2024 Braves Thread

[KOdawg1]

Braves are STACKED this year. Super excited for this season

[Pinto]

Pitching still concerns me

[Tbonewannabe]

Pitching still concerns me

I think Chris Sale is exactly what we needed. Another quality arm that has postseason success. Only thing we could use some more bullpen help and another outfielder. Hopefully Arcia plays like he did last year.

[RockyDog]

We will see. No doubt the Braves are a playoff team barring some catastrophic injuries. But do they run away with it or have a tight battle with the Phillies.

No doubt the Braves won't miss Eddie in LF. But do we get good, bad, or mediocre Adam? Does Kelenic do anything at all or is he a bust? Does Arcia regress at short? Was last year a mirage for Ozuna or does he return to 2022 form? Can we get 1st half Murphy for the entire season?

If Strider, Fried, Olson, Riley, Acuna, and Albies do their normal thing then all of these are minor concerns. But you gotta think that Matt and Ronald put up unreal numbers last year that you can't expect to replicate year after year.

Regardless it gonna be a fun season.

[KOdawg1]

Pitching still concerns me
Why? 1-4, the Braves have the best pitching staff in the league. Strider, Fried, Sale, Morton is damn good. Reynaldo Lopez is the 5th starter and he has tremendous upside, it'll just come down to how he performs as a starter.

The bullpen is stacked too.

Only thing that could hurt the Braves is injuries but that's true for every team.

[Tbonewannabe]

We will see. No doubt the Braves are a playoff team barring some catastrophic injuries. But do they run away with it or have a tight battle with the Phillies.

No doubt the Braves won't miss Eddie in LF. But do we get good, bad, or mediocre Adam? Does Kelenic do anything at all or is he a bust? Does Arcia regress at short? Was last year a mirage for Ozuna or does he return to 2022 form? Can we get 1st half Murphy for the entire season?

If Strider, Fried, Olson, Riley, Acuna, and Albies do their normal thing then all of these are minor concerns. But you gotta think that Matt and Ronald put up unreal numbers last year that you can't expect to replicate year after year.

Regardless it gonna be a fun season.

I am anxious to see how Strider does. I haven't watched any Spring training but he supposedly has a devastating curveball now to go with 100 heater.

[msstate7]

Braves are the best team in baseball. Hopefully they're hot in October... that's all that matters for a championship - rangers 2023 and braves 2021 are good examples; neither were the best teams their years

[BrunswickDawg]

I am anxious to see how Strider does. I haven't watched any Spring training but he supposedly has a devastating curveball now to go with 100 heater.

Watching his new curve reminded me of watching Nolan Ryan. It just buckles your knees and there is nothing you can do about it. Nolan was more of the traditional 12-6, but the effect is just as devastating.

[Commercecomet24]

Let's GO!

[KOdawg1]

Strider's curve is making guys look silly so far

[RockyDog]

Duvall! Gotta love it.

Unfortunately it looks like Murphy may be out for a while

[msstate7]

Duvall! Gotta love it.

Unfortunately it looks like Murphy may be out for a while

Sucks, but early in season, so not a killer

[RockyDog]

You have to love the wisdom of Major League Baseball. These guys have been playing games in Florida and Arizona for over a month and then you schedule openers in New York, Philly, Chicago and Baltimore

[Commercecomet24]

Braves have opened up a can!

[RockyDog]

THAT is why you let Fried walk. Even though he got hosed on a strike 3 RIGHT down the middle, he’s not a 20 or 30 million per year pitcher. Terrible effort.

[MaroonFlounder]

Damn Fried got screwed there.

[Commercecomet24]

This Braves team is relentless

[KOdawg1]

Didn't have Max Fried and Aaron Nola giving up a combined 8 runs in less than 2 innings on my bingo card

[Commercecomet24]

Didn't have Max Fried and Aaron Nola giving up a combined 8 runs in less than 2 innings on my bingo card

Lol got that right! They both always struggle early. Kinda like power hitters

[Commercecomet24]

Glad we got uncle Jessie back. Dude knows how to pitch and eats innings!

[RockyDog]

I still like the Braves to run away with the division. Wheeler and Nola are good pitchers but in today’s age of baseball all you gotta do is keep it close until the 5th inning and attack the opposing bullpen. The Braves are built for that.

Bohm is trash at third and the Phillies outfielders have little league arms. That being said I’d rather play anybody else in the postseason.

[msstate7]

Signing fried to an extension is a moot point imo bc I think he's headed west. I would absolutely sign him at 20 million though. Bad games happen to every pitcher

[Tbonewannabe]

Signing fried to an extension is a moot point imo bc I think he's headed west. I would absolutely sign him at 20 million though. Bad games happen to every pitcher

Yep, seems Fried has his eyes set on the West Coast. I really hate that.

Can we trade him to the Angels and hope he sticks? I am going to really hate him in a Dodgers uniform.

[Political Hack]

We could leverage a pitcher right now if we need to, but there's not much to gain unless your rotation somehow gets deeper dealing Fried.

I'll take the Bravos Catchers, primary IF, and 2/3 of the OF over damn near any team in the bigs right now.

[Political Hack]

Glad we got uncle Jessie back. Dude knows how to pitch and eats innings!

Only for the Braves though! It's crazy how good he is as a Brave.

[RockyDog]

It’s early but Kelenick has been good. If he and Duvall can combine for 30 HR and 80-90 RBI in the LF spot, this team could be unstoppable.

The Dodgers have spent a ton of money but there is no team close to the Braves 1 thru 9, and I dare say the rotation outclasses most others too

[Commercecomet24]

Only for the Braves though! It's crazy how good he is as a Brave.

It is amazing! I'm surprised the Braves didn't retain him after last year. He was great before the injury.

[Commercecomet24]

It’s early but Kelenick has been good. If he and Duvall can combine for 30 HR and 80-90 RBI in the LF spot, this team could be unstoppable.

The Dodgers have spent a ton of money but there is no team close to the Braves 1 thru 9, and I dare say the rotation outclasses most others too

I agree.

[Commercecomet24]

We could leverage a pitcher right now if we need to, but there's not much to gain unless your rotation somehow gets deeper dealing Fried.

