By Gil ‘N Mechanicsville 2/20/23
Each season 30 MLB teams reset and aim for the ultimate prize of winning the World Series. Of the 30, perhaps 1/3 have it as a realistic goal, after all, 162 games plus is a long season and as always, it is not who you play but when you play them. Something which will help in evaluating the pretenders verses the contenders is every team will play the same opponents over the course of the season. The caveat is again, not who you play but when you play them. That said, it is still, if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best.
All position players need to let their respective clubs they are ready to show up Tuesday morning. The most conspicuous for their absence for the Braves is Marcel Ozuna. Perhaps he is just waiting to find out if he has been traded to the Pirates so he knows which camp to report to. NOTE: As I continue to pen this blog post, I have learned that Marcel has indeed shown up and says he is in the best shape of his life and is ready to play left field.
From all reports, it appears the starting short stop job is Vaughn Grissom’s to lose. I am pretty sure the Braves resident shortstop in waiting, Braden Shewmake, is hoping for a trade to a team that will allow him to play beyond the Triple A level. From what I understand, it is his bat which is holding him back. I am sure he was a little envious of Grissom getting 3 weeks of one on one time with Wash this winter. On that note, I read Elvis Andrus has signed a one year $3 million contract to return to the White Sox to play second base. Well,, another piece off the board.
Lots of arms showing up in camp so far. Looks like the Braves bullpen line-up is going to be tough to crack. May the best arms win. I think it will be interesting to watch at how the no shift rule and the pitch clock will effect the pitchers this season. Look for the batting averages of lefty hitters to rise this season. The only new rule I worry about is the two throw over rule for pitchers trying to hold runners on base. There are going to be players who try to coax a balk from the pitchers. The pitch clock should also take away the pitcher’s ability to disrupt the would be base stealer’s timing. That said, it is still better than having to deal with some human rain delay relievers who make the game boring.
The one nice thing about spring training is getting familiar with new players. The Braves really beat the bushes this off season looking for someone who was cheap that could actually take hold of the left field job. My view is that if one of these guys can actually fill the void, the Braves won’t feel too bad about cutting ties with the afore mentioned Ozuna. Marcel’s salary is sunk cost. The payroll is going to be the same no matter who is in left field, having a guy out there who is only making a couple of million dollars (notice how flippant I refer to a million dollars like it’s lunch money) is a lot easier
Anywho, there will be a lot of interviews and opines about the happenings in North Port over the next few weeks. Let us all pray no one develops an injury or the dreaded yips. Lots of time to wail and moan over lost opportunities. We are at the beginning of the beginning. GO BARVES! 😉
I, just came by to say Hi, I can’t understand why the Blog hasn’t taken off in the last few years! Is there just not that many Brave fans, or is it that people just don’t take the time to read anymore. I hate to have a broadcaster tell me, what I should or should not believe. I like listening to the true Braves Fans.
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Thanks for the new lede Gil. I try to get back in as often as I can. The whole “earning an honest living” thing is harder than it used to be and quite time consuming.
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Thanks, as ever, Gil! You do such a terrific job!! You da man!!
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Excellent opine Gil! “The caveat is again, not who you play but when you play them.”
great point! A team that ends up 62 and 100 could go on a 7-8 game winning streak in the middle of the year, just when the braves or Mutts cool for a bit. Its what makes baseball, by far, the best sport out there. No 5-11 team (5-13? I don’t follow football anymore) is going to upset the Chiefs, or the Eagles….
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Unless you are the
RedskinsCommanders who did indeed beat the Eagles at Philly this season…. go figureLikeLiked by 1 person
hey JoAnn! that is the 64 million dollar question (inflation) I would think just purely by accident, someone would find us, but perhaps wordpress is low down in google searches?
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Folks don’t want to take the time (and effort) to read. They’d just prefer someone tell them what to think.
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Very encouraging news. Why have coaches not done this for him already! No ML starting pitcher can survive with just 2 quality pitches.
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He actually had a curve ball which was an iffy pitch, I think he developed the slider as it is an easier pitch to master. From what I can rather reading several different sources is he had an attitude about being sent down and pretty much ignored the coaches. He didn’t really reset until after the season was over. He did attend the Wake Forest pitching lab. I just hope he gets his mind right, he should see what a bad attitude and laziness gets him by watching Ozana for the past two years.
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A couple of reports out of camp infer Mike Soroka pulled a hammy just prior to reporting to spring training. No biggy other than it puts him behind about 2 weeks. look for him to start for Gwinnett in April. Honestly, that is not unexpected.
So a couple of guys dinged up early, opens opportunities for others.
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The Braves have now had a couple of on field work outs. No real surprises so far. Rave reviews on Sean Murphy by the pundits. Funny, but the AJC had an long dissertation on the art of the “back pick” by the catchers to help out the pitchers in holding runners on. I wish I had express my thoughts on that when I thought about it Monday. Oh well, the story of my life, a day late and a dollar short. However, I do feel validated somewhat.
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Reading DOB’s article on Soroka’s hammy problem. As someone who was cursed with tight hamstrings, I would feel both of them pop early in any season. Just played thru it. As a fat slow guy, not much difference in my run times to first or the back field. When I pulled a groin it became difficult to drive my pick up because it had a clutch… Just shortened up on my stride and limped around the bases…
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Okay, for all you folks who have the MLB channel on cable, the Braves vs Red Sox will be televised at 1 PM Saturday. I know, it is just a spring training game but it is almost real baseball. A chance to see some of the young pitchers.
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yay!
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Wait… what?
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Game #1!! Finally!!
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Might as well try again. WordPress has eaten every post I’ve attempted to make during the course of the game.
Still alive in the 9th!
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What we have just witnessed in Game 1 of preseason, will happen sometime in the regular season and will cause a massive explosion in a dugout.
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They better straighten this out. Good in theory, shaky in practice.
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Sometimes it helps if you have a good looking sister…
So, a tie that was decided in a most unsatisfying way. I thought the call was bogus but it could have been worse.
So we will move on to face the stankies..
Allard didn’t impress me a lot. But, it is early. Dodd says he wants a spot.
Matt Olson says he’s ready.
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So the rule, as has been repeated ad nauseum this afternoon, says it doesn’t matter what the catcher is doing. Everything cues from the pitcher. The batter has to get ready whether the catcher is standing, squatting, sitting, or napping.
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One thing for sure, it is a lesson learned that will stick with a player. Like having the hidden ball trick pulled on you.
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Is it just me, or is Marcell Ozuna, and any discussion of him, conspicuously absent from ST thus far?
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To clarify, I know he reported on time and is present. But thats all I’ve heard. Am I just missing it?
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Ok never mind. Apparently he was the DH yesterday. I just missed it.
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Easy to do when he goes 0-2…
However, the AJC did a piece on him Friday
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Wow….kid has entirely too much talent. https://www.mlb.com/news/michael-harris-ii-talents-off-baseball-field?game_pk=719332
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nice story https://www.mlb.com/news/the-italian-town-obsessed-with-baseball
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I watched the Mets/Braves game on replay yesterday. Koby Allard looked sharp, as did that kid Dobbs. Good to see it.
verses the Astros, Bryce Elder was very effective, Elder is a pitch to contact guy. The trick is to make sure it is week contact…
Reading about waiver pick up Lucas Luetge, it seems to me he is a left handed version of Jesse Chavez, a soft tosser who can avoid bats. I would think you would have to pick your spots to bring in these guys. I would not think you would pair them with a Bryce Elder per se.
I would also think it would be easier to adjust to guy who throws 88 after facing a guy who hurls 98. Just thinking.
Okay, split squad games today.
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I would also think it would be easier to adjust to guy who throws 88 after facing a guy who hurls 98. Just thinking.
Many years ago I was at an automated batting cage just having some fun. I started out in the “little league” cage where the pitches were around 60 mph, just to get warm. Then I moved up to the “high school” cage, which increased by 10, followed by the “minor league” cage, which again increased by 10. Hitting a fastball at 80 mph is not as hard as you may think when you know it’s coming, know it’s gonna be straight as an arrow, and know where its going to be located. Then we moved up to the “major league” cage that slung it at 90. Suddenly it wasn’t nearly as easy. In fact, I felt accomplished just to get the bat on the ball.
So after bout 20 pitches that I could no longer catch up to, I decided to move back down and enjoy a little success again before going home. But it didn’t work that way. My timing was so off from trying to key on 90 that I could no longer hit 80. And to make it even worse, I could also no longer hit 70. My timing was totally screwed.
The moral to the story here is that adjusting to Bryce Elder after facing Spencer Stryder could just make Elder that much better.
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I watched most of today’s game. Braves were good early but the scrubs gave up 9 runs in the top of the ninth to lose to the stankies.
I know these games don’t really count but if you are here, you may as well win. I see a trip to the DFA list or time at high A for those guys. The inability to throw strikes is telling.
Off day Monday, I expect cuts to be made for Tuesday.
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Off day at North Port today, all quiet.
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https://www.mlb.com/news/braves-biggest-questions-for-2023-spring-training
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Loaded lineup facing Los Bravos.
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I have come to the conclusion that it is best to ignore outcomes of games right now and just look at individual results early in spring training. Too many variables to take into account. The most important one is can everyone stay healthy?
For the pitchers methinks it is whether or not they throw strikes, walks are a killer. For the hitters it is if they are making contact and the fielders if they can catch and throw.
Want to watch competitive baseball? Watch the WBC games. A couple of upsets already. The Netherlands over Cuba and an upset while not on the level of the US Hockey team winning the gold medal in 1980, is still huge for the Aussies after they win 9-8 over Korea… Whew we.
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Watching Ian Anderson pitch against the Rays, While he only gave up one run in 3 2/3 innings, I did not think he was particularly sharp. Still early but then again he is going to be a number 5, not a number 1.
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Oh by the way, Allard has a grade 2 right oblique strain, will start the season on the IL… Looks like Ian’s path to the 5th starter’s spot is unfolding before him but still about 3 weeks of ST to go.
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Just between us, I have to wonder how a lefty strains the right side of his torso ???
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There’s more “pull” on the opposite arm side of a pitcher in motion. When a pitcher torques forward from his arm side, he needs equal torque in the other direction from his opposite side to maximize his full rotation in motion. Otherwise he chokes his velo.
Nobody wants to choke their velo. Most people don’t even want to type the phrase “torque your velo”. In fact, I need to stop.
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In WBC news, the Chezh Republic defeats China. I other news, rumors the Chinese manager has been seen taking out suicide insurance…
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wow…some big upsets!
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https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/jared-shuster-making-impression-in-spring-training
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Mexico clowns the USA… Venezuela stays hot, Japan looks to be the class of the WBC. Note: good pitching still beats good hitting.
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Okay, lets try this again.
A commentary: I was very leery of the idea of a pitch clock going into this season but after watch a bunch of spring training games and as a comparison, WBC baseball, I am like the new rules a bunch. Game is quicker, less time for inane chatter from the play by play and color guys in the booth. Watching the tail end of the Mexico/USA game was really painful in the late innings and not just because the USA was losing, the game was really slow, must have taken 4 hours or at least it seemed like it.
Now, the Braves bullpen of late: I think the quick pace has affected those guys more than we expected it would. Those are the pitchers who look like they are getting hit. The guys coming out of the minors not as much, they are getting hit because the suck. But I digress, we’ll see after a few more weeks.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY V & Ber!! Love ya both!
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Wow, another year already? Happy belated birthday to Kenny. Ber, today is pretty close for you too. So many returns of the days for you both.
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“I think spring training is kind of weird,” Elder said. “Especially trying to earn that fifth spot. It’s a weird situation where you want to work on things, but at the same time, you have to try to get people out.
Elder did not look particularly sharp today against the Phillies. 61 pitches, 30 balls 3 walks and a 2 run homer over 4 innings.
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Thanks for the birthday wishes good folks. I tried to “heart” them, but my hearts just fade away. WordPress hates me.
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Well, the 5th starter competition took an unexpected turn today…
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Proof that in order to be a big league pitcher, you have to be able to throw strikes…
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The Mets’ star closer and mega-contract recipient Edwin Diaz was carted off the field today with what appears to be a serious knee injury. Did he hurt it running? Fielding? Pitching? No. He hurt it celebrating a victory with his WBC team.
That is such a Mets.
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Yep, always my worse fear is a player who is a vital cog getting hurt in an exhibition game. How many people remember Tom Glavine suffering a broken rib from being on the bottom of the dog pile?
Or the guy who broke his foot jumping on the plate following a walk off home run?
I have not forgotten how adversely affected Mike Remlinger after getting hurt in an All Star game. Sigh… So good luck Mets fans… “snort”
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“He’s a phenomenal pitcher, too,” Dodd said of Shuster. “It’s crazy because I’ve had conversations with him, ‘We’re almost the same person.’ We throw about the same velocity. We have about the same pitch arsenals. We both fill it up at a higher rate. It’s funny, we’ve joked about that.”
Whether it’s in the initial rotation or down the line, Dodd seems destined for the majors soon.
“I can’t control the decision they make,” Dodd said. “I can control the work, how I go about my business, and taking care of what I’m supposed to do.”</>
Gabriel Burns AJC…
I love it there is some opportunities to be had on a team with a pretty much set line up. Great to have a young kid who makes folks take notice, You just never know who will be the next player to be Wally Pipped. Personally, I hope all those young arms turn out to be phenomenal. They will be needed this season and next. I hope Ian Anderson can get his head straight. I pray that Michael Soroka can recover and become the promising star he was prior to his injury, because you just never can have too much pitching.
On another note: Is Matt Olson just showing off? Is Brandon Shewmake forcing the Braves to think twice about who will play shortstop for the Braves this summer? He looks very good in the 6 hole and his bat has warmed up and he is a lefty bat. Hey, I really like Grissom but he is still just 22 and does anyone think he would not benefit from a season at triple A?
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https://t.co/38ovCoro7i
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Another WBC casualty: Jose’ Altuve broken right thumb after HBP in the 5th inning. Out 8-10 weeks… Hey, I think the WBC has been great but boy can it screw up a team’s season.
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I sure do miss getting to comment on spring training developments from time to time during the day. I’ll try to keep my thoughts brief. I’m loving that the Braves made the 5th starter opening a real competition. I thought Jared Shuster was a dark horse to make last year’s roster, but fortunately the guys that get paid to make such decisions chose to give him one more year of development. This kid is for real. He’s earned a ML job.
I believe we’ll see more of the 2021 Eddie Rosario than the 2022 version, and that’s a good thing.
Now… shortstop. I think we all felt that the job was Vaughn Grissom’s to lose, with Orlando Arcia as the fallback. But dang if Braden Shewmake didn’t have other ideas. And folks, I think he has won the job. For one thing, he’s as good a defender as Dansby was, and that’s a big deal to Snit and Alex. Second, he’s actually hitting, and doing it from the left hand side. If you don’t think that matters you aren’t paying attention. Lineup balance is very important and Being able to pair the LH Shewmake and the RH Arcia is a much better fit in paper. I believe Grissom will play SS everyday at AAA and get his shot when the time is right. But that time is not now. I say congrats to Shewmake for working his tail off and taking control of a situation seemed predestined.
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On Shewmake I agree, he has paid his dues and I think having Grissom hone his craft at Triple A will not hurt him at all. I would also be like having an ace as a hole card. At 22 he cannot really be too disappointed at spending time at Gwinnett.
Question: When are the WBC participants expected back in camp?
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If I heard this correctly this morning from Snit, Rosario should be back tonight and Ronnie after the long bus trip road game midweek.
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Gonna really miss Paul Byrd.
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I’m so confused. Both Shewmake and Grissom optioned to AAA today? Who’s gonna play SS? Arcia? Arcia who has been outplayed by both the aforementioned all spring? And if that answer is yes, who’s his backup? Gotta be another shoe to drop.
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Reliever Nick Anderson, who has been of the best arms of the spring, was also optioned today. This shows you that there is more to this than just the talent that has been demonstrated. Perhaps Munro league options are a part of it, because many of the guys left on the roster are out of options. Maybe this just allows those guys some time to continue to work and show value to other teams, with the eventual players waiting to be brought back.
Perhaps these moves are just an exercise in roster flexibility because these moves only clear out the current spring roster. The Opening Day roster doesn’t have to be announced until the eve of the regular season.
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I too am quite confused by all this. Heck I have heard so little news (even checking out DOB and Bowman) I was shocked to here you guys saying Shewmake had basically won the job! Then I hear, nah…both he and Grissom are going back to the minors fairly early (Do they do spring training right now in Gwinnett?)
V, who are they going to get from another team, thats going to be better than anyone on the roster? Shewmake is 24, want to wait starting his clock?
sigh….so confuzzled
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I think they want to see if Shewmake’s improved hitting is a fluke or not. He will be moving over to 2nd base while Grissom hones his craft at short.
We still don’t know how the outfield is going to shake out. We also don’t know who has opt outs in their minor league contracts. (Pillar)???
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I too am a bit flabbergasted by this move but I can see the reasoning. More reps at SS for Grissom and more at bats for Shewmake who will be playing 2nd base. It is all about insurance. Need guys on the taxi squad ya know.
I am surprise by Anderson being optioned but I will not be surprised to see Jesses and Jackson Stephens also assigned to Gwinnett.
Adrianza will now be the utility guy unless someone better gets DFA at the end of spring training.
AA is pretty good at getting us to look at the shinny object.
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Paul Byrd is stepping away for personal reasons, with no timetable for a return.
Bally Sports was interested in bringing back Brian Jordan, but he chose not to return in 2023.
wow again….I too really like Byrd. and V, I know you are no fan of Jordan (He got on my nerves for years, just because he wasn’t very good) but, but…I think he has worked hard on his “game” and was a lot better the last several years, IMHO.
Plus, both are 50+ (cost issues with bankrupt Bally?) and you really, really need people that , you know, have knowledge, experience.
Have we even mentioned the new guy? (can’t think of his name) I was ready to dislike him, but….he does seem to be a big braves fan, and has a good voice.
But, but….he’s a kid. A bald kid, but a kid nonetheless. So, 1st year, no 50 year olds (no 40 year olds even, unless someone else is hired-is Aussie Pete still there?)
