Braves Place Jason Heyward On The DL, Send Kenshin Kawakami To The Bullpen
by gondeee on Jun 28, 2010 10:30 PM EDT
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PrintThe Braves are not taking any chances with their prized rookie. Jason Heyward has a strained ligament in his thumb, and while it will not require surgery, the Braves are going to give him time to heal and come back 100 percent. After Monday night's game they announced they will place Heyward on the 15-day disabled list.
The move to the DL will be retroactive to June 27th, and Heyward will be eligible to be activated during the All-Star break. The thumb will be placed in a cast tomorrow and will remain in a cast for one week. The Braves expect to have him back when the second half of the season starts after the All-Star break. Matt Diaz will be activated from the DL tomorrow to replace Heyward on the active roster.
The team also announced that Kenshin Kawakami, and not Kris Medlen will go to the bullpen to make room for Jair Jurrjens in the starting rotation. While Meds has certainly pitched better than KK, I thought they would keep KK in the rotation and put the more flexible Medlen in the pen. This could be a further indictment of Kawakami, and a sign that the team is finally souring on him.
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That didn’t take long.
"I've been to two rodeos and three goat ropin's, but I've never seen anything like that" - Joe Simpson on Brooks Conrad's walkoff Grand Slam, 5/20/10
by BraveSaluki on Jun 28, 2010 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Surprise move though
With the amount of money they are paying him, and the flexibility Medlen offers, I thought for sure KK would stay as 5th starter.
Money shouldn’t decide roster decisions and who plays and who doesn’t. Medlen is a better starter. But I think Jurjens is not ready yet. We’ll see.
by Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela on Jun 29, 2010 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Money shouldn't decide roster decisions
but we all know its a factor. Medlen probably is a better starter but he is not a major upgrade than KK.
at least people like you can shut up now
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti
I'm happy for Heyward
He’ll get some well deserved rest, get to his first AS team and not have to play.
I’m very surprised at the other move.. we’ll see how he does
"Batting second and playing shortstop-he's Cuban. Yeah, his name's Pablo...no, eh, Yunel Escobar, sorry"
Amen
I’m glad he won’t play in the All Star game, even happier he won’t be tempted into the Home Run Derby. Rest is best.
Heyward is pretty good
Yeah. And its not like Heyward won’t be in other ASG. Let him rest in his rookie year
"Batting second and playing shortstop-he's Cuban. Yeah, his name's Pablo...no, eh, Yunel Escobar, sorry"
who cares what the 'aints fan say sarcastically?
it is fantastic news
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
Did you miss the part about Heyward going to DL?
"I've been to two rodeos and three goat ropin's, but I've never seen anything like that" - Joe Simpson on Brooks Conrad's walkoff Grand Slam, 5/20/10
by BraveSaluki on Jun 28, 2010 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah, he gets much need rest
no wonder his bat has gone cold
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
By no means do i like the falcons
But I cannot stand obnoxious Saint’s fans.
by carolinabrave89 on Jun 29, 2010 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think we can refer to them as the ’Aints after they just won the Superbowl, dude…
by get swoll yunel on Jun 28, 2010 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions
cox made the right move
meds has earned it. Plus Heyward needs a break anyhow, he’s only 20 and needs to rejuvenate.
Negatron, Megatron. Lowe to the BP would have been the right move.
This guy wants to suck all the cubs dick can he not have an unbias some what partition reguards
by RWH2 on Apr 5, 2010 10:20 AM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jun 30, 2010 8:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Heyward needs to get some rest. He hurt his thumb and played through it because no one was avaliable to take his place. Hopefully he will return healthy after the all-star break. I really don’t agree with KK being moved to the bullpen. KK is a capable fifth starter who could be a third and fourth starter on some teams, but Medlen definitely deserves it
got any other solutions to not moving KK?
by Jaymin Patel on Jun 28, 2010 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions
yea
you move the pitcher that’s in JJ spot, Medlen.
to where, the pen?
Medlen’s a better all around pitcher than KK and HE in my opinion should go to the minor leagues
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
how do you know? KK has never pitched out of the pen. Maybe he’s a shutdown closer and we just don’t know it.
How do I know?
Because I’m pretty sure KK pitched in the pen the last month last year
I don't remember KK pitching in relief either
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
So
When Hudson came back from surgery, we didn’t have six starters? Hudson,Lowe, Hanson,Vaquez,and JJ
well it appears he did
to the tune of a 2.63 ERA. 14 hits and 4 walks in 13.2 innings. Seems pretty good to me.
yeah, he definitely went to the pen at the end of last year.
"Sometimes I think it is a great mistake to have matter that can think and feel. It complains so. By the same token, though, I suppose that boulders and mountains and moons could be accused of being a little too phlegmatic."