I'll take the Bravos Catchers, primary IF, and 2/3 of the OF over damn near any team in the bigs right now.

Yep and good to see you posting, Hack!

[RockyDog]

Uh oh. Strider is going in for an MRI on his elbow. You just had to know this was coming at some point. I guess it’s a good thing that AA didn’t spend $ on Giolito too. I really wish he had pulled the trigger on Montgomery. You would have been the perfect fit for this group and the DBacks ended up getting him for dirt cheap.

[BoomBoom]

Uh oh. Strider is going in for an MRI on his elbow. You just had to know this was coming at some point. I guess it?s a good thing that AA didn?t spend $ on Giolito too. I really wish he had pulled the trigger on Montgomery. You would have been the perfect fit for this group and the DBacks ended up getting him for dirt cheap.

It's just a gamble you have to take these days. If it's TJ for Strider, they'll pick somebody up mid-season.

[Pinto]

Strider has a tear in his tendon in right elbow.

[msstate7]

Sucks, but season isn't over. Braves won a WS the same year they lost Acuna for the year. Gotta baby sale and fried some

[trob115]

Need to go sign Trevor Bauer now.

[KOdawg1]

Probably will wait until the all star break to pick up a top arm from a team that's selling.

This is still a top 3 team even without Strider

[msstate7]

Need to go sign Trevor Bauer now.

No way they do it, but man, that would be one hell of a replacement. I wonder if mlb has silently let it be known Bauer is off limits... if so, tell mlb if they let ohtani gamble, we getting Bauer haha

[trob115]

I would sign Bauer because he doesn't cost anything in prospect capital. A one year prove it deal at MLB minimum and I bet he would accept it just to be back in the league. I bet AA doesn't do it though

[msstate7]

Probably will wait until the all star break to pick up a top arm from a team that's selling.

This is still a top 3 team even without Strider

You need 3 starters in the playoffs. If they started today, sale, fried, and Morton/lopez is probably as good as anyone. I thought our 3 with strider was the best. Gotta keep sale and fried healthy

[KOdawg1]

You need 3 starters in the playoffs. If they started today, sale, fried, and Morton/lopez is probably as good as anyone. I thought our 3 with strider was the best. Gotta keep sale and fried healthy

I don't trust Sale to stay healthy

[msstate7]

I don't trust Sale to stay healthy

Maybe not, but I don't trust any pitcher to stay healthy.

Playoffs are totally random now it seems... Braves had 1 starter in 2021 that was reliable unless you count Morton who got hurt in the playoffs. Rangers basically has 1 in Montgomery unless you count the shadow of scherzer

[Commercecomet24]

Maybe not, but I don't trust any pitcher to stay healthy.

Playoffs are totally random now it seems... Braves had 1 starter in 2021 that was reliable unless you count Morton who got hurt in the playoffs. Rangers basically has 1 in Montgomery unless you count the shadow of scherzer

100% right.

[Commercecomet24]

Strider with ucl damage not tendon.

[msstate7]

Strider with ucl damage not tendon.

What's the recovery time?

[Commercecomet24]

What's the recovery time?

I just watched the release of the news. They didn't mention the extent of damage and said he would be further evaluated by a doctor in Texas. He's already had one Tommy John and I'm pretty sure he's gonna require a second one now. They may try to rehab without surgery but he'll end up having to have it done again.

[MaroonFlounder]

Does Bryce Elder get called back up now with Strider on the shelf?

[RockyDog]

UCL is pretty much Tommy John every time. He’s toast until mid season 2025. AA is going to have to change his ways and stop being a cheap little bitch and spend some money now.

[msstate7]

UCL is pretty much Tommy John every time. He’s toast until mid season 2025. AA is going to have to change his ways and stop being a cheap little bitch and spend some money now.

Here's an example of not needing TJS today...

https://twitter.com/BryanHoch/status/1776699337210319307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1776699337210319307%7Ctwgr% 5E8db2478794ee6444e8022d71503d3dc4ebd45611%7Ctwcon %5Es1_c10&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chopcountry.com%2Fforums% 2Fshowthread.php%3Ft%3D12063page%3D5

...
No idea if strider is in same boat

[msstate7]

Does Bryce Elder get called back up now with Strider on the shelf?

He's pitching at Gwinnett now, so I say no. Maybe his next start is in Atlanta

[RockyDog]

AA needs to do something fast. Fried sucks too

[msstate7]

AA needs to do something fast. Fried sucks too

He can't do anything. No one is trading anyone worth a crap right now

ETA... fried has joined us now after 2 of the worst 1st innings I've ever saw

[Commercecomet24]

He can't do anything. No one is trading anyone worth a crap right now

ETA... fried has joined us now after 2 of the worst 1st innings I've ever saw

This. The Braves will be just fine

[RockyDog]

Definitely don’t need pitching against the DBacks. We will see about the Dodgers. The Braves offense is just elite. Ever since they cut down on the strike outs 2 years ago it’s been on another level.

[Commercecomet24]

Definitely don’t need pitching against the DBacks. We will see about the Dodgers. The Braves offense is just elite. Ever since they cut down on the strike outs 2 years ago it’s been on another level.

They are relentless at the plate. They just don't get tight in any game and never are out of any game . Grinders!

[KOdawg1]

Even with injuries from Strider, Murphy, and now Albies, the Braves are 11-5 and just took a series from the Astros on the road.

Team isn't even playing their best, but is off to a great start

[Commercecomet24]

Even with injuries from Strider, Murphy, and now Albies, the Braves are 11-5 and just took a series from the Astros on the road.

Team isn't even playing their best, but is off to a great start

Braves gotta be the best 7-9th inning team in baseball. They literally knock teams out late!

[KOdawg1]

Braves gotta be the best 7-9th inning team in baseball. They literally knock teams out late!
Yeah, what they did last night against Hader was impressive. Best reliever in baseball and they bullied that boy.

Just waiting on Ronnie to heat up and return to his mvp level. They'll be off and running when that happens

[Commercecomet24]

Yeah, what they did last night against Hader was impressive. Best reliever in baseball and they bullied that boy.