Sure will be easy to push him, Frenchy, and the girl (man, can’t think of anyone’s name) around….
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Several new faces (aka cheap) on the broadcast. We’ll see who sticks. The first three games against the gNats I will have to watch the MASN feed.
Tom Glavin will return for around 40 home games.
I did not know he had a son (Payton) in the Nationals organization.
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Acuna is still in Miami btw. Spring break…
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He’s set to return after the off day and long bud ride day. Should be in Thursday’s lineup.
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According to DO’B, the powers that be want Grissom to get more seasoning at the SS position at AAA, and want Shewmake learning 2B. They feel Arcia can hold the position for a couple months at least. Also, this opens the door for Adrianza (no minor league options) to make the team as a backup. And given the he has the most experience at 2B, and given Ozzie’s offseason shoulder cleanup that he’s still gaining back strength from, the brain trust feels he’s the best backup IF for now. IMO, that’s the job they’re grooming Shewmake for.
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Atlanta Braves @Braves
The Braves today optioned RHP Nick Anderson, INF Vaughn Grissom, INF Braden Shewmake, OF Jordan Luplow and OF Eli White to Triple-A Gwinnett, & reassigned LHP Danny Young, C Ryan Casteel, C Joe Hudson and INF Yolmer Sánchez to minor league camp. Atlanta now has 32 players in camp
I completely overlooked Luplow and White going to Gwinnett
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I guess Tromp hasn’t made it home yet.
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So yesterday’s roster gymnastics…
If you look at who is left, it’s quite revealing. Arcia… 0 minor league options, Adrianza… 0 options, Sam Hilliard… 0 options, Kevin Pillar… 0 options, pitchers, Luetge, Jimenez and Chavez… 0 options.
Those that were all sent down had that option flexibility. The “numbers game” in real time.
But the fun has not yet ended. Of those who remain that have no minor league options remaining, Adrianza, Pillar and Chavez are non-roster invitees, and Shuster has never been added. So the team will need to find some 40-man roster spots, with just 2 open spaces at present.
There will be more maneuvering in the next 9 days for certain, so let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.
As for the SS bombshell from yesterday, I am of the opinion that everyone was indeed impressed with both Shewmake and Grissom this spring, but there are still some realities that remain.
First, spring training baseball is not regular season baseball. You can learn some things about your rookies from it, but you cannot tell how a player is actually going to hit/field against ML quality players. We know Grissom can hit, but can he field? Maybe he can, maybe not. Give the kid some more time at AAA, a place he’s never been, to get more reps. He may bully his way back to ATL in a couple of weeks, but that’s not a bad thing, is it? We know Shewmake can field, but can he hit? He hasn’t done it consistently at AAA, so why is he suddenly capable of doing it at the highest level? Give the kid some more time at AAA and see if spring was a fluke or if he has really turned the corner. It won’t take too long to see if he has.
My prediction #1: Orlando Arcia will not be the starting SS by mid-May. And if he is, we have more problems at the position than we’d like to admit.
Prediction #2: If Shewmake has indeed turned the corner with his bat, he will be the everyday SS in Atlanta, and Grissom will start learning LF in Gwinnett. After all, what other OF prospects are we looking at with Rosario’s deal up at this season’s end? I can think of alot worse than Shewmake emerging and Grissom moving to the grass. Alot worse.
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Oh, and for those keeping up with such things, Dansby has not exactly been tearing it up in the Arizona sun.
His slash line this spring in 12 games (34 PA): .071/.235/.107. That includes just 1 XBH and 12 Ks.
$177M doesn’t get you what is used to.
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I just think the braves have the mindset, hey, we don’t need to hit from SS or LF, we are the BRAVES and can just hang close then make our move. Well…the mutts have had some terrible breaks, but the Phils seem to be healthy, and are a lot better than last year….
Matt Olson, hot spring or not, is still a career .250 hitter. Still slow, so not sure how many more seeing eye singles he will get.
LF sucks. DH sucks. SS sucks (hitting wise)
I seem a gloomy Gus just cuz I don’t feel like Swanson’s loss is addressed with a light hitting SS, for some reason….this may be a 3rd place finishing team, with a slight chance of a W.C. spot…
prove me wrong guys
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I rarely notice or care about such things, but man, that’s a pretty white broadcast team!
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Gaah…ok, without his tweet
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and now 2 pics???? sigh
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Ok, that is weird….I KNOW I made a quick post on Dansby, and now I don’t see it!
So, what’s Dansby doing this spring? 2 for 28 , a .071 BA Yikes!
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Wow! That’s quite telling.
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The best promotion a team can have is winning
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I have to write some trite and pithy phrase or else WordPress will kick out the linked post.
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According to the recaps, Soroka was consistently around 95-96 with his fastball today, and highlights show his slider was knee-buckling. He also had to come off the mind to field a squibber. No issues. Good day for the comeback kid.
Speaking of good day, Arcia has launched a 3-run no-doubter.
Good times.
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… off the mound. Dang thumbs.
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I followed along on gameday and it wasn’t pretty. A bit of wildness and control problems but just throwing a baseball has to be considered a success. Now he can go to triple A and work on getting back to his norm. The Gwinnett staff has real potential.
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Here we go. We should start seeing this lineup or something very close for the rest of spring gearing up for Opening Day in a week.
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Well that’s not good!!
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Today’s game verses the Mets will be aired live on the MLB Network.
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Dude has come into camp this year relaxed and settled in. It’s gonna be a monster year for him.
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Nor have they been cheapies, not one wall scraper in the lot.
So, a 2 -2 tie but a well played ballgame. 2 1/4 hours… Very Greg Maddux like.
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Solid outing by Shuster today against a prime time line up of Mets. 2 runs on 2 hits, 2 Ks and 2 walks. Game ended in a 2-2 in 2 hrs and 8 mins. Matt hit a 2 run homer to tie the game in the 4th. Man, does he look smooth at the plate.
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I get the feeling that Acuna is jumping at the ball which is causing him to fail in making solid contact. That said, he has always tended to be a slow starter.
Dylan Dodd did not hurt his chances to make the team last night against the BoSox but likely Shuster will get the 5th starter’s spot. IMO…
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The Braves won an unusual twin bill with the A team playing at North Port and the B team playing the Twins at Destin. Identical 9-4 scores… Lots of homeruns. Good to see even though one really doesn’t know how it will play when the games count. That said, the games do count for some, those being the kids trying to make a positive impression.
Only 3 more days of spring training and then it is north to D.C. I had wanted to attend at least one of the games but I think I will stay close to home after all, Washington is not exactly my favorite place to visit.
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Hard to believe the season starts Thurs! I have not seen 1 minute of a S.T. Game. Went to record one , one night, but then we had all that rain/lightning, and the DVR recorded….1 minute.
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Pretty much all minor leaguers after the 5th inning but gives one the idea of who is trying and who is not. I watched all I could get being out of market.
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funny thing, flipped by mlbtv, actually hoping to hear predictions from their talking heards (every time I flip by, it’s a game)
I finally caught part of a game! Of course, everyone was coming out after a few innings. Charlie didn’t look too sharp in that final tune-up. Hopefully, he was working on “stuff”
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I know, I know…it’s espn…but, but…I just did a search on 2023 predictions, since I have heard none, and found this. And, it’s not behind a paywall!
Pretty interesting, Braves fans shouldn’t be too upset.
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/page/MLBmain_expertpicks/2023-mlb-predictions-playoffs-wild-cards-world-series-mvp-cy-young
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Let’s goooooo!!!
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Great move! Even if he ends up back in a utility role, he’s a valuable player. Good to see him be rewarded.
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Bowman brings the deets…
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Or the equivalent to MLB lunch money…
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And while we’re at it, I gotta say this may just point once again to a move to the OF for Grissom. He has an entire year to make the transition to the grass while Rosario plays out his deal. I can see Grissom moving to LF with some combination of Arcia/Shewmake as SS/Util. Remember, Shewmake is a lefty, so a platoon is also not out of the question. It would certainly fit together nicely.
Something else… 7 of 8 regulars are now under contract for at least 3 more years with LF appearing to have a plug-and-play option ready to be inserted. Stability baby!
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How much do you think the (pick one) Angles, Dodgers, Padres, Yankees, Phillies will be willing to offer Fried after he becomes a free agent in 2024? Do y’all think he will be traded out of the Division for a slew of prospects?
With what top flite pitchers are making, I doubt AA will re-sign for market value.
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alot? 😉
35 Mil per year for 8 years?
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The Braves ball handling was a bit suspect today but they overcame those miscues and showed their prowess with the bat scoring seven runs. Truth be told, there could have been more. So, first place, now stay there…
As for Fried, he might miss a turn but I doubt it is serious, never know however.
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Max grabbed his left Hammy! Out of the game, hopefully nothing serious.
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RE: Max Fried contract…
Max will be 30 when the 2024 season begins, which has to be taken into consideration. In this humble fan’s opinion, Max is probably looking at a 7 year deal with an option, and I’d call it closer to $30M per year AAV.
Can the Braves afford it? Well, there is money coming off the book each year going forward. Depending on their decision on Charlie Morton’s 2024 option, that could be $20M just by itself. There are also team options on Eddie Rosario (which will almost certainly be declined) and Travis d’Arnaud. Td’A’s case is quite interesting. I think the team would want to pick that up, but I also think if they had to make a hard decision in order to bring Max back, they’d lean toward the pitcher. In total, between all the options and pending FA’s, about $54M is in the balance going into 2024. And that’s just for 2024.
Each year going forward also has its share of expiring deals. Plus, the outside revenues – The Battery, playoff revenue, etc. – continue to climb.
Now… the wildcard here is that none of know what the next TV deal is going to look like. It appears the current one is about to be sent through the shredder, so it’s very possible… maybe even likely, that a new revenue stream could be opening as soon as next season.
The point of all this rambling is this: the Braves can afford to keep Max in Atlanta. The only question is whether or not it fits AA’s plan. And we all know AA has a plan. He always has a plan. I bet he even knows what he’s going to have for dinner on August 14, 2025. 😉
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Yes Vee, life is all about choices. My dad used to tell me I could have anything I wanted, the choice came down to what I was willing to give up to make it possible. Atlanta is not New York City (Thank goodness) but the point is there is only so much money to be spread around. The owner of the Mets apparently does not really care how much it cost to get what he wants where as Liberty Media always has an I on turning a profit. A tough thing to do in today’s environment.
So maybe the Angels or the Dodgers are willing to overspend but the Braves not so much. With Max going down yesterday we are reminded of how fragile a pro athlete really is. A good example is the Mets’ Verlander starts the season on the IL. $42 Million setting on the sidelines.
Think back to when the Atlanta Braves had Dale Murphy and little else. I truly want Max to stay with Atlanta but I know he will ultimately do what he believes is best for himself. I would have loved for Dansby to have stayed in Atlanta but it is really tough to leave $50 million dollars or so on the table. Folks, that is real money and more than I can even imagine. For that much money I would seriously be tempted to do a lot of things I would rather not.
So I will just set back and hope my favorite team continues to win. Then we will all have to just wait and see but my money is on the Braves developing a bevy of young talent so they can just keep the line moving.
Anyone else notice the Athletics beat the Angels last night? Muller vs Ohtani. It came down to the bullpens, who expected that? A’s won 2-1 by the way.
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I also noticed a lot of empty seats on Opening Day when some of the best, some would say the best stars in baseball were in their house. That team deserves better. Hope they’re in Las Vegas sooner than later.
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I can remember watching Braves games on WTBS when there would hardly be 5000 fans in the stadium. A lot like it’s like Miami now. Fans don’t want to watch their team lose night after night. Notice the difference between the attendance in a Georgia Tech football game and UGA. Having your side lose night after night is depressing so folks find something else to do that will make them feel better. Skip Cary used to say winning is the best promotion a team can do to boost the number fannies in the seats.
Live attendance is more than ticket revenue, it is also $10 beers and $5 hotdogs. All are profit centers. Heck, Wal Mart doesn’t sell two liter Cokes for under cost because the like losing money, they know it is a price leader to get the folks in the door so they will buy other stuff. Free Market baby… got to love it…
However, the A’s have lots of other good reasons to abandon Oakland beside a descripted stadium.
As for Vegas, I would hope the would have the good sense to build a domed stadium. No, it won’t rain but it is ungodly hot.
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Gotta love the Fish, took down the Mutts 2-1 last night.
It is rainy this morning but expected to clear up around noon leaving warm weather and really gusty wind conditions. Today’s game is at 4 PM.
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Robbie Grossman hit a game tying 3 run homer for the Rangers the other night (I do wish we had kept him) and Dansby went 3 for 4 in Cubs debut.
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7th inning and Braves up 7-0. Nick Anderson now pitching for the Braves.
4 dingers so far, 2 by Olson who brought his spring training swing north with him.
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Local classic car cruise started today, so went there same time game took place. Too bad, sounds like a fun game!
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Today’s game was lost in the first inning. I hate it when a pitcher is afraid to throw strikes.
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Ian Anderson got bombed today. Gave up three homeruns, Did not get out of the first inning.
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saw the game today!
sorry
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Over due in my opinion
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I guess a new lead is in order, will try to get one done this week.
Currently enjoying the Mets vs Brewers on MLB TV. Bottom of 8th Milwaukie 10 Mets 0… Bryse Wilson came in with the bases loaded in the top of the eight induced Alonso to fly out weakly to right. Mets have thrown in the towel, they have Gillorme pitching for Mets. Sadly, he did better than Shuster did yesterday… Just saying.
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Two former Braves making up the battery for the Brew Crew, Bryse Wilson pitching, William Contras catching.
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“Despite rocky start, Shuster’s debut ‘a dream'” headline on MLB… Well, a nightmare is a sort of a dream by definition but I digress.
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Win! Yay!
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A coup[le of observations of last night’s win over the Cardinals: 1. I thought Charlie looked good despite giving up 3 runs. His curve ball was a bit iffy at times but his fastball was excellent. The strike zone was sort of all over the place too. The third strike called on Matt Olson in the first inning was 6 inches off the plate inside.
2. The “wall scraper” that Ozzie hit out in the second inning would have been a upper deck shot at Yankee Stadium… Just saying…
3. Reliever Nick Anderson looked superb in the two (1.2) innings of work put in last night. Amazing they were going to send him down to Gwinnett at the end of spring training. He looks really polished. McHugh not so much. A.J. Minter did well “closing” out the game as well.
4. I love the pitch clock, game was over in 2hrs 46min despite 12 runs and 6 pitching changes. It is also noticeable the difference between 15 sec and 20 sec with men on base.
Dylan Dodd makes his debut tonight, the tell will be if he can stay in the strike zone with his pitches. I don’t expect a shutout but it will be nice if he can prevent walks ahead of the homerun ball tonight. I hate walks… Just saying.
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Dodd looked a little shaky at the start of the game but a double play and he calmed down and is now cruising.
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Really strong effort by the young rookie left hander tonight. Able to work out of trouble and the defense behind him put on a clinic. I do love it when a plan comes together…
The Braves use of the long ball is telling too. Austin with a two run shot in the first and Arcia adding a solo shot in the third. d’Arnaud maintained his hot bat going 3 for 4 with 2 singles and a double and an RBI. with 12 hits everyone not named Olson contributed to the offense but Olson did contribute with his glove.
The good thing is it does not have to be the same guy every night, and hitting appears to be contagious. This team is sky high right now… That said, it’s early days but that does not make it any less fun especially with the Brewers kicking the Mets butts the last two nights.
1 o’clock game Wednesday, will be televised on the MLB channel. GO BARVES! 😉
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Win again! Yay! I don’t know why WordPress is treating me so shabbily right now, but it still will not let me click the “like” heart. When I do, the heart literally fades off my screen. And it does it on both my phone and my desktop. It’s personal.
Just assume that I click “like” on every post.
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Just as long as you like winning we’re good…
I read where young Michael Soroka put in a solid effort last night in Norfolk. Good, the Braves
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I think I am going to dub Bryse Elder ‘Old Fooler’… A collection of junk that may or may not be in the strike zone but somehow results in swings and misses or at ’em balls. 6 innings, 2 hits, 3 balls and 6Ks…zero runs. No matter how it’s down however an excellent line.
The top of the line up did it on offense today. While Matt Olson had 4 strikeouts yesterday, he redeemed himself with 2 double (both driving in Acuna from first) and a solo home run. A good week for some players. He also started a nifty 3-6-3 double play and had an unassisted DP in the 8th.
Home opener for Los Bravos Thursday against the Padres. game time 7:20PM
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Note: first three games against the Padres are sold out.
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Its really been an amazing start to the season eh?
hope the rain holds off!
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https://twitter.com/kademcc/status/1643826385788731392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1643826385788731392%7Ctwgr%5E7d72d7cef91c1070a80712d17659d0ebcaf2c32b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.espn.com%2Fmlb%2F
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I was wondering if the Braves were going to have a bullpen game.
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One has to believe this was the Braves plan all along. I guess McHugh is taking one for the team.
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I haven’t jumped ship, guys. Been in a pretty tough patch lately and have barely gotten online, except a bit on my little Kindle, which is limited in capability. Will be back when able. ❤
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Ar-see-you-later… New Braves broadcaster coined that one after Braves shortstop, Orlando Arcia, drove a home run to left field in the 3rd inning of last night’s game. He also had a double and drove in the winning run in the 9th. A pretty good week for most players. He has been making the plays and providing stellar defense this past week. Almost makes you say Dansby who.
Okay, I still miss Dansby and Freddie but this is big boy sports and guys have to do what’s right for them and their families. I get it. I think we all have left a job we love to meet other obligations.
Shuster gets a do over tonight against the Padres. I hope the guys bring their bats…
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CL, so sorry about what you are going through! Pray healing will occur soon!
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The guys seemed a little flat last night. They had their chances but failed to get the big hit. PS I hate Apple TV BOOOOOO!
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Two things drive me nuts: 1. Out pitchers walking opposing batters 2. Our batters striking out…
One thing for sure, the Braves missed having d’Arnaud’s bat in the four hole last night.
To be honest, I did not have the Braves in the win column last night going in. I think Shuster has great potential but walking guys early is like a death sentence for a rookie. They get to thinking about it too much plus umpires get stingier with their strike zone.
