To many Braves fans, the only thing worse than having to put up with the perpetual struggles of players like Jeff Francoeur and Manny Acosta on your team is to have them go to the Mets (the METS) and then come back into town and beat you. For all the lumps those two have taken from this neck of the woods, I'm sure it feels pretty good for them to shove the "Failcoeur" t-shirts and "Acostalypse Now" photoshops back in our face.
Those two weren't the only reasons the Mets won, of course, just the most prominent. Mets starter R.A. Dickey had a good knuckleball tonight; he got 12/21 grounders (57%) and gave up very few hard hit balls. He did struggle with control at times, leading to four walks (versus only two strikeouts), but he only gave up two runs on five hits in his six innings of work. If it hadn't been for Melky Cabrera, he might not have given up any runs (you don't hear that every day!). Melky had a run-scoring fielder's choice in the second and an RBI triple in the sixth, both of which put the Braves ahead. Still, despite giving up the lead twice, Dickey kept his team in the game, as evidenced by his perfectly average 0.002 WPA.
Derek Lowe was flat-out excellent tonight. He went six innings, which he hadn't done in his last four starts, and could have gone much more if he hadn't been pulled for a pinch-hitter (a move that failed spectacularly, by the way). He didn't walk anyone for the first time all year, compared to three strikeouts. He gave up only one run on six hits. Perhaps most impressively, his sinker lured the Mets into groundballs on 12 of the 18 balls in play, for a fantastic 67% GB rate. He even left the game with a 2-1 lead after putting up a 0.213 WPA.
Unfortunately, as soon as Lowe came out of the game, new acquisition Kyle Farnsworth came in and--let's not sugarcoat this--blew it. He walked Francoeur (!!) on four straight pitches (!!!), none of which were close. Then, after a sacrifice bunt, he got into a 3-0 count against Chris Carter, who eventually lined an RBI single up the middle on a 3-1 count. Fortunately, Carter was caught stealing on a great throw by Brian McCann to preserve the tie.
I'm trying to think of a nickname for our new reliever. I'm vacillating between Kyle Failsworth and Kyle "Couldn't Hit the Broad Side of a" Barnsworth. Anyone else have any suggestions? In all seriousness, though, I like him and hope he does well from here on in, but he sure didn't endear himself to Braves fans in his first game back. Throw strikes, Kyle. That's all we ask.
The game was still tied, though. The Braves even got two runners on with one out against the lefty Pedro Feliciano in the seventh. Bobby then opted to pinch-hit for Eric Hinske to maintain the platoon advantage, which might have been a good idea, except he brought in the slumping Troy Glaus. That just prompted Jerry Manuel to bring in the right-handed Acosta to eliminate the platoon advantage all over again. On cue, Glaus grounded weakly into a 4-6-3 double play and the inning was over. Acosta worked the eighth inning as well for the Mets, giving up a couple walks but averting the Acostalypse.
In the top of the ninth, Billy Wagner came on and committed the second cardinal sin of relief pitching: giving Jeff Francoeur a pitch to hit (the first cardinal sin is walking the leadoff man--especially if it's Jeff Francoeur). Frenchy swung hard just like he always does, and he didn't miss it. The result was an opposite-field liner over the fence in right and a 3-2 Mets lead. Francisco Rodriguez took it from there, inducing two weak grounders and a shallow fly ball from the top of the Braves' order to end it.
Acosta gets the win. Frenchy hits the go-ahead homer. I light myself on fire.
Maybe the Braves' bats will finally heat up tomorrow against the struggling Mike Pelfrey. Lord knows we're due for a blowout win. And with good-luck charm Kris Medlen (Braves: 12-1 in his starts) on the hill, our chances look good to pull out the series win.
MVPs
Jeff Francoeur-- 1/3, BB, HR, 2 R, RBI, 0.361 WPA
Manny Acosta-- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K, 0.241 WPA; both of his wins this year have come against the Braves
LVPs
Billy Wagner-- 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 HR, 0 BB, 1 K, -0.320 WPA
Kyle Farnsworth-- 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 0 K, -0.129 WPA, only 7 strikes in 18 pitches
Eric Hinske-- 0/3, bases-loaded K, -0.171 WPA
Troy Glaus-- 0/1, GIDP, -0.142 WPA
MVPs in a Losing Effort
Derek Lowe-- 6 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 12/18 ground balls, 0.213 WPA
Melky Cabrera-- 1/3, BB, 3B, 2 RBI, 0.262 WPA
0 recs | 133 comments
The 2-0 count hit and run
killed us
KJDH2154 - August 3, 2010
Yeah, that was bad.
