Today’s game thread video is dedicated to Melky Cabrera!
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Today’s game thread video is dedicated to Melky Cabrera!
Use code “Journal” for a 5% discount.
Freeman hit his 4th HR
Just looked at the match-ups for the Cards… we may win game 1 (Huddy vs Lohse)… but the next two don’t look promising. Lowe vs Carpenter and then KK vs Jaime Garcia who has an ERA of 1.42. Ick… Houston and Nats after that might give us something to look forward to. – bfedrec
Nats are a better team than us right now, I dont look forward to any matchups
When you’re only having seconds, I’m having twenty-thirds; when I go to get my shoes shined, I gotta take their word because… I’m FAT!
I’m FAT!
Ham on!
(By the way, here’s the official video on Youtube, for embedding purposes.)
Baseball Reference lists two nicknames for Melky:
Melk Man and Leche.
Leche seems about right.
The real trouble is other teams now believe they can pitch around about half of our lineup and no one will make them pay and Glaus, Melky, Nate, Diaz and Escobar aren’t really proving them wrong. Last year we started the year with 4-5 almost sure outs in the lineup and this year has started out the same. I have more faith in this bunch to turn it around, but I do think we need a different hitting coach just to change the culture. I’m all for getting on base and selectivity, but the ones who can do some damage are the ones taking all the free passes and the Glaus’s are hitting into first-pitch DPs.
@4: That would be “lay-chay.”
did anyone see that we’re going to have to put up with ryan howard for atleast 5 more years?
@7, Actually, more like seven years. By the end of the extension, that may not be a bad thing.
move TP to 3rd and get rid of Snitker and his stache….find someone who can show these guys how to hit and make sure they get it right
Yes, see last thread. Howard’s a good player, but I don’t consider it particularly bad news for the Braves–the contract is big and expensive so there’s a decent chance the phils will regret it.
I didn’t realize donkey-nose was 30 years already. Wow.
well, as long as there isn’t a no-trade clause, Howard will probably still be a productive enough hitter late into the contract and they can then trade him to the Yanks/Sox for the last couple years of it to act as a DH… so we’ll probably have to deal with him for as long as he’s a productive 1B.
I’m pretty sure there was a limited NTC. And between his contract and the Raul Ibanez one, they’ve wasted their “stupid money,” and probably won’t be resigning Jayson Werth now. Really, the contract factors as a good thing long-term for Atlanta.
#13
Unless you consider he’s setting the bar for a possible A. Gonz. extension if he is indeed a realistic trade option for us.
I for one will go on record saying I DONT want Wren trading for A Gonzo
While I would love to see AG at 1B over Glaus… I can’t envision a realistic trade I’d be happy with considering what we’d have to give up for him.
if you can resign him to an extension then you might as well wait until he reaches FA. There will be no discounts given so there is no point in giving up the prospect package that it would take to get him. Plus isnt the org very high on Freeman?
I don’t want the Braves to sell the farm for Adrian Gonzalez. He is a great player but you have to figure that a group that would include one or two of Freeman, Vizcaino, Tehran, Betancourt, Medlen would be the asking price.
As hot a commodity as he’ll be when he reaches FA or what he’ll be asking for in an extension effectively makes him a Yankee or a Red Sock(? don’t know the singular).
The organization is very high on Freeman, thus the 1 year rental lowball on Glaus.
The Padres already have their 1B replacement in Blanks. They are not interested in Freeman, unless it was to flip him, and his slow start sort of kills that.
Did anybody read the story of Juan Hernandez Nodar in the weekend WSJ? He spent 13 years in a Cuban prison after trying to recruit El Duque out of Cuba.
Very interesting reading.
Not to be “that guy,” but San Diego is currently in 1st place while we are sniffing Washington’s six in last. If anything, we should be considering if we could get Castro and Tate for Ross and Jurrjens.
Realistically though, I’d wait until we’re at least getting league average production out of SS and 2/3’rds of our outfield before we would even consider picking up a 1B the quality of AGon, because otherwise it’ll just be Teixeira 2.0.
Everyone seems to assume Gonzalez will be Yankee or a Red Sox, but I don’t know who the competition would be for him, honestly…
The Yanks have Texeira, obviously. There is a chance that they pay Gonzalez the same kind of money, and make one or the other a DH, but I just don’t see it.