Tonight’s game is on FOX.
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the more games I watch….
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Wow, in my defense, It was already 4-0 when I put the game on. Thank goodness Tatis Jr isn’t there, and we were at home….otherwise, we might have lost 3 out of 4 games! (assuming they have lost this one)
and it’s ESPU ugh. Just unwatchable, so in a way, glad it’s not close.
Hope this is a wake up call for the team. Don’t get too full of yourself after 5 good games….
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So Ber, you are saying it is back to reality?
DD’s start Sunday night reminded us that expectations for a rookie Number 5 is one good start in every three. So many things still to learn.
The absence of d’Arnaud and Harris is really telling. Relying on Ozuna is a fool’s arrent.
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And yet still ahead of the rest of the NL East.
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It was a brutal weekend in baseball. Boston’s Adam DuVal suffers a broken wrist and the Pirates Oneil Cruz fractures his ankle on a play at the plate.
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poor Adam has the worst luck! 😦
he was really on a roll…”He was hitting .455 with AL-tying best four homers and 14 RBI in eight games through Sunday.”
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wow, really was ready to burn the team, I mean the Reds, I don’t know anyone on the team outside of India, and they almost won the game. But, all is good, Sean Murphy is finally a brave 😉
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Wright coming up tonight, who gets sent down? Shuster or Dodd? Or the one guy who has been effective, or Elder because he pitched last night…
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Asked and answered: LHP Dylan Dodd was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett following last night’s game.
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will be watching to see how Soroka fares tonight.
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Tough break for Ian Anderson. Hopefully this setback can become an opportunity for a reset for the kid. I still believe he has the talent in his arm. Can he dial in the mental side now? If a guy can get through TJ rehab, he ought to have a toughened psyche.
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Or his psyche gets toughened, perhaps a difference without a distinction.
At least we now know what likely has been his problem. I venture he either kept the problem to himself or did not know the symptoms of his malady.
Didn’t Tonkin shine last night? Can’t say the same for Jimenez I fear but Dylan Lee and Anderson performed admiringly.
Braves go for the sweep tonight with Strider toeing the rubber for the Braves. Not a guarantee but does give the team a better chance to win.
That said, the Reds do not look to be a bad team. There is some talent in their line up.
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That said, the Reds do not look to be a bad team. There is some talent in their line up.
Yup
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Today’s question: Will Orlando Arcia require a trip to the IL after taking a 98-mph fastball to the wrist? Fortunately x-rays showed no broken bones. But you can’t take that kind of shot with no residual effect. I’ve heard no news on it yet.
Vaughn Grissom at AAA 10 games: .366/.458/.585; 48 PA, 1 HR, 2 2B, 2 3B, 6 BB, 4 K, 2 SB.
I know Orlando doesn’t want to be Wally Pipped. He says “NO” to the IL. Snit says they’ll decide today on the travel day, but sounded like he was leaning against.
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My initial reaction was it was broken, X-rays say no but I’ll bet there is a heck of a bone bruise. It will be sore for a while. AKA… weak swings
Watching Strider pitch last night I was thinking to myself: Self, Strider is not throwing his fastball, just weak ass sliders that aren’t fooling anyone.
Thank goodness Kranick lit a fire under his a**. Don’t want to wear yourself out, learn to pitch to soft contact, not sit it on a tee…
Ozuna sucks. His swing plane is the same place no matter what the pitch, occasionally a pitcher hits his bat. It is the old “swing hard in case you hit it” approach. I can understand why the Braves don’t want to ditch him but this is just sad now.
I saw where Luplow was called up to Toronto. I wondered if he had been picked up by anyone after the Braves DNAed him last week.
Off day today, good, now I can catch up on all the shows I have recorded this week.
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Well, upon further inspection (a/k/a MRI), Arcia indeed has a “micro-fracture“ in his wrist. He will be on the shelf for a while. I’m expecting Grissom, but we know our bosses work in mysterious ways.
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Telling…
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To be honest, I am not surprised Arcia’s wrist is fractured. The impact was loud and a direct hit. For sure it was going to be really sore for weeks. Now get the infrared lamps out to promote blood flow and it might heal in 4 weeks but the real risk is if it is hit again before it completely heals.
Don’t anyone be shocked if the Braves to make a trade. Pretty early however for that to happen.
Too bad it wasn’t Ozuna who was plunked. I am noticing his bat swing path is nearly identical to that of Roserio’s last year when he had vision problems. At this point, he is a black hole in the line up no matter where he is batting. I accept some of the responsibility for the Braves signing him because I was among the clamoring din for the Braves to sign him two years ago.
No one will be willing to trade for him, other teams will wait until he clears waivers and pay minimum if the Braves a lucky to get anything at all.
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Don’t anyone be shocked if the Braves to make a trade. Pretty early however for that to happen.
Those 2 thoughts went through my mind immediately after I heard about the microfracture. (Unspoken truth: Yes, Orlando Arcia is a very good ML SS. And he had gotten off to a very strong start. But if the Braves were 100% confident in Vaughn Grissom’s defense, Grissom would have left camp as the team’s starter.)
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Here is an unspoken truth: Yo would never want Braden Shewmake’s and Marcel Ozuna’s bat in the same line up.
Heck, I don’t even want Ozuna’s bat in the line up by himself.
Speaking of witch: I watched the last inning of the Phillies/Reds game last night. Trea Turner swung at a ball that was at least 2 feet outside of the strike zone for the final out… Talk about guessing… He looked really tired by the way. Losing will do that to you methinks.
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Officially official.
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“They probably can’t play defense, so …‚” he said. “I don’t listen to sheep, know what I’m saying? If Wash (third-base coach Ron Washington) was telling me those things, I’d listen and read it. It might mean something to me. But a bunch of people who’ve probably never played baseball or didn’t make the baseball team, ended up writers or whatever it is they’re doing.
Vaugnh Grissom on his opinion of his critics of his defensive prowess at shortstop.
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good for him!
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Braves brought their boom sticks to Kansas City tonight.
Grissom had his adventures tonight but as long as you drive in more than you let in we’re good.
Bryce Elder starts tonight I think.
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I really wished they had shown Matt Olson covering, or not covering 1st til late, in the 1st. Telling me that Grissom had to assume/know to throw to 1st without the guy there, isn’t very helpful. The other one was on Charlie. (who still doesn’t look very good to me, or looks a lot like the guy from last year.)
But yes, bats in force!
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Happy Birthday Gil!!!
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thank you Vee.. now if the Braves can just win this game. 🙂
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Bryce Elder is a gem. Not your typical flame thrower who can blow a 98 mph fastball by a hitter but he truly is an artist with a baseball. While not quite Greg Maddox, he is much more Maddoxesk than Randy Johnson like in his pitching prowess.
Yester day he gave up two runs in his 5 1/3 innings in Kansas City which are by the way the first runs he has yielded in three games since his call up. As long as he continues to pitch well, he will remain in the line up IMO.
Now, if the Braves will just make the decision to bite the bullet and DNF Ozuna, this team can really soar.
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Gotta feel like Elder has wrested the 5th starter job back from Jared Shuster and Dylan Dodd.
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Agreed, look for them to try and hone their skills in triple A for a couple of months. I also don’t think the Braves will demote Elder for the sake of promoting Soroka. Will wait until the next arm gives out. Besides, Soroka needs to demonstrate the ability to throw more than 65 pitches in a game.
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I wouldn’t be surprised to see Soroka as a swing man either. I think there is concern from both his and the team as to how far he can go in games. The bubble gum and paper clips holding his foot on can only take so much.
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I worry about him too. There are so many moving parts to go wrong. Well, can’t leave him on the shelf but so long and I am pretty sure a tired arm or two will happen this spring/summer.
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Great line I saw on Twitter yesterday: Q. Who bats after Ozuna? A. The other team…
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Gil, man…sorry didn’t see a notification that it was your birthday yesterday! Hope it was a good one!
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No problem Ber, I plan to have another next year… 🙂
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Sounds about right to me.
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After watching the Brewers a couple of times this week, I think they are underrated. Maybe not number two but better than number six. I also think MLB has a heavy bias towards the American League. The Yanks are good but not that much better than the Orioles. Just saying…
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Still haven’t got around to a new lead yet, life keeps getting in the way. I did get most of my grass cut however….
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I still cannot “like” any posts. Whether I’m on my desktop, laptop, or phone, the little star thingie just fades away when I click it. Sadness.
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Word press can be very weird sometimes. I think they was us to pay for it or something…. Like that is going to happen… LOL
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I hate west coast games, they screw up my sleep pattern something awful.
After all those 8 run games, a 2-0 game was a surprise. Guess which inning I missed… Yep, that one. Fried wasn’t unhittable but he was good enough. Wide strike zone last night. The Umps must have been in a hurry for fish tacos.
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V, sorry about that! I had the very same issue with Facebook at one time….either I could not leave a like, or…only a like, and not a ha-ha/love/sad/mad emoji. But that did eventually go away.
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8-1 and it was not that close, the ump’s strike zone tonight was a tight as last night’s strike zone was loose.
At what point does AA cut bait on Ozuna?
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This team is just fun to watch. And they’re not even fully healthy!! Just imagine if Money Mikey were out there in the field with the rest. Remember when we were wondering when they’d acquire an OF better than Kevin Pillar and Sam Hilliard? Uh… apologies to those two. They are major league players, even if they aren’t the regular starters. Another tip of the cap to Alex. Why do we ever doubt him?
Ozuna? Well, nobody’s perfect.
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If I were in the conference room making suggestions, I’d offer up that Ozuna leaves when Travis d’Arnaud returns. Not only is Travis a capable DH, those nasty concussions are of particular concern and limiting his duties behind the plate might just be the healthiest decision for him going forward. Did Alex hit a home run with the Sean Murphy trade that seemed unfathomable at the time? Prophet star for Alex. Another one. He has quite a collection of them.
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The longer this goes, the more I believe that keeping Ozuna in the line up is some sort of revenge by AA on all the fans who clamored for him to sign Ozuna in the first place.
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LOL, Gil you may be right! I feel I was the biggest fan of resigning him….It just pained me to lose him….oh well…oh well..
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Imagine that I have “liked” this post. I’m prohibited from doing so, but my heart’s in it.
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V, you are right, a very fun team to watch right now!
Hillard made a great catch over the fence today as well….nothing from his past showed this talent….
Did ya know (heard during KC broadcast) Hillard is the fastest brave?
And that Bobby Witt Jr is the fastest player in baseball? Knock me over with a feather.
Imagine, if we …as a…group….could have some pride in those facts? But, that would be….wrong
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Just could not get the crucial run across today. the bats must have been tired.
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The D-backs just DFA’d Madison Bumgarner. The club owes him $23M in 2023 and $14M in 2024.
Wonder if Alex is watching? cough, cough Ozuna cough
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Gil, the bats must have been tired for 2 days. scoring 2 runs in 2 games, nice to win one of them.
And when you mentioned MadBum being released, for a nanosec, I was afraid you were thinking we take a flyer on him….he was so po’ed one of the catching bros (Man, can’t think of…oh W. Contreas on the cards) swung hard and fouled it right back and said, Ohhh…like just missed it. Well M.B. if you hadn’t been so stupid as do ride a dirtbike recklessly, and mess up your shoulder, you might still be able to get folks out. flat out stole moola from the D’backs…
but yeah, lets DFA Ozuna….take the very rare L A.A.
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We have a couple of guys that are going to have to come back soon, being Michael Harris II and Travis d’Arnaud. Who’s going away to make room? Sam Hilliard? Are you kidding? Kevin Pillar? He actually plays a pretty solid role on the team in LF, either as a platoon partner for Eddie Rosario or as a defensive replacement. There’s a case to be made for Eli White to be sent to AAA, and that’s OK. But that only accounts for 1. Hilliard has no options left. Pillar is a veteran.
I suppose that backup C Chadwick Tromp seems like the obvious choice to be optioned upon d’Arnaud’s return, but Travis’ current concussion is his 4th. Let me repeat that… it’s his fourth. Yes, he is a top tier receiver who calls and frames as good as anyone. But at this stage, and with Sean Murphy in the fold long term, Travis is more valued for his bat. I say make him the primary DH.
If I was in charge, Travis would be my primary DH, Pillar and Eddie would platoon in LF, and Hilliard would be my first guy off the bench. And Tromp would be my BUC.
Ozuna would go away. Maybe to Japan. Or just to the house. I really do not care as long as it’s away from Truist Park.
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Got a lot of love for all y’all. Come to the other spot. Both spots are dying. Let’s die together.
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Hey, Steve!! LONG time no hear from! Nah, we ain’t goin’ anywhere. We’ll be right here. Would love to have you back with us! Take care, my friend!
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V, I didn’t know it was Trevor’s 4th…wow…a bit of a problem though. I looked up how many games Murphy caught last year…116. Which was one of the highest totals…so, are we good with Tromp catching 40+ games a year? hmmm.
I sure “love” Apple+ games…oh well, at least it was a loss I missed…
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https://twitter.com/michael_schlact/status/1650705279409967106
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Hey Gil, V , everything ok with you guys????
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yes, just being lazy Ber. Being old means you don’t really have to lie about it any longer. 🙂 Was a little bummed after getting swept by the Strohs. Elder pitching well tonight. A couple of solo homers but at least he isn’t walking guys.
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Obligatory words so that WP doesn’t eat the link.
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*Clicks “Like”… watches heart fade away… shakes head…”
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Please disregard ⇧
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Clicks “Like”… watches star fade away… shakes head…
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so very odd!
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Well, AJ blew another one. Me thinks his arm is tired as the Braves snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. I look for Iglesias soon.
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I hope his arm is ok. I missed the game, but in the “highlights” I saw one 96 MPH pitch, but then I saw some mid upper 80s, hoping they were all breaking pitches
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The real problem appeared to be location. Too many fast balls middle/middle.
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What he said.
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Wow. You gotta be kidding me. 🙄
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Tonight’s game verses the Mets was short but sweet. With the rain looming, the Braves pushed across 4 runs in the top of the 5th with Acuna driving in the winning run and Matt Olson breaking out of his doldrums and crushing a 3 run homer 461 feet (revised from the original estimate of 431) to make a winner out of Max Fried who pitched 5 scoreless innings in miserable conditions in New York.
Lefty David Peterson matched Fried for the first 4 innings but faltered in the 5th. After Fried shut down the Mets in the bottom of the fifth the umps called for a delay as the infield was becoming a lake and the game became official with the completion of five innings.
With rain forecasted for the next two days in the New York area it is doubtful the games will be played this weekend but things look promising for Monday. The Mets will likely get to face a fresh Spencer Strider in Monday’s game.
It would be possible the Braves could play a late game Sunday if the rain clears out in time but the area is expected to get up to 3 plus inches of rain this weekend.
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Twin bill today beginning at 1:10 PM. Will be sunny and cool.
Young Soroka got shelled Saturday by Buffalo but then again, Almost all the Gwinnett pitchers were rocked this past week.
We will have to wait and see how the Braves handle the need for an extra started next weekend.
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Well, put game one on and we were up 6-1, almost ruined the game for us, but won 9-8…
missed game 2, which we lost….not sure they could lose when I wasn’t watching! 😉
Sure hope Acuna is ok, never seen a ball hit a shoulder and just deflect that hard before…
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It looked very intentional to me.
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Well, on a selfish note, I feel like one of the last vestiges of my childhood disappeared with the death of the great Mike Shannon. Just loved his rough, but with a smile in it voice.
He and Jack Buck were magic together, I hope you all at some point heard them on the radio…..How I’d love to hear a complete game of theirs from, say 1978….
Rest in Peace Mr Shannon…..
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Last night’s performance by Bryce Elder was magnificent. Every time I see him pitch I am amazed at how good he really is. Nothing fancy, just nothing straight. Different speeds, everything just drops out of sight as it reaches the plate. Very Maddux like if you ask me except Maddux also went side to side. Not a big strikeout guy but he does strike people out.
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V, he’s reminding me more and more of Logan Webb of the Giants. At first glance, you think he’s just ok, a 5th starter, but really looks good out there (and pitching well, with an ump calling pitches 2 inches outside strikes, is a winning combo 😉 )
And thank goodness the Marlins Manager didn’t have anyone warming up til his pitcher (first game back since 2020?) had 4 walks…thanks man!
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Gil I meant 😳
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We look alike… LOL
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The good news: Braves win in a blow out tonight with 6 homers and 14 runs, Ozuna 3-5 with a grand slam, a solo shot and a single.
The bad news: Wright to go on the DL with shoulder soreness, he left after 2 innings.
Dylan Dodd called up to replace him for Thursday’s game. Depending on how he does, I may well stay for a while. The rainouts in New York kind of screwed up the rotation alignment.
Fried Friday and Strider Saturday.
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4 o’clock game today
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Thanks Gil….man, odd time!
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I guess they want to beat the rush of the big crowds… 🙂
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Vaughn Grissom is looking more and more like next year’s LF.
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Looking ahead at the schedule for the rest of May, we should all get a very good idea of how good this edition of the Atlanta Braves really is. It will be a hard row to hoe but then again the Braves have always seemed to play up to their level of competion.
This weekend TV schedule: Tonight Bailey’s, Saturday Big Fox, likely a blackout for you Georgians and Sunday Paramount, streamed … also 11:30 AM game… WHAT?
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Paramount now stealing games we can see? Good grief
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Interesting that Shewmake is coming up. Vaughn’s bat hasn’t exactly made us overlook his defensive, er… clunkiness. I’m betting Shewmake gets a start or 3 while he’s here. And who knows..? If he shows he can hit enough and provide that plus glove he’s known to have, well somebody has to hit 9th. Just sayin’.
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Well, that was fugly…
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The way Max threw to 1st, he might be the left fielder next year 😉
And Ozuna hit 3 homers in Miami, so apparently, he’s bought himself another month or so….dude still can’t play left, and after tonight is hitting .147 (But his OBP is .256, totally worth keeping Trevor, or Eddie on the bench right?)
….but Vaughn is the guy that you can’t have out there every day? Lets see 18 games since being called up and he’s still….22, but we need to panic and bring someone else up to make Vaughn even more self conscious about his defense?