It was also a bad combination of hitter and baserunner to do it with. Gonzalez is not fast, and Melky is not reliable enough. We should only put on the hit-and-run when Chipper, Prado, or Infante is up and when someone fast is on the bases (Heyward and Prado being the best candidates).
Still, I think if any one offensive play killed us, it was Glaus’ DP.
Jacob Peterson - August 3, 2010
Agreed
I miss LaRoche
KJDH2154 - August 3, 2010
WHY?
Why bring in “Barnsworth” in the 7th inning, with a lead, in a pressure type situation? What happened with Moylan? Why change something that has been working for us all year? Barnsworth has been pitching in KC,they play no meanining full games over there! Work him in slowly Bobby you know better then that.
And whats up with Matt Diaz pitch-hitting, man on 3rd, one-out vs a right handed pitcher? You know Matty cant hit RH if his kids depended on him. He Flys-out no were near the outfield. Where’s Conrad? Why didn’t Conrad pinch hit? he’s our best player off the bench. Why? What gives Glaus the right to be at the ballpark? 4-6-3 double play, inning over and game over!
Thanks Bobby
AlRoBraves95 - August 4, 2010
WHY Part II
Derek Lowe was pitching a great game and had under 70 pitches I believe through six strong innings. Why pull him out? He had Frankfruter, Chris Carter and some other bum hitting. His sinker was on Bobby. Why? Why not leave him in? Why bring in Farnsworth? After WALKING Frency with 4 straight balls, no where near the plate, why didn’t you pull Barnsworth out the game and bring in someone more thrust worthy in Moylan? Why?
Thanks Bobby
AlRoBraves95 - August 4, 2010
On Diaz...
he hits righties fine. Not as good as lefties, but his numbers against righties certainly don’t show that he “can’t hit if his kids depended on it”. Man on 3rd, maybe his streak sustains and weget a big inning. Maybe he gets a sac fly. Either way, Bobby was going for the run in a tight game and failed.
Damn, this managing stuff would be real easy if we could make every decision with hindsight knowledge of what would happen.
Mr. Sanchez - August 4, 2010
So we cry when he overworks Moylan...
and cry when he uses someone else too? Lotta damn crying on the subject and 20/20 hindsight.
Farnsworth was pretty strong in KC, and has even closed here. I don’t see a problem with using him there, as his numbers are pretty strong, and he’s well rested after having at least the last 2 days off. Yeah, his control was shaky, but he’s pitched in pressure before and pitched well. He had a bad control day, it happens. It happens to Moylan, Saito, everyone we got. Just think of him like Kimbrel, some days he’ll sit ‘em down with 3 Ks. Others, you’ll get a few walks and wildness.
Where’s sdbaker with the baby?
Mr. Sanchez - August 4, 2010
Bring back all of those graphics if he pulls out of it, but...
I’m increasingly sure that he’s toast. This season may ride on whether they pull the trigger for Freeman too late, or at all.
Did Melky just miss the sign or was that pitch unhittable?
Sam Jethroe - August 3, 2010
Who knows?
Maybe Gonzalez was the one who missed the sign? All I know is it was a big steaming pile of fail.
Jacob Peterson - August 4, 2010
Cox yelling "Swing it"
Makes me think it was MVP who was MIA.
Maybe Bobby was just having flashbacks to the NY-Penn League in ’64.
Sam Jethroe - August 4, 2010
I agree
That play was a big pile of FAIL. I don’t understand why hit and run on 2-0 count with pitcher missing his spots. Having said that, Melky has to swing for the sake of protecting the runner.
romone_braves91 - August 4, 2010 via mobile
MC-Homer
Every time i look at the Minor League recap, it seems Nate Mclouth has hit a home run.Its obvious he’s over matched at the major league level. smh
AlRoBraves95 - August 4, 2010
Both of Acosta’s wins this year are against the Braves.
