Atlanta Braves Postseason Pace
by gondeee on Sep 2, 2010 8:15 AM EDT
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For the rest of the season we'll keep a daily tally of the Atlanta Braves chances of making the post season, along with daily commentary. Also consider this a daily open thread for general chatting.
| NL East | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | Magic Num | Playoff Odds |
| Braves | 78 | 55 | .586 | - | W5 | 27 | 97.4% |
| Phillies | 75 | 58 | .564 | 3 | W2 | 33 | 67.8% |
Going into Wednesday night's game we knew that we had to win as Roy Oswalt and the Phillies had three-hit the Dodgers earlier in the day, but Tommy Hanson and the Braves one-upped the Phils and two-hit the Mets. So if you're keeping track, after a four-game losing streak we now have a five-game winning streak.
Sort-of good news for the Braves from Florida as Ricky Nolasco will have season ending surgery and miss his start this Friday. His replacement, Andrew Miller, his pitched well against the Braves in the past, but we have more right-handed hitters now who should be able to counteract a tough lefty. And perhaps the Fish will be playing a few men short after that brawl last night. I guess this will be the game of fill-in starters as Kenshin Kawakami gets the emergency start in place of Derek Lowe and his ailing right elbow.
Time to focus on tonight and the marquee pitching match up of the series -- Johan Santana vs. Tim Hudson. For his career Johan is 2-and-6 against the Braves, but with a 2.31 ERA. This should play right into the way the Mets have been not scoring runs lately. In game one of the series the Mets scored three runs; in game two, two runs; and in game three, just one run. So if that pattern holds, then Santana will once again get zero run support. With Huddy on the mound that's not too hard to imagine. I can't tell you how sweet a four-game sweep of the Mets would be.
Philly heads to Colorado for a make-up game tonight, and then on to Milwaukee for three. After we sweep the Mets we head to Florida for three (and what a coincidence, I'm taking my Labor Day vacation in Miami).
I still can't believe that Freddie Freeman was essentially robbed of two hits last night. Still, he looked good at the plate and even better in the field. So why did we trade for Derrek Lee again?
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First!
I vow to never do that again. Ever.
"You can't print what I said, but they have to catch us." - Chipper Jones
Its hard to post first when you’re banned.
Coming soon: winningugly visits Atlanta, takes dump in royhobbs’ Braves hat.
I may be missing the the Marlins series, too...
Maybe I can get my sentence reduced…Or pay a fine like being forced to read only the Amazin’ Avenue blog for a week…
"You can't print what I said, but they have to catch us." - Chipper Jones
We traded for Derek Lee because
we need a dependable, veteran presence at 1B in late September and the postseason. Lee is one of the best defensive first basemen in the game, not to mention a great presence in the clubhouse. Freeman will possibly have a great career but do we really want him to have his first siginficant swings in a pennant race where we’re depending on him?
It's hard to say what's been most impressive. The seamless jump from AA? The ability to hit for average? The ability to hit for power? The 18 walks in 111 trips to the plate? The flair for the dramatic? When you're trying to isolate the most impressive aspect of Jason Heyward's game, there's a lot to choose from, and it's only been a month and a half.
If he plays better?
yes.
"If I have asthma, they won't let me scuba. And if I can’t scuba, then what’s this all been about?? What am I working toward??"
"You look like you should be married to one of the San Diego Padres."
But because he's a 20-year-old kid...
With almost no exposure to Major League pitching and a swing that remains a work progress, he probably will not play better.
So that’s why we signed Lee.
BTW
I seem to remember a certain young outfielder in 1996 becoming the youngest ever to hit a homerun in a WS game…iirc, that player was a late season call-up…
"If I have asthma, they won't let me scuba. And if I can’t scuba, then what’s this all been about?? What am I working toward??"
"You look like you should be married to one of the San Diego Padres."
And just for good measure...
He did it again.
"You can't print what I said, but they have to catch us." - Chipper Jones
Andruw Jones was one of the best prospects of the past 20 years, not to mention one of the best players of the past 20 years. Freeman ain’t there yet.
http://www.chop-n-change.com
by alexwithclass on Sep 2, 2010 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
agree with point #1
but not point #2… definitely not one of the best players of the past 20 years… what’re you talking, top 200?
