2016 Atlanta Braves thread

[TarHeelNation11]

I listen to 680 The Fan here in Atlanta (@gteeitup and @coolwaterunc I'd recommend streaming it during the hours of 3-7, they do a ton of Braves talk. Like a ton.) and all their radio show crews are at SunTrust Park today and got the official tour.

They are all raving about the stadium and how intimate it is and how awesome the sightlines are. And Atlanta has solid radio here, unlike the Triangle. Even though this station is the flagship of the Atlanta Braves Radio Network, the hosts are professionals and do not hesitate to bad mouth the team and the organization when it's warranted. So if the stadium wasn't good, they'd say so. They've been heavily critical of the new Falcons stadium....like heavily critical.

But yeah, they've been overflowing with praise for SunTrust. I cannot wait.

 

[coolwaterunc]

Yeah, I've heard nothing but great things (except traffic concerns) about SunTrust Park. I'm definitely going to have to make some trips down there next year.

Hey THN, you obviously know a lot more about that area than I do. How legit are those traffic concerns? Are we talking major hellhole or people just being picky?

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Yeah, I've heard nothing but great things (except traffic concerns) about SunTrust Park. I'm definitely going to have to make some trips down there next year.

Hey THN, you obviously know a lot more about that area than I do. How legit are those traffic concerns? Are we talking major hellhole or people just being picky?

I will give a detailed answer to this later when I have time. For now, and I hate to be a fence-sitter like this, the short answer is "both yes and no." Cobb County is doing a ton of construction in that area to do things like widen that stretch of I-75 South, as well as constructing multiple pedestrian walk bridges over 75 to get to the stadium. I work north of the city and pass directly by the stadium on my drive home each afternoon. It's been pretty cool seeing the progress week in and week out.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Chacin traded to the Angels for a minor league pitcher. Williams Perez will start in his place tonight.

 

[coolwaterunc]

Meh...Williams Perez isn't (shouldn't) be a part of our future. He's a long reliever/spot starter at best. I'd like to get a look at Tyrell Jenkins. Perhaps he had just pitched recently so they had to go with Perez tonight or something.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Meh...Williams Perez isn't (shouldn't) be a part of our future. He's a long reliever/spot starter at best. I'd like to get a look at Tyrell Jenkins. Perhaps he had just pitched recently so they had to go with Perez tonight or something.

Yeah IMO Jenkins will be up soon.

 

[coolwaterunc]

There are six teams that have more wins at Turner Field than the Braves do, and it's about to be seven once the Phillies series is over. Hahaha

 

[coolwaterunc]

So I'm guessing Williams Perez is going to be here a little longer.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

So I'm guessing Williams Perez is going to be here a little longer.

He's probably the best starter on the roster lol. Also, I love watching Mallex Smith play.

 

[coolwaterunc]

He's probably the best starter on the roster lol. Also, I love watching Mallex Smith play.

I do too, I love the guy. I just wish Fredi would stop platooning him and get him out of hitting 9th. I want to see him hit 1st and see what he does. Hit Inciarte 2nd and get speed on the bases for Freeman and Markakis. It won't happen though because Fredi.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

I do too, I love the guy. I just wish Fredi would stop platooning him and get him out of hitting 9th. I want to see him hit 1st and see what he does. Hit Inciarte 2nd and get speed on the bases for Freeman and Markakis. It won't happen though because Fredi.

Yeah we actually manufactured some runs last night!!! I couldn't believe my eyes. Mallex gets on, steals second (and third on the overthrow) and then gets driven in. And Piersynski had a sac fly as well. Good things happen when you actually A) get on base, and B) move runners.

And yeah it would be nice if Mallex was allowed to play every day, but hey I'm just happy he's friggin up with the team and playing. I wish they'd go ahead and call Albies up. Sometimes I hate how slowly baseball people progress minor league talent. Sink or swim baby!!

 

[coolwaterunc]

Yeah we actually manufactured some runs last night!!! I couldn't believe my eyes. Mallex gets on, steals second (and third on the overthrow) and then gets driven in. And Piersynski had a sac fly as well. Good things happen when you actually A) get on base, and B) move runners.

And yeah it would be nice if Mallex was allowed to play every day, but hey I'm just happy he's friggin up with the team and playing. I wish they'd go ahead and call Albies up. Sometimes I hate how slowly baseball people progress minor league talent. Sink or swim baby!!