UGH
TonyAlmeyda - August 3, 2010
…..ugh. Bastard.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - August 4, 2010
wow
Kill me. We’re playing the Mets, not the Yankees. Come on, offense?
hawves - August 3, 2010
?
The mets scored 3 runs and we scored 2 what’s your reference? The mets have a good pitching staff overachievers or not they’re playing well
maizebaseball10 - August 3, 2010 via mobile
We beat Santana
to lose to Dickey? Just weird…
hawves - August 3, 2010
Dickey
has been better than Santana this year. Weird but true.
Jacob Peterson - August 4, 2010
Dickey has a 2.35 ERA this season
??
KINGSLYTUT - August 4, 2010
Frenchy and Acosta.................Wow. Un-Fucking-Believable
Meanwhile, we leave a guy on 3rd with ONE OUT. Melky can only do so much…..
Titanic Troy has been a little rocky, no?
Chief Noc-A-Homa - August 3, 2010
Pelfrey
We’ve had a lot in the LOB category against him; hopefully that changes tomorrow as we DESPERATELY need a series win
maizebaseball10 - August 3, 2010 via mobile
All of Bobbys management calls today were pretty much terrible. I love him, but some days he's lost.
SuperHeyward - August 3, 2010
This not just today. He has been over-managing a lot since the ASB
rubbles88 - August 4, 2010
I realize he was going for that insurance run
Pinch hitting Diaz for Lowe, but that was a dumb decision.
kauf67 - August 4, 2010
I don't think that was bad.
You have to pinch hit for pitcher esp. when there is less than 2 outs with a runner on third. I would have tried for the squeeze but any hit to the OF or any contact to the right side would have scored the runner. Need extra runs no matter what.
romone_braves91 - August 4, 2010 via mobile
Lowe was terrific tonight.
Efficient and with wicked stuff. This is the guy who used to pitch against us for the Dodgers and who I was looking forward to seeing every 5th day.
I really don’t know what to say. Days like this make me want to go look at a painting. Or an old Penthouse. Pretty much anything to get my mind off of what I just witnessed.
Sam Jethroe - August 3, 2010
Dear Penthouse Forum.......
UMDBHIK - August 4, 2010
“I never thought these letters were real. I’m a pissed off Braves fan, who went looking for solace late one night…”
Sam Jethroe - August 4, 2010
+ a lot
UMDBHIK - August 4, 2010
My 2 Cents (long one)
1. Hinske – Why was he hacking like crazy when he just witness Dickey walk 2 people in a row to load the bases. Dude was not locating the knuckler yet Hinske was swinging like he was throwing straight fastball. Fail.
2. Why did Bobby not have Ankiel bunt over Alex when the game was tied with zero outs? We needed to play small ball to gain the needed run. That’s how we was winning these close games in June.
3. Bringing in Farnsworth.
4. Heyward should have approached that last at bat like he had an 0-2 count from jump. The first pitch by K-Rod was good enough to rope.
5. Gluas needs to go on DL if he is hurt this bad. (I wish Braves call up Freeman but that’s not going to happen. Did not bring up Heyward last year when the OF was struggling.)
I’m not worried about the NL lead going down to 2. No way Phils will play above .500 baseball for the next 2 weeks with Howard on the DL. That’s not going to happpen.
romone_braves91 - August 4, 2010 via mobile
But the Braves are not playing above .500 as well.
They have to take advantage while Phils don’t have their regular lineup. If Braves don’t win the East, they might not make the playoffs because the Giants now lead the wild card and are playing very good baseball.
rubbles88 - August 4, 2010
Not trying to get ahead of myself but....
Braves face los Gigantes this weekend with favorable pitching matchup. Lincy vs JJ should be a coin flip. Hanson > Zito. Hudson > Cain. SF? > Lowe. Worst case 2-2. If the O shows up, 3-1.
romone_braves91 - August 4, 2010 via mobile
The main reason they didn’t call Heyward up last year was where he had been playing in the minors. By the middle of the summer he had only had about a month in AA. Freeman’s had 4 months in AAA. Also, the situation in the outfield was not entirely terrible. Diaz was hitting, McLouth was hitting decently, even Anderson for all of his flaws wasn’t killing the team the way Glaus is. Almost certainly, we will see Freeman by September if not sooner.
fylr71 - August 4, 2010
I’m not sure of the exact reason why Heyward was not called up (arb clock maybe?) but I don’t see conservative Braves calling up Freeman. They want to push back the arb clock as far as possible. Plus, they will go with vet player over rookie. Calling it a hunch.
romone_braves91 - August 4, 2010 via mobile
Bowman
Seems to think there are Freddie rumblings, so…fingers crossed.
