Thank God they don’t have artificial turf in Cincinnati anymore.
489 Comments
Advertisement
Use code “Journal” for a 5% discount.
Thank God they don’t have artificial turf in Cincinnati anymore.
Use code “Journal” for a 5% discount.
Wren appears to have learned one thing — don’t tip your hand. It’s hard to find any Braves-related rumors at all today.
It seems to me that if you were willing to part with a top 25 in all of baseball kind of prospect, the offseason is the time to do it.
I’d still love to see something happen today, though.
If the Cards are after Westbrook, would KK + prospect be enough for Ludwick?
Hope Wren is finding out.
Probably not. The Cards being the Cards, they probably are pretty particular about what veteran pitchers they import. Duncan says that he can give that one a boost, and they get that one.
The definition of a “veteran”, by the way, is “someone who was traded once for Mike Lansing”.
looking at kenshin’s overall numbers
239IP 245H 85BB 162K 4.17ERA 1.38WHIP
I dont see how Bobby lost so much faith in him and how some team wouldnt take a shot on trading for him
Now come on. Why would Ludwick, a righty, be this bad against lefties:
.239/.318/.457/.775
Even the guys I can’t have it turns out I don’t actually want..
EDIT: bad being a relative term
Schafer is off to a slow start in Double A. Hopefully he’s not beyond repair at this point.
I really hope Wren doesn’t trade Minor today.
The Funk = Adam Dunn
We want the Funk. Gotta have the Funk. NOW. We want the Funk. Gotta have that Funk.
@1 You are absolutely correct. The less we are hearing, the more I think the Braves will do something today.
What if a deal with Minor were to also include Lowe or KK? Maybe Wren could somehow work that out. Give up a top 25 prospect, but also free up a lot of salary for next year. Might soften the blow.
If we make a trade that really improves the club today, we will be trading at least one minor league pitcher that none of us wants to trade. Mark it down. Price of doing business.
@9
Well, they did make him stop taking HGH, so that might have something to do with it.
If they are able to deal Lowe, fine. But I’d almost rather not trade Minor even if we unload KK too. I mean, of course the return matters. But I have yet to hear of a realistic trade target that warrants selling off a young, cost-controlled starting pitcher with a high ceiling.
I understand what the cost of “doing business is,” and it’s far more likely that that cost will outweigh the benefit in the long run.
Just a reminder to everyone: we are still in first place, 3 1/2 games up…since I know at some point today the discussion will turn to a point where it seems like we’re in third place, 5 1/2 games back.
How could Brent Clevlen have been out of options? Did he not begin the season on the 40 man roster? If he began the year on the 40, but not on the 25, wouldn’t he have been OPTIONED to triple-A? That option lasts all season.
Unless he was out of options when we signed him, and we didn’t put him on the 40 until we brought him up earlier this year, then he was DL’ed, then activated, and in order to send him down, then we had to designate him.
Um…pretty sure that’s exactly what happened there, JJ.
DOB tweets: “Prado has ”stable avulsion fracture” of right pinky, no DL decisioon yet. Might be only 7-10 days”
That’s awful enough.
shit.
I watched Schafer play twice this season. He had a real horrible attitude on top of the bad play. Went O-fer in both games, lots of flinging the bat away in disgust, clearly pouting in the field, sulking on the bench. Noticed no one was coming over to him and patting him on the back or trying to buck him up. It really looked like his teammates didn’t think much of him.
Obvious caveat that I may have been reading too much into it. Maybe the other guys had learned he liked to be left alone and he was clearly acting out of frustrated at not playing well.
Still, I came away having soured on him. He gives off a pricky vibe.
I think that’s probably very good news. Anyone expecting him to be back tomorrow wasn’t being very realistic.
Good news on Prado, my only be out a week
If it’s ten days I would DL him and expect him back in two weeks. Then again, since his roster spot will be used by a horrible position player or a reliever Bobby won’t ever use, we might as well hope he heals in a week.
Why don’t we keep Prado on the roster and find some reason to put KK on the DL
More wild speculation. Schafer still looks like he could bench something that gets good mileage, so I wouldn’t rule out his having found something that they haven’t figured out how to detect yet.
With a pinky injury (like Andre Ethier had earlier this year) the principal problem is pain. You don’t really use your pinky to grip a bat or a ball, but it hurts when you swing the bat.
AAG still not 100%, could wind up with Conrad at second, Infante at short.
DL him, we should be fine with Infante and Diory is hitting .300 again in Gwinnett. The extra bit of rest can’t hurt. He’s played a lot this year.
Thus making Chipper the backup SS.
No dude, Glaus is the back up SS.
AAG is starting today.
EDIT: just saw the last DOB tweet. He may not start after all.
He’s pencilled in, but he still might be pulled.
Well this has been a quiet deadline day
If Infante gets hurt, I think we’d have to go with a five-man infield. Right to left: Diaz, Conrad, Chipper, Hinske, Glaus. Outfield of Heyward and Blanco.
Kidding, sort of.
Standing Pat: The Story of the 2010 Atlanta Braves.
Sliced Pears: Botulism Soup! Lead paint hair spray!
In case you forgot, we’re DOOMED! DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMED!!!!!!!!!!!!
No one could possibly get this joke but me… But when I try to think of what kind of person Chief is, I see this homeless guy Ray Ray who walks around downtown Fort Myers. Chief just swings in to say really doomy things that are completely irrelevant to any conversation going on… That’s what Ray Ray does.
STEVEN TYLER DOES NOT PLAY GUITAR! YOOOOOU’RE in TROOOOUBLE!
JJ, alas, no.
Really doesn’t change anything for me.
Alas indeed.
I will point out that Prado’s injury probably takes away his chance for 200 hits.
Standing Pat: The Story of the 2010 Atlanta Braves.
Don’t mind that at all. Frank’s trades tend to be God awful.
He’s 62 hits short, and will have 50-55 games to get them. He can still do it.
@28 They haven’t figured out how to test for HGH yet, that test they just put into the minor leagues is a joke. At best it can only detect it for a few hours after taking it and it’s only caught 1 person in it’s entire existence. I don’t remember the particulars of how Schafer got busted but it wasn’t for failing a test, more like being a complete fool. Anyway if he wanted to he could have just keep taking it and probably did.
46,
Bullshit.
“Frank’s trades tend to be God awful.”
Not sure I agree with that.
Wasn’t Schafer caught in possession or on a receipt list? I think he claimed to be holding it for someone else.
“They aren’t my cigarettes, dad, I was holding them for my friend!”
“The Giants are still checking in on Dunn but the Nationals still want Jonathan Sanchez or Madison Bumgarner…”
We could beat that, couldn’t we?
Infante and Ohman for Ascanio. Awful.
Jurrjens, Hernandez for Renteria. Awful. Awful.
robert, this video is for you. the whole episode is worth tht 5 minutes but 3:45 is where the money is.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5037164949903587300#
#46 – no even close to being the truth
Robert’s comment is mostly about the Yunel trade, I think.
Bethany – Minor probably isn’t as valuable as Bumgarner. I don’t think 2 months of Dunn is worth 6 years of Minor, either.
Schafer continues to disappoint. That fancy pitching machine he bought didn’t help him too much against the Tony Armas Jr’s of the world.
““The Giants are still checking in on Dunn but the Nationals still want Jonathan Sanchez or Madison Bumgarner…”
We could beat that, couldn’t we?”
Not really–unless we deal Teheran. I mean, we could deal Delgado and Minor, but that would be insane. Also keep in mind that if the Giants make a deal like that, most of the worthwhile baseball commentators will turn their bemused eyes from Phoenix to San Francisco in order to heap scorn upon Brian Sabean.
