2010 Atlanta Braves (1 Viewer)

[pollardsvision]

I just thought it would look bad if the 2010 NL Champions didn't have their own thread.

It's going to be an exciting year in the ATL.

-One HOF career coming to an end.

-One HOF career just beginning. (Bravos sold 3000 season tickets the day after it was announced he'd be on the MLB roster).

-One HOF career in the balance (Chipper has reiterated that he'll retire with money on the table if he stinks again this year. I believe him.).

-McCann gets eyeglasses for a full season.

-With Hudson back, the rotation looks really good and really deep.

-Wagner looks like a man on a mission.

-Yunel and Prado appear poised to turn in great seasons.

-Solid OF depth to go along with the burgeoning star in RF.

-Hell, maybe Troy Glaus might even do something.

I think Bobby's got a few more tricks up his sleeve and the boys will go get it done for him one more time.

 

[pollardsvision]

Great way to start the season. Offensive explosion in Game 1. Late inning heroics by Chipper in Game 2. If he can get off to a hot start, that'd be great.

Wagner looks outstanding.

Troy Glaus looks horrible. 4 ugly Ks yesterday. The difference b/w his bat speed and Heyward's is astounding. I'm not sure the Braves wouldn't be better off with Hinske at 1B.

 

[boubucarow]

Great way to start the season. Offensive explosion in Game 1. Late inning heroics by Chipper in Game 2. If he can get off to a hot start, that'd be great.Wagner looks outstanding. Troy Glaus looks horrible. 4 ugly Ks yesterday. The difference b/w his bat speed and Heyward's is astounding. I'm not sure the Braves wouldn't be better off with Hinske at 1B.

I am sure they are hoping Freeman gets off to a good start and proves worthy of a call up by mid season. Glaus has looked like he has no chance with 6 k's already and looking really bad each time. As for Heyward, I have never watched a player on television whose crack of the bat is noticeably louder than everyone else's.

 

[pollardsvision]

Braves fans booing Troy Glaus. He really, really stinks. Can't believe he's hitting in the 5-hole.

ETA: Well then. I feel like an #######.

Great win. Bravos busting up that Philly bullpen to force a 1st place tie.

 

[Tiger Fan]

That Heyward kid is pretty good

 

[pollardsvision]

Braves look to extend the losing streak to nice round 10 tonight. Letting the Astros do the honor will be a nice touch.

Good thing they brought Heyward up.

Despite batting in the .230s and despite going on a recent 0-20 something skid, he has driven in 17 runs when no one else on the team is in double-digits. He has 5 of the team's 13 total HRs.

 

[derek245583]

They really gotta get it going...

Need 2 of 3 from the nats here after the Astros sweep.

 

[pollardsvision]

They really gotta get it going...Need 2 of 3 from the nats here after the Astros sweep.

They're really lucky to only be 3.5 games out after the 9 game skid. At least they're better than the Red Sox. Hopefully, Hanson and Hudson can keep pitching well while Lowe and Jurrjens get it together. Hopefully, Lowe's start yesterday is a sign of things to come.Not that it'll matter much if they can't get someone else to hit besides Heyward and Prado. Hopefully, some Nats pitching will be the cure for that (though, apparently, no one can score on Livan Hernandez).

 

[Please See Mine]

Way to go Bravos.

 

[derek245583]

They are terrible.

Chipper is done

Troy Glaus sucks

Nate McLouth forgot how to hit

Melky Cabrera is lost

Time to build around Prado, Heyward, McCann, and Escobar and their pitching.

 

[derek245583]

Swept the Brewers...time to sweep the lowly D Backs

 

[derek245583]

Kawakami vs Harang tonight.

Time to get to .500

 

[derek245583]

2 bigtime wins boys....

Jason Heyward with a walkoff hit

Then, Conrad with a walkoff grand slam.

Gotta stay hot. Lots of winnable games in the next month.

 

[derek245583]

3 innings away from FIRST PLACE!!!!

We have multiple people hitting below .200

We have Kawakami 0-Everything

We have almost as many blown saves as saves

AND STILL RIGHT IN IT!!

 

[derek245583]

They are terrible.Chipper is doneTroy Glaus sucksNate McLouth forgot how to hitMelky Cabrera is lostTime to build around Prado, Heyward, McCann, and Escobar and their pitching.

lolI get emotional

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Glaus -- hotter than a firecracker. Dude has shoulder surgery last year. Took a while for him to start seeing the ball and to get in a groove. Now, though, he is stroking it. Good D, too.