Just waiting on Ronnie to heat up and return to his mvp level. They'll be off and running when that happens

You got that right! It's so cool to know that even if they get behind early and can look like crap at the plate that they have a big finishing kick. They're never out of a game. They play so loose and relaxed, like a bunch of 8 year olds playing coach pitch.

[RockyDog]

The things the Braves have done to improve at the plate over the last couple of years is scary. Right now, they have the 2nd least number of strikeouts as a team in the league. The only regular hitting under .270 is TDA and they have driven in nearly 100 runs so far on only 16 homers.

It's sad that Strider went down so early because this team could have legit pushed for 110-115 wins. Losing him makes it more difficult to "save" Morton and Sale for the postseason. I just hope they can hold up for October.

[KOdawg1]

The things the Braves have done to improve at the plate over the last couple of years is scary. Right now, they have the 2nd least number of strikeouts as a team in the league. The only regular hitting under .270 is TDA and they have driven in nearly 100 runs so far on only 16 homers.

It's sad that Strider went down so early because this team could have legit pushed for 110-115 wins. Losing him makes it more difficult to "save" Morton and Sale for the postseason. I just hope they can hold up for October.
Need to find a top of the rotation starter at the deadline.

The emergence of Lopez has been good. He's the 5th guy in the rotation and has a 0.50 ERA. So he sort of minimizes the hurt of losing Strider, but you need top tier guy for the playoffs to pair with Fried, Morton, and Sale, because odds are, one of them will get hurt right at or before playoff time

[RockyDog]

Need to find a top of the rotation starter at the deadline.

The emergence of Lopez has been good. He's the 5th guy in the rotation and has a 0.50 ERA. So he sort of minimizes the hurt of losing Strider, but you need top tier guy for the playoffs to pair with Fried, Morton, and Sale, because odds are, one of them will get hurt right at or before playoff time

In theory, yes. But that's not going to happen under AA's watch. And I doubt there is going to be a top of the rotation starter that is just dangling out there at the deadline to begin with. He's going to grab a cheap 4th, 5th or 6th starter from one of the noncontenders like the White Sox, Pirates, or Royals. While he's struck some gold with reliever trades, not so much with starters. I think Tommy Milone and Jake Odorizzi are the only 2 i can remember.

The Braves were long rumored in the past for deadline guys like Tajuan Walker, Marcus Stroman, Chris Archer and it never happened.

I think the best you could probably hope for is somebody like Paul Blackburn with the As, maybe Kyle Freeland with the Rockies, but guys like that aren't near the level of Strider, or even Fried.

[Commercecomet24]

The things the Braves have done to improve at the plate over the last couple of years is scary. Right now, they have the 2nd least number of strikeouts as a team in the league. The only regular hitting under .270 is TDA and they have driven in nearly 100 runs so far on only 16 homers.

It's sad that Strider went down so early because this team could have legit pushed for 110-115 wins. Losing him makes it more difficult to "save" Morton and Sale for the postseason. I just hope they can hold up for October.

I agree. The Strider injury really hurts. This is a team of professional hitters. Look in the dugout and these guys are always on tablets looking at abs and constantly making in game adjustments. They don't wait for the next game, they do it in game. I would love to see Smith-Shawver get a shot in the rotation or Waldrup(down the road). I know Waldrup has gotten beat up a little this year but the guy has top of the rotation stuff/potential. Amazing to that this team when someone goes down, it's just next man up and the others pickup the slack. It's fun to watch a real TEAM.

[Commercecomet24]

Late inning magic again from the Braves

[KOdawg1]

Come from behind win in extra innings to complete the sweep over Houston.

Love this team!

[BoomBoom]

In theory, yes. But that's not going to happen under AA's watch. And I doubt there is going to be a top of the rotation starter that is just dangling out there at the deadline to begin with. He's going to grab a cheap 4th, 5th or 6th starter from one of the noncontenders like the White Sox, Pirates, or Royals. While he's struck some gold with reliever trades, not so much with starters. I think Tommy Milone and Jake Odorizzi are the only 2 i can remember.

The Braves were long rumored in the past for deadline guys like Tajuan Walker, Marcus Stroman, Chris Archer and it never happened.

I think the best you could probably hope for is somebody like Paul Blackburn with the As, maybe Kyle Freeland with the Rockies, but guys like that aren't near the level of Strider, or even Fried.

Yeah, there won't be such a SP available and even if there is the Braves don't have/won't have the prospect capital to go get him. I can see them taking an overpriced #2 or#3, eating the contract. Ian Andedson and Ynoa are working their way back from injury, hopefully one or both will be in form for the 2nd half. Quantity of pitching won't be a problem, but losing a true ace always hurts and is not replaceable these days.

[KOdawg1]

Another series win for the Braves, this time vs last year's World Series champ.

14-5; best record in baseball

[RockyDog]

Braves, Philthies and Mets are all scorching hot. The billion dollar Dodgers are 12-11 and have lost series to both the Nats and Mets.

[Commercecomet24]

Book it, 7th, 8th, 9th inning the Braves will score and mostly in bunches

[Commercecomet24]

Another series win for the Braves, this time vs last year's World Series champ.

14-5; best record in baseball

And doing it without 3 all stars. Amazing team. It's just next man up with them and no panic. Fun to watch

[MaroonFlounder]

How did Travis D all of a sudden become the best power hitting catcher?

[Liverpooldawg]

Freid was fantastic tonight!

[BrunswickDawg]

Freid was fantastic tonight!

That was Maddox-like - 92 pitches, 1 hr and 45 minutes, complete game shut out.

[Commercecomet24]

That was Maddox-like - 92 pitches, 1 hr and 45 minutes, complete game shut out.

What he did tonight in this day and age is like spotting a white whale! I never thought I'd see a game like that again. A cg shutout on 92 pitches in less than 2 hours!

[RockyDog]

At one point a week and a half ago, they were hitting .306 as a team and every starter other than Travis was hitting .275 or better. Since then, Olson and Riley can't see the ball apparently, Ozuna's batting average has cooled a bit and TDA has been on fire. And they have still won just about every game. Baseball is a weird sport, but that lineup top to bottom is just unlike anything that we've seen in a while. When a third of the lineup goes ice cold, the other 5 or 6 are there to pick them up.