@55 Well rats.
Ideally, I think they should get someone from the Ross, Willingham group AND rent Dunn, but apparently we aren’t going to get in on any of these awesome deals where you get great players at little player and financial cost.
It’s a shame Schafer crashed so hard. If he had turned out decently, our outfield looks a lot better right now.
we could beat what? Bumgarner or Sanchez? we could, but I wouldnt trade either one of those for 1/2 season of Dunn. Id say Medlen is our equivalent to Bumgarner right now. No way Id move Medlen for Dunn
If you bat .235 in AA you probably aren’t going to be a MLB player.
@58 is why this team will never win anything anymore. Just gross. A #4/#5 potential starter(Medlen will never be an ace or even #2 starter) for a guy that can hit potentially 50 HR in a season, are you out of your mind?
“Id say Medlen is our equivalent to Bumgarner right now.”
I’d disagree with that. You’re dramatically under-selling Bumgarner there.
According to DOB, the Braves are working on several trade possibilities for hitters and relivers. Exciting…..
From DOB:
“Braves are still working on several trade possibilities, hitters and relievers. Reasonable chance that something will get done by 4 p.m.”
I’m nervous.
Maybe Bethany should hop on the treadmill to get a trade done?
The collective opinion of our bloggers just keeps holding our real life team back!
@60 – “Old Man Yells At Cloud”
@60
while i agree with you that he’s undervaluing bumgarner, medlen’s 3.84 era as a starter is already a good #3. i think medlen could easily be a #2 starter.
Medlen’s already one of the thirty best starters in the league, hence a #2 starter (there being 16 teams).
No way, Mac, no way. A #2 starter maybe on the Pirates/Royals/bottom feeder.
Even I wouldn’t do Melden for Dunn… Wouldn’t do Medlen for anything except someone like Braun.
Great idea, putter!
There’s no sense arguing with Chief, but #60 was particularly bad. 4 seasons of Medlen is worth so, so much more than 10-15 home runs from Dunn.
@53 – “Which one of these buttons calls your parents to come pick you up?”
@62 Yeah, it is exciting. I’d love to go full metal squeeee here in a bit. We’ll see soon…
Braves fans ALWAYS ALWAYS overvalue our own players. That is the number one rule of Braves Club. We have three untradable players IMO, Hudson, McCann and Heyward, maybe Prado and Jurrjens. EVERYONE else is tradable.
“while i agree with you that he’s undervaluing bumgarner, medlen’s 3.84 era as a starter is already a good #3. i think medlen could easily be a #2 starter.”
I had a feeling someone would take issue with my comment. I should be clear: I love Medlen. While I’m not willing to say he’s a #2 starter, he can be an above-average starter, especially in the National League. My point, however, is about Bumgarner. He’s a controversial prospect, in part because his velocity fell off last year, but everything I’ve read suggests that he has gained a lot of it back and, with it, his strikeout potential. Until the end of 2009 he had a top-of-the-rotation ceiling. My guess is that clubs will deal for him with that possibility in mind. They wouldn’t deal for Medlen with that assumption. Thus Bumgarner probably has more value.
Of course, Medlen may well end up being the better pitcher. I hope he does, and I hope he does it in Atlanta. Like I said, I’m a big fan.
How many guys are in the MLB pitching with a 3.50 ERA or are capable of it? Now, how many guys in MLB or MiLB ‘could’ hit 55 HR in a season?
Drop dead stupid.
Like Hyman Roth, I’m going to go and take a nap. When I wake up, hopefully we have a deal.
Get Dunn. Who cares about corner outfield defense? That’s the place you’re supposed to hide the bad-fielding sluggers in the NL.
Enough with Medlen talk….he is our only reliable starter besides Huddy.
I’d imagine Tommy Hanson cares about corner outfield defense.
76 wins the thread.
Better leave the suitcase of Pirate cash on the table, Wren, or you’ve got to choke Johnny O on the balcony.
Schuerholz as Moe Green?
I’d imagine Tommy Hanson cares about corner outfield defense.
I’d imagine Tommy Hanson cares more about the team scoring runs when he pitches.
I’m guessing that we will pick up Ellsbury for KK plus a minor leaguer and cash. We need a CF, the Sox need someone in the pen to keep Okajima company.
Bullshit.
You’ve got a way with words Pete. I’m convinced. Thanks for your input.
Robert’s comment is mostly about the Yunel trade, I think.
That’s the most recent atrocity but I’ve been vocal about some of the others as well. Don’t want to go through thee preseason stuff agian but people are seriously happy with the return for Teixiera? Kotchman (useless) and Marek (ditto)? If the Nats GM turns Dunn into a league average firstbaseman and a AAA reliever do you think he did a good job? Some how it all gets glossed over. Tex was about the biggest trade chip we’ve ever had and he crapped all over it. We gave at least two all-stars to get him and got nothing back.
I call Wren the magician. He makes All-Stars (Tex, Soriano, etc) disappear *poof* without a trace. He’s unveiled a new trick this year, the old misdirection. First place team, in all out win-now mode, and *poof* traded for a aging .290 OBP player and weakened the team for the second half. Didn’t see that coming. *Ta-Da!* A big hand for The Amazing Frank!
think itll take much more than that
Chief is one hilariously elaborate prank on Braves Journal.
@81
Yeah, I like that. Peanut can be Fredo. Wren can be Michael
“Frank, you don’t come to Atlanta and talk to John Schuerholz like that!”
since the game today seems like an afterthought…
Atlanta
Infante 4
Heyward 9
Jones 5
McCann 2
Glaus 3
Hinske 7
Gonzalez 6
Cabrera 8
Jurrjens 1
Cincinnati
Phillips 4
Cabrera 6
Votto 3
Rolen 5
Gomes 7
Bruce 9
Stubbs 8
Hanigan 2
Arroyo 1
Id say at this point, there’s about a 10% chance the Braves make a move. We havent been linked to anything, something wouldve come out by now
I’m not a Wren-hater, but come on. He ain’t Michael Corleone.
10% chance, huh? how’d you come up with the calculations? yankees about to add kerry wood as well.
wood, berkman, kearns…that’s one hell of a trade deadline.
just a random number
Yanks about to get Kerry Wood
Worst tweet yet:
“#Royals #Yankees #trades rumors gaining steam. Greinke, Soria, Bloomquist mentioned. Royals covet Park, Russo and Vechionacci.”
If the Royals trade Greinke to the freaking Yankees….
grain of salt….grain of salt……..
91—Yeah, must be nice.
Agreed. #76 gets the game thread gold medal.
Just to be on the same page. We are all comfortable with Bethany suffering some kind of catastrophic knee injury if it means the world series, right?
I didn’t realize that Schafer hadn’t failed a drug test. In that case he’s CLEARLY still taking something. If he washes out of baseball he’ll kill it at the Mr. Redondo Beach Bodybuilding Pageant. So, no tears for him. It’s win/win either way.
cant Soria block a deal to the Yanks? seems like their on his list that he doesnt want to play for
If Wren was Michael Chavez and McLouth would have been found in a car with the cannolis missing long ago.
Also about a 10% chance of winning this division, I’d bet too. Porn won’t Pay!!!
Giants are now pushing hard for Corey hart per ESPN news
@99
on the other hand, there’s about a 100% chance that you’d find something to bitch about even if wren traded melky for pujols.
Supposedly the Mariners have approached the Braves with… Chone Figgins! Run, Frank, run!
BTW, Adam Dunn’s high in HRs: 46, followed by 40.