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Braves win 5-4 and the earth has returned to it’s proper rotation and orbit.
Sorry, but as much as I love Vaughn Grissom, he is just not ready to play shortstop in the majors. The Braves need to make a hard decision. Continue his internship at triple A at short or switch him to the outfield. Just saying
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The #Braves today reinstated INF Orlando Arcia from the injured list. The club optioned INF Vaughn Grissom to Triple-A Gwinnett following last night’s game.
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Watching today’s game, you realize that Arcia is head and shoulders over Grissom at short. I like Vaughn but way too many plays not made and errant throws. Go back to Triple A and hone those skills young man…
It was a really good game today made better by the Braves winning. Acuna made two terrific plays in the outfield, the latest being an assist to nail a base runner at third.
Another strong outing by Bryce Elder also.
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It’s so weird to watch the star just fade off the page in disrespectful defiance…
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???
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Anytime there’s an issue that’s related to forearm, I have PTSD flashbacks to Mike Hampton. 😱
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I suspected it would be an arm related issue. I know when I had issues with my elcow, it was my forearm which flared up first. I am surprised the Braves did not recall Dylan Dodd.
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They probably will when the time comes for a starter. With Monday’s off day another breather on Thursday, they won’t necessarily need a 5th starter right away unless they want to give an extra day’s rest to Charlie after last night’s effort. And even then they can keep the extra reliever for a few more games.
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elcow??? elbow…
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YIKES! No good
Elcows are not to be trifled with
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V, did a little searching…of course this was back in 2018 and with Apple products (do you use apple?) Also, can you click like of FB ok? (I know they are not owned by fb just curious)
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No problems with any other site, just WP. It just has it out for me. 😁
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oh boy….
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/05/kyle-wright-expecting-to-miss-significant-time.html#respond
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Watching the gNats take down the Giants this afternoon, they are getting much better start by their pitching staff. Their bullpen is still a Chinese fire drill but then again most stressed bullpens are.
Do not be shocked if they take the series against the Mets this weekend.
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The Reds sink the Mets 5-0 today
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Thanks for the shout, CL. And. I’m sorry. I know I’m crossing the line. Yet, please. Y’all are the best part of the thing.
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Whatever side of the line you’re on is “our” side, my friend! You’re welcome here ANY time, all the time. You’re missed.
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Catching up on the late games I watched the 8th & 9th inning of the Rays dumping on the Yankees. The Rays are loaded this year. I also caught the A’s vs Rangers. game. Nathan Eovldi pitch a great game going 8 1/3 shutting out the A’s 4-0. Sometimes you just have to check out the other teams to see what they have to offer.
Strider pitches tonight for the Bravos in Toronto.
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Hey Steve (still bay area?) Can you still keep up with the braves games?
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Gil, agreed….amazing how good the Rays are….still don’t know most of their players
I think that is the 3rd great start in a row by Nathan Eovldi. Guessing the Red Sox are wishing they hadn’t let him walk
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caught the game last night, wasted a great outing from Strider.
Luckily, I missed the game today. scoring 4 runs in 3 games , explains 3 straight losses.
I thought Olson was doing pretty good (11 HRs and 29 RBIs are great)but, check this out. .233 BA, last 30 days, .207 BA (.343 OBP)
Riley .240 6 HR’s 18 RBI’s . Last 30 days? .192 BA UGH!
Ozzie, I thought he was still hot. .269 for the season 9 HRs 27 RBIs. But, 2 for his last 20 AB’s with 1 RBI.
Harris, 6 for his last 30 (.200)
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Yep, some serious chinks in the armor is evident
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AAUUUUUGGGGHHHH!!!!
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Happy Mother’s Day Margie
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Thank you, Chief! My baby girl makes every day Mother’s Day for me. It’s so thoughtful of you to think of me! 🙂
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Lost weekend north of the border. Not much left to say about that but that it sucked and they get to move on to TEX. No small task there either.
Why is the bullpen suddenly a liability? I think they’re still just as talented, but it would almost appear the loss of Max Fried and Kyle Wright have had a ripple effect on the rest of the team. I mean seriously… dropping balls in the OF with stud defenders out in the grass? That’s not a physical problem, it’s a mental problem.
As for the depleted rotation, there aren’t any outside fixes to come in and give the team a shot in the arm. This has to be addressed internally with someone who can step up and make the most of an opportunity. Will it be Dylan Dodd? Jared Shuster? Mike, er… Michael Soroka? It’s not looking like Soroka is ready. And it’s not looking like the organization is trying to line up Shuster’s or Dodd’s AAA starts to match the holes in the ML rotation. One has to assume that Alex & Co. know what they’re doing, but it’s not evident to the rest of us.
This is the proverbial rough patch, and this team better find a way to navigate through it. Maxey is out for a while, and Kyle is out for even longer. Surely Alex will seek help at or near the trade deadline, but this is just May and there’s a lot of baseball to be played before teams will start dangling pieces. And even when that time comes, what does Alex have to offer? It’s at this point I’ll caution we Braves fans to not get too attached to Vaughn Grissom. Or Braden Shewmake. Or Jared Shuster. Or Dylan Dodd. Or AJ Shawver-Smith.
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Generally, it takes quality to get quality. I must say I am befuddled at the Braves continued use of bullpen games because it weakens the bullpen in the long run.
It is too bad Strider is needed as a starter because he profiles as a number one closer IMO.
On the ineptitude of the Braves fielders Sunday, I kept waiting for the circus music to cue up. It was brutal to watch.
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V, I can give you a few reasons the bullpen is so-so right now, like Gil said, overuse (2 out of 4 bullpen games? Dodd or Schuster could go 4 innings and give up 4-5 runs just like the bullpen, only those bullpen arms could come in later) and we have way too many soft tossers…McHugh and Jesse , in the same game? watching them tossing the ball 4-5 inches outside (partly since the ump was terrible and did call 2 inches outside/high strikes) cuz they were rightly scared of their big bruisers was almost as painful as the terrible defense was….
I am worried about another guy that was a soft tosser yesterday…Iglesias. I think 93 MPH was his top fastball. Yikes. First time I have caught him this year. Was his fastball any better in earlier games? I know it was better than that last year.
did you all see that Jansen now magically has a 98, 99 MPH fastball? Would love to know how after 400 saves, he’s got that now, but good for him….
we are so very lucky the Mutts and Phils have been so very bad so far…like the braves they have all had terrible injuries to deal with…
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Okay Braves, the eyes of Texas are upon you… Say what? Black eyes? Okie dokie, that is a little more like it. Braves hit 5 two run homers and Charlie Morton pitched a gem going 6 2/3 with 10 Ks… Danny Young, Snits current go to guy, finished it out preserving a 12-0 shutout.
Normally I would say save some for tomorrow but I going with get ’em while you can.
Tuesday’s starter for the Braves has not yet been announced but I can’t see the Braves burning out their bullpen so early in the season. Shades of Bobby Cox wearing out bullpen arms.
Oh by the way, as I suggested, gNats take the series from the Mets who are circling the drain right now. Watch out, the gNats are gaining confidence. Not that I think they can sustain it but ya never know. The difference with most major league teams being competitive has always been the pitching.
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Shuster will come up from Triple A to start Tuesday
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that was more like it! 4 2 run homers! (and….Ozuna’s 2 run homer…off a catcher pitching)
Gil, glad to hear he is….crazy they didn’t do it sooner…
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A couple of quick observations from my perch here in the Athens-Clarke County courthouse (where m working, not being processed):
First, all teams will go through stretches like the Braves last few games over the course of a 162 game season, but few will break out of it with the type performance in which the Braves reasserted themselves as one of the elite teams in MLB.
Second, Charlie Morton still has it, and the team really needed it yesterday.
Third, I think we can see why Orlando Arcia won the SS competition.
Fourth, this team is trampling opponents while Matt Olson and Austin Riley are struggling.
Fifth, Marcell Ozuna appears to be seeing the ball better. He doesn’t look like he’s chasing as much, and while it’s not translating into a 5 hit game yet, the contact rate has definitely improved.
Sixth, I need to get back to work.
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We really miss your daily input here at the ol’ BS…
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yep!
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Too little, too late last night. I thought Jared Shuster gave them a chance. And I think he earned another start.
But the most noteworthy event of yesterday happened off the field. Top prospect RHP AJ Smith-Shawver, who was recently promoted to AA, has been bumped again. After starting the season with 3 dominant scoreless starts at high-A Rome, AJSS continued his stingy success in 2 starts for Mississippi. Now he’ll make his next start for the AAA Stripers. Still, a 0.00 ERA through 5 starts is pretty impressive at any level.
But the point is that the kid has pitched his way onto the fast track. But I nlike the previously fast tracked Spencer Strider, who was drafted after a successful college career, AJSS is just 20 years old and was drafted out of HS in the June ‘21 draft. He’s truly just a kid.
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Yes, I agree that Schuster looked pretty good. A hic up in the 4th inning and not exactly sure what happened. Loss of focus, tired? Oh well, get them next time.
Awful young to be stress too much too early. Never forget Mark “The Bird” Fydrich or Kerry Wood…
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Eddie, Eddie
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Well, now, that was more like it eh? (closed all tabs, and yet still typing is showing up a beat behind, I am not a fast typer)
I hear crowds gasp when Ronald hits a homer, it must be really loud in person!
Stay healthy young man!
I saw 96 MPH from Iglesias , that’s more like it!
Funny, just felt like we were going to ultimately lose the game….nice to be very wrong about that.
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Did ya know Dereck Rodríguez was Pudge’s son? I didn’t . He also was great his rookie year of 2018? (6-4 2.81 ERA in 19 starts) then terrible ever since.
Did ya know , that 2 of the possibly best SS’s the last decade or so, are NOT playing in the majors this year? José Iglesias hit .292 in COL last year, but I guess wanted a starting role? He’s playing for the Pads in AAA
and Andrelton Simmons….isn’t playing anywhere this year….
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Orlando seems to be doing pretty dang good. AA says they made an adjustment to his mechanics. It. Seems to have worked.
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OK then. I didn’t see that one coming. I suppose I didn’t realize Adrianza’s injury was that bad. Or… is it? He’s still getting paid, right? Just sayin’.
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Ugh. More shoulder inflammation. Seems to be catching. And I’m not that impressed with Luetge. I hope he proves me wrong.
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Have you all heard the theory that the pitch clock, might, just might be the cause of so many shoulder and elbow issues with pitchers?
That would be a real shame, for many reasons…but something to consider.
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“like”
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Nice game by Shuster today, he had a really strong mound presence. He looked really sharp in his delivery. he added velocity to all his pitches. Just saying…
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F.F. is pretty good….and is a lot faster than Olson…somehow 😉
our bullpen looks pretty bad….shades of the homeboy upstairs, thinking any old guys can fill out the pen…methinks some trades for arms will be the top priority come trade time
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Michael Harris is “hitting” .148 for the month of May…hit .191 in April…hmmm, knee? being only 22????
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yay!
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About last night… Whew! It is a whole lot more fun following a win than getting blown out. The Dodgers take 2 of 3 but that 3 is no longer a deal breaker. Elder with another Maddux like effort. Except for Mookie Betts, he pretty much kept the ball off the Dodger bats sweet spots.
Dylan Dodd will be recalled to start tonight’s game vs the Phillies. Don’t know who will be optioned at this point. Quick, somebody develop a limp…
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Yeah, those previous games were…not fun ones to watch. Glad they were able to win 1….MK ll at least got a hit last night, but I feel like it’s Frenchy all over again…leave him out for more than a day!
and while I’m…..complaining…I feel like a traitor to the braves…I mean, it’s swell Ozuna is hitting, but he’s the least useful player on the team. He can’t fill in at 1st or in LF, he is only a DH. He’s keeping Pillar , Travis, Eddie, from getting regular A.B’s there and even Murphy from getting a day off but keep his bat in .
I know, I know, he’s been a big part of the success in May, but what happens if/when he goes cold in June? will AA ever swallow his pride about Ozuna?
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Translation: Tonkin has had to cover a lot of innings lately and can use a rest.
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Sure Ozuna, show me up like that 😉
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LOL
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Tonight’s game was lost by the Braves in the second inning when they failed to score with men on 2nd and 3rd with no outs. Huge momentum swing. Base running blunders always seem to rear their ugly heads with Atlanta.
Maybe Snit should have let Shuster try and get the third out in the 6th inning. Just saying…
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I have a question: Who fixed Ozuna’s swing??? Who can the Braves get to coach his base running skills…
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Last night’s game was a bullpen game for the Phillies, the Braves took full advantage. A bad pitcher allows an opposing team to fatten up their stats.
Mike Soroka makes his return to the Show tonight in Oakland, surely not before he was needed. 8 o’clock game time for we folks on the right coast. Hopefully the Braves saved some offense for tonight. I hope they are not jet lagged from their trip across country.
Here is hoping the Phillies bats get well against the Mets tonight.
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If I were the Braves GM, Lucas Luetge would never throw another pitch in a Braves uniform.
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I cannot disagree Vee…
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The light at the end of the tunnel just got promoted…
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Gil, glad there is some good news out there. If one of us had bet on the then 10 and 45 A’s beating the braves 2 games in a row, that person would be Bill Gates rich.
And the sooner they leave that horrid place/park the better. Ugh…reminds me of Expos games
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Arriving in Oaktown at 6am ET Monday after a Sunday night game and cross country flight, it’s a wonder they even looked like a ML team at all on Monday night. Tom Glavine said yesterday prior to last night’s loss that the 2nd day after a West Coast flight was the worst for him. Those aren’t excuses because that is a professional sports team, but it can’t be dismissed as a contributing factor to the malaise.
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Arcia the last 15 days , .245, 288.
last 7, .208 , 0 RBI’s. Is he returning to earth, or just a temporary slump?
Ozzie last 15 days, 0 HR’s 4 RBI’s and .208
Olson has some crazy stats…17 HR’s 42 RBIs , .238 BA , and 74 strikeouts!
He projects to have a …50 HR, 124 RBI season with 218 strikeouts.
Would it be wrong to mention FF is hitting….106 points higher than Olson? 😉
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Freddie indeed has a higher batting average, but fewer HRs, fewer RBI, and fewer runs scored. I’ll take the run production numbers myself. Not meant to be disparaging to Freddie, God bless him, but you have to outscore the opponent to win the game, not outhit them.
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well V, if it makes you feel any better , I can’t post links from Youtube anymore, and wasn’t able to post a tweet just now.
Wordpress is awesome
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And suddenly, I can “like” again. Wonder how long it’ll last..?
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lets see if words typed let me post a tweet?
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yep!
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D’Back rookie Corbin Carrol reminds me a lot of Brett Butler
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Wow… Just WOW… Braves really pulled a rabbit out of their collected hats Sunday. Yea!
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CL. Braves will be on TBS Tuesday night.
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Gil, a truly amazing win, felt like a must win in a way, didn’t it?
Eddies the MAN!
and Ozuna….bleh (I know, espu, but the video of the 415 ft single should play automatically) https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/splits/_/id/31668/marcell-ozuna
But the team really needed this win. AZ is a very good team right now.
we are so lucky the Jays beat up on the Mutts (though I don’t like the Jays anymore, after what they did to a Christian pitcher who sadly, wilted under pressure after liking a few anti bud light/Target posts…
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sigh…some comments allow me to post this tweet?
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Hey, is everyone ok? Surprised no one has commented on what we did to the poor, poor mutts!
Poor mutts! 😛
I do feel sorry for mutts fans….but man, 3 come from behind victories, amazin’!
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WOWheee… What a ballgame, what a comeback. I’m sure we all expected a game with 23 runs and 33 hits with Verlander and Strider starting the game.
The telecast was fun last night, not that I would want a steady diet of it but once in a while is great. Who says you need a play by play guy???
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I really, really hope the Jays suck the rest of the year…
https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/blue-jays-cut-pitcher-anthony-bass-after-latest-anti-lgbtq-comments-snkg0rup
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A star is born… Great pitching performace last night by both Smith-Shawver and Michael Tonkin. Of course it helps when the offense is clicking too. Austin Riley bat was useless last night but his glove played big… This team would be even scarier if everyone was hitting at the same time.
Shuster is probley hoping he gets the same type of run support tonight.
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It appears Shuster did indeed benefit from a prodigious offense last night. 4 o’clock game today. Charlie Morton methinks is toeing the rubber.
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this team is…stoopid good right now! Wish the playoffs started tomorrow
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Yep, I hesitate to become too elated to soon as a couple of surging teams lay ahead but then again, I am sure they are aprehensive at facing the Braves line up right now too. The pitching has been blessed with great support, I am not sure the team can continue down this path. The starting pitching needs to shore up. Off day today and Tuesday Strider hopes to find his previous success.
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come trade deadline time, the team needs to find a hard thrower or 2, as I think only AJ can hit 96, 97??? Of course, most teams , esp. in the NL And AL central, are still in the hunt, even if they are 8 games under .500…so, easier said than done.
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Did VOR give up baseball for June????
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Here I am!!
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YAY!
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ICYMI, old buddy Julie Teheran , may have turned it around, after several seasons…
https://www.mlb.com/news/julio-teheran-comeback-story-with-brewers-continues
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How the mighty have fallen. Was curious what had happened to the next Miguel Cabrera , but couldn’t think of his name…finally found it…
I saw that Kevin Maitan had an ok 2022, and he’s still only 23 if you can believe it, but…but…the Angels gave up…just yesterday.
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You just never know how a player will top out…
I saw that about Julio, good for him.
Remeber Bae who is playing for the Pirates? It was his signing that brought down the Braves in the international signing fiasco.
Several teams are hot right now, the Giants, the Reds, the Marlins and the Phillies. The Braves may have to prove how good they really are without Fried and Wright. I worry about Spencer. Velo is down to a hittable level. We shall see tonight.
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Wow. The kid reportedly ate a lot of his bonus money.
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have use guys heard of this guy? Some smart team in last place somewheres, should trade for him yesterday. Check ou the number of steals!!!!
https://www.mlb.com/player/forrest-wall-657088?stats=career-r-hitting-minors&year=2023
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Yes, I followed him during spring training, he put up very good numbers. Currently depth/trade bait piece. You never know when or if he will make it to the show. At some point guys who are currently on the 40 man will get old, move on, get hurt so replacements need to be availible.