Yeah I think they should just go ahead and call up him and Swanson. I think they're ready, but if they want to just bring him up to AAA for a while, then fine, but I think they would be wasting time. Here's how I'd line them up (I did this before but I want to make changes):

1.) Mallex Smith
2.) Dansby Swanson
3.) Nick Markakis
4.) Freddie Freeman
5.) A.J. Pierzynski/Tyler Flowers
6.) Ender Inciarte
7.) Ozzie Albies
8.) Kelly Johnson/Gordon Beckham
9.) pitcher

Can't hit homers? Put speed everywhere and figure out ways to get on base and cut 'em loose. Why not?

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Yeah I think they should just go ahead and call up him and Swanson. I think they're ready, but if they want to just bring him up to AAA for a while, then fine, but I think they would be wasting time. Here's how I'd line them up (I did this before but I want to make changes):

1.) Mallex Smith
2.) Dansby Swanson
3.) Nick Markakis
4.) Freddie Freeman
5.) A.J. Pierzynski/Tyler Flowers
6.) Ender Inciarte
7.) Ozzie Albies
8.) Kelly Johnson/Gordon Beckham
9.) pitcher

Can't hit homers? Put speed everywhere and figure out ways to get on base and cut 'em loose. Why not?

What's your opinion on keeping vs trading Markakis? I'll wait and share mine after you.

 

[coolwaterunc]

I said earlier to trade Markakis, but you know what, I think we can use a steady, consistent veteran like him throughout this rebuild. He's, by far, our most consistent hitter, and I just love the way he plays. He's perfect to have a bunch of young guys around him. I would dangle Ender around and see what you can get for him or throw him in the imminent Teheran trade in July. Mallex is now your everyday CF, and just throw Francoeur or someone else in LF for the rest of the year and look for a long term solution out there in the offseason.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

I said earlier to trade Markakis, but you know what, I think we can use a steady, consistent veteran like him throughout this rebuild. He's, by far, our most consistent hitter, and I just love the way he plays. He's perfect to have a bunch of young guys around him. I would dangle Ender around and see what you can get for him or throw him in the imminent Teheran trade in July. Mallex is now your everyday CF, and just throw Francoeur or someone else in LF for the rest of the year and look for a long term solution out there in the offseason.

Yeah I 100% think we should keep Markakis, for much of the reasons you mentioned. He's our most consistent hitter by far and can set the table for Freeman (who will probably strike out lol). Definitely should keep them.

And I'm totally on board with a Teheran trade.

 

[coolwaterunc]

So with Ender gone, I would do something like this for the rest of the year. I'm not speculating any offseason moves:

1. Mallex Smith
2. Dansby Swanson
3. Nick Markakis
4. Freddie Freeman
5. Jeff Francoeur, Adonis Garcia, Kelly Johnson, who cares?
6. A.J. Pierzynski/Tyler Flowers
7. Ozzie Albies
8. Kelly Johnson, Gordon Beckham, Adonis Garcia, again who cares?

 

[coolwaterunc]

Folty shutting out the champs. Maybe the guy doesn't suck after all. He's pitching with confidence, and he's acting like he owns the mound. He's looking like our ace right now.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Folty shutting out the champs. Maybe the guy doesn't suck after all. He's pitching with confidence, and he's acting like he owns the mound. He's looking like our ace right now.

He has definitely changed his attitude out there. I'm still very hesitant to believe he can be an effective starter for us.

Meanwhile, I love Wisler's game. This dude is a stud. He's not getting any run support but I'm not worried about that.

Also, I don't know why, but I really like the KC Monarchs' logo

 

[outkast g]

Johnson City Hounds

 

[TarHeelNation11]

@coolwaterunc please tell me you're watching right now. Joe Simpson is RIPPING on the Braves' field position players and their overall effort. It's been pretty awesome.

Also, if the past three innings aren't ironclad proof that we need to bring up our two middle infielder prospects, I don't know what it is. Aybar and Kelly Johnson just gifting runs out there like they're candy.

 

[coolwaterunc]

@TarHeelNation11

Didn't watch it last night; I only watch the games where Wisler, Folty or Blair pitch since those are really the only ones that mean anything to me. The lackluster play from the veterans is exactly why we need to bring the young guys up. If they don't want to play with any sort of energy, then sit them. It's the players' fault first and foremost, but it's also a reflection of their manager.