Adam Dunn’s current age: 30.
Adam Dunn this season: On pace for 37 HRs, according to ZIPS.
Adam Dunn’s WAR, last three seasons: 1.0, 1.2, 3.0.
Kris Medlen’s WAR, last two seasons: .9, 1.3
Adam Dunn’s contract status: FA after 2010 season.
Adam Dunn’s contract status: FA after 2014 season.
Adam Dunn’s ability to hit 55 HRs: Non-existent, even after years in The Great American Ballpark, where even Melky Cabrera can hit a HR!
Chief’s point: Moot.
Chief got up this morning and thought…
WE’RE DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
Of course, Marek has an 0.57 ERA and 56/12 K/BB. He’s not exactly useless. It’s not like he’s Jesse Chavez.
Yeah, even with the M’s picking up a lot of his salary, that doesn’t make sense. I mean, Prado’s knuckle is hurt. It’s not like he had it chopped off.
Boston DFAd Jeremy Hermida.
“WAR”, LOL. SABR!!!!!!
Jerry Crasnick ESPN reports.
Seattle has approached Atlanta about a Chone Figgins deal. The M’s would have to eat a lot of the $$$
Marek would be an excellent name to throw around in trade talks. He’d probably be Major League ready, too, although he hasn’t pitched at that level yet.
And yet the Braves are making a “late push” for a reliever, supposedly. This seems almost as inexplicable as the general overvaluation of middle relievers league-wide this summer.
19 minutes…isnt it by eastern time?
I agree with you Robert about the Yunel trade but I think your doing some revisionist history on the Tex trade. The fact is nobody was willing to give up much of anything for him. The demand for hitters was down that year at the deadline anyway and everybody knew there was very little chance of resigning him and figured he would end up with the Yankees, which he did.
Yeah, if we’re seriously looking for a reliever, we should call up either Marek or Kimbrel. I don’t think that we are, though.
Why would you go after Figgins when you could target his clone, who just rots in AAA for the Pads?
I could get behind a Figgins deal, BTW.
Figgins is useful. I’d rather have him on the roster than Melky, but I’m guessing he’d replace Blanco.
It usually takes an hour or two after the deadline for everything to be in.
Chief, Dunn isn’t going to hit 50 homers in 2 months. We wouldn’t be able to sign him after the season.
Figgins has a modest four-game hit streak going that has included three multi-hit games. He’s hit .393 (11-for-28) since having a spat with his manager last Friday, and the altercation may have been just what Figgins needed to set his bat on fire.
Clearly with a regular “spat” infusion he’ll be fine.
Uh, guys, Figgins is signed for three more years — until he’s 35 — at $9 million per.
@120
yes, but he spells his name in a nifty way.
Padres got Ludwick
Of course, Marek has an 0.57 ERA and 56/12 K/BB.
That’s something I guess. He was so terrible last year I stopped following that thread. He’ll be 27 soon (Sep) and is still in AAA, somehow I doubt he’s going to do much to balance out that deal.
That’s…not a good contract.
Figgins doesn’t really fit any need for us.
Obviously, as the tweets have noted, the Ms would have to kick in some serious cash. Minor+ or Delgado+ for Figgins, League/Aardsma, and cash — get it done, Wren.
I do think we shouldn’t discount the cool name spelling and the lack of a clear Bravesjournal whipping boy. So, to recap. Awesome first name. Fits a need.
For Figgins to work, the M’s would have to take one of our bad contracts.
will they take KK or McLouth back while giving us some cash?
Say no to Figgins!
Figgins is signed for three more years — until he’s 35 — at $9 million per.
35 is nothing for this team. That’s usually the age when the multiyear deal starts here.
Lilly and Theriot from the Cubs to the Dodgers for DeWitt and prospects.
So unless the Mariners kick in about 20 million dollars I would say no.
Wow, Stu would give up Minor for him.
I’m sure it got lost in the noise, but I appreciate your eyes-on-the-ground reporting about Schafer @23, jdpeace. What’s up with that guy?!?
A lot of love for Minor now. Seems I recall when the Braves drafted him; many here disliked Minor and called him things like a future fourth starter and stated the Braves wasted their top draft pick.
Also, Figgins is hitting .241/338/288. It’s like Yunel without defense.
Come on Bethany….run faster!!
My barber says:
Chip Caray and the giant cow at the Ted for John Miller.
Get it done Frank!
134—If we deal him, I want it to be to a team we don’t have to see much of. I will die if he’s a Marlin or a National.
5 minutes to go.
Figgins.. so we trade Yunel for Jeff Francoeur, and then we’re even entertaining the idea of trading prospects for Yunel because he can play CF now?
Wren, I know you’re better than this. Please don’t talk to the Ms for the rest of the day.
Stu – why would you want Figgins? What would you do with him?
Re Figgins–no thanks. Might be worth a look if the M’s ate some $$ and he still played some CF but he doesn’t seem to have played CF for several years.
The M’s might be one of the best possible fits for KK so he might head to Seattle if a deal does happen.
Dotel just made his annual move.
Well, it is 4:00 at my house. Time to start looking at the waiver wire?
143—Stick him in center. Have really good Prado/Chipper insurance. If he’s cheap enough, a super-utility guy like that seems like a valuable piece.
If our big move turns out to a middle relief RH pitcher, it will be the knife in my heart that confirms LM doesn’t give a shit about this team.
Not that I needed one.
Will Ohman was just traded to a mystery team.. FML.
Figgins could play CF this year, move to third next year. But the M’s would have to eat a LOT of contract. Like give us $10 million AND take KK, or better yet, Lowe.
#147 – I’m skeptical. We already have a superutility guy and plenty of centerfielders who don’t hit.
Cheapskates…I think it is disrespectful to Bobby, too. What a joke.
ohman on the move
Figgins is better than this year’s numbers. That place is murder to hit in.
To be fair, Figgins was unbelievable last season and very good for a few years before that. He also is very good at 3B, where he’d play after this season (presumably). If the M’s ate a lot of money I’d be behind that too.
Figgins, though, is in the lineup today. So leave it alone.
BREAKING MUST CREDIT BRAVESJOURNAL.COM: Colorado porn salesmen not the ideal ownership for southern major league baseball team.
Deal might still happen, fingers crossed…
I’m okay with figgins for kk straight up. If we add prospects, they eat dollars. But I was hoping for a little more substance.
Great, we get Millar doing color today.
we got something called wilkin ramirez
#Tigers trade Wilkin Ramirez to #Braves for PTBNL or cash. #TRADES
“Tigers trade Wilkin Ramirez to #Braves for PTBNL or cash” — according to Jason Beck (?).
150—Yeah, maybe. I’m honestly kind of desperate right now.
Wilkin Ramirez? Hoo….ray?
Clearly the big counter to Roy Oswalt.
DOB is hinting to Figgins and Brandon League.
If they eat $$$, might not be bad. Figgins > McMelco
Ramirez rocking a 201 OPS+
@135 Thanks. It wasn’t much of a report. Just that when you see him in person he comes off as immature and unlikeable. Considering the number of immature, unlikeable baseball stars it’s probably not what’s holding him back.
Just in those two games he wasn’t very patient at the plate and was trying to jack everything which tended to lead to a lot of high fly balls and pop-outs. Really distracted in the outfield. Terrible jumps on everything so some doubles that should have been singles and singles that should have been caught. But no errors!
The jersey can’t contain the Schulk though. With his shirt off I bet he looks majestic.
Freeman is amazing. Really smooth easy swing and he murders the ball. He also looks seven feet tall in person.
Rosenthal says that a “much bigger” deal is close, but he’s wrong an awful lot.