Prado -- lead the NL in hits and multi hit games. Good D, too.

The big 3 -- Hudson, Lowe, and Hanson are solid. Medlin is very good -- will keep a spot when Jurrjens comes back and Kawakami will move to long relief.

Love the bullpen -- very solid, especially with what we've had the last few years.

When Diaz gets back and you can platoon him and Hinske in left...that will be a nice upgrade.

Escobar -- maybe he's finally on. Last few games he's been hitting very well.

Chipper -- I think this is it. He'll get his average up...but bat speed is gone. Bobby will never do it, unless Chipper tells him to do it, but he should be hitting about 6th/7th. Put Heyward 3rd.

McCann needs to get going.

 

[derek245583]

Troy Glaus is so hot right now....so hot

 

[Txns8]

Glaus -- hotter than a firecracker. Dude has shoulder surgery last year. Took a while for him to start seeing the ball and to get in a groove. Now, though, he is stroking it. Good D, too.

Prado -- lead the NL in hits and multi hit games. Good D, too.

The big 3 -- Hudson, Lowe, and Hanson are solid. Medlin is very good -- will keep a spot when Jurrjens comes back and Kawakami will move to long relief.

Love the bullpen -- very solid, especially with what we've had the last few years.

When Diaz gets back and you can platoon him and Hinske in left...that will be a nice upgrade.

Escobar -- maybe he's finally on. Last few games he's been hitting very well.

Chipper -- I think this is it. He'll get his average up...but bat speed is gone. Bobby will never do it, unless Chipper tells him to do it, but he should be hitting about 6th/7th. Put Heyward 3rd.

McCann needs to get going.

Chipper has already said he'd do whatever necessary to make the team successful. I think he has pushed for Heyward to be moved up in the order. If it means he moves down, I believe he'd do it. Bobby knows this too.Heck of a run going. This displaced Astros fan in Atlanta would like something to root for this summer.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

...and they sweep the Phillies. That is 8 in a row, 18 of last 22, and they are now 1 game from the best record in the entire NL (and all of baseball, other than the Rays.)

Unbelievable -- I just love it for Bobby Cox.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Bobby Cox is the man. Players just love playing for him and will bust their butts for him.

[*]Atlanta now has the best record in the National League at 40-28 and has won just 1 game less than the MLB leader.

[*]Atlanta has won or tied their last 13 series (10-0-3).

[*]4 of their last 5 series, at the time they were played were against the leader of the division (MIN, LAD, TB, PHI)

[*]Atlanta, according to Elias, is 29-0 this season when scoring 5 or more runs. They are the only team with this distinction, by a long shot.

[*]Meanwhile, arguably their best pitcher is down, another is 0-9, CF is down, 3b is old, LF is on DL, and Melky is an everyday player...yet Bobby still has them winning.

 

[bweiser]

Will Nate McLouth have any value when he returns? I have an OF opening in my NL only league 4x4 league.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Will Nate McLouth have any value when he returns? I have an OF opening in my NL only league 4x4 league.

Can't believe I'm saying this...but I think Melky will put up better CF numbers than McClouth...at least for the foreseeable future. Huge disappointment. Braves need to trade for a real CF.

 

[derek245583]

Brooks Conrad....RAW DAWGING IT!!!!

I love it.

Go Braves!!

 

[derek245583]

Looks like first place at the break...

Still need a bat imo. Maybe David DeJesus....

And I am interested to see what the playoff rotation is going to look like. (Assuming they make it that far)

Hudson

Hanson

Jurjens (Assuming he plays up to expectations)

Lowe and Medlan out of the pen or what?

I think Atlanta's biggest flaw is that they have a great regular season rotation, but not a great 3 man rotation...Teams like Boston and NY can shorten up and become unbelievably good with the days off in the playoffs.

 

[pollardsvision]

Looks like first place at the break...Still need a bat imo. Maybe David DeJesus....And I am interested to see what the playoff rotation is going to look like. (Assuming they make it that far)HudsonHansonJurjens (Assuming he plays up to expectations)Lowe and Medlan out of the pen or what? I think Atlanta's biggest flaw is that they have a great regular season rotation, but not a great 3 man rotation...Teams like Boston and NY can shorten up and become unbelievably good with the days off in the playoffs.