Sam Jethroe - August 4, 2010
I don’t get it. Why all of a sudden to people call the Braves conservative on this issue. In the recent past they didn’t have a problem doing this, so why are they being skin flints now?
FitzFan - August 4, 2010
this was the pitch sequence for Hinske's AB in the 5th
1. I don’t think you can get mad at Hinske for going after pitches in the strike zone, even though Dickey had just walked Chipper and BMac. He got a pitch he was either looking for or ready for and took a hack.
2. Ankiel did attempt to bunt on the first pitch of his AB, and it looked like a feeble attempt at bunting: maybe he’s not a good bunter, so they let him swing away
3. I expected to see Moylan in the 7th with Francoeur leading off, but if Farnsworth does his job, we’re not talking about this at all.
4. I’m going to let Heyward take whatever approach he wants at the plate: his command of the strike zone warrants this
5. It’s clear that Glaus needs some time off, but with Prado on the DL, he’s not going to get an extended period of time out of the lineup
leedawg - August 4, 2010
once again
10 LOB, 0-8 with RISP…our hitting has been atrocious lately…god i hope things level out
SouthernPanther - August 4, 2010
This is the problem...
We are horrible clutch hitters of late. When a team isn’t built on power, they MUST get runners in when they are in scoring position. Not only are we not hitting with RISP, but we don’t seem to be getting the guys in from 3rd with less than 2 outs. Highly frustrating…
The Braves are the best team at working the count and getting on base, but walks don’t help much when you need to actually score (unless the bases are loaded…but we have done poorly in that situation, too)…Gah.
What’s the solution? Anything?
Also, that blown hit and run was one of the ugliest things I’ve seen this season. Brutal.
Jman781 - August 4, 2010
I'm not too worried
but I really do hope we get back to May/June awesomeness soon. I’m sure we’ll hit the groove again. If we can pull out of a nine game losing streak to come back and be the best in the majors for so long, I’m certain we can pull out of this and once again be the best team in baseball.
Sarahbeth - August 4, 2010
Absolutely. This pitching staff gives us a chance to win every night. I think we are going to see the bats heat up again. My main worry right now is Glaus. I hope he can do what he needs to do to turn this around.
JimH - August 4, 2010
Execution
I feel like the difference between the Braves now and the Braves in May and June is execution. We were doing the little things that ended up turning into big things such as bunting to move RISP and hitting with RISP. I feel like up in Minnesota we had the best series of the year by far because we were playing fundamental baseball. We looked like a championship style team that could win any series.
Now it seems the team has lost the swagger that they’ve had all year. I just hope they turn it around. Wagner needs to remember that he’s Billy Wagner and Troy Glaus just needs a break.
I’m just speculating about Glaus, but I’m sure they’re waiting for Prado to get healthy before they place him on the DL. I think after a good 15 day rest he’ll be back to his May self.
scruggs30 - August 4, 2010
Infante needs to start everyday.
His bat is more important/valuable to the team versus the versatility he gives the team on the bench has super utility. I know there is a post or shot about this but I just wanted to say it again. We are getting nothing out of 1B at this point, may as well move Prado to 1B and have Infante at 2B. Roll the dice Bobby like you did in May.
romone_braves91 - August 4, 2010 via mobile
My bad for typo. I’m doing my comments on iPhone. Can’t preview what I write.
romone_braves91 - August 4, 2010 via mobile
Ex-Met gives up the long ball to the ex-Brave.
Tim Goad - August 4, 2010
all i saw was the Glaus
DP and it was 100% FAIL
Erihury - August 4, 2010
Jeff Francoeur is such a piece of shit.
Scott Coleman - August 4, 2010
Agreed
I can’t stand him anymore, I wish nothing but the worst for the rest of his career. How great is it that he turned down the Braves contract offer that was similar to McCann’s the same year he signed his, because he thought he could make more. hahaha, still makes me laugh that the peice of shit amounted to nothing
KJDH2154 - August 4, 2010
He's still making millions in the MLB, so hardly nothing.