Ugh.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ramire002wil
Wilkin is hitting .216 in AAA this year, but he does have a cool name.
…but also a .216/.273/.346 line a AAA.
why the _____ am I being forced to watch BOS-DET in Miami?
phooey
Ankiel and Farnsworth coming to Atlanta.
http://danny-knobler.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8590096/23557632?tag=comBlogEntryListCnt;entry23557632
THE FUCK?!?!??
My God, we just got ripped off by the Royals.
he’s position listed on baseball-reference is “pinch-runner and outfielder”. hilarious.
Ankiel and Farnsworth. YUCK.
1. Trade for Wilkin Ramirez
2. ???
3. Profit!
Woah. Is Ankiel having a good year? I thought he was kind of sucking.
DOB: “Stay tuned, #Braves fans. Might be a relatively big trade announcement soon. Bigger than Wilkin Ramirez, for sure.”
argghhhh!
Ick. Yet another AAA outfielder. Honestly, do we have a bounty on these guys?
Jason Heyward reaches on a swinging bunt + error, Infante comes around to score.
He did enter the season as the Tiger’s 8th best prospect apparently so maybe there is something there it just isn’t going to help us this season.
Infante and Heyward!
who did we trade for those douchebags?
Ankiel and Farnsworth. YUCK.
Lol. Round two with Farnsworth. Awesome. Everybody, it’s Frank The Great! Ta-Da! Didn’t see that coming!
To invert a classic quote: “Terrible trade. Who’d we give up?”
Hahaha… Farnsworth? FARNSWORTH? God dammit, I hate Kyle Farnsworth.
Wilkin at least has more of a future in professional baseball than Mitch Jones.
I actually think Farnsworth is the bigger piece there.
Royals get P Jesse Chavez, OF Gregor Blanco and P Tim Collins
Oh, good God almighty. This isn’t as pathetic as that Royals-Mets deal bandied about earlier this week, but it’s close. Anything more than a used lottery ticket and we got hosed.
Well, Dayton Moore likes our rejects, so hopefully it’s some of them.
I’m not looking forward to the Rick Ankiel experience.
We traded Blanco (boo!), Chavez (yey!) and Tim Collins (double boo!)
wtf is a wilkin ramirez?
Here’s the chat excerpt from the fangraphs guys on the trade:
[Comment From AntsinIN]
Royals get P Jesse Chavez, OF Gregor Blanco and P Tim Collins from #Braves for Farnsworth and Ankiel as CBSSports.com reported.
Dave Cameron: So, basically, nothing.
Zach Sanders: Wow, that is awful return.
Dave Cameron: I know a few people like Collins, but my feeling is they like the story more than the talent.
Zach Sanders: Good work by the Braves.
I’d rather have Blanco than Ankiel.
It is joke, right?
The guy we got for Yunel?
NOOOOO!
Me gusta
@187
thats not a bad trade. 2 of those 3 would have never seen significant time in a braves uniform and trading collins from a position of strength.
Ankiel is a lefthanded, mentally unstable, steroid-using, Francoeur.
Wilkin seems to have some power and speed but strikes out way too much to be taken seriously. Schafer-esque really.
So we took the one good piece from the Yunel trade and flipped it for this??! Along with Blanco? I would rather have Blanco than Ankiel, this sucks.
Ankiel and Farnsworth?
Now Figgins is looking more awesome. Ugh. I’m running.
Maybe Ankiel can try pitching again.
Farnsworth, oh my.
I just jumped off the Frank Wren bandwagon.
Yeah, adding bad players you will use for bad players you are not using is not a good deal.
We somehow managed to downgrade the CF position. I’d much rather have Blanco than Ankiel.
are people really complaining about losing Blanco? wow, is Ankiel THAT bad off of steroids?
Ankiel can hit righties well and Farnsworth is solid. That’s a good trade. The infatuation with Blanco is ridiculous.
Maybe we’ll get to see Ankiel pitch in the 15th inning before the end of the season. Think of the suspense!
The Farnz is back! Keep the Atros away from him
They were so great at walking earlier in the year, why the sudden infuse of guys like Ankiel and Gonzalez who swing at everything?
My goodness, if only the reaction were this intense when the Braves stupidly traded for Alex Gonzalez!
Blanco is a 5th outfielder. Nobody outside the Braves fanbase–and evidently Dayton Moore–thinks of him as more than that. Ankiel can hit for power and platoon in CF against righties. Farnsworth is a solid reliever.
#211 – It seems there is a better than average chance that the front office doesn’t realize patience is the key to our offense.
Will Figgins get through waivers?
Farnsworth and Ankiel are failures and miserable human beings that suck. That is all.
Ankiel is owed 1.7 million
Professor Farnsworth 2.5 million.
Shit!!!
So… the braves are adding like 4 million for 2010.
What a waste!
Oh no, we got TWO MLB baseball players for a guy with a 5.00 ERA that throws batting practice straight fastballs, a guy that can’t hit MLB pitching but tries hard, and a suspect that is probably a 10% shot to make it. Just terrible!!! /sarcasm/
Farnsworth will always be the guy that imploded in Game 4 of the NLDS and ended the dynasty. Do not want.
212 — Ankiel is making 6 million (though that’s prorated for the rest of this season) with a 6 million option or 500K buyout for next season.
Also, he had a .265 OBP…in Triple A.
I had the distinct impression that Ankiel was just about done as a major league ballplayer. And Farnsworth…ugh. Not a big fan today.
Ankiel does have a .973 OPS in 8 games since coming off the DL.
Chavez and Blanco stink. The big loss is Collins.
The piece here is Farnsworth. Having another power arm in the late innings is important down the stretch given age and durability concerns with what we have. If everyone stays healthy and effective then the bullpen is really loaded. Getting rid of Chavez is a plus also. He caused me to break out in hives even when he warmed up.
Still a bit disappointed we didn’t land a stick in the outfield. Seems the price was high on anyone who was a difference maker though, and i’d rather deal for that in the offseason. I liked Gregor Blanco, but he’s a back of the roster guy.
Supposedly theres some cash involved too, though how much and whether it really matters, I don’t know.
The Farnz is having a good year. Wonder why there wasn’t more interest in him.
I don’t expect much of Ankiel, but Farnsworth should be a great improvement over Chavez. I am also relieved that we did not give up any of our elite prospects.
Collins ia good prospect–but we with Dunn and O’Flaherty ahead of him, it is unclear what he would do in Atlanta.
It could have been much worse…..
Ankiel does have a .973 OPS in 8 games since coming off the DL.
Well I guess that swamps the .280 OBP he put up last season in 400+ PAs
From Twitter
craigcalcaterra
True story: Braves were obligated to take Ankiel on a “you broke it, you bought it” theory.
There probably was. Moore like his Braves rejects.
Now, if we were Dodgers fans, on the other hand, things would be looking much worse. Coletti just gutted his system again.
I don’t mind the Farnsworth part.
Has anybody looked at Farnsworth’s numbers? He’s having a very good year.
Complaining about losing Gregor fucking Blanco is a low point in this blogs history. Get a grip, people.
If all we had sent the Royals was a 6 pack of Busch I would be saying we overpaid. It’s not about who gave up as much as who we got back. And because we traded for these clowns I have a bad feeling Bobby will use them more then he should.
Jag tycker om det.
Hanan, the problem is that said power arm is good mostly for souvenirs. Why did we trade Chavez for someone with ERAs of 4.38, 4.80, 4.48 and 4.58 from 06-09? His 2.42 for this year screams “fluke!” I guess we saved Dayton Moore’s job, though.