GSO
Point 2 is a little easier to swallow
if you factor in some of the best CF defense of all time by any player. Watching Andruw in CF was spectacular.
by king of games on Sep 2, 2010 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Bobby Cox
Said on the radio this morning (interviewed after the game last night) that Lee would be the primary starter and Freeman would spell him and come in off the bench to pinch hit/relieve Derrek if needed.
We can’t expect Derrek to play every game, so I have no problem with Freeman playing, especially if (as Doghnut says) he is playing well.
The real question is not what do we do with Lee and Freeman, but what do we do with Glaus? I would not mind testing him out at 3rd. Why not?
"You can't print what I said, but they have to catch us." - Chipper Jones
Because
Glaus’ range would be terrible, and what do we do with Infante and Prado? I don’t like taking one of the top 4 guys in the batting average race out of the line-up if we don’t have too
It's hard to say what's been most impressive. The seamless jump from AA? The ability to hit for average? The ability to hit for power? The 18 walks in 111 trips to the plate? The flair for the dramatic? When you're trying to isolate the most impressive aspect of Jason Heyward's game, there's a lot to choose from, and it's only been a month and a half.
by Richie Grogan on Sep 2, 2010 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions
For a game?
Why not? Especially if we bench Gonzo (like last night) instead of Infante or Prado. Another option is to have Infante in LF; he can’t be any worse than Hinske. Like I said, I am not advocating wholesale changes, but I would not mind seeing how Glaus plays. Maybe put him out there against Pittsburgh…
Yes, his range might not be that good, but if he is swinging the bat like was in AAA (yes…I know…it was the minors), then I’ll take it.
"You can't print what I said, but they have to catch us." - Chipper Jones
At this point in his career and the season
Troy Glaus is to the Braves what Giambi is to the Rockies. His defense is a def. minus but he still scares you as a pinch-hit, DH option. Glaus’s best value to the Braves at this point is as a possible DH in a World Series game provided they make it that far. I’m just concerned that in a pennant race this close he cost us a game because of his defense and that is huge at this point in time.
It's hard to say what's been most impressive. The seamless jump from AA? The ability to hit for average? The ability to hit for power? The 18 walks in 111 trips to the plate? The flair for the dramatic? When you're trying to isolate the most impressive aspect of Jason Heyward's game, there's a lot to choose from, and it's only been a month and a half.
by Richie Grogan on Sep 2, 2010 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
It's tough...
Unfortunately, I feel to keep his swing going (if it is in fact back), he’ll need more than an at bat every few games. Not everyone can be David Ross or Brooks Conrad!
You’re right. How bad would it be to lose a game due to a costly error by Glaus (or just lack of getting near a reachable ball)? It will interesting to see what Bobby does, for we have a logjam at first…
"You can't print what I said, but they have to catch us." - Chipper Jones
I wonder the motivation for keeping Glaus on at this point
While no it doesn’t really hurt the Braves since he’s a great pinch-hit option, it doesn’t exactly help either. This feels like another case of Bobby staying loyal to a player who busted his butt for him. While yes I love seeing that, I question how much value he actually brings and what his actual chances are for the postseason roster.
It's hard to say what's been most impressive. The seamless jump from AA? The ability to hit for average? The ability to hit for power? The 18 walks in 111 trips to the plate? The flair for the dramatic? When you're trying to isolate the most impressive aspect of Jason Heyward's game, there's a lot to choose from, and it's only been a month and a half.
by Richie Grogan on Sep 2, 2010 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, tonight would be good...
can he come off the DL to provide a righty bat against (carlos) Santana?