-Kurt Vonnegut, "The Sirens of Titan"
by Bravely going forward on Jun 28, 2010 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions
at the end?
that was when we almost made the playoffs, Now I have some confidence in him
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
he did
pitch out of the pen last season
by BravesRaleigh on Jun 29, 2010 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Except that time last year when he pitched out of the pen…
This guy wants to suck all the cubs dick can he not have an unbias some what partition reguards
by RWH2 on Apr 5, 2010 10:20 AM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jun 30, 2010 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions
then ultimately, you have to decide whether it’s more important to have someone who’s better in the pen or in the rotation. i’d take 5-7 innings once every 5 games over 1 or 2 twice every 5.
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
this
a starter is more valuable than a reliever, so you keep the better pitcher in the rotation
KK is not part of our future rotation. He is done with us next year. Medlen is on a pace to pitch 170+ innings. He has never thrown more than 120 IP.
This
Is the really scary thing for me.
Tom Verducci has shown time and time again what happens when a pitcher throws 30 more innings than he did the previous year.
Medlen might work out for us the 2nd half, but if it results in a subpar year next year then that is going to hurt us.
Seems like (not trying to mean or a dick) the Braves are not concerned about hurting this guys chances for the long term. I feel like he is not meant to be the starter of the future anyway. He is just the hot pitcher for the moment.
by romone_braves91 on Jun 28, 2010 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah who knows
Next year’s lineup (guaranteed) is going to consist of Hudson/Hanson/Jurrjens. Kawakami and Lowe will still be under contract, so there isn’t really a great solution to this problem, unless someone gets injured again.
My hope is that the Braves just don’t ruin him this year. The guy has been awesome, and has some real promise to be a long time starter for the Braves. How great would a 1-4 rotation of Hudson/Hanson/Jurrjens/Medlen for the next few years be?
Seriously at the beginning of the season, I wanted Medlen over Lowe. Yeah I agree the four rotation you mentioned would be awesome. Hell, I would throw in Venters for the spot too b/c he is a lefty. I am not sure if he can handle it though (meaning I don’t know his full pitching arsenal or stamina.)
by romone_braves91 on Jun 28, 2010 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah. They have been grooming that guy for the spot for a while now.
by romone_braves91 on Jun 28, 2010 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions
The guy has an insane K/9 rate but the problem is that he walks a lot of people. If you want to know how good this guy is, check out the recap on June 20 when he was pitching against the Royals.
by romone_braves91 on Jun 28, 2010 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm pretty 50/50 about Lowe
He’s not pitching like a $15 million ace, but he’s been pretty solid overall.
But yeah, I think Venters will stick at the back end of the bullpen.
How awful is it to have this problem, especially after trading away Vazquez for this exact reason?! Haha.
Yeah it’s crazy. I think the team would have been perfect if we would have gotten rid of Lowe and kept Vaz but it is what it is. I knew Hudson would work out for us (2007 season he was a beast.) Lowe is not that bad (but still kinda inconsistent) . It is great to have a surplus problem.
by romone_braves91 on Jun 28, 2010 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions
you can guarantee jurrjens?
really? cuz hes a scott boras client and is quite tradeable
by BravesRaleigh on Jun 29, 2010 12:50 AM EDT up reply actions
JJ should be traded for a LF at the deadline – in a perfect world.
This guy wants to suck all the cubs dick can he not have an unbias some what partition reguards
by RWH2 on Apr 5, 2010 10:20 AM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jun 30, 2010 8:07 AM EDT up reply actions
still doesn't make sense unless it's batting order
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
you can only have 25 players on a major league roster at once
by Jaymin Patel on Jun 28, 2010 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions
now it sorta makes sense
but what’ll we do when young Heyward comes back? send KK to the minor leagues or release him(PLEASE)
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
bad pitching, I'm not as patient as Cox is
and when KK reached 0-5 I would have done something
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
Take your pick
Zach Greinke is 3-8
Jamie Moyer is 9-6
"I've been to two rodeos and three goat ropin's, but I've never seen anything like that" - Joe Simpson on Brooks Conrad's walkoff Grand Slam, 5/20/10
by BraveSaluki on Jun 28, 2010 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Moyer.