 

[coolwaterunc]

Speaking of Joe Simpson, is it just me, or do most of Braves fans hate the Braves announce team? I know a lot of them do, but I don't really understand why. Maybe it's just because they long for the days of Skip Caray, but I think Chip and Joe do a great job calling the games. I know Chip gets a lot of heat especially, but I think he's okay. I like Joe Simpson a lot, as he seems to just tell it like it is. I don't know, I mean, I'm never one to ever complain about announcers anyway, so maybe they suck and I suck at seeing that, but I like them.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Speaking of Joe Simpson, is it just me, or do most of Braves fans hate the Braves announce team? I know a lot of them do, but I don't really understand why. Maybe it's just because they long for the days of Skip Caray, but I think Chip and Joe do a great job calling the games. I know Chip gets a lot of heat especially, but I think he's okay. I like Joe Simpson a lot, as he seems to just tell it like it is. I don't know, I mean, I'm never one to ever complain about announcers anyway, so maybe they suck and I suck at seeing that, but I like them.

Hmm, that's interesting that people complain about Joe. I get not liking Chip because he can be cheesy (I happen to like him though), but Joe has been there forever and knows a ton. I actually really, really like both the Braves' TV crew and especially the radio crew. Don Sutton and Jim Powell are AWESOME on the radio. I would love it if they let Don on the TV broadcasts sometimes.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

To quote Nick Saban, Fredi Gonzalez is "GONE." Firing just announced. I feel bad for him because I like the guy, but he needed to go.

Who the hell replaces him though?

 

[coolwaterunc]

To quote Nick Saban, Fredi Gonzalez is "GONE." Firing just announced. I feel bad for him because I like the guy, but he needed to go.

Who the hell replaces him though?

Agreed. I'm glad he's gone from a baseball perspective, but despite how much I ragged on about him, he seemed to be a great guy, and I really do wish him well.

 

[coolwaterunc]

Brian Snitker will reportedly come up and take his place. I don't think it really matters though.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Brian Snitker will reportedly come up and take his place. I don't think it really matters though.

Tosca fired as bench coach, Pendleton replaces him. Eddie Perez moves to first base coach.

And as for Fredi, agreed he's a good dude. My family actually knows his family (not closely, but a little bit). His son attended the same high school I went to and is my younger brother's age, so they went to school together. Fredi lives 5 minutes from where I grew up and where my parents still live. I hope he hits the ground running somewhere.

 

[coolwaterunc]

Choosing to go with Snitker has to be a sign that the kids are coming due to his minor league ties, right?

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Choosing to go with Snitker has to be a sign that the kids are coming due to his minor league ties, right?

Hart said not necessarily. They are dead set on slowwww playing these minor league prospects and it's pissing me off. The host on the radio asked him four different ways "are they coming up after the June 5th mark?" and John Hart kept saying nope, not necessarily.

 

[coolwaterunc]

Hart said not necessarily. They are dead set on slowwww playing these minor league prospects and it's pissing me off. The host on the radio asked him four different ways "are they coming up after the June 5th mark?" and John Hart kept saying nope, not necessarily.

I don't get it. I mean, if they want to sit back and enjoy watching Erick Aybar hit under .200 and make routine plays look extremely difficult while Albies and Swanson continue to overmatch their minor league opponents, then be my guest, but it's not doing any good.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

I don't get it. I mean, if they want to sit back and enjoy watching Erick Aybar hit under .200 and make routine plays look extremely difficult while Albies and Swanson continue to overmatch their minor league opponents, then be my guest, but it's not doing any good.

I hate the way baseball coddles their prospects and is so scared to let them sink or swim. It's extra hard for me to be patient with them slow-playing Swanson/Albies/Jenkins for two reasons:

1). The obvious reason....we suck and they're the future anyway, so why not bring them up?
2). I watch a lot of soccer and soccer is the complete opposite of baseball in terms of how they handle young prospects. They throw youngsters into the fire and let them learn by taking their lumps. They'll give guys their senior team debut at aged 18 or 19, and let them experience the speed and intensity of the game at the highest level. They don't baby them and keep them on the U18 and U21 teams for years on end.

What is two extra months really gonna do for Albies or Swanson?