One o’clock game today. Elder vs Noah.
No idea how it will turn out but Elder always gives us a chance.
I watched three games yesterday, wife was bowling so I was bored. game 2 of Cardinals vs Nats, Pirates vs Brewers and finally Dodgers @ Angels.. Oh and part of the Mets @ Astros… Mets are toast…
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Bryce
MadduxElder is a stud… Okay, maybe not as much movement as Greg but wow, does a great job of keeping pitches off the sweet spot of bats.I am glad the Braves bats woke up for him even though he did not get the win, he was a winner in this game.
Believe it or not, Scwarber did not get and error for the ball that clanked off his glove in the 10th inning allowing two runs to score, Austin says thank you… Ozuna also says thanks for giving him an opportunity to hit a two run dinger.
It is very true you cannot allow a good team extra outs, they will make you pay.
So it is off to Cinncy and the great American Small Park. Reds will be facing the B team pitchers but that’s okay, I expect an entertaining weekend series.
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Hey folks, Braves open in Cincinnati tonight with the new Wunderkund on the mound: I can’t believe he’s just 20 years old… 😉
game time 6:40PM, I am so glad the Braves are playing the Early Bird Specials right now.
Deserving or not, A lot of Braves lined up to make the All Star squad. I don’t really care if they get top play or not, it is just nice for some to get the recognition. That is especially true for Orlando Arcia. I guess all he needed was a chance to play everyday. I had no idea he had such a strong arm. I look for Vaughan Grissom to be moved to the outfield at some point or traded for a pitcher. Just saying… His bat plays…
Could it be possible for the Braves to have an embarrasment of riches in the pitching staff? What a goog problem to have. A door closes and God opens a window.
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yep, I was impressed by the De La Cruz kid, a legit star.
At least the Braves made it close, this was a game where the offense was just short of bailing out the pitchers.
I guess we have seen now why 20 year old kids struggle at times. The combination of a tight zone and only having a fastball to get strikes can expose you PDQ.
At least the Braves can hang onto their lead in the East until Fried, Wright and possibly Soroka can return.
On the home Heller gave up to Votto… He had Votto struck out but did not get the call… What ya gonna do? Table is reset today.
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man, I’d swear I had commented on Friday nights game….
that was the most exciting regular season game I can remember , in many a moon!
and best braves loss I can recall. Not sure I could take every game like that, but wow, wow, WOW! I hope folks here got to watch it.
It pains me to say it, but Elly De la Cruz is the most exciting player in the game (Ronald is 1a) Just never seen someone quite like him. And seeing Joey Votto hit 2 homers…I felt terrible for him as the whole team was blown up around him, and I thought, poor guy will never get in a W.S. or even a playoff race with that cheap arse team….well, it’s why we love the game, right? No matter how much of an expert you think you are , it will surprise you (and the experts)
I mean, who had the Rays, Twins, and Rangers in 1st place in the AL?
Or the Reds, Braves(only team you could imagine being in 1st) and Diamondbacks in 1st in the NL?
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Now, that being said, beat ’em up in the next 2 games, ok?
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Yes. an early game today: 4:10 PM
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Turn about is fair play… eh?… So the Braves hold on to a 7-4 lead in the ninth after Iglacius gives up two solo homers. Final score 7-6 ending the Reds 13 game win streak.
It is like watching two heavy weights slug it out for 15 rounds. It kind of leaves everyone exhusted.
So lets win thei series Braves, 1:40 game Sunday.
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Wow. The Angels wet up 23-0 at the end of 4 innings yesterday before winning 25-1. They scored 2 runs in the 2nd inning, 13 in the 3rd, followed by another 8 in the 4th. Ouch.
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They should have saved some of those runs for today. Rocs won 4-3 today. Like the old adage, “You are only as good as your next day starting pitcher”…
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Fun short clip of the 1956 all star game
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Why do I feel the Braves escaped rather than won. Whew… Never over ’til it’s over.
If the Reds can get just a little bit more starting pitching they are going to be a handful. I try to catch them against the Orioles this week. that should be fun too.
Braves take series so nobody gains on them this weekend, I watched the Phillies score 4 in the 8th inning to come back from being down 6 – 3 to the Mets and Kimbrel got the save. Actually I was rooting for the Mets because the Phillies were the team closest to the Braves in the standings. Marlins take down the Pirates 2-0 as the Buccos continue to tumble.
Washington playing the Padres tough out on the left coast.
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Smith-Shawver sent back to Gwinnett today and a reliver RHP Dereck Rodríguez recalled. The smart money is on Soroka returning for the wednsday day game against the Twins. He will be on regular rest and he has had 3 pretty good starts for Gwinnett since he was sent down.
Should be an interesting 3 game set with the twinkies. The pen got a pretty good workout in Cincy so here is hoping “good” Strider is on tonight.
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Solid win tonight for Los Bravos. Homeruns by Ozuna & Acuna and 7 solid innings by Spencer Strider who appears to have mastered a change-up to go with his fastball and slider.
McHugh came in to start the eight but was bailed out by Heller. Kirby Yates in the ninth for the save looking like the Kirby Yates AA anticipated when he was signed 2 years ago.
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Was out at a summit racing car show (It was hot, but not super hot, yet only 1/3 full) and by the time we got back from supermarket, and putting the groceries away, the game had just ended!
Glad Strider has turned a corner. A good changeup can only help, said capt. Obvious 😉
Ozuna is going end up with what? 35 HR’s and 75 RBI’s???
just a quick look at his numbers, 31 walks last year in over 500 AB’s , 27 in 249 AB
s this year.
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🤣🤣🤣
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Ah, how the mighty have fallen and no one has fallen further than the Mets in so short a time. Reminds me of the Redskins the year following their last SuperBowl appearance. They all got old fast, disasterous season ensued.
About the Cardinals: I knew the team (well, I highly suspected) the team would tank after the Manager publicly called out the player for not running fast enough. Reminds me a lot of how Fredi González lost the team’s confidence before he was replaced by Snit. It is the classic F-U shot being fired by the players…
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On Buch Showalter: You can only manage the horses woth what you are provided. Typical rich guy owner… Throw money at it… Ted Turner before he listened to Bobby Cox and Hank Arron. Dan Snyder of the Redskins too… Peter Angelos of the Orioles, well, maybe not Angelos, he was just cheap… IMHO!
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Well, a bit of a surprise: Per David O’Brien #”Braves will start Kolby Allard on Wednesday, his first MLB start since ex-Braves prospect returned to ATL from Texas in a November trade for Jake Odorizzi and $. Allard missed 2 months with a strained oblique and has allowed 6 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks w/ 8 Ks in 2 Triple-A starts.”
I believe we were all thinking Soroka would get the call but I am sure the Braves have their reasons for making this move.
Someone will be going back to Gwinnett tomorrow methinks.
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About Tuesday night’s game. If you missed the first two innings, you missed the game. Braves make 4 errors and only ended up giving up one run due to it.
Joe Ryan looked a bit shell socked from the homer barage in the first inning.
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It was a lot of fun to hear the radio call of those innings.
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Really fine performance today by young Kolby Allard reminding everyone why he was the first round draft choice for the Braves back in 2016. He is only 25 and I think we can see the upgrade over Odorizzi… cough..
Braves had a pretty hard cap on 75 pitches for him today but the pen continued it’s good work maintaining a shutout and nailing down the sweep.
Off day Thursday before taking on the high flying fish Friday night. I guess the only question going forward is if the Braves bring up Soroka for that game. Schedule has a TBA penciled in for that position.
Michael Harris II continues to bring his average up with two hits today. Has raised his average 100+ points since June 3rd. Oh by the way, the Braves staff struck out the Twinks 14 times in today’s game.
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Congrats to Orlando Arcia in particular! 🙂
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Big seris begins tonight with the Marlins? Who would have thunk it?
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wow
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I am guessing the teams offense is so good, they have stunned us all into silence! 😉
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Frankly, I am out of superlatives when discribing what is happening. 1:30 game today. may as well go for the sweep…
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They’re just so fun to watch. And maybe even more fun to watch them having fun.
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How Sweep it is. Plus the Nats edge the Phillies 5-4
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#Braves entire infield has made the All-Star team, with Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley named as reserves after Orlando Arcia was voted to start. It’s the first time an entire Braves infield made the All-Star team (catcher Sean Murphy was also voted to start).
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just crazy that 8 braves made the all-star team! Might mean…..we actually want to watch the game? 😉
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lets see if a fb link is allowed
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Yep, which means if the Braves can get back to 100% they have a chance to actually be good… LOL
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crud…. Kirby
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yep, he and our closer….are a bit iffy at times.
the one area I worry about with this team is the bullpen. AJ is the hardest thrower, not sure if he has hit 98 or not this year, I have seen 96, 97….but come playoff time, Jesse and Colion will worry me, a lot. as will Kirby, Iglesis…etc.
I hope the homeboy upstairs c 2023 , who right now seemingly cannot make a mistake, is old enough to remember the late 90s/early 2000’s teams that often won 95 to 103 games, were washed out in the first, or 2nd round of the playoffs….
granted, harder to find bullpen guys when so very many teams are going to be in the hunt, or delude themselves, that they are in the hunt, come the end of July. Hopefully, the Whitesox/A’s/Royals/Cards will give up some 100 MPH guy they have (cards Hicks?) gotta have som VELO in the Pens!
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Interesting, but changes very little in the short term other than some accounting headings. That said, it could clear a path for an eventual full sale…
https://housethathankbuilt.com/posts/braves-to-split-from-liberty-media-later-this-month
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so, we have be reduced to numbers????
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not sure if anyone saw, but for a few hours yesterday, our names were replaced by the number 1 , like this [1]
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I saw it
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well, heard there was a good game in Tampa last night….game was over by 9:25 or so…and it wasn’t on tv, so….I know the game today isn’t on sports south…err ballys….only Sunday’s game. sigh….it would be nice to see us up against the other top team in baseball…then the super long all-star break….
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tonights game is on Fox
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yep, I hate Apple TV but it was where I had to go to see the game
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Sometimes you just hate to have to take a break. That is how it is going right now for the Braves. Last night the Braves continued to do what the Braves have done since June appeared on the calander.
Stridor was very Stridor like and Murphy again had the big blow which ended any doubts as to what the likely outcome was to be in the game. The Braves scored a total of 6 runs but ony three via a homerun. That showes versatility in the offense.
Tamp’s Taj Braden looked unhittable the first time thru the order but then reality cought up with the young righty.
Stridor looked a bit shaky in the first inning but with runners on second and third with one out, Spencer struck out the next two batters and then struck out the side in the 2nd.
After all is said and done, this team just leaves one awestruck with their stellar play. Perhaps the best part is how so many different players contribute. If some have an off night, there appears some other part of the team will pick them up.
I have had to opportunity to see some real powerhouse teams in my 74 years but this one may well be the best.
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Oh well… I guess Elder was due for a fall… reminded me of Alcantra last weekend
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The difference in Sunday’s game was the Rays not biting on Elder’s slider which was down under the strike zone. It is a pitch he has often got swings and misses on but the Rays took the walks and waited for pitches up in the zone.
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Gil, Bryce’s twin in S.F. Logan Webb, threw his first complete game, and shutout yesterday, and boy howdy, did the other team swing at sliders the catcher had trouble catching.
I used to think if hitters ever truly were patient with Glavine, his career would have been over in a month
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well, seeing braves playing in odd black uniforms was…odd…just watched some of the game, figured once again, the NL was going to lose….so glad it was a 32 year catcher in his first all star game that got the hit to win the game…
now, to find out a way to wait for baseball to start up Friday…sigh….
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Yes, the MVP always goes to the guy who hits the winning RBI…
Must say some really good “D” was displayed by Austin Riley and Sean Murphy.
Arcia is everybody’s best friend isn’t he?
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well, almost time for baseball again!
meanwhile, baseball in…the UK! C. 1917
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This Olsen kid just might turn out OK.
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Yep, I guess if you had to replace Freddie, Matt was the perfect answer. Now, if the Braves can just get Austin’s bat going…
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Really? Starting pitching the braves need? I think the bullpen is where we need help, IMO. Also, does the guy on the left look exactly like A.A. or what?????
https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/37964559
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It’s hard to define what the Braves “need”. They are such a complete team. Do they need a starter? Well, Max Fried will be up in another week or so. I understand you can never have too much pitching, but behind Max, Spencer, Charlie, and Bryce, you have Soroka already on the roster and Shuster, Dodd, and Smith-Shawver all sitting at AAA with starting ability. You also have Kyle Wright getting close to ramping up to begin a rehab assignment. As for Kolby Allard, he just got placed on the 60-day IL with “shoulder nerve inflammation”. He’s done for 2023. But the bullpen… it has taken a hard hit lately. I won’t bother to lay out all the carnage because you’re perfectly capable yourself. But the bullpen depth is not quite thin.
Now… with Allard on the 60, the Braves recalled LH hitting OF Forrest Wall. Really? Why? I’m certain there’s a reason, but I’d like to know what it is. It’s not unusual to replace a starter with a reliever for a couple of days until the starter’s next turn comes around. But another OF? Is something wrong with Eddie? Is this simply roster maneuvering prior to a trade? We are in the last 15 days of the trade silly season. Here’s what I do know… Forrest Wall is now the Braves version of the Star Trek crew member with the red shirt. He’s doomed. As soon as the next pitcher is added to the roster, possibly from outside the organization, Wall is a roster casualty. Bank on it.
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I expect Eddie to go on the 15 day IL tonight, back dated
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Bullpen depth is quite thin. I mistyped that one.
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Personally, I’d like to see a RH hitting LF to pair with Eddie (Adam Duvall reunion?) and a back end bullpen piece (sticking with BOS, Kenley Jansen reunion?). Also, the bullpen will get Jesse a Chavez back, and hopefully Dylan Lee will also be back. And have you forgotten Jackson Stephens? He’s starting a rehab assignment himself. Still, I’m concerned about Minter. I think we could use another late guy. I’m open to suggestions.
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Typing on a phone keyboard is always an adventure…
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The prevailing wisdom on Forrest Wall’s selection is that indeed Eddie is hobbling and “day-to-day”. Wall gives you a LH bat to contrast Kevin Pillar and Sam Hilliard. And given Wall’s plus speed and ability to play all 3 OF positions, he’s a strong candidate for the post-season roaster (according to Bowman). In other words, Wall is a LH version of Hilliard with less power but also less whiffs. Given Pillar’s good play and the RH presence of Marcell Ozuna and Travis d’Arnaud, the Braves might prefer the extra LH bat anyway. Looks like he might get a chance to prove he’s a better piece than Hilliard for a few days maybe. At least the powers that be can give the eye test until another pitcher is required.
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I am pretty sure the ask for any pieces will be Vaughn Grissom. Let’s be truthful about his status, he is expendable at this point. Love his bat but he is not a starter on this Braves team for several more years. I don’t see him as having a major league arm at shortstop.
Yep, DuVall would be a real boost as would Jansen. Adam has chops to play gold glove left field too. It would be a salery dump for the Red Sox but they would want something in return.
I’m sure AA has been working the phones pretty hard at this point. Don’t be shocked if the Braves opt for a solid starter.
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yeah….a bullpen arm or 3 wouldn’t hurt
went with a friend (who isn’t a big baseball fan) to a bar (neither of us get out much, he’s in the middle of a divorce) and it was crazy to see the score going back and forth like it was! I put the radio on the way there, and AZ was up 7-5 and they said, one team may have to score 20 runs to win the game . He was off…by 4
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Vaughn Grissom is still only 22….do we really want to give up a kid that already can hit (and that super important 5 years or so of control) for a rental arm?
Eddie Rosario is not under contract for next year (well, a team option for 2024)
he can get big hits, but…OBP is always low, and even though he can be surprisingly fast to 1st , he never steals. And while I have seen him make good plays in left, he can also…stink there.
Vaughn Grissom is hitting .320 with a .397 OBP and 11 steals.
and don’t look now, but our DH only dude, in the last 8 games is hitting .138 with 0 HRs and 0 RBI’s.
too bad he can’t pull a hammy and then we could have Trevor and Murph batting at the same time….
of course, Max Fried is gone this off season (hey, if you can lose FF and Dansby and be just fine, you can lose him too, look at the record) so IF they can get some stud starter for Vaughn….just don’t trade him for a rental please!
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Boston (8 back) Jays (5.5) and the O’s (1 back) are all 8-2 in their last 10 games . While the Rays are 3.-7. IF the Sox keep playing well, they aren’t likely to trade anyone (and Janssen gave me ulcers, but then again, so does our closer now)
2 teams thought to be clear traders (sox and Cards) are playing better (sox almost came back against the Mutts 11-10) and the cards are 7-3. still 9 back, but that division is weird. I guess for our hopes, teams like them need to cool off….
Hicks from the Cards, has his issues, along with a 103 fastball….but I bet our pitching coach could iron some of them out…
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I’m not expecting AA to go out and make a splashy deal. Not his style. And to be honest, we no longer have the trade capital to get in on any big names anyway. I expect AA to do what AA does and make a couple of nuanced deals to fill specific needs. He’s proven he has an eye ( and a staff) to identify under the radar players that can help a playoff team make their push.
As for Grissom, his role confuses me. As Gil noted, he doesn’t have the arm for SS, not to mention the quickness. He’s much more suited for LF, yet the organization keeps playing him in the IF. That tells me he’s going to be traded. After all, we actually have a present and future need at LF, yet Vaughn isn’t being groomed for it. He’s almost certainly a goner. Not only did Orlando Arcia win the SS job in spring, he won a contract extension and cemented the position for the near future at least. There’s plenty of writing on the proverbial wall here.
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V, congrats!!! I see you were….actually able to like a post!
That is odd, I didn’t know V.G. was playing mainly in the infielder (though when I saw Ozzie roll over his hand I thought, hmmm, he may be filling in at 2nd just like last year….
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You can NEVER have too much starting pitching.
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I thought Winans really pitched well, and deserved another start….actually, I would have let him get the last 2 outs…I was apparently wrong on both counts…(It has to be really tough on starters called up cuz they will get a crazy amount of money…for 1 day. then back down with ya….
