Vox O’Reason
You all know me… I’m the most positive person around Stuffville.
Well, I’m positive that the bullpen is a major weakness, and I’m positive it will prove to be what takes us down if it’s not addressed.
I’m not even sure Thoppy can continue to measure until closer to the deadline.
Here’s how I react when each of our relievers come into a game, including Viz who should be back in a few days, and excluding Parsons who was already informed he’s heading back to AAA:
Vizcaino
I’m confident
AJ Minter
I’m confident
DanWinkler
I’m confident
Shane Carle
I’m fairly confident
P Moylan
I’m praying
Luke Jackson
Sorry he’s being called on
again
S Freeman
I’m praying
Jesse Biddle
I’m confident
We desperately need 3 things to happen, and to happen soon.
#1, we need Luiz Gohara to get his head back on straight and help us out in middle innings. Who would you have rather seen come into yesterday’s 7th inning – Sam Freeman or Luiz Gohara? ‘Nuff said.
#2, we need to give up on Luke Jackson, whom we know is never going to be any better, and swap him out for Max Fried, who actually has real potential. Unless Fried’s being preserved as a starter for trade purposes, go ahead and move him into a role where he can contribute now. His most likely role in ATL is in the pen anyway. He’s not starting over Newk, Folty, Soroka, Allard, Julio, Gohara, etc. See what I mean? He’s be a heckuva lot better in this pen than Jackson, who has already passed cleanly by all 29 other teams through waivers twice this season. That means not only does nobody else want him, apparently we don’t either. Yet here he is.
#3, we need AA to make a deal for a reliever and show both the team and the fans that management is serious about 2018. The longer he waits, the more he shakes the faith of the faithful. Instead of taking 2 of 3 from each respective league’s cellar dweller, we lost both series. We could be sitting today 5 game up on the 2nd place Phils and 5 1/2 game up on the Nats. Instead we’re allowing them to stay close while we go on a 10 game road trip against 3 of the best teams in baseball.
Want to really make a commitment? Go to Oakland and deal for both closer Blake Treinen and 3B Jed Lowrie.
Blake Treinen
Jed Lowrie
Lowrie is having a really solid year at the plate and is only signed through the end of this season and would not block the incoming Austin Riley. Treinen would either be our closer or a solid lock down 8th inning guy. We need both. Having Winkler/Minter/Treinen/Viz at the back end of the bullpen shortens the game.
Keone Kela
Adrian Beltre
Want to really make a splash, go to TEX and deal for their closer Keone Kela and 3B Adrian Beltre. That would put all of baseball on notice that we’re serious about contending for a title. The flamethrowing Kela is 20/20 in save opportunities, is controllable through 2021, and is on the block because TEX is in a position with him in similar fashion to the way the Braves were with Kimbrel a few years ago. What good does it do to have a top closer when you’re a losing team? And they’d do Beltre a real solid favor by letting him go to a contender rather than languish on a loser. Can you imagine him hitting in the cleanup spot in our order?
There are already rumblings that the Braves are interested in Beltre. Alone he won’t even bring back a top 100 guy. But I’d much rather see them go for the ring and snag Kela too. That’d be a major coup.
Braves & Stuff 
Excellent, V! (And thanks to the Chief for snagging it for our lead!)
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Vee, it was too good an observation to let it be buried on the back page.
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Thanks folks.
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Ron Washington does not mess around…
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And your people are thankful!!
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I have not seen it officially announced, but hearing that Max Fried will be making the start tomorrow in Brandon McCarthy’s place. That almost certainly spells the end of the line for either Peter Bourjos or Danny Santana, and my money is on saying bye-bye to Bourjos. DanTana is younger, a switch-hitter, and simply a better all around player. There is a small whisper that Ryan Flaherty could also be on the bubble with the emergence of Charlie Culberson. But I can’t see it. Snit loves Flaherty, and to be honest I like him on the roster too… at least for now. I imagine we’ll get the formal announcement after tonight’s game.
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To make room on the 25 man roster, McCarthy has been placed on the 10 day DL… knee sprain/discomfort.
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It’s a little convenient that Fried gets a chance to make a ML start or 2. I imagine his name will be tossed around as Thoppy seeks another veteran starter and reliever. Not that I want to send him packing, but you have to give quality to get quality. So here’s hoping he opens some eyes and increases his own value over the next week.
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Wisler back to Gwinnett.
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It’s still a full week until the draft signing deadline, so it isn’t time to panic yet. But the Braves still have 3 players in their Top 10 unsigned, those being #1 pick Carter Stewart, #4 pick Tristan Beck, and #9 pick Ryan Shetter… all pitchers.
With Stewart, the two sides may be waiting for the guy right in front of him, P David Weathers (SD), to sign. Stewart’s “slot value” is $4,980,700, but all the players around him have signed under slot. Not sure which side is holding up a deal, but as we know, if the Braves fail to sign him they also lose that slot amount from their total pool. They won’t allow that to happen. Both sides are motivated to get a deal done, so I don’t anticipate a problem.
As for Beck, his delay could simply be a waiting game. He was hurt much of the season causing him to plummet in the draft, but his value is considered to be much higher. It’s widely expected he’ll receive a bonus above his slot value ($497,800). Both sides likely are waiting to see what Stewart and to a lesser degree Shetter sign for to see how much of the total pool allowance the Braves have left to work with.
No idea what might be holding up Shetter, but the Braves are systematically getting these deals done inking 2 more in the last 2 days. He may just simply be the next in line. And his college team, Texas Tech, was just in the College World Series so he might be taking his time before becoming a professional and having to go to work. Hard to blame him for that. 🙂
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Per DOB of the AJC, Beck signed today for $900,000. About double the slot value.
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Shetter signed under slot for $135,000. Steward still not signed.
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To make room on the 25 man roster, McCarthy has been placed on the 10 day DL… knee sprain/discomfort.
Well, that along with Wes Parsons being optioned opened the roster spots for both Wisler and RAJ to return.
Wisler back to Gwinnett.
With the return of RAJ , we are carrying 1 less pitcher than we have all season. But that shortage is in the rotation until tomorrow when Fried will be activated. So the corresponding move almost has to be jettisoning a surplus OF. At any rate, they won’t do (or announce) anything until tonight’s game is complete.
It’s more likely Wisler will hang around until Viz is ready to return from the DL, possibly as early as Sunday. Then he’ll be sent back… or Luke Jackson will be DFA’d again… or Sam Freeman will have to go on the 10-day DL with some sort of discomfort somewhere. Those “discomforts” crop up conveniently sometimes.
Or, if Julio fails to go at least 6 innings and Wisler has to pitch a couple again, he could be sent back before tomorrow to bring back a fresh arm. Julio has to give us a good outing tonight. Anything short of 6 IP will be disastrous.
CAVEAT: Should Ender’s oblique tweak from Wednesday be more serious than the team has led us to believe, a DL stint for him could be in order opening up the necessary roster spot for Fried. Let’s pray that isn’t in the cards. (See what I did there? “Cards”?)
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It should be noted that the team has not yet announced their lineup for tonight. They typically do that around 4-ish… although sometimes a little later.
I am anxious to see it. I’m anxious to see both Ender’s and Ozzie’s name listed. I’ll be just a little nervous until then. Hopefully both Ender’s oblique and Ozzie’s toe (toes are NOT to be trifled with) are feeling just fine.
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Whew!
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No surprise.
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This year’s Cardinal defense looks a lot liker last year’s Braves defense.
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Once again, our staff was ahead of the curve. 😉
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Was anyone else holding their breath when Luke Jackson entered the game despite a 4 run lead? That was justified as he still tried to cough up the game. The simple fact that he’s still on our major league roster is the single greatest commentary we can make on the state of our bullpen.
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… and to be honest I’m a little surprised he’s still on it this morning. When can Evan Phillips come back?
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10 days in purgatory unless there is an injury.
Yes, while encouraged by the nifty 5-6-3 put out turned after Dansby field the high hop off of Camargo’s glove, the to oppo singles and then the walk and I am thinking, this kid is going to choke…
I know Snit did not want to use another pitcher but you have to do what you have to do.
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Perhaps when they activate Viz tomorrow they’ll let Wisler stay a while longer. Jackson is not a major leaguer. Period.
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V, first, some fine opining…
it’s just going to suck no matter who gets traded away…its just got to be for someone as good, IMO…
I think my views on Anibel have changed….did you all get to catch the early part of the game? He was working on/with Julio T basically every inning. Julio looked terrible in the 1st, walking 2. Fastball was 91-92..and just looked like it was going to be a long night. seemed from the camera on the two of them all the time, Anabel talking to him, showing him how to turn more in his windup, showing where he was finishing up after a pitch….Julio was paying attention….and he did go 6 innings without giving up a run. Not sure why Julio has lost some off his fastball, I am sure he’d like to have 95 MPH every start, but if anyone can show him how to survive without a great fastball, it’s A Sanchez. And no doubt the younger players see Julio , the grizzled vet of 26 listening, they will listen too. so perhaps it would be better to keep him, as long as he pitches well, if he’s helping a bunch of guys not even old enough to drink….
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Another reason we may have to go with the kids closing….how dare the A’s start playing well!
The Athletics are getting calls about their relievers, as a scout tells Peter Gammons (Twitter link) that Blake Treinen, Lou Trivino, and Ryan Buchter have all drawn interest from multiple teams. Treinen has been mentioned as a potential trade chip, though Gammons says that Oakland has declined all offers for the closer. Treinen has two more years of control remaining via arbitration, while Buchter has three and Trivino only made his MLB debut this season. The A’s would surely need quite a bit to part with any of the trio, though a trade isn’t out of the question if the team is considering buying at the deadline. The A’s still have a big deficit to make up in both the AL West and wild card races, though an 11-2 run in their last 13 games has given them an impressive 45-38 record.
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actually, I meant with the kids as relievers….if one is a closer, then great! 😛
V, who is that kid you called the closer of tomorrow?
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AJ Minter Ber.
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After a month long stretch of what could be described as malaise, the Braves pitching staff appears to have found itself and the offense has reawakened.
Fried looked absolutely stellar tonight.
The Braves bats are booming.
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Max Fried… wow
Matt Wisler… anti-wow
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Outstanding game by young Mac Fried. Acuna hitting the ball with authority but still making rookie mistakes in the outfield by throwing to the wrong base.
After a really nice inning and 1/3 by Matt Wisler, he suddenly woke up and remembered who he was in the ninth and promptly fell apart. I did not mind the lead off home run surrendered, after all, when your team is leading 11-0, you throw strikes but the following batters got new life and just began teeing off necessitating Snit to burn Freeman to end the game.
2 PM game Sunday with Folty taking the mound for Los Bravos.
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As with all rookie pitchers, Fried’s next start should tell us if he is truly ready for the Show.
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Good morning all, haven’t really followed the games. So you could say I am just here for the coffee. I watch at them with Gil, but not really vested in them this year. Hope they do great.
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The evidence of a good and faithful wife, one who at least makes believe they have an interest in your passions… 🙂
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AJ Minter Ber.
Gil, it might be the Mandela effect, but I could have sworn V had mentioned someone else perhaps in the 2016-17 drafts? I don’t know….
they keep acting like it’s so hot in the STL….it’s….92. Humidity is high, but…not that high. That first game, when it was 92 at 7 pm, that’s bad…
Playing on Astroturf, where it was regularly 120 on day games…that’s tough. Yet I still recall a No-hitter the late Bob Forsch where it was 110 + on the field…so I gotta believe Folty just didn’t hydrate properly before the game…
he’s really in bad shape, mouth is forever open… he will be lucky to make it thru 5. 9 strikeouts thru 4, and hasn’t had much control , so to have only given up 1 hit, I shouldn’t complain about Folty…too much 😉
He does need to work on going more than his average of 5 innings, on cooler days…
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Low to mid nineties with high humidity, on grass however. I am looking at my weather station which says 93 with 60% humidity for a real feel temp of 103… pretty cool in the house however…
Anyhoo, you are right about Folty being gassed. Just did make it thru 5 innings. His fastball command was way off but his slider was deadly. If the Cards had just laid off pitches, he would have walked the park.
The pen tried to give it back again, my take is the Braves are in exactly the same spot as the Nits last season before the made a trade with the A’s.
If the starters could go seven innings, I think the pen would improve significantly.
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Now that the calendar has flipped to July, the trade market ought to begin to heat up significantly. I have a new target on my radar…
Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez.
The 27-year-old lefty is signed thru ’21 on a team friendly 4 yr/$22M pact, with team options for both ’22 & ’23. The Pirates are once again woeful and will be sellers at this year’s trade deadline. Vazquez is flying a little under the radar in PIT and might not cost as much as a Blake Treinen.
So why would the Pirates trade off an affordable and controllable bullpen arm? Well, they don’t have much else that might bring back a decent return for them. And as we will tal about much more in the next 4 weeks, it’s definitely a seller’s market when it comes to bullpen arms. Every team in contention wants one… and some need one (read: Braves).
Do the Braves really need a bullpen arm that badly?
If the starters could go seven innings, I think the pen would improve significantly.
Maybe, but consider this.
Game 3 vs the Reds: Sam Freeman enters the game in the 7th to hold a lead and preserve another quality start by Sean Newcomb. Instead, he gives up 2 hits, a walk and 3 ER… and the lead. The Braves never retook the lead.
Game 1 vs the Cards: Luke Jackson enters the 9th inning with a 5 run lead. He gives up 2 hits and a walk and leaves after getting just 1 out and loading the bases.
Game 2 vs the Cards: Matt Wisler enters the game with a 10 run lead. He gives up 5 hits, more than starter Max Fried had given up, and surrenders 4 ER, and has to be lifted without finishing the 9th, causing Snit to burn another arm to complete the game.
Game 3 vs the Cards: Peter Moylan enters the game in the 7th to try to limit the damage already done by getting his usual 1 out, but instead gives up a fat 3-run homer to Tommy Pham.
That’s simply the last 4 games played.
I think we’ve said it time and time again, Luke Jackson and Matt Wisler are not major league pitchers, Sam Freeman has lost his 2017 mojo, and Pete Moylan is way past his prime. That’s 4 out of the 8 relievers. Half of the bullpen. HALF.
Folks, we cannot make a real concerted push into October with half a major league bullpen.
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Wow. He sums it up pretty succinctly. I guess I could have written my earlier post in 10 words or less if I’d tried…
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Question #1: It’s very possible, maybe even probable that Viz will be activated from the DL today. If that happens, who loses their job?
I want to say that Luke Jackson should be sent packing. Seems easy. But… IMO, Matt Wisler should be optioned. At least it’s a clean and easy move, and you preserve all flexibility moving forward.
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Question #2: Who DH’s in Yankee Stadium?
If the bullpen were even remotely reliable, which they are not, I would consider going with a 7 man bullpen for the next 3 games – you don’t have to worry about lifting your starter for a hitter – and calling up some thunder from Gwinnett.
The Stripers’ 1B Carlos Franco, a freshly named 2018 AAA All-Star, is having a nice season and tied for 3rd in the International League with 11 HR’s. Pretty good for a guy not considered a top prospect.
Why not?
But that is not even remotely a consideration. Not with our sieve of a bullpen.
Danny Santana? Yeah. Why not. Doesn’t hurt that he’s a LH’er.
Maybe whichever catcher isn’t behind the dish.
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Maybe whichever catcher isn’t behind the dish.
That was Snit’s MO in the Braves other DH opportunities, or giving Kakes a blow and using Charlie in right.
Yes, the bull pen is the Braves kryptonite this season and 29 other teams know it…
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Since I’m having a conversation with myself right now, I want to pose a question for y’all…
Max Fried should get a second start on Thursday in Milwaukee. If he has a repeat performance, or even close – after all, his last one was really dominating – does he deserve to stay in the rotation? He certainly wasn’t overmatched by a pretty stout St. Louis lineup.
If you keep him in the rotation, you can accomplish a couple of things at once.
#1, you can place Brandon McCarthy in the bullpen when he returns from the DL. That will also accomplish a couple of things. First, It will reduce the stress on his body. After all, it’s not his arm that is balky. It’s the rest of him. And second, it improves the bullpen by a large measure, giving you a really viable long reliever/swing man. Matt Wisler can go away for good.
#2, you can concentrate your trade efforts on the bullpen because the rotation just got suddenly healthier. Yes it’s still young, but it’s dangerous. The starters over the last stretch, including Fried, have been flat out dominating.
My rotation becomes:
Folty (R)
Newk (L)
Julio (R)
Fried (L)
Sanchez (R)
And my bullpen is now:
Viz
Minter
Winkler
Biddle
Carle
McCarthy
… and only 2 pieces to replace instead of 4.
Thoppy’s job just got measurably easier.
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Danny Santana? Yeah. Why not. Doesn’t hurt that he’s a LH’er.
Meant to type SH’er.
I need more coffee…
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Shifting gears…
The international signing period started today. Not much coverage about it around here… of course. The Braves have no teeth to make a big bite thanks to the previous regime.
Our scouts are like the guy who locked his keys in his car. He’s standing there looking through the window seeing exactly what he needs to get moving, but with no way to get to it.
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The #Braves today made four roster moves, including selecting the contract of OF Michael Reed from Triple-A Gwinnett & recalling RHP Evan Phillips from Gwinnett.
The club also optioned RHP Matt Wisler to Triple-A & placed RHP Peter Moylan on the 10-day DL with a right forearm strain. Reed will wear No. 57.
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Didn’t see the Michael Reed promotion comin’, but Evan Philips immediately improves the bullpen over either Wisler or Moylan.
Does this mean they are in fact going with a 7 man bullpen in New York? Why Michael Reed?
OK… here is the obligatory Michael Reed info: Reed was signed away from MIL as a minor league FA this past offseason in an under the radar move. The scouting report says he is athletic and has above average speed to go along with good power and a “quick bat”. He was promoted to Gwinnett in late May where he has slashed .369/.480/.592 with 5 HR’s in 30 games. Prior to that he slashed .314/.446/.493 with 4 HR’s in 44 games at AA Mississippi. And he plays all 3 OF positions well.
Maybe Thoppy liked my idea of promoting some thunder to DH in NYY? Maybe we need to get to know Michael Reed better.
Or maybe this is a precursor to an impending deal that involves an incoming bullpen arm? Could we be showcasing Reed a little bit? Or maybe a current member of our bench is on someone else’s radar?
I suppose we’ll find out in due time…
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So, it is good the kids come up immediately, they have three days to go down…
SO… Like I said before, young pitchers can be spotty. However, Fried was impressive wasn’t he? That big hook and high fastball coming out of the same arm slot. Whew…
Now the Stankees, a beast for sure but they can be had, if you are going to be the best, you have to beat the best. Los Bravos can play with them at least thru 7 innings methinks… 🙂
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I would not be surprised to see Reed take an turn or two in the outfield and have Kakes or Charlie C DH. I have no idea how able Reed is as a defender but his slash line is impressive.
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To answer the earlier question, Kakes is indeed DH’ing tonight with Charlie in RF.
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if you are going to be the best, you have to beat the best.
Best record in the NL vs. the best record in the AL. If we are stuck with inter-league play, then this is what it should be all about. That said, having the NL East play the AL East every season blows all concepts of equitable strength of schedule.
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Players like Michael Reed and Anibal Sanchez are like found money. They are/can be solid contributors and have little institutional investment by the Braves.
Sanchez appears to weaken as he progresses in a game but is virtually unhittable through the first 9 outs.
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Sanchez appears to weaken as he progresses in a game but is virtually unhittable through the first 9 outs.
And as Ber noted, he is invaluable in the dugout and clubhouse.
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Yes Vee, Julio really responds to his tutoring. He is the epitome of a great club house presence.
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You know, promoting Reed does seem a little unusual and was completely unexpected. One thing they didn’t do is activate Viz, which was expected.
I can’t help but wonder what’s up? Maybe nothing. Maybe Viz just isn’t ready today. Maybe he gets activated in another day or 2 and Luke Jackson is let go. The bullpen is still in better shape than it was yesterday.
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And just thank goodness for sports, I am so sick to death of national politics. So many liars…. I’m just a run of the mill joe but I am not stupid. I understand a lot more than the talking heads on TV realize.
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I would rather the Braves wait an extra day/week/month as opposed to rushing him back too soon and seeing him shelled.
We don’t know how well AJ Minter will hold up but as long as the Braves don’t have to rely upon him every night, he may well be ready to assume the role of primary closer.
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To be honest though, I would rather see a pitcher give up back to back jacks as opposed to walking the park. I cannot be the only occupant of Braves country who gets a sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach when a relief pitcher come in and walks the lead off batter. THROW STRIKES!!!!
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Wow. He sums it up pretty succinctly. I guess I could have written my earlier post in 10 words or less if I’d tried…
yeah, but spelled out how badly the team needs help…I mean, we know it, but we all seem to miss bits and pieces of games…I just knew it was 6-1, and all looked well while I was on the phone, came back just a short time later to see 6-5…and it’s happening every night….
Max Fried should get a second start on Thursday in Milwaukee. If he has a repeat performance, or even close – after all, his last one was really dominating – does he deserve to stay in the rotation? He certainly wasn’t overmatched by a pretty stout St. Louis lineup.
Here’s the thing…when you haven’t seen a guy in awhile, (or ever in my case with those still down on the farm) then he’s a trade “piece” (hate that word in reference to players) You get used to a guy, a lefty…”we” aren’t going to want to part with him, are we? the Conundrum (blog first?) it seems to trade young pitchers during the season, you have to show them in the show, to get other teams to risk trading for him. Winter time, they will have to take a chance, rely on scouts in the minors.
Do you give up a Max Friend, for a closer? I really don’t know, but gotta get someone, and soon…
I do not CARE about years of control, on a kid you lose. Obviously , you want to trade for someone that can help more more than this year.
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Obviously, you want to trade for someone that can help more more than this year.
Yes you do, which is why I think the Nats way overpaid for Kelvin Herrera.
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don’t like not having more bullpen arms…the Yanks are a lot better team than the Cards right now…and in case y’all didn’t know, the fences are only 250 feet away in left and right 😛
Matt Wisler is a starter, period. Doesn’t matter what the team wants, or even perhaps what he wants (even being in the bullpen in the majors has to be better than starting in AAA) he can’t come in, in relief.
3 starts this year. 7 innings, 1 run. 5 innings, 4 runs (I could be wrong, but I think Gil and I thought he was pitching great, then the wheels came off , either in the 5th, or the 6th) 5 1/3, 2 runs. he’s still only 25. IF they bring him up again, have him start a couple of games….we could mentally easily part with him, right? 😉
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When I watch Fried throw that big hook, and when I see experienced ML hitters just buckle in the box, it just reminds me that this team is loaded, LOADED, with young pitching talent. And even though the old axiom is true – you cannot have too much pitching – you can create a logjam that is not healthy for they organization. At some point they’ll have to cash in some of the young pitching talent for talent in other areas.
But make no mistake… you don’t give up a really talented young pitcher unless you get equal talent in return. JT Realmuto? Maybe not him specifically, but that’s the example. We don’t have a good catching prospect remotely close to the ML level, so we’ll have to go get one. We’ll also have to fill a big OF hole for 2019. One or more of those pitching prospects will be used to fill those holes, and not with a marginal guy either. Thoppy knows what he’s got, and I trust him to bring back real talent in return. That’s how you use the “prospect capital” correctly.
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Matt Wisler is a starter, period.
Yes, but sadly not a major league starter. Time to cut the cord unless you just need a warm body in AAA. Right Aaron Blair?
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Still very young arm, (Blair, Wisler) I think we sometimes expect too much too soon. Of course, that is why you have to make trades. It is all a pretty inexact science.
Thoppy alluded to having to be mindful of spending prospect capital too early and then not having anything left for a Realmuto type player.
So, lets enjoy beating the Stankees tonight as be near the All Star break…
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Speaking of young arms, any idea of what’s up with Carter Steward? Deadline is Friday…
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Aha. Michael Reed had a July 1 opt-out clause in the minor league deal he signed in the offseason. If he wasn’t on the ML roster by today he could become a FA. Braves didn’t want to lose him.
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Sam Freeman enters a tie game and immediately walks the lead off hitter. Lord have mercy!!
I can’t watch this. It’s gonna make angry.
And another!!
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Watch the Braves bullpen come in is like Chinese water torture.. Walks, base runners etc. I wonder if Snit buys Malox by the case?
And yet, the Braves come away with a win after a fortuitous bounce in the outfield in the bottom of the tenth.
And no wonder the Yankees have so many home runs, that right field porch is ridiculous. Talk about cheap home runs.
Sanchez has been a godsend this season hasn’t he? Now, if we can just get Freddie going…
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Well, our bullpen actually did an amazing job last night. Of course, there was no Matt Wisler, no Pete Moylan, and Luke Jackson did not enter the arena. Sam Freeman did pitch… and of course walked the first couple of batters he faced. But a well turned double play bailed him out.
Credit where credit is due:
Dan Winkler did not have a clean inning, but he also did not panic. And he missed a few bats.
Jesse Biddle has ice water in his veins and some wicked pitches. That 10th inning was something else.
AJ Minter is getting quite comfortable as closer. You can truly see him growing into the role.
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And no wonder the Yankees have so many home runs, that right field porch is ridiculous. Talk about cheap home runs.
Agree 100%.
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And then there’s Ronald Acuña, Jr. What can you say? And if you saw the 11th inning, you saw a kid calm at the plate, but with alot of emotion after the HR. Think the game is fun for him? He’s making it fun for me too…
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Yep, at least this team is not a one trick pony. You really don’t know who will be the guy who will deliver the big hit. It is fun trying to guess though.
The key is still the bullpen though.
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Wrist issue has slowed negotiations between Braves and top draft pick Carter Stewart
Aha! That explains a lot.
Okay kid, A little bit of advice, take the $4MM and begin your rehab, you will not make it up later if you are hurt. The sooner you start your career, the sooner you can cash in on really big money if you are good enough. To be sure, $4MM is a pretty nice nest egg to begin your life with as long as you are not stupid, if you are, you will never have enough money.
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Speaking of young arms, any idea of what’s up with Carter Steward? Deadline is Friday
At first glance I thought it might now just be a matter of zeroing in on the correct number. He’s the only one left unsigned in their first 10 rounds, and the amount the Braves have left in their pool is just a hair under the slot amount. The slot amount is $4,980,700. The Braves remaining pool sits at $4,949,800. In reality, it should be a perfect snug fit.
But as of about an hour ago, some new information has surfaced.
Eric Cole at Talking Chop reports that:
Over the last week or two, rumors have swirled that there were issues that came up during Stewart’s physical that resulted in the Braves wanting to alter their offer and that those initial terms were not to Stewart’s liking. Lots of different numbers, reasons, and degrees of concern were floated around (yay rumor mills), but the folks at MLB Pipeline have seemingly locked down the current state of things.
According to {the] report, the Braves and Stewart are the furthest apart amongst those with unsigned picks with the Braves currently offering $4 million to Stewart. If the Braves were able to sign him for around that much, the team could make a realistic run at their 34th round pick, Zack Hess which would round the draft class out nicely and help the Braves hedge their bets a bit in light of the results of Stewart’s physical.
This is a tricky situation on both sides. The Braves obviously like Stewart as a player and there is plenty to like, but if the wrist issue is serious enough, the team is right to have concerns with throwing top 10 money at a player with an injury that could slow or hinder his development. The Braves also don’t want to lose the slot value for their first round pick and there is no guarantee that the pick they would get next year (9th overall) if Stewart doesn’t sign will be a player they like as much.
On Stewart’s side, if the reports of a $4 million offer are true, he will be turning down big time first round money in line with what a lot of the prep players are getting in this draft class and betting that when he is eligible to be drafted again, he will make more than that. That’s a hard bet to make as that would require him to play very well and not get dinged for his current injury or get bitten by another injury bug. There are also benefits to being able to rehab with a pro organization’s resources and medical personnel. However, if Stewart is confident in himself, his talent level means that a top 5 selection in a few years isn’t outside the realm of possibility.
IMO, Stewart is getting bad advice from someone. If he’s hurt, then he should sign and get the best rehab available. I cannot blame the Braves for taking he stand they are taking. Maybe they are trying to take advantage of the injury to make a harder run at a later pick, but why not? They are not in the business of being charitable to one guy. They have to look out for the whole of the draft. And Stewart is taking a big chance if he thinks he’s going to play chicken with a professional front office. They will not be the ones to blink first.
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To be clear on Stewart, if he decides to bank on himself that he can go to college and get bigger money later, that will be a minimum of 3 years. That’s the rule. You bypass it after high school, you don’t re-enter the draft for 3 years. Alot can happen in 3 years.
AND he doesn’t get the top flight professional rehab for his injury. He gets a college medical staff.
Sign, kid. Don’t be dumb.
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Prediction: Stewart signs for a figure slightly above $4M.. maybe $4.2M. it will be a somewhat moral victory for him, but not a significant difference on the whole picture.
Also, this story didn’t just happen to get out today. It was allowed to get out today. The pressure will now be on the kid, not the team. It’s not a friendly tactic, but the position was forced. Too bad it came to that.
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Ya know, just once I would love for someone to ask me to sign on the dotted line on the promise I could make a $4MM bonus.
Bad advice, who is this kid’s agent, Scott Boras?
$4MM bypassed today will never be made up. He won’t get more in three years. He is a high school kid, the road to the Show is littered with pit falls. Ask 90% of the other high school pitchers who have signed a big contract. Heck, you could ask the majority of the college pitchers too.
The kid has an outside chance of making it to the Show in 5 years.
So, take the money and don’t look back Carter…
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So, I don’t know who is responsible for stat-cast but they are about as creditable as the New York Times. They listed Stanton’s 8th inning home run as 346 feet when it barley cleared the 314 foot mark in the right field corner. What, are they embarrassed to tell the truth? Okay, I would be too but I digress.
Newk simply did not have it tonight. When you cannot throw your fast ball over for a strike, you are doomed. The Braves made a game of it but fell short.
Afternoon game Wednesday. Here’s hoping “good” Julio takes the mound for the Braves. Going to be another hot one. I don’t think CC will go more than 4 innings in the heat.
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I’ve never seen a player sweat like Sean did last night! Every time he leaned forward it didn’t just drip , it poured off of his hat! I didn’t hear a temp for the game, as I missed the first few innings, but looking it up, I saw 82 with 80% humidity. That sounds miserable….
It might have been fear too, can’t imagine what it’s like to be in Yankee stadium, and not have any pitches that night….
had to flip away, as I was expecting a 12-0 blowout, but, Luke Jackson is the man! 😛 V, I guess you are going to have him to kick around for a bit more….
came back, it was 6-5, and I thought Acuna and…well, someone else had hit homers, but warning track power. really felt exciting though…thought they would end up winning the game, but alas, it was not to be….
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You don’t remember John Thompson Ber? Was the pitcher brought in to take Doggy’s spot in the rotation. He use to sweat like that every game.
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Gil, I had completely forgotten about him…a dim bulb is sorta remember this fact as he was bald….
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Julio looks good today, the strike zone is a bit of a moving target however.
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Okay, another game lost but folks, it could have been worse, at least the Braves won the first game and they were never out of the last two, just could not get the big hit.
Of course losing Freddie for a series won’t help but maybe he needed a few days off anyway.
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well, who would suspect CC could stand the heat at his advanced age? 😛 Julio T….sigh….not exactly an ace. what was his Velo? When I flipped the game on, it was already 5-0
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Ber, Julio velo was up to 93mph. I did not think he pitched poorly, The Braves hit some balls hard too but always seemed to be 407 feet to center as opposed to 314 feet to right.
The Braves had opportunities but could not get the clutch big hit.
So, it’s off to the brew city.
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I missed the game yesterday, but would have been really interested to see CC Sabathia vs. Luiz Gohara. That would have been surreal. I bet the grounds crew had to do some real work on that mound afterward. 😉
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OK… 1 out of 3 vs. the best team in the AL. It could be worse.
As Gil, said, on to Milwaukee.
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Bill Chastain, beat writer for the Rays on MLB.com:
Count Nathan Eovaldi on several teams’ wish list. The right-hander started for the Rays Monday night and pitched in front of scouts or representatives from the Cubs, Phillies, Red Sox and Braves. All are contending teams hoping to fill a void they’ve identified.
Tampa Bay’s prudent move in the weeks leading to Major League Baseball’s July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline would be to get what they can from other teams in exchange for valuable pieces, such as Eovaldi, who becomes a free agent after the season.
Eovaldi is in the second year of a two-year deal with the Rays. He missed the first year of the contract while rehabbing from his second Tommy John surgery.
The very embodiment of a cheap rental.
Numbers, courtesy of MLBTR: Eovaldi represents an interesting low-cost option for teams in need of rotation help. [He] has returned to post a 3.92 ERA, 49.6% grounder rate, 7.6 K/9, and a minuscule 1.3 BB/9 rate over his first 41 1/3 frames. Eovaldi is also averaging 97mph on his fastball.
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https://twitter.com/JeffMorrisAB/status/1014880414874456066
Excellent. Good to hear he’s getting back on the field and moving forward.
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In case you missed it, Braves #13 prospect Touki Toussaint was bumped up to AAA Gwinnett over the weekend. According to the Stripers, he’ll make his AAA debut tonight at home vs. Norfolk. He had a 2.93 ERA in his 16 starts this year in AA, with 107 Ks in 86 IP. He may have the best curveball in the organization. It’s control of that curve that’s been holding him back, but he seems to have crossed that point in his development this season. He also has a fastball that can touch 98 but typically sits in the mid-90’s. Add to that the occasional changeup and you can understand why the suits have been excited about him for a while.
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No news on Carter Stewart today. Not really worried, though. Both sides are motivated to get a deal done.
The only problem I foresee is that the continued delay could be holding up the signing of the Round 14 pick P Victor Vodnik . Most of the guys after 10 are receiving a $125K bonus, the max allowed that doesn’t count against the pool allotment. But those picks are also typically college players with no negotiation leverage. Vodnik is a HS pitcher. If he’s holding out for more, Stewart’s amount comes into play. Vodnik does have a college commitment in his pocket, but it’s to Cal State Northridge, not exactly a national powerhouse. And it’s not a JUCO, so he would not be eligible for the draft for another 3 years. Is he willing to spend 3 years at Cal State Northridge in hopes of improving his draft position? It would be a huge gamble. He needs to sign.
As of yesterday, the Braves had signed all the picks expected to sign except Stewart and Vodnik. If the reports are correct, the Braves have $4,924,800 left to offer without incurring the monetary penalty. Stewart’s slot value is $4,980,700. As reported earlier, the Braves would like to sign him closer to $4M because of the wrist thing. It should also be noted that every Round 1 pick taken ahead of Stewart has signed under slot.
All that said, and as Tomahawk Take’s Fred Owens notes, the Braves and Stewart reportedly agreed on a deal in principle before they even called his name. My opinion: Teams usually do have a loose agreement in place before making their pick. The Braves were reportedly not aware of the wrist issue when they made that agreement, and are trying now to walk it back a bit. I cannot blame the Braves for that, but I also cannot blame Stewart’s camp for wanting what was agreed to. Both sides need to reach an agreement somewhere in the middle, say $4.4M, leaving the team some real wiggle room allowing them to complete their negotiations with Vodnik.
I expect to hear both have signed before tomorrow’s 5pm deadline, but especially Stewart. It’s in everyone’s best interest to make sure that happens.
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An awful lot of Manny Machado/Braves chatter today.
Ber, I know you have a long held grudge against him, but the louder this chatter gets, the more you might need to get used to the idea.
There are a couple of new dynamics in play, the biggest being that Manny has said he’s willing to negotiate an extension if he likes the team he’s traded to. That’s a HUGE factor. That might just lure Atlanta further into the fray.
Also, even though the D’backs are showing alot of interest, the Phillies are pursuing him as well, and the Braves and Phillies have the prospects and payroll to make the deal happen.
So now it is more than just trying to add a superstar player to your roster. It’s also about trying to prevent your division rival from adding him. He is the type of player that can tilt the balance of power for years.
Jon Paul Morosi recently stated that the Orioles want young pitching, something both the Braves and Phils have. He speculated they would be interested in Ian Anderson and Max Fried. We can all assume that the Braves would say “no” to that, as they should.
Here’s the second new item that cannot be ignored. Manny has said he desires to play SS for his new team. The Phillies can easily plug him into SS. But what about the Braves? Would the O’s be happy with Ian Anderson and… Dansby Swanson? Would the Braves make that deal? Would the Braves be a better team with Manny at SS and Riley at 3B anyway? I’m not certain Ian Anderson and Dansby Swanson would get the deal done anyway, but they would need to replace their own SS now wouldn’t they?
So for the sake of discussion, if you got deep enough into trade talks that you could talk to Manny’s reps about an extension, and you knew you could lock him up long term, who would you part with to acquire him?
Remember, we’re talking about Manny Machado… a generational talent.
Would you rather have Dansby/Riley or Manny/Johan on the left side of the infield?
The Braves are showing that they are bonafide contenders in 2018. Adding Manny (and keeping him away from Philly) would sew up the division and elevate the Braves to the league’s upper echelon for the foreseeable future. What are you willing to do to get him? Who is untouchable? Who are you willing to offer?
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Personally, I think the Braves need to monitor the situation very closely. They cannot allow the Phils to get him and keep him. That would be tough to overcome with the rest of their young talent.
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Her’s something to whet your whistle.
Braves top prospects OF Cristian Pache (#8, high-A Florida) and 3B Jean Carlos Encarnacion (#26, low-A Rome) were both pulled from their respective games at about the same time last night.
Neither exit came from an apparent injury, and neither exit warranted an explanation from their respective team.
Was something close to happening?
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If I’m GM, which I clearly am not, I concentrate on the bullpen. I want 2 to arms… count ’em, 2. I believe that I can win the division, and maybe the league, with just an improvement in my bullpen.
But I can’t let Philly get Machado, especially if there’s a chance of him getting extended there. I really need the Dodgers to be more heavily involved than they are currently. And the Snakes. Either of them.