FitzFan - August 4, 2010
For what reason? Why do some act like he’s a horrible person? Never seemed that way while he was here.
FitzFan - August 4, 2010
This...
The hate for Frenchy is a bit overdone on this site…It’s getting old.
Jman781 - August 4, 2010
Agreed, take your loss like a man. The man Atlanta kicked off the island just beat you fair and square. Quit being a sore loser. Yes, the Braves are better without him and Frenchy might like to have a couple decisions back, but he did exactly what anyone with any semblance of competitve spirit would love to do against a team that basically fired him. Suck it up boys, he beat Wags fair and square and the Mets won because of it.
CharlotteChop - August 4, 2010
“Accepting” and “Liking” are very different things.
Sam Jethroe - August 4, 2010
Still......Un. Fucking. Believable.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - August 4, 2010
I think that Farnsworth deserves the benefit of the doubt here and we just say tonight was a case of rust. He hadn’t pitched since July 30th which was about 4 days ago. I think he will be fine going forward.
drumzalicious - August 4, 2010
No Victory Cookie?
Lennox - August 4, 2010
+1
Braves24 - August 4, 2010
Sometimes Bobby Just Puzzles Me
Why…….
Put Farnsworth in when the game was nip-and-tuck? It’s not like he was working around Venters.
And why oh Why…..
Pinch hit Glaus? He’s hopeless at the plate right now.
Buddy Holly - August 4, 2010
Lowe pitched great, but I can’t believe we didn’t score any runs against Acosta and Franceour hit the game winning homer run. Wow. I’m glad Cabrera had a good game, but still think Diaz should have more playing time even if we are facing a RH pitcher.
Braves24 - August 4, 2010
Hey Man !!!
Hey Pac : Ya keep callin Farnsworth names and ya might just meet him in a dark alley one night !!
ggotch - August 4, 2010
lol
Good point!
From now on, I will only call him “Your Excellency”.
Jacob Peterson - August 4, 2010
traitors
southman - August 4, 2010
I would like freeman to be called up
that is all
whodat? - August 4, 2010
+1
Considering the production we’ve been getting from the position lately, he can’t do any worse.
John Holton - August 4, 2010
well come some point this august we can call him up
southman - August 4, 2010
maybe the solution is change the line up order like Bobby did in May
its time to put Heyward batting six
joshant - August 4, 2010
No it's not
eaheckman10 - August 4, 2010
Chipper needs to get out of the #3 role and into #2. Heyward should be 3 vs RHP. And infante or diaz should be 3 vs LHP. And gonzalez should never be allowed to bat higher than 7. Preferably not at all.
Alex H - August 4, 2010 via mobile
sounds good to me
southman - August 4, 2010
why
Is wagner pitching in the bottom of the 9th in a tie game against the 7 8 9 hitters? Saito was warmed up. I asked this yesterday and one pitch later frenchy hit the blast. Its not like he was in there to face the top of the order or the heart of a lefty heavy lineup. Its the mets all right handed crappy hitting 7 8 9 hitters. Am i the only one who thought that was a strange move???
Alex H - August 4, 2010 via mobile
Why would you not pitch your best pitcher in that situation?
eaheckman10 - August 4, 2010
Because ur not facing their best hitters??? You can play the righty righty matchup game with anyone there. If we still had chavez he would have been fine. We had saito warmed up. Get through that and then i can understand wagner facing the top of the order in the next inning.
Alex H - August 4, 2010 via mobile
See Ned Yost for answers to this re: KC vs Atl in June.
Judging by your argument – shouldn’t it have been that much easier for Wags to get the 7-9 hole hitters. The only support to your argument is the discrepancy of hitting RHP vs LHP for Francouer since he is almost league worst against RHP.
CharlotteChop - August 4, 2010
My point was we wasted our best pitcher in a situation that called for any RHP in the pen. We gave their worst hitters the chance to face a lefty which gives them a slight advantage unneccesarily. Once again….saito was warmed up. Why not use him??? The only argument anyone has given so far is “why wouldnt you use him?” look im seriously asking a question, my points aside. Why was he used over saito there?