Duh. WINZ IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by BravesRaleigh on Jun 29, 2010 12:53 AM EDT up reply actions
The record is bullshit dude. First lost to SF, he had just one bad inning (dude was perfect for the first 5 innings). Only gave up 2 ER for the lost. The second lost was the no-hitter game. Third lost was when the Offense was being shitty (the nine game losing streak) to the Mets. The 4th against St. Louis was on him but that was still during the dreaded nine game losing streak. And the 5th lost was against the Nats. That was the game Livan Hernadez looked like a Cy Young candidate. Basically, one run from the Braves for like six innings. I would go on but apparently from these examples, KK needed the boot. Yeah Right.
by romone_braves91 on Jun 28, 2010 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Probably just have JJ take J-Hey’s roster spot for a couple days, then Matty D in for Martinez
"I've been to two rodeos and three goat ropin's, but I've never seen anything like that" - Joe Simpson on Brooks Conrad's walkoff Grand Slam, 5/20/10
by BraveSaluki on Jun 28, 2010 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions
still got Diory Hernandez who'll be ready soon too
by Jaymin Patel on Jun 28, 2010 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions
for AAA
"I've been to two rodeos and three goat ropin's, but I've never seen anything like that" - Joe Simpson on Brooks Conrad's walkoff Grand Slam, 5/20/10
by BraveSaluki on Jun 28, 2010 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions
he needs to be released, he's never proven anything,
bring up Marek
by Jaymin Patel on Jun 28, 2010 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions
how about bring up Jurrjens instead?? You move Martinez down to AAA to bring up Jurrjens.
by dunnytwogloves on Jun 29, 2010 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought they wanted Diaz to get 5-6 more rehab starts, but I guess this trumps that.
Heyward is pretty good
Intersting. The protection of Chavez (and the like) continue. Can you explain how this will work when a) JJ comes back (who goes down?) and b) when Heyward comes back?
"Batting second and playing shortstop-he's Cuban. Yeah, his name's Pablo...no, eh, Yunel Escobar, sorry"
my guess
is that they wait to activate JJ on Wednesday for his start, and send down Martinez (does that work? i’m not actually sure; it’s just a guess.) and when Heyward comes back Blanco goes down.
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
Uhm, it's not that complicated
The Braves can send Martinez or Chavez down when JJ is activated in two days. It gives them, for tomorrow, one extra arm if they should happen to need it. When Heyward is ready to come back, they just send down Blanco (or Hicks, since Blanco is actually doing fairly well for the team).
oooh yes, send down Hicks.
keep Gregor around. i like that guy. (but i’m fickle.)
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
reply fail to GoBravesNY
Heyward is pretty good
ha!
i said basically the same thing. so i guess he’ll get the point.
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
quick question,
what’s up with the signature? If you are a Chattanooga hater from Knoxville, I will ask you change it
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
Hey!
Nobody better be hating on my chattown.
by TheBraveDude on Jun 28, 2010 10:56 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I agree, Chattanooga's my home
and I love it
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
na, dude.
i LOVE Chattanooga. i’ve lived here my whole life, and it’s the best midsize city in the country. seriously.
i just fear with the spread of the metro Atlanta area, we’ll eventually be Marietta. it’s a play on the word “annexation”, and on “the annexation of Puerto Rico”, the gamebreaking football play from the movie Little Giants.
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
oh ok my bad
I do hope they build that high speed train between here and the ATL cutting time from 2hrs., to 45 mins.
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
that would be amazing.
i’d seriously go to 50 Braves games a year. (couldn’t afford more than that. or really, even that many. but i’d still do it.)
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
i couldn't get away cuz it's the fall
and i’m a college student.
what part of Chatt are you from?
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
cool
i’m in East Brainerd, but i’ve also lived in Hixson, Soddy and Chickamauga. we moved around a lot, but never all that far.
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
not that far at all
just changed states twice between Georgia and Tennessee
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
I'm back of lookout mtn
It’s the best
by TheBraveDude on Jun 28, 2010 11:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
how many times have you seen Craven's house?
I’ve never seen it yet but I do plan on seeing it when I get my drivers license
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
Once
20 years here and I haven’t seen rock city, incline, or ruby falls
by TheBraveDude on Jun 28, 2010 11:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Saving my money for something actually worthwhile
Is also beautiful
by TheBraveDude on Jun 28, 2010 11:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
this.
Ruby Falls IS beautiful, but it’s a tourist thing. my parents took me once when i was much younger, and i enjoyed it, but i don’t see the point in spending my own money on it.
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
yeah, i was about to say the same thing…rock city is pretty neat but ruby falls really is beautiful
"Sometimes I think it is a great mistake to have matter that can think and feel. It complains so. By the same token, though, I suppose that boulders and mountains and moons could be accused of being a little too phlegmatic."
-Kurt Vonnegut, "The Sirens of Titan"
by Bravely going forward on Jun 28, 2010 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I just have no desire
They’re better things to do in the noog. For instance, I get in free to all lookouts games.
by TheBraveDude on Jun 28, 2010 11:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
i haven't been to a game in two years
meaning, i haven’t seen them in Dodger blue. it’s just too strange.