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And let’s remember… if I really want Manny, I can still try to sign him in FA without giving up any of my prospects.
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So making a quick right turn…
Remember there was some chatter last week that the Braves might be interested in Adrian Beltre from the Rangers? If they were able to swing that deal, woud that necessarily mean that Johan moves back to the bench? He is, ya know, hitting better than Dansby right now. Interesting, huh?
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Hey, I like our kids but I am not stupid, either Manny and/or Beltre makes any team better.
For sure, one should never get too attached to any player on a MLB team.
Manny with an extension, worth the price, Manny for 1/3 of a season, I’ll pass. Beltre would be a better option.
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Manny with an extension, worth the price, Manny for 1/3 of a season, I’ll pass. Beltre would be a better option.
Si.
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Well, that was disappointing…
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Blisters.
Fried is dealing with blisters. According to Bowman, he’s dealt with blisters his whole career. How many pitchers has had his high trajectory flattened by blisters?
If we can come up with a way to toughen the skin on their fingers… a natural, holistic method of making their fingers more resilient, we could make a fortune.
The question now is this: Will this latest outbreak prevent him from making his next start? We’ve already been told that McCarthy is not close.
Is it Allard’s turn to step up?
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Teach them to play the guitar. That toughens fingers, doesn’t it?
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And the Carter Stewart watch is now officially on. The deadline to get a deal signed is 5pm EDT today. Before we get to the rumor, Let’s lay out the facts that we know…
In April, Stewart felt something in his wrist while hitting for his HS team.
Teams can ask for a prospective pick’s medical records, but cannot do their own physical prior to the draft.
The Braves did their physical after the draft, the results of which “created concerns”.
With those concerns in mind, the Braves have offered Stewart $4,000,000 to sign. His slot value at #8 is $4,980,700. They have $4,927,300 left in their pool before incurring monetary penalties.
They still would like to sign #14 pick HS pitcher Victor Vodnik. He will require an uncertain amount above $125K to sign, and that overage also counts against the total pool amount. The closer the team can get Stewart’s bonus to $4M, the more they have to offer Vodnik.
Should Stewart fail to sign, the Braves will lose the entirety of the $4,980,700 slot amount, which will automatically push them into the monetary penalty area by $59,700 without even considering Vodnik.
The penalty is 1.5 x the overage amount, whatever it might be. (For informational purposes only: If the overage amount itself exceeds 5% of the total pool, the penalty becomes next year’s #1 pick. For the Braves, that would be $413,365. I can see no way they even get close to that.)
Stewart has a college commitment to Mississippi State, one of the best college baseball programs in the nation. A fellow MSU commit, and fellow #1 pick J.T. Ginn (#30, Dodgers) has already announced he’s not signing and he’s going to school.
Now the rumor…
The rumor is that Stewart is really considering honoring his commitment to play at MSU after Ginn’s announcement. They feel they could put together something really special with this class if they both go.
I will be watching this story closely all day. If at any time we see an announcement on Vodnik ahead of an announcement for Stewart, I would consider that a bad omen unless Vodnik’s bonus is really close to $125K.
Chances are greater that there will be just one announcement today, for both players or for one… or for neither. But I don’t expect multiple announcements.
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Correction to the above…
The draft pick penalty doesn’t hit until a 10% overage. At 5%, the monetary penalties increase dramatically… enough to be a deterrent. No math needed. It’s just alot.
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It would be awfully hard for me to turn down $4M, I don’t care how special playing at MSU would be. One more pop in that wrist and he might as well concern himself more about his field of study than his field of dreams.
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The latest Manny rumors say the Dodgers are stepping up their pursuit of him. According to USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale, they Dodgers are after both Manny and Tigers’ P Michael Fulmer, the guy Coppy used to drool over.
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Rather than go after Manny and Fulmer, I’d just as soon see the Braves go after the Rangers’ Adrian Beltre and Cole Hamels. Given the salary amounts attached to each (Beltre – a pro-rated amount of $18M for 2018; Hamels – a pro-rated amount of $23.5M for 2018, and a $20M team option for 2019), the Braves could “buy” their way out of sending off many of their top prospects.
In plain English, the more money TEX is asked to eat, the higher the prospect demand will be.
If Thoppy can get Liberty Media to wake up and see the real earning potential of a deep run in the playoffs, perhaps they can take on some salary and save some youngsters.
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In other words, who knows?
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So, to the Braves I say “Todd Van Poppel” You just never know if a kid signing a big bonus amount will work out. I could also throw in Hector Olivera but that would be piling on wouldn’t it?
If the kid signs, he signs, if not, oh well.
I have a bit of an attitude today. methinks it might be because the Bravos have been playing sucky of late.
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No reason to throw good money after bad if the concern is that great. Park the resources until next year.
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Dreaded blister…
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Round 14 pick Victor Vodnik also did not sign.
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Correction! The report I read of Vodnik was premature. He did in fact sign. No details on his deal yet.
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Okie dokie then… Unlike the NBA or NFL, first rounders are not guaranteed but unlike either of those, the money is….
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Translation: I gambled and lost. Now I’m not sure what I’ll do. Please don’t hate me.
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AGH! Another rally snuffed at the most inopportune time.
I know, I know… It is still early but then again, it’s not. What I worry about is the trend line. It has not just been t good teams the Braves have struggled but the bad ones too.
The Braves need a shot in the arm, or for Freddie to get his bearings again.
And Carter Steward… okay, he is independently wealthy and can afford to give up $2MM… Good for him, I hope he finds what he is looking for. We will see.
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One last observation about the Carter Steward fiasco. When the number one thing about you is how fast you can spin a curve ball, having a problem with your wrist is a very big deal. Better learn how to hit and become an outfielder…
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All righty then, that was a little more like it. Anibal Sanchez spun a gem for 6 2/3 and the pen held serve while Freddie played like Freddie. Let’s get one more tomorrow and end the trip on a winning note.
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Hoo Boy… Now that was UGGLY…. Did see one of the longest homeruns I have ever seen though, 464 feet…. That was MAMMO… too bad it was the Brewers hitting it.
Think Snit got Ender’s attention? Never, never, never give up on a play…
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I think when the Braves set out on what we all expected to be a difficult 10-day road trip, we all would have been quite satisfied if they could split and come home with 5 wins. But today it seems a little disappointing that they are coming home with just 5 wins.
Weird, ain’t it?
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They Braves looked like a real playoff contender in St. Louis, weren’t really out of any losses in Yankee Stadium, and looked tired in Milwaukee.
Interesting that when RAJ was in the lineup, we looked energized and in control. Not so much when he was hurt. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not.
But the real culprit is simply that this is a young team. They are doing what young teams do. It’s that simple. Sean Newcomb looks like Don Drysdale for 5 games, then looks like Don Rickles for the next 2. Ozzie burns really hot for a couple of weeks, then can’t buy a hit with an American Express Gold Card. Max Fried looks like the best of the young crop in one game, then can’t get out of the 2nd inning the next.
It’s what young teams do. It’s why GM’s with young teams try to supplement the youth with some seasoned veterans.
Here’s another interesting observation…
The bullpen looked pretty good on this road trip. Luke Jackson actually looked like a major league pitcher, and Sam Freeman looks like he rediscovered the keys to 2017. And Jesse Biddle… what a find he’s been.
Where we’ve been praying for 2 additional bullpen arms, it now appears that 1 bullpen arm and 1 veteran starter might be the recipe for October success.
And Thoppy… please please please ignore all the press about Manny Machado. If you want to back up the Brink’s truck after this season and buy him in FA, you won’t hear a peep out of me. But don’t rent him.
Want to see something that will surprise you?
Johan Camargo’s last 4 weeks: .318/.372/.482 w/ 3 HR and 18 RBI
Manny Machado’s last 4 weeks: .315/.388/.478 w/ 3 HR and 10 RBI
Arms, boss. Arms. 1 reliever and 1 starter.
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I’ll take him for the rest of 2018 and the option year of 2019. I know it’s alot of $$, but solid starting pitching is gonna cost alot of $$. He could easily be the Justin Verlander of 2018. Think the Astros have any regrets about that one? And taking on the full salary saves the quality of prospect going the other way. It’s similar to buying in FA, except you get the help now when you need it.
And as we’ve talked about, expand the deal to get Adrian Beltre. Again, it’s veteran experience, and it’s another powerful bat for the lineup.
Think I’m disrespecting Johan Camargo?
Let’s go back to an earlier number…
Adrian Beltre’s last 4 weeks: .284/.356/.420 w/2 HR and 10 RBI
Johan Camargo’s last 4 weeks: .318/.372/.482 w/ 3 HR and 18 RBI
Dansby Swanson’s last 4 weeks: .204/.245/.323 w/ 1 HR and 9 RBI
Hmmm…
When Snit dropped Flowzuki down in the order, who got moved up to #5? It was Johan, not Dansby.
Am I giving up on Dansby? Absolutely not. But I have a chance to win big in 2018. I’m putting the best I have on the field, period.
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I started a no doubt lengthy post the other day, then…like a moron, walked away from the computer for some great reason, no doubt. so…I ended up closing the browser and poof! gone. sigh…
Anyways….I was going to agree with you V, 2 relievers…I still think we need 2, unless we can get a real arm. How can we afford Hamels, and Beltre? Better prospects? sigh….
and Gil, right both times, no way that Yankee stadium homer was any more than 314, and no way yesterdays homer was only 464 that close to center, that high up….
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I would have looked a lot smarter calling out FF for not taking a day off….
He of course had several hits in the last 2 games, after hitting I think .155 for a week (someone said that on TV) he actually left a game after being hit in the elbow, but with nothing broken, he was back out there the next game…
at some point, he and Nick will need a day off. I feel like Snit does get just a bit pushed around by the vets (so glad Ender was benched after the popup though) but he needs to tell them they have a game off, say right before a day off like Bobby did at times. You can still pinch hit even, if you want to play 162 for some silly reason….
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what I meant to say above…. Anyways….I was going to agree with you V, 2 relievers…I still think we need 2, unless we can get a real starter How can we afford Hamels, and Beltre? Better prospects? sigh
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A good night to take off, the Braves need to hit the reset button.
Now, in light of the Braves failing to sign their first round pick, never mind the reason why, the Fan base needs to see the brain trust is serious about going for it.
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in light of the Braves failing to sign their first round pick
In my opinion, they didn’t fail to sign him. I believe they decided after having their docs examine his wrist that he wasn’t worth the investment. So they cut bait, made the minimum 40% of slot offer, and will take the #9 pick next year instead.
When your bread and butter is your curve ball, you can’t have a balky wrist. It just doesn’t jive.
Also, reading between the lines you get the idea that Stewart’s camp withheld the existing medicals on him prior to the draft. There was no word at all about the wrist injury, which occurred in April, in any of his pre-draft reports… of which there were a buttload. If it had been known, it would have been reported in one of the hundreds of scouting reports.
The latest whisper from his camp is that he will not attend Mississippi State, instead enrolling in a JUCO so that he can re-enter the draft next year. Perhaps he’ll be more honest.
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Interesting note from Bowman today, who speculates that maybe Touki will help out in the bullpen this season. His stuff profiles well for that role.
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Yes, Vee, but the Braves still gave up a top 10 pick, I’m sure there were some other prime players available. Still, you are right, you cannot do business with a dishonest broker. But with no first round nor a third rounder, it will haunt them later down the road.
Now, having said that, there was about $5MM that was not spent, Do you think Liberty will let them apply that money somewhere else?
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Yes, Vee, but the Braves still gave up a top 10 pick
This year, yes. But they’l have 2 of them next year because of it. And as you and I both know, not all these guys pan out anyway… including top picks. The real jewel of this group might be Round 2 pick Greyson Jenista, the big 6’4″ power hitting LH hitter out of Wichita State. He’s the first big time power hitting prospect the Braves have taken in a long time, and this guy has it in spades. And he’s a college guy, a little further along in maturity. He has already advanced past the typical short season rookie leagues (just 10 games in Danville) and was promoted to low-A Rome earlier this month.
In 18 professional games, he has 3 HR, 1 double, and 2 triples. He’s adjusting to the wood bat well, I’d say.
Also, don’t forget about 4th rounder P Tristan Beck, whom many equated to a 1st round talent. He’s another guy with an in-season injury who fell because of it. Only this time the teams were aware of it.
I don’t feel we’re painted in a hole because 1 guy didn’t sign, regardless of the fact it was the 1st rounder. After all, 2014 1st rounder Braxton Davidson is still floundering in the Braves lower minors, never getting a sniff above A ball. There are no guarantees. The strength of a draft is in the Top 10 as a whole, not one guy.
Oh, and next year, we’ll have an extra Round 1 pick. Back to 2014, when the Astros failed to sign their 1st rounder Brady Aiken – also because of medical concerns – they used their 2015 compensatory pick to take Alex Bregman.
I’d say that turned out OK for them. 🙂
And Brady Aiken has had a very Braxton Davidson type pro career in the Indians system, carrying a career minor league ERA of 5.05.
All in all, it was the right play for the Braves IMO.
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Do you think Liberty will let them apply that money somewhere else?
I think one of Thoppy’s jobs over the next 3 weeks is to make the suits at Liberty realize that loosening the purse strings in 2018 will pay off not just this year but down the road as well.
Do they even know how much revenue is generated by playoff games? And that the deeper you play into October, the more of that revenue is created?
A deep run in the playoffs can have the capability to pay a single salary.
And can you just imagine how crazy The Battery could be in October?
So when Thoppy takes a break from calling 29 other GM’s, he needs to dial up the mothership in Denver. Or Terry McGuirk. Not sure how that works anymore.
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Vee, I’m pretty sure Terry McGuirk is still the guy who has the direct line to Denver.
I was looking at the standings this morning and saw that the Braves actually gained .002 points in the standings overnight.
So, as disappointing as a 5-5 road trip was (funny to say that against three really good teams)… All is not lost. I think it is more in how they lost than the fact they lost. Some really ugly pitching performances last week.
And, I am reminded two pretty stout Braves players were taken in the second round, Brian McCann and Freddie Freeman… So, there is that…
While we drool at the idea of adding a Manny Machado to the Braves roster, I would be happy just to see Freddie return to form which he has shown some signs of doing of late. Now, if we can just get Dansby going again.
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Vee, I’m pretty sure Terry McGuirk is still the guy who has the direct line to Denver.
Yes, but I think when they hired AA, he was given the full reigns to the franchise. He may be the one to have sway with the suits. I think McGuirk may have retained his title, but lost his teeth after the Coppy-gate debacle.
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While we drool at the idea of adding a Manny Machado to the Braves roster, I would be happy just to see Freddie return to form which he has shown some signs of doing of late. Now, if we can just get Dansby going again.
To be perfectly honest, I’m not drooling over Manny for this year. For 2018, as I’ve already said, I’d prefer Adrian Beltre at 3B and Johan at SS. Dansby can get going again in 2019, unless we go out and sign Manny in FA. Then Dansby can get going… to another city. 😉
And again, that’s not a shot at Dansby. He is what he is at this point in his career… a young, solid performing SS who has alot of room and time to become what we all have envisioned. But he is not Manny. He’s not even Johan right now. For now, I’ll take the best 8 I can put on the field. And if I can buy Manny in the offseason… well, I like ya Dans, but… you know…
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I think one of Thoppy’s jobs over the next 3 weeks is to make the suits at Liberty realize that loosening the purse strings in 2018 will pay off not just this year but down the road as well.
Do they even know how much revenue is generated by playoff games? And that the deeper you play into October, the more of that revenue is created?
A deep run in the playoffs can have the capability to pay a single salary.
And can you just imagine how crazy The Battery could be in October?
So when Thoppy takes a break from calling 29 other GM’s, he needs to dial up the mothership in Denver. Or Terry McGuirk. Not sure how that works anymore
Well, it just all boils down to potential then, doesn’t it? “they” are making a lot of money off the team right now, so will they understand that spending a little more now can pay off in spades, now and later, or will they just say to AA, look at all the moola coming in now? Next year is soon enough…..
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Ber, I have never know a single rich person who ever said they have enough until just before they die and then they try to buy their way into heaven… Just saying…
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So very true, Gil. No matter how much a rich person has, they want more. Trying to buy things that money can’t buy is their mistake. There’s only one source for what they need.
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Let’s not forget though that Liberty Media is a corporation… and I don’t want to fall into the corporation bashing frenzy that our more left leaning friends seem to want to do so freely.
Yes, the powers that be in that corporation are certainly rich people. But the prime duty of the corporate execs is to return a healthy dividend for their shareholders. And they are going to see that duty through to its fullest.
I do not begrudge them that. God bless America.
If I had it my way, the Braves would be owned by a real person, not an entity. But it is what it is. Then again, do we need to talk about Jeffrey Loria? Peter Angelos? Some real people can be bigger nightmares than their corporate counterparts.
That said, I still believe that the team itself can generate more revenue by making a deep run in the playoffs, which will in turn help the corporate bottom line. And that deep run can be had by making a reasonable and responsible investment in the current team.
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Now, more immediate concerns…
Which Julio shows up at STP tonight?
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Just heard some excerpts from a radio interview with Thoppy today. Two things stood out in a big way from what I heard:
First, when asked about persistent trade rumors, Thoppy responded by saying that the rumors we hear and read are probably mostly inaccurate. He went on to say that they spend alot of time and effort keeping their activities under wraps, and that the names they’ve made the most effort toward have not even been mentioned.
Takeaway: He is working hard on something or things, and the name(s) are under the radar.
Second, when asked directly about money, Thoppy stated clearly that there would not be a case of having to pass on a potential deal to help the ballclub because money was an issue. He has the authority to make whatever deals he wants, and the only person he has to notify is in the building… being Terry McGuirk.
Takeaway: It absolutely answers the earlier question of who has the power. Thoppy has the power. He just has to use it responsibly and keep McGuirk in the loop.
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Whew, the Jays made Julio work for it the first inning. I don’t know if he is just missing the zone or he is nibbling by design. He is going to need to establish that he can throw strikes so the ump will give him the marginal pitches.
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I don’t make it a habit to question Snit, especially given the team’s success thus far. But why does he continue to bat Ender at leadoff? He has the lowest OPS on the team, yet gets the most ABs. Is there a viable reason?
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V, If I were to guess, it’s because he didn’t seem to hit much batting 9th. Seemed for a few weeks it was working well to have him leading off…perhaps Ender hated batting 9th? Just guessing…
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Well, another bullpen melt down… Ich!
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V, If I were to guess, it’s because he didn’t seem to hit much batting 9th. Seemed for a few weeks it was working well to have him leading off…perhaps Ender hated batting 9th? Just guessing
And I hate him batting leadoff. He isn’t hitting. Nuthin’
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I’d have Ozzie and Acuna 1 & 2 from now to eternity, with Freddie keeping his beloved 3 slot. I want those 3 guys getting to stand in the box as often as possible.
Not to mention, RAJ was tearing the cover off the ball with Freddie batting behind him. He’s getting nothing to hit with Dansby behind him.
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Ozzie (S)
RAJ (R)
Freddie (L)
Kakes (L)
Flowzuki (R)
Johan (S)
Dans(R)
pitcher
Ender (L)
Winning lineup.
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The new “thing” in baseball is to bat your best OBP guy 1st (duh), and your best hitter 2nd. That would be Ozzie – Freddie. But Freddie is loathe to relinquish his #3 spot. And if that’s what Freddie wants, that’s what Freddie gets… he’s earned that.
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Last night, I implored Ender via the magic box (maybe the NSA heard me) ((Ender didn’t)) not to swing at the first pitch. He did nearly every at bat. The results was that Stroman had some really easy innings…
I thought the lead off guy was suppose to at least look at some pitches so his team mates could at least get and idea of the strike zone and what a pitcher had that night. I get being aggressive but seriously….
I cannot blame Minter completely for the 8th inning melt down, his defense did not help him out. Dansby’s ole’ was particularly troubling. I looked as if Los Bravos were already taking off for the mid summer break…. These games count just as much as the ones in September.
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Vee, I think I would fine a guy every time he swung at a first pitch…
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I cannot blame Minter completely for the 8th inning melt down, his defense did not help him out. Dansby’s ole’ was particularly troubling.
Yes. Both that one, and the earlier one from Johan were clearly mental mistakes. Even Freddie missed a ball that hit his glove. The All-Star break cannot come at a better time.
Well, maybe 5 games earlier would be better. 😉
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Stroman looked like the guy we all dreamed about a couple of years ago. His sinker was devastating. Wouldn’t it be nice if his old GM Thoppy convinced his new GM to leave him behind in Atlanta?
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Ber, you may get your wish soon, and quite honestly, it’s my wish to for the time being. Bowman opines that Luiz Gohara may rejoin the rotation after the ASB. Obviously Mike Soroka is out for at least another month, maybe for the rest of 2018. And Brandon McCarthy’s right knee tendinitis has “not responded” to rest. According to the AJC, he’s not anywhere close to returning anytime soon. Max Fried has been throwing again, but will need a rehab start or two after laying off for 10 days. And given that his blister problem is recurring and not new, there is reason to believe the big club would prefer more certainty at the back end of the rotation.
I think we’ll get a clue if they option Luiz back to AAA before the ASB, allowing him to continue to stretch back out.
As for any other youngsters, it would seem the org doesn’t want to throw any more rookies into the playoff push. I’m glad for that. But that said, there is some rumbling that Touki will get at least a month in AAA and then be considered for a major league role. I think there is a subtle reason for that, which I’ll get back to.
As for what we know, you can comfortably pencil in Folty, Newk, Anibal and Dr. Julio / Mr. Hyde, but not a clear #5. So unless they deal for another starter, which is possible, Luiz looks to have a good shot to get back in.
I think the team is actually in a fairly unique and fortunate spot as they search for pitching help via the trade market. If you find a good fit with a starter, you can swing Luiz back to the bullpen. Likewise, if you cannot fond a starter, but you can find a reliever or two, you can start Luiz or (fill in the _____ with a talented rookie’s name) and make the bullpen your strength.
Having guys like Luiz and Touki, who can flex and give you multiple innings where needed, is very valuable, especially as the season grinds into late summer.
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I’m just hoping the GM can come up with a/some pitcher(s) who can throw strikes and do not feel the need to nibble at the corners. While I can appreciate the Greg Maddox clone, it appears that many umpires do not. With constantly changing strike zones which expand and contract depending on if Blue likes or dislikes a player/team or has money on the game… There, I said it. I don’t always believe that all umpires are unbiased arbiters of balls and strikes, either that or they have vision woes that rival Mr McGoo’s.
Now, what was it I wanted to say??? I forget…
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Okay, that’s a little more like it, heck of an at bat by Dansby, great bunt by Folty…
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Gil, yes indeed! I watched til 6-0. Then saw I think 7-5, glad they still won.
V, here’s a thought…not saying its a good one, but…HR King Ozzie 1st, Ender 2nd. Then he sees all the good pitches in front of FF.
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When the Jays put up a 5 spot in the 7th inning, I had a sinking feeling because I saw it coming after Dansby fail to make the play which would have resulted in out number 3. Folty was stellar but clearly was tiring. I can’t say I blamed Snit for leaving him in, after all, the pen has not exactly been shut down solid this season. BUT, Ozzie sure did restore order didn’t he with a MAMMO shot to center in the eight. A good solid win for the Braves. Back in a first place tie with the Frillies…
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Called it. He’ll get stretched out through the ASB and be ready to start in the 2nd half.
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V, here’s a thought…not saying its a good one, but…HR King Ozzie 1st, Ender 2nd. Then he sees all the good pitches in front of FF.
Maybe… but who would you rather have come up potentially 5 times a game: Ender or Acuña? For me, I’ll take Acuña. He’s a game changer.
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And as for Acuna, he is still trying to get his timing down, it would not hurt for him to play next week for Gwinnett either.
I know, I know, it won’t happen but he is still searching for (it) as far as I can tell…
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I really hate this…
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Sadly, Shelby Miller’s career may officially be toast. I hate it for Shelby but such is the lot of every single pitcher. They never really know which pitch may be their last competitive one.
Yep, Gohara back to Triple A for fine tuning. Good call GM Vee…
At least the Braves looked like they suddenly woke up to the fact they had another week before the All Star break and realize they could yet throw away 3 months of hard work with a lackadaisical effort.
Yes, everyone is tired, imagine how the Blue Jays must feel knowing they are merely a sparing partner for the Yankees and the Red Sox. The Washington Generals to the Harlem Globetrotters…
So rest today and get after the D’Backs this weekend as they are very beatable right now.
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I hate it too. Pray it’s old scar tissue….\
Amazing how some arms, a Roger Clemens, Nolan Ryan, etc can last for so long..
Justin Verlander. He was used and abused as a young pitcher, every bit as much if not more than Kerry Wood, and Mark Pryor….but he’s still going strong
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I hate it too. Pray it’s old scar tissue
Good call. Me too.
Amazing how some arms, a Roger Clemens, Nolan Ryan, etc can last for so long
Ryan was a one of a kind dude for sure… a generational pitcher. I think we have a pretty good idea of why Clemens lasted so ext-roid-inarily long.
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Yes, the old Jamba Juice promotes rapid healing but some really nasty side effects, like compulsive lying….
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I read where Freddie will participate in the Home Run Derby, I have mixed emotions about it. I want Freddie to do well but I don’t want him to screw up his swing.
SO… I guess the best we can hope for is none of the Braves come out of the All-Star game injury free. Something that has not always occurred.
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I really don’t want him to take part! Seems as if so many don’t do well at all afterward. Wish somebody would change his mind!
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I read where Freddie will participate in the Home Run Derby, I have mixed emotions about it. I want Freddie to do well but I don’t want him to screw up his swing.
I heard a thorough discussion about that yesterday on the radio (I was on the road most of the day). I was amazed at the data that shows that there are only a handful of players that really tanked after participating. But they got the press for the anomaly, thus it sounded like the norm.
Truth is, Freddie’s swing hasn’t been all that great for 2-3 weeks. Maybe this is what he needs to break out of is funk. #optimism
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I think the Frillies Ron Howard is the guy who stands out in everyone’s mind to tanking after the All-Star Home Run Derby…
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When I see the name ‘Ron Howard’ all I can think of is Opie.
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I got my Howards mixed up… should be Ryan Howard. 🙂
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For some reason, I think it was the HR Derby champs were the ones that really slumped….I just recall one, Bobby Abreu….I am pretty sure it was 2004 for the Phils, just looked him up. 18 before the all star break, 12 after….and I bet he didn’t hit a homer for a month after the break….
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and…I was wrong. it was 2005! I thought surely it wasn’t a year he only hit 24 HR’s! but, he hit 18 before the all star break, only 6 afterwards.
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He’s hitting that age you start to get a wee bit emotional….good to see…
well…glad I didn’t catch any of Saturday’s game, and I am getting to see the braves score 4 runs in an inning against a tough leftie to boot!
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Any thoughts on this guy?
http://m.mlb.com/player/607457/kyle-barraclough
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Barraclough is a solid end of the game reliever, I’m sure the Marlins will want a ton for him, not sure what the realistic cost would be.
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Respect! (Somehow my things are posting on the wrong page…)
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DUZ5OC-VQAEzip_.jpg:large
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WOW! DOB has resigned from AJC. Wonder who takes his place?
“As of midnight, Jeff Schultz (he’s the older gentleman on the left) and I will be in limbo. Well, not really, but gone from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It’s been a wonderful 16 years for me at the AJC (and about 30, give or take a decade, for Schultz). I’ve been fortunate to have two of the greatest bosses a sports writer could ever have in the late Fred Turner at the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel — that’s what we called it and how we hyphenated it then, so that’s the correct way dammit — and Ray M. Cox, whom I worked with at the Sun-Sentinel and the AJC. Three decades writing for newspapers makes me a true and proud ink-stained wretch for life. God I love newspapers. Folks, don’t let them die. Subscribe. And stay tuned for an announcement real soon on the next move.”
https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37215465_10214559220472862_4798497210104807424_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=535177d90cbc3a973f7d291aa1f3c84f&oe=5BEACC5C
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I guess DOB wasn’t progressive enough for the AJC… Oh well, will need to find a new foil to pick on. I think it was the AJC’s decision to charge for access to the blogs that lead to their demise.
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Wow. Just wow. I haven’t “followed” him in a while because I got a little tired of his condescending tone on things outside baseball, but he was still a good source for baseball insider info from time to time.
Maybe we should have seen the writing on the wall, pun fully intended, with the arrival of the youngster Gabe Burns. Perhaps this has been in the works.
My guess is that DOB ends up writing for one of the emerging pay sites such as The Athletic, who may be fleshing out its own network of local writers.
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Sure enough, DOB’s Twitter, which is an AJC account, is unavailable. I’ll have to dig up his new one. I’m sure there’s a new one.
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And here it is…
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Now baseball…. Didn’t Julio look good yesterday? I could take another half season of more of that…
I keep waiting for Acuna to catch fire, still waiting. And Ender getting a day off yesterday, hummmm….
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OK… I only meant to link his account. I didn’t know it’d pop up his tweets like that. Hope he keeps them clean. No assurance, though.
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Didn’t Julio look good yesterday?
Julio Teheran may be benefiting the most by having Anibal Sanchez on the team. And what a blessing that is, huh?
Now, if we can get someone to pitch more than 6-7 innings, I’ll be alot happier… especially with the uncertainty rattling around our bullpen.
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I think Julio could have got thru the 6th yesterday but after losing 4 in a row, I think Snit was exercising an abundance of caution. Too many melt downs this season. Seeming safe leads not being very safe. Look at the Phillies blowing a 5-0 lead yesterday.
It is going to be hot in DC tonight and tomorrow night. Baseballs will be flying out of Nats’ Park. Good thing they will be restricting players to limited innings.
T Storms always a threat this time of year, I doubt the Nationals will call the game early due to the threat. Don’t look for the game to go long if it rains after 5 innings.
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One other comment about yesterday’s game. Dan Winkler’s giving up a go-fer ball in the 8th inning did not bother me near as much a walking a batter with a 4 run lead. If you cannot blow a ball past a hitter in the late innings, you do not belong in the role. Having to rely on the ump to give you pitches to put the batter on the defensive is what results in blown saves.
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I keep waiting for Acuna to catch fire, still waiting.
I do not believe his knee is 100%.
And Ender getting a day off yesterday, hummmm
One of Snit’s better calls. Ender didn’t exactly own up to failing to run out that failed pop up last week, owing it to trying to “save his legs”. I call BS on that, and so did Snit. We don’t know what goes on behind the scenes, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Snit dropped Ender in the order and drew a complaint. We know from public statements that Ender dislikes hitting anywhere else but leadoff.
I get it. I have things I dislike too, like a leadoff hitter with a .241 AVG and .312 OBP who’s batting just .176 vs. lefties such as yesterday’s ARI starter. I do like a guy, like Ozzie, who leads the league in extra base hits, helmets lost, and who runs like the wind.
Perhaps Ender complained about being dropped to the bottom of the order, and Snit relieved him of the burden by removing him from the card altogether.
In all likelihood it’s simply a response to Ender’s poor showing against lefties this season, in which case it was still a good call by the manager. After all, Snit needed a win, and it’s his job to put the team in the best position to get said win. If that means Ender has to sit vs. certain lefties, then so be it.
How bad did we need that win? How big a deal is that half game?
Well, aside from the obvious public perception, we still finished the “first half” a half game behind Philly in the division standings. Is that significant? Well if you play the old “If the season ended today…” game, we barely hold the 2nd Wild Card and would be subject to that horrendous 1 game playoff with the Brew Crew, who recently owned our butts.
This team needs every W it can get. It needs to win the division and not pin its hopes on the Wild Card. it’s called “Wild Card” for a reason… anything can happen. #outfieldflyrule
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So Schultz and DOB are starting their own thing. Well… best of luck to them. I’m sure they’ll do well, owing to their extensive experience.
I’m sure it’ll be a pay thing, so I won’t participate. But I do wish them luck.
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It is being reported that our big bopping catching prospect Alex Jackson has been promoted to AAA Gwinnett. It’s a bit of a mystery though… his bat hasn’t exactly screamed “promote me”, as he’s slashed an anemic .200/.282/.329 with 78 whiffs in 252 PA’s, or roughly 31% of the times he steps in the box. Maybe the suits are hoping he’ll hit a little better against pitchers with better control. It wouldn’t be the first time that’s happened.
To make room for him at Gwinnett, veteran Rob Brantly has been released. If you’ll recall, Brantly essentially hung up the spikes after last season, but the Braves needed some veteran catching depth and talked him into joining the band. He even made the Opening Day lineup when Flow was ailing. Brantly seems to be a natural coaching prospect to me, and I’d love to see the Braves keep him in the family in a staff position somewhere.
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Maybe I’m trying to read too closely into this, but digging down into the system, I see that the Braves have both William Contreras and Drew Lugbauer at low-A Rome. Those 2 guys may be their best 2 catching prospects. It’s possible that they could be moving Contreras up to high-A where Brett Cumberland is catching, moving Cumbo up to AA where Jackson just departed. The current catchers remaining at AA are not exactly bona fide ML prospects.
So whether or not AJax appears to have warranted a promotion, it could simply be a function of spreading out the catching prospects to allow them the most game playing time. Lugbauer has actually played more 1B and OF than he has behind the plate this season.
Catchers in the Braves Top 30:
AJax, #13 – now at AAA
William Contreras, #16 – low-A
Brett Cumberland, #22 – high-A
Drew Lugbauer, #28 – low-A
The 20-year-old Contreras is probably the best real catching prospect we have. He’s the younger brother of Cubs catcher and All-Star Wilson Contreras. Already known as the top defensive catcher in the system, he has notched a nifty .286/.350/.424 slash line in 71 games in low-A Rome.
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Agreed on the pay sites… I understand a person’s desire to get paid for their expertise but being a cheapskate, I’ll pass. Good luck to them both, ya think they would be willing to pay us for our insight? Asking for a friend….
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Wow about DOB (And Jeff Schultz) For all of DOB’s “progessiveism” (The amount of money he spends on concerts, cds, food, etc I bet he was born with money, and a liberal fam, sorta like being born with a pa that had a white sheet hanging up in the closet, you are likely to share the same views of your parents) he really was a good baseball writer. If you compare the number of comments on his columns, even years ago, to other beat writers, it wasn’t even close. And I think he got so nasty with folks because he did stoop down to the level of constant nastiness the bowels of the internet so often provides. you have 20 people trash you by name every single day, you will get Trump like too 😛 (I bet he would hate me comparing him to the President 😛 )
anyways, I bet he and Jeff were not making much from the AJC, you don’t usually leave a safe bet, do you?
I too am cheap, but we are basically turning into millennials, which is something we should stop and think if we want to emulate anything they do…
If it was cheap enough, say $4.99 a month for the Athletic, I would likely join…
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Ok guys and gal….is there ANY price point that would get you to consider subscribing? I find things like this interesting…
the annual charge is very tempting, the monthly? It’s crazy. Don’t get that….
https://theathletic.com/checkout/?plan_id=51&pc=fv450&campaign_type=final-vortex&campaign_id=fv4day0&curr=CAD
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I think $2.50 @ month (USD) is entirely reasonable. Quite frankly, I’m shocked it is that low. Counting on volume, I guess. Good luck to them. I hope they’ll be happy and successful.
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I do not begrudge anyone the right to charge whatever they wish for their product. Heck, I’m as free-wheeling a free market capitalist as you’ll find. But part of that equation is the right to choose what you want to participate in. And pay sites are just not for me. I find that with a little diligence and willingness, I can dig up just about anything I want to find out on my own. It just takes time and effort. And honestly, I have more time and effort than I do hard cash. If that changes, so will my preferences.
So in that vein, I hope DOB and Schultz rake in alot of cash on their new venture. I hope they rival The Athletic, who itself was a fledgling operation just a couple of years ago. I hope there are more of these type ventures coming out of the woodwork given that it’s the medium of the future, far outpacing the growth of the traditional newspaper, or even the digital “newspaper”. And hopefully as more and more of these ventures flesh out the new market, the prices overall will become nominal, much like it used to be shelling out a quarter for my daily paper from the corner paper box.
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Now, free news you don’t have to dig up anywhere. Today the Braves signed old friend Lane Adams and recently released ex-Snake Fernando Salas to minor league deals. They are joining the AAA Gwinnett Stripers. To make room, OF Xavier Avery was placed on Gwinnett’s DL and LHP Michael Mader was transferred to AA Mississippi. (We used to call that demoted, but that is considered “insensitive” these days.)
Salas is a 33-year-old reliever that has spent time with ARI, LAA and STL. He started the season with solid numbers, but has steadily declined since May. The Snakes DFA’d him to make room for another pitcher coming off injury. He chose FA over being outrighted. I assume he sees opportunity with the Braves. Looking around our bullpen, it’s not hard to figure out why.
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…“much like it used to be shelling out a quarter for my daily paper from the corner paper box”.
You are a young fellow Vee, When the price jumped from a nickle, I started to wean off the fish wrap…
I figure I am already paying for access to the internet, why pay extra?
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Launch angle = uppercut swing. Now get off my lawn.
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As expected, Freddie exited early from the Home Run Derby last night, unexpectedly Bryce Harper won. I hope it does not jump start Harper for the 2nd half.
I went to bed at 10 PM which is my norm so I did not witness the exciting conclusion (sarcasm alert) of the made for TV event.
I hesitate to venture the notion but maybe this is what modern baseball has become, the heck with all the base running and expensive pitchers, maybe we should just have teams of sluggers going at it for 2 hours and then tally the scores. Sort of like Arena Football… but different…
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I have not watched the HRD in years, but tuned in last night because of Freddie, and I have to admit I really enjoyed it. I did hang around until the end, and believe it or not, it was “exciting”.
They changed the format a couple of years back – as I learned last night – to make the rounds timed. And this year they paired hitters head-to-head in a bracket format.