Alex H - August 4, 2010 via mobile
I do agree with you that the best argument is that against RHP Frenchy is miserable so why not go with the #s. My answer about Ned Yost was my best answer. In that series, the game was tied or within one run in each game going to the bottom of the 8th or 9th and Yost left Soria in the pen all 3 games and the Braves ended up sweeping the series and he never pitched. Seems like the Braves wanted their “best reliever” in the game, even though the matchup probably favored Saito as RHP.
CharlotteChop - August 4, 2010
Being at home
Eliminates any chance for a save situation, so this is why very many home teams trot out the closer for the 9th, because they’re supposed to be their highest chance at a scoreless inning. Typically you go down the pecking order when extra innings are imminent.
royhobbs - August 4, 2010
Well i am obviously not a manager but in my opinion you have to trust that any right handed reliever can get those 3 out. Then if need be you still have wags to face reyes pagan and beltran which are all switch hitters. Thats when i use my best pitcher.
Alex H - August 4, 2010 via mobile
you definitely have a valid point IMO.
CharlotteChop - August 4, 2010
I agree
It’s a little bit of a dated thinking, but it’s not something that we’ve not known Bobby to be susceptible to. 90% of the time, Wags would’ve held the game, and there would’ve been no issue, and then Saito would’ve likely pitched the 10th if we didn’t win it in the bottom of the 9th, and so on, but unfortunately, that’s just not how things played out yesterday.
royhobbs - August 4, 2010
We absolutly need a series win here
That being said i think we few a couple things today
Kyle Farnsworth blow
Possible FF callup-(which once was laughable to think about) could happen if Glaus/Hinske keep struggling
And RA Dickey had an awesome fuckin beard
KINGSLYTUT - August 4, 2010
Isn’t Canizares even batting above .300?
Either him OR Freeman would be a MAJOR upgrade on Titanic Troy.
I know we’ve all freaked out about Troy Boy earlier in the year,…..but now it’s August. These 0-for’s and groundouts are ridiculous.
I still think that firing TP could only help the siuation. These guys are running in circles. They’re taking strikes, swinging at balls…….this is Hinske and Heyward we’re talking about here, mainly….. The guys hitting well right now either don’t understand TP (Latin) or they completely ignore him (Chip and Mac)
yeah
Chief Noc-A-Homa - August 4, 2010
We need to do a couple of things...
1. Put Kawakami on the DL with tendinitis…his roster spot is freaking killing us. The guy has pitched once since going to the Bullpen…we could easily use another bat or put somebody there to help out…what’s gonna happen if EOF can come off the DL before the rosters expand? Who goes down now since Chavez is gone? They need to figure this roster spot out.
2. If they can’t force themself to do #1, put Troy on the 15 day DL and bring up Freeman. We need some production out of 1b and Troy is not getting it done. Don’t take him off the 15 day until the rosters expand in September. I know both Hinske and Freeman are lefty’s, but damnit it they couldn’t do better than what Glaus and Hinske have been doing now…
3. Get J-Hey to step up half a step closer to the plate so he doesn’t keep looking at strikes on the outside corner. He’s got the power to go the opposite way and the bat speed to catch up to picthes that will end up being a little closer inside. As much as I love him and understand that he’s 20, the kid looks at too many damn good pitches and finds himself in 2 strike counts that forces him to swing at bad pitches…
Ok, i’ve vented a little. The Phillies should be crawling to try not to fall too far behind right now and instead we’re hanging by a thread to keep the lead. If they keep playing this well, when Howard, Utley and Victorino come back we are gonna be in trouble if we can’t start hitting the ball…Sometimes you just gotta stir the pot a little.
michaelcooksey - August 4, 2010
As long as TP is around, very little (if any) of these hitting adjustments you speak of are going to take place.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - August 4, 2010
I know, its a shame…hitters go into slumps, but when you’re having a McLouth as we can call it in this case with Troy, that’s not a slump. Something needs to be changed or altered. As for Heyward, they showed something in last nights game that he hadn’t hit a HR in like 175 ABs…You’ve gotta make some adjustments. I feel like TP just pats guys on the ass and says get em next time…
michaelcooksey - August 4, 2010
Truth can hurt. This club’s Truth is that they need to get rid of TP. Now.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - August 4, 2010
Agree...