This kid coming up has struck out a lot, guess they’re hoping to catch some lightning in a bottle here
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/07/braves-select-daysbel-hernandez.html
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I agree Ber, I thought the kid pitched as as weel or better than some of the others called upon. If nothing else, Winans showcased well. The Braves are already pretty set in their roster make-up so opportunities are limited for full time gigs.
A bit of a tough loss last night but the Braves had their opportunity in the ninth. The ball bounce away from the Braves in the eight. The first was the throw to third by Arcia and then the one that took a bad hop to Murphy from Acuna. Oh well, get ’em today.
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That said, I hope Elder can keep his slider out of the middle of the strike zone. Julio pitching for the Brew Crew
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Wooooooooowwwwwwwwwe
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Alex is doing Alex things, picking up 3 under the radar arms since last night’s game ended. As we expected, he’s simply building depth with low key moves. Given the impending return of some of our own talent, and given the lack of valuable trade capital, this is exactly the strategy I expected.
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I believe there could be a few more of the same type moves for pitching depth, but nothing bigger.
Now LF… maybe. If something interesting arises, maybe it happens. Still a week to go…
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I continue to advocate for Adam Duvall. It’s just natural.
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Boston is in a tough spot, the AL East. They are one good week away from being in the thick of things. Selling of Duval indicates they are giving up.
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But yes, DuVal would be a plus
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I assume if we got Duval, he’d become our left fielder, Rosario , Trevor and Pillar would DH and AA would finally admit he made 1 whole mistake as GM and release Ozuna? I can dream, can’t I?
A .228 full time DH, that’s not really good is it? .164 for the month of July is really useless….
Ever notice, every time we go up to Boston, it’s when the team is slumping?
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Gut feeling as I sit at lunch in July 28, just 3 days ahead of the trade deadline: Alex may have some small moves to make, but he has 1 big one, and that will bring in a bigger name late inning reliever that is not a rental… much like he did when he got Raisel Iglesias. And he’ll give up Vaughn Grissom in the deal. I’m certain Grissom is the trade piece of choice. Why else would Grissom not be working in LF at Gwinnett? There’s no other explanation. Eddie and Marcell are reverting back into their shells, and the need in LF is more glaring than ever before. Yet Vaughn isn’t being considered. Well, at least not at the moment. I think if Grissom is still in the organization on August 1, that might change.
Guys don’t lie. Then again, I am eating fast food, so there’s that.
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Guts don’t lie. Autocorrect does.
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Guys don’t lie…such a typical White male comment 😉
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Heller really looked off tonight. Ump playing mind games with him.
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Utility IF Nicky Lopez comes to Atlanta. He’s not a starter, and will see about as much plying time as Charlie Culberson. But he is experienced depth. Does this mean Charlie will go? There’s no real reason to swap Nicky for Charlie. But perhaps there is a potential need for IF depth if say… Grissom or Shewmake were about to be dealt?
One more day until the cupboards close.
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Silly me. I had the deadline pegged as July 31. In fact, it’s tomorrow Aug. 1, at 6pmET. Still 35+ hours of fun and frivolity to go. Wheeee!
Of course, many of the arms I’d like to see in The A are already off the board. Still, I trust AA. Let’s hope the great Nicky Lopez wasn’t our big deadline move.
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The AJC’s Justin Toscano says Nicky Lopez raises the Braves’ floor. OK. I’ll take that. Of course, it’s a kind way of saying it’s a very low impact move. Gotta tow the company line and all.
Seriously, that’s our local beat writer?
Are we supposed to be happy that our floor has been raised?
🙄
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Now… Maxie is due back in the next rotation turn, and AJ Minter is likely back sometime this week as well. Some will parrot the narrative that those are just as good as trading for a good starter and reliever. I say that’s bull. We already have them. We already have expectations of them. Don’t fall for the lie.
This team needs at least one pitcher (better than Yonny Chirinos) and could use a LF upgrade. Treading water at that position isn’t good enough for a World Series contender.
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I feel like a ….spoiled fan, complaining about the braves…I guess some of us…like to complain 😉
Seriously thought, this a crazy good team, at least from an offensive standpoint. Best any of us have ever seen, I think I can safely say
I understand that’s part of the reason, Ozuna’s got a job, even though a DH (only) hitting .230 around August, would be off most every other team. And if he doesn’t hit for 3 1/2 weeks? He’ll still be out there and Travis and Pillar will get splinters in their butts. And that brings me to my main point. I think Snit is a better manager than even…Bobby!
But, but, but…he is doing Bobby and Freddie Gonzalez type things, only even moreso, when it comes to playing guys too much and , the bench. 4 guys have played not just every game, but, every inning. Even in a blowout, Arcia, Ozzie, and Riley are still out there, and Charlie….poor Charlie, I truly feel bad for him, gets zero playing time. Why? Is he out there practicing the drills Wash does with the other guys , just in case someone gets hurt in a game and they have to wait til the next day to call up Grisson or Shewmake? Its insulting honestly. It’s like he’s not good enough to do it.
I looked at his numbers last year for Texas, .252/282 in 115 AB’s. This year? one a.b.
Ok, so he never will play, Pillar will get 1 start what, every 10 games? Forrest Wall will never get an AB. Sam Hillard got…ZERO ab’s in June, ZERO! Probably got hurt running to first cuz he hadn’t run like that in over a month. God forbid MH ll ran into a wall and got hurt, he would have been our CF’er right? Don’t bench players need to stay sharp? What is the point of never resting anyone outside of our Catcher, when we have a huge lead? Can anyone think of one?
Anyone remember when FF and Nick M played every game, how useless they were in the playoffs? I just don’t get it. Yeah, a stupid number of off days now, so July might not make sense to give them an off day, but what if all 4 that have been in every game, want to play every game? is that the most important thing? Clinch and they start, then come out of games early, that’s it?
All I know, is when they were 100 game winning teams, they could still get wiped out quickly by a hot team, still can happen. Perhaps resting guys , at least for 7 innings on Hot August nights, might make sense?
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thats 30 minutes of my life I’ll never get back 😉
But wait, old man has even more thoughts!
V, I do get ya about the starting pitching. I just looked up Kyle Wright, some report 11 days ago said he had some setbacks, so wouldn’t be ready til September. I would almost think you’d shut him down at that point, right?
Hopefully, Max Fried will be solid, but if not, we are still a 3 starter team.
I know this is hard to believe, but I feel like Mike Soroka hasn’t been fairly treated either. I get using kid gloves on him, but after pitching 6 innings against Milwaukee and giving up 2 walks and 4 runs, I figured he deserved another start. Nope, back to AAA for you son. Why? How can he get in a groove , not knowing he’s going to get a 2nd start?
AJ Smith-Shawver (whats up with guys with hyphenated names? Reds have one too) is 20, and has never thrown more than 68 innings in a year. Now, there is someone to watch the innings on…can he end up in the bullpen perhaps in September? So you can’t count on him…
All I know is Fried is more than likely gone after this year (unless he has health issues) Who knows on Wright, so….we better not give up Grissom for a rental. Dudes already a stud with the bat, and certainly could play 2nd base or perhaps 3rd with some teams (or even left if..never mind)
thing is, is that guy out there? someone who has, bare minimum 1 1/2 seasons of control and is s difference maker???? Hmmmm
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Concise news: AJM back; AJSS down. Nicky in; Charlie out.
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Alex has always operated with a heavy emphasis on depth. The result? Yonny Chirinos is on the roster and Mine Soroka is sent down. And why? Because Soroka has minor league options. It really is that simple, even if it doesn’t make great sense. AJSS is sent back down for much the same reason, except that is also still very young and green and needs to pitch regularly. It’s fortunate for both the team and for him that he can come up and make a spot start when they need him, but he’s not ready for a regular spot yet.
Now Max. Will he be back next year? It’s probably a little premature to discuss it, but I won’t say for sure he’s a goner. I will say that as good as he is, and he is, that thin, frail body of his would be a concern for me. Reminds me a little of Alex Wood. I thought Wood was as good a young prospect as I’d seen when he first came up to ATL, but his frame was not very substantial. I worry the same for Max. We’re already seeing a little bit of it now. I hope I’m wrong, but that’s my gut feeling in Max. I want him back, but I’m not going 6 years in that frame. I don’t trust it.
As for next year, admittedly a little premature, we’re likely looking at Strider, Elder, Wright for sure (barring injury of course), with a chance of Charlie and a trio of Smith-Shawver, Dod, and Shuster a year older. Alan Winans is still leading the International League in most pitching categories. Ian Anderson will be back sometime around mid-season, and that’s just what’s top of mind. And that doesn’t count whatever starting pitcher Alex might dig up during the off-season.
So don’t hear me wrong and think I’m saying we can just dismiss Max Fried. I’m not saying that. But… how many starts has he missed in 2023? Where does our staff rank in the NL? In all of MLB? How many games up are we in the division? You get my point. Nobody is indispensable. Just ask Freddie Freeman or Dansby Swanson. The sky has yet to fall.
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I also glossed right over Mike Soroka, since he was already in the discussion somewhat, but blatantly left out Darius Vines (who could start or relieve). And I think we’ve all forgotten about Huascar Ynoa. I know I did anyway.
Again, don’t misunderstand that I’m equating any of those guys to Max. Not true. But there is talent in the system and an entire off-season to go before we need to worry about a possible hike in the rotation.
In Alex we trust.
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“Hole” in the rotation. Dang… I miss the days when I could do this in a proper keyboard and not just on my phone.
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teams are not playing fair and waiting til tomorrow afternoon’s trade deadline…
hopefully, AA can find an arm like that Lopez feller the Angels got….
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Alex’s MO seems to be that he has multiple discussions on multiple fronts, and then waits out the market. When teams have players that have been discussed but haven’t found suitable deals, they circle back to Alex at the last hour and find a match. 2021, perhaps the best trade deadline any GM has ever had, is a perfect example. Four deals happened within the last hour. It’s simply not possible to talk parameters on 4 deals simultaneously. There were loose frameworks already in place that just needed mutual agreement.
I imagine we’ll see at least one deal, and likely two, within a couple hours of today’s 6pm deadline.
Look for a starter and a bat. Gut says. Listen to the gut.
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Last night’s game was a big disapointment on so many levels. Fortunatly, tonight provides an opportunity at redemption.
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I think the Angels are on a mission to keep Babe Ruth Jr in Cali . Amazing that their spot starter , in early July struck out 10 Yankees in 5 2/3rds and hadn’t pitched since (didn’t bother to look, assume they sent him back to AAA) I would think he deserved another start now?
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man V, I was not aware of the weird later afternoon deadline, I liked the 1, 2 pm thing much more…sigh…no one listens to me
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I say (again) this is pretty cool!
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Gut says… Tigers’ RHP Michael Lorenzen. After 4pm.
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Never trust your gut after you eaten salami that was left out to get warm. 🤮
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V, I have to ….hand it to you V 😛
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well V, if your gut ever thinks you have the correct lottery tickets, save your money 😉
I thought for sure Grissom was a goner , for some starter….but I think AA remembers a few Blue Jay trades that prospects came back to bite him so….
why isn’t Grissom playing Left, at least a few games a week?
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Who says April baseball doesn’t matter?
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My last post was a good one. Too bad WordPress ate it. But trust me… it was good. Well, it was at least OK.
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I so hate that V! I started to right something pretty long several days ago,(wasn’t planning to) and decided to at least copy the text in case something rotten happened to …happen. I don’t know why we can’t remember to start in gmail or whathaveyou, just never seems to occur to me….
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yikes…. which apparently not enough words to post something from twitter….anyways….
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I’d just as soon see one of the Braves’ minor league youngsters as what Chirinos is bringing right now. Maybe he’s got potential, but he needs to work that out at AAA, not in ATL. He’s got a minor league option… so use it. Tonight was brutal.
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He has a lot of movement on his pitches but the move too soon so batters can anticipate them
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wow, I wonder how long ago this took place?
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V, I posted this on the silly Atlanta Braves Dugout FB page (say something stupid like Acuna is slumping, you get 30 likes, and 20 comments, many mocking you at least)
I post this, and get…1 comment (I also thought I posted it here, but sure don’t see it)
“Chirinos 6 runs allowed . last start 3 runs in 5 innings. Start before, 3 2/rds, 4 runs. Soroka? 6-30 6 innings, 3 runs. 7-5 4 2/3rd innings, no runs. 11 days later, 3 innings in relief 2 runs. last start in the majors (7-21), 6 innings, 4 runs. then, AAA ever since. Why? 30 more wins than losses.. no team close to us. Why keep running out a guy that has no chance of pitching next year for the braves, when Soroka (esp if/when Fried leaves next year) who had a couple great years , could still be the pitcher he once was, IF he , you know, got the chance to make like 8 starts in a row with the big club?”
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The straightforward answer as to why Soroka was the odd man out em was simply that he had minor league options available and using said option gives the team more flexibility and a means to add depth. However, if Chirinos also has a minor league option, then he can be stashed away just as easily.
Let me be clear, I’m not kicking Chirinos to the curb. He has very good stuff. But it’s very clear that he needs to continue to hone and perfect his craft. ATL is not the place for that. I’ll take Soroka, Smith-Shawver… even Winans. But you can put me down for another vote for Soroka. Let’s get him going.
While I’m at it, Rosario needs to sit. He’s a hole in the lineup now, and isn’t contributing anything on defense either. I’m baffled why Grissom isn’t getting regular play in LF at AAA. Just flummoxed. At the least let’s change it up with Pillar. Rosario is giving the team nothing right now.
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Clearly the current rotation is collectively experiencing tired arm syndrome. Scary…
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Remember when my gut was convinced that Alex would acquire Michael Lorenzen from the Tigers, only to see MiLo actually traded to the rival Phillies? Yeah… he tossed a no-hitter tonight.
What were y’all saying about our current rotation?
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Yep, but looks like everyone is still just treading water. The Braves are still scoring lots of runs but the starting rotation needs something to let them refocus. Elder on the bump tomorrow, we will have to wait and see how that goes.
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Speaking of pitchers, this year’s 1st round pick, UF pitcher Hurston Waldrep, began his pro career with a start at low-A Augusta and picked up 8 K’s in his 3 dominating innings of work. His stuff is legit. In fact, he’s legit enough that the organization has already bumped him to high-A Rome. Note, he’s a college pitcher that is already 21 years old… older than AJ Smith-Shawver (20). If Waldrep continues to impress, he’ll move quickly up the ladder.
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Waldrep’s MLB Prospect profile: The right-hander has a legitimate three-pitch power mix, with all three offerings having the potential to be at least above-average. He was 95-99 mph in his looks this fall and that’s carried over this spring, though he’s struggled to command the heater at times. His best secondary offering is his split-change, a well-above-average pitch that misses an extraordinary amount of bats. His hard upper-80s slider also flashes plus and can be an out pitch.
The general consensus is that he must do what all young pitchers must do, and that’s hone the control of his pitches. This critique reflects that: While Waldrep is generally around the strike zone, there is a little effort in his up-tempo delivery, causing some inconsistencies with his command and control which led to an uptick in his walk rate this spring. Those kinds of things can be ironed out.
If his pure stuff dominates high-A batters in the same way he made low-A batters look helpless, my guess is that he’ll settle in at AA before the season’s out to work on consistency and pitch control.
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12:35 game today
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V, I sure wish your gut had been right about Michael Lorenzen! The Phils out AA’ed AA on this trade. 8 innings his first outing, then a no-no. Amazing. I looked up who the Phils gave up to Detroit…. Hao-Yu Lee, from …. Taiwan. interesting, basically the first real prospect from Taiwan .
Anyways…Gil, thanks for the heads up as I of course forgot (I thought it was yesterday actually, was surprised I had a game to watch last night)
Elder is looking good so far.
Matt Olsen at 40 HR’s and 101 RBI’s, most would have said if he did that over the whole season had a great season. 6 weeks to go…and the guy won’t even be the MVP.
I wonder at some point, if Matt, Acuna and others will want to re-negotiate their contracts in a year or so….
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Just an observation but it has not been a lack of offense which has resulted in a mediocre post All-Star record. A collective of tired arms for a group of pitchers who have never thrown so much before the cause???
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Yipeee… Braves win 7-0 over the hated Mets… Austin and Eddie driving in most of the runs tonight. That is wahat is great about this team, always somebody new to act the hero.
Charlie weaved his 7 walk 3 hit master piece to get back in the win column. It won’t pretty but it got the job done. He pitched just like a guy with tire arm syndrome if you ask me.
The latest pitcher up from Triple A, Allan Winans will pitch the first game Saturday opposing Mets righty Denyi Reyes, up from Triple A Syracuse.
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Look for Dylan Lee to make his return next week when the Braves host the Yankees. I expect the bullpen will need some fresh arms after this weekend in Flushing.
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Allan Winans was a little shaky the first two innings but boy did he auto correct. Stellar performance all around today. Now for the night cap.
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Waiting for the 7 PM game with the Mutts on ESPN. I have learned to just turn the sound down all the way. That is very helpful in enjoying the game.
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Well, that was a big disappointment. Chirinos giving up 6 earned with the 5th being his bridge too far. Okay, McHugh let in 3 of the six in relief but Chirinos put them on base with walks. I get it, no pitcer wants to give up a three run homer and when you don’t have the juice to get that third strike it can be tough trying to fool hitters and umpires both at the same time.
Soroka looks like he is ready to return and Allan Winans looks like he wants to stay. If you are going to use a soft tosser, maybe it’s best to use one who also doesn’t walk the ballpark.
Freddie who??? Matt Olson really is making a case for himself this season isn’t he?
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Gil,
I was shocked Chirinos was given this start…and thought, great, against a terrible Mutts team, he will likely go 5 give up a run or 2, and get yet another start.
really , really hope this is the end of him in a braves uni.
Soroka went 7 shutout innings, perhaps, perhaps give him a chance?
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I think it would behoove the Braves to promote both Winans and Soroka and go to a 6 man rotation. It would reduce the stress on the Braves rotation arms as they head into the dog days of summer. Now is when tired arm syndrome usually rears its ugly head.
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Ozzie on the 10 day IL while Nicki Lopaz tries to Wally Pipp him. Look for Vaughn Grissom to make his return tonight.