I gotta tell ya, I really liked it and was locked in through the final round. And in that final round, Harper was just not locked in early. It didn’t help that his dad (his pitcher, which in itself is really cool) was throwing bad pitches. But with about 90 seconds left in his 4 minute round and down by more than half his opponent’s total, something clicked and he just started launching bomb after bomb. And they weren’t cheap either.
I know he’s hated by many… maybe on here. But I’d sure love to see him with a script A on his cap roaming RF in SunTrust Park.
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Prophet star…
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I must admit, after reading about the new The Athletic Atlanta, it is awfully tempting to subscribe… at least at the discounted price. Not saying I am about to do it, but at least it’s making me think about it.
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Yeah, well, I did go ahead and bit… After all, it’s only money. I know, I know… talk is cheap and DOB makes a good point. Besides, we are still free, I think…
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You may think only within certain boundaries, Gil. Otherwise the (fill-in-the-blank) police will come down hard on you! ( lol )
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Hopefully the Manny Machado circus will be over soon and the rest of the trade season can commence.
This according to Buster Olney: Sources: The Orioles have structure of a deal in place, and are going through the medicals/paperwork portion of the transaction. Dodgers have been very invested in their pursuit of Machado, as have the Phillies and other teams, but this in not finished yet.
And that follows an earlier tweet by the O’s beat writer Eduardo Encina of the Baltimore Sun who tweeted this morning that a deal was likely to be wrapped up “over next 72 hours”.
As to whom is the receiving team… well, it depends on who is reporting. One minute it’s the Phillies, the next it’s the Dodgers. It could be either or neither, because no one really knows at this point. It wouldn’t surprise me if the team’s name should leak out soon, though. Too many people are trying to get the scoop on it, and there will be somebody who leaks it for a favor of some sort.
I sure hope it’s the Dodgers, though. Like Manny or not, he could be the difference maker in this season’s NL East race.
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Jon Heyman seems to believe that the Dodgers are the leaders in the Manny Machado race, even talking specifics.
Tweets from the last couple of hours:
Top dodgers OF prospect Yusniel Diaz could be in play in potential Machado deal. Hit 2 bombs in futures game. If so, that may be hard to beat. As said, Dodgers lead as they head toward finish line.
If Dodgers complete Machado deal (and they lead), they could move Taylor to 2B, Muncy to 1B and Bellinger to the stacked OF. That’d be quite a lineup. Also, if top OF prospect Yusniel Diaz is in deal, their rep as stingy with prospects goes out the window.
Sources: top OF prospect Yusniel Diaz is indeed in the Dodgers’ Machado offer currently on table.
Please, please, please. Keep him away from Philly.
Speaking of Philly, Heyman offers this up as well:
Assuming Phillies don’t land Manny now, they’ll still be targeting a SS, preferably one who’s a threat with bat. Eduardo Escobar could make sense. Most SS potentially on market are glove guys: Iglesias, Alcides, Rojas, old friend Galvis, Hechavarria.
Manny is the only difference maker. Go Dodgers!
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Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports:
The Baltimore Orioles, barring a last minute snag, will trade All-Star shortstop Manny Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, according to a baseball official with direct knowledge of the deal.
The official spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the trade has not been finalized.
… and because they were entrusted with the secret by their boss. We knew the name would surface. Secrecy and trust are values of the past. As is respect for authority.
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I don’t mind Manny going to the left coast nearly as much as I would rue him going to Philly.
The Dodgers are in a much better place to buy a rental than the Braves.
Agree on Harper, he will cost a ton but the Braves will have the money and will need someone to play right field.
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Can you imagine Harper blasting those moonshots into the Chop House in RF? It’s only 325′ down the line there and 375′ to the RF/CF gap. The park is tailor made for him.
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I’m pretty sure Boris is licking his chops (no pun intended) at the thought of the bidding war which will take place this winter for Bryce’s services.
Personally, I would be torn between Harper and possibly adding DeGrom. Both would be in the same territory monetarily.
The Braves are also going to need a catcher.
There are prospects in the minors but few are position players. Will need to trade pitching prospects to acquire players not available thru free agency. I think I will look up who is coming on the market next season
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All-Star Charlie Blackmon would also be a nice FA signing, and alot cheaper than Harper.
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Oh wait… he’s not a FA. Who am I thinking about then?
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ARI’s AJ Pollock…
Similar to Blackmon with less hair and beard.
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Not any more.
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Oops… that was supposed to be a text reply. Multi-tasking.
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It always seems that the AL wins these days, even if the game is close (well, it was when I went to bed, 2-1, turned into 8-6?) Too bad with all the homers, FF or Ozzie didn’t hit one of them….
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After a down year, do you think Bryce will sign for 1 more year in DC?
or will Borarse act like he’s the best player in baseball, and 40 Mil per year for a decade?
I’m all for having great players, but Manny or Bryce are going to take up what, 25, 30% of a teams payroll right? If one was going to spend that kind of moola, wouldn’t you rather spend 20 mil on a right fielder, and 20 mil on a starter? Of course, having the moola doesn’t mean there are guys out there worth 20 mil…..
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After a down year, do you think Bryce will sign for 1 more year in DC?
No. Not a chance. He’ll still get his big deal. I do think if he continues this course for the rest of the season that he will be costing himself a few million, but is $38M a year instead of $40M a year really gonna hurt? And does anyone really think he’ll continue to slump for the rest of the year? I don’t.
Yes, he’ll still make a mint because he’s still a game changer and those are so rare. Also, he’s just 25 years old… will be 26 heading into FA. He has yet to really hit his prime. Can you believe that he’s just 25? Crazy.
I don’t think we have to have Harper, but I can dream of him hitting those majestic shots into the Chop House over and over again. I do think we need a real solid power bat to add to the lineup. We’ve seen how much having a solid Kakes behind Freddie has helped… much like when Kemp was there. It just makes a difference all over the lineup to have the right guys in the right place. And adding a 30+ HR guy to the lineup at cleanup just balances the whole thing out.
We know we need another starter, but I think we’ll add that in the next 2 weeks. We know we need bullpen help, but I think we;ll add that also in the next 2 weeks. I also think our own stock will add to both of those. Pitching is not something I’m concerned about long term.
But hitting?
We’ll have an immediate need for 2 lineup additions at season’s end. We have to fill RF and we have to fill C. And neither is going to be filled from within. Dustin Peterson is having a nice year in AAA, but he’s not going to fill the RF/cleanup hole. Cristian Pache is a quick riser, but he’s still a couple of years away, and won’t fill the cleanup need.
No we need a bopper and a receiver right away that will have to come from the outside. Well, unless you add a game changer to RF and keep going year to year with one or both of Flow and Zuk. That would work for me. 😀
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Today’s Manny Saga report:
The only question remaining is what time is the announcement made about him going to LA?
I had to chuckle a little at Matt Kemp playing dumb during the game last night when confronted directly by Ken Rosenthal. It was a classic case of words saying “I don’t know anything” but face saying “I know everything”.
BTW- Rosey has been all over this, and didn’t dance around it at all last night, even asking Manny directly. Naturally Manny sidestepped it completely. But big cred to Rosey for getting ahead of the story and going directly to Manny, and even to Kemp. No hedging at all.
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Yes, Bryce is one of those hitters who has light tower power but he has fallen in love with trying to hit 500 foot home runs making him susceptible to off speed pitches. Unlike the Home Run Derby, you do not get bonus points for distance in actual games.
My biggest fear with Harper would be if and when he hits his Andrew Jones wall…
Of course who am I to argue with what sells? Harper will earn appox $40MM a year while Markakis will be lucky to get $11MM a year for two more years. Oh the humanity, how will Kakes ever make ends meet? But, I digress, there are some power bats out there, likely they will be short termers.
Now Atlanta… Don’t be surprise to see Thoppy make an offer for JA Happ of the Jays, or maybe Stodeman, neither would be that pricey. I think the brass in Atlanta want to see how the homeboys fare against the Nats and LA this week before going all in on a rental.
No one in Braves Country should ever forget how disastrous long term the Texiera trade was for Atlanta. As much as I want the Braves to win right now, I know there are times you have to resist the impulse buying.
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I think the brass in Atlanta want to see how the homeboys fare against the Nats and LA this week before going all in on a rental.
My opinion, for what it’s worth…
The 2018 Atlanta Braves are an over-achieving team. I think they are much closer to the .500 team they’ve been over the last month or so than the WS contender they were for most of April through mid-June. We had Kakes finding his power, Freddie hitting anything in his Zip Code, Ozzie playing out of his mind, Dansby hitting over .300, Johan channeling Mike Moustakas, RAJ looking like the phenom he’s been labeled, and Sean Newcomb doing his best Jon Lester impression.
Only Ozzie has maintained those lofty accomplishments.
Rather, they look just like the .500 team we had hoped for, poised for a run of success over the next several years as our youngsters mature and produce. That’s how I see htem, and I think that’s how Thoppy sees them too.
Oh, I absolutely believe that he’ll add to this team. He has to. He owes it to the players as much as he owes it to the fans. But I can almost guarantee that he won’t add a high-priced rental. And when I say “high-priced”, I’m referring to prospect cost, not salary.
In my humble opinion, you won’t see AA trade a top prospect for anyone without it being a someone they team really wants who has several years of control remaining. And those guys just aren’t on the market this July.
Nope. He won’t pay the price for Brad Hand, Zach Britton, Raisel Iglesias, Felipe Vazquez or any of the other big rental names floating around. Not this year.
He might pay the freight on Cole Hamels or JA Happ, taking on salary to offset prospect value, although I think the demand on Happ is probably going to take him off the list. After all, he is an All-Star. But you might add Moose’s name if KC gets a little more realistic. I think pitching is the priority, but if the price is right, Moose is a fit on the field and in the clubhouse.
Dark horse name to keep in mind: Matt Harvey. Don’t be surprised.
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But neither one was aware of any impending trade or anything. R-i-g-h-t…
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I’ll be tickled to not hear another Manny trade rumor….
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I’m afraid I have to agree on your assessment of the 2018 team. Now, if Acuna suddenly gets his head out of his ass and plays like the phenom we had hoped for instead of the rookie he really is and Ender rediscovers the magic stick he has shone to possess in the past and if, if, if… It is always what it comes down to doesn’t it, the ifs? Then the rest of the season can be magical but if the Braves roll over for the Dodgers, Nationals and even resurgent Miami, well, the pre-season projections of the Braves trading away Markakis and Anibal would more likely than not come to fruition.
Not that I want it to happen but ya never know, and then Thoppy could lay the failure at the feet of Snit and promote his first choice of Wash or Walt to replace him… Just saying…
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High price for a rental…
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Seems the MM trade is basically a done deal (IF the uber picky O’s med staff ok’s it)
did you hear the horrible, horrible, terrible stuff Brewer’s closer Josh Hadar said on twitter???? in 2011 as a 17 Y.O? Oh sure, he said crude things about girls…as a 17 Y.O. and said “racist” things (regurgitating rap lyrics that somehow weren’t racist originally) but, we must all agree, the brewers were correct force him into pc indoctrination , so he never makes these mistakes again….as a teenager
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Greg Gutfeld made a very apt observation that social medial would be the downfall of our society. In a world where people go back an scan your old high school year books for dirt, facebook and twitter will be a treasure trove.
I am a much different person than who I was at 17. Even so, I learned early their were those who took glee in goading you into saying something about someone else and then ratting you out to that person. Made me leery of any type of recordings. Best was just not to ever say anything bad about a person.
Augular, came to Hadar’s defense pretty quick. I think the reporter who brought it up on national TV is a putz….
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It’s a good thing that MLB had a day off yesterday. Every player needed the time to go back through their old social media deleting anything semi-offensive. I just wish someone would go behind the media slime that feels it necessary to perpetuate the “gotcha” culture that is the new norm. But I’m sure they never, ever said anything wrong… being all perfect and everything.
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? – Matthew 7:3
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Pretty good return for the O’s but the Dodgers are in a position to make such a trade, they need a short stop and could try to sign Many for next season too.
Who knows what Angelos will do to screw up the deal. He has a long history of sabotaging the Orioles.
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Who knows what Angelos will do to screw up the deal.
Done deal. Announced by both sides.
Now… whither the Phils? To whom do they turn now? Regardless, the division path just stayed a little easier. As for the Braves, better shore up the pitching and take care of the Nats this weekend or we’ll suddenly find ourselves looking up at 2 teams.
And Snit… keep the slumping Ender out of the leadoff spot. That will become your downfall.
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Gil, I’ll have to take the experts word on the deal for the O’s….
Yusniel Diaz as V mentioned, had 2 homers in that futures game, but for the year has 6. in his career, 24 stolen bases, caught 30 times. so going to guess he’s not a speedster. he is hitting .314 and has a .428 OBP, so to have that good an eye so early is a good thing. Perhaps they expect a bit of pop
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Ber, prospects are just that, some will pan out, some will be like Ruiz who hit a walk off homer for the Stripers last night. Quad A players, Dustin Peterson making a five star catch in the outfield. Just being consistent might just be the toughest thing for a major league player to be.
Vee, as for Ender, I think he is pressing. He is jump on the first pitch, making it super easy on opposing pitchers. I think his failure is in his head and it is affecting him big time. He was a fair haired boy the past two years, now he has been usurped by Ozzie and Acuna. That is life, like my dad use to say, “The sun don’t shine on the same dog’s a** all the time”…
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I am officially P.O.ed today, I have been using Microsoft Office for over 20 years, paid for my license when I installed them. This morning some of the few files I still used in Excel had suddenly vanished on all my computers. I have several… Anyway, I have converted most over to Apache’s Open Office but one of my Excel files I had kept in Microsoft. POOF!!! It is gone. Not that the world will end but it is the principle of the thing. I guess they don’t have enough billions of dollars for Bill Gates pet projects… My message to Microsoft… Go eff yourself….
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I’ve used Open Office for a really long time and love it. Google Docs are pretty good, too, though I use Open Office 99% of the time. I never got Excel; figured Gates had enough billions.
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As suspect, microsoft files are still there, just not visible because they want me to rent their newest software version… Found a backdoor and converting them over to Open Office. NOT MY FIRST RODEO!
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I guess we have to “Hand” it to the Indians for trying to “Climber” to the top of the heap in the AL with their trade with the Padres. Top catching prospect Mijia to the Padres.
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CL, for your consideration…
An idea for the Countdown box:
Non-waiver trade deadline: July 31, 4pm EDT
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Thanks, V! Done. Wanna keep my guys happy! 😀
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Vee, as for Ender, I think he is pressing. He is jump on the first pitch, making it super easy on opposing pitchers. I think his failure is in his head and it is affecting him big time.
Maybe, but if you look at the numbers, there has been a steady decline in his production since last August.
Aug: .362/.385/.466
Sep: .272/.342/.398
Apr: .276/.320/.319 *Mar/Apr. combined
May: .239/.314/.413
Jun: .235/.306/.306
Jul: .167/.300/.262 *12 games
And the last 7 games:
.048/.231/.095
And lefties are eating his lunch:
2017 vs. LHP: .291/.347/.364
2018 vs. LHP: .208/.296/.240
But I do think there is something to the fact that Ozzie is on the scene and is the new flavor of the month. I’m sure it does put pressure on Ender to a certain degree. But ya know… that’s part of being a pro. Deal with it or move out of the way.
Anyway, I don’t always manage a major league baseball team, but when i do I don’t let my leadoff guy, my guy most likely to get 5 PA’s, my guy that sets the table for Freddie et al., be the guy with the worst OBP on the team.
It’s not rocket surgery.
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Oh… and a huge “get” for the Indians. Huge. Meanwhile, the Pads did pretty well for themselves as well. Looks like a win/win.
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Kinda wish we could have faced the Pads without Hand and Cimber. Know what I mean?
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Another reason why “when” is often just as important as “who” when meeting an opponent.
I seem to recall reading that Tony LaRussa use to tell his brain trust that he was more interested in what a player (batter) had done in the last ten days more than what their season averages were.
I thought it was interesting that Freddie Freeman said he never hits home runs in batting practice. That reminds me of why I always have thought of Fab5 being more in the mold of a Mark Grace than a typical fist baseman.
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One has to wonder what exactly is going on with Ender. A nagging injury, head games, being found out by opposing pitchers? Regardless, it is making the gold glover very expendable at this point. I hate to say that because I just don’t know what the underlying problem is.
Yes, a good trade for both sides methinks. I guess the Braves did not have any catchers the Padres wanted… 🙂
maybe the bad Christian Bethancourt experience is a little too fresh.
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maybe the bad Christian Bethancourt experience is a little too fresh.
Ouch!
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One has to wonder what exactly is going on with Ender. A nagging injury, head games, being found out by opposing pitchers? Regardless, it is making the gold glover very expendable at this point.
Heard this very argument on the radio earlier. The talking head opined that he’d trade Ender in the right deal… said he had picked up vibes that Ender was a “drama queen” in the clubhouse, and pouted when he went hitless or was moved down in the order or was left off the lineup card, etc.
Purely hearsay, but could have a toe on the truth if not the whole foot. I hope it’s not true. I do have to say that I was a little put off at the way Ender made excuses when he was benched for not running out that dropped infield popup. I would have forgotten the whole thing if he’d have manned up and taken responsibility. But as it was, it left a bad taste in my mouth.
If he’ll keep his nose clean, his mouth shut and continue his Gold Glove defense, I’m perfectly fine with him batting 8th or 9th. Otherwise he might just bring back a valuable reliever.
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One can never believe his own press clippings. Hope he matures out of it.
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Well, I always had to deny my press clippings but that was just me… 🙂
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I think at this point in the trade and division races, the Braves and Phillies are pretty much eyeing the same thing… Starter/Reliever or Reliever/Reliever, IF help, i.e. Mike Moustakas or Eduardo Escobar, and 1st place.
That’s why I think it’s not only important to want to improve the 2018 Braves, it’s equally important to want to prevent the direct rival from improving.
Example: If Team A acquires JA Happ, Joakim Soria and Mike Moustakas, leaving Team B to settle for Nathan Eovaldi and Freddy Galvis, who has a leg up in the division?
We avoided the Manny obstacle thanks to the deep pocketed Dodgers. Now we need to be pro-active and swing the advantage our direction.
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Alot of eyes will be on Luiz Gohara tonight as he starts for AAA Gwinnett. It doesn’t hurt that the big brothers are off tonight. If there wasn’t threat of rain, I might just try to head down to Coolray Field. Alas, I am not a fan of getting wet and sitting through delays.
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While I am pretty sure the Braves and the Nats will be able to play uninterrupted Friday night, I’m not so certain about Saturday and Sunday.
Today/tonight would have been a beautiful night for baseball, warm temps and lowish humidity but the beast will return tomorrow night with oppressive heat and humidity. Still, it’s better than playing when the wind chill is 10 degrees methinks…
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Great news!
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Likely scar tissue. apparently a common issue.
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Just had to share this with you. Lip Synch challenge by the Brunswick Co, NC Sheriff’s Dept. What an excellent job they did – and the song choice couldn’t be better!
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Report card on Luiz Gohara from last night… not very good.
4.1 IP, 91 pitches, 4 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 4 K’s.
That’s not what I want to see slotted into our 5th rotation spot.
Not surprisingly, Bowman is connecting the Braves to DET’s Michael Fulmer this morning, saying they have at least inquired. Problem is, so have the Phils and the Nats. This is one case where Thoppy might need to come off the prospect capital and get this one done. Not only is he a great fit for our rotation, we really need to keep him away from our two biggest rivals.
Bowman: “Fulmer makes a lot of sense here,” an AL scout said. “Everybody is looking for a reliever. Getting a top starter would allow the Braves to take advantage of their depth by moving one of their young pitchers to the bullpen. Fulmer is 25 years old and has four years of control remaining. Those guys don’t come cheap, but they aren’t supposed to be cheap.”
It would also allow Max Fried to work out of the bullpen, which should reduce the chances of blisters reoccurring. And that big hammer out of the pen would be a nice weapon.
Certainly Fulmer would have a big price tag given his age and years of control remaining, but he’s one guy that I might deem worth it.
I may bhave mentioned this onece or twice, but I believe that if they can pick up a guy like Fulmer, and a reliever such as Joakim Soria, they wold have the pieces to go deep into October.
Soria is on the last year of his deal and carries the balance of a $9M salary, or a little over $4M remaining. He also has a $10M team option for 2019, so he’s not a complete rental… especially if he stabilizes the back end of the bullpen. Given Viz’s uncertain shoulder, a guy like Soria becomes alot more desirable.
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I usually proofread before hitting “post”. You can tell when I don’t…
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Just the kind of arm that would be a part of a deal for Fulmer.
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Speaking of Bowman, I’ve noticed he’s picked up his game a little since The Athletic Atlanta launched. Stiff competition, and competition always breeds excellence. Always.
You know, if I could pay their introductory rate of $3.49 per month on a “per month” basis, I’d probably do it. But you have to pay for the whole year up front, and coming off the hip for $41.88 just feels different.
I also have a little bit of a problem with them calling it “just $3.49 per month”. It’s really not. It’s really $41.88 per year. It’s not “per month” unless you can pay “per month”. Some may say that’s semantics, but I say it’s a marketing device, and I don’t like being the target of a trick. If they weren’t trying to be tricky, they’d be straight up with it.
OK… I’m off the soapbox now.
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Plus Bowman might start coming up with the same stuff for free. Like I said… competition breeds excellence.
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Housekeeping:
Danny Santana was DFA’d yesterday and Michael Reed was promoted. DanTana just has not been very good this time around. And he wasn’t very good last time. In fact, he’s just not been very good during his various stints in ATL. I don’t think Michael Reed will be around too long either. We’re kinda scuffling for a 4th OF right now. Well, that’s not entirely true. Charlie Culberson has become our real 4th OF.
Y’all were aware that Viz went back on the DL on Monday, right? More shoulder stuff. Peter Moylan was activated to take his roster spot. It makes me quite nervous that we just swapped a key piece to the late innings for a guy that gives us 1 out at a time. It’s a little disturbing in fact. And at a time when we are opening the 2nd half with a very important series against the Nats in their park.
No sir, I don’t like it.
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Again, a player that is on the radar of both PHI and WAS.
That may simply be the case with every player being discussed between now and the deadline.
But it’s good to see that AA is not just laying back in the weeds hoping something falls into his lap.
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Interesting. The local sports station is discussing the Braves and their need to upgrade at a few spots. Not a surprise. But the topic just honed in on the fact that the Braves and Phils are looking at the same players, and that AA has to look at keeping players away from the Phils as much as adding to his own.
Are we providing show notes for them too?
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But, of course, Vee! You guys are the BEST!
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RAJ leading off? That’s interesting…
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Stephen Strasburg and Ryan Zimmerman have both been activated for this series vs. Los Barves. How special for us.
If we could somehow sweep this series, it would put the Braves 8 games ahead of the Nats and would essentially put them in our rear view mirror for good. I know it’s a stretch, having to beat both Strasburg and Scherzer, but it’s not impossible.
I’d sure feel better about our chances with a big bullpen addition.
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Pitching matchups vs. the Nats:
Anibal Sanchez vs. Stephen Strasburg
Sean Newcomb vs. Gio Gonzalez
Mike Folty vs. Max Scherzer
Hoo-ey! It ought to be a heckuva series.
Must note, though… the bullpen will surely play a big role in these games. Only Folty has shown the ability to go beyond the 6th inning, and that’s only to the 7th.
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Hi guys, interesting observation about Fulmer, yes, he won’t be cheap but he is a proven starter so it will take some quality to get quality. A lot different than picking up a summer rental. Fulmer would be a guy who will be around for a while.
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Sweep? I would be ecstatic if the Braves win the series…
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Interesting game, currently 2-2 but Anibal has thrown a ton of pitches early.
Ozzie lifted for right hamstring tightness. Uh oh… (precautionary allegedly)
Strike zone is not being called evenly but what else is new?
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He CL, Braves game is the freebie on MLB TV…
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Gil, I saw your message about 30 seconds before we lost the cable – for the rest of the night…….sigh. Thanks for thinking of me, though! ❤
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Wow, a lot can happen in just a couple of innings, now 6-2 after a lead-off Double by Acuna and a great bunt by Culberson then a double to right by Freddie and sac fly by Kakes. Braves clicking tonight. Now, just keep the Nits off the bases.
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7-3 after exchange of home runs by Matt Adams and Charlie Culberson.
Nice to have a guy like CC to come in and replace an All-star and never miss a beat.
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So, an enjoyable game last night, especially since I did not have to listen to Baghdad Bob intone on about the Nationals. A little dicey for Anibal early but he found his groove and Acuna leading off and Charlie Culberson playing the game of his life really made it fun.
My dream of taking this series took a huge leap forward with the victory. Gio is very beatable and Max Scherzer has revealed himself to be human at times. While a sweep as Vee suggested could be in the offering, I’ll not get too giddy over that suggestion until after the final out tonight.
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That was some serious ambidextrous play right there CL…
Well, I told ya’ll today’s and tomorrow’s game were iffy. It has been raining all day here and I am not really sure about tomorrow, I think it’s 50-50 right now.
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Got some serious rain forecast!
https://eastcoastwx.com/dangerous-flooding-likely-tonight-across-md-dc-pa/
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Well, like I said, this weekend’s schedule was going to be iffy. I think the Nats are hoping they can find a window which will allow them to squeeze inn 5 innings because the storms are likely to continue into the night. The Nats are loath to give up revenue of any type so we shall see.
The Phils are trailing the Padres 5-2 but just lost Ramos to a hammy/cramp. I think the Phillies are thinking they can get back into the game since the fathers gutted their pen trading both their closer and set up man.
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Ho hum… Tough game today. Braves had their chances but between Scherzer and the umpires and instant replay plus the rain, just wasn’t meant to be.
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So here we sit just a mere 8 days from the trade deadline with the same glaring holes on the roster… pitching. Is that starting pitching or relief pitching? I think that’s best answered with a “Yes”.
As we’ve mentioned before, we have an abundance of good young pitching just at the precipice (FOB?) waiting to come through the door. Some are already in… and out and in and out, etc…
But to make my point, I’m talking most specifically about Max Fried, Luiz Gohara and the yet to appear Touki Toussaint.
Fried was scheduled to start today in Miami, a slot that was to be handed to Luiz Gohara until he stunk up his last AAA start. But thanks to the wet weekend in the nation’s capital, our rotation was reshuffled and Newk will make that start instead. And with the off day on Wednesday, we won’t need a 5th starter until Monday, July 30 at home vs. those same Fish.
July 30, just a day before the deadline.
It’s my hope that we will be sending out JA Happ or Cole Hamels for that start.
So why a starter when the glaring need is in the bullpen? Well, first… I’d like to think we can get one of each. But if I have to choose, I’m going with the veteran starter, and here’s why:
It’s my belief that the bullpen issues are better resolved with in house options than is the rotation. First, there are a handful of good relief candidates out there, but there’s also more than a handful of teams in need. And as we all know, when the demand is higher than the supply, the price goes up. So as has become the norm at this time of year, the cost of shopping in the bullpen aisle is a hefty one. And Thoppy is loathe to give away a top prospect for a rental, or multiple top prospects for a longer term pitcher.
But if we acquire a starter instead, you can pick up Cole Hamels, who has another option year remaining, or JA Happ, who would be a FA at year’s end, for lesser prospects if you pick up all of their remaining money. And you don’t block Kolby Allard or Kyle Wright in the process.
Then, you can take Gohara (hopefully) and Fried and plug your bullpen holes with them now. And you can use Touki, whom you’ve moved to AAA with the intent of bringing that big RH hammer to the major league bullpen sooner than later. He’s a guy who has seemingly turned the corner this season and is very close to being ML ready.
Whether or not the team can get Gohara going, you at least have 2 other good potential additions to bring in instead of Peter “1 out” Moylan or Luke “AAAA” Jackson or Sam “Jekyll/Hyde” Freeman and to help out the beleaguered bullpen.
8 days. I’m getting antsy.
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I should have added above, as I’ve mentioned before, that pitching out of the bullpen will help to mitigate the ongoing blister problems Fried is experiencing as well. I’ll take either Fried or Touki right now over Moylan. Seriously. I love the Aussie, and he’s probably great in the clubhouse. But he’s not been great on the mound. That’s where it counts right now. And with the big sweep that Fried has on his curve, there ought not be a LH hitter out there that can barrel him up. And I think it’s quite apparent that we’re missing that critical LH specialist. In the NL, you’d better have a guy that get out those big LH boppers.
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Yes, only 8 days and we will see if Thoppy is going to make a push or cede the East to the Phillies & Nationals. I know, the Nits are 6 games behind the Braves but I know they are preparing for the big push and in this topsie turvie season, anything is possible in the National League.
And when you have a team like the Athletics thinking they have a shot at a wild card… woohoo…
So, the word is that the Nats are going to make a serious run at Realmuto, an addition that could vastly improve their team. They have several attractive prospects including Victor Robles who is not so important with the emergence of Soto. His defense not with standing, he is pretty impressive and is only 19 years old.
Believe it or not, the Nits chink in their armor may well be their starting pitching. Hard to believe I know but true IMHO.
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can’t argue with anything above…something needs to happen, but….call me a gloomy gus…I just think we are going to have a tough time getting what we need, without giving up someone we don’t want to give up.
Add to the fact there likely isn’t money available this year….it may be a tough few months….
there was someone’s name, someone off the long term DL, something, that made me go, woah! Now there is someone that would be an interesting “Get” of course, I forgot who that was 😦
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Okay folks, another day of home ownership… Today it’s the hot water heater that gave up the ghost.
I don’t think I can complain too much as the old one is 26 years old… Hey, they either last or they don’t. Will work on it tomorrow… Biggest concern is the joist under it. No sweat when you can get around, a bit more of a chore when you can’t.
While at the local diner, they had a re-play of yesterday’s game… They Braves still lost.
Realistically, when you bang out 15 hits, you are supposed to score more than 2 runs methinks.
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Anthopoulus: “We want to add to this team.We are looking for acquisitions on players we can control rather than rentals.Teams more engaged on the rentals. Hopefully we can get something done in next 8 days.We can afford to add a starter&reliever& a bat. We are open to anything”.
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Now that’s more like it. That is the true potential of this team when it all clicks.
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Three new names hit the rumor mill last night, courtesy of Bowman. Well, 2 new ones, and one I’ve been beating the drum on.
Bowman reported that the Braves had scouts out last night looking at LHRP Jake Diekman of the Rangers while also connecting teammate Cole Hamels. Problem is that the Nats have now turned their focus on Hamels.
The biggest surprise name is that of DET’s LF (and former 3B) Nick Castellanos. He’s a big bat that would be a great asset in the 4 hole. I don’t want to undersell what Johan has done – and to that end AA surely does not have to force a deal to improve there – but Castellanos would not only fill 3B this year, he would fill the OF hole for 2019 before becoming eligible for FA.
The 26-year-old Castellanos is a RH bat that is slashing .301/.354/.508 this season with 15 HR thus far. He’s averaging 20 HR per 162 games over his career and hit a career high 26 last year. He’s on pace to surpass that this year. He’d be a nice pickup if we can make a match.
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It’s nice to face the Fish while the Phils are battling the Dodgers. It’s also nice to be back atop the division again. Of course, we get those same Dodgers in a couple of days. At least they won’t be at full strength as Justin Turner was just DL’d. But we do get Manny for a series. Again.
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Noon start today, right?
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A couple of observations about last night’s game: 1) Newk was all over the place in innings 1-3, only a couple of DPs bailed him out. He was a completely different pitcher in inning 4-6, he became aggressive and began throwing strikes, it was as if someone or some thing flipped a switch in Newcomb’s brain.
2) Charlie Culberson really likes the two hole hitting in front of Freddie, more fast balls? He has become a hitting fool. Very, very impressive.
Last night’s barrage was not all that much different from Sunday except the hits were a little more timely. It was a beautiful thing to see if you are a Braves fan.
Castellanos ?? Well, that’s an idea… Normally I would say don’t mess with success but the latter has been fleeting for the past two months.
How about them Nats? Told you, their starting pitching has just not been all that since Gio’s dad got busted for using PEDs… The Braves gained a full game on the entire division last night.
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Yep, it’s father-daughter day at the ballpark…. as Skip would quip.
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*How about them Nats?
It was a mistake to hire a rookie manager for that bunch. They’ve always been kinda tightly wound and loosely held together. It’s unraveling now…
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The antithesis (FOB?) of the above is Snit. Is he up on all the modern metrics? I think he’s trying. Is he the most brilliant strategist? Maybe not the most brilliant, but he knows alot of baseball. He’s been around the game longer than some managers have been alive.
But all that doesn’t matter. He’s a true leader. And players will follow a leader. Just ask Bobby Cox. Oh wait… somebody did.
Bobby told Jeff Schultz (now of The Athletic): “He’s great. He’s as good as any manager out there, and I’ll stand behind that forever. You’re asking my opinion about what kind of manager Snit is, and I’d put him up against anybody as far as strategy goes and in terms of how much the players love him and are willing to play for him. Anybody.”
Bobby went on to say: “You can question (Sam Freeman) being brought in and all that, but that’s BS. I brought Gene Garber in a game once and Knucksie (Phil Niekro) had a one-run lead in the ninth inning, and Garb was going really bad but then he got going. You do those things as manager.”
And there’s the infamous Kelly Johnson loyalty. Kelly ended up with a long successful career. He could have been shattered early, but Bobby knew what he was doing.
The bottom line is that you manage games by managing people. You can make a mistake in a game. That happens. That can be corrected. But if you make a mistake with people, you lose ’em. And you get the Nats.
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Yes Vee, I really like Martinez but like every other occupation, having the right guy in charge makes all the difference. Young guys normally need a strong hand to keep them on track while older guys need to the boss to stay out of their way as they do their job. It is the guys in the transition who resent the hands off guy as well as the iron fisted.
I would suggest every manager have a degree in psychology but then they would all just sit around posing what ifs and how does that make you feel the whole game.
Some managers are good at getting the best out of each player but I have found you cannot treat every player the same. Some need their egos stoked, some need them reigned in. It is the tuned in manager who can get the most out of each player and why some players need the proverbial (change of scenery) because as we all know, “you can be the sweetest, juiciest plum God ever created but some people just don’t like plums”…
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One more thing…
I was a little surprised Snit elevated RAJ to leadoff when RAJ was scuffling so badly. He had to make some kind of adjustment with the even greater struggling Ender, right? But to bat RAJ leadoff and keep Ozzie at #2? I didn’t get that at all.
But can you argue the results? Not only has RAJ taken off, Ender has flourished back in the 7-hole as well. And RAJ just might be the most dynamic leadoff hitter since… Ricky Henderson.
That’s managing, folks. That was brilliant strategy.
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Yes!!
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RAJ since the ASB: .667 AVG, 1 HR, 2 2B.
I think his knee feels better. Amazing what 4 days off will do for ya.
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So unlike teammate Luiz Gohara, Max Fried took advantage of his 1st rehab start last night to solidify his status by pitching 6.2 shutout innings and giving up just 1 H while racking up 10 K’s vs. just 1 BB. I’d call that fairly successful.
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Uh oh… Bad Julio pitching today and Ender with a brain fart… Now 3-1 sushi…
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Make that 4-1 …
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Oh, Julio… 😦
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Wow, I get the feeling that Julio checked out after the game last night. 9-3 after 4 1/3 and it could have been worse… So, who do the Mets want for DeGrom again?
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Well, at least Sam Freeman was able to mop up the mess. #lookingforpositives
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So, who do the Mets want for DeGrom again?
Everyone. 😉
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might be worth it…
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As badly as Julio’s control was today, combined with the inconsistency in velocity, one has to think that he’s still not healthy.
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So… can Thoppy score us two starters?
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What it looked like as a hitter vs. Julio today:
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That was just butt ugly today… Julio says he is not a morning person, I don’t think he is an afternoon person either.
Julio has all the making of a number 4 or 5 starter. For sure, not a number 1. It is why I don’t thin Thoppy wants to go all in.
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I guess we should suspected it would be a long day for Julio when he gave up a 2 run homer in the 1st inning. However, he continued to roll downhill at warp speed. I guess he had a rough night at the Clevelander.
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Yankees have just swung a deal for highly coveted reliever Zach Britton. Perhaps they’ll be motivated to move starter Sonny Gray to help relieve some payroll.
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Gray has had a somewhat disappointing year in the Bronx, but perhaps NY is just not a good setting for him. Wouldn’t be the first athlete to wilt under the intense NY pressure.
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SOnny Gray! That’s who I was trying to remember…well, I don’t think he had been on the DL, but all but invisible there….yep, that would be someone to consider for sure….
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and that was an excellent game….to miss….
I do wish I had the choice to listen via my phone/and blutooth at work, but alas….tunein wants moola….I might join the Athletic someday, but I will never pay for what was over the air radio….
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I do wish I had the choice to listen via my phone/and blutooth at work
So true!!
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So, I heart radio does not work on smart phones?
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Transistor radios??? I know, I’m old…
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I fear Thoppy is hoping to catch lightning in a bottle again with another Anibal Sanchez type acquisition.
A front line starter does not just drop out of the sky everyday. It will cost you. Either in prospects or money or both. I cannot blame a team for try to extract as much as they can for what they have. Think the Braves wouldn’t do the same if they were sellers?
So, what to do? SIGH! Hope the Braves brain trust has the smarts to get the team over the top. Realistically though, this team does not have the pitching to go deep in the play-offs. Not unless some of the kids suddenly find themselves….
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The Nationals are 34-45 in games not started by Max Scherzer this season.
Like I said, the Nits’ starting staff is not all that. It is a lot of smoke and mirrors at this point.
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Gil, I r old too! Transistor radio would work great , but I’d have to find a really small one…and one that had blutooth…..
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Well, that’s what goggle is for… 🙂
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Funny how a conversation can trigger a memory, I recall listening to the World Series with Bob Gibson pitching while in study hall with the ear bud for a little 6 transistor radio run inside my shirt… Wow, how times have changed… No daytime WS games… LOL
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I fear Thoppy is hoping to catch lightning in a bottle again with another Anibal Sanchez type acquisition.