Sorry, just waking up….that would not be “easing” him in…that would be “throwing” him in….The Marlins bats are raking right now…I think we save Glaus’s start for Andrew Miller’s …..with one that looks like this
1—omar (in the batting title race) Infante LF
2—Jay (in the ROY race…and coming on strong) Hey RF
3—Marteen (our MVP) Prado 2nd
4—Derrek (I will get my single/RBIs that are like nails in your coffin) Lee 1st
5—Troy (The return of the Saur) Glaus
6— Brian (was that really his 1st walk off the other night) McCann
7—Alex (really can’t think of something to say…plz no E’s?) Gonz’ales
8—Rick (recently hot…did he run through a stop sign last night?) Ankeil
9—Kenshin (OMG ….did you you know his last half of his name “Kama” means devine/like in God?….breakout comeback for our little Budda?) Kawakami
7
it just felt right and the chance to go to the postseason is hard to pass up. I’ve always respected their orginization… and Bobby…I’m excited. I’m looking forward to it...Derrek Lee (at press conference sayiing he had been traded to the Braves)
I'd say give Lee another day to rest his back...
and go with…
Infante
Heyward
Prado
Diaz
Glaus
Gonzalez
Ross
Melky
Hudson
(and if McCann starts over Ross, slide him in the 5 spot behind Diaz, with Glaus and Gonzo going down to 6 and 7)
Nyjer Morgan
Like you said, it appears Sanchez and Volstad should not be available (Volstad would have missed the series anyway). Sanchez has had a fine rookie season, and has given the Bravos fits. Goodness what a clothesline. Did you see Listach in there swinging away? Coaches should have a little more restraint, especially when it was a Nats player that started the fracas.
Back to the Bravos. I like how we have clearly erased that horrid loss in Colorado from our memories. This team is good. Exciting times, folks. Exciting times.
"You can't print what I said, but they have to catch us." - Chipper Jones
I didn't see Listach throw any swings.
I saw him wrap up Volstad and hold him down, protecting his player. I never saw him raise a fist.
by hailtogeorgia on Sep 2, 2010 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Let's go Rox!
The good news is that Colorado is very much in the playoff hunt so I would look for them to pull out all the stops to beat the Phillies tonight. But I’m hoping it’s the Giants that catch up to the Phils instead. I don’t want to see Colorado again this year. Do you? I’m all about maybe getting revenge for the last series but I would rather wait til next year. I want the road to the World Series to be a nice easy one. We already know we can handle the other playoff contenders. But Colorado worries me a bit.
I'm hoping your last question was for dramatic effect.
Freeman goes 0 for 3 with a good defensive showing, and you ask why we traded for Derrek Lee? I feel like that’s almost trollbait.
I hope the same. The "Derrek Lee trade was a bust" meme is already tired.
Look. When we are this close to making it to the postseason for the first time in a while, I love having a guy like Derrek Lee on our team. The risk that all three of the arms we traded turn out to be Adam Wainwrights and Derrek Lee turns out to be a negative WAR player as a Brave is a risk I’m glad we took to make a better team for a World Series push. For what we gave up and the arms we still have in the minors, I’m totally at peace with it all.
"It wasn’t that it was slippery or anything like that. It was just, dadgum, my hands and the balls were so wet..." - Tim Hudson
"And those two guys at the end. My God. Jonny (Venters) and Billy (Wagner), just awesome." - Bobby Cox
by KoKo the Monkey (T-Bone) on Sep 2, 2010 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Freeman's going to be a great player,
but at the very least, even if Derrek Lee doesn’t blow the roof off the place, he’s still a big-time power threat. His reputation alone forces other teams to make better pitches to the batters before him. Freeman couldn’t do that right now.
by hailtogeorgia on Sep 2, 2010 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Someone actually thinks the trade
was a bust? For real?
"Jason Heyward was a Greek philosopher reincarnated as a baseball player." - Don Sutton
Pretty sure it was a rhetorical question...
simply meant to imply Freeman was impressive in his debut.
And with Santana on the hill, o/u on hits from Diaz? I’m thinking 3.
3 HRs? I’ll go with over.
"Never doubt Derek Lowe's ability to win despite himself."
by EricGreggWasPaidOff on Sep 2, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I was ecstatic about the trade.
We gave up nothing for a proven guy. Although, he hasn’t been superb in his limited time with the Braves, the trade definitely favors us. Lopez is years away and nothing is ever for-sure with kids in the minors.
Nothing?