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
a guy I know hate the new colors because he hate the dodgers
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
yeah...
i dunno. i don’t hate the Dodgers. doesn’t mean i like them. i preferred the Reds 100%. the year Adam Dunn was here=pure awesome.
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
too bad we sucked while part of the Reds
they kept on taking quality players before they could play a factor
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
No I don't have a job there
I just have connections…
by TheBraveDude on Jun 28, 2010 11:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
a guy my Dad knows
is a friend of the Dodgers pitching coach, apparently he lives somewhere in Ringgold
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
Rick Honeycutt, right?
Joe Simpson mentions his connections to north GA every time the Braves play the Dodgers and he makes a visit to the mound.
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
there's your reason
last year when they came to town at the end we were losing and the guy texts Rick and says “Hey Rick take it easy on our batters were trying to make the playoffs” I almost exploded with laughter
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
I'm gone y'all
don’t wait up for me as much as you would love to have me :)
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
East Brainerd here also
Must be a trend in here
by BraveFanInTennessee on Jun 29, 2010 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Ooltewah for me
Many more from our area in here this season, as opposed to season’s past.
Chipper: "It has never been about money for me, and it never will be about money. It has always been about winning, comfort and playing for Bobby Cox."
East Brainerd
ftw. Pretty much the only cool part of this city. Can’t wait until I move down to Atlanta for college this fall
Kawakami - 1, Halladay - 0
Chattanooga is a great city. The people here are morons though. I’m so sick of this hipster indie trend that’s sweeping through the downtown area. The people are so obnoxious.
Kawakami - 1, Halladay - 0
If you don't like the trends here
you’re surely not going to like living in a Metro city like Atl. Obnoxious peeps are in all cities. The larger the city the more you will run into. Enjoy!
Chipper: "It has never been about money for me, and it never will be about money. It has always been about winning, comfort and playing for Bobby Cox."
blanco has worked the count, played good defense, and filled in well as an outfield sub. He’s done all he’s been asked to do.
telemakhos!!
What is both surprising and delightful is that spectators are allowed, and even expected, to join in the vocal part of the game.... There is no reason why the field should not try to put the batsman off his stroke at the critical moment by neatly timed disparagements of his wife's fidelity and his mother's respectability. ~George Bernard Shaw
Look at that pic, and then reread what you posted……you still sure telemakhos is the winner here?
"Jason Heyward was a Greek philosopher reincarnated as a baseball player." - Don Sutton
All I am sure of all of a sudden...
Is that the lady in the picture isn’t.
What is both surprising and delightful is that spectators are allowed, and even expected, to join in the vocal part of the game.... There is no reason why the field should not try to put the batsman off his stroke at the critical moment by neatly timed disparagements of his wife's fidelity and his mother's respectability. ~George Bernard Shaw
riiiiggghht.
cuz we expected a run producer when we called up the guy who chokes 3 inches up on the bat. he’s done exactly what we needed, and more than i expected.
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
Wtf?
Have you watched any of the games the last few weeks?
Remember the guy who started in center before Blanco? Nate McLouth? Yeah. Blanco is outplaying him in center field, and his patience at the plate and all around hustle have been a real shot in the arm.
First McLouth mention in this thread. Boy, we sure miss him, don’t we, TC?
"I've been to two rodeos and three goat ropin's, but I've never seen anything like that" - Joe Simpson on Brooks Conrad's walkoff Grand Slam, 5/20/10
by BraveSaluki on Jun 28, 2010 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Who?
But srsly, maybe this time off will be good for him and allow him to work on whatever it was that wasnt working. If he can return anywhere near to the 20/20 guy he had been up to this year our lineup would be ballin’. Big if, I know, but still….
Help me! Some bullies threw my shoes over a telephone wire...with me in them!!
by !Vive la Francoeur! on Jun 28, 2010 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I have a feeling
That he might be trade bait. No idea what the Braves would want/could get for him, but how long does it take for a baseball player to get back from a concussion?
i dont really care this much he wont be playing very much anyways with diaz coming up he will prolly be platooning with all 3 outfielders
Maybe
Depends how healthy Diaz is. Really hard for me to tell right now who the weakest link out of Hinske/Diaz/Cabrera/Blanco is.
with the way blanco is playing with Heyward hurt, I think Blanco will be playing a lot more than you think. Diaz and Hinske will probably work a platoon left field for us, blanco in center and Melky in right.
I wouldn’t mind seeing what Blanco can do leading off.. He’s been a real shot in the arm for us lately with some good playing. It would be nice to have some speed at the top of the order with Prado batting second.
No no no no
Prado has to stay at leadoff. He has been absolutely excellent since moving there. I would put that at the top of the list of reasons why the Braves took off in May.