Hot rumor of the day says the Braves are once again scouting the Rays’ Chris Archer.
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So, I heart radio does not work on smart phones?
Because of the way MLB holds the rights to their broadcasts, the games are restricted to terrestrial radio only. They cannot go out over the internet except for purchase through the MLB radio package.
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Occasionally you can find some rogue “pirate” streaming, but the quality is not always very good and the source is never around very long… keeping one step ahead of MLB’s leg breakers.
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One more starter off the board… Nathan Eovaldi goes to the BoSox. I wasn’t enthralled by Eovaldi, but with each name that goes off the board and the supply lessens, the price of those remaining goes up.
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He has turned the proverbial corner and is now very close…
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Sounds to me like Touki has passes go and is about to collect a major league assignment ahead of Gohara. I know he is a rookie and all but that is impressive.
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I am guessing Touki, is not being turned into a bullpen arm????
I am going to say that’s a good thing right now 😉
I see the Diamondbacks released (Or DFA’ed) Randall Delgado …. couldn’t hurt to take a flyer on him, eh? Had a 3.59 ERA in limited work last year…
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I see the Diamondbacks released (Or DFA’ed) Randall Delgado …. couldn’t hurt to take a flyer on him, eh?
Would require a waiver claim which would require a 40-man roster spot, of which ours is full.
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Of course, he might be a better bullpen option than Sam Freeman, Luke Jackson or Peter Moylan.
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I am guessing Touki, is not being turned into a bullpen arm????
Well, the original idea was to move him up to AAA for a few starts before using him out of our bullpen. But Touki may be forcing them to rethink that. I would have to think that Allard would get the callup as a starter before Touki, though.
All that said, the way their start dates line up has a bearing as well. That’s how Fried got his first callup directly from AA. His rest days lined up better than other options at the time.
Speaking of Fried, I’m almost positive he’ll get the start on Monday vs. the Marlins unless Snit decides to push Julio back a day and start Fried on Sunday vs. the Dodgers, which would be his regular rest.
Pros: “Bad Julio” against the Dodger lineup could be ugly.
Cons: Julio would have to face the same Marlin lineup twice in a row within 6 days… which could be ugly.
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“Bad” Julio against anyone is ugly..
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Trade chatter:
Jerry Crasnick, ESPN: I checked further on this. The Braves interest in Moustakas is minimal at best. They’re happy with Camargo at 3B, and the deadline focus remains pitching. There’s also the question of how Moustakas would adapt to a bench role. Barring an injury in Atlanta, there’s no fit.
I have to agree. Camargo has won me over. Prototypical? No. But is he that much different than say… Terry Pendleton? You may sacrifice a little power for his superior defense, but the tradeoff is worth it to our young pitchers. And he is leading the team in RBI over the last month or so.
Bowman, MLB.com: The Rays have had a scout following the Braves’ Minor League prospects over the past few weeks. Though the asking price would likely be steep, Blake Snell would be the most desirable starting pitcher in Tampa Bay’s system. But the more likely target would be Chris Archer, who could be controlled through 2021.
First, Blake Snell hit the DL on Monday with “left shoulder fatigue”. (He did have an MRI and has been cleared of any structural damage.) But you can bet your house that Thoppy won’t trade for another pitcher with shoulder fatigue. He has enough of those already. No, the longstanding target for ATL even before Thoppy replaced Coppy has been Archer. And now that his numbers have dropped, his price has as well. The time might be right. Personally, I’m not concerned about his numbers. I think he’s a product of the team and the environment. Bring him to a contender (and the NL) and I believe he’ll be back to his former All-Star self.
Me, here: Thoppy will make a move. Probably two. I anticipate a starter and a reliever, maybe in the same deal.
The candidates are dropping off the board. Starter Nathan Eovaldi went to the Red Sox yesterday. Also yesterday Jays’ closer Seunghwan Oh went to the Rockies and Rays’ reliever Matt Andriese went to the D-backs.Both had been connected to the Braves. That follows Zach Britton going to the Yankees on Tuesday. And it was reported last night that the Jays were “close” to a deal for JA Happ, with the ever present Yankees being the rumored partner again. And Cole Hamels is pitching himself off the trade market. I’ve been banging his drum for weeks, but not anymore. His best redeeming quality at the moment is that he is an “innings eater”. That’s fine if you don’t need wins. We need wins.
So the dominoes are now rolling in full force. I think that the Rays will trade Archer now. And I think if the Braves took back their closer Sergio Romo, a rental with decent numbers on a bad team, they might could get a deal done. Romo is owed the balance of a $2.5M 1-year deal, pretty cheap for a closer. For the Braves, he’d be a RH late inning option to pair with LH AJ Minter.
Speaking of Romo, the creative Rays manager Kevin Cash played him at 3B for one batter yesterday. Well, technically as 3B, but in the SS spot in an exaggerated shift. Cash brought LH Jonny Venters in to face 1 batter, then gave the ball back to Romo. That as gutsy, but I like it.
Another crafty move by Cash recently was to start Romo for the 1st inning only, bringing his young starter Ryan Yarbrough in to pitch from the 2nd inning forward. He said he wanted Yarbrough to go deep into the game, but didn’t want him to face the top of the lineup 3 times. He aso wanted to get a clean inning to start the game. It worked. Cash has done that twice now. Not sure how I feel about that, but if it works, who can buck it? You want 27 outs… does it really matter how you get them?
Now that the hot trend is monitoring how a lineup improves with each successive turn through the lineup, why not structure your staff to pitch 9 outs at a time so that the lineup never sees the same pitcher twice in a game? You;d have a bunch of 3 inning pitchers that wouldn’t have to pitch 2 days in a row, and maybe once every 3. Heck… it’s a thought. We have domes, turf, the DH and the shift. Why not tinker with the pitching rotation too?
Wow… I got way off course, didn’t I? You have just witnessed MLB ADD in it’s full force.
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V, LOL, I know ALL about MLB ADD…and if you don’t get it out now, you will forget, and get mad at yourself trying to remember what you were going to write about….
good opining though! For some reason, I am bothered by relievers starting games, but what he said does make some sense….change is hard!
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For some reason, I am bothered by relievers starting games, but what he said does make some sense….change is hard!
It is. Some change really chaps me… like the DH. That fundamentally changed the basic rules of the game that every player fields and every player hits. And replay as it is currently being used is terrible. More times than not they don’t chance a call right even if it’s clear the umps blew it. Unless there is clear bias, I’m willing to accept the human error on both sides of the lineup card. It historically evened out over the course of 162 games before replay anyway. I can’t recall a time when replay would have saved a team’s season. If they want to use it to determine if a HR was fair or foul, or actually went over the yellow line, then OK. But otherwise, let the umps be umps. If they didn’t feel so scrutinized they might do a better job anyway.
But believe it or not, I don’t mind the shift. There is no rule in the game that says where a player has to stand. And how many times has a manager brought his OF in late in a game if a sac fly wins it anyway? Or guards the lines? Or brings his IF in to prevent a run or facilitate a DP? Movement is just a part of it.
There’s also no rule that says your starter has to pitch “X” innings. As an old school guy, I liked the days when you went out and pitched and didn’t come out unless you were hurt or was just awful. No pitch counts, etc.
But modern analysis suggests that some of these new “trends” are based on actual anecdotal evidence… such as the way a lineup often improves against a pitcher when seeing him for the 3rd time. That evidence is indisputable. So why would you not want to mitigate that? As a manager, I’d want to put my players in the best position to win. Ha… a double meaning and another subtle reference to the shift.
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Bruised ego.
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According to the Washington Post, a “person familiar with the situation” says it’s a pinched nerve in his neck. Still no official word.
Probably from the headlock Max Scherzer put him in after they went to the clubhouse the other day.
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Unless Archer is injured/damaged, I give it a full GO FOR IT in his pursuit. A guy like Archer does not simply forget how to pitch.
I’m sure most teams are asking for several of the Braves young arms in return for any property and it would take at least one of the Braves fair haired pitchers.
You would think the Braves could not find room for all of their young hurlers but then again, you never know when “shoulder fatigue” (cough: Julio) will strike.
The Nationals thought their starting staff was solid going into the season but other than Max Scherzer it has been anything but. The Nits have some pretty stout position players in their minor leagues but their stock of young arms are not as deep mainly because they did not feel they had a real need.
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More trade chatter. Ken Rosenthal is suggesting today that the Jays are considering moving “controllable pieces such as RH starter Marcus Stroman, 27, and closer Roberto Osuna, 23, both of whom the team could keep for two additional seasons, and both of whom – for entirely different reasons – are at less than peak value”.
Obviously Stroman and/or Osuna would be costly, but given Stroman’s early season injuries and earlier control problems, and given Osuna’s current suspension for Domestic Violence (he is eligible to return Aug. 5), they would still come at a certain discount. They would also represent the type of controllable pitchers that Thoppy is seeking. Yes, that would the the same Thoppy that still has close ties to the Jays organization.
Stroman has been on a roll of late, too. His velocity is back as is his control. So his total season numbers look worse than his recent performance.
Marcus Stroman or Chris Archer?
I’ll take either and be happy happy happy.
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Okay, day three of the great water heater replacement project is about to begin. Nothing like a leaking hot water heater to ruin your day(s)… later guys.
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Just spitballing here, but I would guess that Chris Archer would cost you Max Fried, either Joey Wentz or Bryce Wilson, and maybe C Alex Jackson or OF Drew Waters.
If I could substitute Luiz Gohara for Fried, I’d do it. If I could substitute Julio for Wentz or Wilson, I’d take a jet down there and make it happen personally.
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More rumor stuff…
It’s being reported on radio this morning that the Braves have had scouts following the Reds for several days, presumably looking at their bullpen. Of course, several other teams are doing the same thing.
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More digging shows that closer Raisel Iglesias, Amir Garrett, David Hernandez and Jared Hughes could all be made available by the Reds for the right price, although JP Morosi says Garrett is off the table.
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If you can’t get a controllable pitcher at a price point your comfortable with, how about a cheap rental in the Reds’ Matt Harvey? Ideal? Not close. Better than Julio? Probably.
So if you could swing Harvey and fireballing closer Raisel Iglesias, wouldn’t you feel pretty good at the end of the day?
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lunch time…. okay, Matt Harvey might profit from the guidance of Anibal Sanchez who also had to learn the hard way he no longer could blow away hitters.
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Ha ha ha ha ha!!!
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Joaquim Soria goes from the ChiSox to the Brew Crew. One more reliever off the board…
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Oops. Joakim. Sorry ’bout that.
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… and the Yanks indeed have a deal in place for JA Happ. Not official yet, but agreed to.
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This makes me very happy. The race is now down to Braves/Phils.
Ironic that the “arms” race is also going on between the 2 teams. That said, it does seem they are seeking different pitchers, with Thoppy desiring controllable players and the Phils going more the rental route.
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HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA…. So, is Scherzer for sale? Stay tuned…
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Here’s something more concrete…
JP Morosi hears the Braves and Jays are in deep discussions on Marcus Stroman. His numbers are down this year, but he’s been very good for his career. He’s also young and under team control for a couple more years.
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Housekeeping…
Pitching matchups for the LA series:
Today: Anibal vs. Rich Hill
Tomorrow: Folty vs. Clayton Kershaw (Tasty!)
Saturday: Newk vs. Alex Wood
Sunday: TBA
What makes that interesting is that Sunday is Julio’s normal turn.
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Here’s what Morosi just wrote:
The Braves and Blue Jays have spoken about a possible [Marcus] Stroman trade, sources said Thursday, although there’s no evidence of progress in those negotiations. Toronto faces little urgency to trade Stroman, who won’t be a free agent until after the 2020 season.
While Stroman’s overall numbers this season are the worst of his Major League career – a 5.42 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 3.5 BB/9 – more recent trends have been encouraging. In six starts since returning from the disabled list on June 23, Stroman is 3-2 with a 3.03 ERA, and he has thrown seven innings in half of those outings.
That’s more to his 5 year career ERA of 3.82. He’s also averaged 206 IP per year. Stroman would probably not cost as much in prospects as Chris Archer, although probably close.
More to the point of controllability, he doesn’t hit FA until 2021. His 2018 salary is $6.5M, so you can see where his arb numbers are headed, thus the Jays’ willingness to deal him.
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Happ to Yankees is official.
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Also, the Braves announce they have adjusted their pitching rotation:
Today vs. LA: Anibal
Tomorrow: Folty
Saturday: Fried
Sunday: Newk
Monday vs. the Fish: Julio
Snit wanted to give Newk and Julio an extra day. Fried will actually be on his regular rest for Saturday.
With Newk, I get it. He’s never pitched a full ML season before, so your watching his innings. As for Julio, well he’s sucking, so you want to also watch his innings. 😉
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If recent trends continue, Julio is due for a good game. I know, he has been all over the place but Monday is a night game and Julio has really been bad in day outings (he says he is not a “morning” person) I believe him, looking at his record in day games, he is not an afternoon person either…
Stroman, I could live with that, Archer too. BOTH! now that’s the ticket, could give them McCarthy and pay the freight on him the rest of the year.
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I am SO over Sam Freeman. 😡
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Jonny Vemters? I mean, I like the guy and all, but seriously… Jonny Venters? That helps us? Maybe if he takes the place of Sam Freeman…
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More clarification on the Braves acquisition of Jonny Venters last night…
First, the Braves only gave up a $250K int’l signing bonus slot for 2019 that they cannot use anyway thanks to the ongoing penalties. #thankscoppy
Second, it is a nice feel good moment for the organization, and bringing back a guy like Jonny will do wonders for the younger pitchers in the beleaguered bullpen that are already there and those surely to come up. #yoda
Third, anything is better than Sam Freeman right now. #dumpsterfire
Fourth, I don’t for a moment believe this is the only deal Thoppy will make. In fact, I still expect another reliever to go along with a new starter. #waitinganticipating
Fifth, the corresponding move for Jonny’s arrival will be announced this afternoon. #firstshoetodrop
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If you squint your eyes, you can sort of almost believe that the reason the corresponding move is being delayed is because there are more moves in the oven that aren’t done yet. Perhaps there are a series of related announcements to be made this afternoon.
I mean, why would they wait until this afternoon instead of letting Sam clean out his locker before leaving the clubhouse last night? 😀
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On Jonny V. : Okay, nothing really given up there. Not the savior we are looking for however.To be honest, I was a bit underwhelmed by the announcement.
Really unfair line for Anibal last night. The circus act infield was on display.
in last night’s game.
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To be honest, I was a bit underwhelmed by the announcement.
Me too… at first. But only because I am constantly on the edge of my seat anticipating something more impactful to happen.
But after a night’s sleep and a more logical glance at it, I see why it happened. As you said, Gil, nothing given up to acquire him. And even though he appears to be a grizzled veteran, would you believe he still has 1 year of arb remaining before hitting FA for the first time in 2020? He actually has some of that contractual control Thoppy desires.
And here’s something else to make note of…
LH batters are hitting just .167 against him this year. I believe we talked about the need for a lefty specialist just a day or so ago. Well, this is the guy.
And Thoppy scored him in exchange for an asset we can’t even use.
Score another for the mighty A-Train.
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I remember the first time I ever saw Jonny V pitch in Richmond, hint: It was so long ago I can;t even remember the year but I could walk unassisted… It was a day game and Jonny got shelled. He went the required 5 innings to start the game I was thinking, this guy will never amount to anything.
So, many years later, I am reminded of how I can be really wrong in evaluating talent and therefore will never be on the payroll of any professional baseball organization as a valued scout… Of course, I did hit on some others like Marteen Prado, Tom House, Mark Lemke’, Dale Murphy, Brooks Jacoby and a few other dozens of ball players.
Reminds me of why drafting ball players is so tough.
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Question? Think maybe Sam Freeman could be placed on the DL for a bruised ego? Something is different about him, not being able to execute pitches. For sure, his being brought in is akin to throwing gasoline on a brush fire.
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*Something is different about him, not being able to execute pitches.
I think it’s between his ears. Did you see his eyes? Talk about shell shocked. Sam has zero confidence in his ability to get ML hitters out… much like the rest of us.
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Naturally these are all just rumors, but you have to wonder why the Braves would have checked in on a guy who plays 2B and SS. This follows a report about a week ago that Thoppy had also checked in on Jonathan Schoop from the O’s… who is a 2B only.
We all know that Ozzie is untouchable, but is Dansby? Is that what nets a controllable front line pitcher? Or is it just depth and bench help?
My guess is that it’s just depth and bench help. Cabrera is not the defensive whiz he was a few years ago, especially at 2B. And we all saw last night with Charlie what happens when your defense is compromised up the middle.
The reality is that constructing a roster, and the continual tweaking thereof, is an ongoing process and cannot be looked at in small sample sizes. All these moves are inter-related to other moves. So until moves actually happen, and other complimentary moves occur around them, we can’t really know.
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Seemingly random thought…
I am seeing several reports this morning on Aaron Judge’s wrist injury. Almost all talk about how the Yankees are “just 4 1/2 games back of the Red Sox” in a “tight race” for the AL East.
Conversely, the Atlanta outlets are all in deep despair because the Braves have “fallen to 2 1/2 games behind the Phillies” who are “pulling away” in the NL East.
Perspective is a funny thing, ain’t it?
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Grrrrr……
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So optioning Evan Phillips to AAA (stupid) gets Jonny on the 25-man active roster, but it doesn’t resolve the 40-man roster logjam.
Somebody still has to go. #whynotsam
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Maybe Brandon McCarthy is moved to the 60-day DL?
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2018:
Johnny Venters – 14.0 IP, 3.86 ERA, 1.83 K/BB, 1.214 WHIP
Evan Phillips – 6.1 IP, 8.53 ERA, 0.75 K/BB, 1.579 WHIP
Sam Freema – 39.1 IP, 5.03 ERA, 1.72 K/BB, 1.449 WHIP
OK… so maybe Phillips could use a little more seasoning…
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I am going to try to look at the silver lining here. If Sam is still on the active roster, that means Thoppy is not finished acquiring bullpen arms. There is no way he expects this team to actually be a playoff contender with Sam still tossing salad for us. There has to be more cooking than this.
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Ah… Danny Santana was DFA’d last week. Forgot about that. Jonny got his 40-man spot.
That makes more sense.
By the way, apparently this deal has been working for a couple of weeks… AA was just waiting the Rays out on the asking price.
Makes you wonder what else he’s waiting on. Which also jives with his statement a couple of weeks ago that he was in no hurry as the prices go down closer to the deadline.
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More roster stuff…
If you are expecting Sam to be DFA’d when Fried is activated to make tomorrow’s start, think again. We’re carrying an extra bench bat with just 4 starters. I would expect Michael Reed (or maybe Preston Tucker) to be sent down instead.
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Asdrubal Cabrera is heading to the Phils…
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Well, as teams move to shore up their pitching/defense/hitting, the Braves meander waiting for what, I really don’t know. The be honest, I do know, Thoppy just does not feel this team is worth the investment…
To be a little clearer, I get the feeling he want to make a splash this winter when he has money to work with and some of the kids will be ready for the show.
I saw the Nats go thru a similar situation when the fan base wanted the Learners to sign Andrew Jones. Washing resisted because Rizzo did not think the Nits were one player away from being a contender.
So, we will see.
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I know a major league umpire is a choice job and all and all they are pretty good at it be geez it’s frustrating to see pitches called strikes for one pitcher and balls for another. And they are in the same spot.
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hey CL, the Braves game will be on TBS Sunday..
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YAY!! Thanks, Gil!
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Well, as teams move to shore up their pitching/defense/hitting, the Braves meander waiting for what, I really don’t know.
Well, we really do know… but are in denial. Thoppy will not give up the top prospect talent for short term gains. I get it. And it’s frustrating especially when the Braves are slumping while the teams around us are improving.
But do we cave for a short term boost and compromise the long term health of the organization?
If Thoppy makes a “big” move before Tuesday’s deadline, you can bet the house it will be for a Marcus Stroman or a Chris Archer type player. And that’s about it. Otherwise, it will be a pitcher or player of more complimentary value.
It’s tough to watch this team go through this stretch after playing so well for so long. And it’s doubly difficult to see it coincide with the last few days of the trade deadline. But the truth is, we don’t need 3 months of Mike Moustakas. We don’t need 2 months of JA Happ. We don’t need 2 months of anyone. We need an established “ace” to lead our staff into the future. And we need our young stars to continue to arrive and emerge.
And we need to exercise a little patience while the fruit ripens… and not pick it too early.
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V, exactly! And I am not convinced Archer is the guy…I think he’s the Rays Julio…just with better stuff….
Stroman worries me a bit, being 5-8 and all, but I would surely take a chance on him…
during the offseason even, who that is a true ace , will be available????
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Yes Vee, perhaps if we had got our hope up and being led down the primrose path thinking the team was better than it really was. I get it, sometimes it’s tough watching the sausage being made, especially if you are the hog, but, I digress. If a trade is made for a front line (?) starter who can carry over to next year, it will all be more palatable.
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… as expected.
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Top of the 4th with the Dodgers leading 1-0 but Max Fried really pitching a nice game. Range of 97 mph fastball and 71 MPH curve ball.
The Braves offense needs to give the kid some support.
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Fried was flat out dealing tonight. It’s a crime they couldn’t have scored while he was in. It’ll be a bigger crime if the bullpen goes south… again. Please Lord, dont let Sam Freeman in this game while it’s close.
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The friggin’bullpen…
https://giphy.com/gifs/steve-carell-disgusted-10FHR5A4cXqVrO
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How would you like to be Snit, and look at your bullpen choices and have to decide between crappy, crappier, and crappiest? I know it sucks to have to make that choice.
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With those choices, just go with crappy. It ain’t gonna get any better.
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Bullpen:
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It’s widely reported by all local outlets that Kolby Allard was scratched from his start in Gwinnett today and that Luiz Gohara is starting instead, fueling alot of speculation. DOB is quick to add that Allard is NOT being traded, and that he is likely scratched so that he can make a spot start this week for the Braves. That in itself sets off an entirely different line of speculation. Starting in whose spot? And why?
Then Joel Sherman tweeted Hear 3 Rangers scouts showed up in Scranton today to see Braves prospect Luiz Gohara. Atl has some interest in Adrian Beltre, but especially bullpen like Kela, Diekman.
Ken Rosenthal added: Hearing same. Per sources, the interest is in potentially both Kela and Diekman. Braves willing to move Gohara.
And DOB replied Good chance this gets done if Gohara shows anything at all today, long as other team is sure he’s healthy. Braves prioritized bullpen help in recent weeks.
Kela and Diekman would be a HUGE get.
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He is a bona fide closer. Would have a huge impact on the rest of the pen.
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It’s all cloak and dagger right now. Club officials will only spill what they want the media to know. What we as fans can believe is what is observable and measurable.
What we do know is that Luiz Gohara was not scheduled to start but he is starting, and there are 3 Rangers scouts in attendance. Past that, it truly is all speculation.
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Good timing for Luiz.
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On the Chris Archer front, it looks like things are heating up. Depending on which writer you read, there are several levels of interest from several different teams. But upon looking at a cross section of reports, I have surmised the following:
Chris Archer is closer to being traded now than ever before, and the Padres and Braves appear to be the top contenders for his services… with the Padres leading the pursuit.
But as a word of caution, and as I read recently, no one really “leads” in a trade pursuit until a deal is made; it’s all fluid until the handshake.
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It’s a busy time in the GM’s office…
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I do love baseball!! Eager to see what all shakes out.
I have forgotten what it is like to not have thunder rumbling in all four quadrants 24/7. And clear skies. Poor little Sam cowers in the small front bathroom; he’s so scared of the noise and lightning.
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Thank you Luiz for cooperating today.
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Has that Babe Ruth build…..
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I’ll take Archer right now.
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… and in the world of what’s actually going on right now, Newk is killing it in Atlanta. Perfect over 5. And looks to be in complete control.
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Perfecto is gone as Newk walks Puig to open the 6th…
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But the no-no stays intact through 6. Of note, though, is that Newk is at 88 pitches. He’ll be back out for the 7th, but the bullpen will have to be called upon at some point. #ohcrap
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And the no hitter continues through 7. Newk is at an even 100 pitches. I can’t watch the bullpen blow it. I may have to leave and check back in later.
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UAAAGGGHHH!!!
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The first piece…
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Brach is not a big game changer, but he is a major league pitcher. He’s at least an improvement over Luke Jackson and/or Sam Freeman. And the prospect cost should be very minimal.
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There ya go.
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What a wonderful game hurled by Newk today. Within a strike of a ho-hitter. 130+ pitches and not even pressed. After all the losing, the Phils failed to distance themselves and are only a game and one half.
So, that is two relievers so far added, add a starter and we might just be in business…
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Just read an article by Mark Bradley about Newk and someone posting an old tweet by Newcome that was “[insensitive”.. What a chicken s**t thing to do…. The kid was 18. I’m glad there was no twitter when I was 18, I said a lot of stupid things.
We all grow and evolve, then again, some regress….. Mostly liberals…. but I digress….
All said, the kid restored my faith in the Atlanta Braves.
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Glad the stoopid liberal overpriced Mexican restaurant we ate at after Church (Ever hear of having to pay for Chips and salsa??????) (saw a hipster with an Obama shirt on as well, talk about nauseating) had some insane/what kind of drugs were they on when they invented this dumb sport…otherwise we might have stayed there to see the heartbreak of a lost no-no…glad the braves won though!
I know someone who is good will be traded , but man….Gohara could be the best of all the guys…mark my words, he will be better than Fried…
for Blake Snell??? 12-5, 2.25 ERA, only 25???? Sure….but it would take more than Gohara…but, he’s young, and that potential #1.
here me know…Chris Archer is NOT a # 1….he’s a CHEAP pitcher with good peripheral stats, that you know , are more important than ERA or wins and losses…
this is unfair, since some guys have only been in a few games, but…19 Rays pitchers have ERAs lower than Archer. 4 other starters who made 10 or more starts, have lower ERA’s. But, he’s cheap! He also has averaged LESS than 6 innings a start this year, in the DH league, so no pitch hitting for him….
he will be 30 in Sept. But…he’s CHEAP!!!!
His top win total is…12. he has 3 wins this season. He has an ERA of at least 4, for 3 straight seasons….is he a #1??? No….sorry, no…
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https://www.mlb.com/video/newcomb-ks-8-flirts-with-no-no/c-2324851083
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https://www.mlb.com/video/chippers-hall-of-fame-speech/c-2324325683
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That would be Anibal’s regular turn, but there’s no reason to draw any conclusions into that. It’s easy enough to simply give everyone an extra day off.
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It might mean the Braves plan to move Anibal to the bull pen
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He’s been their most consistent starter. I wouldn’t read too much into it, really. Anything can happen in the next 2 days or 7 days.
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Did anyone catch the HOF induction ceremonies? Just saw Chippers…just awesome. Didn’t seem to forget anyone. I had forgotten Don Baylor had died. He said Don in 1999 got him to believe in himself as righthanded power hitter….just total class….
As is the ceremony. on til 11 PM
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And didn’t Anibal take a line drive off his leg in his last start? I can keep track all of it.
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Don’t remember about the line drive. Like I said, I wouldn’t read too much into it. And quite honestly, we don’t even know if he’s actually starting Tuesday. Just a report. And we sure know how much credence to put into those kid of reports, right?
But it does make me wonder…
Anibal is here on a 1-year $1M deal. If we are going to make a deal for an existing “controllable” starting pitcher, the sending team will have to replace said pitcher in their rotation. And more than likely, the sending team will be seeking some salary relief as motivation for the trade anyway.
Could Anibal be going somewhere?
It’s all speculation at this point.
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More immediate roster matters at hand…
Who loses their active and 40-man roster spot to accommodate Brad Brach? Unless a trade happens before they team has to make the move later today, I’m guessing it’s Luke Jackson. Righty for righty. Luke will almost assuredly pass cleanly through waivers (again) and be outrighted to AAA anyway. So that’s a safe move that doesn’t dost anything.
Then… when/if Allard is added to make a spot start (or whatever it is), the same question arises. Sam? Again, unless a trade shakes up the roster anyway, I’m guessing Sam “The Slam” Freeman. Rephrase: I’m HOPING.
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Should Kolby Allard make his major league debut on Tuesday, as is speculated, it will be against the Marlins here at STP. That’s a big plus for the kid. So the timing would be good.
Speaking of the Marlins, the Braves really need to take advantage of 3 games at home against those Fish. We gained one back yesterday, but still trail by 1 1/2. Meanwhile, the Phils travel to Fenway to take on the mighty Red Sox for 2 before going back home to meet MIA.
After the Braves host those aforementioned 3 vs. the Marlins, they travel to NY for a series against the floundering Mets. So the Braves need to take advantage of this fishy week of games and get back on top.
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OK… the Braves already made the 40-man roster move for Brad Brach by transferring Brandon McCarthy from the 10-day DL to the 60-day DL.
Luke and Sam are safe for another day.
I gotta say that this front office manipulates the DL more effectively than any of their predecessors that I can recall.
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Well, CL… I can make another countdown suggestion for the now expired HOF box. The WAIVER trade deadline is August 31 at 4pm ET, similar to the July 31 4pm ET deadline time for the non-waiver trade deadline.
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Roger dat!
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¡Muy excelente!
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Looking at Anibal’s stats last several years, he only pitched 105 innings last year , around 150 + the 2 years before that…so, why not give him a breather?
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Unless some deal goes down that alters the makeup of the rotation, inserting Kolby Allard for a simple spot start does accomplish a few things on its own merit.
First, it gives Allard his first ML experience against a lesser foe on home turf in a game the organization has chosen. That experience could come in quite valuable if he’s called upon in an emergency later in the season during a heated division race.
Second, it gives the other 5 starters an additional day of rest, and when you have alot of young starters that have never pitched more than 150 innings in their lives, that’s a good way to stretch those innings out longer into the season. Additionally, Snit has shown several times this season a willingness to give all his starters extra rest when possible. During the hot days of July, that is not a bad thing. Ber… you said it. Anibal could all use an extra blow right now.
Third, it allows the organization to ascertain exactly where Allard is in his development, again in a somewhat controlled setting that they have chosen. Taming ML hitters is a whole different animal than dominating AAA hitters.
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And here’s another thought… (I know, I have alot of random thoughts. It’s my MLB ADD.)
If Kolby Allard has a successful spot start, and proves he’s ready to contribute at the major league level, perhaps he gets slotted into the rotation and Fried moves to the bullpen. Is there any doubt that Fried could kill it in the bullpen? He would be a better bullpen addition than almost any of the pitchers currently available on the trade market.
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Now that’s a great idea! But, then, I’d expect nothing else from a B&S guy!
😀
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I’ll even go so far as to say that Allard as #5 starter, with Fried and Gohara in the bullpen to go along with Venters, Brach, Biddle, Carle, Winkler and Minter might just make a tough group to get through.
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More pitching news…
From DOB: Braves LH prospect Kolby Allard will be promoted from Triple-A to make his MLB debut with a start Tuesday against the Marlins.
From Bowman: Kolby Allard is lined up to make his MLB debut tomorrow. This allows the Braves to start another lefty against the Marlins. Also will help create an additional day of rest for each SPs as the Braves are in a stretch of playing on 31 of 32 days
Which jives with what we talked about earlier.
More Bowman: There’s a chance Touki Toussaint could also be promoted soon to join Atlanta’s bullpen. So, there might be a flurry of moves this week
Hmmm… how did I forget about Touki?
So Allard gets a spot start to help the starters get a rest, but what happens if he pulls a Soroka and dominates? Is there a chance he sticks around?
One thing is crystal clear. Thoppy is not going to break the prospect bank on a rental reliever. He might if a controllable starter comes available, but I am getting the sense more and more that it just simply isn’t happening in 2018. Is it possible our sorely needed bullpen improvements come from the farm?
I’m beginning to think it’s quite plausible. I’m also beginning to think our own youngsters might be as good as many of the remaining trade candidates.
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Even though they Braves made room for Brad Brach on the 40-man roster by transferring Brandon McCarthy from the 10-day DL to the 60-day DL, they still must make a move on the active roster prior to tonight’s game.
They’ll also need to create both 40- and 25-man spots for Allard prior to tomorrow’s game. And since we’re on the topic, should Touki be called upon, those same needs will arise again.
My guess is that Luke is gone tonight, creating the 25-man spot for Brach and the 40-man spot for Allard. Then Sam will go tomorrow, creating the 25-man spot for Allard, and leaving a 40-man spot available for Touki when the time comes, which might be when Allard is optioned back to AAA after the spot start.
At that point, the rotation will be back to 5 (Julio, Anibal, Folty, Fried, Newk) and the bullpen will be back to 8 (Minter, Winkler, Biddle, Carle, Brach, Venters, Moylan, Touki).
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… barring a trade, of course, which changes everything.
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Something to note, but not to overreact to…
Kyle Wright was originally scheduled to start for AA Mississippi tonight. Their scheduled starter is now showing as “TBD”. Could mean nothing, could be a promotion to AAA… could be anything.
But it’s at least worth watching.
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Boom.
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We mentioned Sonny Gray’s name the other day as a possible trade piece for the Yankees. Now it’s been reported that the Braves had scouts at his last start on Thursday. He hasn’t been great for NYY since being trade there last July, but his last 3 starts have been very good. Still, the Yanks might be motivated to move his salary if they are serious players for Chris Archer. They are right at the luxury tax threshold.
I think Gray, who is from Tennessee and played is college ball at Vandy, might be another guy who doesn’t fare well in the intense spotlight of the Bronx. He could be a classic “change of scenery” guy. He has the balance of $6.5M for this season and another year of arb before becoming FA eligible in 2020. He is somewhat “controllable”. I think a deal for Gray is more likely than one for Archer or Marcus Stroman. He wouldn’t cost nearly as much in prospect capital. But he might cost you Luiz Gohara.
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Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha… “shoulder inflammation”… r-i-g-h-t…
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“Shoulder inflammation”
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Hey, it could happen… 🙂
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I’ll even go so far as to say that Allard as #5 starter, with Fried and Gohara in the bullpen to go along with Venters, Brach, Biddle, Carle, Winkler and Minter might just make a tough group to get through.
V, This makes so much sense….so…why hasn’t it happened?
Gohara, Allard, Fried, etc are sooo young, they cannot go more than say 160 innings, anyways…
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Significant bench addition!!
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And the 40 man roster spots just took care of themselves. 🙂
I wonder whose shoulder gets sore tomorrow to make room for Allard?
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So thus far, for virtually no real prospects leaving the system, the bullpen is better and we added 15 HRs to the bench/lineup.
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So, Lucus Sims gets an opportunity with another organization as well as Matt Wisler. I wish both of them well, perhaps their new pitching coach plus a change of scenery will do them both good. Preston Tucker has potential if he will learn to lay off the high heat.
Adam Duvall…. Adam Dunn’s first cousin? A three outcome player? I hope he works out well for the Bravos. At least a right handed bat available off the bench who is a power threat.
Nice turn around for Julio tonight, while some of his close pitches were not getting the benefit of the doubt, I did not think the strike zone was being called equitably. I don’t know what Freddie did to PO the home plate umpire but a couple of pitches called strikes were a good 6 inch off the plate.
And Bryce Harper… hummmm… if he were willing to sign a long term contract he might be worth it but I look for the Yankees to make a run. They need someone to fill in for Judge while he mends. We shall see what develops.
To be honest, I would rather have Soto. Obviously, so would the Nationals.
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Oh, and a heck of a game between the Phillies and the Red Sox. I watched the last 4 innings after the end of the Braves game.
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Here we are on deadline day and we have already improved our team… just not the way we thought we might.
So how impactful was the deal for Adam Duvall, who will now platoon with Ender, playing LF against LH pitchers with RAJ sliding over to CF?
DOB sums it nicely: He’s hit as many homers as Freddie Freeman or Kris Bryant over past three seasons and has 2nd-most Defensive Runs Saved this season among LFs
Of course he strikes out alot too. He is a classic power bat. But he’s just 2 years removed from being an All-Star with a 31 HR season.
And all we gave up was Matt Wisler, Lucas Sims and Preston Tucker? Do y’all realize they were probably hurting us in that they were clogging up our 40-man roster with almost zero hope of ever being ML regulars in Atlanta? I’m not sure how this could have come out better for us.
Now… starting pitcher today? Maybe a name from out of nowhere, like Adam Duvall was? Don’t sleep on Thoppy. The A-Train is rolling.
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DOB: Since the start of the 2016 season, Adam Duvall has as many HRs as Freddie Freeman, Anthony Rizzo or Kris Bryant, and more than Bryce Harper.
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I hope I can have a productive work day today, but it’s not looking good. I’ve already found myself refreshing a handful of resource sites a dozen times or so. I did glance at my work email once. #mlbaddict
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Gotta add Kolby Allard to the active roster today. With Adam Duvall coming on board, I expect OF Michael Reed to be returned to AAA. There’s really no reason to have him on the bench now. The only other possibility is Ryan Flaherty, who has virtually no role on this team anymore. He was useful as a backup 3B/1B, but Duvall fills those roles as well. I think he has to be safe, though, because he’s the only LH bat on the bench… for now. There’s still a few hours left to adjust that though. 😉
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Wait… there has to be 2 active roster spots to open… duh! One for Allard and one for Duvall. So Reed and another reliever with “shoulder inflammation”? Or is Luke’s time up… again?
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The more I look at this deal for Adam Duvall, the better I like it. Is he the answer to all our offensive woes? Of course not. But I believe each of Wisler, Sims and Tucker was in danger of being non-tendered in the offseason anyway to create necessary 40-man roster spots for Rule 5 protection. So Thoppy not only acquired a good power bat for the team, he also got something for 3 players who were probably dead assets.
Plus, Duvall is just entering his first arb year and is under team control until 2022.
Masterful.