The Farnz is having a good year. Wonder why there wasn’t more interest in him.
Could be because he’s Kyle Farnsworth. And the 4+ ERA he’s put up each of the previous four seasons probably didn’t help either.
Too bad we’re done with Milwaukee this year. A Farnsworth/Fielder matchup would have been fun.
“Well I guess that swamps the .280 OBP he put up last season in 400+ PAs”
Clearly.
I was incredibly down on the Gonzalez trade. But Ankiel, if healthy, can help the Braves. They gave up no one of value to get him. Collins was no better than the 15th, or probably 20th-best prospect in the system.
Anyone else sick of Heyward? SEND HIM BACK TO GWINNETT!
On the bright side, nice job by Heyward gunning down Cabrera.
The Reds third base coach is stupid
233 — It appears legit this season though — he has a 3 to 1 K/BB ratio and has allowed only 2 homers.
ankiel has a .960 ops against rhp this year.
I was looking forward to seeing Tim Collins pitch for us. Not looking forward to Farnsworth. I truly despise Farnsworth, and I can’t imagine any Braves fan likes him.
Meanwhile, Jason Heyward is still awesome. Ankiel has a really good arm, too. At least there’s that.
Farnsworth put up good numbers for the Royals with no pressure, he’ll come here and suck I’m sure. I don’t know, maybe I’m letting my hated for him cloud my vision.
This trade is not that bad. Farnsworth is having a pretty good year. Royals threw in cash too. I’m not going to miss Greg White
Well, as long as Heyward the Great is in RF, I’m still pretty excited. What a hell of an arm.
it’ll be interesting to see who goes since we did a 2 for 1.
edit: nvm…i forgot we just activated blanco.
We basically gave up nothing. Collins is a pretty good prospect but really he’s no sure thing and not a significant loss.
I don’t have high hopes for Ankiel. The mental part and the roids don’t concern me as much as his ability…he hasn’t been a very good position player.
Farnsworth is a good pickup though. I guess they were concerned with the back end of the bullpen and didn’t want to have to rely on Marek/Kimbrel/Minor in the playoffs. This solves that problem, and if any of those guys come up late in the year and are lights out, it’s gravy.
I know we hate him because he left a closers job in Atlanta for a setup job elsewhere, but he’s having a good year and I think he’ll help.
@238 He is hitting an awful lot of singles since he came back. Just saying.
and gregor blanco will probably get regular playing time in kc. good for him.
Didn’t Farnsworth do really well the last time he was here? Here’s hoping he can repeat that.
Not too upset about this. I mean, IF Ankiel can put up the numbers he did a couple of years ago he is a lot better than what we’ve been running out there. Chavez gone, Blanco gone isn’t devastating, but I was kind of interested in Collins. Oh well.
Here, this will get you as excited about Farnsworth as you’re likely to get:
http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/news/story?id=5159572
ryan c – Blanco was brought up and Clevlen was DFA’d. This is a 2-2 on the ML rosters.
Ankiel sucks a lot, but he has power, which is more than you can say for anyone else who’s played CF for us this year. Farnsworth is better than Chavez. Collins is Eddie Gaedel with a fastball. We gave up almost nothing and got almost nothing, but again, Farnsworth is better than Chavez. I don’t mind this deal.
I just hope that, at some point, we actually get someone good.
Ankiel hit .231/285/387 last year in 404 PAs. Mac is right; that is Jeffy-like.
247—2 for 2. Righty reliever and center fielder for righty reliever and center fielder.
melky sucks.
If we needed Farns for high-pressure situations, then I’d be worried. But he’s fine in the sixth when you’re down by a run, which is how he’ll be used, barring injuries.
And blanco is Charles Thomas.
yah…i caught and edited my mistake.
“Well I guess that swamps the .280 OBP he put up last season in 400+ PAs”
And the year before he posted a .360 wOBA in 463 PAs. So what? To say Ankiel is Francoeur or even AAG is to mis-read the stats. He walks around a 7.5% clip. The bigger issue is strikeouts, but you can swallow those if he can slug. And he might be able to slug against righties. If not, so what? He’s the throw in. The Braves, again, gave up very very little.
Minor for Dunn or Hart, on the other hand, would have been awful.
251- It’s not Farns’ mean man’s mien that worries me; it’s regression to the mean. Or more appropriately, regression towards mediocrity.
Six mill nextyear if we pick up Ankiel’s option. Pass
“This much is true: Farnsworth will fight you.”
I’m not upset with this deal, just disappointed we didn’t do something better. Very underwhelming. Lefties will still dominate us.
The Dodgers sold the farm for Dotel. Coletti sucks.
Hey, Jesse!
NAH NAH NAH NAH, HEY HEY HEY, GOODBYE!
265- At least he can say he went out a winner. He can’t say much else about his time here that’s both accurate and positive.
You people can’t possibly be whining about this trade, can you? You simply can’t, can you? Give up: our worst ML reliever, a 4th/5th OF and a 5’6″ relief project from the minors. Get a reasonable ML CF option and a quality RH power arm for the stretch.
Jesus. Braves improve down the stretch. They give up next to nothing. And this crowd cries about it.
Gregor Blanco isn’t that damned valuable, kids.
Not a bad deal, Im with Stu, I was hoping for a Dunn/Willingham/Ross guy to play center.
Don’t care about anyone we gave up. They are perfect Royals
Is it just me, or is Fox’s screen messed up?
@263
That pretty much sums up my feelings on this one. The fact that we will be seeing much less Melky and no White Flag can’t hurt either.
Yep. The upper-left scoreboard bug is half off the screen.
Well, we got a lot whiter, despite losing Blanco. (Too soon?)
Yeah, I’m not upset at the deal either. We gave up practically nothing and got practically nothing. It’s just continues to be kind of a sad, scary experience to realize who our front office thinks can “help” this team.
Well, Ankiel was hurt last year, wasn’t he? Trying to look on the bright side, I am still not sure how Ifeel about the move. I don’t feel bad about losing any of those pieces, except maybe Collins, but he would have been a long shot, I suppose.
@259 – I would have taken him up on that offer in ’05 when I was a drunk and devastated 19-year old coping with the fact of his utter implosion.
I’d never thought I’d see people complain about getting rid of Jesse Chavez.
http://mlbfights.blogspot.com/2007/08/farnsworth-fight-video-kc-royals-vs.html
Salty to the Sox
Millar and this Fox picture shows you that you can, in fact, be worse than Chip.
“t’s just continues to be kind of a sad, scary experience to realize who our front office thinks can “help” this team.”
What did folks want Wren to do? Had he traded Minor for two months of Dunn this board would have exploded. Had he traded Delgado for Willingham would that have been ok? I wouldn’t have liked it, and I imagine at least half the people here would have disliked it too.
You can’t claim that Wren is unable to judge talent and deem who can help the team without also taking the talent available into consideration. Farnsworth is unquestionably a useful guy, and Ankiel has some potential to be useful. Neither may pan out, but Wren didn’t give anything away and still managed to bring back potential. That’s good, smart. It doesn’t mean he thinks Ankiel and Farnsworth will definitely put the team over the top, but it does suggest that among the available options this one was the best–and the one most likely to help now without hurting later.
Robert – how much do you put on the ownership group and their unwillingness to add payroll? I hated the Escobar trade too, but that was more Bobby’s deal. I don’t think Frank Wren is the greatest GM in the world, but he’s not Colletti or Wade either.
We acquired crap that will replace crap. BFD.
Whoa there, Adam. You’re supposed to just blindly hate Wren and any of the moves that he makes.