KK to the pen just does not feel right
The guy can pitch but he is being punished for low run support. That does not sound right at all. And Heyward going to the DL for a thumb that will not be healed over the next week or so. Man this is just bad news all around.
by romone_braves91 on Jun 28, 2010 10:49 PM EDT reply actions
i disagree.
whether or not KK has been the victim of poor run support (and he has), he’s still been our most inconsistent starter this year. who knows? maybe he’ll thrive in a middle relief role. i don’t know Medlen’s run support numbers (i’d guess they’re better than KK’s), but he’s a better all-around option—-not only that his pitching has been more consistent, but that he has a sick pickoff move, is a good athlete who can field his position (doesn’t KK have an error in 2 or 3 straight starts?) and can hit and run the bases (even though you don’t want your starter injured, it’s nice to not feel like an inning’s automatically over when your pitcher bats with two outs. we have that with Hudson, and we have it with Medlen too.).
on the Heyward point, i’d rather have him sitting and resting to get that thumb healed. he hasn’t been all that good lately, and i really think it’s because of the thumb. let it heal and get Matty D in there against some lefties. i just don’t think having Heyward sit for two weeks hurts all that much, especially if he would have kept performing below his ability because of a nagging injury. and even if it does heal in a week, what’s wrong with an extra week to get stronger?
all that to say, chin up! this ain’t so bad at all.
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
I would say Tommy has been more inconsistent, because you’re not really sure if you’re getting Good, Dominant Cyborg or Evil, Meatball-Throwing Cyborg. Kenshin has been, if anything, consistently adequate. I’m not saying KK is better than Tommy, I’m just saying inconsistent is a word I’d use
"I've been to two rodeos and three goat ropin's, but I've never seen anything like that" - Joe Simpson on Brooks Conrad's walkoff Grand Slam, 5/20/10
by BraveSaluki on Jun 28, 2010 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions
that's a fair point
but no one’s talking about moving Hanson to the bullpen. right? the discussion is between Medlen and KK.
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
I have nothing against the Heyward move. I was just expressing that it is just terrible luck. Sure rest will help a little but he still will not be 100 or rather 90 percent when he comes back. The KK vs. Medlen seems like a no win situation but I still feel bad for KK.
by romone_braves91 on Jun 28, 2010 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions
i feel bad for him too
on most teams, he’d be pretty firmly entrenched for every 5th game.
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
I completely agree with this assessment. I think Medlen has a bright future, and keeping him in the bullpen is a good idea. I think KK and be good out of the pen also. I also see a bit of double team action on the fifth spot in the rotation. Maybe some games, Medlen goes 5 and KK tries to finish up. A good way to keep Medlen’s innings down. Maybe even reverse the roles once a month or so. But, whatever happens here, I know that Bobby Cox and Frank Wren and the entire coaching staff has an idea about how this is going to work out. They will make sure not to overwork Medlen. And make sure to keep KK stretched out in case he is need for another injury.
As for Heyward, I think it’s good that we are giving him a break. He really seems like he needs one. He’s been struggling a while just b/c we can’t seem to give him a day off. Now, he’s off til after the All Star break. It just sucks that we are not going to have him for the Phillies and Mets series.
I’m kinda disappointed it’s turning out this way (mostly because I feel that Medlen will be more effective, and used more in key situations in the bullpen than KK), but the fact that the Braves are in the position to make this decision, highlights how lucky we are to have not only five, but SIX serviceable starters. I think the Mets and Phillies would relish the chance to make that decision (but they would be probably deciding how to line them up in the 3/4/5 range, rather than 5/6). And this even still after letting Javy go.
"I've been to two rodeos and three goat ropin's, but I've never seen anything like that" - Joe Simpson on Brooks Conrad's walkoff Grand Slam, 5/20/10
by BraveSaluki on Jun 28, 2010 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
well we just have to wait and see what happens
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
I agree that the Braves are blessed to have six decent starters in the rotation compared to others. I still have my doubts on Lowe being effective (besides CC, that was the worst off season to need a pitcher. Burnett is just as bad as Lowe. Dempster is ok but not worth the money he was asking for.) Hanson is definitely hitting a sophomore slump (meaning everybody knows his stuff although I think it was during June that Hanson was getting rocked. Not sure.) Having said all that, I still really like our staff.
by romone_braves91 on Jun 28, 2010 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions
hes not being punished
medlen’s being rewarded
by BravesRaleigh on Jun 29, 2010 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Smart moves all around
Heyward has been hurt/needs a break, and like Sutton said tonight, they almost need to put him in a cast to force him to rest the thumb.