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So, who is your left handed bat off the bench now? Stay tuned…
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So, who is your left handed bat off the bench now? Stay tuned…
Technically it’s still Ryan Flaherty, but realistically you don’t have one. As you said, stay tuned…
As for some of the prior rumored names – Adrian Beltre, Nick Castellanos – you can forget about them now. Both are RH bats. The Duvall acquisition kills any chances of revisiting either of those scenarios.
I need to scour the rumors to see what LH bats might be out there.
Don’t forget too, after 4pm today there is still the possibility of picking up a higher priced bench piece in August if your wiling to pay the freight on an expensive reserve.
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Wow… the Rays have acquired OF Tommy Pham from the Rays. No other details are available yet. Rosenthal has the news. The Rays are not in buying mode, so this is extra intriguing. Rosey says Chris Archer is not a part of this deal.
Pham is a good one.
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Correction: Jeff Passan has the story, not Rosenthal, who seemingly has the inside skinny on everything this year.
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Seems like a good deal for Tampa, who will build around the affordable Pham.
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I’m not seeing many LH bat options out there. Maybe Ryan Flaherty would have trade value? We can bring up Rio Ruiz and have about the same thing with a little more power.
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Rosenthal: The Brewers are “pursuing” veteran Nationals lefty Gio Gonzalez
This after Nats’ GM Rizzo declaring them as sellers last night, followed by ownership saying “no we’re not” a few hours later.
Don’t you just love a tangible depiction of “dysfunction”?
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Adam Duvall, via a handful of Tweets:
It’s been a wild 12 hrs. First off I’d like to thank the Reds organization for giving me a chance to play the game that I love. Next, to the fans of Cincinnati, I’d like to personally thank you for making my stay in Cincy a good one. You guys showed a lot of love and I’ll never forget that! Next, I’d like to thank my teammates. You guys made it so much fun to show up to the ballpark everyday and compete. I am going to truly miss you guys! To the trainers, strength coaches and everyone behind the scenes that kept me on the field, I am very grateful. And last but not least, I want to thank the Braves for adding me to a great team. I look forward to joining you guys, and to help continue the winning ways!
Classy.
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Kinda shocked the Cards would trade Pham away…I read they have a lot of outfield prospects out there. Ok…make him part of an Archer deal. Odd…
speaking of odd…the Nats…Dysfunction defined indeed….
As much as we love the braves…do we seem unbeatable? No…do the Phils seem unbeatable???? NO! The Nats are 5.5 games back with 2 months of baseball left. Why on earth would Rizzo say they are sellers??? One sweep of the Phils, and right back in the race. Braves or Phils could just lose 6-7 in a row…
He has made some very good trades and signings…but, he seems like a live wire, and has said some stupid things throughout the years.
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Jim Bowden: It still appears that Chris Archer will be the biggest name traded today with the Braves and Brewers grinding to get him…
But be aware, Bowden is well known to stir the pot just to keep his name in the headlines.
That said, if the Brew Crew is pivoting to Gio Gonzalez, what does that mean for their pursuit of Archer?
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Answer.
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As much as we love the braves…do we seem unbeatable? No…do the Phils seem unbeatable???? NO!
Which is what makes this season so compelling. I believe the Nats are done, though. Too many side shows to the circus there. They should sell, but ownership won’t let them. I’ll try not to shed any tears.
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The Marlins’ Brad Ziegler has been dealt. Don’t know to whom. Stay tuned…
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Cubs were pushing hard last night and an agreement was nearly in place, then it all fell apart. Perhaps they made some tweaks and got it done.
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Joe Frisaro says it’s not a done deal.
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Craig Mish says it is done, Joe Frisaro says it is not done, and a less than credible blog site says the Cubs have indeed acquired him.
Who knows?
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Frisaro has expounded and says the deal is down to 2 teams, and the Cubs are not one of them.
The Fish are obviously trying to extract an extra pound of flesh from one of the 2 teams… as they should. It’s good to have a desirable asset.
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D’backs. Deal done pending physicals.
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How can I be expected to actually work today? Gotta get focused…
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Looking at Tommy Pham’s #’s , he must have cooled off of late. Seems like I forever see him getting big hits on highlights shows…
Adam Duval is hitting .208 this year…but, he’s going to a new team, and playoffs can rev guys up as we know…15 and 61 impress me…but, I am just a dumb ol’ school guys that thinks driving in RBI’s is a big part of the game…silly me…
and…as much as I have been trashing Archer, he too would benefit no doubt from a change of scene, a change of leagues, and…playing in front of fans cheering for him…as mediocre as I think his ERA and wins/losses are, he would no doubt be an upgrade over Julio T. Perhaps we can trade him in the package? I am pretty much done with him….his fastball is too hittable. if his fastball control isn’t perfect…he’s toast….He’s still only 27…might be too expensive for the uber cheap Rays though….
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Diamondbacks To Acquire Brad Ziegler
11:48am: A deal is in place, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today (via Twitter).
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Adam Duval is hitting .208 this year…but, he’s going to a new team, and playoffs can rev guys up as we know…15 and 61 impress me…but, I am just a dumb ol’ school guys that thinks driving in RBI’s is a big part of the game
Splits vs. LH pitchers better, and that’s how he’ll play in a platoon. Agree he’s no Bryce Harper… oh, wait. he has better numbers than Bryce this year. Let me rephrase. Agree, he’s not Manny Machado, but he didn’t cost anything, either. And the Braves are a better team than they were prior to the deal.
as much as I have been trashing Archer, he too would benefit no doubt from a change of scene, a change of leagues, and…playing in front of fans cheering for him
Could not agree more. It has to be tough to play for the cheapest franchise in pro sports.
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Back to Duvall for a minute. The sole purpose for that trade was to improve the production of the OF vs. LH pitchers. Ender’s splits are dramatic. He just isn’t getting it done this year vs. PH pitchers at all. And he knows it, too.
It wouldn’t surprise me if they did something similar at 3B/SS for Dansby. His splits are somewhat dramatic as well. Acquiring a 3B like Beltre or Castellano would allow Johan to slide over to SS when facing a LH.
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Nice note.
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So here’s how it plays out with Duvall. He starts and hits against LH pitchers. Then once we knock the lefty out of the game, Ender enters. Ender also plays late on D. Ender will still get his.
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Why I think the Braves should make the move for Chris Archer:
First, while I have heard today that he is the Rays’ version of our own Julio Teheran, there is one major difference. When Teheran misses in with his 90 mph fastball, it ends up on Cobb Parkway. Archer brings it around 96 mph. And that’s not the pitch he misses with.
Reading this morning, the beef against Archer is that “he has the stuff of an ace, but pitches more like a 3” because he has lost the sharpness on his slider. That was the pitch that made him one of the best pitchers in all of baseball just 3 years ago. And that weakness has been identified.
So why hasn’t his pitching coach been able to fix it? Great question. Coming to Atlanta gives him not only the resources of a new pitching coach and staff, but access to Folty, who gained the bite on his slider from John Smoltz, who himself is known to come around. It’s more than just a “change of scenery”, which isn’t a bad thing. It’s a change of coaching, which is exactly what Archer needs.
Second, Archer is 30 years old, and has some much needed experience that this young rotation needs. We have some kids we’re pinning alot of hopes upon that have never pitched late into September in their lives… much less October. At some point the tank will run dry.
And third, it tells both the clubhouse and the fans that your serious about this team. Both need to know that.
Luiz Gohara, Joey Wentz, Ray Patrick-Didder and Alex Jackson might get it done. I’d make that deal.
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Me today:
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Wow, Pirates way overpaid, 2 top prospects….Austin Meadows, and Tyler Glascow
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Hopefully they both go before tonight… especially Braves killer Bour.
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Which bodes well for an Archer deal.
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Who do you choose to believe, Bob Nightengale or Jon Heyman?
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Unsolicited opinion:
If the cost is another non-prospect, I’ll take Harvey… IF we can’t get a deal done for Archer. Not an ace, but a veteran. And a guy with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder. If I can get him for a mid-level prospect, I’ll take him down the stretch with no long term commitment.
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I know I keep beating the same drum, but I believe a good veteran starter would make a major difference. I can’t count on Max Fried in September. Not as a starter. But out of the bullpen?
Yep. And the bullpen is much better with Fried in it.
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The O’s Kevin Gaussman would be a decent alternative if the price on Archer is just prohibitive. They are reportedly “closing In” on another deal. Gaussman or Dylan Bundy are starters that could go. They also have a nice reliever in Mychal Givens, but he’d probably be pricey.
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To clarify, Gausman is not on the same level as Archer, but he also would not cost as much in prospect capital. He is a decent veteran starter that’s controllable through 2020 and should be able to give you 6-7 solid innings every 5th day.
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Prophet star.
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I have to say, MLB reporters chase more leaks than CNN and the Trump White House….
I have to believe some of these stories are plants for click bait.
We have been on Archer for months now, but it is just as likely the Braves are giving a shoulder fake. I am of the mind that Thoppy is saving his prime prospects for a player like Realamuto.
If the Braves had not traded for Duvall, I would be clamoring for Dietrich and who knows, a flip could still be made before all is said and done.
I know Ber is very high on Gohara but I am afraid of someone who lets themselves get so out of shape. All that beef is hard on a body, take it from someone who knows all about hamstrings and groin pulls from try to push an extra 50 or so pounds around. For us fat guys, weight control is a never ending battle.
As for the package being offered for Archer, I think the negotiation is down to asking for a set of floor mats to be thrown in the deal.
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From several different sources, as compiled by MLBTR:
2:10pm: The Orioles are “closing in” on yet another deal with just under two hours until the non-waiver trade deadline, tweets ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick.
2:28pm: Fancred’s Jon Heyman tweets that teams are “getting serious” with their offers on Gausman. He lists the Rockies, Braves and Brewers as teams in the mix.
2:40pm: Dan Connolly of The Athletic tweets that the Orioles and the other team involved in the deal are reviewing medical reports.
2:49pm: Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles are discussing a trade of second baseman Jonathan Schoop and, potentially, Gausman.
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Just
one
hour
left.
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As we enter the final hour, there is now a flood of speculative tweets. I will spare you all of the rumors and reports of who is “leading” on a players. I’ll restrict myself to actual deals at this point. Otherwise we’ll all go blind.
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don’t forget to watch MLBTV, and perhaps Baseball tonight (first time I can recall not watching it, or DVR’ing it)
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Me thinking about ESPN…
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I’m feeling Gausman over Archer. Thoppy won’t overpay. Rays will get an overpay.
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Here we go…
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Boom.
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Regular news: OF Michael Reed was optioned to AAA to make room for Adam Duvall. No surprise here.
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Archer is going to the Pirates. They really made some aggressive moves in the last couple of days.
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Waiting to see who the Rays got for Archer, and waiting to see what A-Train gave up for Gausman.
Then we can discuss how we feel about it.
That said, I think Fried will go to the bullpen to accommodate Gausman. Both the rotation and bullpen will benefit.
Rotation will now be Julio, Folty, Anibal, Newk, and Gausman, whose last start for the O’s was Saturday.
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So glad they are sparing me looking up the numbers. 😀
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These are old school numbers I can get behind.
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Back to the current…
Still awaiting word on who leaves the active roster to make a spot for Kolby Allard. Maybe it’s Luke Jackson, but you cannot guess with this bunch. For all we know, Julio has “shoulder inflammation” again.
As for Gausman, we should have the 40-man spot available. I’ll take a guess and say they simply option Allard back to Gwinnett following tonight’s game to make room on the active roster.
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I seem to have lost a post, unless it comes back…Pirates gave up 2 very good, MLB ready prospects… (Glasnow, and Austin Meadows) pretty much overpaid….
Kevin Gausman, ERA is basically the same as Julio T…BUT…in the DH league, in a brutal AL East in homer happy parks. He clearly goes deeper in games than Archer does…doesn’t walk many….
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Yep… it’s a hefty price alright. Meadows would have been hard for me to part with.
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Adam Duvall is not in tonight’s lineup, which is essentially the same as last night’s with Zuk in for Flow.
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Bowman says the Braves are sending 3 prospects, but does not yet have the names.
Stay tuned…
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In all the excitement, I forgot that it’s after 4pm. Still, there may be a deal or 2 out there that isn’t reported yet.
As for the Braves, I imagine Gausman was the last grab.
In the end, Thoppy got 2 relievers and a power hitter for virtually nothing, and added a controllable mid-rotation starter for 3 yet-to-be-named prospects.
Brett Cumberland’s name is trickling out as one of them. With William Contreras emerging as the best catching prospect in the system, Cumbo was expendable. And honestly, he’s more suited for the DH league.
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Still waiting to learn what the Braves gave up for Gausman.
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CL… I love the new countdown. And it’s quite accurate!!
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If this is accurate, it’s a pretty good deal for the Braves. No top prospects involved. The best name in there is Encarnacion, and he’ll be blocked by Austin Riley.
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And this officially makes it a great deal for the Braves.
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Thoppy has earned a more bad-@$$ nickname today. Henceforth, I will refer to him as A-Train.
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The official announcement:
O’Day is on the 60-day DL with a hamstring injury and won’t be any help this year, but is signed through next year. Probably a simple salary dump for BAL, and necessary to grease the skids on the meat of the deal.
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What I mean by that is that by taking on O’Day’s salary, we gave up only 1 Top 30 prospect, that being Cumberland.
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I need a nap…
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So in the end, A-Train acquired 2 relievers (3 if you count O’Day), a starter and a power bat for virtually nothing of top value. Nothing.
And the Braves are a better team today than they were before the deals began.
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… making room for Kevin Gausman.
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It has got to be tough to be an O’s fan right now.
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Allrightythen… Watching Allard pitch in his debut, he has been a bit of a Houdini. Not blowing anyone away but keeping the fish scoreless. I’m not seeing a lot of movement but he is efficient.
Acuna put the Braves up with a high towering homerun to left.
The Mutts are getting crushed by the Nats, at last glance Washington was up by 3 touchdowns. BLOWOUT….
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Allard was good. Not great, but good. Threw alot of strikes. Gotta like that.
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I have heard good things about Allard, but I have to say I was shocked to see 89 MPH, over and over..at first when I flipped by in the 3rd, I thought it was his fastball. I did see 90 MPH a few times. 5 innings, 9 hits, 4 runs, 1 strikeout (I went to bed after the 5th, don’t ask me why I am up now, I don’t know myself 😦 )
but that’s not a league average fastball…no matter what anyone says.
He can’t come out of the bullpen, he will have to stay a starter. I wonder what happened to his fastball? He’s a pitcher, no doubt about that, that he can even compete is amazing…
saw this collection of scouting reports on him….
https://www.minorleagueball.com/2018/7/30/17629710/atlanta-braves-3-things-to-know-about-kolby-allard-set-to-make-his-mlb-debut-tuesday
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man, twice in 12 hours I know I posted something, but it doesn’t show up…Kolby’s scouting report just out of high school
https://www.mlb.com/news/c-128168706
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He doesn’t blaze a fastball, but it does have movement and he hits his spots. And it usually sits in the low 90’s, similar to Julio.He also has a big curve to keep hitters from sitting on the fastball. Greg Maddux made a pretty good career out of movement and location.
Not saying Allard is Maddux. Not at all. Just saying there is more to pitching than throwing. And Allard is NOT a thrower.
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My thoughts exactly.
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This is the most recent scouting report on Allard, from MLB Pipeline:
Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 55 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 55 | Overall: 55
The first of two Braves’ first-round picks in 2015, Allard has been pushed fairly aggressively, along with fellow first-rounder Mike Soroka. A teenager in Double-A in 2017, the left-hander finished fifth in the league in strikeouts and eighth in ERA.
The 6-foot-1 southpaw thrives with a three-pitch mix that starts with outstanding fastball command. He throws his heater in the 88-93 mph range, but it plays up because of its movement and because of Allard’s ability to move it in and out with ease. That can occasionally get him into trouble, as he falls in love with his fastball command and pitches off of his fastball too much. His changeup, once his third offering, is now a plus pitch and Allard would often fall into a fastball-changeup pattern. That’s something that isn’t necessary, given he still possesses a plus curve. While his walk rate jumped in 2017, he still is very much a strike-thrower.
As long as Allard continues to mix his pitches well, he has the makings of a solid big league starter. Perhaps he has the ceiling of a No. 3 type starter, but he’s pretty close to being ready to reaching it at age 20.
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Sorry guys, but I did not think Allard was all that… He looked to have a very hittable fastball. To be fair, I was not standing in the batter’s box so maybe I could not detect any last second movement but it looked a bit flat to me. I did not see him throw a curve ball (weather related?) and most of his fastballs topped out at 90 mph. Maybe he has subscribed to the Tom Glavin school of pitching (no more than 80% effort). Regardless, a win is a win. I’ll take it but without the big night by the offense, a lot of folks would be singing a different tune.
Perhaps the biggest plus last night was Luke Jackson’s 3 innings of shutout ball. I guess to Vee’s chagrin, Luke will stay on the Braves roster another week. 🙂
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Did y’all see the short interview with Austin Riley, who drove to STP to see roommate Allard’s ML debut after the Gwinnett game was rained out? That boy is not a boy… he’s a man. The big fella just looks like a ballplayer.
Teaser note: There are some who think he could take over in LF next year if Camargo tightens his grip on the 3B job. Regardless, Riley profiles to a big middle-of-the-order RH bopper we’ve needed for a while, whether as a 3B or LF. I’ve seen comps to Troy Glaus.
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Perhaps the biggest plus last night was Luke Jackson’s 3 innings of shutout ball. I guess to Vee’s chagrin, Luke will stay on the Braves roster another week.
If he’ll keep pitching like that, I’ll gladly cheer him on.
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Sorry guys, but I did not think Allard was all that… He looked to have a very hittable fastball.
He admittedly did not dominate the Marlins hitters, but I’ll reserve full judgment past one start. That said, power has never been his game… location and movement has.
It’s funny, the scouting report above mentions that he tends to fall in love with the fastball/changeup combo and forget about his plus curve. I think we saw that manifest itself last night. He did throw that big curve a handful of times, but not enough.
What impressed me most is that he does throw strikes. Of course many of those resulted in singles from ML hitters. Gil, you mentioned at one point that he was “efficient”. I was watching his pitch count, and it remained low until the 6th inning when he got knocked around a little. The kid threw alot of 1st pitch strikes and didn’t fall behind many batters… until the aforementioned 6th inning.
One more thing, and I hate to make excuses – but I guess I am. It’s one thing to have the nerves of making your major league debut. It’s another to combine that with waiting around a couple of hours during a rain delay, then pitching in the rain. Far from optimal conditions for veteran pitchers, much less a 20-year old kid.
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So, I will await another start by Allard before getting too hyped. Still want to see Toussaint’s debut… Come to think of it, I want to see how well Gausman fares with a Tomahawk across his chest.
I hope the pitching gurus in Atlanta can sharpen the break on his slider.
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The 6 inning or as they say, the dreaded third time thru the order. The bobble by Ozzies at second base was the key to that inning. You just cannot give a major league team more than 3 outs. If Ozzie had made that play, I don’t think the fish score in that inning.
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I certainly don’t mean to trash Allard, it just was a shock to see him throwing about as slow a fastball as I can recall seeing in quite some time. You would think he would have been pretty hyped up, throwing harder than he should. I just suspected he was another Sean Newcomb, 92-93 who would hit 95-96 when he needed it. You know they wouldn’t have drafted him #1 if he was throwing 89 in H.S.
and V, I completely agree, he is a pitcher, no doubt…to do all this at 20 is truly amazing…if his fastball would come back a bit, say 92-93 with his command…that would be interesting!
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The Nationals DFA Shawn Kelly following his temper tantrum last night. Alleged blow up followed the umpires telling him to slow down??? So, waiting 45 seconds between pitches is okay but 10 seconds is not?
I’d take him… I suppose the Washington manager does not like being stared at….
That said, he will not be in limbo long, too many teams need relievers and Kelly is better than most.
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So glad that’s not my monkeys… not my circus. As I said recently, a great example of dysfunction.
It’s an interesting situation. Earlier in the day he was considered a trade candidate. Given the remainder of his $5M salary, “rental” status, and service time, he might pass through waivers and still be traded within the next 7 days. Chances are that he’ll be claimed by someone that missed out yesterday, like Boston, and a deal will still be worked out.
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I couldn’t see the game, but it sounds to me as if the young kid was mature enough to “stay within himself” and do what he knew he could do. To do that at his age under difficult and what had to have been been a nerve-wracking conditions, earns my respect for his night’s work. Sure wish he could get some mentoring from Maddux.
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I couldn’t see the game, but it sounds to me as if the young kid was mature enough to “stay within himself” and do what he knew he could do.
Not just that, but he was able to work out of jams without losing his calm as well. Seemed mature beyond 20. Still could use a little seasoning to iron out a few wrinkles, but he’s very close.
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Now, housekeeping stuff.
I expect Allard will be optioned to make room for Kevin Gausman. But when will he make his Atlanta debut? He last pitched Saturday, lining him up for a Thursday start for normal 5 days rest. But we just spot started Allard to give an extra day to our other starters, so inserting Guasman on Thursday would actually give Folty 7 days. Fried follows Folty, but I fully expect him to move to the pen now that Gausman is here.
So my guess is that Folty will go on Thursday, on 6 days rest, and Gausman will be pushed to Friday, also then on 6 days rest.
And the pitching roles will look as follows:
Rotation:
Folty (R)
Gausman (R)
Newk (L)
Julio (R)
Anibal (R)
Bullpen:
Minter, Cl (L)
Winkler, (R)
Biddle, (L)
Venters (L)
Fried (L)
Carle (R)
Brach (R)
Jackson (R)
All that looks good and balanced… but in 10 days you have to address Sam Freeman and Peter Moylan.
Scenario 1: A pitcher or 2 is optioned to AAA. Minter, Winkler, Biddle, Carle and Fried all have minor league options remaining, but are also the best 5 relievers in the pen. I can’t imagine any one of them would go down, especially past Aug. 31 which would cost them post-season eligibility. The possible exception is Max Fried, but I hope they keep him in the pen. I think he has great stuff that misses bats.
Scenario 2: Sam and/or Pete are DFA’d. If that were going to happen though, neither would have been placed on the DL to begin with. And while they might DFA Sam, the wouldn’t do it to Pete. Rather they’d just keep him on the DL for the duration. (If we’re honest, we’ll all admit that the front office is playing pretty fast and loose with the DL.)
Scenario 3: One or both are “slow to respond” in their injuries, and are not sent out on rehab assignments until late in the month, followed by activation after Sept. 1 when rosters expand. And since players on the DL on Aug. 31 are still eligible for post-season rosters, the team maintains flexibility.
Scenario 4: Someone else suddenly develops “shoulder inflammation” or suffers a “forearm strain”, and the injury/rehab cycle starts with them.
Scenario 5: Luke Jackson regresses to his more typical self and makes at least one decision a little easier. Since he’s not being inserted into any high leverage situations, his role is not nearly as critical.
Scenario 6: Any combination of the above.
This front office has proven a penchant for creativity, so I shouldn’t speculate as to how they’ll handle it. But if I were pressed to guess, I’d say that Sam is DFA’d as he is now expendable with the number of lefties in the pen, and Pete’s response/rehab is drug out until after Sept. 1.
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Oh yeah… and it’s a good time to try to sneak a guy like Sam Freeman through outright waivers anyway. Teams routinely pass alot of players through revocable waivers this time of year. Sam would probably go unclaimed anyway, but especially as compared to others and especially coming off “injury”. Then he could be outrighted to AAA and stay in the organization.
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Yes, I will give the kid props for not getting rattled, something we have seen some other young pitchers do with alarming regularity. (cough Wisler)
So, what’s next? The Bravos need to sweep a weakened and demoralized Marlins team while they have opportunity. Still, the fish are not without some bite. They did put up 6 runs last night.
And how about this weather???? While I am not a fan of droughts, this rain thingee is downright depressing. I know CL is in danger of becoming waterlogged, not sure about Vee and Ber but I don’t think there is any longer tales of Lake Lanier drying up.
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So, what’s next? The Bravos need to sweep a weakened and demoralized Marlins team while they have opportunity.
Yep, and since the Phils are swooning a bit, and we’ve climbed back to within a half game of the division lead (with 1 less loss, which is key), we need to fully take advantage of the upcoming opportunities vs. both the Fish and the Mutts.
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“All that looks good and balanced… but in 10 days you have to address Sam Freeman and Peter Moylan.”
Yes, the 10 day DL is the minimum time a player can be held out, nothing to prevent the team in extending the time except the August 31st stop date and even then, there is flexibility.
And with the “dog days” of summer being upon us, the dreaded “dead arm” bug is always a possibility. I think the 6 man rotation the Braves are employing is evidence the coaching staff is aware the kids are very susceptible to it. Like Ber alluded to, 160 innings in a season is the norm for these kids.
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And how about this weather????
Currently raining hard outside, and expected to continue all day, endangering the last game of this homestand. Of course, they got last night’s in under the same rain chances.
I don’t think there is any longer tales of Lake Lanier drying up.
It’s been at full pool for several months. I drive across Buford Dam a couple of times a month on my work travails and have watched a dramatic transformation in just a year’s time. Kinda like Sean Newcomb, except different. 😀
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Right at 14″ in July in the small community where I live. As of today, the area has already exceeded the ANNUAL average rainfall. Is gopher wood still available anywhere?
http://www.wect.com/story/13241636/robb-template-rhe
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So, it is why we call it weather and not climate… Josie says the weather is a month askew…. I don’t mind it so much as the humidity… Fat guys sweat a lot and I sweat more than most. Every trip outside calls for a change in tee shirts. I sweat worse than John Thompson did in Atlanta.
Scan the ball games, Washington currently beating the Mutts 3-1. The Mutts are just sad right now. They have the aura of a thoroughly beaten team.
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I think the 6 man rotation the Braves are employing is evidence the coaching staff is aware the kids are very susceptible to it.
It’s an interesting way to go about it, too. Allard gets a spot start yesterday. Touki may get the next one in a week, and Luiz may get one a week after that. That’s the benefit of great depth.
Our next 9 games are against the Fish (1), the Mutts (4) and the Nats (4). If you can avoid deGrom and Scherzer, it’s a good time to take a look at a youngster.
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The Nits are employing Tommy Milone against Thor today. The kid looks pretty solid. Looked a lot like Allard did last night but older. Throw it up there and let them hit it to someone. Changes speeds and locations…More effective than Tanner Roark methinks.
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I like that approach to pitching. Guess I remember too much of a Maddux-like approach.. It’s what defense is for, just IMHO. Just keep it inside the park. Greg had/has the deepest understanding of pitching I’ve ever seen or heard of. He intimately knew the mental side of the game and knew that he didn’t have to throw 95+ to get hitters out. They couldn’t hit it well if they had no idea where the ball was going to be – and with him, that didn’t happen very often. I recall hearing one player say at some awards gathering that you could look at most players and knew without doubt that you were looking at a real baseball player. He then said that Greg Maddux looked like an accountant.
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Maddux didn’t mind hitters making contact, he just didn’t let them make good contact.
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Oh the rain….it was so nice to have a few dry days last week…not sure how we compare to use guys and gals, guessing a wee bit less, but not much…all it has done is rain, for about 24 hours, think the odds are 90 % today, 100% tomorrow…glad tomorrow’s game is elsewhere!
Gil, I too sweat like crazy when it’s humid…ugh. Watch to make sure you are getting enough fluids, as you know for some reason when you get older you get less thirsty…too bad we don’t get less hungry! 😉
my biggest issue right now, worse than even the humidity to me, is….mosquitoes! Haven’t seen them as bad as they are this year. And what’s odder, is they are getting Dad and me…inside! One of several reasons I couldn’t get back to sleep at 2 am was a fresh bite on my back. I spray skeeter spy by the front door, we try to get in and out as fast as possible, but going in and out many times a day, and those little boogers using twitter to tell others about the tastiest humans they’ve ever tasted, we are you know what…any suggestions? I mean, it’s only gonna get worse, what with rain every day through next week….
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Ber, I sympathize with you about the mosquitoes! I’ve seen some you could probably load a dozen or so passengers on! (Those big, ugly, black marsh ‘squeeters.)
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Well, I overlooked the fact that the team really doesn’t need to add new Brave Kevin Gausman until the day of his first start. So to that end, Kolby Allard was indeed optioned back to AAA today and reliever Wes Parsons was activated to give the team a fresh reliever for a day or so. It just continues the bullpen pattern the team has followed all year… run the Atlanta-Gwinnett shuttle and keep as many fresh arms available as possible.
Next arm up…
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Ber, How about a bug zapper??? Could be in for some quality entertainment… Just remember, the light attracts the bugs, not repel them so you place the zapper away from where you want to be.
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Make a game of it!
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Nice! More movement in the minors, which means more progress by the youngsters. Keep the line moving boys!!
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Prophet star.
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I have considered going to one of the day games in DC next week if I can find someone willing to go. Tuesday day game and Thursday day game. It is a bear trying to predict who will be the starting pitchers for those games.
I would guess the Braves get to add a player Tuesday due to the twin bill.
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I added a couple of kids to my follow list. Pache appears to be a Christian man. Glory be to God….
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The problem is often God answers our prayers but we are not specific enough.
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After the rainout, the pitching rotation has become scrambled again. Here is the way it is shaking out barring rain in Queens:
Today – Folty
Tomorrow – Anibal
Sat. – Kevin Gausman
Sun. – Julio
Tues. double header – Newk and ???
Fried is the likely extra starter for the DH unless he’s needed out of the pen before then. Snit says he’s available there if needed. If he can’t make the start, then the 26th player added for the DH will be a spot starter.
Bowman makes the side note that Newk is getting 3 extra days rest after tossing 134 pitches in his no-hotter bid.
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We posted those AA and AAA promotions yesterday, but there were several more below that. They were:
RHP Walter Borkovich promoted from A Rome to A+ Florida
C William Contreras promoted from A Rome to A+ Florida
OF Drew Waters promoted from A Rome to A+ Florida
C Alan Crowley sent down to A Rome from A+ Florida
IF Michael Mateja promoted from GCL to A Rome
LHP John Curtis promoted from Danville to A Rome
RHP Brooks Wilson sent down to Danville from A Rome
OF Justin Dean promoted from Danville to A Rome
RHP Bradey Welsh promoted from GCL to Danville
Contreras is a biggie. Waters is a semi-biggie…
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In case you didn’t hear, Braves #3 prospect P Ian Anderson pitched 7 2/3 ho-hit innings last night before being pulled at an even 100 pitches. He allowed only 1 walk, but struck out 5 along the way.
Can you smell the fruit getting ripe?
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For the record, Anderson is ahead of Gohara, Touki, and Allard in the current prospect rankings.
The updated Top 10 is:
Mike Soroka, RHP
Kyle Wright, RHP
Ian Anderson, RHP
Austin Riley, 3B
Cristian Pache, OF
Luiz Gohara, LHP
Touki Toussaint, RHP
Kolby Allard, LHP
Drew Waters, OF
Joey Wentz, LHP
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AAAUUUUGGGHHHHH! Another daytime start for Julio… You would think the Braves have never paid attention to advanced metrics. For whatever reason, Teheran gets shelled when he starts day games.
We have T-storms headed our way from two different directions this afternoon. Weird… However, I did my yard work early today to beat the rush 🙂
The Marlins swim into Philly tonight. They may or may not get the game in, same for the Nits and Cincy.
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The Marlins swim into Philly tonight. They may or may not get the game in, same for the Nits and Cincy.
And naturally, there are rain chances in Queens. More tomorrow and Sunday than tonight.
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Sadly, WordPress no longer allows me to insert a jpg or gif into my comment box. 😦
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WHAT??? I’ve changed nothing but let met see if there are any settings I can work with. Gotta have jpgs and gifs!
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V, somehow the spam filter grabbed these. I haven’t a clue why, but I picked them out of the trash, cleaned them carefully and now we can enjoy them in their rightful place on B&S! 🙂
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The Braves are swinging it tonight, up 4-1 in the top of the 3rd. That said, they best keep winning because suddenly the Nits are hitting fools right now. They lead Cincy 5-0 in the 2nd.
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Ah… 1st place and it feels so good. 🙂
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Oops! Called that too early…
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remember what a joke the Philly manager seemed early on????
remember how many folks thought the Nats were done???
baseball, you cannot predict it!
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I flipped over to watched the end of the Philly game. I was reminded of the importance of a closer….
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What is going on in major league baseball? The Nats club the Mets for 25 runs and last night, the Dodgers score 21 on the brew crew…. Oh, and the RedSox score 15 on the Yanks… Lots of beer league soft ball numbers being posted this season.
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Now that we have all recovered from the July 31 trade deadline, as evidenced by the countdown box below, the news cycle has become quite slow.
Items to keep our eyes on:
-> Kyle Wright makes his AAA debut tonight. He’s the Braves #2 prospect behind Mike Soroka.
-> RAJ continues to rake in the leadoff spot. I think he’s found a long term home. I can’t remember the last time I saw a kid that was that dynamic on the field. Maybe Andruw, but he did is in such a laid back manor. Ronald is anything but laid back. How will deGrom pitch him tonight?
-> First it was the Mets’ Noah Syndegaard, now it is also the Yankees’ JA Happ. “Hand, foot and mouth disease” is running rampant in NY. (Not to be confused with “foot in mouth” disease. That’s been in NY for years… but I digress.) The Braves need to approach all hands, feet and mouths with extreme caution.
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New dates for possible future consideration for countdowns (courtesy of young Gabe Burns):
*NL Wild Card game will be Tuesday, Oct. 2
*NLDS begins Thursday, Oct. 4.
I believe these dates will be relevant for Braves fans this year. 😀
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I had a grandson who contacted hand,foot and mouth disease about a month ago, nasty stuff. I had never heard of it until then… So, where did this malady originate? I do understand it is viral in nature. Another reason to not shake hands and always use the Purell when using a shopping cart.
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deGrom looked very hitable in his last outing against Washington. Agree on Acuna Vee, lead-off suits him well.
I was good to see Folty go six last night. He has become much more of a pitcher than a thrower. He is growing up. Now, if only Anibal can pitch into the 7th tonight, the deeper the starters can go, the better the bullpen will be.
I think the team is very focused now, the trades made by Thoppy appear to have allowed the Braves to hit the re-set button. They cannot worry about what the Phillies and the Nats do, they have to only control their own destiny.
As Al Davis so famously said,“Just win baby”….
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Wasn’t Anibal magnificent last night? The guy is a master.
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The more I see Johan play, the more I’d like to see Austin Riley get some time in LF at Gwinnett.
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Vee, is it just me or am I wrong in thinking it is actually easier to play in the outfield than the hot corner? But you are right, Johan’s defense puts him a cut above a lot of names brought up to play third for the Bravos. That and I don’t think he has really grown into his body quite yet. He will bulk up some more. Whether that is good or bad, we will have to just wait and see but his quick bat precludes him from having to muscle up on pitches.
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A rule etched in stone: If you don’t score, you cannot win…
Let’s hope good Julio got plenty of rest last night.
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Hat tipping alert! Zack Wheeler was excellent, and has been really tough over his last 5 starts. Gotta give him cred for simply being on top of his game.
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What a great video!
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
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What a fun (cough) ball game today. A real nail biter. Braves win it in 10 innings and it was a huge win. The Braves hold serve in keeping pace with both the Phillies and the Nits who both won today.
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Gil, it just didn’t have the feel of being a good day to win, did it? Bad , or at least not very good Julio showed up again (he hasn’t gone more than 6 2/3rds since May 30th, his era was 4.79 in June, 5.27 in July and is a sterling 4.76 after one start in August) barely making it thru 5 innings…
A.J. blew his first save, but Nick M saved the day! what a difference winning 3 of 4 verse 2 of 4, and losing the last 2 games in Mutts home park.
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Bad , or at least not very good Julio showed up again
Julio is struggling for sure. No way to sugarcoat that. He’s easily our worst starter at the moment.
A.J. blew his first save
He did, but you have to give credit to Mesoraco for guessing right on the first pitch and crushing it. Not much you can do about that.
The difference is that the team responded, both in the lineup and in the bullpen, and the team pulled it out. This is a very tight group that does not quit. It’s a special quality that will serve them well down the stretch.
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What a dramatic turn of events, huh?
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Not alot of Braves news on an off day, so I’ll just preview the upcoming 4 gamer against the Nats.
Tues. game 1: 1:05pm, Max Fried vs. Jefry Rodriguez
Tues. game 2: 7:05pm, Sean Newcomb vs. Max Scherzer, MLB Network
Weds.: 7:05pm, Folty vs. Tommy Milone, ESPN
Thurs.: 1:05pm, Anibal Sanchez vs. Gio Gonzalez, Facebook Watch
You can count me in the group that will not watch Facebook Watch. The worst idea MLB has had since tying an exhibition game to World Series home field advantage. I’ll tune in to the good ol’ radio and hear a game called the way God intended it.
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Believe it or not, the Braves stand a very good chance of sweeping the Nats. Not saying it will happen but 3 of 4 is very realistic and Max Scherzer not withstanding, even probable if the Braves starting pitching holds up. Milone pitched a solid game against the Fish but he is not Scherzer. Max will strike out 10 but I don’t feel he has a shutout in him right now.
Gio is awful right now, a good game to have on facebook.
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The Phillies play in Arizona tonight and if the Braves hope to gain a little ground on them, this might well be the series to do it in. To win 3 of 4 would bury the Nits a little deeper and likely vault the Bravos over the Fight’ns.
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Yep. The Snakes did us a solid last night by slowing the roll of the Philthie Phils. We are only separated by 1.0 game going into today’s double bill… and hopefully just 1/2 game by the time we hit the nightcap.
Early tilt has Mad Max Fried going against a young’un. We need to pray the blister doesn’t resurface and that this young bulldog takes it to ’em early and sets the tone for the rest of the 4-gamer.
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Kolby Allard has been called up as the 26th man for the twin bill.
