2011 Atlanta Braves (1 Viewer)

[pollardsvision]

Let the hunt for the NL Wild Card begin.

Looked good against the Nats.

Got shut down by the Brew Crew.

Started the Philly series with a Cliff Lee beat down.

It was just a hell of a night all around....

Cox came out and threw the opening pitch to Fredi. (Like Aaron to Heyward last year).

The kids (Heyward, Freeman)stepped up and got some big hits. Chipper was on fire and got hit #2500. Prado and Gonzalez came up big. McLouth did something.

6 runs off Lee with no HRs is just some good baseball.

Hudson dominated, then let Venters/Kimbrel close the door. I did love seeing Huddy come out for the 8th, with Howard up 2nd.I guess after that little dribbler Huddy forced him into with bases loaded, he probably wanted some more.

It was just one game, but it was good to go ahead and punch the crowned 2011 NL Champions in the mouth in Game 1.

Should be a great game 2 and 3.

 

[derek245583]

Not good today....gotta start hitting

Lineup looks really good except McLouth should be batting 8th, he is terrible.

 

[pollardsvision]

Not good today....gotta start hitting

Lineup looks really good except McLouth should be batting 8th, he is terrible.

I agree. No clear or conventional options in dealing with the 1/2 spots, but anything would be better than having McLouth at 2.

 

[derek245583]

The annual "Braves get no hit" party is in full swing.

 

[pollardsvision]

Chipper Jones. 1500 RBI.

He and Eddie Murray are only switch hitters 2500 hits and 1500 RBI (suck on that Mickey).

1500 RBI is insane. Especially for a guy who didn't play in 150 games in any season after the age of 31.

 

[derek245583]

.500

 

[GroveDiesel]

So is McDowell going to get fired.

 

[pollardsvision]

So is McDowell going to get fired.

I hope not. The Braves are pitching very well this season.

 

[GroveDiesel]

So is McDowell going to get fired.

I hope not. The Braves are pitching very well this season.

As of right now, it doesn't sound like he's in imminent danger, but that's some pretty inflammatory and ridiculously crude stuff.

 

[derek245583]

Bad News Braves!!

 

[pollardsvision]

Bad News Braves!!

MLB doesn't have any "Lack of Institutional Control" penalties, do they?

 

[derek245583]

Bad News Braves!!

MLB doesn't have any "Lack of Institutional Control" penalties, do they?

lol no...looks like nothing is going to happen to lowe either, at least in terms of playing time. Hopefully this doesnt effect him, he started so well.

 

[pollardsvision]

The Braves did suspend McDowell (or put on "administrative leave" or something) while they investigate. Sounds like a significant punishment could be in the works.

I almost wonder if Lowe's arrest made the Braves take the McDowell situation more seriously.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=6450460

 

[derek245583]

Julio Teheran called up to start Saturday vs Philly....

Didnt wanna ask Hanson or Hudson to come back on short rest after the double header.

Kid is sick good...Wont stick this year, but he will be up next year probably

Quick look into the future for us.

 

[pollardsvision]

Excited to see what the kid can do. Hopefully, he can keep the Braves' hot streak going. 6 straight.

 

[SuperAwesomeDude]

Julio Teheran called up to start Saturday vs Philly....Didnt wanna ask Hanson or Hudson to come back on short rest after the double header.Kid is sick good...Wont stick this year, but he will be up next year probablyQuick look into the future for us.

why not minor?

 

[numberSE7EN]

Julio Teheran called up to start Saturday vs Philly....Didnt wanna ask Hanson or Hudson to come back on short rest after the double header.Kid is sick good...Wont stick this year, but he will be up next year probablyQuick look into the future for us.

why not minor?

I think by the time they knew Hudson and Hanson could not go Minor had already pitched. Teheran will be pitching on his normal day in the rotation.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Teheran going up against another guy that just got called up from AAA since Oswalt just went on the DL. Still going up against a tough hitting club though. It's still way early, but it would be pretty big if the Braves could sweep this series.

 

[Captain Hook]

Teheran going up against another guy that just got called up from AAA?? since Oswalt just went on the DL. Still going up against a tough hitting club though. It's still way early, but it would be pretty big if the Braves could sweep this series.

Kyle Kendrick is scheduled to start for the Phillies and he has been with them all year (and most if not all of last year)......Scott Mathieson was called up by the Phillies but he is a relief pitcher

 

[pollardsvision]

7 of the last 8. Just took a series on the road from the pre-crowned NL champs. The Marlins manager just told his whole team they suck (well, not in those exact words).

Good times.

 

[derek245583]

7 of the last 8. Just took a series on the road from the pre-crowned NL champs. The Marlins manager just told his whole team they suck (well, not in those exact words). Good times.