[msstate7]

At one point a week and a half ago, they were hitting .306 as a team and every starter other than Travis was hitting .275 or better. Since then, Olson and Riley can't see the ball apparently, Ozuna's batting average has cooled a bit and TDA has been on fire. And they have still won just about every game. Baseball is a weird sport, but that lineup top to bottom is just unlike anything that we've seen in a while. When a third of the lineup goes ice cold, the other 5 or 6 are there to pick them up.

Pitching catching up now.

Hopefully albies and Murphy back soon

[Commercecomet24]

At one point a week and a half ago, they were hitting .306 as a team and every starter other than Travis was hitting .275 or better. Since then, Olson and Riley can't see the ball apparently, Ozuna's batting average has cooled a bit and TDA has been on fire. And they have still won just about every game. Baseball is a weird sport, but that lineup top to bottom is just unlike anything that we've seen in a while. When a third of the lineup goes ice cold, the other 5 or 6 are there to pick them up.

100%! This is a real team and everyone in that lineup can hurt you! Heck gullorme and fletcher have contributed. When Riley and Olson get hot and Ozzie gets back, wow! Love how they pick each other up and look at the fun they have playing the game! It's like a bunch of tball kids just having a blast!

[BrunswickDawg]

At one point a week and a half ago, they were hitting .306 as a team and every starter other than Travis was hitting .275 or better. Since then, Olson and Riley can't see the ball apparently, Ozuna's batting average has cooled a bit and TDA has been on fire. And they have still won just about every game. Baseball is a weird sport, but that lineup top to bottom is just unlike anything that we've seen in a while. When a third of the lineup goes ice cold, the other 5 or 6 are there to pick them up.

This is what has to hit home about baseball more than any other sport. As I say often, it's the only sport where success is failing only 70% of the time.

[Political Hack]

This is what has to hit home about baseball more than any other sport. As I say often, it's the only sport where success is failing only 70% of the time.

That's hall of fame level success...

Best line up in baseball. If the pitching staff can keep the ball in the ballpark, it's going to be hard to beat this team. They're playing hungry after last year's playoff gaff too.

[Commercecomet24]

This is what has to hit home about baseball more than any other sport. As I say often, it's the only sport where success is failing only 70% of the time.

Exactly! And it's why so many sports(not real baseball) fans freak out at a loss or two or when a player struggles, most people can't handle the ups and downs of the game. It's a game of failure that will test your mental and intestinal fortitude. Baseball teaches life lessons. Gotta love it!

[Commercecomet24]

That's hall of fame level success...

Best line up in baseball. If the pitching staff can keep the ball in the ballpark, it's going to be hard to beat this team. They're playing hungry after last year's playoff gaff too.

100%!

[KOdawg1]

17-6.

Another sweep.

[msstate7]

Next series is Cleveland, who has the 2nd best record in mlb behind the braves

[Commercecomet24]

I swear Austin Riley has been to the Hunter Hines hitting school lol!

[KOdawg1]

Well so much for this thread and season.

Acuna: out for the year
Strider: out for the year
Murphy: missed 2 months from the first game
Harris: missed 2 months in the middle of the season
Ozzie: going to end up missing 2 months
Minter: out for the year
Riley: out for 6-8 weeks
Fried: has been hurt some
L?pez: elbow inflammation; coming back tomorrow

Can't make this up.

[RockyDog]

Hopefully the last entry in this thread will be Snit retires, AA fired.

AA has sat on his hands for too long. This trade deadline was a joke. Eflin and Arozerena were rumored targets and moved for next to nothing. All the Crochet talk was a pipe dream but he could have done more than adding Soler. Now we are gonna waste a Cy Young type season for Sale, an MVP type for Ozuna, let Fried walk and still have to fill a bunch of holes in the rotation and OF next season.

And that doesn’t event count the terrible SS position that will need to be addressed

[MaroonFlounder]

Well so much for this thread and season.

Acuna: out for the year
Strider: out for the year
Murphy: missed 2 months from the first game
Harris: missed 2 months in the middle of the season
Ozzie: going to end up missing 2 months
Minter: out for the year
Riley: out for 6-8 weeks
Fried: has been hurt some
L?pez: elbow inflammation; coming back tomorrow

Can't make this up.

But still with a chance at a NL wild card spot.

[KOdawg1]

Hopefully the last entry in this thread will be Snit retires, AA fired.

AA has sat on his hands for too long. This trade deadline was a joke. Eflin and Arozerena were rumored targets and moved for next to nothing. All the Crochet talk was a pipe dream but he could have done more than adding Soler. Now we are gonna waste a Cy Young type season for Sale, an MVP type for Ozuna, let Fried walk and still have to fill a bunch of holes in the rotation and OF next season.

And that doesn’t event count the terrible SS position that will need to be addressed

Sorry but I can't blame AA for this. Literally the entire team has been injured at some point minus Matt Olson. Let's not ignore the fact he worked a deal for Chris Sale (the NL CY young front runner) in which the Red Sox are still paying his salary. He's also back next year. If you replace these season ending injuries with just normal injuries that every team has, we're likely even with the Phillies at this point

[BrunswickDawg]

Hopefully the last entry in this thread will be Snit retires, AA fired.

AA has sat on his hands for too long. This trade deadline was a joke. Eflin and Arozerena were rumored targets and moved for next to nothing. All the Crochet talk was a pipe dream but he could have done more than adding Soler. Now we are gonna waste a Cy Young type season for Sale, an MVP type for Ozuna, let Fried walk and still have to fill a bunch of holes in the rotation and OF next season.

And that doesn’t event count the terrible SS position that will need to be addressed

So, fire the guys responsible for the best run since Schurholz was around? Nah. When you lose that list of players to injury, you don't mortgage the farm to take a chance on a Wild Card.
AA has done a solid job of plugging some holes, hasn't given up anything, and still has a solid chance at the playoffs - missing an a huge amount of talent.