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Essentially, he’s insurance in case the dreaded blister crops up again for Maximus.
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Has Max Scherzer secured the nickname Mad Max? I assume he has, but an not sure.
And wouldn’t it have been a little cool if snit had flip-flopped his starters today and Max Fried could have faced Max Scherzer. From a strategy standpoint, I prefer Newk against the Cy Young favorite, but how many times has a Max battled against a Max?
Why am I rambling with such superfluous thoughts? And why am I using words like “superfluous”? One of those days…
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LOL
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I am going out on a limb and guessing that Snit may pull Maximux after he’s gone through the lineup twice. That seems to be the vogue now, and given that it’s a hot day, it took Max 25 pitches to get through the 1st inning, and Allard is available for multiple innings, that seems plausible to me.
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Q: Who won the NL Rookie of the Year Award in 2000 over second-place finisher Rick Ankiel?
A: Rafael Furcal, ATL
It’s been 18 years?? Jiminy Christmas! I was trying to think what I was doing during much of that time and realized that I had been taking care of my mother. Time didn’t exist during that period.
Judging by the condition of my computer screen, one should not eat corn-on-the-cob in front of one…..
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LOL on the corn….
Yes, I now know what my mom meant when she said time speeds up as you get older…. I need a parachute… Or speed brakes at least.
Fried just caught a 104 mph come backer in the kidneys… OW!!!!! Allard up in the pen.
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Well crap…
Maxie took a liner off the side quarters to end the 2nd inning. It must have done some damage as he isn’t coming out to bat. It’s Kevin Gausman.
And I’m expecting to see Allard earlier than I wanted.
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Well, the “good” news is that we have a fresh pitcher up in the 3rd inning with a very low pitch count. Very low. #silverlining
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As Chip Carey astutely points out, it’ll be nice to see Allard in non-monsoon conditions.
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Quick observation. Allard has a very smooth and easy motion. Easily repeatable, as they say. Looks easy effort, although I’m sure it isn’t.
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Bad call followed by a good call yields the same result.
Great heads up play by Duvall regardless.
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https://twitter.com/sung_minkim/status/1026891076156702724
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In my admittedly biased opinion, the ball was in Ender’s glove and never physically touched the wall, rather bounced out of the glove (with help from the padding behind it) to be caught by Duvall. Should have simply been a fly ball out.
Now, for sure it’s very close and up to someone’s judgement as to whether the ball bounced out of the glove or of the wall. What is not up for debate is the fact that Soto was past Turner on the base path as Turner efforted to get back to the bag. And an ump was alert enough to realize it.
The result, as I mentioned above, is the same… and not contestable at all. Good call by the umps to mitigate any possible argument.
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Whine alert: I wanna seeeeeee………..
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Ask and ye shall receive:
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😀
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Dang! Take the dog out to handle his business and miss alot! 😯
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It did get pretty ugly…. Oh well, re rack coming up at 7P
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Hmmm… wonder if they both will be in WAS by game time tonight?
And that “shoulder inflammation” thing appears to be highly contagious. Symptoms include multiple innings pitched and earned runs scored.
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Wonder if this could hasten Touki’s ML debut?
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And I’m expecting to see Allard earlier than I wanted.
I’d be aok not seeing Allard before 2020…perhaps he will have a fastball that isn’t below league average then, or will have worked with Greg Maddux on how to get something akin to real movement….
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even though the Nats keep trading/releasing bullpen arms, they have won 9 of 12 I think I heard Chip say….wrong time to play them . Hopefully they will win tonight
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And that “shoulder inflammation” thing appears to be highly contagious. Symptoms include multiple innings pitched and earned runs scored.
I remember hearing the Dodgers were great at using the 10 Day DL last year….and Thoppy, he did head on over from there too, didn’t he? 😉
by the by, I just now saw your posts at 5 something , V…so odd how wordpress works…only saw them because refreshing stopped up several posts from the bottom of the page 😯
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Well, the Braves split a day night twin bill and the game they won was not the one I would have predicted. Newk pretty much matched Max pitch for pitch and the Bravos pulled one out in the ninth… Woohoo…
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Sean Newcomb is becoming the pitcher we have been looking for. He is emerging as a real 1 or 2… right along with Folty. With maturity, Newk is gaining control of his fastball and using it effectively. It’s a good lesson in patience and not judging a pitcher too quickly (cough Kolby Allard) as Sean is now panning out to be exactly what the scouting reports predicted.
Q: And where did we get Sean Newcomb?
A: The fabled winter of 2015 when we traded Andrelton Simmons for Newk, a half season of Erick Aybar, and P Chris Ellis. Ellis was later part of a deal for Jaime Garcia, who was later dealt for pitching prospect Huascar Ynoa, who is now our #21 prospect.
All in all it turned out to be a pretty decent trade for both sides.
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Upon further review…. The Braves have assembled a pretty nice ball club haven’t they? Not exactly the 2018 Boston Red Sox but they can hang with anyone. It all comes down to timely hitting and stout pitching.
On Allard folding yesterday… he is a 20 year old kid, he was thrown to the wolves yesterday. Let us not forget, neither Folty nor Newk were stellar in their debuts. For Allard, learning how to add 2 -3 MPH on his pitches to gain some movement seems critical. Think of the difference between Julio’s effectiveness at 88MPH vs 92MPH. It is physics, pure and simple.
That kid Soto the Nats brought up is a real find isn’t he? Think how scary the Nits will be when Robles makes it back to the show. Yikes….
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So, Joe Simpson has to apologize for impugning (blog first?) the integrity of the Nationals in questioning the actual age of a latin player…. LOL Hey, I still don’t believe Furcal was as young as he claimed to be either and to be honest, Ozzie claims to be 21 but he sure looks like he is 30 to me….
Age is just a number and some mature faster but age slower than others. Latin players are infamous for lying about their ages. To me, it’s not important but in baseball circles, it is the difference in being considered a plus prospect and being a guy who has already maxed out his potential.
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In Tom Glavine’s rookie year at age 21, he made 9 starts and pitched just 50.1 innings, or barely over 5 per start, issuing 33 walks and earning an ERA of 5.54. He had an inflated WHIP of 1.748. That means he worked an average of almost 2 runners on base per inning pitched.
Can you imagine if there was Twitter back then?
I think trying to make any judgment on Kolby Allard after his first 7 innings of ML pitching is the ultimate “small sample size”. He doesn’t need me to make excused for him, but his first appearance, as a starter, was in a virtual monsoon after 2+ hours of rain delay. The mound sucked and the ball was slippery. Yesterday’s appearance was his first, that’s first ever as a reliever in professional baseball, and with zero prep following an unexpected injury to the starter.
I know that all prospects do not pan out, but there’s a reason he’s ranked #25 in Baseball America’s Top 100, regardless of the fact that his fastball tops out in the low 90’s. I’ll continue to be patient with his development and allow him to ripen a little more before declaring him a bust.
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I don’t think anyone here at the old B&S believes he is a bust. Just rushed along a little faster than he should be possible. All those young prospects have to get their feet wet sometimes and I don’t think anyone realistically thought the Braves would be contending for the NL East lead.
Normally, these kids are allowed to get a few starts for teams like the Marlins before jumping into the deep end of the pool. The kid who started the first game for the Nats yesterday got shelled in his last start and was sent back to Triple A to “work on some stuff”… Well, Kolby has a good idea of what he needs to work on.
Honestly, I am more concerned about Julio. I think he has a shoulder issue the team and he are trying to work thru. I don’t think Teheran has forgotten how to pitch, he is just unable to execute. It is a little too late to trade for another starter at this point so it will be the kids who are relied upon to get the team thru to the end of the season.
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And oh by the way, the ball used in the IL is smaller and wound different than a major league ball, why they do that is a mystery to me.
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I don’t think anyone here at the old B&S believes he is a bust.
Oh no, didn’t mean ti insinuate such. But Twitter is vicious today. It amazes me how many out of work GM’s and Scouting Directors are out there with nothing better to do than spew venom on social media.
One of my favorite Twitter exchanges is when a writer points out what a batter is doing over a recent time period, which is almost immediately followed by a rash of replies of “small sample size you ____”, fill in the blank with your favorite ugly name.
Then the same Twitter goobs will watch a batter strike out in his first AB with a new team and immediately declare the trade “the worst trade ever. The GM is a ____”, fill in the blank with your favorite ugly name.
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The slumping Swanson is taking a night off. Good call by Snit. Dans looked really bad at the plate in both games yesterday. I’m sure we’ll hear the ol’ coachspeak answer that it’s just because there are so many games coming up with few off days and he just wants to rest the guy. OK. But we all know it’s needed.
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BTW- If it were me, I’d have Johan at SS and Charlie at 3B. But that might be seen as more of a “replacement” than a “rest”.
It might also bee seen as a sign of things to come if Dans cant’t get the bat going.
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“cant’t”? 😳
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One has to wonder if Swanny will be getting more days off if Culberson continues to mash at the plate.
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Also, the Braves today removed Jason Hursh from the 40-man roster and outrighted him to AA. The 40-man roster now stands at 38. Wonder if there is a specific reason for that roster clearing move?
Perhaps adding Touki?
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The Frank Wren era. What a horrible judge of ML talent. And an even more horrible leader in the front office, running off every decent scout the team had accrued in the golden years by ignoring their recommendations and making all his own decisions. Cannot sugar coat what a dumpster fire his tenure was.
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Two replies to your comments Vee, 1) Charlie C is at 3rd and Johan at short.
But he/Wren did hit on Acuna and Ozzie… So, not a total loss but close.
We do not get to hire or fire anyone in the front office and only time shows us who was good in the job and who was not.
For sure, injuries play a huge role in how well a player pans out. And some just plain miss, for whatever reason. Every organization in baseball adds what, 100 players a year to their rosters? That is 3000 new players every year, and what, out of 3000, maybe 30 make it to the show and not the year they are drafted.
The NFL and the NBA draft what, 6-8 players a year and their number one almost always starts that season. So, while I love to keep tabs on the rookies, I know it is a steep learning curve.
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Yes, but…
The man in charge of personnel cannot miss on so many 1st round picks in a row. It’s why the tank ran dry forcing the drastic purge of 2015.
Frank’s other 1st rounders…
2007: OF Jason Heyward – the scouts from the previous regime deserve the credit for this draft, which also included Freddie Freeman
2008: P Brett DeVall – 1 year of Rookie League, 2 years of low-A, 1 year of indy league and out of pro ball
2009: P Mike Minor – meh
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Vee, 1) Charlie C is at 3rd and Johan at short.
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Hey, I’m not defending the guy, he ran off Bobby Cox so he could not be but so bright. The role of assistant GM suits him because there are people keeping tabs on him.
Some of the very best GMs still fall short. When you have only one winner, 29 other teams are going back to the drawing board. Look at the Yankees this season, by all accounts they are a terrific team but Boston is having one of those once in a decade seasons.
And for anyone who cares, the Snakes are up 4-0 on the Phillies in the bottom of the fifth.
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More good news out of Phoenix, now 6-0 Rattlers in the 8th…
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Well, gotta give crwdit.
Luke Jackson –> respect
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Oh, you’re giving away crwdit? May I have some, please? Haven’t had any in ever so long! #pullingyourchain
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Not giving it away. It must be warnwd. 😉
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How about Charlie Culberson? I have to say, I was way wrong about him…I truly couldn’t figure out why he was picked up…didn’t he hit .154 last year? I knew he did fine during the playoffs, but there are lots of guys who couldn’t hit their weight, that caught some magic in the playoffs./W.S. (remember Brian Doyle of the yanks? .161 career BA, hit .438 in the 1978 WS!!! ) but he is truly clutch….
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Simply rising to the occasion folks… Nits will be seating bullets today.
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V, I won’t write off Allard as a bust after 2 lousy appearances (I meant that more like 2 measly appearances) it just was a shock to see his stuff….he has clearly been successful in the minors with lower than average velo….
but it’s a tougher road no doubt. Look at what the braves did to the Nats low Velo guy (I hate saying/typing velo, but whatever) Who, besides Kyle Kendricks is very successful these days at 89-90? There has to be others.
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The current MLB Pipeline report on Allard:
Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 55 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 55 | Overall: 55
The first of two Braves’ first-round picks in 2015, Allard has been pushed fairly aggressively, along with fellow first-rounder Mike Soroka. A teenager in Double-A in 2017, the left-hander finished fifth in the league in strikeouts and eighth in ERA.
The 6-foot-1 southpaw thrives with a three-pitch mix that starts with outstanding fastball command. He throws his heater in the 88-93 mph range, but it plays up because of its movement and because of Allard’s ability to move it in and out with ease. That can occasionally get him into trouble, as he falls in love with his fastball command and pitches off of his fastball too much. His changeup, once his third offering, is now a plus pitch and Allard would often fall into a fastball-changeup pattern. That’s something that isn’t necessary, given he still possesses a plus curve. While his walk rate jumped in 2017, he still is very much a strike-thrower.
As long as Allard continues to mix his pitches well, he has the makings of a solid big league starter. Perhaps he has the ceiling of a No. 3 type starter, but he’s pretty close to being ready to reaching it at age 20.
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Good morning… (seating should be sweating) SIGH!!!!
Anyhoo, the Braves will be playing in another “Facebook” game today so you can watch CL… I will have it on mute.
Speaking of mute.. Mark Badley of the AJC throwing Joe Simpson under the bus for A. expressing his opinion on the Dodgers’ home gym workout attire during batting practice and B. Making an ad lib comment about the Nats’ wunderkin Juan Soto perhaps being a little older than his listed 19 yo. Give me a break ….. Is the world of sports so dearth of real news that this is news?
You should have heard (or maybe it is good you couldn’t) the Nits announcers whine about the umpiring last night…. Pitiful, you would think the umpires are supposed to cede every borderline call their way. I thought Folty was getting squeezed too but no complaint from them on that.
So, the Braves have a very good chance of taking 3 out of 4 from the Nits with a win this afternoon. It’s doable against Gio (they were my dad’s PEDs) Gonzales. He is very hit-able. It will be warm in DC today but no more oppressive than normal.
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Vee, I thought Allard’s fastball was sort of flat. Reminds me of Cabrerra but 10 mph slower or maybe bad Julio. Finesse pitchers can be very successful but to do so, they have to rely on the umpire being somewhat generous with the strike zone. If he can increase his velocity another 2 to 3 mph I believe everything else will fall into place for him.
He is, after all, only 20 yo. There are lots of things a pitcher can do to add velocity. To me it is all about balance, just like a golf swing. Pushing off a bit more with his legs etc.
And what of Luke Jackson? Wow, that was a huge strike out last night. Could it be he is finally putting it all together?
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And what of Luke Jackson? Wow, that was a huge strike out last night. Could it be he is finally putting it all together?
I don’t know, but that last pitch to get the K was impossible to hit. After a perfectly placed fastball on the outer black to set it up, that slider just fell right off the table. Not sure what he is doing, or who he may be learning from, but he’s really stepped it up over the last couple of weeks.
And let’s not forget Brad Brach. The newcomer was slumping as an Oriole, but seems to have found new life as a Brave. Amazing what gaining 45 games in the standings will do for you.
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2day’s lineup:
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I have decided to pull the game up on Facebook Watch on an adjacent laptop with the sound muted. I have the radio on to hear the action from real announcers. I figure there will be some video lag on the Facebook broadcast, so if I hear something exciting on the radio while working, I can direct my eyes toward the video. Best of both worlds.
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Yeah, there’s probably a good 20-25 second lag from the radio to the video.
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Further evidence of the dysfunction of the Nats and the inability to control the inmates by Dave Martinez…
Freddie lined into a double play to end the 1st inning. Ozzie was running from 1B on the play and had no chance of getting back. Michael Taylor’s throw back to 1B was pu the line and a 1-hopper, causing Ryan Zimmerman to have to leave the bag and swipe at it. He didn’t get it cleanly, but still picked it up, then glared at Taylor, then stomped the bag. What a tool!
I would have to think Snit would have taken his 1B (would never happen with Freddie) down into the tunnel for a little “re-direction” after a display such as that.
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Crikey! Anibal has to leave after taking what looked like a fairly tame come-backer off the leg which he then fielded to end the 2nd. Wes Parsons is in making his ML debut to start the 3rd. How many more pitchers are gonna go down?
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Ugh… and he gives up a hit to Gio Gonzalez.
And as I’m typing this, he takes a screaming liner off the ankle. Holy cow!!
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.. and he stays in but gives up 2 straight walks scoring 1, followed by a sac fly to the wall. Inning ends 2-1 bad guys but could have been so much worse.
Wonder if he’ll return for the 4th? I’m not counting on it.
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So confession time. I have left the radio and have gone to the audio on the Facebook Watch broadcast. I was too distracted by the video to ignore it. Then got really confused with the 20+ second delay.
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Parsons stays in for the 4th, but gives up another run on a homer to Taylor. (Maybe Zimmerman will forgive him now.) Still, just 3-1. The boys just need to get the bats going against Gio. It’s Gio, for crying out loud.
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USA Today Sports: *Former All-Star outfielder Jayson Werth criticized baseball’s reliance on analytics Tuesday on a Philadelphia podcast, saying it turns “humans into robots” and leads to “super nerds in the front office.”
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!
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This is depressing. Gio Freakin’ Gonzalez has owned the Braves with just 80-something pitches into the 7th. Seriously. if we can’t get something going against this guy on getaway day, we’re not trying.
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… and he finishes the 7th with just 93 pitches. Looks like he’s not coming back out, though. He owned us today. Maybe we can get something going against a reliever in the 8th.
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Parsons is back for the bottom of the 7th. He hasn’t been “great” – giving up 4 runs – but he has given us 4+ innings on a day when the starter came out early. At least we haven’t had to burn up the pen.
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So, a missed opportunity if you ask me as far as the Braves are concerned. While the hold serve with the Nits, they did have a injury to arguably their best pitcher this season…
It is why you cannot ever have too many pitchers, they are made of glass….
So, the Braves are 10-8 now since the All-star brake, not exceptional but not terrible when you think of how poorly the Braves have played in years past to start the second half. The Braves go home to face the resurgent Brewers and the Nits fly to ChiTown to face the always tough Cubbies. Meanwhile, the Fightns’ move on to San Diego.
Just win Braves, you hold your own destiny in your hands…
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I really hate it when the Braves play the Nats because the Atlanta feed is blacked out for me. Believe it or not, as bad as the Facebook feed is, the Nats broadcast is worse.
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Missed opportunity indeed. I think it was Freddie who referenced “lost the battle to win the war”, or something like that. He was referencing Parsons picking up the ball and pitching the 3rd through 7th innings, with Stretch McCreery holding court in the 8th and 9th. Yes, they gave up 6 runs, but they spared the rest of the pen.
Me? I’d rather have the win. But it almost looked a little like their heads were already boarding the charter for Atlanta. They were content with a 5-3 road trip. And on the surface, I suppose that’s fine. I sure hope that loss doesn’t come back to bite them.
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Vee, every loss comes back to haunt you at some point unless you win by a large margin.
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glad I was at work for this game…
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Sooo, the Stripers pull Touki Toussaint from his scheduled start tonight. Looks very likely he will be used Monday in the twin bill vs the Marlins.
No truth to the rumor the Braves will employ a screen in front of the mound to protect their remaining starting pitchers… But shin guards may be issued….
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oh, Touki! now that’s interesting! can you even give someone with a name like that a nickname? The Toukster? Touk??? Toussy?
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When Toussaint comes to the plate for the first time, what is the over under on the organist playing “Suki Sue”???
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I find it odd that the Phillies have acquired 1st baseman from the Marlins. I thought Santana was a plus defender but I guess they know their team. Not like the Braves could not have blocked them but perhaps they are waiting for someone to try and snag Realamuto. Still, the Nats want him too.
The Malins will want premium for their catcher and I don’t blame them.
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Gil, me too! Not only the Phils, who just got a left handed bat, that I assume won’t face righties that often (but a nice bat off the bench!) but, the Marlins got an A ball pitcher who wasn’t even a top 30 prospect of the Phils…
do the Marlins have someone better than Bohr in the minors????
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What a game pitched by Gausman! One of the best games pitched by a brave all year….he looked…smoother to me than the first start
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I agree Ber, really impressed me. Best part, he didn’t walk a bunch of guys. Hooray, a pitcher who can and does throw strikes. I guess we have to tip our cap to Thoppy on this one. He picked up a solid starter.
And what about the kid Sobotka? Another kid who can throw 99mph with movement. I don’t want to jinx them but the Braves look primed for the weekend. The bats were booming tonight. 10 runs and none on homers… impressive.
Now, if the Padres can just do their part.
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You know what guys? I think that Acuna kid can play a little bit.
Big game today for both teams. Both are fighting for their play-off lives.
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Hoo boy… That was a bit of a barn burner today. 8-7 good guys and it did feel like it was really that close for the Braves. I’ll take it however.
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Good morning all. Big day ahead for the Braves. The premier of Touki Toussaint this afternoon against the fish and then in the night cap, Foltynewicz toes the rubber. An opportunity to add to their lead over both the Phils and the Nats.
Speaking of the Nats, what a comeback by the Cubs last night…. Wow, even with their best starter on the mound, the Nats show chinks in their armor AKA their bullpen….
I know, the same thing happened to the Braves when Biddle was unable to stop the bleeding Saturday but Jesse is still a rookie and if he had held onto the ball for that first out, methinks the ball game would have had an entirely different outcome.
So, rooting for a sweep against a very wounded Marlins team today.
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What the Cubs did to the Nats last night:
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1:35 start time today, Ber. Don’t miss Touki Time. Fox Sports Southeast locally. CL and Gil, it’s on MLB Network nationally.
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Thanks Vee, but I have shelled out part of my kids’ inheritance to indulge myself with the MLB package… Since I no longer follow pro football, I find I have money available for more important pursuits. 🙂
It is sort of like when I quit smoking, I used the money I was spending on cigarettes and bought a Buick Park Avenue…. Think about that for a minute…. It was an eye opener for me. One of my daughters often complains about money (lack there of) yet indulges herself everyday with a Starbucks latte at $5.00 a pop. It is not much in the broad scheme of things but what if that money was put towards her mortgage?
I am reminded of a thought an old friend once shared with me. “We all make the time for what we want to do”… So, it’s all about priorities.
Now, where was I? Oh yeah, GO BRAVES, Fillet the Fish…
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So, I guess Touki is the “26th” man on the roster for today…. for book keeping purposes. Witch would mean he could be recalled at anytime after today if things go well. or not…
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I would imagine that is the case, Gil. He still must be added to the 40-man roster, which I am pretty sure currently has but 39 occupants. But as you said, he can just be returned to Gwinnett with no restrictions.
Did y’all realize we currently have 11 Braves on the DL, all pitchers. 6 of those are on the 60-day DL and thus do not count against the 40-man roster. At some point, that will come home to roost. Chances are, though, a couple of those pitchers will simply be released or non-tendered at season’s end. I think it’s quite safe to say we’ve seen the last of Brandon McCarthy in an ATL uni. The same can probably be said for Jose Ramirez as well. And I were Grant Dayton, I wouldn’t be looking to buy real estate in the metro area any time soon.
Of a more immediate concern, the other 5 are on the 10-day and will be expected to be activated at some point. Among those are Max Fried (expected to begin his rehab stint in Gwinnett very soon), Viz (has just begun to throw off of flat ground), Shane Carle (recent addition), Pete Moylan (who knows?), and Sam Freeman (said to be already throwing and “close”… ew).
Can we delay all but Fried for 19 more days into September? Is this raising any eyebrows in the Commissioner’s office?
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The Braves have announced that Touki’s contract has been “selected” and the promotion (and 40-man roster addition) is officially done.
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Love it!
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Funny the way the team had to handle the paperwork shuffling for Touki’s promotion. They officially selected his contract, which added him to the 40-man roster and technically promoted him to the majors, immediately optioned him to Gwinnett. They then added him as the 26th man for the double-header, which preserves his availability for recall without restrictions after today.
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Who’s on first?? :-O
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</>Is this raising any eyebrows in the Commissioner’s office?
If so, they would also have to look at 29 other clubs. Pretty hard to prove a guy is not hurting.
Yep, I don’t expect any of those guys back before September 1st and as for Fried, well, there are a couple of recent additions who will hop on the shuttle back to Triple A when he is ready. Hopefully, they will not feel the need to rush Max back.
I think the biggest problem comes at rule 5 time. Think D Petey will skate thru again?
Hey, I think the rule five thingee is a great idea. It keeps some pretty decent guys from being blocked and stashed in the minors by the haves. You can’t build a team out of rule five guys but you can on occasion find a real jewel. Like finding a real diamond in a box lot of costume jewelry… Yes, it happens, not often, but it happens… 🙂
I expect Lindgren will be one not carried, I hope he has not spent all of the $1MM the Braves gave him to sign with them. I think he is still a year and a half away from ever putting on a big league uni but he may well work himself back into shape, it just will not be soon.
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If MLB increased the roster size to 30 players, 95% of the teams would just add 5 more relief pitchers….
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thought I posted yesterday, but did not…but hey, it’s the thought that counts, right? 😛
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We have all been talking up Touki’s big curve for years. We also know he has a pretty decent mid-90’s fastball. What I didn’t know he had was a slider, which he used as a strikeout pitch earlier, followed by a splitter used to also strike out a batter.
How do you hit a guy like that as long as he’s not walking the park?
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Gil, some fine Opining in that 10:28 am post…
what year Park Avenue did you buy? Starbucks every day? You should tell your daughter she must be rich if she can do that… 😛
that was a heck of a game yesterday, brewers had what, 2 runners on every inning thru 6-7? I just didn’t think the braves were going to be able to close it out, but they did. I think Sean doesn’t pitch well when it’s hot…
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How often can I use this?
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They then added him as the 26th man for the double-header, which preserves his availability for recall without restrictions after today.
Upon further review…
Because his contract was selected, and he was then optioned – that’s the key part – before being added as the 26th man, he is not free of restrictions to return.
But as Bowman clarifies: “Because he was the 26th man, the Braves were able to shave a day off that 10-day minimum.”
In other words, the paperwork shuffle earns back 1 day of waiting. After watching him today, I’d like to see him back ASAP. In fact, why not just let him stick around? Surely somebody down there has some shoulder inflammation. I would think after throwing 2 innings today, Chad Sobotka’s shoulder has to be inflamed. Mine would be.
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What a really nice debut for Toussaint. I am much more impressed with his stuff than Allard. Don’t get me wrong, Allard is a nice kid with a bright future but Toussaint has “stuff”… And perhaps his most impressive play was covering the first base bag to complete the DP in the 6th.
Ronald Acuna had a day…. Just rocking it right now. I think he is finally getting comfortable.
Poor Freddie, I wonder if he feels left out today, the only regular without a base hit.. Time to trade him, he’s getting old.
Biddle did not look particularly sharp today but managed to get three outs, Sobotka looked great in the 8th, not so great in the 9th but did his job and saved the rest of the pen for tonight.
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Toussaint has “stuff”
Indeed he does. Boy does he.
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While there is a lot of “season” left to go, if Allard pitches the way he has been pitching and Touki pitches the way he did today, I expect Toussaint will take Kolby’s spot in the rotation PDQ.
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Good morning Stuffville, Wow, that Acuna kid is some ball player… The Braves find themselves alone in first place today. I suggest the Braves pad their record against the sadly depleted Marlins because the Phillies will do the same.
In the mean time, follow the Bobby Cox school of thought on winning, that is… Drub the teams you are suppose to beat and play .500 against those you aren’t.
Did I mention the Cardinals beat the Nits last night, coming from behind in the 8th inning? Maybe the Nits shouldn’t have been so quick to drop Sean Kelly…
So, what’s ahead today? Gausman vs Urena… Urena is possibly the best 3-12 pitcher in the majors. I’ll bet Urena does not throw anything close to the strike zone in Acuna’s first at bat.
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On fire!!!
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Well, it was nice of the Marlins to trade Bour away just before we played them again, eh what?
Nice to have 2 laughers on the same day! I saw some of Touki, but not enough to know what his best pitches are…what was his best “Velo”
Glad for quite a few reasons Acuna has caught fire of late…it was looking like it was Juan Soto’s ROY award to lose (and there is a Giants pitcher who has also been quite good this season) but now there will be a real race…back to back leadoff homers, and homered in 4 straight games.
speaking of the Nats, kinda sorta…the Cards played them last night like it was game 7 of the W.S. and won on a 9th inning home run
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Opps, sorry for the mis-information. Been taking lessons from CNN… Anyhoo, looks like it will be Anibal Sanchez vs Trevor Richards tonight. The Gausman/Urena match up will take place Wednesday.
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Ber, I cannot remember if it was 97 or 98mph but he could definitely hump it up there. Best pitch was his curve ball. A sweeping right to left breaker and a split finger/change up (he calls it his change up but is thrown using a split finger grip) that is a sharp downward breaker that is about 10 to 15 mph slower than his fastball. Oh, and he changes speeds a lot but typically his fastball is 92-94 mph.
He also appears to have very good baseball acumen. ie. He knows when to cover first base…
All in all, he was very impressive yesterday. Perhaps most importantly, he did not let the run he gave up in the 2nd inning bother him in the least.
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So, yet another seemingly bizarre deal Coppy made, that may really pay dividends….
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Well, no one accuse Coppy of being stupid, just sloppy…. He made the wrong people mad and did not realize he would be made an example of.
So, let’s enjoy the fruits of both his and Frank Wren’s labors. It has been tough being a Braves fan the past few years, now we can rejoice.
Hint…. Winning is much more fun than losing, ask any Nats fan….
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So, let’s enjoy the fruits of both his and Frank Wren’s labors.
Frank = fruit… singular. Freddie Freeman. Not plural. And I would characterize Freddie more as a “nut” and not a “fruit”, as in “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then.”
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Vox, you forget the twins
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Vox, you forget the twins
Ugh. Well… I guess he does deserve a little credit for Ozzie and RAJ plus Johan too, but let’s also give it some perspective. He signed the trio for a total of $492,000 (Ozzie – $350,000, RAJ – $100,000, Johan – $42,000). It’s not like he outflanked other teams and jumped on any one of them early recognizing their great potential. They just panned out for him. Frank was the beneficiary of some serious good fortune, as are many other GMs in many other instances.
But you are right, he get’s credit for their signings. I just have a very bad taste in my mouth from Kenshin Kawakami and Bossman Jr. Upton that even the Fearsome Foursome of RAJ, Ozzie, Freddie and Johan cannot overcome..
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And it’s funny you mention it at all. I was listening to the late game last night wondering if Coppy watches the team he assembled with all of the prospects he collected coming up and performing. How does that make him feel?
And in a roundabout way, even the penalties he saddled us with are still helping us. A-Train took some of the resulting useless int’l signing slots and traded them for Jonny Venters and Brad Brach. How valuable have those 2 guys been in our pen over this hot streak?
And since we mentioned that you never really know where these guys are gonna excel or not, has anybody kept up with the much ballyhooed Kevin Maitan, now in the Angels’ organization? This year he is slashing .249/.316/.364 w/ 4 HR’s and 39 K’s in 41 games.
MiLB.com wrote this about him just last week: “The Angels’ No. 7 prospect has dropped out of MLB.com’s top 100, due to body concerns and poor performance.”
Apparently he is enjoying 2 big signing bonuses and American restaurants.
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So while the Braves continue with 2 more against the Minnows, the Phillies open a 2-game series with the mighty Red Sox.
I can’t help but grin just a little.
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I have to say, the best use of money you don’t really have to spend is to pick up a couple of major league relievers. I would love for Thoppy to continue to make deals like that.
The problem with giving a kid who has never had more than $5 in their pocket in their life suddenly they are RICH… Think they are not? Give you or I $10MM and see if we can’t live comfortably for the rest of our children’s lives.
Nothing like failure and suffering the consequences of said failures to give a person incentive to succeed. if they give up, well, you would not want someone like that anyway. they are losers.
Anyhoo, you are right about the blind squirrel however. It only takes one aw sh** to wipe out a dozen atta boys…
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It only takes one aw sh– to wipe out a dozen atta boys
Let us count the ways.
BTW- I have a hard time lumping Dan Uggla in with Frank’s other fizzles. After all, who wouldn’t have made that trade and given that extension? And it’s not like Danny didn’t produce (unlike Melvin or KK). He did… it just suddenly disappeared. Personally, I blame the eyes. But who knows?
But BJ? Kawakami? Maybe even Derek Lowe. I liked the guy, but we waaaaay overpaid to get him. Those were just plain bad.
Those moves easily come to mind, but let’s not forget these either:
+Frank may not have overseen the infamous Mark Teixeira trade, but he did practically give Tex away a year later for Casey Kotchman. Still brings a tear to a glass eye.
+Remember Garrett Anderson? Right… it’s hard to because there is absolutely nothing memorable about his time here. That was Frank’s doing.
+How about him letting John Smoltz leave town? Yep, that was under his watch. Smoltz should have been a Braves lifer right along with Chipper.
Those awful signings and trades were harmful both in the short and long terms, but the Smoltz thing is forever unforgivable.
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On Smoltz, the Braves made a reasonable off considering he was coming off shoulder surgery. Was it Rizzo? can’t remember but I think what he said was the Braves were not willing to gamble money they did not really have for someone who would be a question mark. Turns out the Braves were right, John was not the John Smoltz we knew and loved but broken John Smoltz who was trying to squeeze the Braves for an extra $10MM. I know, the optics were terrible but John was being greedy too.
I had the displeasure of actually seeing Kamikazi pitch in DC… As bad as he looked on TV, he was worse live. His tempo was awful.
Kershwin and Lowe were products of desperation.
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Wow… Just wow… If I had not seen it with my own lying eyes, I would not have believed it. Another 1st pitch lead off homer for the Answer to Everything”
Braves slug the fish into submission and every other NL East team lost tonight. Creating space… 2 up on the Phillies and 8 up on the Nats. Keep winning guys because better teams are on the way and the Marlins will be playing the Nats and the Phils too.
Anibal seemed a bit off to me tonight but when you put up ten runs, I guess you can afford to not have your best stuff. Jesse Biddle had an awful sixth inning but survived and came back and aced the 7th. Baseball,,, you just never know.
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Ronald Acuña, Jr.:
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Fun off the field too…
https://twitter.com/Booze_Lord/status/1029561487042461696
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you’d think teams might try something offspeed to RA, but hey, Keep trying to throw a fastball by him to get that first strike, he can’t keep hitting homers every time he leads off a game! 😛
Amazing to me he’s the first brave ever to have homers in 5 straight games…..
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you’d think teams might try something offspeed to RA
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Just a bit outside…. May need to work on his release point a tad.
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Of course with all the love being thrown at ACJ, we failed to mention Charlie C and Freddie also going yard.
I still think the Braves will get into a bidding war with the Nationals for JT Realmuto this winter. The Braves have the one thing the Marlin sorely need to rebuild… pitching…
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The Realmuto bidding could get really stupid really fast. I almost think A-Train has another trick up his sleeve.
Here’s a topic we haven’t broached yet: Does the Ant-Man have another move to make before Aug. 31? Is he satisfied with the pitching – starting or relieving? Bench?
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Lots of craziness going on with baseball right now. Early PED use catching up with some folks? Just throwing it out there. No proof but that does not seem to be a prerequisite as far as reporting goes these days.
Anyway, all eyes will be on RAJ tonight to see if he sets a new record. I’m betting no, he won’t see anything close to a strike in his first at bat me thinks.
I see where Max Fried is going to make a rehab start Friday. Must have seen Touki’s start and decided the name Wally Pipp would not stop ringing in his head…
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On the catching front, I suspect AA will offer Zuk an extension but not so sure about Flow.
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Well, Jose Urena is going to have a tough time getting out of town…the joke of a pitcher hit Acuna with a 97.5 MPH fastball (fastest pitch he has ever thrown, first pitch) into his elbow. Tried to play defense, but had to leave the game…sigh…pray he’s ok…
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Pretty bush thing to do. I have zero respect for Urena from this day forward.
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Keith Hernandez – ex-Met – says Acuña should have been hit. He said during the Mets game he was broadcasting:
“He’s killing the ball the last three games, he’s hit three home runs. You gotta hit him. You gotta knock him down; I mean seriously knock him down.”
Can I seriously knock Hernandez down? Please?
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Cute on the accent mark Vee. Hernandez is a putz, put one in his ear hole….
So, when some bush league hurler throws a high hard one at David Wright or some yet to be known Met, he will be good with it?
Urena evidently has forgotten that playing in the National League, he has to bat. Somewhere down the road, he has to know a hardball will have his name on it. Might not even be a Braves player but maybe another latin player who identifies with Acuna. My advice to him is either get traded to the AL or wear body armor.
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Thank you Buster for perspective.
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Somewhere down the road, he has to know a hardball will have his name on it. Might not even be a Braves player
I’ve heard that take this morning… that there could be some “3rd party justice” because this instance is so heinous. I doubt the Braves will get the opportunity. No way his turn comes up in their rotation when the Braves visit Miami next week. Mattingly is smarter than that. In fact if you look at how their rotation rolls out over the next several games, he appears to dodge us by chance anyway.
However their rotation shakes out, I’ll bet that Urena appeals whatever suspension is handed his way until the Braves come to town. Then he’ll drop the suspension and we won’t even see him in their dugout.
If he’s smart, if Mattingly is smart, that’s how they’ll deal with it.
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Keith Hernandez disappoints me there….he was a Cardinal first, won an MVP in fact (Co-MVP IIRC) but I think NYC is his style. Of course, he was a great fielding 1st baseman (one can even argue the best one ever) but he had no power. He was like Ted Simmons, one of those guys that didn’t even have an ear flap. Think that was grandfathered in…imagine if he hit a rare homer, and got one in the (non)ear flap at 97.5???? He’d be…dead. Acuna could have been hurt a whole lot worse than he has been….