Feels good to be rolling

 

[pollardsvision]

7 of the last 8. Just took a series on the road from the pre-crowned NL champs. The Marlins manager just told his whole team they suck (well, not in those exact words). Good times.

Feels good to be rolling

The pitching staff is insane so far. Greatest staff in the history of MLB: 33 games, 108 runs allowedBraves: 36 games, 107 runsThey certainly won't stay this dominant, but it's not like they are pitching way over their head either. Nice to see everybody in good form so far.

 

[urbanhack]

What's the ceiling on Freeman this year?

 

[pollardsvision]

Teheran getting the call tomorrow. Hopefully, it goes better than last time.

It really sucks for Beachy though. He's been huge this season. Teheran will have some big shoes to fill.

 

[derek245583]

Teheran getting the call tomorrow. Hopefully, it goes better than last time. It really sucks for Beachy though. He's been huge this season. Teheran will have some big shoes to fill.

Really thought Minor would get the call...Good to win a few in a rowSounds like Chipper is ready to go today as well as Jason Heyward.

 

[derek245583]

I refuse to believe any team could be worse offensively than the Braves right now...they are terrible

 

[numberSE7EN]

I refuse to believe any team could be worse offensively than the Braves right now...they are terrible

I have to agree, but our pitching is amazing enough to be carrying us. Two hits and we win the game! If our pitching can hold, I really like our chances to make the playoffs, and go deep in them. Our offense can't get worse, and Prado and McCann are solid, Freeman is heating up, Uggla has to come around at some point (right?) and Heyward will come back and provide some more pop (hopefully...).

 

[derek245583]

Still pitching out of their minds...

Tons of rumors about them going after Michael Bourn and Jeff Keppinger, but I think they are just that... rumors...dont see them making that big of a splash at the deadline.

They 100% need bullpen help though, I would like to see Kris Medlan come back and go right into a relief role, he threw 60 pitches off a mound yesterday and felt good...good news.

There is just an embarrassment of pitching riches in the organization and absolutely no hitting. Gonna have to give up some really good arms in the next year or two.

 

[derek245583]

WHITE HOT!!!!

And not gaining any ground on Philly!!!

 

[GroveDiesel]

I'm really hoping that Prado coming back soon helps jumpstart the offense. Freeman is on fire right now and McCann and Chipper are doing nicely, but they need more.

Heyward and Uggla really need to step it up. Who would have thought that Uggla would be a huge downgrade from Infante? There seem to be some signs of Uggla turning it around though. He's hit a couple out in the last week, is taking a few more walks and striking out a bit less.

If Uggla turns it around and Prado comes back and does what I think he will, the offense should be good enough to finally help out the pitching.

I am worried about the bullpen a bit though. I haven't looked at innings pitched, but with all of the extra innings games they've played, I have to think that they've been used quite a lot. If they're tired when the playoffs come along, that would be bad. On the positive side, the starters are so good that they usually eat up quite a few innings themselves.

Lastly, Jair Jurrjens is just flat out ridiculous. most the attention by the talking heads still seems to be on the Phillies and especially Cliff Lee right now (who is also fantastic), but Jurrjens is still the best pitcher in baseball right now IMO. He reminds me a lot of guys like Glavine and Maddux.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Jurrjens killed it again tonight although a high pitch count limited him to just 6 innings. Uggla went 2 for 3 with a crushed HR and a walk. He may finally be coming around. With the loss by the Phils, the Braves finally picked up a game.

 

[derek245583]

We arent going to trade for anyone...this is absurd.

4 big time prospects that will be ML ready in less than 1.5 years and we refuse to trade any of them.

You dont get many chances to win the WS...you must take your shots when you do.

In the next 24 hours they need a CF who can hit lefties and a right handed reliever...The CF needs to be of the "very good" variety and the RH reliever just needs to be better than Scott Proctor.

I am sure they will get something done after the deadline on waivers...they could definitely find a serviceable reliever there, but no chance they can get a good enough CF'er that late.

Take your ####### shot Wren, quit planning for 2014!!!

 

[Snotbubbles]

We arent going to trade for anyone...this is absurd.4 big time prospects that will be ML ready in less than 1.5 years and we refuse to trade any of them. You dont get many chances to win the WS...you must take your shots when you do.In the next 24 hours they need a CF who can hit lefties and a right handed reliever...The CF needs to be of the "very good" variety and the RH reliever just needs to be better than Scott Proctor. I am sure they will get something done after the deadline on waivers...they could definitely find a serviceable reliever there, but no chance they can get a good enough CF'er that late.Take your ####### shot Wren, quit planning for 2014!!!

Michael Bourn isn't bad. He's a slap hitting leadoff guy with good speed and great defense.