As for putting Kawakami in the pen, I have a feeling that there might be a trade brewing soon. Its true, we have no idea how effective he can be in the pen, and his contract is pretty hard to move, but I just don’t see him having much success. Doesn’t have the type of mentality to come in for an inning and shut down the other team with runners on base.
someone might have mentioned this
but with diaz taking heywards spot… its like weird thumb injury gets better and takes guys spot who has weird thumb injury. coincidence.
how about this
if you had told me before the season started that two Braves would be on the DL at the same time with a mysterious nagging thumb injury I would have bet everything I own that one of them is Chipper Jones
i would have bet that both of them are Chipper Jones.
the right-handed hitter and the lefty.
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
Haha
Very true.
Talking about ironic/funny things – ever since Chipper ended the retirement talk he has been on an absolute tear.
we should probably start some rumors the next time he puts up an 0-fer.
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
also, apparently, the injuries occurred the same day.
or something like that. Bowman says Diaz “has been out since May 14 with a right thumb infection”, which was the same day Heyward injured his thumb. whether that means Diaz’s infection actually occurred on that day, i don’t know.
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
Good moves...
Glad to see Heyward on the DL. Something about the buildup of bad karma from all the postseason losing tells me that he’s going to be our Cliff Floyd. Should be hilarious.
(How’s that for optimism?)
by Thrashy Thrashy on Jun 28, 2010 11:04 PM EDT reply actions
i hope the NL wins
the ASG… if we get home field advantage we will win easily.
not when the ASG will be played in Anaheim home of the Angels
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
oh
it just seemed like he was talking about the ASG
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
I figured that worked by team record like the NBA
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
You can
Thank Bud Selig for that.
I think this came into effect after the tie in the All Star game a few years ago. A lame attempt to put some meaning into an exhibition game where the managers are forced to play everyone in nine innings rather than start the nine best players.
i seriously can't stand this system.
and of course it had to be put into effect in the middle of a dominant run by the AL.
the Atlantaxation of Chattanooga.
Really, dude? You come on here blessing us all with your anti-KK venom, and you don’t even know the rules for home-field advantage?
Talk about discrediting yourself.
This guy wants to suck all the cubs dick can he not have an unbias some what partition reguards
by RWH2 on Apr 5, 2010 10:20 AM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jun 30, 2010 8:12 AM EDT up reply actions
hey I started following baseball 5 years ago and never have I found that rule
online or on T.V., and plus KK can’t be a starter as this year has proven
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
KK can be a starter, as last year and this year, and his entire professional career have proven.
Just because the offense doesn’t score for him (for some wild reason) doesn’t mean he can’t pitch.
If you want to say that he is not as good as Medlen, fair enough. That could be a valid point. However, to say he sucks or should be released, or that he can’t pitch at the MLB level is just ignorant.
This guy wants to suck all the cubs dick can he not have an unbias some what partition reguards
by RWH2 on Apr 5, 2010 10:20 AM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jul 1, 2010 2:00 AM EDT up reply actions
tell that to Nick Bonsanto(ESPN radio Chattanooga)
I didn’t get my points from him but he agrees with me, but he’s a little more harsh than I am, you should hear him no matter how much you may disagree with him he really can make you laugh so hard your sides
might split literally
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
Well, Nick Bonsanto is retarded then.
This guy wants to suck all the cubs dick can he not have an unbias some what partition reguards
by RWH2 on Apr 5, 2010 10:20 AM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jul 2, 2010 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions
he's not retarded,
he’s a yankee from Philadelphia
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
I didn’t really care who went to the bullpen, but I seriously hope they’re careful with Medlen’s pitch count. Getting KK some spot starts toward the end of the year here and there wouldn’t be a bad call. Especially considering Meds isn’t a big dude at all.
by get swoll yunel on Jun 28, 2010 11:16 PM EDT reply actions
And by “pitch count” I mean “innings pitched”.
Well, both, really.
by get swoll yunel on Jun 28, 2010 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d also like to point out that Strasburg is only 2-2, so he clearly isn’t all he was cracked up to be.
Looks like another overrated prospect from the ESPN hype machine to me.
by get swoll yunel on Jun 28, 2010 11:19 PM EDT reply actions
Not trying to defend the guy but he was off tonight. I am glad we got the W from him. He is a good starter in my opinion.
by romone_braves91 on Jun 28, 2010 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Guess the sarcasm didn’t quite shine through like I wanted it to.
I should probably post here a bit more.
by get swoll yunel on Jun 28, 2010 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions
that's the problem with typing sarcasm
it’s impossible to tell
...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta
What?
I’m not saying he’s the second coming, but the guy is pretty impressive. You do realize he’s a rookie and facing major leaguers for the first time, right?