Yeah, I agree the Braves have a wonderful regular season rotation, but they'll face a challenge in the playoffs. No idea what they'd do.If it comes to it, I can't imagine Lowe and Hudson not being in a playoff rotation, if healthy and pitching well. Hard to imagine keeping any of the 3 good young pitchers out of the rotation either. Medlen would be a natural fit to go back to the pen, but he's making a strong case to stay in the rotation. No idea what he'd do. I'm glad it's Cox' decision and not mine.

 

[derek245583]

Looks like first place at the break...Still need a bat imo. Maybe David DeJesus....And I am interested to see what the playoff rotation is going to look like. (Assuming they make it that far)HudsonHansonJurjens (Assuming he plays up to expectations)Lowe and Medlan out of the pen or what? I think Atlanta's biggest flaw is that they have a great regular season rotation, but not a great 3 man rotation...Teams like Boston and NY can shorten up and become unbelievably good with the days off in the playoffs.

Yeah, I agree the Braves have a wonderful regular season rotation, but they'll face a challenge in the playoffs. No idea what they'd do.If it comes to it, I can't imagine Lowe and Hudson not being in a playoff rotation, if healthy and pitching well. Hard to imagine keeping any of the 3 good young pitchers out of the rotation either. Medlen would be a natural fit to go back to the pen, but he's making a strong case to stay in the rotation. No idea what he'd do. I'm glad it's Cox' decision and not mine.

Heard on mike and mike this morning the post season schedule got moved around where its going to be very different (if impossible) to only go with 3 starters...That is good news for atlanta

 

[pollardsvision]

Looks like first place at the break...Still need a bat imo. Maybe David DeJesus....And I am interested to see what the playoff rotation is going to look like. (Assuming they make it that far)HudsonHansonJurjens (Assuming he plays up to expectations)Lowe and Medlan out of the pen or what? I think Atlanta's biggest flaw is that they have a great regular season rotation, but not a great 3 man rotation...Teams like Boston and NY can shorten up and become unbelievably good with the days off in the playoffs.

Yeah, I agree the Braves have a wonderful regular season rotation, but they'll face a challenge in the playoffs. No idea what they'd do.If it comes to it, I can't imagine Lowe and Hudson not being in a playoff rotation, if healthy and pitching well. Hard to imagine keeping any of the 3 good young pitchers out of the rotation either. Medlen would be a natural fit to go back to the pen, but he's making a strong case to stay in the rotation. No idea what he'd do. I'm glad it's Cox' decision and not mine.

Heard on mike and mike this morning the post season schedule got moved around where its going to be very different (if impossible) to only go with 3 starters...That is good news for atlanta

That would be fantastic. Then again, I'm sure the only reason MLB was considering a change is because they though the Yankees would land Cliff Lee. They'll probably reconsider now.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

I like the WIN NOW trade today of Yunel Escobar for Alez Gonzalez. 17 HRs to 0. 25 doubles to 12. 50 RBI to 23, I think.

No, he isn't the long term solution but, at this point, going for NOW is the right thing to do.

------------

On the pitching discussion, I think Medlin is our best pitcher after Hudson. Medlin is the closest thing to Maddux that the MLB has seen in a while. I think he becomes a great pitcher. Lowe concerns me in the playoffs. I'd go Hudson, Medlin, then whichever of Jurjjens or Hanson is hottest.

-----------

I see another trade on the horizon. They'll try for a CF. Upton, or someone like that.

-----------

The last time the NL won the all-star game...the Braves went to the World Series.

 

[Northern Voice]

Tim Collins has absolutely destroyed the minor leagues so far. He's 5' 7" and under 150 lbs, so who knows if he'll translate as a major league but he was a favourite prospect of many Jays fans. What's the story on Escobar? Is he a solid long term SS for the Jays?

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Tim Collins has absolutely destroyed the minor leagues so far. He's 5' 7" and under 150 lbs, so who knows if he'll translate as a major league but he was a favourite prospect of many Jays fans. What's the story on Escobar? Is he a solid long term SS for the Jays?

