, “who has as much power as any high schooler.”
Fangraphs also has a new mock up, and also has Gorman going to ATL.
The poop on him says he’s pure power from the left side, and could grow out of 3B into 1B or OF.
My crystal ball still says they take a HS pitcher unless college catcher Joey Bart drops to them, which is almost certain not to happen.
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Gil has a new lead posted!
Really appreciate it, Chief!
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