Watching the sweat drip off Yankee pitchers’ cap reminded me of John Thompson who took Maddux’s spot in the rotation way back when.
Embrace the SUCK guys…. A Bermuda High must be lurking odd shore, we here in VA have had to endure this oppressive humidity too… Reminds me of my childhood before AC was invented.
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https://x.com/braves/status/1691440686657056768?s=46&t=g_woFD_V8QWdJXzXp_xNHQ
He’s baaaaaaack.
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Well that certainly did not embed the way it should have. Maybe a new “X” thing? Lemme try it again with a little tweak.
https://x.com/braves/status/1691440686657056768
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Wish I knew the story behind this happening…
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This reply is pure gold. 😀
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amazing how good the braves’ starters look when the opposing team swings at EVERY single pitch. 😉
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Well, it is officially Ms Josie’s Birthday today… Happy B’Day Darling…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Jo!!! Hope it is the most blessed one ever! Love you, my friend!!
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happy birthday Ms Josie! Hope it’s a great one!
You even got an uber rare post from the great CL!
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2 whine/complains about the best team in baseball….
Chirinos???? CHIRINOS???????? what in the wide, wide world of sports do they see in him????
28 Y.O. Allan Winans pitched his heart out the other day…..another start? Nah…
Soroka 7 shutout innings the other day, how about him? Nah…..
Chirinos hasn’t made it more than 5 innings this year….6 runs surrendered in his last 2 starts, against the powerhouse offensives of the Mutts and Pirates…
Just like the National woman’s soccer team, I am rooting against him tonight (hope the brave win of course)
if he goes 5 innings and gives up 3 runs, he will get yet another start…sigh….
Oh, and my other gripe? the games are BORING!!!! 😉
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well, how do you really feel Ber??? 🙂
Okay, I get what the Braves are trying to do. Keep the guy around hoping they can reabilitate him into someone useful. They don’t want to try and get him thru waivers because they know someone will claime him. If they could just get him to limp or something.
I tried to post a new Lede today but I couls not find spell check and I know the post sorly needs it. It appears that spell check is now a premium feature. I am beginning to thing the old B&S has run it’s useful course…
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best thing that happened at the ballpark Sunday https://twitter.com/BallySportsSO/status/1693342223893471373
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The Braves put pitcher Yonny Chirinos on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation, opening a roster spot for right-hander Allan Winans, who was recalled to start Monday night’s series opener against the Mets.
Well, there you go….
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… and the next thing ya know, Chirinos will be moved to the 60-day IL to open a 40-man spot for Dylan Lee to return from injury.
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AHA! You have just exposed the modern day IL shuffle used by the modern day front offices.. Oh course it would not hurt my feelings to see him languish there for a while
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Winans can only be bad once, Chirinos 5-6 times
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It’s not a punishment for Winans. It’s as Bow said… simply bringing up an extra arm for long relief after McHugh and Tonkin both tossed tossed a ton of pitches in consecutive games. Those guys are out for at least tonight and maybe for a couple of games. AA is famous (infamous) for rotating arms in and out of AAA to lengthen his bullpen. That’s why he accumulates pitching depth.
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oh I agree, to a point…Winans is sent down after every start, good, bad, or indifferent. Read something (that I meant to post, but forgot) teams can only send down players so many times, before they will have to put them on waivers.
I know Chirnos was out of them, but I truly, truly do not get the LOVE AA has for him
IF we lose a few more games than the Dodgers, having Chirinos out there (I know they won 3 of them at least) will be part of the reason.
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I fell asleep after 5th inning and work up in the top of the 9th to see the Mutts had lenghen their lead to 10-4… Back to sleep at that point. Tonight’s game should be interesting. The Mets are hard on soft tossers. If Ender can keep it down and out of the middle of the plate then the Braves have a chance.
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I know, I know…they are saying they are trying to save the tender arm of a…26 year old, but sadly, this seems to be the real reason
https://fansided.com/2023/08/20/braves-service-time-manipulation-experiment-michael-soroka/
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The problem I have with John Buhler’s article is that he doesn’t posit an opinion. He flat out states “The Atlanta Braves are clearly trying to manipulate MLB service time to get one more year of control out of Michael Soroka.
“It may be a tad sneaky, and borderline unethical, but that is baseball for you. Where things currently stand with Soroka, he is arbitration eligible for 2024 and will be hitting unrestricted free agency in 2025. Obviously, the Braves want to extend that as a long as possible.”
Clearly? Obviously?
I’m glad that Mr. Buhler has access to Alex Anthopolous’ thoughts and motives. Figuring out his trade targets is hard enough, but getting into his mind? That’s impressive.
Is the organization manipulating service time? First, I do not presume to have insider access, so I won’t be so arrogant as to tell you what I know. But I will tell you what I think based on what I’ve observed from past and current actions.
If Alex was going to manipulate the service time of a young player, would he choose a guy who is coming off 2 major Achilles tendon surgeries trying to do what no other player has done before?
If Alex was going to manipulate the service time of a young player, would he have taken players like Spencer Strider, Michael Harris II, and Austin Riley, who were not close to reaching FA and extended them for multiple years? Seems to me that is how Alex has done business. In fact, other teams are hiring Alex’s underlings and are now doing their own players that way… right Houston?
Based on his track record, wouldn’t Alex be more likely to attempt to extend an important player with a multi-year deal rather than squeeze 1 more year of arbitration out of him? Heck, have you seen the cost of arbitration? Those last years can be worse than those of players under contract.
I’m a guy who tries to keep an open mind on most things when it comes to matters of personnel. What often seems like an obvious move to us never takes into account aspects that we are not in any way aware of. In Soroka’s case, what do the medical reports say? What are the doctor’s saying? What to his coaches say? What are the expert scouts and observers saying with regard to his mechanics and repeatability? What about his consistency? Where is Soroka mentally? How is his confidence? Heck, we seem to gloss over the fact that he had 2 very serious injuries, each of which could have brought an immediate end to his dreams and desires. They both also required months of difficult physical challenges AS WELL AS mental challenges. Its not like he’s working through an oblique strain.
It is 100% arrogant for Buhler to presume he knows all of these things (and more that I am certain I’m not even considering) to be able to make such a litany of bold statements with any degree of confidence. In fact, as a fan, I find it almost insulting.
Here is my opinion: Mike Soroka is working back from something no other player has done. And Soroka is making progress. The Braves are 13.5 games up in the division, and 4 games in the loss column ahead of the Dodgers for the best record in baseball. Here is where I am confident using the word “obviously”. The Braves are obviously doing something right. So why take a rehabbing player – a young guy that everyone in baseball is pulling for – and throw him into a playoff push with all the additional pressures that MLB carries?
Here’s what is “clear” and “obvious” to me. Buhler is butt-hurt that his boy Mike Soroka hasn’t been handed the 5th starter job. And he’s mad at Alex for it. I’m gonna guess that Buhler is young. He doesn’t show evidence of critical thinking. It’s a process that is lost among a generation pushed through the modern test score-oriented public school. He never considers that there would be reasons he doesn’t see, and he only considers items that feed his own narrative. Like CNN, but different.
I will agree with Buhler on one thing. We might see Soroka in Atlanta again when Gwinnett’s season is over. But it won’t be to suppress his MLB service time. It’ll be because it’s in the best interest of the Atlanta Braves baseball organization. Because at the end of the day, managers, GMs, and all baseball ops guys get to keep their jobs by winning games and keeping stadiums full. Not by saving a couple million dollars on a rehabbing pitcher.
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Washington Nationals Stephen Strassberg retires. In other news, the pesky Nats win another series beating the Yankees 6-5 this afternoon… Guys, I like this gutsy club of nobodies…
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Stephen Strasburg will continue be paid $35 million annually through 2026 (with about $11.4M deferred each year).
He then will receive $26.6M in 2027, 2028 and 2029 in his owed deferred payments.
The contract was not insured, leaving the #Nats on the hook for its entirety.
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In my opinion, St Louis’s season was tanked the night the Braves beat them witg Acuna threw out a runner at home and the manager publicly called out the player. From that point the Card players sent the organization a giant FU. Think the Braves with Freddie Gonzalas at the helm…
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Hey Snit… Next time leave the kid in to lose the game on his own rather than bring in washed up McClueless… They hung the loss on Shuster but it squarly belongs to the releaver who walked two guys and then gave up a bases clearing double…
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I like Vines. He’s having a solid season at AAA. As with Shuster last week, he’ll be available for long relief if they need him in that role, and will probably get the #5 start if they don’t use him out of the pen in between. Surely they are just trying to tread water until Kyle Wright is activated.
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RE: Wright… he made his first rehab start earlier this week where he tossed 3 innings allowing just 1 hit while striking out 4. More telling is that allowed 0 walks and threw 23 of his 26 pitches for strikes. That means that his mechanics are good and that he’s just ramping up now. I’m guessing they’ll look to step him up incrementally over his next 2 minor league starts with a possible return to ATL the 3rd time around.
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RE: Vines… it seems like he’s been around forever, but he’s only 25 years old. He’s currently the Braves #10 prospect. He’s never going to wow anybody with “stuff”, but he has very good command and knows how to “pitch”. His best pitch is his changeup. He also throws the occasional curve and a slider. Probably the biggest reason he has not had a meteoric rise is that his fastball typically sits in the low 90’s, occasionally reaching 94-95. But the plus changeup makes it look a little quicker. Overall, his scouting reports indicate that he’s a “throw the kitchen sink at you” kind of pitcher who can mix up 4 pitches with good command. They give him a ceiling of “back end starter”. I think that’s what the Braves need for a couple more weeks at least. Hopefully he can make the most of his earliest opportunity since there’s certainly no guarantee of a second appearance.
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Here’s an interesting little tidbit about the 2024 outlook…
All of the starting everyday lineup except Eddie Rosario are under team control for 2024, and the Braves hold a $9M option on him. He may be the most streaky hitter I’ve ever seen in Atlanta, but you could argue that he has well earned his $9M this season. Is he worth another $9M for next? Would another huge playoff run from him seal the deal?
Looking at the starting rotation… Fried, Strider, Elder, and Wright are all under team control for 2024. The Braves hold another $20M on Morton, unless he decides to retire at age 40. (He hasn’t looked 40 lately.) If he decides to come back for one more run, wouldn’t the Braves exercise that option?
The bullpen and bench are not locked in, but the backup catcher, utility IF and closer are all coming back.
Could the Braves simply exercise a couple of options and bring back the same core team in 2024 without making any major offseason acquisitions?
Look at it from this perspective…
If they decide to go that route, the payroll would stay fairly stagnant from 2023 to 2024. Couple that with the new TV money and the windfall from huge fan attendance and the cash cow also known as The Battery, and they would easily have the ability to add another big late inning reliever and big bat to come off the bench. Imagine what those tweaks could do for an already record breaking team.
Wowser.
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I just think it’s unrealistic to expect Kyle Wright to help much, when he’s been out since late April/Early May.
Darius Vines looked quite good, esp being in Mile high stadium! Of course, other 5th starters have looked good for a start or 2.
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Suprisingly, the Braves appear to have developed some pretty decent pitching depth this season, I expect it to pay dividends next season.
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Whew!!! A real heart pounder last night. Braves hang on in a game that went from a laugher to a squeeker in 60 seconds flat… That Mookie Betts kid is a pretty good ball player by the way.
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For their expanded roster, the #Braves activated lefty reliever Dylan Lee from the 60-day injured list and recalled recalled outfielder/pinch-runner Forrest Wall. To open a spot on the 40-man roster, they transferred outfielder Sam Hilliard to the 60-day IL.
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Gil, I was about to give up on the game when Mookie hit the 3 run homer off of Strider….I do worry a bit about the bullpen , at least against really good offenses
3 more no doubt great games to come!
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can someone explain to me, how a guy with 50+ more steals, a 20 point lead in B.A. , scored more runs, has more hits, is more than a run behind in WAR??? (6.7 vs 7.8)
A song popped into my mind, for some reason. 😉
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It is because just like any war, it is all in the eye of the beholder. very subjective…
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Oh well, 3 out 4 isn’t a record but it is a hellava average. The Dodgers won today 3-1 but the game had at least one bright spot for the Braves, Matt Olson went deep to end his 17 day non homer drought.
Charlie Morton was a bit off but only gave up two runs. The Dodger’s Bobby Miller was just better. That happens… Off day for the holiday tomorrow.
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https://x.com/braves/status/1699053864345829473
The Braves, more specifically Alex, likes to run kinda loose with the 5th starter/bullpen group. Running Vines, Winans, Shuster, etc. up and down allowed him to also bring up an additional fresh bullpen arm for the 4 in between games. Depth gives you that luxury. Now that the rosters have expanded, I think Soroka can settle into the 5th starter spot without interruption. And despite the conspiracy theories to the contrary, I believe consistent starts in AAA has been the goal for Soroka all along. His battle back is not typical, and neither should his path to return be typical. I’m excited to see him pitch tonight.
Anyway, I think he can keep that spot until Kyle Wright returns, which could be 2 weeks, could be 3… unknown right now. He looked good in his first rehab start, not so good in his 2nd. His fastball location was good against single-A hitters. But this last start was more about his slider, and he failed to get a good feel for it. But that’s what rehab starts are for, so we’ll see how it progresses as he continues to stretch out. He threw 36 pitches in that last start. I imagine the goal was closer to 60, but again, that’s what rehab starts are for. I think his next start will be the most telling. How does he progress from this last one?
At any rate, the Braves have the luxury of a big lead and a deep pool. They’ll be just fine with it without Wright.
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In the old days, the Braves pen and dugout would be overflowing with bodies but for some reason the owners are destitute and paying a few extra thousands for the kids poses a sever hardship… but I digress.
So Soroka has another opportunity to get reaquainted with the major league clubhouse attendents. I think his salry is constant but his perdiem will be better as will his travel accomidations.
The Braves picked up another refugee off the waivers from the Angles, a light hitting infielder.
Now Urias… sad, the Braves broke him…
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Well, Soroka is going back on the IL. Please ignore everything from my previous post. Thank you.
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want to know when Snit throws in the towel? McClueless is brought in to put the game totally out of reach….
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Kyle Wright update:
Last night for AAA Gwinnett, Kyle struck out 7 over 3 2/3 innings, throwing 50 pitches, 29 for strikes. While that might not sound great, he was working primarily on his breaking balls… tossing only 4 fastballs in the outing.
A quick glance at the breakdown shows 27 knuckle curves, 9 sliders, 5 sinkers, 5 changeups, and just 4 fastballs. It would appear that he’s concentrating on regaining a feel for the breaking and offspeed stuff, eh?
If I had to guess, he’ll get a couple more rehab outings in AAA before coming up for a couple of tune up starts in ATL before October. If I look at my calendar correctly, 5 complete turns of the rotation = 25 days. Today is September 6. Even my suspect Dekalb County mathematics shows me that the days should lineup just about right.
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I’m pretty sure Soroka is done for the season. Numbness to the fingers is an ominous sign, can be anything from the shoulder down and usually indicates nerve inpingement. Likely comes form altering his delivery while rehabing. Last night he had good velocity but his pitches were flat with almost no life. SAD!
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RHPs Michael Soroka, Collin McHugh placed on IL;
RHPs Ben Heller, Darius Vines recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett
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Thank God, it looks like Soroka finally caught a break….
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Brave come back and take the rubber match agaist the pesky Pirates Sunday 5-2…
Very nice performance turned in by Winans who went 6 giving up two runs. The Marlins held off the Phillies 5-4 reducing the Braves magic number to 6 to wrap up the NL EAST for the 6th season in a row. The Braves did punch their ticket to the post season with their win today securing at least a wild card berth. NO PRESSURE guys…
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Watching the National take on the Dodgers now. Beware of the gNats. They are building a pretty spunky ball club. All they need is solid pitching.
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Gil, it’s odd, they really have been a scrappy team, never giving up. So odd that ownership is trying to go cheap right now. Heard they are cutting the scouting department (of course, who needs talent, right?) the Assistant GM quit, as they were going to ask him to take a pay cut! Rizzo doesn’t have a contract, and the season is almost over too….
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Braves’ magic number for their 6th consecutive division title:
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not easy to win in Philly these days. Playoffs are going to be intense!!!!
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I miss Tyler Matzek.
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This is, IMO, an excellent analysis:
https://www.si.com/mlb/braves/analysis/how-the-atlanta-braves-should-set-up-the-rotation-down-the-stretch
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twitter.com/mlb/status/1704353628885053499
There are reasons why I love baseball so much.
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I have tried multiple times to post a link that actually works. WordPress won’t allow it. WordPress hates me. I hate WordPress.
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twitter.com/MLB/status/1704353628885053499?s=20
Will this one work? Will WP block it again?
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https://x.com/MLB/status/1704353628885053499?s=20
This is my last attempt.
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So many of the sites no longer allow cross pollination so to speak…
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I clicked “like”, but once again the star just disappeared with extreme prejudice. WP hates me.
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V, I was able to finally click on your link, very nice story! Still confused why some people can come and go from Venezuela as they please and others cannot…
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couldn’t tell if Dansby was truly given a full throated welcome or not. It did go on for awhile. Shame he came back, at the very end of the season….sigh…anyone get a bit down when the seasons almost over? I know, the playoffs, great! But still, summers, over, baseballs almost over, days get shorter….sigh (again)
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it seemed to be pretty respectful to me. the boos at the end were too… btw, the Cubs won’t have top kick Bartman around anymore, there is a new bad guy in town…
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Man this team is FUN!!!
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I sure hope they don’t fall apart post-season.
(I’m hanging around as best I can. You guys really rock, ya know that??)
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Please imagine I have “liked” this post.
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I think this young Olson kid might just pan out…
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Yes, I was a little worried with the effort put forth during the Marlin’s series but the good guys certainly stepped it up against the Cubs. Of course the Cubbies really helped out with some less than stellar defense.