The guy is clearly phenomenal (and ran into some tough luck tonight). I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to use the small sample size, “ESPN sucks!”, and a “pitcher’s record = pitcher’s worth” themes all in the same sarcastic post.
It was calling out to me.
by get swoll yunel on Jun 28, 2010 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Could be
But I think Medlen has just pitched too good to be removed from the rotation. He may be valuable in the pen but we’re solid there with the emergence of Venters so we have the flexibility to make the right decision and keep Medlen in the rotation. I’m glad Wren didn’t just look at salaries when making this decision.
*sigh*
I hope this works out. I would much rather have Medlen dominating in the pen until we need him in the rotation again, but hopefully KK can be an asset down there, too.
I wish gondeee would stop with the idle speculation about the team “souring on” KK. There is zero evidence to support that. This was clearly a tough decision, and somebody had to go to the pen. Would you be saying that the team is “souring on” Medlen if they had moved him instead? That just makes no sense. There is no shame at all in losing a rotation spot to a pitcher of Medlen’s caliber.
Oh, one more thing. Everyone keeps talking about KK’s contract being hard to trade. I don’t think that’s the case at all. He’s not making much money at all on a yearly basis, and has been worth his contract both last year and this year (so far). A smart GM would trade for him in a second if he needed a starter.
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on Jun 28, 2010 11:31 PM EDT reply actions
The guy is 35 next year and making around 7 million, right? I’m not saying that’s untradeable, but how many teams out there are willing to throw around $7 mil for a back of the rotation starter in his mid 30’s?
Certainly we’re not going to get anything of value in return.
by get swoll yunel on Jun 28, 2010 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Mets, Dodgers, Phillies (they are going to bring back Pedro again), and Padres just to name a few.
by romone_braves91 on Jun 28, 2010 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m pretty sure I could go pitch in Petco and put up an ERA < 6.00.
I don’t see any of the big time spenders forking out good cash for an innings eater like KK, And the small to mid market teams definitely wouldn’t have any use for him.
I just don’t see it unless we basically give him away to someone very desperate.
by get swoll yunel on Jun 29, 2010 1:46 AM EDT up reply actions
This is not to say that the guy doesn’t have value, which he does.
It’s just that “trade value” and “performance value” can be totally different things sometimes.
Gotta have a market.
by get swoll yunel on Jun 29, 2010 1:48 AM EDT up reply actions
another point
It’s pretty rare that a team has it’s original starting five go all 162 games. In fact it’s almost unheard of. Teams usually have to employ 8-10 starters over the course of the season. I wouldn’t be surprised if KK is called upon to fill in as a starter again in the second half.
Plus the Braves seem to have a knack for these two hour rain delays in the second inning. (or worse as of late, a Hanson or Lowe implosion). It will be nice to bring KK in for six IP instead burning through our bullpen and putting that extra burden on guys like Hudson.
Agreed
Someone is probably bound to get injured in the 2nd half, so the extra starter will be useful then. Still, right now it just makes things pretty tricky.
I would also add
we have no idea how JJ is going to pitch. His rehab starts have been less than stellar. KK may need to come in for long relief for him, or even replace him in the rotation. I hope JJ comes back pitching to last season’s form, thus far this season he has not been very impressive. I do realize he had the shoulder inflammation in ST which could have thrown his mechanics off if he was compensating for the shoulder pain. We will have to wait and see….
Chipper: "It has never been about money for me, and it never will be about money. It has always been about winning, comfort and playing for Bobby Cox."
JJ was pitching over his head last season, but I definitely think he’ll come back and give us some quality 3rd starter type of innings, which will be just what the doctor ordered.
by get swoll yunel on Jun 29, 2010 1:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Not sure this has been celebrated enough yet...
CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN CAVEMAN
Go USA, Braves, BU Terriers, Irish, Caps, Colts, Hoyas, NU Cats, Wizards, DC United, Washington Freedom
BU Hockey: National Champions 1971, 1972, 1978, 1995, 2009
YEAH!!! Great to have matty back
"Tony Gwynn made sacrifices. Cal Ripken made sacrifices. I'm not sure Derek Jeter made sacrifices given the ungodly deep pockets the Yankees have." - Chipper Jones
by MBL1 on Jun 28, 2010 11:55 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Glad somebody agrees with me...
I feel like I’ve been anticipating this return much more than anybody else, haha.