I’m not sure you know what that word means. So…
noth·ing /ˈnʌθɪŋ/ Show Spelled[nuhth-ing]
–noun
something or someone of no importance or significance
Lopez is a high-ceiling young pitcher. The other two have actual MLB potential. While they were not going to help the team this year, they certainly are not nothing. GI Joe.
Don't kiss an ass if it's in the process of shitting on you.
"…aren’t worthy enough to hold his (Pujols) ass cheeks apart while Playboy models wipe him with thousand dollar bills after he craps out the cure to whatever previously-incurable disease." by royhobbs 1/7/09
Really interested to see the line up today...
I think this late, starting september, it’s time for bobby to retire the get-away-day style lineup and put the A squad out there even though the series is already won.
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
Tonight!
Doesn’t Matty own a near .500 batting average against Johan? I’m pumped the game will be on MLB network.
On an unrelated note...
I saw that Rob Dibble was fired because of comments he made on a radio show (not a Nats broadcast) regarding Strasburg.
Volstad is out for the season? From the crap last night?
Hopefully Nyjer’s dumbass has to sit out the rest of the season. That Lil Man is a freaking powder keg. And it would be nice to not have to worry about his ass on-base.
"It looks like The Hound of the Baskervilles out there." - Steve Stone
"...I'm reminded of Wuthering Heights." - Harry Caray
~
Swing and a drive...Belted right! Welcome to the Show!!!
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Sep 2, 2010 10:41 AM EDT reply actions
You don’t throw at a guy twice. I can’t defend Morgan’s actions, but they made their point throwing at him the first time. If you don’t want him to steal bases, don’t throw at him. If you don’t want a mentally unstable guy charge the mound, don’t throw at him twice.
I agree.
On MLB.com, they have the clip of him charging the mound with both team’s announcers (Marlins first half, Nats second half). Listening to the Marlins announcers is awful. They’re such homers, they’re acting as if Nyjer Morgan just up and charged the mound completely unprovoked, or that he’s some serial killer. Sure, he has trouble controlling his temper, but when you throw at a guy twice, he’s going to get angry.
Morgan needs to calm his temper a bit…he was at the forefront of that mess in St. Louis last week as well. Taking out two catchers (and separating the shoulder of one two nights ago) isn’t okay. I agree with you on the stolen bases too. If you plunk someone who’s a base stealer, why shouldn’t he steal bases? What’s he supposed to do, stand on first and do nothing?
by hailtogeorgia on Sep 2, 2010 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
I do really, really hate the Marlins announcers. Every year, they have to mention every night how their rookie deserves ROY. This year, they won’t shut up about Sanchez’s RBI total, as if that is the best stat to decide. Do they really think baseball fans and the voters are that stupid?
Not only do they think that,
that’s the reality. Most baseball fans believe the shit sandwich spewed at them from dumbass ex-jocks and never-were media types.
"Jason Heyward was a Greek philosopher reincarnated as a baseball player." - Don Sutton
They make the Nats announcers sound like geniuses...
THAT’S impressive
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 can’t believe that the Fish were upset that he was stealing bases. It’s not as if the Nats were WINNING 14-3. It was only the 4th inning. If the Fish can score 14 runs in 4+ innings, I don’t know why the Nats (or any other team) shouldn’t try to score 12 in the remaining 5.
If the score had been the other way around, I could see that.
And regardless of how one feels about throwing at a guy in the first place, geez, TWICE?
lol
the second one did miss him. he could have man’ed up and just smiled. oh, no wait; he couldn’t have done that. he’s nyjer morgan.
"It looks like The Hound of the Baskervilles out there." - Steve Stone
"...I'm reminded of Wuthering Heights." - Harry Caray
~
Swing and a drive...Belted right! Welcome to the Show!!!
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Sep 2, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
They had already hit him,
as well as hitting two other Nats batters. There’s no need to throw at him again. Sure, he blew his top, but it’s not as if the Marlins were innocent in this whole thing.
by hailtogeorgia on Sep 2, 2010 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Nyjer also separated Brett Hayes’ shoulder in a collision for no reason.