[parabrave]

So, fire the guys responsible for the best run since Schurholz was around? Nah. When you lose that list of players to injury, you don't mortgage the farm to take a chance on a Wild Card.
AA has done a solid job of plugging some holes, hasn't given up anything, and still has a solid chance at the playoffs - missing an a huge amount of talent.

Don't feed him!!!!!

[msstate7]

Really tough season. I've been frustrated basically the whole season. Even with Riley down, if they can get Lopez, fried, and sale healthy in the playoffs with soler and albies back, they would be a tough out.

[EdwardDrayton]

Doing the Jays-Braves game on 9/7 with my son Christopher. Then the first playoff race the next day on his birthday at Atlanta Motor Speedway; he'll be 23.

Oh yeah. We did John Waite-Styx-Foreigner at The Wharf this past Saturday. It was FABULOUS.

I guess I'll throw in we went to the Indy500 back in May.

And I just bought him his first race car. It's on the lift in my garage. Shooting for his first race at Five Flags in late September.

Just hanging on to each other in the wake of Carol's passing and making memories while we do.

God is good.

[Pancho]

AMEN Brother

[Commercecomet24]

Really tough season. I've been frustrated basically the whole season. Even with Riley down, if they can get Lopez, fried, and sale healthy in the playoffs with soler and albies back, they would be a tough out.

Same here. Somehow they've kept plugging away with a pretty much triple aaa+ lineup and some pretty dang good pitching and defense. If they can just get to the tournament, you always have a chance if you got arms and one thing the Braves have going for them right now is arms.

PS I love this Grant Holmes kid!

[Commercecomet24]

So, fire the guys responsible for the best run since Schurholz was around? Nah. When you lose that list of players to injury, you don't mortgage the farm to take a chance on a Wild Card.
AA has done a solid job of plugging some holes, hasn't given up anything, and still has a solid chance at the playoffs - missing an a huge amount of talent.

Great post! only 4 starters left from the opening day lineup(including last years mvp), strider out, fried, lopez and minter have missed significant time and yet they're still in the hunt. It's a miracle they're still in the hunt. There's very few teams if any that could still be in the hunt with the amount of talent the braves are missing right now. Credit to the leadership and culture theyve built.

[RockyDog]

Sure the injury bug is ridiculous this season and it's gotten even worse SINCE the deadline. But AA could have done some things to help the situation, and he didn't. There were outfield pieces available that fit MUCH better than adding another DH and sentimental piece like Soler. He could have added a decent arm like an Eflin, Montas, Fedde, Quantrill and ended the ridiculous Vines/Dodd/Elder rotation of trash that gives away a win every 5th start.

You look at the standings across MLB and NOBODY is running away with a great record this year, so this is actually the season that you could absorb some of these crazy injuries and still be competitive. However, because of AA's ignorance, we are stuck with an outfield consisting of Michael Harris, a DH, a streaky Kelenic and backup sub Mendoza hitters followed by a completely depleted infield.

[msstate7]

Braves didn't wanna cross the next threshold of the luxury tax and lose draft position in a season with so many injuries. Getting soler was a pretty salty move while being able to stay under that threshold.

I don't think the braves need any more pitching assuming fried and Lopez stay healthy. And if they don't, we're screwed anyway... none of the guys available at deadline were as good as them.

If we gonna critique who wasn't gotten at the deadline, probably should give AA some credit for guys he did find. Laureano has a 138 wrc+ as a brave, and whit has a 127 wrc+ as a brave. By the way, soler is 169 wrc+ as a brave.

As I said earlier, the name of the game for the braves now is keep the big 3 (sale, fried, and Lopez) healthy. No one wants to face those guys in a 3/5 game series

[BrunswickDawg]

Great post! only 4 starters left from the opening day lineup(including last years mvp), strider out, fried, lopez and minter have missed significant time and yet they're still in the hunt. It's a miracle they're still in the hunt. There's very few teams if any that could still be in the hunt with the amount of talent the braves are missing right now. Credit to the leadership and culture theyve built.

The only time the Opening Day lineup has played together this season was on opening day. That's insane.

[Commercecomet24]

The only time the Opening Day lineup has played together this season was on opening day. That's insane.

It's insane, I've never seen a team bit by the injury bug like this in my life.

[BrunswickDawg]

It's insane, I've never seen a team bit by the injury bug like this in my life.

Saw an article today that said 762 games had been missed by injured Braves so far this season.

[BoomBoom]

Braves didn't wanna cross the next threshold of the luxury tax and lose draft position in a season with so many injuries. Getting soler was a pretty salty move while being able to stay under that threshold.

I don't think the braves need any more pitching assuming fried and Lopez stay healthy. And if they don't, we're screwed anyway... none of the guys available at deadline were as good as them.

If we gonna critique who wasn't gotten at the deadline, probably should give AA some credit for guys he did find. Laureano has a 138 wrc+ as a brave, and whit has a 127 wrc+ as a brave. By the way, soler is 169 wrc+ as a brave.

As I said earlier, the name of the game for the braves now is keep the big 3 (sale, fried, and Lopez) healthy. No one wants to face those guys in a 3/5 game series

Yep. Playing to the terrible postseason format. Get at least a WC, have 3 top starters, and hope the lineup gets hot at the right time.

[KOdawg1]

Braves sweep the Twins.

5 games behind the Phillies with a 4 game series upcoming in Philly.

Take 3 of 4, and this last month is gonna be fun

[BrunswickDawg]

Saw an article today that said 762 games had been missed by injured Braves so far this season.

Bump for getting the Wild Card yesterday!!

Loved Lopez coming back on 1 day's rest to help lock it down. BEAT THE PADRES!!

[StarkVegasSteve]

Bump for getting the Wild Card yesterday!!

Loved Lopez coming back on 1 day's rest to help lock it down. BEAT THE PADRES!!

I still have no clue how they made the playoffs. Their injury list would make an impressive MVP or Cy Young shortlist.

[Commercecomet24]

I still have no clue how they made the playoffs. Their injury list would make an impressive MVP or Cy Young shortlist.