 

[derek245583]

We arent going to trade for anyone...this is absurd.4 big time prospects that will be ML ready in less than 1.5 years and we refuse to trade any of them. You dont get many chances to win the WS...you must take your shots when you do.In the next 24 hours they need a CF who can hit lefties and a right handed reliever...The CF needs to be of the "very good" variety and the RH reliever just needs to be better than Scott Proctor. I am sure they will get something done after the deadline on waivers...they could definitely find a serviceable reliever there, but no chance they can get a good enough CF'er that late.Take your ####### shot Wren, quit planning for 2014!!!

Michael Bourn isn't bad. He's a slap hitting leadoff guy with good speed and great defense.

Thrilled with the trade...I was really worried we wouldnt get anything done. It was great news to wake up to.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Uggla

 

[derek245583]

Uggla

What a turn around..

 

[Limp Ditka]

What happens to Minor? Back to his namesake?

 

[derek245583]

What happens to Minor? Back to his namesake?

Stayin up probably...Hanson on the DL now

 

[GroveDiesel]

As frustrating as this team can be, this Braves team is rapidly becoming one of my favorites Braves teams.

They gotta replace Lowe when they make it to the playoffs though. He's just not getting it done.

 

[derek245583]

As frustrating as this team can be, this Braves team is rapidly becoming one of my favorites Braves teams. They gotta replace Lowe when they make it to the playoffs though. He's just not getting it done.

Guy is good for 4 innings and he falls apart in innings 5 and 6 pretty routinely.Gonna be in long relief in the playoffs...as much of a big game pitcher as he is, he shouldnt start a playoff game this year.

 

[GroveDiesel]

How ridiculously good has Craig Kimbrel been? 39 saves now and he hasn't given up a run in just over 30 innings now. Guy is automatic.

 

[pollardsvision]

How ridiculously good has Craig Kimbrel been? 39 saves now and he hasn't given up a run in just over 30 innings now. Guy is automatic.

It's like he's pitching to AA hitters. Crazy thing is that his ERA is still higher than Venters and O'Flaherty.

 

[derek245583]

How ridiculously good has Craig Kimbrel been? 39 saves now and he hasn't given up a run in just over 30 innings now. Guy is automatic.

It's like he's pitching to AA hitters. Crazy thing is that his ERA is still higher than Venters and O'Flaherty.

If Venters doesnt reach out and tip a ball against the padres his ERA would be significantly lower. I think he went on to allow 4 runs when it should have been zero. That about doubles his season total. Its ######ed.Gotta get the starting rotation decided upon for the playoffs...Only guy I am 100% sure will be in the rotation is Tim Hudson. No idea on everyone else.If Hanson gets healthy, he is in there....Not sure on Lowe/JJ. Jair has sucked lately and Lowe is a big game pitcher. Gonna be tough.

 

[derek245583]

Hanging on for dear life.

I know its a new season once the playoffs begin, but I am not expecting much. Hoping they play the D Backs and not the Brewers.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Hanging on for dear life.I know its a new season once the playoffs begin, but I am not expecting much. Hoping they play the D Backs and not the Brewers.

At some point you'll have to play the Brewers or Phillies. Wouldn't you rather face the Brewers in a 5 game series where a stronger top of the rotation pitcher (like Hudson) will give you an edge then a 7 game series where a top pitcher isn't as big of an advantage. Then you can hope the D-Backs upset the Phils.Personally, as a Phils fan, I am unimpressed with the Brewers. In the last series we played them over the weekend, their starting rotation wasn't great. Plus, to me, their lineup is flawed with Hart leading off and they have an extremely weak 5-9. I can see why Fielder has so many IBB. After him, you have a bunch of easy outs. Plus, their defense was horrible. Once they get under the bright lights of the playoffs, they'll be booting balls around like they think they were playing soccer.Also, when you get them away from their home field, they're terrible. Both games in Atlanta (or wherever they play on the road) I would consider wins. There is just so much to dislike about the Brewers team.

 

[pollardsvision]

Let's go Braves.

Huddy's about the only one who's come through during this dumpster-fire of a September.

 

[derek245583]

Doesnt really matter what happens here in the next 10 minutes...The Braves are cashed. Whether its tonight, Thursday, or tin the divisional round.

They are old (Chipper and Lowe), tired (Venters and Kimbrel), and slumping (The rest of them)

Its tough to watch.....I am now just rooting against Philly.

 

[pollardsvision]

Gotta be honest, going into extra innings, waiting for the Braves to score a run for the opportunity to get steamrolled tomorrow doesn't sound terribly exciting.

With Venters/Kimbrel looking like toast, it all feels for naught.

 

[pollardsvision]

Doesnt really matter what happens here in the next 10 minutes...The Braves are cashed. Whether its tonight, Thursday, or tin the divisional round.They are old (Chipper and Lowe), tired (Venters and Kimbrel), and slumping (The rest of them)Its tough to watch.....I am now just rooting against Philly.