Evidently, the Braves asked about Figgins but the Mariners balked.
Ok, so, maybe Glaus needs to be moved down in the order.
Well, I’m glad we got rid of Chavez.
links dead for the farnsworth/wilson fight…here’s another.
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1818684
Ok, we gave up stuff we’ve not really used all year for potentially useful stuff.
Willingham’s arbitration-eligible for one more year, while Dunn is a free agent this offseason, so they’re in slightly different situations. But it sounds like the Nats were looking for more than one good prospect, so just offering Minor or Delgado wouldn’t have been enough. I don’t know exactly how much they wanted, but pretty soon that starts to get ludicrous.
So are the Nats really holding on to Dunn and Willingham?
Hey, Chan Ho Park was DFA’d. Think we could sign him to an AAA contract?
Mike, there’s always a chance that they’ll manage to flip them during August, but that is always a lot harder and their leverage is much reduced. In my opinion, Rizzo WAY overplayed his hand.
… I don’t think Frank Wren is the greatest GM in the world, but he’s not Colletti or Wade either.
We acquired crap that will replace crap. BFD.
I agree with all of this. Ownewship is a factor but the team has a healthy payroll, it’s just misallocated on old, non-elite players. You can’t just expect a blank check, most teams have a budget or ours is not spent all that wisely.
You’re supposed to just blindly hate Wren and any of the moves that he makes.
For the record, this trade doesn’t make me hate Wren any more or less. I don’t expect this deal to have any effect on anything really.
I guess the Farns is in ATL so that Venters doesn’t have to risk another potential suspension.
If a brawl breaks out, our pen can be helpful. The Farns…
KK, the silent ninja…
and I have to believe that Moylan isn’t to be messed with.
I don’t see a reason why the Nats wouldn’t exercise Willingham’s option for next year. They’re moving in the right direction and he’ll still be worth his contract. As for Dunn, yes, I would have tried to move him, but it’s possible that–like always–the market for Dunn was far smaller than many of us think it should be.
Farnsworth might have a fastball that’s straighter than Chavez’s. If that’s possible.
After a quick ride to the carnival with my daughter I had time to digest the trade more.
I know that we upgraded our team slightly at 2 positions, but I just hate Farnsworth.
Ankiel has some power potenetial that Blanco does not have so it gives us a possible boost.
Farnsworth is better then Chavez.
In the end it is an upgrade, and it may be enough to help us hold our division lead of 3.5 games.
I’m just upset that Collins is gone. Would have liked to see him racking up K’s for the Braves (assuming that he can).
good grief folks…we gave up one decent piece in Collins, a AAAA OF’r, and a terrible reliever
The problem with this deal is that Wren may pressure Cox to give these guys more playing time than they deserve- which is not much in August and almost none in September, when minor-league callups are available.
If Ankiel plays badly can we call him Chone Ankiel? I just really feel like we missed out not having someone named Chone on the team.
I’ve always been a Rick Ankiel fan. I hope he does some good for us.
The talking heads seem to agree that we have a devastating bullpen now.
so are we upset that Farnsworth may get Chavez’s IP? or is the fact that Ankiel may steal some games away from Melky?
298 — That is also my concern with Ankiel. Presumably he’ll platoon with Melky (though he’s slightly weaker from the right side).
For someone who has access to BJOL, how is Ankiel on defense with plus/minus numbers?
@298
there’s no way in hell wren pressures cox to do anything. a new gm would be ballsy indeed to tell his future hall of fame manager how to manage his team.
You also have a potential upside with Ankiel in that he’s capable of having a complete nervous breakdown and go Royal Tenenbaum in the outfield, walking back and forth with one shoe on and a glove over his face.
@302
he’s a below average centerfielder, but not any worse than anything we have currently.
melky sucks and glaus was about 1/2 a second late on that pitch he struck out on. it might be time for freddie up and glaus dl’d.
White Flag 6 HR in 36.2 IP
The Franz 2 HR in 44.2IP
298—Do you have any reason at all to believe that would happen?
Melky .694OPS 88 OPS+
Ankiel .784OPS 110 OPS+
best part of the trade: in 2011, matt young might actually have a shot at making the club.
I would cite as evidence the continued presence of Chavez (until now) and Kawakami on the major-league roster. Chavez earned a trip to Gwinnett months ago, and KK’s only current role is to be dusted each week.
But we paid good money for KK and traded for Chavez, and they’ve stayed. I think those two things are connected.
Blanco was the only person on the 40-man who could actually play center. An Ankiel/Melky platoon in center would be… problematic defensively.
Evidently they kept Chavez up to fool Dayton Moore into thinking he was a major leaguer. Moore isn’t just over-valuing his former guys; he’s taken to over-valuing guys that Frank Wren has acquired in the past two years. I’m really excited Moore just got extended, I really am.
Rolen killed that
Rolen is freaking Michael Myers against us.
Brian J. – Don’t see the argument you’re trying to make there. If Wren was pressuring Cox to give KK and Chavez playing time, it obviously wasn’t working.
Im sure the cash we received is to pay Farns buyout next season?
How can anyone hate this deal. I can understand being indifferent, but not upset with it. The only piece we gave up that had any shot in atlanta was Collins – and ev en that is a bit of a long shot. We got farnsworth who is A LOT better than Chavez and a potential power upgrade in center, though unlikely. You guys are smarter fans than this.
Kyle Farnsworth
ERA 2.42 WHIP 1.16 K 36 IP 44.2
Matt Capps
ERA 2.68 WHIP 1.30 K 39 IP 47
I still think we could have gotten Ludwick somehow.
2 incredibly obvious statements concerning this trade:
1. a bullpen with 6 legit arms is better than 5.
2. ankiel>melky
and infante is proving that he deserved that all-star selection.
Rolen would be nice to have at 3B for a season or two, if Chipper hangs it up
So if I get this right, the big issue is a paranoid conspiracy theory where Frank Wren dictates player usage to his HOF manager in order to justify trading away a worthless reliever, 4th OF/defensive replacement, and a midget with good K numbers in the minors.
That’s the dumbest thing I’ve read in years.
Jesus Christ. I go to f***in work on my f***in motorcycle and find out our GM not only hasn’t added a decent RH OF bat, but in fact has actually managed to add ANOTHER shitty LH bat, and run off the one guy you could was a CF without laughing out loud. F*** these guys. They just can’t stand success, obviously so there is some subconscious need to sabotage the goddam season.
How can anyone hate this deal. I can understand being indifferent, but not upset with it.
Folks were hoping for an actual upgrade so they are disappointed with this crap-for-crap deal. It’s really not hard to understand. Some teams actually improve at the deadline, not just shuffle the deck chairs.
I was just hoping to avoid another disaster trade, this sort of fits, so I’m cool with it.
Our bullpen is better, we may not have to score as many runs
Good trade. Depth for the bullpen as IMHO Saito has been showing his age and lets face it Wagner has looked mortal lately too. Ankiel is a throw in. But I do see him getting playing time as the Turtle simply isn’t a CF
I don’t understand the initial hostility on here. We upgrade both the OF (power) and bullpen. Easy win for us.
The Braves aren’t going to win anyway unless they get more production out of their infield corners. Let’s just hope Glaus and Chipper turn it around.
327 – I agree with that
Anyone expecting a really big deal hasn’t been watching frank wren over the last few years. I am a huge Wren supporter because I think he has done a tremendous job with limited resources, but there is one thing the guy won’t do – he will not deal our top prospects. Period.
Something to remember is that Blanco barely played on the team this year, so losing him doesn’t mean much at all, in my eyes. It’s basically losing our light hitting AAA CFer.