He's closer to the .299 hitter he was prior to this season than the .230s guy we've seen so far, but he doesn't have much power at all. He's a steady if unspectacular defensive shortstop, but probably not as good as Gonzalez. Expect full seasons in the .280-15-60 range with average to above average D, not may steals, and a .350-.375 OBP unless he's falling apart for good this year.

 

[pollardsvision]

Sounds like Yunel just didn't like being in ATL, so that makes it a great trade. If he's not happy, I don't see how he'd get it turned around in ATL. With a situation where they almost had to make a move (with a player having an abyssmal year), it's quite a move to reel in a 17 HR SS that plays good defense along with some decent prospects, I think.

Sounds like this was the right move for both teams.

 

[pollardsvision]

McLouth is back today. Bit of a shame for Blanco, as it sounds like he'll be sent to AAA.

Hopefully, McLouth can get it going. He's (essentially) coming off back-to-back 20-20 seasons and the Bravos could use some more pop.

 

[derek245583]

Big Series this week vs the Pads

Martin Prado needs to be locked up for years and years...I absolutely love him.

 

[pollardsvision]

Should be an exciting series. Good pitching and some great fielding plays so far (oddly enough, except for Prado in this game).

There goes Diaz with a 2-run shot.

 

[pollardsvision]

Big Series this week vs the PadsMartin Prado needs to be locked up for years and years...I absolutely love him.

That was one hell of a double to lead-off the 7th

 

[pollardsvision]

Best record in the NL after taking down the Padres.

Pretty exciting 26-and-under nucleus we've got with McCann, Heyward, Prado, Hanson, Jurrjens, and Medlen.

If the Phillies don't find a way to start getting younger, it could be another long decade and a half for the rest of the NL East (though the Nats have some nice young talent, but I trust them to screw that up).

 

[derek245583]

Best record in the NL after taking down the Padres. Pretty exciting 26-and-under nucleus we've got with McCann, Heyward, Prado, Hanson, Jurrjens, and Medlen. If the Phillies don't find a way to start getting younger, it could be another long decade and a half for the rest of the NL East (though the Nats have some nice young talent, but I trust them to screw that up).

I like Jurrjens a lot, but I keep hearing is a gonner. He is gonna get some big money on the open market.There is a TON of talent down in the minors on the Starting Pitching front...a TON.These guys are all headed for big contracts in a few years...We wont be able to keep all of them.

 

[Txns8]

Best record in the NL after taking down the Padres. Pretty exciting 26-and-under nucleus we've got with McCann, Heyward, Prado, Hanson, Jurrjens, and Medlen. If the Phillies don't find a way to start getting younger, it could be another long decade and a half for the rest of the NL East (though the Nats have some nice young talent, but I trust them to screw that up).

I like Jurrjens a lot, but I keep hearing is a gonner. He is gonna get some big money on the open market.There is a TON of talent down in the minors on the Starting Pitching front...a TON.These guys are all headed for big contracts in a few years...We wont be able to keep all of them.

I think the scarier part is who will lead the youth movement? Cox is gone after this year and with no Mazzone they run the risk of not being able to keep developing/leading the talent in the right direction.Has anyone heard any Cox replacement rumors? Is it Pendleton's job to lose?

 

[pollardsvision]

Best record in the NL after taking down the Padres. Pretty exciting 26-and-under nucleus we've got with McCann, Heyward, Prado, Hanson, Jurrjens, and Medlen. If the Phillies don't find a way to start getting younger, it could be another long decade and a half for the rest of the NL East (though the Nats have some nice young talent, but I trust them to screw that up).

I like Jurrjens a lot, but I keep hearing is a gonner. He is gonna get some big money on the open market.There is a TON of talent down in the minors on the Starting Pitching front...a TON.These guys are all headed for big contracts in a few years...We wont be able to keep all of them.

Makes sense. When do McCann and Prado become FAs? I assume it'll be awhile on Heyward and Hanson.

 

[derek245583]

Gotta shake off last night....Good Start with Prado hitting a leadoff HR.

Cant be blowing leads like they have 2 of the last 3 games.

 

[derek245583]

RAW DOG!!

Wow, what a game....stole one tonight to make up for the one we gave away last night.

 

[GroveDiesel]

McLouth is back today. Bit of a shame for Blanco, as it sounds like he'll be sent to AAA. Hopefully, McLouth can get it going. He's (essentially) coming off back-to-back 20-20 seasons and the Bravos could use some more pop.