Go USA, Braves, BU Terriers, Irish, Caps, Colts, Hoyas, NU Cats, Wizards, DC United, Washington Freedom
BU Hockey: National Champions 1971, 1972, 1978, 1995, 2009
I would be excited but I remembered how bad he was during April. If he comes back and kick ass again, I will be screaming “Matty D!” again. Until then, I am going to be skeptic.
by romone_braves91 on Jun 29, 2010 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions
To be fair, everyone sucked in april
"Tony Gwynn made sacrifices. Cal Ripken made sacrifices. I'm not sure Derek Jeter made sacrifices given the ungodly deep pockets the Yankees have." - Chipper Jones
by MBL1 on Jun 29, 2010 12:16 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Hi, I have someone holding on line 15 for you…….I think it’s some guy named Tom Hudson or something?
"Jason Heyward was a Greek philosopher reincarnated as a baseball player." - Don Sutton
Yeah, because his early season stats are so great
and if tonight’s performance of going 0-5 is an indicator of how he will continue to play this season. I can’t wait to get him back in the line-up, just sayin’.
I loved how our “Caveman” played last season and hope eventually he returns to last seasons form, but for now, I say keep him down and let him work on his hitting.
Chipper: "It has never been about money for me, and it never will be about money. It has always been about winning, comfort and playing for Bobby Cox."
We’ve been doing fine with JHey not being productive and it’s good to see MattyD and JJ both back. This team is not just Heyward, this is a TEAM. i just wish JHey would’ve told Bobby earlier that he’s hurt
"Tony Gwynn made sacrifices. Cal Ripken made sacrifices. I'm not sure Derek Jeter made sacrifices given the ungodly deep pockets the Yankees have." - Chipper Jones
by MBL1 on Jun 28, 2010 11:54 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
They knew he was hurt, they probably didn’t know how bad.
Heyward’s injury history is kinda troubling to me right now.
Don’t worry. He won’t turn out to be another Hampton
"Tony Gwynn made sacrifices. Cal Ripken made sacrifices. I'm not sure Derek Jeter made sacrifices given the ungodly deep pockets the Yankees have." - Chipper Jones
by MBL1 on Jun 29, 2010 12:17 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Nah… kid is 20 and everything thus far has been minor, “we gotta protect the future” type of stuff. He’ll be fine.
by get swoll yunel on Jun 29, 2010 1:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Good.
I approve of this move.
"Sharks have a week dedicated to Jason Heyward."
METS: My Entire Team Sucks.
Funny fan story about Matty D
I went down to Atlanta to see the Rockies-Braves game after Jimenez’s no-hitter and sat in the front row in one of sections in left field. Well, Diaz got the start that day and started the game off with a triple. He got a base hit in his first three at-bats and after he took the field after his third hit, a guy started calling out to him: Maaaaat, you’re my heroooo! Forget about Heyward!" Lol, that so happened to be the game where Jason hit a walk-off single to beat the Rockies and complete the come-back.
Not terribly upset or surprised by this one.
I’ve pulled a ligament in my thumb before, and it’s definitely one of those injuries that until you injure it, you don’t realize exactly how much stress you put on that particular spot (anyone who’s ever had a fractured sternum or a toe injury knows all about that feeling). He obviously wasn’t hitting too well, and seemed to be relying on trying to pull it hard enough to the right side that the infield couldn’t catch up to it, which isn’t the best approach for him or my fantasy team. :)
"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror." ~George Carlin
Until you've had a problem with your thumb...
it’s hard to imagine how much it hampers you. I got a cortisone shot in my left thumb a couple of weeks ago, and have been wearing a brace to immobilize it. And like Jason said, it’s not the pain that keeps you from using it properly, it’s a lack of strength or mobility.
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti
So, now he gets to rest, and thankfully miss the multiple cross country flights for the AS game...
welcome back Matty D.
Wait, so is he ineligible or he just won’t be playing?
by McGriff the Crime Dog on Jun 29, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
I go the impression...
that he may be going to the game, just not playing, unless the Braves want him to playing in rehab games at that time.
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti
I'll wait and see how that plays out closer to the day...
he may want to go, but I’d think the powers that be would prefer he be focusing on getting healthy instead.
Chase Utley damaged his thumb yesterday on a slide also...
so hopefully that will keep our competition at bay until Heyward is healthy and ready to reemerge as THE Rookie of the Year.
If Utley misses the AS game, then maybe Prado will start!
"Tony Gwynn made sacrifices. Cal Ripken made sacrifices. I'm not sure Derek Jeter made sacrifices given the ungodly deep pockets the Yankees have." - Chipper Jones
by MBL1 on Jun 29, 2010 12:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Wooooooooo!
Go Marteeeeeeen!
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti
he sure does deserve to start
whether or not Utley will miss the AS game
I apologize for the Proctobomb that I just dropped.
This guy wants to suck all the cubs dick can he not have an unbias some what partition reguards
by RWH2 on Apr 5, 2010 10:20 AM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jun 30, 2010 8:14 AM EDT reply actions
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