The Sox are a little more likely, as Beltre is on a one year deal at 3b, Youkilis can be moved to third. I can see them going after Gonzalez as a FA, but I don’t see them trading for him this year.
My point is, on neither of those teams is a there a NEED for a first baseman.
There are lots of clubs who would be in on him as a FA. He’s an upgrade over almost any 1b. But you have to have a NEED to trade for him. And if you trade for him, you better work out a deal. The Yanks, Sox, and even the Mets don’t have enough need to give up prospects for him. Same with the Dodgers. The Cubs could go after him in FA, because Derrek Lee will be FA too. The Angels have Morales so I don’t see them trading for him, but could be in as an FA. The Dodgers could be in on a trade to upgrade over Loney.
Like I say. I can see a big market for him when he hits free-agency after next year. But what teams that have the payroll to extend him, need him enough to trade for him, and the prospects to get it done?
Lotsa talk in Red Sox land about how losing Tex to the Yanks set them back & shifted the balance of power a bit. (It’s best not to insult a top player in negotiations, it seems.)
Gonzalez surely will be on their radar.
when its broke keep fixing it – lineup tonight per twitter
Escobar
Prado
Jones
BMac
Glaus
Heyward
Melky
Nate
Hudson
I think reality dictates that we move McCann to 1B the second we have a decent defensive catcher. (Oh, wait …)
Love him, but he’s a liability behind the plate and an All-Star beside it.
Batting Order:
Diaz
Prado
Chipper
McCann
Heyward
Escobar
Ross
McLouth
P
Can’t do any worse than we’ve been doing.
24,
I like it. We’ve made this point before, but Yunel hits about as many ground balls as anyone in the majors (I think he’s 3rd since 2008 behind Skip Schumaker and Jeter, if not, something close to that), and hitting him first minimizes his GIDP’s. Plus his offensive profile fits the lead off role nicely.
I like that lineup too. I would consider hitting Prado first though.
Chipper is hitting a little better too.
With the amount of walks we have had, sooner or later we have to hit. I think we are on the brink.
In honor of hank’s kind remarks in the previous thread, I will, once again, post Baseball America’s scouting report on DP from before the ’09 season:
As Dix likes to say, his only weakness … is a lack of weaknesses.
And Stu’s only weakness… is a lack of David Price.
My only weakness is the lack of a BA password to read the linked article.
My only weakness is not being able to post a link to the article that says:
Hey, New York Mets fans, think things couldn’t get any worse? Next year former outfielder Bobby Bonilla goes back on the payroll at the ripe old age of 48.
In 1999, Bonilla returned to the Mets for a second stint at Shea following his borderline disastrous free-agent signing in 1992. Bonilla wasn’t any better the second time around, so the Mets waived him in 2000. The problem was that the team still owed Bonilla $5.9 million in guaranteed salary.
Bonilla’s agents worked out a deal with the Mets where he would defer the salary if the team would pay him $1,193,248.20 every July 1 from 2011 to 2035. Not a bad deal for someone who was so bad the team basically paid him to go away.
Anyway, Neyer links to it. It pleases me.
For what it’s worth, Hinske is hitting .417 in 12 ABs against Lohse.
Sansho thanks for that info.
That is wild.
And…we’re off.
Kyle Loshe currently has a higher average than everyone in our lineup except Martin Prado.
For any rules maven:
Since Pujols was standing directly in the 1st base path to catch Prado’s pop up, could Prado have legally
laid him outbounced off him to get to first?No. Fielder gets priority.
That happened yesterday, didn’t it?
Holy!
Thanks for dogging it, King Albert.
While Big Albert does his Todd Zeile imitation, score one for the Melk Man.
Did Melky do something right?
Just in case we forgot who was managing the Cardinals…
Nice out of context John Smoltz quote: “I love to shag”
I hope Hudson isn’t gassed after running the bases.
if we dont score here, we are cursed this year.
Hey, a run!
WE SCORED! YAYYYYYYY!
Was anybody else yelling “Tag up” to your TV screen?
Wow, 2 runs in the same inning. This is an outburst.
Glaus! Creepin’ above the Mendoza Line!
Who is this Glaus guy?
Jim Powell made a good point on the radio just then. 9 of the Braves 18 games have been played in extreme pitchers parks–Citi, Petco, and AT&T–which could have something to do with individual and/or team offensive performances.