McCloutb has just been horrific. They can't keep running him out there much longer with his average down to .169 can they? Oof. If they don't make another move, what are the options? Cabrera in CF, Diaz in LF and Heyward in RF if they bench McClouth? Release him and bring Blanco back up?

 

[derek245583]

McLouth is back today. Bit of a shame for Blanco, as it sounds like he'll be sent to AAA. Hopefully, McLouth can get it going. He's (essentially) coming off back-to-back 20-20 seasons and the Bravos could use some more pop.

McCloutb has just been horrific. They can't keep running him out there much longer with his average down to .169 can they? Oof. If they don't make another move, what are the options? Cabrera in CF, Diaz in LF and Heyward in RF if they bench McClouth? Release him and bring Blanco back up?

No idea what the plan is....but he has be awful. I read something about making heyward play CF, but I don't like that idea.Maybe they make a move for Upton or something....or in a dream world...Matt Kemp. If they don't make a move though, I guess Melky and Blanco in CF, Diaz and Hinske in LF

 

[derek245583]

Well, Nate Mclouth should be packing up his locker.

 

[bweiser]

Best record in the NL after taking down the Padres.

Pretty exciting 26-and-under nucleus we've got with McCann, Heyward, Prado, Hanson, Jurrjens, and Medlen.

If the Phillies don't find a way to start getting younger, it could be another long decade and a half for the rest of the NL East (though the Nats have some nice young talent, but I trust them to screw that up).

I like Jurrjens a lot, but I keep hearing is a gonner. He is gonna get some big money on the open market.There is a TON of talent down in the minors on the Starting Pitching front...a TON.

These guys are all headed for big contracts in a few years...We wont be able to keep all of them.

How many more years do the Braves have control of JJ for with arbitration? It has to be 2 or 3 at least, I think

 

[derek245583]

Best record in the NL after taking down the Padres.

Pretty exciting 26-and-under nucleus we've got with McCann, Heyward, Prado, Hanson, Jurrjens, and Medlen.

If the Phillies don't find a way to start getting younger, it could be another long decade and a half for the rest of the NL East (though the Nats have some nice young talent, but I trust them to screw that up).

I like Jurrjens a lot, but I keep hearing is a gonner. He is gonna get some big money on the open market.There is a TON of talent down in the minors on the Starting Pitching front...a TON.

These guys are all headed for big contracts in a few years...We wont be able to keep all of them.

How many more years do the Braves have control of JJ for with arbitration? It has to be 2 or 3 at least, I think

They control JJ through 2014 and Hanson through 2015.Bad news is Hanson just signed Scott Boras, which makes both of them Boras clients.

 

[RenegadeGM]

Nate McLouth sent to Triple A today... quite a fall from a few years ago.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Best record in the NL after taking down the Padres.

Pretty exciting 26-and-under nucleus we've got with McCann, Heyward, Prado, Hanson, Jurrjens, and Medlen.

If the Phillies don't find a way to start getting younger, it could be another long decade and a half for the rest of the NL East (though the Nats have some nice young talent, but I trust them to screw that up).

I like Jurrjens a lot, but I keep hearing is a gonner. He is gonna get some big money on the open market.There is a TON of talent down in the minors on the Starting Pitching front...a TON.

These guys are all headed for big contracts in a few years...We wont be able to keep all of them.

How many more years do the Braves have control of JJ for with arbitration? It has to be 2 or 3 at least, I think

They control JJ through 2014 and Hanson through 2015.Bad news is Hanson just signed Scott Boras, which makes both of them Boras clients.

The Phillies have a good bit of prospects in A and AA that will take a few years of seasoning. This actually works out for them since they have most of their current team locked in for 3 or 4 more years. So their A talent should be pushing to play in the majors just as the current vets on the roster will be finishing up their contracts.

 

[derek245583]

Disgusting display of baseball today against 9 innings of relievers.

 

[derek245583]

Well the phillies are never gonna lose again...

If the braves don't start hitting they may as well pack it in...Glaus is killing them in the middle of the order.

Chipper is struggling, Melky is terrible. Nobody is hitting for any sort of power.

Prado has cooled off, but is still fine. Mccann/Hinske/Heyward/Diaz are taking turns carrying the offense.

They need to trade for a bat, I don't really care what they have to trade.