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MLBTR’s Steve Adams:
Frankly, it’s difficult to side with or defend Urena. There’s a difference between throwing inside and uncoiling at max velocity with an intent to hit a batter, and it appears that Urena chose to do the latter in response to Acuna’s torrid series at the plate. There will always be traditionalists who extol the game’s “unwritten” (and outdated) rules and point to the fact that these incidents have been a part of baseball for decades. But “that’s the way it’s always been done” isn’t a good defense in most walks of life, and the game has clearly evolved.
Well expressed. I think if Urinal had plunked him in the middle of the back or the butt with a breaking ball or something less than max velo, I wouldn’t be quite as upset over it. I do still have some “old school” left in me. But his actions were totally gutless and classless, as Freddie said.
As for the Braves, I initially waited for the “response”, but after my cooler head prevailed, I realized you can’t get your own pitchers tossed in the middle of a heated pennant race. I commend the Braves for handling themselves in a perfect manner, and for whooping the Marlins @$$ on the field again. And I commend Snit for being exactly what he needed to be in that situation. If ever anyone doubted his worthiness as manager of this club, last night proved that he is the right man at the right time for the Braves.
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Fantastic commentary by Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports:
https://sports.yahoo.com/jose-urenas-cowardly-actions-ronald-acunas-injury-call-longer-suspensions-053506149.html
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I’m glad very few are defending his weak arse move…
He’s going to regret this for a long time. I think we now know why a guy with his stuff hasn’t had any success at this level
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Classic case of “million dollar arm, 10 cent head”. Except I wouldn’t give him a dime for it. Not even a penny, unless I could run it through one of those machines that you crank the handle and it squashes it. The head, not the penny.
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Yep. Right there all right… 🙄
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On a much lighter note, the rich get richer:
https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGoStripers%2Fvideos%2F1674572992665426%2F&show_text=0&width=560
Look at that nice, easy, repeatable motion. You’ll see it in Atlanta at some point next season.
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Hmmm… somewhat of a post fail. Perhaps you can click on that link and still see Bryce Wilson absolutely dominate AAA hitters last night in Gwinnett.
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Here ya go…
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Dang!! Wrong link. I’m strugglin’…
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Coffee, V. Coffee.
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Here it is… finally…
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Don’t you love it when a plan comes together? One thing for sure, Coppy is going to hate parting with any of these fine young arms.
Now is the time to be greedy. Keep running those studs out there and let other organizations know what is in the pipeline. Then, let people know you are looking for a Grade A Prime catcher or catching prospect…. I would love to have the kid Oakland is bringing along, Sean Murphy. I know, a weak bat but a plus defender and somebody has to bat 8th ahead of the pitcher.
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The thing is, William Contreras is coming along better than anyone expected. He could be as close as 2 years. Do you want to give away the farm – literally – for a catcher when you may have one in your own back yard?
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from twitter:
Mel Mastrantonio
@melmastro18
Pros of dating a Braves fan: I get to watch twice as much baseball on a daily basis
Cons of dating a Braves fan: he’s pretty much dead-set on naming any future son “Larry Wayne” …..
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Oh well… can’t win ’em all.
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When Dansby booted that grounder, I felt it was over. sort of like with Brooks Conrad, but different. I don’t people quite understand how important getting the first batter out in a save situation. Like walking the lead-off hitter in the late innings but worse.
Oh well, get them tonight. At least Julio had a good game.
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The league office didn’t waste too much time in handing down the punishments for the Ureña/Acuña debacle on Wednesday night. But perhaps they should have given it a little more thought. EY’s 1 game suspension was probably right. After all, he did shove the Fish’s Brian Anderson pretty good. (I sure wouldn’t want to make him mad.) I have no issue with that at all. However, the suspension for Urinal was pretty dang weak. 6 games and a little bit of money. That’s it. That’s barely one start, and really… not even that if you just move his start down the schedule 2 games. Heck, he just gets a little extra rest. Yippee. And where did 6 games come from? They usually hand them out in multiples of 5. Why did they pull 6 games out of a hat?
It really doesn’t serve to dissuade any future anti-social behavior at all. At first glance, it just appears more symbolic for the league office than anything. It’s almost as if they didn’t want to be bothered by the whole thing, but knew they had to do something. After all, the public was all abuzz about it. It even seemed to have some traction nationally.
And here’s the really interesting part…
Looking at the Miami schedule, they had an off day yesterday followed by 3 against the Nats and 2 against the Yanks before Atlanta comes to town. So their normal rotation would have pitched Urinal in the last game against the Bronxters, missing the entire subsequent Braves 4-gamer. Fate seemed to be in control. The more distance we can put between the Braves and Urinal the better.
But barring an appeal, Urinal will now make his next start on Friday, Aug. 31 against the Braves in prime time. I ask again, why did the league office pull 6 games out of a hat? One has to wonder. Miami might actually sell a few tickets to that game… for once this season Eyes might tune into their network… for once this season. Heck, Miami actually gains something from all this. It’s the old Gladiator philosophy. They know they’ll draw curiosity to that game with everyone waiting for Urinal to make his first plate appearance. Miami somehow wins with this. It almost looks as if justice is taking a back seat to marketing with this crazy decision.
Or is it marketing? Who is it that’s in charge of on-field discipline in the Commissioner’s office? That would be former Yankee manager Joe Torre, who is quite close to Miami owner Derek Jeter and Miami manager Don Mattingly. Well… waddaya know? This whole thing is starting to smell like alot of rotten fish now.
It really puts the Braves in a ‘no win’ situation. Unless Fried or Allard steps in for a spot start before now and then, Gausman should make that start. And this team obviously needs every win it can scratch out, and all the innings out of their starters that they can get. When Urinal comes to the plate, if we do nothing, we’ll be vilified by that certain segment of fans and social media as weak. And Keith Hernandez will likely have another neanderthal comment to make from under that poorly dyed porn mustache. If we do something, the public pendulum will swing the other way, we’ll become the bad guy, we’ll lose a starter early, and the punishment handed down will surely be harsher because of the optics of the whole thing. That’s when they’ll “make a statement” by coming down hard on the matter.
Thanks league office and old buddy Joe. You’ve successfully taken a situation that required you show some leadership, and screwed the Braves to the wall with it. I imagine that Urinal and Mattingly and Jeter and all those other rotten fish are having a pretty good laugh over the whole thing. And why not? What other positives do they have this season?
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How about this..?
On Aug. 31, let’s spot start Luiz Gohara, who can’t go more than about 3 innings right now anyway, and let him pitch through the lineup once… down to Urinal. Then put a knot on the jerk’s gluteus maximus that’ll keep him awake at night. Gausman can come in and take over from there. Then the next day, Sept. 1, we can pull up Fried and Touki and Sam and Pete and whomever else we need to fill in the gaps.
I’m on board.
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I am reminded of a time when I worked as a maintenance mechanic for a corrugated paper company. (Note: anyplace that has a permanent help wanted sign out front is a tell) Anyhoo, one of the maintenance guys was permanently assigned to the midnight shift, he preferred it but the downside was he was scheduled to work 7 days a week. He was repeatedly denied a day off when he request it. As a result, he would let the boiler go out, resulting in a loss of steam which was requirement to operate the plant. Like clock work, he would get a three day suspension. He told me once that it was a crying shame that he had to screw up something just to get a day off…. Now, I give you Urinal….
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Major flaw in my rant and my solution… I was a week ahead on the calendar. That Friday is Aug. 24. 😳
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Published reports say that Urinal plans to appeal the decision anyway. If he’s smart… OK, that’s obviously a stretch… if someone down there is smart, they’ll let go of the appeal right before Atlanta comes to town and we won’t see him again in 2018.
It’ll never go away completely, of course. We’ll see them in the spring a few times.
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Everybody has him pegged now. He’ll be dogged with this for the rest of his life. Respect is a terribly difficult thing to earn with such an ugly black mark on your record. Yeah, my reaction was wanting to tear his head off for messing with out Golden Boy. But, I realize that the guy needs our prayers. Badly.
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One team got big 2 out hits when they needed them; one team did not. It really does come down to that, doesn’t it?
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12 hours I will not get back, SIGH… Yes Vee, the Rockies did to the Braves what the Braves have been doing to others. I think Saturday night’s game was the most heartbreaking but the fat lady refused to sing when we needed her most.
Now it’s on to Pittsburg. Amazingly, the Braves are still in first place, even after getting swept 4 games. So there is that.
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Over the weekend, AAA reliever Chase Whitley was outrighted off the 40-man roster. This move leaves just 39 spots occupied, with 1 opening.
Was there a specific reason for this, or was it just for “roster flexibility”?
The non-waiver trade deadline is just 11 days away. This team could obviously still use more bullpen help.
That said, I think they showed that they could also use another bat off the bench. Adam Duvall seemed to be a good acquisition last month, but hasn’t produced anything of note in an ATL uni. Still, he’s likely to stick around a while. But what has Ryan Flaherty contributed since April?
I’ll answer that. Nuthin’.
I imagine AA is keeping a close eye on the waiver wire and looking for a guy to help the bench or pen.
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Also over the weekend, Sam Freeman returned to the active roster. Which Sam Freeman has returned – the 2017 version or 2018 version – is yet to be determined.
And during the horrific Rockies series, Luke Jackson came back to earth and looked just like the pitcher he has against every team except Miami.
We must address those spots soon if we want to hang onto 1st place.
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Most effective reliever vs. Colorado? Charlie Culberson. Maybe not the very best, but he’s in the conversation.
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Crikey!!
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Predictable.
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The poop on Bryce Wilson, via MLB Pipeline:
The word most often used to describe Wilson, a former high school football standout, is bulldog. He is fearless on the mound and looks like he should have a solid three-pitch mix to attack hitters with. He typically pitches with a 60 fastball, up to 95 mph, but it plays up at times because of the power sink to it that leads to a ton of ground-ball outs. His slider got slurvish at times last year and sometimes will look more like a curveball, but he’s shown enough feel to spin a tighter slider and there is confidence that it will be an average, if not better, breaking ball. His changeup has improved and has a very good chance to be a third, at least Major League average, weapon.
Because of his build, his aggressive mentality on the mound, his fastball-slider combination and his delivery, many saw a backend bullpen piece. But his stuff and command, to go along with the developmental strides he made in his first full season, all point to a career as a No. 3-type starter.
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This just hours after Wilson was named International League Pitcher of the Week. In case you missed it, last Wednesday he tossed 8 innings limiting his opponents to just 1 hit while fanning 13. Yes, that’s what I said. Fanning 13.
That’s why he’s on the bump for the Braves tonight.
He started the year in high-A, thoroughly dominating that level over 3 starts, before being bumped to AA. Then, between 23 starts in AA and AAA combined, he went 8-5 with a 3.27 ERA (45 ER in 123.2 IP), .231 opponent AVG, 35 BBs and 139 Ks in 23 starts.
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It should also be noted that the Braves had already opened a spot on their 40-man roster by outrighting Chase Whitley, but they also outrighted Chad Bell today as well as DFA’ing Ryan Flaherty. Wilson will occupy Flaherty’s active roster spot, weakening the bench unless another move is announced, and the 40-man now stands at 38.
I have to think another move must be made as the bench now only sports whichever catcher is not catching, Charlie Culberson and Adam Duvall… all RH’ers.
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Also tonight, the scuffling Ozzie has been dropped down in the lineup…
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Bowman: Bryse Wilson will be the first member of the Braves’ 2016 Draft class to make his MLB debut.
Wow. That means that just a little over 2 years ago, Wilson was still pitching in high school.
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I expect that this will just be a “spot start” as the Braves effectively are using a 6 man rotation. I expect Wilson to go back to AAA after tonight with a LH bat coming back up (Rio?). And I expect Touki to make the next “spot” start, and possibly stick around into September.
Rio is the only LH bat at Gwinnett that is already on the 40 man roster. He’s been playing alot of OF this season with Austin Riley getting the reps at 3B. He still isn’t hitting for much power, and has nothing in his game that really stands out. Sadly, the Gwinnett roster currently has no other LH batters, although Danny Santana and Carlos Franco are both SH. Franco is a 1B, and we’ve seen the Santana show enough.
Maybe there is a trade still to be made. We need LH help badly! Can we go get Matt Adams back from the Nats? They don’t need him anymore. And I have read that Curtis Granderson has cleared waivers. He’s not the vintage Grandy anymore, but he still hits RH pitching fairly well.
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The Rockies…I guess they are a lot better than we knew eh? To sweep a 1st place team, in that team’s park…amazing…
seems odd to keep bringing up kids so young, but perhaps this is for the off season, to show how some of these guys do against real MLB hitting?
I mean, can you think of any other team that’s brought up this many 20/21/22 Year olds? (Not sure about 22 Y.O’s)
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Just as soon as I take my eye off the ball, the team brings up another rookie phenom. He looked good too. He walked a bit of a tight rope but DPs are a pitchers best friend as they say.
And Ender once again playing like Ender… What a game saving peg.
I have to agree on the need for a left handed bench piece.
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seems odd to keep bringing up kids so young, but perhaps this is for the off season, to show how some of these guys do against real MLB hitting?
That’s part of it. Another part of it is to get these guys a little acclimated so that they can come up in September and help the team make the playoff push. None of them should have a “wild eyed” look on the mound now.
He walked a bit of a tight rope but DPs are a pitchers best friend as they say.
It doesn’t hurt that his fastball, which is a pretty good one, has alot of sink on it. The classic “heavy” fastball. IMO, he had remarkable control for a 20 year old kid. He was able to locate it pretty much wherever Zuk held his mitt.
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Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha…
I love RAJ. This kid knows how to have fun!!
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Snit said in his post-game Q&A last night that AJ Minter has been having some lower back issues and that he was not available last night, and maybe not today either. That puts a little pressure on the bullpen. It might also mean that when Wilson is returned to AAA today that another reliever comes up instead of a 4th bench bat.
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It’s being reported by the NY Post’s Joel Sherman that an unknown team has claimed Daniel Murphy on waivers. He’s a nice LH bat that is in the last year (months) of his contract. While he’s been mostly a 2B over the last few years, he has alot of experience at 3B and LF.
Would the Braves have made such a claim? Doubtful. But if they did, would they hold him on the bench? Would they play him at 3B? I can’t see the replacing Johan right now. After all, he’s among the team leader in RBI’s. Heck, he added 3 more hits last night. You don’t get the typical 3B power from him, but you do get above average defense and a fairly steady bat.
As I read further, it may be a moot point.
In the same report, Sherman notes that Murphy did not make it to the Yankees on the wire. If I understand the rules correctly, teams are offered a player on waivers in reverse order of their record. But I think they also go through the opposite league first, then their own. If that’s the case, Murphy would have never been available to the Braves.
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If the team replaces Wilson with another pitcher in light of AJ Minter’s back issue, there aren’t alot of options. Because of the 10 day rule, the only pitchers at AAA we could activate would be Luiz Gohara, Wes Parsons or Adam McCreery. In other words, there aren’t alot of great options there. It’s possible they could add another pitcher to the 40-man and bring up another youn’un, but it’s not likely.
Viz is just now playing toss on flat ground. I’ve heard nothing about Peter Moylan (who is probably just cruising toward retirement).
Max Fried is the most viable option. He tossed 4.1 innings last Friday in a start for Gwinnett. He could be activated from the DL and move into the pen.
But the team really needs somebody who can shut the door in the 9th. Minter is apparently out, and Wink just pitched for the 3rd day in a row. You know he’s gotta be unavailable tonight also. Jesse Biddle is an option; Jonny Venters is not. Then there’s Lue Jackson and Chad Sobotka. For my money, I’d rather have Sobotka up there throwing seeds from his big 6’7″ body over Jackson.
So I suppose if you activate Fried, he can be the middle innings guy Biddle has been being, and Biddle can come i late tonight.
Why do I think about these things so intently? Why do I obsess? I can’t change a thing.
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As for trade possibilities, only the Tigers’ Francisco Liriano seems a possibility for the Braves. He’s pretty much strictly a LH specialist, but his presence could free up Biddle for more late inning responsibilities.
For the record, I love Biddle’s stuff. He’s got a big sweeping curve that runs away from LH’s, but is even tougher on RH’s. It’s pretty hard to “barrel” it up. He also has a pretty good changeup, so you cant just sit on his fastball.
For my money, I’d rather just activate Max than trade for another old guy hanging on. I have to think that’s what AA will do.
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No Vee, players are offered in reverse order in their own league first, then opposite. Then a deal must be struck…
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own league first
That changes things, doesn’t it? Still, I can’t see it being a good match here. We need pitching more than anything. A good closer would help.
Alot.
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A good closer would never make it past the Dodgers.
No, I would have to venture that a good left handed bat would be the most available commodity and hard to get past the Phillies.
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After September 1st, I would expect Lane Adams to return.
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Jesse Biddle is wearing down methinks.
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It is still anyone’s pennant to win in the NL East. No one has run away with it but the Nats are a demoralize bunch. The next three days will be a tell as far as the Frillies and Nits go.
And who expected the Mets and the Marlins to help out the Braves so much?
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After September 1st, I would expect Lane Adams to return.
Meh. Maybe as a runner. His minor league slash line of .173/.267/.240 and the fact that he has twice as many K’s (52) as hits (26) is not very inspiring. And he’s not a LH, either. If they want his legs then I can see it, but would they burn a 40-man roster spot to accomplish it? Ehhh. I doubt it.
Michael Reed is a more likely candidate for that duty. His AAA slash line of .374/.473/.581 is much more impressive. In fact, it’s quite impressive. Who knew? It doesn’t hurt that he’s already on the 40-man, either. Given the current shortage and the difficulty working the waiver trade system, Reed may not wait until Sept. 1. He may be the next bench piece up to fill the 4th spot. If only he was a LH…
Dustin Peterson might also be considered after Sept. 1. While his overall numbers look nothing like Reed’s (whose does?), he does have a bit more power, albeit still from the RH side.
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Jesse Biddle is wearing down methinks.
They all are. 🙂
Sept. 1 cannot arrive soon enough for our bullpen.
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More on Michael Reed. Here are his splits in AAA this year…
vs RHP: 275 PA’s, .316/.436/.511, 9 HR
vs LHP: 91 PA’s, .427/.516/.600, 2 HR
Does it really matter if he’s LH or RH? He seems to be hitting pretty well vs. RHP to me. And his numbers vs. LHP are otherworldly.
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Hopefully the Braves have a shot at Adams.
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I am sure use guys are simply aching to hear what I thought of Bryce Wilson…..
He’s Good! 😛
Seriously, I was very impressed! Can’t believe he’s 20 with his poise….reminded me a bit of a right handed Sean Newcomb…..but Sean has only come into his own this year…simply amazing…
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i was thinking if Lane as a pinch runner but you are right about the 40 man roster.
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Hmmm…
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Holy cow. The rich get richer.
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The fire sale has commenced.
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See?
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This could get interesting. Looking forward to seeing how this unfolds.
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LOL
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MLBTR: Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports (on Twitter) that Adams is headed to St. Louis via waiver claim, meaning there’s no trade at play here. Rather, the Nationals will simply offload the remainder of his salary on the Cardinals in the deal.
Unbelievable that they got NOTHING for Matt Adams. who is owed only about $1M for the rest of the season. Obviously he didn’t make it to Atlanta on the wire order since STL made the claim. I have to think A-Train would have jumped in there.
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And with all this going on elsewhere in the NL, let’s not forget that the Braves still have a move to make today to replace Bryce Wilson on the active roster. Bench or pen? Even with the current imbalance, I’m betting pen.
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Just realized those dirty dog Nats are sending off all their offense right before starting a 3 gamer vs. the Phillies. Bums! Couldn’t wait 3 more days?!?
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Prophet star.
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We need to be able to add more graphics with our “like” button.
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Now the question looms large… if AJ Minter is still unavailable, who handles the closing duties tonight? It can’t be Wink; he’s appeared in the last 3 games. His arm would fall off.Surely not Luke Jackson. Chad Sobotka? He’s got the stuff, but not the experience. I guess on-the-job-training is the theme of this season, eh?
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On a wing and a prayer!
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The down side to having a better record than your adversary. They can pick up guys off the trash heap. At least we won’t play the Cardinals again this season unless it is in the play-offs. The Braves still have a make up game with the Cubs.
Washington has thrown in the towel…. wait til next year is their battle cry.
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Washington has thrown in the towel…. wait til next year is their battle cry.
Yes, but minus Daniel Murphy and minus Bryce Harper, who will almost certainly sign elsewhere. They will retain a whole clubhouse full of continued dysfunction. Makes me smile a little.
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The Nats have pulled Harper back from revocable waivers. Rumor is that it was the Dodgers that put the claim in on him. No surprise there. No surprise that the Nats pulled him back, either.
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Weigel was literally right on the verge of a ML callup last season when his elbow blew up. His name has gotten somewhat lost among the Toukis and Sorokas, but he’s no slouch.
MLB Pipeline: When healthy, Weigel has four pitches that he can go to in order to get hitters out. He’ll pitch at 93-94 mph with his fastball typically, but he can reach back for 97-98 mph when he needs it. On any given night, one breaking ball is better than the other, and he’s more than willing to toggle back and forth based on which one he has a better feel for. He’ll often throw a true curve early in counts to get ahead, and the slider becomes more of a strikeout pitch. He’ll mix a solid average changeup in as well and he’s generally around the strike zone with all of them.
He has the tools to be a successful ML pitcher. We should get a good look at him in spring training.
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Bowman: “Minter played catch today and hopes to be available for tomorrow’s game. He first felt back discomfort while in New York earlier this month. He underwent treatment all of last week.”
Gabe Burns: “A.J. Minter has been receiving treatment and hopes to available by Miami series, possibly tomorrow if needed.”
I ask again, who’s the closer tonight? Hopefully we can score enough off of Ivan Nova to make it a moot point.
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Yes Vee, the trick is to have a blow out game so it becomes a moot point.
On Weigel, sometimes it get to a point that you are just showing off…. GOOD… Having a young pitcher who has shown he is major league ready is how you add more depth to your system with young position player I don’t know how deep the Braves will go in the play-offs this year but they should be considered a preseason favorite to win it all next year with all the young pitching studs available.
Who knows what AA will do about Julio or if he will offer Markakis a two year extension or let him walk and look for another body for the outfield. We do now a catcher is needed but the infield may be set for the next 3 or 4 years.
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On Washington rolling over for the Philles, I hope the guys who are left have a little more pride than that but we shall see, they did just roll over for the Fish, so there is that….
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https://t.co/QIsnvx2Uzr
Lerner’s letter to Nats’ fans….
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Basically he said, we thought the team would play better but they still sucked… Out with the old, in with the new, look for Victor Robles to make his return. The Nits have some talent in their farm system but like everyone else, it is not pitching….
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Figured as much. As I understand it, every team has 48 hours (actually, 47.5 for some strange reason) to make a claim or not. After the 48 hour period is up, each claiming team is notified which team won the claim – based on league and record. At that point, the team that posted the player has the option to pull the player back (as WAS did with Harper), negotiate a trade (as WAS did with Murphy), or just let the player go via claim (as WAS did with Adams). It was awfully nice of WAS to provide us with such nice examples for this description.
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Who knows what AA will do about Julio or if he will offer Markakis a two year extension or let him walk and look for another body for the outfield. We do now a catcher is needed but the infield may be set for the next 3 or 4 years.
Before this season started, I would have bet money, and alot of it, that Markakis would not be here past July. Now I would not be surprised to see him re-sign for a couple of more years. Maybe 2 years with a team option.
And Julio has to be taking notice of all the talented young arms that are parading through the rotation. And that doesn’t even take into account Kyle Wright, who could find his way into a spot start before the season’s over. By my count, we’ve now seen Mike Soroka, Kolby Allard, Touki Toussaint, and Kyle Wright, all of whom looked like bona fide ML pitchers. That doesn’t even take into account Max Fried or Luiz Gohara. And of course, Folty and Newk are already paying dividends. Oh… and Kevin Gausman is just 27, just 1 year older than Folty.
It is an embarrassment of riches, but nobody is complaining. Well, except maybe Julio. 😉
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We do now a catcher is needed but the infield may be set for the next 3 or 4 years.
And that’s likely how some of those above mentioned pitchers will be utilized.
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One has to wonder if the Nationals got cold feet when it came to letting Harper go, I expect they will at least make a qualifying off to him next season but my balk at paying him $50MM per season for the next ten years or so. All that money in one place sure does tie a GM;s hands when it comes to signing 24 other major league guys.
So, where does Harper end up? LA, Chicago, New York or Washington?
What is the Vegas line?
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Oh, and just a friendly reminder that we may only need to fill the catching hole for about 2 years. I know all prospects don’t pan out, but William Contreras has a mighty good pedigree and compares quite fairly to his older brother, All-Star Willson Contreras. William is expected to be ML ready in 2021. He’s said to be a solid defensive catcher, just like big brother, and hits line drives to all fields. It’s why he’s the Braves #12 prospect.
Still, if you could wrap up JT Realmuto, you would probably have to give up WC in the deal. And that would be OK too.
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And there is still Ian Anderson…. I guess you have to have someone who is still a mystery. You are right though, I would not be surprised to see Julio traded for something of moderate value after the end of the season. Teams always need good solid number 4s on their staff.
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So, Yu Darvish is out for the rest of the season with a stress/cracked/fractured tip of his elbow. One off season signing that did not work out so well for the Cubbies.
Spring training should be fun next March with all the young guys trying to make the starting line up. A word of advice to Gohara, lose some weight if you don’t want to be stuck in the minors again next year…. Move your mom to the states and get serious about your conditioning.
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Yu Darvish sounds like a name from a video game character.
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Just like a Whirling Dervish, but different 🙂
And how about that Gausman guy? 8 innings of shut out ball. Of course a stellar defense behind him didn’t hurt. And Dansby suddenly showing up with the bat… Gotta love it….
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Just what the doctor ordered…
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Seriously hoping the CT scan on Zuk’s elbow shows nothing tomorrow. There are not good options at AAA for a backup. Not good at all.
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The depleted Nats just beat the Phils. Braves start tomorrow up by 2 games. Thanks depleted Nats!
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an old wise man once shared with me a bromide. Even an old lion can still tear your a## up. So it is with the Nits. I hope they sweep the Phillies, just as long as the Braves can take care of business.
So, the forgotten man on the Braves pitching staff takes on the Bucs tomorrow night, let’s hope it’s good Julio.
The Marlins have been playing good baseball since leaving Atlanta. Lost to the Yankees in the 12th inning tonight.
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The waiver wire could be difficult for the Braves to navigate, however, because they had the second best record in the National League entering play Tuesday. For the Braves to have an opportunity to acquire a player placed on waivers by an NL team, all NL teams with a worse record would have to pass on claiming the player. And for the Braves to acquire a player placed on waivers by an AL team, all AL teams would have to pass on claiming the player, as would all NL teams with worse records than Atlanta.
From the AJC this AM
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Yep, and you can bet that if the Braves need a catcher, the Brewers or Cards or Dbacks or Rockies or Phillies would block ’em.
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Speaking of which, I have a bad feeling about Zuk’s elbow. They did run x-rays last night, but have opted to wait until the CT scan is done this morning before announcing anything. That worked OK for RAJ, but I’m not sure if we can go to that well again with the same positive results.
And if we do lose Zuk for the rest of the season, the only realistic option is to bring up 36 year-old Chris Stewart, who is still decent defensively (and has been uber important to our young pitchers in AAA), but isn’t a threat with the bat. He’s slashing .209/.287/.269 at Gwinnett this year, which is fairly close to his ML career average over pieces of 12 seasons.
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If Zuc is forced to lose significant time, I expect Flowers to catch 4 of every five starts but it is a rough position for a 30 something to play everyday.
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Seems like I missed a good one last night…checked in at 0-0 in the 4th I think
as for where Harper ends up….wonder if some team like the Rangers will try to make a splash…didn’t work out well for them with A-Rod,,,,he was fine, but you just can’t have all that moola tied up unless you are L.A. or the Yankees
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And again… WHEW! This must be a team of destiny to keep dodging these bullets.
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The most prevalent rumor on Harper right now has Philly making the strongest push in FA, and with the $$$ to pull it off, too.
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that makes a lot of sense, they will try to get him or Manny M for sure….
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Now this is funny….
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Check out the mascot xeroxing his butt on the copy machine…
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And good news on Zuc, relatively speaking.
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Bold statement:
A.J. Minter: “I’m good to go.” He says he could pitch tonight. via Gabe Burns
Reality:
Braves have everyone available in bullpen tonight but will stay away from Minter if possible, after working him out pretty hard this afternoon to test his back. via DOB
Bold statement:
Braves’ Suzuki on being able to play if needed: “If it’s not broken and I’m not on the DL, I’m available.” via DOB
Reality:
Catcher Chris Stewart is back up from Triple-A Gwinnett, OF Michael Reed to the Stripers. via Jerome Jurenovich
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How sweep it is…
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The Reds’ Matt Harvey has been claimed on waivers by an as yet unnamed team. It would be a great surprise of the Reds pulled him back. I’m interested to see where he goes. WOuld it be here? COuld it be here?
At one time, I though tthat was a great possibility, but I’m not so sure now. Julio has put together a couple of really good starts, Folty and Newk have come into their own, Gausman looks like the new staff ace, and Anibal is Anibal. On top of that, management’s method of spot starting our up-and-comers is not only effective in the present it’s perfect for the future.
No, I can no longer see another starter coming our way. Now a reliever..? That’s a horse of a different color.
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True story…
I was literally right in the middle of serving dinner to my kids last night, and disappeared into another room to watch Acuña’s 1st AB. Saw the leadoff HR and went back to what I was doing. They were wondering what had happened to me.
I had to explain that you never want to miss that 1st AB. Ever.
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And that’s probably the best game I’ve ever seen Julio pitch, and I’ve seen him pitch alot over the years. He used his breaking pitch more last night than ever before. One has to wonder if the Gas Man has been in his ear.
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Average speed on Julio’s fastball last night was 88 mph. Said he was concentrating on location and using his slider. Well… looks like it worked. I would venture to say we are seeing the re-invention of Julio Teheran to a finesse pitcher and yes, it has Anibal Sanchez’s finger prints all over it.
So, after watching the Braves hang on to win last night, whew, it was a close one that Palonco just missed on, I switched over to see the Nits come back on the Fillies… How can you not applaud what Ryan Zimmerman did last night? A game of inches for sure as his dinger just cleared the wall….
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So, the Nats are still alive, they play the Phillies today at 1PM so either way, the Braves just need to win, it will put distance between themselves and whomever is chasing them. I have to say, time to root for the Phillies in this one, no use letting the Nats get fully back into this thing.
And the Mutts suddenly playing like a real baseball team, who would have thunk it?
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I have to say, time to root for the Phillies in this one, no use letting the Nats get fully back into this thing.
Can I root for them to both lose? No, I’ll still root for the Phillies loss. The Nats do not have the horses or the chemistry to make any real noise in the division beyond frustrating the Phillies, which is most satisfying to me. And the more distance we can create between us and the Phils the better. I’d like to have some cushion before we play them 7 of the last 10 games.
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it has Anibal Sanchez’s finger prints all over it.
It looked an awful lot like the way Kevin Gausman pitches to me… using his breaking pitch for early strikes, mixing speeds, inside and outside, changing eye levels…
There was not 1 batter that looked really comfortable at the plate last night.
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When Gausman (the Gas Man) was drafted by BAL, he was touted as highly as some of our guys, but never really found his groove consistently. The ATL scouts saw something they felt they could improve in his game prep, and Gausman embraced the suggestions. Combine that with having something other than a sieve playing defense behind him and he’s suddenly realizing some of that early promise. What a coup for the scouts and for AA. GasMan is just 27 and will enter his first year of arb after this season. He’s under team control until 2021.
A-Train won the trade deadline with this one. Only Cole Hamels has been as good for his new team, and he’s old, expensive and on the downside of the curve.
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Let’s agree we are both right on this one Vee…
Yes, AA pulled off a bit of a coup prying Gausman away from the Birds. A proven fact, if you have a hurler who pitches to contact, you better have guys in the field who can at least make routine plays and if they are above average, well, said pitcher will benefit greatly.
I remember Cliff Floyd once making the observation that the Atlanta staff benefited greatly from having Andrew Jones in the outfield and when he was gone, they would miss him greatly. Too bad Andrew took his greatness for granted and got fat….
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This is so funny I cannot catch my breath!!!
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Many a truth hath been spoken in jest… “We think you might actually be left handed”….. Soooo funny….
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The Reds’ Billy Hamilton has been claimed on revocable waivers by an unnamed team. The kid can’t hit much, but he can flat out fly. That’s someone who would be valuable on the bench in Sept. and Oct.
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… and that is a great example of the type bench bat we could use.
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The Braves just went from
to
Best to worst?
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Sadly, Aaron Nola beat Max Scherzer today. Philthies won 2-0.
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Okay, Brave taking care of business in fine fashion last night. Charlie Culberson is my hero by the way….
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Speaking of Charile CLutch, this is a grat exsample of people who look too hard at basement stats and not hard enough at actual baseball. This is a quote from MLBTR’s Jeff Todd, who reported that Ryan Flaherty had been outrighted to AAA:
Flaherty’s role diminished with Johan Camargo returning to action and Charlie Culberson engaged in his own surprising run of success. (Interestingly, Statcast actually gives Flaherty the slight edge in xwOBA for the year over Culberson, taking a rather dim view of both players’ batted-ball output.)
First, I don’t have any flippin’ idea what xwOBA is, and hope that I never do. But it obviously has nothing to do with actually playing the game of baseball.
I weep for this generation.
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I was glad to see Newcomb handling baseball business in the correct way last night. You can’t just keep letting teams drill your young starts with no recourse. Sean did it the right way.
That said, RAJ might not should have stood and admired that HR quite so long. It was pretty impressive, though.
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That said, RAJ might not should have stood and admired that HR quite so long. It was pretty impressive, though.
If he had not, he would have been the only person in the stadium who did not. When they say, “that will leave a mark” now I know what they mean….
Honestly, he should go up to that spot and sign his autograph under it…
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Reading the morning baseball fodder, a thought occurred to me of how funny it is all the talk about the ROY race between Acuna and DC’s Soto. Raise your hand if you thought it would be between Acuna and Victor Robles…. Robles and Soto will be the Nats’ answer to Atlanta’s Acuna and Albies. Ain’t baseball grand?
I don’t think the Nationals will re-sign Harper next season.
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OK, y’all, you cannot make this up.
Click on the link below for the Miami Marlins Wikipedia page, and look over to the general info boxes on the right. Unless it’s been changed, look at who is listed as “Owner”…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Marlins
Ha ha ha ha ha…
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Here’s the screenshot in case it gets changed…
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Last night down in the farm…
Touki Toussaint pitched 7 innings, allowed 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB while striking out 8.
This followed Wednesday’s game by Luiz Gohara who tossed 5 2/3 innings, allowing 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, striking out 5.
You can bet the mortgage that Touki, Gohara and Max Fried will all be back in Sept… with Touki and Fried possibly being added before Sept. 1 to be eligible for the post-season roster.
The last report on Viz says he’s tossing on flat ground, but not close to throwing off a mound. Because he’s on the DL, he doesn’t have to be activated by Sept. 1 to be post-season eligible. Same for Shane Carle and Peter Moylan, but there has been zero news on either of those fellas. I’ll be surprised if Moylan returns at all this season.
With so many good starts by our rotation lately, it’s tough to project which 4 might make up a playoff rotation. That said, there’s still 6 weeks of baseball to go. Much can happen between now and then. I’ll just leave it at that and say nothing else.
But the bullpen could hold the likes of Viz, Minter, Wink, Biddle, Touki, Fried, Brach and Venters. This doesn’t even take into account Carle and whichever starter would be bumped. One or two of those mentioned above could still be bumped out.
So I’m not terribly worried about the pitchers, even though I’d love to see another late inning arm added. But it’s not likely that any NL team would allow a closer-type to slide to ATL through waivers without blocking, though, so I’m not even entertaining such a notion.
What I do still think we need is a bona-fide power bat off the bench. We don’t have one at all. Where do we turn for that if we cannot make any deals? AAA boppers Austin Riley or Carlos Franco? Hard to say. Either would have to be added (to the active and 40-man) roster before Sept. 1 to be playoff eligible.
Regardless of whether or not A-Train can make any deals or signings between now and Aug. 31, it will still be interesting to see how he manipulates this roster with an eye toward October.
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I suppose we do sort of have a power bat on our bench in Adam Duvall, but he’s gonna have to heat up soon if I’m going to consider that need addressed.
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The Brewers are the team that put in the waiver claim on Matt Harvey. As of now, there has been no deal struck. If I understand correctly, the 2 sides only have a couple more hours to hammer out a deal or the claim expires. Cincinnati is in no hurry. They are in the driver’s seat. We’ll see if the Brew Crew caves in to their demands.
Still no word on which team placed the winning claim on speedster Billy Hamilton, but I expect the Reds to be just as demanding with him… maybe even more so.
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According to MLBTR, the waivers on Harvey expire at 1:30pm ET today.
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Lost in all the other buzz is the fact that the Braves won their 72nd game of the season last night. Why is that significant? That was their win total from the entire season a year ago.
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I heard/read somewhere that Moylan was headed for re-hab this weekend…
No biggie, It would be nice to add a power bat, Braves need to win all they can to allow for a bit of breathing room.
So, Phillies headed to Toronto, Nats to Queens. Mets are playing like they have something to prove. Strange….
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Good. The Brewers do not need to get any better.
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Cakes = triple T…. Cool….
Puchi? = Poochy??? Will wait for the pronunciation…
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Superlative comments.
https://www.mlb.com/cut4/john-smoltz-had-tommy-john-surgery-after-phone-call-with-tommy-john/c-289127350
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So, Washington loses their 3rd in a row, failing to score in their 3rd straight game. Mets looking like world beaters right now… And the Phillies fail to hold a 5 run lead, losing 8-2 to the Jays.