In all my years of follwing baseball I've never seen a team have this many injuries, I doubt there was any other team that could've survived what the Braves did this year and make the playoffs. Credit to their culture that they never panicked or wavered and kept fighting. Probably be a short run in the playoffs but i wouldn't put anything past this group. Would be a heckuva story if they somehow won it all.

[BrunswickDawg]

In all my years of follwing baseball I've never seen a team have this many injuries, I doubt there was any other team that could've survived what the Braves did this year and make the playoffs. Credit to their culture that they never panicked or wavered and kept fighting. Probably be a short run in the playoffs but i wouldn't put anything past this group. Would be a heckuva story if they somehow won it all.

I always criticized Bobby Cox for his decision making. But, the thing that set him above so many others was the culture he created within the organization (along with Shurholtz). That was undeniable.
HOF players would run thru brick walls for the guy. Snit makes a lot of the same type of questionable decisions, but like Bobby, he's built an undeniable culture that wins.

I saw a stat last night - Since Division play began, the Braves have been to the Postseason 26 of 55 seasons. That's second only to the Yankees.
They had made 2 prior to 1991. So between Cox and Snit (and a bit of Fredi) that's 24 postseasons in 33 years.
Another incredible stat - of those 24 postseason, only 3 have been achieved by being a Wild Card. So they aren't getting in by the skin of their teeth.

Yeah, I'd love to have more than 2 World Series titles. But, I grew up with 1970s and 1980s Braves teams. The first team I really remember was the '77 Braves, where my man Gary Mathews and Jeff Burroughs lead us to a 60-101 record. The Braves were so bad Turner fired Dave Bristol and managed a loss himself. We watched a young Dale Murphy, who hit ok, but was a horrible catcher - and thought "this is our next star??". MSU fans this year would have tarred and feathered Murph for his 6 errors in 17 games; .954 fielding %, with 5 passed balls, and 20 SB allowed with only 5 CS. I'll take those 2 WS over that any day!

[Tbonewannabe]

In all my years of follwing baseball I've never seen a team have this many injuries, I doubt there was any other team that could've survived what the Braves did this year and make the playoffs. Credit to their culture that they never panicked or wavered and kept fighting. Probably be a short run in the playoffs but i wouldn't put anything past this group. Would be a heckuva story if they somehow won it all.

Snit deserves to be on the short list for manager of the year. We also didn't go out and get anyone big at the deadline either. I haven't kept up with the team like I normally have. I had to double check on our outfield and third base. Who are those guys? LOL

[RockyDog]

Tonight’s result is because AA has gone cheap on pitching for 2 years straight. Swellenbach is the ONLY reason that he has been bailed out a bit.

They knew going into this season that elder was a bum, Morton was 40, and Sale and Lopez were big gambles. Those 2 paid off big time but a move had to be made when Strider went down and AA decided for the 2nd year in a row to ride trash 5th starters and basically concede a win. Waldrep wasn’t ready, Shawver wasn’t ready, Elder is a bum and they decided to not even give Ian Anderson a shot.

They need to let Fried walk, trade for Sonny Gray and get 2 more middle of the rotation guys as insurance in case Lopez, Sale, or Strider have injury concerns next season.

[msstate7]

Tonight?s result is because AA has gone cheap on pitching for 2 years straight. Swellenbach is the ONLY reason that he has been bailed out a bit.

They knew going into this season that elder was a bum, Morton was 40, and Sale and Lopez were big gambles. Those 2 paid off big time but a move had to be made when Strider went down and AA decided for the 2nd year in a row to ride trash 5th starters and basically concede a win. Waldrep wasn?t ready, Shawver wasn?t ready, Elder is a bum and they decided to not even give Ian Anderson a shot.

They need to let Fried walk, trade for Sonny Gray and get 2 more middle of the rotation guys as insurance in case Lopez, Sale, or Strider have injury concerns next season.

They scored 0 runs. This offense shouldn't be this bad even without Riley and Acuna

[BrunswickDawg]

They scored 0 runs. This offense shouldn't be this bad even without Riley and Acuna

No team in the history of baseball has ever had to play a doubleheader followed by a playoff game the next day. Let alone fly across country to play that game after playing a doubleheader. Braves had almost no shot today.

[msstate7]

No team in the history of baseball has ever had to play a doubleheader followed by a playoff game the next day. Let alone fly across country to play that game after playing a doubleheader. Braves had almost no shot today.

Mets won, and let's not pretend this was a new thing. If the Braves allow 3-4 runs, it's an auto loss

[msstate7]

When the braves give up more than 3 runs this season, they're 11-59.

[Commercecomet24]

I always criticized Bobby Cox for his decision making. But, the thing that set him above so many others was the culture he created within the organization (along with Shurholtz). That was undeniable.
HOF players would run thru brick walls for the guy. Snit makes a lot of the same type of questionable decisions, but like Bobby, he's built an undeniable culture that wins.

I saw a stat last night - Since Division play began, the Braves have been to the Postseason 26 of 55 seasons. That's second only to the Yankees.
They had made 2 prior to 1991. So between Cox and Snit (and a bit of Fredi) that's 24 postseasons in 33 years.
Another incredible stat - of those 24 postseason, only 3 have been achieved by being a Wild Card. So they aren't getting in by the skin of their teeth.

Yeah, I'd love to have more than 2 World Series titles. But, I grew up with 1970s and 1980s Braves teams. The first team I really remember was the '77 Braves, where my man Gary Mathews and Jeff Burroughs lead us to a 60-101 record. The Braves were so bad Turner fired Dave Bristol and managed a loss himself. We watched a young Dale Murphy, who hit ok, but was a horrible catcher - and thought "this is our next star??". MSU fans this year would have tarred and feathered Murph for his 6 errors in 17 games; .954 fielding %, with 5 passed balls, and 20 SB allowed with only 5 CS. I'll take those 2 WS over that any day!

Right there with ya! We grew up the same way and have almost the same exact thought process! You're a good man, Bruns!