PW, cant we add turner field to that list pretty soon?
melky with a little excitement. good to see.
I am so glad with the Howard contract. The Phillies will regret it.
@54 You can add it right now, if you like – current PF’s
Ballpark: Turner Field (ballparks.com) · Attendance: 265,213 (9th of 16)
Park Factors Over 100 favors batters, under 100 favors pitchers.
multi-year: Batting – 98, Pitching – 98 · one-year: Batting – 96, Pitching – 95
The fact that I now feel a spark of hope that Melky can bat an empty .260 is pretty pathetic
Whoever it was last night wondering about which batter TP was asking not to hit with a stiff back leg…I think it’s McLouth after watching him hit.
Anyone else reminded of John Kruk as the Melky express chugged around third?
Did Melky really just score from first? Mlb.tv froze up so I didn’t actually see it.
Yep.
I’m going to be in Atlanta on Saturday for the game. I have reservations for Fogo de Chao afterwards–at least I can count on dinner being enjoyable.
Doesn’t look like Lohse will make it past the 5th.
Can’t blame Yunel getting doubled off there. That ball was crushed.
A blue darter?
Was watching the Braves on bonus rain out coverage but now ESPN is screwing with me and making me watch Bobby Valentine. UGH.
Yunelled again
Where was he going? Was he thinking about scoring all the way from 1B??
65 — At least it wasn’t fisted or belted.
Was it really “lined” to third – that would be somewhat understandable.
not a Yunel, imho
69 — Yep
I’m guessing Lonnie Smith for the trivia question.
57,
Does the 1-year factor use 2009 data or 2010 data?
That’s 2010 data I think. It’s from the BR Braves page.
Hudson brought his A game tonight.
@73 and74, correct. The one year data is current, although identical to 2009. Maybe it’s a rolling one year during the season?
Heyward is in a bit of a slump.
mccann has blocked well tonight.
anyone notice we’re playing really intense baseball…especially yunel.
That was one hell of a play by Yunel on Pujols’ ball last inning. I tell you what– by turning that into a 6-3, he probably shut down the Cards. That’s why they put up with his crap– lot of guys couldn’t have made that play.
mcclellan’s curve ball is a beast.
Might be time to get Moylan in the game, Bobby.
Pitchers, is 3 runs not enough or something? These guys are never satisfied.
81- I know. Going into the year, I thought Moylan, Saito, Wagner would be a beast, but they’ve been pretty irrelevant lately. This is the perfect game for them to dominate.
My boys from St. Louis have already been running their mouths about the anatomically impossible things Pujols is going to do our bullpen.
Maybe a Prado on that.
ummmm? what? why?
BOBBY COX MAKES NO FUCKING SENSE!
Why not bring in the lefty there? Kind of stupid for him to warm up and not use him. And what a great play by Melky, ugh.
well @#$!
Moylan can’t really get lefties out.
Yeah, why warm him up if he’s not going to be used?
seriously, how in the hell does he overmanage every freakin’ game and then when he has 2 rested options in the pen he doesnt use them…incredible.
That was the guy LaRussa refused to use during the 20 inning game, instead letting pitchers hit with the bases loaded. No excuse there.
ryan c, if you’ve missed the last 2 days, we all decided Bobby wasn’t the problem. Well, some people decided that.
it’s a totally different circumstance if there’s noone on, but having a runner in scoring position with 2outs when we so desperately need a win and not go with the lefty is poor f’n management. this one’s on you bobby.
We haven’t had a base runner since the 4th
I wouldn’t mind Diaz for Heyward here.
robert, that’s a ridiculous thought and i would have stalked bobby down and punched him in his balls.
Here comes Melky to kill the rally.
cardinals announcer: “cabrera is a .100 hitter from this side”
Can of corn.
Good at bat for Melky. Not the desired result though.
Dammit, why is this staff totally unable to hold multiple run leads. I’m tired of these guys pitching just well enough to lose. At least Vazquez was able to shut down teams.
Well, that is the hardest Melky has hit a ball all season.
WALK PULJOS HERE
See…
Personally, I’m disgusted. I’m also tired and sore and going to go to bed. See you tomorrow morning.
I hate this team.
I hate this team too.
Andrew Jones in his prime catches that.
pukes
Three runs all game is pretty bare bones for a multiple run lead. Our offense needs to get something going every now and then.
Saito, lookin’ old.