Remember, the Braves might do a waiver deal. Certainly nobody would claim Lowe or Kawakami.
we havent discussed this but the outfielder that the braves traded for earlier today is a right handed outfielder who’s played a good bit of center. he looks awful this year but maybe the fo knows more than i do.
323 Agree 100%.
329 – he cant either. We are cutting payroll every year. Im sure itll be more next year when Chipper and Bobby are done. Until we get a real owner, our GM has to build from the farm
Indifferent is the right word. Short term win, long term loss. That’s the price to pay for trying to hold the lead and make the playoffs.
I was hoping for someone to replace or platoon with Glaus. He’s been awful lately and seems to be hurt.
Good lord, doesn’t anyone understand the concept of opportunity cost? You can’t count on being in a position to make postseason every year. Sure, we may well hang on to make the playoffs, but every LH starter in the world is in a position to shut this team down. If it’s not going to help today or tomorrow for that matter, what’s the point? Even the radio guys were baffled by this.
320—At the risk of being compared to additional toiletries…how can a player prove anything about an All-Star selection with post-All-Star-break performance?
334- Then why did we add about $3.5 million in payroll to get replacements that are likely to be no better than the benchies we had?
I think has more been available there would have been a bigger trade. This was a very modest market as far as available talent. And our needs were so specific for a very rare commodity. A CF that hits is a tough thing to come by. Plus although we want to win now this team has a bright future. Our organizational strength is minor league pitching. It will be more valuable to the Braves in the off season when there is more talent available to trade for.
Kevin Millar only seems aware of the AL East and not the NL East…even though he played for the Marlins awhile.
how many hitters got moved that wouldve helped us, really? The Braves couldnt move Heyward to CF’r. Who could we have added that was traded that would do better than Diaz vs LHP?
I’ve had enough of Troy. Give him a rest and bring up Freeman, please.
Wren is going to have to get rid of Lowe or KK, so hopefully he can get it done sooner rather than later. Dumping McClouth would be nice too.
stu, you’re like a dirty plunger.
Im sure Lowe, KK, and Nate will all be on waivers
Chief @ 216,
Finally something we can agree on. People around (not just here) are acting as if we gave up Delgado and Teheran.
Farnsworth > Chavez
Ankiel > Blanco
People can cherrypick all they want, so here: Ankiel has a .784 OPS this year. Unless Collins becomes Wagner and Blanco becomes Willie Mays, we don’t regret this trade.
I think Stu meant to be compared to a half-empty shampoo bottle.
331—Yeah, my fingers remain crossed for something involving KK and Figgins. Unlikely, I know.
i think gonzalez just gave himself gastritis again.
Millar sucks.
Stu – Figgins? Are you really Coach?
ryan, you’re like Jon Heyman.
Figgins is intriguing — CF this year, 3B next year — if not for his contract from Hell.
Don’t hate the trade at all. But I’m thinking there is more that could be done to upgrade the team.
I like Figgins too, but the Mariners won’t sell that low. You’re talking about a guy who just last year was one of the more valuable players in the AL. It’s not even a “contract from hell” if he turns it around, though at the level he’s played this year it most certainly is.
That was close.
I bet Bobby lets Jurrjens go as long as possible today with a short bullpen (and with Saito probably unavailable).
My gosh that ballpark is a bandbox. That ball was at the wall. Yikes!
I gotta say, spike has thrown a wrench into my attempt to come around on this trade. Adam M and spike are probably the two guys on here (other than Mac) whose opinions I tend to agree with and respect the most. I was initially bummed by the deal, but then Adam had me feeling better, but then spike starts highlighting my fears about the deal, only in hella melodramatic fashion. I don’t know what to think!
Go Braves.
Good thing Orlando Cabrera has no power – he squared up that pitch really well, I thought it was a HR from the swing.
Shame Melky also has no power, Nick. That also looked like it might be gone.
Where’s the suspension?
This is getting ridiculous.
Melky’s game is all shame, Brian. Shame, and fat.
Medlen and Jair. Two days in a row.
I like the trade just so Farnsworth can drill Arroyo hard.
I was holding out hope for a McGriff type deal for the homestretch. For Bobby’s last year. To honor the memory of Chipper Jones, God Rest His Soul.
We upgraded slightly and as long as Tim Collins doesn’t become a freak star I’m ok with it. If we were going to do a monster deal though this would have been the year.
Lots of people watch porn now for free though. Our parent company doesn’t have that high end spank money it use to.
Spike with an eloquent statement in favor of the Teixeira doctrine.
if there was a monopoly baseball game, melky would have the “free pass to suck” card.
Well now that we have Farnsworth….teams better thin twice about hitting Braves players. Wat is wrong with Fox’s screen? How many at-bats since Heyward’s last homerun?
Royals Trade Away Ankiel, Farnsworth | FanGraphs Baseball.
Votto, Rolen and Gomes due up. Big inning.
Heyward just had his 100th plate appearance since his last HR (June 17 vs TB).
Millar, please take Rolen’s dick out of your mouth.
Don’t mind me. I dropped a bottle of caxaca (brazilian rum) on the way in from the brutal rainstorm we were having here. Let’s just say it didn’t improve my mood any.
Come on Jair…
Dammit. Pull him Bobby.
@372 It’s ok spike, we like your Farnsworthin intensity.
Shit.
Ummm, we have a bullpen don’t we?
Jay Bruce did exactly what Jair wanted – he rolled over on an outside pitch – the Reds just got lucky b/c the ball was well-placed. This is why it would’ve been nice to score more than 2 runs against Arroyo, who is a thoroughly mediocre pitcher.
I hate this team.
There are no words.
Fail.
omfg. Epic fail of all time.
I don’t know what to say.
Wow, really?
Melky—I can’t even be upset, that was so inept.
What the HELL. MELKY you idiot!
Someone wake up Bobby.
Phillies in first by August 15th.
Can we call Dayton back and force him to take Melky? God I hate his useless, fat face.
Oh… now Bobby goes to get him. ugh.
What the hell, Bobby, PULL HIM!
melky finally belly flops to rock bottom.
Almost none of that was on Jurrjens. Bad luck + bad defense.
Bobby, like the team itself, took a two-hour nap after the top of the first.
But giving Ankiel some of Melky’s time in center would be a travesty.
Let’s keep an open mind. The Braves probably lose 4-2 anyway. Melky’s awful-ness is just icing.
Also, can we second-guess letting Jurrjens face Hanigan there? He just looked like he was losing it that inning, and the Stubbs at bat may have been the mirage the Reds needed to keep him in the game.
I blame Bethany. I have a feeling she is laying on a couch right now. She is the Melky of superstitious Braves supporters.
Bobby decided to take a nap.
Perhaps Bobby felt with the new Royals we acquired, we can close up shop and claim the division today. Sigh.
Oh wow….at least fatboy thinks it is funny
Who has ever THROWN a wet bar of soap? I’m going to set Millar on fire.
Look at that laughing, Fuck him.
Melky was laughing about it. Punch him in the fucking face.
And why can’t we score of a mediocre, cheesy douche with bad hair like Bronson Arroyo?
Dammit, I don’t know if running can save us this time, but I’m going.
The worst thing about you, Melky? You’ve made me agree with something Millar said. Eff you.
Well, we’ve completely fallen apart. Where’s the White Flag when you need him?
Is Melky the BJWB yet?
Now Ludwick has a weird reverse platoon split, and I could see why he wouldn’t be your first pick. But he is a for real hitter who is under contract for 1.5 years and the Pads got him for junk. What the hell?