[Commercecomet24]

They scored 0 runs. This offense shouldn't be this bad even without Riley and Acuna

The Braves have done a poor job this season hitting with runners in scoring position and wasting leadoff extra base hits. I watched Chipper on social media saying he was throwing his flip flops at the tv because of the poor abs with runners on and I was right there with him! The pitching has bee the ride or die this year. If the Braves get a lead or can keep it within 1-2 runs they have a shot but when they get down early the offense just doesn't have the oomph to overcome it.

ETA too much emphasis on long ball and not on situational hitting. Chipper said it himself AA is only interested in hrs and obp but they have done a poor job situationally. This is not just Braves though it has become an epidemic in the game from mlb on down.

[BrunswickDawg]

Mets won, and let's not pretend this was a new thing. If the Braves allow 3-4 runs, it's an auto loss

When you are missing Acuna & Riley you are going to struggle like that. Add in the games missed by Ozzie, Olson, Harris, and Murphy and it gets worse.

I have zero expectation for this team in the post season. They shouldn't even be here - which is the point. Snit deserves a huge amount of credit for creating a culture that can win in spite of all the attrition.

[BrunswickDawg]

The Braves have done a poor job this season hitting with runners in scoring position and wasting leadoff extra base hits. I watched Chipper on social media saying he was throwing his flip flops at the tv because of the poor abs with runners on and I was right there with him! The pitching has bee the ride or die this year. If the Braves get a lead or can keep it within 1-2 runs they have a shot but when they get down early the offense just doesn't have the oomph to overcome it.

ETA too much emphasis on long ball and not on situational hitting. Chipper said it himself AA is only interested in hrs and obp but they have done a poor job situationally. This is not just Braves though it has become an epidemic in the game from mlb on down.

Where have I seen this play before..... maybe in DNF this past spring???

[Commercecomet24]

When you are missing Acuna & Riley you are going to struggle like that. Add in the games missed by Ozzie, Olson, Harris, and Murphy and it gets worse.

I have zero expectation for this team in the post season. They shouldn't even be here - which is the point. Snit deserves a huge amount of credit for creating a culture that can win in spite of all the attrition.

100%! When you go down one star player it shortens your lineup, when you go down 2 it REALLY shortens the lineup, and you have Ozzie only able to bat RH(albeit his better side), but he doesn't have a lot of experience seeing pitches from that side.I would love to see them make a run, as it would make a heckuva a great story, but to even make the playoffs was a minor miracle this year.

[Commercecomet24]

Where have I seen this play before..... maybe in DNF this past spring???

Lol, pretty much!

[msstate7]

When you are missing Acuna & Riley you are going to struggle like that. Add in the games missed by Ozzie, Olson, Harris, and Murphy and it gets worse.

I have zero expectation for this team in the post season. They shouldn't even be here - which is the point. Snit deserves a huge amount of credit for creating a culture that can win in spite of all the attrition.

Olson didn't miss games. Everyone (save ozuna) has or was having a down year. That's gotta reflect on someone. Either guys didn't put in the work required this offseason, or the coaches can't adjust at all. At the very least, seitzer should be replaced.

[BrunswickDawg]

Olson didn't miss games. Everyone (save ozuna) has or was having a down year. That's gotta reflect on someone. Either guys didn't put in the work required this offseason, or the coaches can't adjust at all. At the very least, seitzer should be replaced.

Right about Olson, my mistake. Still, his "down" year was still 29 HR, 98 RBI, and .790 OBPS which is damn good. You just don't get consistency with the lineup in flux all the time the way it was this season.
And Seitzer is the same guy who in 2023 had a dang Murderers Row performance from the hitters.

[msstate7]

Right about Olson, my mistake. Still, his "down" year was still 29 HR, 98 RBI, and .790 OBPS which is damn good. You just don't get consistency with the lineup in flux all the time the way it was this season.
And Seitzer is the same guy who in 2023 had a dang Murderers Row performance from the hitters.

I don't like the approach. We're way too all or nothing. I hate we've turned Ozzie's 70 grade hit tool into a guy trying to hit HRs. After AA invested way too much in kelenic, seitzer broke him with the swing change. I just think with the new dead ball, an organizational shift in hitting philosophy is needed. I admit that I could be overreacting, but this season has been brutal; I watched or listened to like 155 of the games

[BrunswickDawg]

I don't like the approach. We're way too all or nothing. I hate we've turned Ozzie's 70 grade hit tool into a guy trying to hit HRs. After AA invested way too much in kelenic, seitzer broke him with the swing change. I just think with the new dead ball, an organizational shift in hitting philosophy is needed. I admit that I could be overreacting, but this season has been brutal; I watched or listened to like 155 of the games

I wasn't all that fond of Kelenic to begin with.
It's also a strong statement to say that Seitzer "broke" a guy who is a lifetime .213 hitter.
AA took a flier and it didn't pay off. He's also young, so it could pay off down the road.

[msstate7]

I wasn't all that fond of Kelenic to begin with.
It's also a strong statement to say that Seitzer "broke" a guy who is a lifetime .213 hitter.
AA took a flier and it didn't pay off. He's also young, so it could pay off down the road.

Kelenic had a solid .746 ops in an extreme pitchers park last season in over 400 PA. In practically the same sample, his ops dropped to .679 and was benched in a much better hitters park

[EdwardDrayton]

When the braves give up more than 3 runs this season, they're 11-59.

Ouch

[RockyDog]

When you are missing Acuna & Riley you are going to struggle like that. Add in the games missed by Ozzie, Olson, Harris, and Murphy and it gets worse.

I have zero expectation for this team in the post season. They shouldn't even be here - which is the point. Snit deserves a huge amount of credit for creating a culture that can win in spite of all the attrition.

Agree with all of that. But AA knew he had shortcomings on the pitching staff during the offseason. He addressed it with the Sale trade (although nobody expected a Cy Young season) and took a gamble that paid off with Lopez. Strider blowing his elbow out in game 1 wasn't on anybody's radar, but some of this could have been addressed at the deadline when they KNEW that Lopez was already breaking down, Morton was ineffective, and they were basically giving away wins with the 5th starter spot.

I understand that the offense has to do their part, double header, fly across the country, blah blah blah. But Smith-Shaver hasn't touched an MLB mound since MAY 23RD and you hand him the start in game 1 of a 3 game series when you already know that your bullpen has been taxed? Ridiculous.