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https://twitter.com/MLBONFAX/status/1707784154476347433/photo/1
It’s about time
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Gil, sadly a parody site it appears…its all because of this terrible, rotten no good call he made…
he needs to retire, cuz I don’t think you can fire him
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/mlb-fans-call-for-%C3%A1ngel-hern%C3%A1ndezs-job-after-ump-s-embarrassing-run-in-with-bryce-harper/ar-AA1hrxMK
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drat
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Happy Birthday Margie… finally at middle age I see… 🙂
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LOL I guess I’d be considered middle-aged back in Biblical times! LOL I’m just tickled (and surprised) to have actually made it this far. Really! Except for my grandmother (died age 92) and my mother (died age 86), I’ve outlived everybody else in my entire family. That includes aunts, uncles, and cousins. Rockin’ on!!
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As your title above says “Youth springs eternal”!
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well, at least CL’s bday was good news on sat.
Braves, Dodgers and The O’s all won 100 games, all lost…sigh…
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Happy Belated Birthday CL!! I was out of range for a few days. Hope it was a good one!!
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Thanks, V! It was really good. Had a fabulous shrimp dinner – straight out of the Atlantic! YUM! Hope you had a magnificent vacation. Beautiful scenery you posted.
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WHEW!
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whew indeed!!! A team that looked done. shut out in game one, no hit for what, 5 innings in game 2? my friend David, that I have talked about watching many a game at a mexican restaurant in the past , told me he gave up on them!
the best 2 minute highlight reel of a game I can remember!
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We’ve got ’em right where we want ’em. We’ve got Strider on the mound tonight to bring it back home, and we’ve got Max to seal the deal in Game 5. Just like we drew it up!!
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And just like that…
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well, that was ….sub optimal….to say the least. couldn’t watch them even celebrate on the field. That team, that fanbase didn’t deserve it. The Filthy’s nasty fans put the Mutts fans to shame. Their players as well. I sure thought the throat cut “flex” by Harper, would energize the team like they’ve never been energized before. Nope…
All teams have passionate fans , but their fans were just low class, IMHO. You’d think we had beaten the Phillies like a drum the last few years, but…I seem to recall they beat us in 4 games…last year, and went to the W.S.
Probably the wrong time to write the 2023 season’s eulogy, but a few things….
1, before I forget…get the robot umps in the majors…yesterday. I kept seeing braves hitters getting quick 1st strike calls on pitches 2 inches below the plate down the middle, 1,2 inches inside, outside…up, down… Vaughn Grissom didn’t have a chance! I still don’t know if the last pitch was a check swing strike, an outside the strike zone strike, (which would have been the 3 missed call in his AB) or both!
We know our rotation was shaky, and losing Morton hurt us a lot. Fried getting hurt , hurt him, thus us as well….
Spencer Strider….is not John Smoltz, at least not c. 2023 at age 24. Perhaps he should start eating meat again….
for some reason, teams can tee off on 100, 101, is it location?
I mean, he kept us in the game, but gave up 3 homers ( I think he hardly had any homers on sliders during the season, but his slider sucked in the playoffs, for some reason)
Their bullpen was much , much better than ours. Apparently, having 3-4 guys throwing around 100 (and I swear one guy had a ball move like a bugs bunny pitch even though it was more or less down the middle) is better than our mid 90s guys
And, perhaps most importantly….the Philthies do NOT fear us at all
and hit relaxed. Only Riley hit for any power, during the season. All the sudden, Harris and Olson can’t hit lefties, after pounding them during the season?
Acuna, Ozzie, Rosario, Murphy,(.111 for Sept, William Contreras was much better, at least offensively this year) could only muster weak singles….why?
Where did their Mojo….go?
How, how do we improve? Trade Grissom and some young minor league starter for some #1,2 ? but who is that? Is Morton done?
Blake Snell is a free agent, but is he the guy we saw in 2023 that went 180 innings, or the guy that threw 128 innings in 2021, and 2022….
oh well …we have 6 months to figure out what the braves need to do to compete, after thinking most of the season, they were by far, the best team in baseball….
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Oh well, my TV viewing options have opened up. I sense the disterbance in the Force back in September. Fatigue maybe? The Braves were not the only 100 win teams to go home. Heck, the Dodgers got swept as well as the Orioles. It was a heck of a season for sure. At least AA knows what he needs to work on… PITCHING…
That said, I am over it. being a Braves fan has prepared me for these moments after all…
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Sobering events across the pond provide ample perspective that this is just entertainment and not anything to be taken too seriously. They’ll be back in March and we’ll all have renewed optimism. I believe there are many good college matchups tomorrow. In fact, I’m watching Tulane v Memphis as I type. I’m a blessed man way more than I deserve. Thankful for a fun season. We’ll get ‘em next year. 😉
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The way some people act over the Braves losing you would think they had money on the game… OH, WAIT! LOL
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😛
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A friend sent this link, interesting….is it just a coincidence that the best teams get knocked out early, is taking 5 days off, when you are tired, just a bad idea?
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V, absolutely, more important “issues” are happening right now in a faraway land…
Still, we all need our distractions, things that make us happy… and following our local baseball team is about 100,000,000 better than what the Kardashians are up to 😉
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since I haven’t gone back to bed yet…heard some interesting thoughts on 680 the Fan …some…
one dude (Ok, I don’t listen a lot to 680 😉 ) made an interesting point….someone mentioned to him, hey, the same team won the W.S in 2021! Well actually, no…Arcia was on the Bench, Murphy and Olson weren’t here yet. Acuna and Ozuna were not playing on that team….we had Joc Peterson, Jorge Soler, Dansby , Freddie…and Eddie was all world for a few weeks….
Also heard part of A.A.’s comments there…honest, but so vague in general…
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hmmm, what could I say that might…stir the pot a bit….the pot on top of the Hot Stove?
How about…”we” trade Ozzie Albies for a top starter? (Assuming there is some mythical top starter out there on a team that’s willing to trade him, and needs a 2nd baseman)
What???? Trade Ozzie????? He’s cheap! He’s great! yep, all true…but, who’s going to give you more of a haul, the soon to be 27 Ozzie, who has hit 30 HR’s and driven in 100 + RBI’s 2 of the last 3 seasons, or the unproven (though very likely to hit well) Vaughn Grissom? He can easily play 2nd and will probably hit close to .300, just not too likely to hit 30 HRs
But, he’s younger, and cheaper, and we all know how important that is! 😛
All I know is Morton is likely retiring (unless this ending just left that bad a taste in his mouth) Wright is out til 2025, Fried is likely to walk after next year (I used to think that would be a mistake to let happen, but with his build, I don’t think he’s going to hold up well into his 30s)
so that leaves Strider and Elder as the only sure things.
Sure, Ian Anderson might return to form (or…is his out next year too?) I wish Soroka hadn’t been bounced from AAA to ML back to AAA so much (unless they were telling him, don’t feel like you can stick here, cuz you can’t, not til next year) but after missing so much time, a good year next year might be what, 100, 120 innings?
the kid with 2 last names….he’s 20…so he isn’t gonna be your other horse….
So, a week free agent market has Blake Snell (I know walks a ton, and had pitched less than 130 innings in 2021, and 2022) and I forget what other name I saw…and 20+ teams likely to make an offer….
So anyways….something to ponder (and no doubt folks will recoil in terror at the mere mention, should I mention this on that fb group, Atl Braves dugout? 😉
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A weak…free agent market
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of course….the one thing my brain on 3 hours of sleep forgot…He and Ronald are best friends….sigh….
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David Justice has some thoughts on long layovers in the playoffs
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sad that several players didn’t stick around to talk to reporters after the game
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Although it begrudges me to say it, the Phillies are a scary team right now. They are what the Braves were the first half of the season. Slugging with timely hits and shut down pitching… No fluke.
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Gil, you are right, a scary team….I mean, just read (cuz I forgot) they not only swept the Dodgers, but the Brewers as well.
Can’t watch the Phils at home. Hate their fans, hate the egos of the players (they do play with passion, have to say that) hate everything about them c. 2023.
Funny, liked them last year. Sorta like the Red Sox, I was SOOOOOO happy for their fanbase when they finally won a W.S., then, they and their team got full of themselves. Didn’t care after that.
Just feel like, other than their vastly superior bullpen (A big deal) they were not anywhere near as good as the braves, yet, they beat us like a worn out rug. No fear of our team….
more than likely the Phils will once again go to the WS, might not be the Astros though….
Rangers or Astros, I don’t care now, I am an A.L. fan now…I want their fans crying 😛
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Rangers haning in… Go Texas…
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wow, with all the bad news in the world, I just warms the cockles of my heart that the ‘stros, and Philthies won’t be in the W.S.!
Guessing the Brewers, Dodgers, and Phils didn’t expect this!
Rangers were pretty impressive to beat the Colt 45’s at home 4 times…manager might be a tiny reason why
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Congrats to the Rangers and their lucky charm Will Smith!!
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And now…
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I was rooting for the Rangers so I have no idea of how they were actually able to win. Normally my support is like the kiss of death for any team I support…
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So, who had Craig Counsell not taking the Mutts job, but instead the Cubbies position?
Brewers fans should be rightly upset…at him, and the cheap arse Brewers. They draw phenomenally well, but they act like they are the Marlins
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so odd, w.p. claiming I’ve already posted a link about Charlie M coming back, but….it ain’t here
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/11/braves-exercise-club-option-on-charlie-morton-expected-to-decline-club-option-on-kirby-yates.html#comments
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Ron Washington hired as the manager of the Angles. Congratulations to him, he has earned it. The Braves will miss him.
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Well deserved, but he will be sorely missed in his absence in Braves Country. The next question is, which coach(es) does he take with him? EY? One of the hitting coach duo? I can’t see Weiss exiting, but one never knows. I’ve no doubt that AA and Snit will hire/promote a great coach for 3B, but I’m a little worried that there could be others. The Braves have been a rare team in MLB with very little turnover in their coaching ranks. It was bound to catch up with them at some point.
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Successful programs always are concidered primo for personel… Have to expect it as the cost of doing business…
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EY is indeed following Wash out west.
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V, hadn’t even thought of that…coaches me might take…
well, he certainly deserves another chance….tough division though….amazing these 70+ year old folks so driven that they are willing to move across country, and take on a difficult new task….makes me tired thinking about it
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well, color me surprised…..so, can we go after the superstar pitcher from Japan???
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/11/braves-planning-to-increase-payroll.html#comments
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Well, so much for face to face. 🤮
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Prophetic!! 😂 😂 😂
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Anthony Franco, MLBTR: [Braves GM Alex] Anthopoulos told reporters that the organization has given thought to getting [Vaughn] Grissom experience in left field. If they put that into action during Spring Training, it’d give the right-handed hitter a clearer path to MLB work. Grissom spent most of this year in Triple-A, hitting .330/.419/.501 as a 22-year-old.
How long have we discussed this? I like it for a couple of reasons. First, I want him not only in the lineup, but in the clubhouse. Second, the $$ we can save by not signing Bellinger, Gurriel or the defensively challenged Pederson can be redirected into an arm like Nola, Gray or Giolito… or even locking up our own Max Fried.
Prediction: Grissom opens the 2024 season either in LF for the Braves, or on another team. The fruit has ripened on the vine. Alex has to pick it now or it will begin to rot.
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BTW, Grissom is set to play winter ball in Puerto Rico.
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UPDATE: After reporting last night that Eric Young Sr was heading to LAA to be Wash’s 3B coach, Bob Nightengale has now backpedaled a bit and says it’s not a done deal yet, or at least it hasn’t been announced by the Angels yet. Still, I had already hear rumblings that if Wash got the job, EY was going with him so it would not be a big surprise.
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Lindsay Crosby, Fan Nation:
Bally Sports, who owns and operates many of the Regional Sports Networks that broadcast games for MLB (including broadcasts of the Atlanta Braves) stated in a bankruptcy court filing that they intend to cease broadcasting MLB games after the 2024 season.
In its filing with the court, Bally Sports specifically said: These actions give MLB and its clubs the clarity they demand in their Objection concerning the future treatment of their telecast rights agreements and give them time to transition to another broadcast partner before the start of the 2025 MLB season. These actions will also minimize the risk of disruption to fans as the Debtors expect to continue broadcasting through the 2024 MLB season.
I fully expect the Braves to transition to an exclusive streaming platform after Bally finishes circling the toilet. This is the way of the future in sports programming, so it’s nothing weird or unusual. Naturally, there will be a handful of games still shown on the ESPN, Fox, MLB Network, etc. But the bulk will likely become a subscription product. I see this as a good thing for fans, especially those who live in say… North Carolina or Virginia. It’s the ala cart version of programming that lets us pay for the Braves without also paying for CSPAN and MTV.
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Yep, it will allow me to cut bait with the MLB package which is around $200 a season and I am blacked out for all the Orioles and Nationals games so I would save money. We shall see what the final cost is but I would estimate about a buck per game or so.
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EY is gone. Wash’s new 3B coach. Officially official.
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Pretty sure it won’t end there…
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A couple of things…
First, DO’B has owned that the team is now truly considering LF as an option for Vaughn Grissom. I say it’s about time. Saving $8M or so in LF would easily help facilitate the signing of a top tier starting pitcher.
Second, there is chatter out there that Shohei Ohtani has expressed an interest in the Atlanta Braves. And while we might all shake out collective heads and say that Liberty Media and/or AA would never pay out the kind of bank it would take to sign him, Bill Shanks says “not so fast”. He makes a couple of points in that if Ohtani’s reps are will I h to talk, the conversation would absolutely take place. And why wouldn’t you at least have a meeting? His other point needs to be heeded as well. Whatever 💰 it might take to sign Ohtani, it would pretty much pay for itself in all the residual income he would generate. And with a new broadcast package coming in just another year, it actually makes some real sense.
This could be a fun off-season folks. Strap in.
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Maybe I’m wrong here, but I see this sudden window for negotiating broadcast rights as a perfect storm. Upper management has already stated publicly that the team’s payroll will be increasing. And if you want the best tv product around, you buy the best and most exciting (a/k/a best brands) you can find. Can you imagine Ronald and Shohei on the same team? It would be a broadcaster’s dream.
Daddy always said aim high and adjust as necessary.
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which might explain this….odd trade that sounds almost like a joke…
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Sounds like a bummer of a trade… I read ot last night and was a bit taken aback but the Braves unloaded a bunch of spare parts. I suspect someone on the analytical depatment saw something. I wish them all success in their new environs…
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I read ot last night and was a bit taken aback but the Braves unloaded a bunch of spare parts. I suspect someone on the analytical depatment saw something.
You tell part of the story here. First, let’s look at what we’re sending. God bless, Michael Soroka. I pray that he can get and stay healthy and show some of that great potential we all saw when we thought he was going to be the ace of our staff for years down the road. It solidifies the notion that you just never know with pitchers. Jared Shuster had likely reached his ceiling with the Braves and needs some new eyes on him to make a break through. He was not going to crack the rotation here, but maybe he can in Chicago. Neither of those guys was going to be in our rotation long term, even with the obvious openings we still have. Including Braden Shewmake doesn’t surprise me so much, but giving up Nicky Lopez also does. Still, Lopez was about to make more through arbitration (estimated at $4M) than our starter will be earning on the 2nd year of his 3 year deal. Bad optics yes, but also bad economics. That is an expensive bench player. Shewmake had slid all the way to #15 in the organization’s prospect rankings, so it was time to cut the cord there while there was something left to trade. And check out the name Keshawn Ogans and what he did in this year’s AFL. He’s a fast riser and probably the new SS on the horizon in the minors. As for throw-in lower level prospect Riley Gowens..? No idea. He had not cracked the team’s top 25 and was probably just sweetener to get the deal across the finish line.
The Braves had to make contract decisions on 3rd-year arb-eligible Soroka and Lopez by today, thus the timing of last night’s deal. Plus, the seemingly lopsided trade cleared out 4 spots from the previously full 40-man roster, which was absolutely part of the motivation from the Braves standpoint. You gotta have roster flexibility to sign FA’s and the Braves had to create some. With the addition of Aaron Bummer, the roster now sits at 37 and AA can begin his shopping spree.
Now Bummer…
Gil, you mention his analytics. I do not submerse myself in that world, so I can’t speak directly to it. But those who do, and have made comments about the trade, say that the Braves are getting a guy that can dominate if his “luck” is better. (For a bunch that worships hard measurables, they sure do talk about luck alot. But I digress…) And prior to last year, he was one of the better LH relievers in baseball. But last year was not his finest. His walk rate increased, which is never a good thing. That said, Bummer features a 95-mph sinker with heavy sink at an above average speed. He’s among the leaders in all of MLB in ground ball rate, and doesn’t give up very many HR’s. He relies on that sinker alot, but also throws a 95-mph 4-seamer with run, thus hitters can’t sit on either one. If that’s not enough from a reliever, he throws a nasty cutter that generates a ton of swing-and-miss. But wait, there’s more! He will also toss the occasional slider and change just to keep batters on their toes. In reality, under the right coaching, Bummer is a perfect fit for the Braves bullpen. Think Tyler Matzek with more ground balls.
So while on the surface it looks like AA gave up alot for a guy that needs a little tweaking to regain his dominance, there was actually some strategy involved. The Braves are allowing Soroka to move on to better opportunities, gaining trade value from Shuster before it fades, and clearing out some necessary roster space all while receiving a guy that has the potential to be a big part of a rebuilt bullpen. Makes prefect sense to me.
This trade reinforces the notion that Alex is going shopping for starting pitching on the FA and trade markets, although he has somewhat depleted his tradeable assets now. Does he need to add two pitchers to bolster the major league rotation and to rebuild the minor league pitching depth? AJ Smith-Shawver and Hurston Waldrep could battle for the #5 spot, with Alan Winans and Darius Vines also top options to come up to make spot or injury starts. Oh yeah, we can’t forget about the now healthy Huascar Ynoa either. Hmmm… maybe that pitching depth isn’t depleted after all. We could even toss Kolby Allard’s name in the mix somewhere, but I’m not convinced he’ll be around much longer either as he’s a non-tender candidate himself and occupies a valuable 40-man roster spot. Can’t forget those roster maneuverings. They’re a big part of it too. AA still has to fill the LF hole and the newly created utility void to go along with pitching, so roster spots are at a premium. I’m sure AA is exploring avenues we haven’t even considered… much like the Aaron Bummer deal. Never sleep on Alex. You never know where (or when) he’ll strike.
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Thanks for the new lead Kenny
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