The old Bobby would have seent hat Andruw Jones-style smirking of Melky and pulled his ass out, immediately. Get his fat ass off the team. HATE HIM.
Yes, Melky has won the position. I have never seen anyone screw up a play worse.
Hell, that’s grounds for Lockhart Line.
Guys, can’t you even pretend to care?
Adam,
I agree. JJ was losing it, should have brought Moylan in sooner.
Can we get Ankiel here before the end of the game?
Glaus = just caught Melky Syphilis
Screw this whole team.
Maybe the ‘Half Nats’ (that’s what I am calling them now) can beat the Phillies again tonight? SIGH.
Damn, I didnt know Melky was so contagious.
The laughter is more embarrassing than the play. I’d rather put up with a useless McLouth than a chuckling Melky.
Agreed, Alex R. “Losing is a disease… as contagious as bubonic plague. Attacking one, but infecting all.”
Lol…Phillies 1st place by next week.
@408,
Of course, Andruw would have caught that ball.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Braves end up finishing 3rd when all is said and done.
good to know, Melky and Hinske are out there laughing after that throw….Im sure Bobby and the rest of the team arent laughing
But again, the real question is why our lineup hasn’t been able to score anything off freaking Bronson douchey Arroyo since inning 1. I’m so sick of our lineup.
And good point about Ludwick. Much better than Ankiel. And the Padres got him for peanuts.
It might lead ONE to believe that rather than burning up the phone lines, Wren kept his personal secretary, Dayton Moore, on the phone until he came up with a deal with just the Royals.
I’m blacked-out by the BOS/DET game … I cannot wait to watch the highlights (lowlights) later to see this Melky screw-up. The suspense of just how awful this play was is killing me.
The thing with JJ and Hanson…..when they lose it, they LOSE it.
I miss McLouth
Can the team start wearing chipper’s number in black on their arms? Maybe it would inspire everyone.
That was the worst play I’ve ever seen, and then that asshole laughs about it.
Tony, I second Mac…JJ did tire out but some bad defense cost him. I still trust JJ as the 2nd best starter after Hudson.
@424
Well, it was a ball in the gap left-center and Melkdud went to throw it in. Instead of to second base it went to right field.
when was the last time Chipper did something with a 3-1 count?
@424 if you’ve ever seen little kids playing tee-ball. it looked like that.
Fox just showed the Braves’ May comeback against the Reds (ending with the Conrad GS). Even that can’t cheer me up.
Dumb Dusty wasting a pitcher on Glaus……
at least those little league kids would run the ball back to the infield
430, 32
Lol.. was he wearing a propeller hat while this all happened??
May was the last time Glaus was useful. Oh how I dreamed of us making a deal for Adam Dunn, just wasting away with that awesome power in DC. 🙁
@435 Good point. They also would be embarrassed.
they asked for Matt Garza, Dunn wasnt going to get moved
I’ve never seen a play that bad in tee-ball, and then he yucks it up out there. Disgusting. And I’m not giving Hinske a pass either, screw you buddy.
Fat, drunk little kids playing T-Ball. On an incline.
A home run in a silo
when was the last time Glaus hit one out of the infield?
Is this what Melky looked like on that play?
How much longer is Bobby going to keep Glaus in the middle of the lineup. “Hitless in this series” as they just said on Fox Sports.
And Kevin Millar is a gigantic douche. Listening to him is close to as bad as listening to Chip. Good lord.
So, Melky is BJWB, right? He just sealed the deal.
easily
picture of Jurrjens and Melky in the dugout
http://www.authenticsportscollectibles.com/store/images/RYANPHS016003-L.jpg
ok, so… We’re seriously doomed.
just let KK pitch the 8th
Nope. It’s dunn-dunn-Dunn! He’s the only guy we didn’t use yesterday, except for KK the Invisible Rabbit.
I wonder if Troy’s HGH got lost in shipping? He sure could use it again.
@452 Broken treadmill?!?!
KK sighting!
kk is warming up? he IS alive!
why isnt Bobby letting KK face the RH’rs? Apparently KK is so bored he’s just out there playing catch by himself.
seriously, do the Braves DL Glaus?
Jdpeace, I’ve given up for today. Bad managing, bad defense, terrible at bats. We are down 3 and Chipper effing pops up on a 3-1 pitch.
The team is so mad at Melky he’s got to find his own way back to the hotel after the game.
http://www.mediabistro.com/agencyspy/original/fat_guy_moped1.jpg
If you can keep your head when all around you are losing theirs and blaming it on you, you’re Jason Heyward.
Hidden benefit to the deal, Chavez still has a cheap arbitration year left. Now there’s pretty much no shot he pitches for us next year; before…
@460 So we are making the players on the field responsible for their performance now?!?! When we have access to a magical treadmill?
I nominate Bethany for BJWB. Bad attitude. No hustle.
Dunn will be out of baseball soon…..a reliever who cannot throw strikes is useless.
@465
i’ll take that bet tony.
nah, he’s solid against lefties and plenty of teams will give a lefty throwing 97 a chance
Yes, lefties that touch the mid ’90’s usually wash out of baseball pretty quickly.
we have aag, melky, and a pinch hitter up in the 9th. for time’s sake, can we just call it 2 outs and let brooks conrad hit?
Ankiel since returning
11 for 30 .367/.406/.567/.973
put Hinske at 1B and Diaz in LF for about a week. Glaus needs rest
AAG also deserves to be yelled at for the GIDP in the first with the bases loaded.
I hate this team.
AAG got out of the hospital two days ago and shouldnt be playing right now. He’s only out there cause Martin is hurt
Thanks for the replay, Fox. We needed more salt in that wound.
“IF” McLouth can get it together, you could do
vRHP
Hinske 1B
Heyward RF
McLouth CF
Ankiel LF
That’s liveable, I guess, if Nate can get it going. If not, Melky is now your everyday CF, or you move Heyward over, and take your chances with Glaus at 1st. Neither is a particularly good contingency plan.
vLHP
Glaus 1B
Diaz LF
Heyward RF
Melky CF
That’s….not so good.
I am still completely mystified by this. Even if you decide to run Heyward out at CF, sending Ankiel or Hinske out against LHP is suicidal, so you’re stuck with Melky in any event.
I know, csg, but if that’s the case then just take pitches and pray for a walk.
i’m going to start taking personal offense if anyone else tries to convince me melky cabrera is useful.
Millar is worse than Chip.
ankiel career OPS vs LHP – .681
melky career OPS vs LHP – .686
there is never an excuse to have Melky playing
@476 He expels carbon dioxide which plants then absorb and convert into nutrients.
“All those going back to Atlanta tomorrow, have your bags outside your hotel room doors in the morning. Not so fast, Melky.”
Can’t believe Jason took that pitch.
This will be a fun recap to read.
honest question, can Freeman help this ballclub right now?
This is a bad stretch, and it basically started with the trade for Gonzalez. If the Braves fall apart this year I’m gonna blame that, though of course their obvious deficiencies and the Phillies’ regression will probably be the real story.
I am on the Freeman bandwagon.
Maybe, he’s posted a 935 OPS over the past two months and is absolutely killing the ball right now. It’s hard to imagine him being worse than Glaus.
But also remember that Glaus has always been streaky. I bet September is another May-like month for him. Don’t rule that out.
If Glaus continues to be this bad I don’t think we can give him to September.
Recapped.
So who called for another low fastball to Rolen to start everything rolling downhill?
Jair was lucky he didn’t hit that one out, too.
Chipper needs to move down in the order, but he’ll trip over Glaus moving there, as well.
If Melky ever plays another minute in CF, Bobby should be fired.