[RockyDog]

Good riddance Fried! BUM!!

[KOdawg1]

Well thank God that's over

[msstate7]

Well thank God that's over

^^^

[EdwardDrayton]

Damn. They didn't even get to finish their cup of coffee.

[msstate7]

Good riddance Fried! BUM!!
Career postseason - 5.10 era, 1.49 whip

Glad we didn't extend him. If strider, Lopez, SS, and sale are healthy, he's clearly our #5, and he wants #1 pay.

[msstate7]

Offseason goals...
1. Rid ourselves of ozuna or soler. Can't have 2 DHs with Acuna coming off a major injury. Soler can fake it in RF, so it should be him and Acuna at DH/RF.

2. Get a damn SS. If Arcia is our starting SS next season, AA failed. I want Kim of SD. Good player, who shouldn't break the bank.

3. Id let TDA go. Let it be Murphy and drake baldwin. Time to get a little younger here, and drake may be our next big thing.

[RockyDog]

Offseason goals...
1. Rid ourselves of ozuna or soler. Can't have 2 DHs with Acuna coming off a major injury. Soler can fake it in RF, so it should be him and Acuna at DH/RF.

2. Get a damn SS. If Arcia is our starting SS next season, AA failed. I want Kim of SD. Good player, who shouldn't break the bank.

3. Id let TDA go. Let it be Murphy and drake baldwin. Time to get a little younger here, and drake may be our next big thing.

Do what it takes to swing a Sonny Gray trade with St Louis. Get another back end starter from the FA market. They CAN NOT do the 5th-6th starter shuffle again next year. Waldrep, Shawver, Ian Anderson, Dodd, and Vines aren’t the answer. The first 2 may contribute eventually but you can’t pencil them in dependably for next year.

The whole Soler thing was srupid to start with, but like you said, with Acuna limited AA causes a mess for himself with 3 DHs. Thank the lord the whole Duvall and Rosario experiment is over. And who knows, Joc is still out there so he may be dumb enough to go after him for one last ride too. Who the heck knows what happens with Kelenic.

Can’t afford to ride again with Arcia. There were rumblings in the offseason that Kim or Adames could have been gotten in a trade. Now Adames has priced himself out of reach. But it has to be anybody but Arcia

[RockyDog]

2 of 18 (really 16) postseason innings from the opening day rotation. Sure the doubleheader played a part but you have to be more competitive than that in October. And yet another example of why you can’t play the whole 4th-5th-6th starter shuffle.

[msstate7]

2 of 18 (really 16) postseason innings from the opening day rotation. Sure the doubleheader played a part but you have to be more competitive than that in October. And yet another example of why you can’t play the whole 4th-5th-6th starter shuffle.

You don't have to. Tigers have shown how to execute pen games. Of course, hinch is a supercomputer compared to snit.

[PMDawg]

.

[RockyDog]

You don't have to. Tigers have shown how to execute pen games. Of course, hinch is a supercomputer compared to snit.

In game 2, sure. But they won game one behind their soon to be Cy Young winner. Ours wasn’t even on the roster so we used a guy that hasn’t touched a big league mound in 4+ months to start game 1 followed by a guy who wants 250 million and lasted 2 innings.

[Commercecomet24]

Let Fried go and spend that money on another reliable starter. Get a SS, arcia is a good bench player but doesn't need to be an everyday player. May need another servicable outfielder, could probably platoon Soler/Kelenic.

[Pinto]

I still want Rooker to come play one of the outfield corners. Seems like he?s good enough now that the A?s will want him gone.

[Tbonewannabe]

I still want Rooker to come play one of the outfield corners. Seems like he?s good enough now that the A?s will want him gone.

My thoughts exactly. Rooker also mentioned that he hated the way the fans were treated in Oakland and got benched a few games. Seems like they would be happy to trade him.

[RockyDog]

I still want Rooker to come play one of the outfield corners. Seems like he?s good enough now that the A?s will want him gone.

Yep Rooker should have been looked at hard. Even a rental from a player like Pham. I don’t know what the hell AA thought going after Soler. Even if he had gone on a power tear, it wasn’t worth it with his defense.

It’s a little disturbing that AA has already stated to media that starting pitching won’t be an offseason priority. Wut??? Restrictions on Sale and Lopez, Strider with a rebuilt elbow, losing Fried, Morton retiring. Sure, AA, let’s ride with that!! SMDH

[msstate7]

Braves picking up options on ozuna, TDA, and bummer. And apparently salary is going up, not down. Anxious to see how they use ozuna, soler, and Acuna. Guess Acuna or soler will move to lf

[Commercecomet24]

Braves picking up options on ozuna, TDA, and bummer. And apparently salary is going up, not down. Anxious to see how they use ozuna, soler, and Acuna. Guess Acuna or soler will move to lf

Platoon Soler and kelenic in lf possibly or just let Soler play first 6 or 7 and use kelenic as defensive replacement

[trob115]

Payroll rumored to increase up to $280. That should leave plenty of room for an Ace SP and SS. I do not want to watch Arcia get major AB's again

[RockyDog]

Payroll rumored to increase up to $280. That should leave plenty of room for an Ace SP and SS. I do not want to watch Arcia get major AB's again

AA isn’t going to do shit. He’s already said that they don’t expect to add much during free agency. No way his sorry ass goes after an ace

[BrunswickDawg]

Well, 7, you got your wish. Seitzer, Magallanes, and Sal Fassano all fired

[msstate7]

Well, 7, you got your wish. Seitzer, Magallanes, and Sal Fassano all fired

Good. It's time this organization coaches situational hitting.

[RockyDog]

Chipper got his wish. I wonder if he will have any input on the new hitting coach.

[BoomBoom]

Good. It's time this organization coaches situational hitting.

That might not have been the driver. I've seen some compelling info that the Braves were pitched differently from last year, and never adjusted. End of year and they were still looking for pitches that every team knew not to throw them. Some good coaches only really know how to coach one system, or have blind spots. Seems like the league found Seitzers weak spot.