So, prime opportunity to gain a full game on their closest rivals… Come on Bravos, do this thing…
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Make that 8-6…DUH!
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really don’t understand how the hapless Marlins can be this “good” or are the braves this bad right now? Fortunately, the Phils and Nats have been also terrible of late…
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I do feel at this point, FF and Nick M are being selfish at this point. I imagine they don’t feel that they are, but…they are. last week, (not including today) FF is 6 for 24, with 1 RBI. 2 HR’s for the entire month. But, he HAS to play 162 game this year cuz…you know, you have to be tough to do that. And FF is no doubt tough…but, it doesn’t help a team to have a basically useless bat in the lineup.
Nick M 5 for 26 (.191) 1 RBI. BA is ok, but more in line for the last 2 seasons during August. Nick also hasn’t missed a game either.
But, because of all the rainouts early on, there is a ton of games being played with no days off.
Can you guys tell me that having 2 vets play 162 games (and I am guessing just about every inning) is good for this team, now?
Meanwhile, Ozzie is going to be given a few days off, cuz at 21 you are low energy, and that’s why you need to have a few days off…
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FF and Nick M make me look silly please! 😛
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Good win for the Braves today, they needed it too with the Nits and the Phils both tallying the win column. Amazing catch in left by
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Gil, he really is! I was sure hoping he was going to punish the Marlins with the bases loaded…didn’t think it would be via a weak grounder to 1st, but whatever works, works!
Now, get those bats back to workin’ guys!
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A much needed day off, I am exhausted from watch Braves games… It is exciting but it would be nice to just rip off a 5 game winning streak where the Bravos score about 10 runs a game. Kind of like the Red Sox do…
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I do feel at this point, FF and Nick M are being selfish at this point.
from the department of redundancy department 🙄
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Chen and Straily are both very good pitchers, just on a bad team. They simply pitched very well against the Braves. And Mattingly has apparently made it personal vs. the Braves. And that’s fine. We’ll own them for a few years… likely well past Mattingly’s firing. I have lost respect for “Donnie Baseball”. Being on a sucky team has gotten to him.
You can bet that they have NOT rattled RAJ in the least. If anything, they have made a lifelong enemy. He’ll crush that team every chance he gets. And as a crusty old traditionalist fan watching it, I hope he pimps every home run against their pitching. I love his style.
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Ber, I think resting the players is more mental than physical. They are all professional athletes and in great shape physically… even Freddie and Nick. I don’t mind them playing every game. They’ve earned it in my book.
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So how about that report over the weekend that A-Train made a big play for Buster Posey in July? If that doesn’t tell you something about him nothing will.
It should also tell you what to expect this offseason.
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Is it too early to start this?
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I don’t mind them playing every game. They’ve earned it in my book.
V, we will just have to agree to disagree here…IMO, if it is mental or physical tiredness, they should be unselfish enough to say, ok Snit, I guess I need a day off…or heck, they could even pinch hit, play the last inning or two…
but…it’s not even a normal dog days of August and Sept, with all the rainouts early on, many teams are without most of their off days, and are playing 2 games a day….
Maddon who doesn’t always make good in game decisions, is at least going to go with a 6 man rotation…and I bet few if any guys are going to play 162….
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Yeah… I didn’t say I necessarily agree with it, but I’m also not taking Freddie or Nick out of a game against their wishes either. Not sure I’d call it selfish… maybe more prideful. Still, I think those guys have earned the right to call the shot. But you are right, we can disagree on this and the world won’t crumble beneath us.
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Phillies stocking up on hitters when what they need are relievers…. Maybe they feel if they can score enough, they can outlast opponents.
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Yeah that’s typical Mets Behavior cuz it sound like they really wanted to have him sign for next year maybe though trade him and try to resign in the offseason?
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Our boys in blue wake up to a 3.5 game lead today beholding to our broken brothers on the beltway.
Beautiful.
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Injury update:
Almost every pitcher we have on the 10-day DL has either begun or is beginning a rehab assignment. All will likely be ready to be activated on or shortly after Sept. 1. What an amazing coincidence!!
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Great little series on Chipper’s “Road to Cooperstown.” Only 5 of the 10 available, but I really enjoyed them.
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Phillies news:
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Braves news:
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I’m thinking the Braves will still try to go after a name (prime time) catcher in the off season but are just hedging their bets. $6MM is lunch money to a major league ball team.
Would love to add JT Realmuto but Thoppy is not Shurholtz, he will not trade away 5 prime players for one.
I have not looked into my free agent crystal ball lately but I am certain one prime time player will be added this off season. It will not be someone with $500MM albatross to hang around the Braves necks however.
Pieces needed… 1 outfielder, 1 catcher, 1 utility infielder. The later slot may well be filled by Camargo if and when the Braves promote Austin Riley to play third. September could well be an audition for him but not at the expense of a pennant.
I see the pitching situation being solved before my very eyes.
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Wait a minute… didn’t I just say that?????
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Would A-Train consider a LH option for a platoon? Saw someone (can’t remember where) pointed out the splits on Flow, which lean heavily toward vs. LHP. Perhaps Flow will be the veteran mentor to some young LH dude AA has identified elsewhere. Who knows?
At any rate, I imagine Zuk has increased his demand and value this season. He’ll probably go to a young staff somewhere and continue starting.
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Jeff Todd, MLBTR:
The signing [of Flowers] leaves the Braves with a high-quality player at an appealing price, with an extra season of flexible control to boot. That the organization was able to get a head start on its 2019 checklist even while trying to finish out an exceedingly exciting 2018 season is quite the coup for the front office.
With Flowers on the books, the Braves now have a major box checked without breaking the bank. The club will likely pursue another backstop, which could (but need not) be a significant player, depending upon the other opportunities available.
I agree. I’ll also add that it means that AA is no longer under heavy pressure to make a catching trade or signing. And with the pressure being off, he can seek a better deal as he doesn’t have to do anything. Better leverage.
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Got into a discussion with Grant McAuley suggesting that very thing…
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What are the chances AA brings Brian McCann home to finish his career?
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Yasmani Grandal will be a FA at season’s end. He’s a LH that might be a nice fit with Flow.
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The Astros hold a team option for McCann for 2019 that is pretty pricey… $17M I think. They could choose to decline it if they want to use that money elsewhere. Martin Maldonado has been good in Mac’s absence. He’s also a FA at season’s end but would be alot cheaper to bring back than Mac.
Cody Poage of Climbing Tal’s Hill, the dedicated Astros Fansided page, says this of Maldonado and the Astros’ catching situation:
During his brief time with the Astros, we’ve seen Maldonado establish those relationships with the pitching staff. You can see it in how he works with Charlie Morton, Lance McCullers, and Justin Verlander. Along with the emergence of Max Stassi as a capable major league catcher, the Astros are in good shape at the position until Brian McCann returns. Once he comes back though, team management will have an interesting catcher decision to make to finish the season.
Interesting, eh?
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In case I didn’t say this already, I am ecstatic about the extension of Flow. I think he’s great for our young pitchers regardless of how much he produces at the plate. Yet he does produce at the plate. Simply put, he’s one of us and I’m glad he’s sticking around.
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I agree 100%. Grandal would be a nice pickup.
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Fresh off inking a new deal, Flow sits tonight…
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With all that, don’t be surprised to see Zuc in a Marlins uni next season. A lot depends on who goes where and for how much. Would love to have BMac back for his final year but not at $17 MM. The Stros would have to eat some serious coin.
I don’t think BMac is durable enough to play a full season being a primary catcher.
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Whew, a lot closer game than the final score showed tonight. Some clutch hitting though by Ender, Nick, Dansby and Flowers…
And how about them Phillies??? One word comes to mind… CHOKE…. Maybe the pressure is getting to them. It happens with a young team.
Magic number is now 27…. Still a ways away but honestly, did anyone other than maybe the Braves themselves think it would be so?
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Would love to have BMac back for his final year but not at $17 MM.
If HOU declines Mac’s 2019 option (it’s a team option with a $2M buyout), the $17M price tag will be the reason. And if they do pick it up, they won’t trade him so it won’t matter. Should they decline to pay Mac $17M, he won’t get that amount anywhere else either. The cost would be somewhat less. How much less is the real key.
That said, I’d prefer Yasmani Grandal anyway. He has alot more tread on the tires. Of course, he’ll likely cost as much as Mac will, too.
I don’t think BMac is durable enough to play a full season being a primary catcher.
First, if Mac were to come home, it would be in a similar arrangement that Flow and Zuk share now. And with Mac being a LH, probably a loose platoon.
This is what Flow said to Bowman about being a “starter” vs “backup” catcher in ATL: Flowers said he evaluated the possibility he could be the backup next year. But because of the Atlanta heat, he doesn’t believe any catcher would end up making much more than 95 starts.
Grandal has caught 106 of LAD’s 132 games, but the temps and humidity are much friendlier there. Flow is probably right on target with his assessment.
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Yes, the heat and humidity take their toll, ask Newk. I think Newsome would really shine in a place like San Diego. He is a John Thompson clone.
So, Newk takes the ball tonight. he is going to have to learn every other pitcher’s secret when dealing with a slick baseball…. pine tar… that spot on Kimbrel’s hat ain’t just rosin….
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I need to add one more thing on the future catching arrangement, and I don’t think we can underscore this enough.
DOB furnished this quote:
Folty on Flowers extension: : “We absolutely love him around here. I’ve got to experience him ever since he got over here, and having him deal with the young arms… He’s just made me a more confident pitcher. The pitch-framing, his overall presence, it’s been amazing.”
So as we continue to talk about Realmuto and Grandal and Mac, etc., we cannot discount how much value A-Train obviously places on the pitch handling skills Flow has and must project that same priority on any prospective addition.
And before we consider another year of Flowzuki, we need to understand that while Flow ranks among the leagues best in “pitch framing”, Zuk ranks among the worst. That’s not a shot at Zuk. I love him. But it cannot be discounted in understanding how high this front office places its young pitching. That is the keystone to the whole turnaround, and they’ll do whatever it takes to give them the greatest chances for success.
For perspective, here’s how these catchers currently rank in pitch framing according to Baseball Prospectus:
#2, Tyler Flowers
#3, Yasmani Grandal.
#27, JT Realmuto
#85, Zuk
#87, Mac
Doesn’t this point to the Braves making a hard charge at Grandal in FA? He makes perfect sense. He’s just 29, he bats SH, and he fits the receiver profile perfectly. (And he’s NOT represented by Scott Boras. 😉 ) I think you are probably looking at a deal of 4 yrs / $50M-$60M. He will almost certainly receive a Qualifying Offer, so he’ll cost a draft pick. That should knock out a handful of potential suitors and keep his value from soaring too high.
IMO, if AA passed on the price of JTM in July, he’ll also pass in the offseason when there will be more teams in the fray. Instead, he’ll look squarely at Grandal in FA, and use his “pitching capital” to obtain a more easily accessible OF.
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Wanna know how the Phillies lost that game last night? They lost when a pitcher who was pinch-running left 2nd base too early to tag up on a fly ball. And if that’s not bad enough, during his post-game comments Phils manager Gabe Kapler threw his chosen runner Vince Velasquez under the bus for the base running blunder saying, “he’s not instructed to tag up there, he’s an inexperienced base runner.”
Then why did you choose to put him in the game at that critical moment in the game? Kapler continues to be an idiot manager.
This is a prime example of why the Phillies are now fading and will not win the division.
The Braves wake up today to a 4.5 game lead.
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Oh how the mighty have fallen, BMac used to be among the top five pitch framers in the majors. Age and balky knees will do that to you.
So many things to consider when signing a player. Age, durability, over all baseball acumen.
There was a reason Doggie preferred Eddie over Javy. I don’t think Maddux ever though he needed the extra offense over defense and pitch framing skills.
I will say one thing that the stat heads have brought to the game is an increased appreciation for defensive metrics. It is like the difference in having Freddie play first base and anyone else. He saves the infielders a lot of times with his stretches and scoops. He may not be the top rated defensive first baseman but he is close.
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On a side note, I do not think it a stretch to say that Julio will not be in the post-season rotation…
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I have less respect for Kapler for that. Not the sort of thing that would make a player want to run thru walls for him over. He should have manned up and said it was his (Kapler’s) decision to use a pitcher as a pinch runner and made sure he understood the situation. I will always remember the bromide “If you don’t train them, you can’t blame them”
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That’s exactly the thought I had, Gil. No wonder they don’t play their best under his management. It is also another reason I respected Bobby Cox so much; he always gave praise to the players and took the blame for himself.
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I ran across something interesting in my reading this morning.
NYM’s David Wright, whom I have a ton of respect for, is currently on rehab assignment following a long and grueling comeback from a neck ailment. Since the middle of last season, he’s had 3 surgeries and continues to manage spinal stenosis. He was promoted to AAA earlier this week, and many reports say even though his performance has been “inconsistent”, he could be ready to come back to the Mets when rosters expand in a few days.
But…
It is now being reported that the Mets may not promote him after all. Newsday Sports’ David Lennon says “Thought Wright’s return looked promising but [Mets acting GM John] Ricco’s comments yesterday throwing shade on his comeback status seemed to suggest otherwise. By our calculations, Wright is scheduled to earn $3.21M for September. If he does not come off the DL, Mets recoup $2.41M of that sum through insurance.” Insurance covers 75% of Wright’s salary while he’s recovering.
Would the Mets really let $2.41M come between them and a franchise player? Wright was the face of the team for many years, and would probably have been a borderline HOF’er had injuries not derailed his career.
But maybe it’s more than just $2.41M. NY Post’s David Puma writes, “The Mets still owe Wright another $27 million the next two seasons, and if he’s healthy enough to remain on the roster, regardless of performance level, the team wouldn’t collect on the insurance.”
Yikes. It’s a sticky situation for both the Mets and for Wright. Would the Mets hierarchy play hardball (see what I did there?) with Wright’s condition? Would Wright just retire and give up $27M?
This is why you don’t sign old players to long term deals, regardless of who they are. Cough Angels cough Pujols.
This is also why the Braves will probably let 2018 All-Star OF Nick Markakis walk after his deal is up this season.
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Since the middle of last season
CORRECTION: Should have read “since the middle of the 2016 season”. My math was a little off. 😳
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OK… I have to do some actual work now. But before I go, let me just note that there are just 2 days left to make any deal to help the post-season roster. There is only 1 real rumor that’s hitting right now, and that’s Rosenthal’s statement regarding “[Josh] Donaldson looking like a goner” from the Jays before the deadline, even though he’s just now back from a serious leg injury that’s had him out since May. He played his first rehab game yesterday. Rosey says, “Donaldson’s trade value is a fraction of what it once was, but the Jays have no motivation to keep him. Now that Donaldson is playing again, some contender figures to gamble on his upside at a discounted price.” He goes on to say that the Jays will place JD on revocable waivers today, allowing the 48 hour process to be complete before Friday’s deadline.
Would A-Train place a waiver claim on JD? I think he might. Given their past working relationship in Toronto, and given the minimal cost involved, I think this could be AA’s answer to the Phillies’ acquisition of Jose Bautista. While not a LH, he would certainly add some thunder to the roster. As long as the Jays are realistic in what they might want in return, I can see this as a real possibility.
Let me put it this way… would you rather have Rio Ruiz or Josh Donaldson on the roster?
‘Nuff said.
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The only downside is even if the Braves were to make a claim, I don’t see him getting to the Braves. The Phillies would block them.
As for Wright, he has not gone thru the perils of excruciating re-hab just to walk away. he is dealing with constant pain but $27MM will give anyone incentive to deal with it. Same goes for the Mets, If they would shuck a player to save $50M, They would undoubtedly jettison a guy to save $2.5MM.
It is a business after all and the Mets have been irrelevant since May.
They do have deGrome however but he is only available every 5 days. Much like Nola.
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Guys, I just don’t think the braves will get Yasmani Grandal. He’s going to be the catcher during the offseason. If the Nats can’t re-sign Harper (Hey, don’t the owner and GM really like him? one reason they didn’t trade him in August) They would go hard and heavy for him. I am sure a bunch of other teams will too. And paying Flowers what they are paying him….then having to come up with …I’m going to say a guy 29 coming off 3 straight 20+ homer seasons and being one of the best pitch framers (I call bs on pitch framing, to a degree, how does someone that is good, all of the sudden go bad? I have seen mlbtr talk about this on guys fairly young. It’s like other fielding metrics, it just depends on too many things, like the pitchers, what they throw, sinkers, sliders, etc) should get what BMac got years ago, right?
I think Zuk is just fine behind the plate, and seems like a better body type than Flowers, to hold up….
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Ber, nothing like being the prized pig when it comes to a bidding war.
Yes, Bryce Harper will continue to disappoint his fans but for a lot more money. Agents will always tout the players they represent as the next (pick a name) but they have no control over pitches inside that fracture wrist or head first slides that result in torn thumb ligaments.
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I call bs on pitch framing, to a degree, how does someone that is good, all of the sudden go bad? I have seen mlbtr talk about this on guys fairly young. It’s like other fielding metrics, it just depends on too many things
We are going to disagree on this too, Ber.
Pitch framing is actually something that is observable and passes the eye test. And it has a direct effect on the success of a pitcher.
Baseball-Catcher.com defines it thus: Framing is the art of making a pitch that is near (border line strike/ball) the zone appear to be a strike when in fact it may not be. A catcher, who can frame well, can be extremely helpful to a pitcher working the corners of the plate. Framing correctly is a difficult task and one that should be practiced during bullpen sessions and in drills.
Some catcher do it naturally and make it look effortless. Others look as though it takes great effort. And that makes the difference. Again, Baseball-Catcher .com makes the distinction:
Framing is a subtle movement of the wrist that drags the ball toward the strike zone. This slight movement occurs just as you catch the ball. The keyword here is slight. Do not frame a pitch more than a few inches or partial movement of the wrist. Umpires are not stupid or blind and will not be swayed to call a strike by some miraculous ball that changed direction and moved a foot to the right. The framing motion is smooth and should not be done in a jerking motion.
Being the ultimate baseball nerd, I have actually studied the art of pitch framing through a series of videos produced by Russell Martin. I found them fascinating. But I digress…
In a nutshell, the best framers can circle around the pitch and bring it in, up or down subtly. It can make the difference in a number of strike calls on the edge during the course of a game, and thus can make all the difference in the world to a young pitcher (any age, really) who is trying to keep their pitches out of the center cut of the plate and stay ahead in the count.
So why do many catchers seem to “lose” that skill over time? It’s simple really. Subtle movement of the upper body requires a strong and steady base. As age does what age does, that strength and stability of the base erodes over time. And even the slightest of change to the base will translate to change to the upper body movement.
Brian McCann is the perfect example of that as a catcher who has suffered through knee injuries. Over the years, he simply is not as stable in the crouch as he was 10 years ago. And as a result, his pitch framing has suffered.
And for what it’s worth, it’s also why pitchers and catchers prefer to work with the bases clean. A catcher who is up and ready for a possible throw is not as steady in his base and thus not as subtle in his upper movements.
Those who can do it consistently and well are considered elite and are highly valued, even a 32 year old catcher like Tyler Flowers. Thus the $4M extension to share time behind the plate. What was it Folty said? “He’s just made me a more confident pitcher. The pitch-framing, his overall presence, it’s been amazing.”
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Guys, I just don’t think the braves will get Yasmani Grandal. He’s going to be the catcher during the offseason.
Yes he will be. We do agree on that part. But I think the Braves cannot be discounted as a possible suitor. A-Train will have money to spend and only a couple of real holes to use it on… catcher and OF’er. He’ll probably spend big in FA to get one of them and trade big for the other. Which is which will be the fun part to watch after we light that stove.
And what catcher would not love to come to a young contender with a young, talented rotation?
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Oh, and speaking of catchers, the Braves claimed the Angels’ Rene Rivera on waivers, and will receive him via the claim with no compensation going back. He’ll be added to the roster on Sept. 1 as the 3rd catcher. He has been added to the 40-man roster as a matter of procedure, leaving 1 spot open for maneuvering over the next few days.
It’s not an earth shattering move as Rivera is in the last year of his deal. He’s truly just the 3rd catcher down the stretch since the Braves DFA’d Chris Stewart earlier in the week and there is not another viable catching option in the system. William Contreras is simply not yet ready, and Alex Jackson is no longer a real prospect.
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For those keeping up with the Atlanta~Gwinnett shuffle, Kolby Allard is up and Chad Sobotka is down.
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Baseball nerd alert!
Wondering why the Braves made the swap of Allard~Sobotka today? It’s all about keeping the options and the roster flexibility.
Here’s how it works, as explained by Knockahoma Nation:
Total roster manipulation move: neither will use an option for 2018. Both will maintain all 3 options moving forward. A player has to spend 20 days on optional assignment for the option to count. Allard is at 19. This is Sobotka’s first option of the year and he’ll be recalled next week once the AAA season is over, so he’ll spend less than 20 days on optional assignment as well.
This is the kind of stuff that I just love.
Weird, right?
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Or that….
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Sobotka, Touki, Fried, Viz, Carle, maybe Moylan… and possibly even McCarthy
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Gwinnett’s season ends next Monday Sept. 3. I’d bet on seeing Touki and Sobotka on Sept. 1. Fried may stay until the 3rd. Those rehabbing will come when they’re ready.
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Also, the Stripers are 3.5 games back of the last Wild Card spot in the Int’l League playoffs. They have 6 games remaining in their regular season, but just 2 against a team ahead of them in the hunt. Their playoff prospects are pretty slim, so that should not be a hindrance to promoting players at their season’s conclusion.
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AA has been honest about it, he does not give a rats patootie about winning minor league championships, it is all about helping the major league club. I’ll bet most of the players in triple A have their bags packed and are ready to go home for the winter.
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Guess which player was picked up today
Duda, Duda…
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HUGE
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V, agree to disagree time again 😛
Defensive metric morons tried to say Adam LaRoche, and Mark Texiera were not very good , metrics wise. BS!!!!
I know what the catchers are trying to do, fool umps. And some guys may complain less, and get more calls, right? If a catcher has a bigger frame, it may be harder for an ump to see the ball pulled “up” by a catcher. And, a catcher may have the bad luck to have a staff of pitchers like the Cards and Pirates preach 2 seamers, sliders, pitches that have to be forever pulled up…
it’s just too inexact, IMHO…to be fair, there is probably more to it than Defensive metrics (though both are absolute Gospel to the stathead elite….
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So, who gets cut to make room for the newbies? Ruiz is one, and likely a pitcher… Who is on the short list?
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now, to trash my own theory on pitch framing 😛 https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2015/04/07/pitch-framing-catchers-metric-analytics/25417499/
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So, who gets cut to make room for the newbies? Ruiz is one, and likely a pitcher… Who is on the short list?
First, there was room on the 40-man for both Lucas Duda and Rene Rivera. Of course it’s full now, so if Ryan Flaherty, Austin Riley, or Kyle Wright are to be added after Sept. 1 – as has been mentioned as possible – a spot will have to be created for each. I think that’s a likely scenario for Flaherty, and a great possibility for Wright, who has been pitching out of Gwinnett’s bullpen recently to get acclimated to relieving. I believe it will be along shot for Riley as the IF is pretty full, but you never know. Maybe A-Train will decide that just hanging out on the bench will be better than just hanging out in front of the TV.
As for the active roster, Rio will almost certainly go back to make room for Duda. Snit said yesterday that Rivera won’t be added until rosters expand on Sept. 1, as expected.
On a side note, I have to think Rio is also a candidate for DFA to open one of the 40-man spots. He doesn’t have a clear role on this team anymore. There are not any other clear candidates, although Peter Moylan kinda stands out to me.
Also, should they choose to activate Brandon McCarthy for the bullpen, as has also been mentioned, another 40-man spot will be needed as McCarthy will be coming off the 60-day DL.
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I think it is fairly obvious that Newcomb had significant control issues last night. He couldn’t get his breaking stuff over for strikes, so the Rays just sat on his fastball.
It ain’t rocket surgery.
The bright spot; both Luke Jackson and Sam Freeman looked quite good, especially Freeman. The 2 scoreless innings from each of them was huge. It gave the offense a fighting chance to come back. Of course, they didn’t, but they did get the tying run to the plate. Those guys, both of whom I have trashed repeatedly, really did their jobs last night.
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The first shall be last and the last shall be first….
Okiedookie, Newk is just not a hot weather pitcher… I have no idea if he can grow out of it, he might well be better suited to play indoors or in San Diego.. Just saying. SO, what to do? Well, let’s see how he does in his next start. I am not saying it is a proven fact but the circumstantial evidence is tremendous.
Just as a side note, I always thought Steve Avery was a cold weather pitcher. His work during the play-offs always reinforced those beliefs.
Sometimes it progresses to become a mental thing. I am inclined to believe that is in fact what has happened with Newk.
On a brighter note, the Braves play a make up game tonight with the Cubbies, it should be a good one.
On the Rays, they have a nice little team they have put together down there. We don’t hear much about them because the Red Sox and the Yankees suck all the oxygen out of the room. I am just glad the Braves don’t have to play them any more this season.
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On Ruiz, I think the best thing that could happen to Rio is to get traded to a team where he could play everyday. He is still young and has potential but he has too many road blocks in front of him with Atlanta.
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And yes, Sam Freeman looked really good last night, that could end up being a huge plus for the Braves going forward.
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Oh… I don’t know about the hot weather being a big factor. After all, he pitched a near no-hitter here in Atlanta on a Sunday afternoon in late July. I think it’s more a factor of this being his first full season in MLB.
As of last night, he’s sitting right at 145 IP for the season. Between ATL and Gwinnett last season, he totaled 157.2 for the whole year. That’s his highest total as a pro. The prior 2 years were 140 and 136 respectively, preceded by 14.2 at rookie ball after being drafted.
I’m not making any excuses for him per se. I just think he is at a point in his development where he needs to get over a hump. He’s still a young’un after all, having just been drafted in 2014. I’d place him about 2 years behind Folty, who has emerged as our ace. (Although newcomer Kevin Gausman might have something to say about that.)
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I think Glavine said Newt Had trouble with sweat on his hands making it hard to grip the curveball….or was it Joe Simpson?
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All I know is I saw all those breaking balls landing 1-2 feet off the plate. He just could not get them where he wanted them.
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Well, help is on the way.
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Vee, a lot of close pitches were not called strikes either.
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I hope I don’t sound like the voice of doom. I honestly expect Newk to right the ship. I just think it will require patience from everyone. “Control issues” has always been the label attached to him. He’s a kid. He’ll either grow out of it or he won’t. Time will tell.
And the good news is, as you said Gil, there are alot of other potential arms right behind him. Strength in numbers.
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Well, as for Newk, maybe it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity…. 🙂
I guess we will find out when the Braves make their final trip west.
I would not be surprised for the Braves to go to their stealth 6 man rotation just to make sure everyone gets a breather. It is a luxury few teams have at this point in the season.
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I would not be surprised for the Braves to go to their stealth 6 man rotation just to make sure everyone gets a breather.
No question. And it might not be so stealth after the rosters have expanded.
You can almost be guaranteed that Touki will be inserted into the rotation. He last started on Tuesday, so he lines up for Sunday’s 5:05pm start against Pittsburgh at home. That would push Julio and everyone following – Newk included – back a day. Those extra days are like gold this time of year.
Now… there’s just one problem with that. If Touki starts on Sunday, pushing Julio to Monday, that game in Fenway Park has a 1:00pm start time. Julio has not been very good in day games this year. Now that I think about it, I don’t want Julio serving up his dinger pitches in Fenway at all.
So maybe Julio keeps his Sunday start at home and Touki takes the hill in the 1:00pm opener vs. the mighty BoSox. Newk still gets the extra day before starting Tuesday’s night game. And for what it’s worth, the Sox are abusing LH and RH pitchers with equal prejudice this year, so that’s not a factor.
I think if the sweat has been a major issue with Newk, there’s no way he makes that scheduled 1:00pm start in Fenway. No way. (BTW- that’s a national game on ESPN, for those of you out of the regional broadcast area.)
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MLBTR’s Jason Martinez, when asked about the Braves RF next season…
I think they’ll at least make a run at Bryce Harper. They have the farm system talent/depth to acquire a legit middle-of-the-order bat, though. If not either of those options, probably makes sense to bring Markakis back on a 1-2 year deal. Or maybe someone like Adam Jones. Jones would be a great fit on a team ready to take the next step from playoff contender to WS contender.
What strikes me about Adam Jones is that he’s another Oriole. Are we really becoming Baltimore South? 😀
FWIW, Jones is an intriguing name. Could put up monster numbers in STP.
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Shocker.
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Now… there’s just one problem with that. If Touki starts on Sunday, pushing Julio to Monday, that game in Fenway Park has a 1:00pm start time. Julio has not been very good in day games this year. Now that I think about it, I don’t want Julio serving up his dinger pitches in Fenway at all.
Uh, Vee, the games vs the Sox are home games for the Braves.
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Uh… yeah….
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Adam Jones is a beast, would love to have him play for Atlanta. I expect AA to make an offer to Nick, we will see if he accepts. It may well be a one year offer with a club option.
While I like the current Braves players, I know they can still get better players. Harper, Realmuto, Yelich… yeah, you never know who might be available for a good pitcher or two.
Harper will want to go to the coast methinks and will be asking for Stanton like money, He is a good player but I don;t think he is that much better to pay payroll busting rates.
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Ozzie sure seems to be wearing down a bit. Pop ups and rolling over pitches. I would suggest a lighter bat. Muscles get fatigued.
Heck, look at Kimbrel blowing saves. it is what happens this time of year.
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Between the umpires(Home plate with a 2 inch strike zone for Folty, 1st base up for phantom balk) and the folks in the stadium being pro Cubs, I don’t think I will be staying up for this game….
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Yes Ber, Folty was getting squeezed big time, I would not mind if it was called the same for both sides. Still, the Braves showed pluck.
Tommy LaStella? Assassins come in all sizes don’t they?
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Well, at least I was not alone in what I witnessed about the umpiring last night. It is games like the one called by the umps last night that make me suspicious of the umpires and if they have money bet on the game.
Still, the Cubs made too pretty spectacular fielding plays last night. I hope the Cubbies play that well in Philly and DC…
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Morning roundup…
DFA’d catcher Chris Stewart was sent to ARI for cash considerations.
MIN and CHI swapped veteran 3rd catchers. Not sure what that accomplished for either team, but more power to them.
The “big” news is that NYY has reportedly reached agreement with SFG to acquire Andrew McCutchen for a couple of prospects. That deal is not yet official, but there are no apparent roadblocks. With Aaron Judge still sidelined by his wrist injury, and with Clint Frazier just beginning a rehab assignment, this makes alot of sense for the Yanks.
So teams must complete any additional acquisitions by today at 4pm ET for those players to be eligible for post-season play. That said, teams can continue to make deals afterward, but the newly acquired players would have to sit in October. I have no idea if A-Train is still seeking anything for the playoff push, but nothing he might do will surprise me. He’s proven to be both measured yet aggressive. Given the disappointing output Adam Duvall has provided in a Braves uni, it would not surprise me at all to see AA find some RH bench power somewhere. The presence of C Rene Rivera might mitigate that need somewhat. Having a 3rd catcher on the roster will allow either Flow or Zuk to be utilized in a more traditional PH role. Still, I wouldn’t mind seeing some RH reinforcement. Heck, even Austin Riley might help… at least through September. Duvall might break out and be more the hitter he was in Cincy, but it’s not happening right now. He’s scuffling baaaaaad.
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So… speaking of Riley. Are y’all keeping up with his recent surge at AAA? Well, allow me to give you a recap of yesterday’s accomplishments courtesy of the Gwinnett Daily Post:
Riley was 3-for-5 with a homer, double and five RBIs. He’s hit safely in his previous nine games and 11 of his last 12 games. Riley is slugging .553 in the month of August and has reached base at a .333 clip. His Triple-A batting average is creeping upward, now at .292.
Even just a week ago it was thought that Riley would not be among the Sept. callups as he would not take playing time away from Johan. But Riley apparently did not get that memo. Would it hurt to have his bat on the bench? He’s not going to be doing anything else but playing Fortnite anyway. And would he give you any worse AB’s than Adam Duvall? I say he would not.
Now… he would require someone’s 40-man roster spot. And with the possibility of Brandon McCarthy needing one himself to be activated from the 60-day DL, such a spot will not be easy to come by. It should also be noted that Snit mentioned the name of Jose Ramirez yesterday. Apparently he’s throwing again also. He too would need to be activated from the 60-day DL.
So who is in danger of losing their coveted 40-man spot? First name has to be Rio Ruiz. We’ve discussed that one already, so no need to cover old ground there. But who else? Peter Moylan? Wes Parsons? Dustin Peterson?
I think all of those are possibilities. Michael Reed has passed Petey in the OF prospect line, not to mention some younger guys who are a still a couple of years away. Parsons is not among the elite arms moving up, and Moylan may simply not have anything left.
At any rate, those are the names to start with. We’ll see if any moves are actually needed.
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I didn’t listen to my own advice…shame I didn’t
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I really wonder what happened to Adam Duvall. It’s crazy he hasn’t run into a pitch at this point. Hit one ball hard, but I could see him being released at this point….
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I didn’t listen to my own advice…shame I didn’t
It was really a good ballgame between 2 good ball clubs. It’s just a shame the umpiring had to factor in so heavily.
I really wonder what happened to Adam Duvall. It’s crazy he hasn’t run into a pitch at this point. Hit one ball hard, but I could see him being released at this point
Me too, Ber. It is weird. But they won’t cut him loose. He’s actually pretty cheap and under team control for 3 more years. He’s just getting to his first arb year in 2019. And he has 1 more minor league option available too.
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Oh I agree, it was a good game, I was quite happy after Kurt’s SF, since the braves seem to have such trouble getting guys over and in…
I mean, I even saw Folty take strike 3 on a pitch that wasn’t even close . just terrible umpiring that cost us a game, no doubt…that balk put 2 runners into scoring position…bleh….
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… which opens up a 40-man roster spot.
Interesting…
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I think it’s certainly possible that AA is talking to his old mates in TOR about Josh Donaldson, but It would not surprise me in the least if they just bring up Austin Riley instead. Surely Donaldson cannot be relegated to the bench, and I’m not sure the Braves would tamper with the chemistry they have with Johan Camargo playing everyday. That said, we are talking about Josh Donaldson. (BTW- he hit a HR in his 2nd rehab game yesterday.) Riley would strictly be a bench piece, with an occasional start to give Johan a blow here and there.
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It must be noted, I’ve seen a few media folks say that today’s trade deadline time is midnight, not 4pm ET, even though I got that time from MLB.com. I am not clear which is correct, but I’m sure we’ll figure it out in a few hours. And it won’t matter tomorrow. 😉
Here’s what I believe to be true, though. There really is not a trade “deadline” per se. Waiver trades can continue to be made past today. But players must be on their team’s active roster today (or on the DL) to be eligible for post-season play. So to that end, it makes sense that a team only needs officially add an acquired player to their roister by midnight.
So that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
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to their roister
Roister? 😳
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Well, it could be a Jerry Roister.. 🙂 Okay Royster… So, Donalson could be acquired and remain on the DL.. Just posing…
To be sure, the Braves need to run off a nice little 5 or 6 game winning streak.
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OK… so the full clarification of playoff eligibility corrects an error I make every year. Players simply have to be in your organization by Sept. 1 to be eligible. It’s that simple. And of course, can’t be on any active or playoff roster without being on 40-man roster. That’s where the next few days will get interesting for the Braves. They have 1 open 40-man spot. They potentially need 4.
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Reading a report that pitchers Touki, Bryce Wilson and Kyle Wright will be the first callups today. Wright will take the only current 40-man opening.
Stay tuned…
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Touki will likely be starter #6. Wright will work out of the pen. Wilson could swing. I’ve heard whispers that Newk could move to the pen if he can’t “get a grip” on his control issues (pun fully intended). Wilson would then become a rotation option.
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So, the final rounds of trades have come and gone and offensively, the die is cast of the Braves it appears. Josh Donaldson to the Indians.
At this point it seems to me that Freddie Freeman is the lynch pin for all things offense. Whatever the reason, he is in a slump. Too many strikeouts.
Hie glove has not deserted him but his bat is not where we have seen it in the past. Fatigue? Maybe, but the Braves aren’t saying so we will have to ride this out.
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Adams and Wright both require 40-man spots. Someone must be jettisoned. Announcements have not yet been made.
Stay tuned…
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The Braves created the necessary roster spot by moving Viz to the 60-day DL. Purely procedural as Viz has been out almost that long anyway. Just delays another move until Viz is ready.
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It is a bit like playing 3D chess when trying to make room on your roster. The whole time you are trying to keep an eye on all the other organizations in case they are trying to sneak someone through the system.
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The #Braves returned Brandon McCarthy from his rehabilitation assignment after he re-aggravated his right knee injury. He will remain on the 60-day disabled list.
There is your answer Vee…
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Only the answer as far as McCarthy is concerned. He will no longer need activation. But Viz will. And possibly even Jose Ramirez. But at minimum, there will be a need for 1 more 40-man spot when Viz is deemed ready for activation.
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So, looking over the Braves 40 man roster, I see 3 or 4 potential DFAs, McCreery, Ruiz, Peterson and Wes Parsons. Not sayI know these things to be etched in stone, just that they seem to be the most logical. Also not saying the Braves could not make a trade to clear up roster space.
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Make that 24…
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… and now 23.
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And then there is that.
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#Braves DFA’d OF Dustin Peterson to make room on the 40-man roster for OF Preston Tucker, who was reacquired from the #Reds today for cash considerations.
I hope the kid gets picked up by someone.
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I hope he goes unclaimed on waivers so that the Braves can outright him to AAA.
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Pretty impressive turn around for the Bravos this weekend. Julio continues to amaze me. Acuna continues to amaze everyone….
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I think y’all have already covered all this, but here’s the Braves’ twitter:
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NEW LEAD IS UP!!! (Thanks, Chief!!)
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