 

[TarHeelNation11]

@coolwaterunc here's that interview with John Hart:

http://stationcaster.com/player_skinned.php?s=87&c=673&f=5461533

 

[coolwaterunc]

@coolwaterunc here's that interview with John Hart:

http://stationcaster.com/player_skinned.php?s=87&c=673&f=5461533

Thanks, I'll check that out.

Aaron Blair...send him down to work on stuff or keep him up here and tell him to get it together?

 

[coolwaterunc]

Nevermind, looks like the Braves answered that for me. Gwinnett it is.

 

[Hark_The_Sound_2010]

I heard the Braves might be interested in Torey Lovullo to replace Fredi. He's currently the bench coach for the Red Sox - and pretty much the coach in waiting for when John Farrell gets canned (would have happened a few weeks ago if the team didn't get on a little hot streak). If the Braves were to call up the Sox to inquire about talking to Lovullo, I'm hoping the Sox brass would say "sorry he's currently our manager" hang up the phone with them, call Farrell and fire his ass - then name Lovullo manager. If the Sox are stupid enough to let the Braves snatch him from under their nose - you all would be getting a pretty damn good manager.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

I heard the Braves might be interested in Torey Lovullo to replace Fredi. He's currently the bench coach for the Red Sox - and pretty much the coach in waiting for when John Farrell gets canned (would have happened a few weeks ago if the team didn't get on a little hot streak). If the Braves were to call up the Sox to inquire about talking to Lovullo, I'm hoping the Sox brass would say "sorry he's currently our manager" hang up the phone with them, call Farrell and fire his ass - then name Lovullo manager. If the Sox are stupid enough to let the Braves snatch him from under their nose - you all would be getting a pretty damn good manager.

FWIW, I've listened to a ton of radio down here since yesterday morning (including the Braves official pre- and post-game and clubhouse report which just ended) and I haven't heard the Lovullo name one time. I've heard these names:

- Bud Black (gross) [and media are backtracking off that name lately]
- Mark DeRosa
- Dave Martinez (Maddon's bench coach in Chicago and with him in Tampa before that)

 

[Hark_The_Sound_2010]

FWIW, I've listened to a ton of radio down here since yesterday morning (including the Braves official pre- and post-game and clubhouse report which just ended) and I haven't heard the Lovullo name one time. I've heard these names:

- Bud Black (gross) [and media are backtracking off that name lately]
- Mark DeRosa
- Dave Martinez (Maddon's bench coach in Chicago and with him in Tampa before that)

Ok great then. I heard the potential Atlanta interest in Lovullo mentioned on Boston Sports radio - but the show that mentioned that as a rumor is a show that has made its bacon by being the most pessimistic antagonizing show on sports radio (genius tactic as it drives up listeners and ratings - even if all the listeners only listen to hate on the hosts). So they routinely give takes that will incite the Boston sports fan listeners - this easily could be one of them. All the better if Atlanta is looking elsewhere.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

LOL Mallex not in the lineup, even after two homers last night.....because the pitcher is lefty.

The radio host on a show I like here in Atlanta that leads into the Braves pre-game always says that MLB managers are the exact same robot with the same brain. They all play lefty-righty no matter what, and overmanage the bullpen no matter what. I used to disagree, but I'm starting to think he's right. Yes, the book says not to play Mallex against a lefty. Common sense does NOT say that. Kid needs games.

 

[coolwaterunc]

Dave Martinez is intriguing to me. Anyone under Joe Maddon has to be strongly considered, IMO.

With yet another Mallex benching, I already want Snitker gone. For the last time, WTF GOOD DOES IT DO TO BENCH YOUR FUTURE FOR JEFF FREAKING FRANCOEUR?????

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Dave Martinez is intriguing to me. Anyone under Joe Maddon has to be strongly considered, IMO.

I don't want anyone from the Maddon coaching tree. Kooky dudes like that can't successfully pass on their eccentric success to their disciples. (See: Dan Quinn in Atlanta, a Pete Carroll disciple).

With yet another Mallex benching, I already want Snitker gone. For the last time, WTF GOOD DOES IT DO TO BENCH YOUR FUTURE FOR JEFF FREAKING FRANCOEUR?????

Agreed. He's gonna have to learn to hit lefties sooner or later. May as well be sooner.