I fed a fish to a pelican and Frisco bay and he tried to eat my cell phone he ran away
It wasn't his intent to separate his shoulder.
He should’ve slid, but it’s not like he’s the only person who’s ever taken out a catcher in a bang-bang play at home.
by hailtogeorgia on Sep 2, 2010 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Was that the play in which Nyjer led with his left elbow while veering toward the catcher who wasn’t really blocking the plate?
[Mets] GM Omar Minaya confirmed to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News that the Mets aren't going to fire any coaches today. July 26, 2010.
"What was more odd than that pitch being low is that Jeff Francoeur didn't swing at it." -- Jim Powell, Aug. 4, 2010.
No,
that was last week against the Cardinals. This play was two nights ago against the Marlins, where it really was a bang-bang play and the Hayes was actually blocking the plate.
by hailtogeorgia on Sep 2, 2010 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Gotcha — it’s that prior play that he should have outright been suspended for. That was uncalled for.
[Mets] GM Omar Minaya confirmed to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News that the Mets aren't going to fire any coaches today. July 26, 2010.
"What was more odd than that pitch being low is that Jeff Francoeur didn't swing at it." -- Jim Powell, Aug. 4, 2010.
Yeah, I agree.
He’s definitely not the classiest guy, but it just annoys me how he’s being painted like the villain in this situation because of who he is. Put anyone else in that position and there’s a good chance they do the same exact thing. They hit him, they hit two of his teammates, and then they threw at him again. If that’s not a time to charge the mound, I don’t know when is.
by hailtogeorgia on Sep 2, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
This is why we traded for Derrek Lee
Wren traded for Lee for the playoffs. We need right handed bats, especially some with power, and it will be nice to play either Glaus or Lee and have the other come off of the bench for pinch hit situations. The trade gave us a deeper offense.
Also, let’s say we make it to the World Series; Lee can play first and Glaus would be a perfect DH. Take Lee out of the mix, and who is our DH? Rick Ankiel? Claudell Washington?
Glaus would be a perfect DH if it’s “May Glaus” we’re talking about. otherwise…..
supposedly there are some American League teams interested in using Glaus for the DH. maybe Wrenners can pull of one of his usual moves and deal Glaus and McOut.
"It looks like The Hound of the Baskervilles out there." - Steve Stone
"...I'm reminded of Wuthering Heights." - Harry Caray
~
Swing and a drive...Belted right! Welcome to the Show!!!
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Sep 2, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
I hope he doesn’t deal Glaus. He was a huge reason why we are now in first place, and I’d like to see him stay on the team.
I also like the guys on our team who have won a WS, like Glaus, Lee, and Hinske. Even though it probably means nothing, it’s nice to have some guys on the team who have been there before.
With the ability to rest from time to time...
I think both Glaus and Lee will produce big at the plate.
It's too late.
They can’t trade Glaus, because he’s only eligible for our postseason roster. Pretty much kills any value he might have had on the trade market.
-C
It’s rough to sit through these games and not have someone that can’t hit a Ball?
Okay, who in the AL is borderline for making the playoffs, would be put over the top by a DH, and would be willing to give up anything of value?
Tampa is the only team that might be looking for a DH, but they’re up by 7 or 8 in the Wild Card race.
"They should just give two ROYs in the NL and skip the AL this year." - KLaw
Is Dan Uggla out for the year?
If so, great news for Braves fans. No more Cantu, Nolasco, Ross, or Uggla to kill us.
I saw this on AA.
They said it was a texting poll during the Mets’ broadcast the other night. Most of the AA crowd couldn’t believe that the viewers voted that way either. They now sound just like TC did after they took him from us.
I believe there ought to be a constitutional amendment outlawing Astroturf and the designated hitter. ~ Crash Davis
by Old Braves' Fan on Sep 2, 2010 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions
You almost have to admire Frenchy’s ability to convince the masses that he’s not a horrible baseball player.
He does field his position extremely well, that’s worth something in the league.
by king of games on Sep 2, 2010 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Plus
He’s real purty.
"It was the worst celebration of all time. I got lost in the moment." - Brian McCann
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