Wow, a properly executed, fairly difficult defensive play. Who knew we could do that?
Starting to wonder if the Braves are ever going to win another game.
This team was a lot of fun to watch just over a week ago…
The way Bobby is managing this game, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Saito hit for himself here.
We should start having fan auctions for the right to name our leadoff man. Even if rival fans name our pitchers, I think we can still break even vs. what we’ve got now. Maybe we can raise enough money to bring someone decent in next year.
Yeah, leaving Moylan in to face Anderson seems pretty indefensible.
Franklin is hittable, but then, so is Kyle Kendrick.
Hahahahaha, there’s some luck.
Aaaand the patented DP.
Bobby, you genius.
There was no way that wasn’t going to happen.
Yeah, leaving Moylan in to face Anderson seems pretty indefensible.
Well Anderson sucks. If Bobby gets O’Flaherty there is no way LaRussa stays with Anderson, he pinch hits with a real hitter and you’ve still lost the platoon edge.
So it’s either Moylan vs Anderson or O’Flaherty vs Felipe Lopez (maybe). Outcome notwithstanding, I like the former.
When our offense checks out, they burn the hotel down.
Cue the Price is Right horns.
http://www.sadtrombone.com
120—Anderson has a .956 career minor-league OPS. He doesn’t suck, at all. Leaving Moylan in was obviously the wrong move.
EDIT: Actually, I can’t read. Only a .782 career OPS. Anyway, he doesn’t suck, and I’d still rather have O’Flaherty against a competent righty than Moylan against a competent lefty, but it’s less open-and-shut than I thought while it was happening.
Price is Wrong
This isn’t much fun.
Bryan Anderson has a career .782 OPS in the minors. He probably sucks.
I hate Benji Molina. If Custard took his approach, Little Big Horn would’ve been a resounding Whitey success.
The 2010 Braves
@127 Not as suck as the Braves’ offense.
Hey, we are all in great mood again!!!
Bryan Anderson has a career .782 OPS in the minors. He probably sucks.
He does. Stu just hadn’t thought it through.
Felipe Lopez is on the DL.
Went to the Hawks game in Milwaukee. Another winning night all around, I see. Wake me when this nightmare stretch is over…
Derek Lowe career vs STL: 1-6, 6.69 ERA, 1.83 WHIP, .360 BAA
In completely unrelated news, ESPN’s 30 For 30 tomorrow night is Run Ricky Run – which looks great.
The only good news today is Howard’s contract.
Felipe Lopez is on the DL.
True. Obviously wasn’t aware of that at the time. Doesn’t change the thinking, they had three other RHB on their bench.
Moylan career vs LHB: .266/.379/.356
O’Flaherty career vs RHB: .306/.392/.404
Considering Anderson is a pretty underwhelming player, it was a bad move because…?
Oh wait, I know, because Moylan couldn’t manage to keep Molina from stealing second on him and then could retire a crappy backup catcher to end the threat.
s/b ‘couldn’t retire a crappy’ yada yada yada
If Molina can moonwalk to second base, isn’t it time to seriously consider moving McCann to first?
Its official, we suck…..
#139, just in time to block Freeman?
if bobby makes the move and he counters, larussa burns another player (the 3rd of the night) in a ballgame that could go into extra innings. making managers burn their bench in a tied game late isn’t a bad thing, especially considering we’d only used one reliever at the time. there’s no way i’m buying that logic, robert.
I just want to know why Tim Hudson is considered an elite starter–if he still is. This is such a typical Hudson game–it goes down as a “quality start” but he has a 3-run lead going into the sixth and can’t even come close to hanging on. He finds a way to blow the lead. I know the offense is bad but it would be nice to have a pitcher once in a while get a couple of runs and just shut the door. The Braves have no one like that-although Hanson might be eventually. In the old days, the Braves would go through bad streaks, but instead of going 0-6, they might go 2-4 because the starters would throw a dominant game. This staff seemingly can pitch just well enough to lose close.
We might be looking at an 8 or 9 game losing streak now.
Bmac has probably become the worst throwing catcher in baseball, actually probably the overall worst defensive catcher in baseball. He takes throws 5 feet in front of home plate, doesnt block pitches in the dirt (tries to backhand them), and is awful trying to pick off runners
I have no hope with Derek Lowe on the mound vs Carpenter tonight. No one should even tune into that game
Recapped.