There’s got to be adjustments made. Our team is excellent at working the count, but they don’t make changes once they need to drive guys in…I have seen some trot out the runs scored stat to show that our offense isn’t struggling. I am not as persuaded by total runs scored (kind of like the W/L debate for pitchers), but by the number of guys left on base. Even in Monday’s win, we were 3 for 15 with RISP. Yes, we scored 4, but we should’ve scored at least 6. Look at the Reds series…32 guys LOB? Really? Last night?
I don’t care if we score 8 runs in a game, if we are leaving that many ducks on the pond then something needs to change…
And to your point about players making adjustments, I agree 100%. Surely there’s something someone can do to turn McLouth and Glaus around and make Heyward hit for a bit more power…
Jman781 - August 4, 2010
How, exactly,
is our bad run with RISP TP’s fault? Are you in the clubhouse? Do you know what he’s doing with the batters? This line of criticism is patently ridiculous, ignorant, and irrelevant.
There is no way a hitting coach can make his hitters suck in the clutch. He’s not up at the plate; they are. This is not some mechanical flaw we’re talking about. It’s just some combination of inability to cope with pressure and bad luck. Tell me, how on earth is TP going to fix that?
You say he doesn’t help them make adjustments, which is a demonstrably false statement. Any of the players would be livid if they heard such an accusation.
Jacob Peterson - August 4, 2010
I am not getting in a debate over this...
For I agree with you; I am not privy to TP’s work with the Braves hitters on a day to day basis. But maybe the adjustments he does make aren’t the correct ones. I really don’t know, as I am not an expert.
But I have a hard time believing that a hitting coach/pitching coach is 100% absolved from any blame for actions by the players during games. It might not be a mechanical flaw, but it could be a mental flaw. Maybe TP needs to work on help the players deal with the pressure. For example, tell Hinske to not swing at the first pitch. No matter what it is thrown…Take the onus off him on that first pitch, keeping him from swinging for the fences and immediately getting in a 0-1 count. Maybe that’s Bobby’s call…Who knows?
I just can’t believe that there’s absolutely nothing anyone can do to help our dreadful batting with RISP. As a matter of fact, I believe you posted an article on this very subject not too long ago. Thus, this isn’t just a one-week problem. When a team isn’t built on speed or power, clutch hitting is essential. Thus, we need a coach who excels at getting the most out of his players in clutch situations.
Blaming the players is fine (for they definitely must shoulder part of the blame), but I tend to believe that coaches play some role in baseball. I would like to think that someone could help Glaus and Natey out of their funks, but maybe they are lost causes…
Jman781 - August 4, 2010
Let me also clarify...
I am not calling for TP’s head, but I think he is not above criticism. He can make changes as well as any player. If I can criticize Hinske and Glaus, then I can criticize the coaches, too.
Jman781 - August 4, 2010
everything he said
Chief Noc-A-Homa - August 4, 2010
My question was… Why did Bobby pull Lowe, he was pitching like the 15 million man we signed, when he is pitching a gem Bobby pulls Lowe with a ridiculous low count, but when he is not sharp he leaves him till the 7th or 6th inning? wtf?
Kobe:The Legend - August 4, 2010
2 on 2 out we need a run
KINGSLYTUT - August 4, 2010
yeah, to put Diaz against a righty, then fail and then lose the game because of the bullpen.
Kobe:The Legend - August 4, 2010
Okey dokey...
hold on to your hats! Contrary to popular belief, I can make critical statements about the Braves.
Things about this game that baffled me:
1. Pitch hitting for Lowe after 79 pitches when he was obviously pitching great.
2. Bringing in Farnsworth for his first appearance after the trade in a high leverage situation.
3. Using Glaus as a pinch hitter while mired in a dreadful slump.
4. Hinske hacking away at every pitch after Dickey had just walked two straight batters to load the bases. Bases loaded is a knuckleball pitcher’s worst nightmare! At least make him throw a couple of strikes before swinging — at worst you’ll be 0-2, which is where you ended up anyway.
Letting Frenchy hit the 9th inning homer is of course part of a diabolical plot by the Braves to sucker the Mets FO into extending his contract. If it works, the long term gain will be worth it.
sddbaker - August 4, 2010
With TP’s “guidance,” Hinske is on his way to being the new Frenchy. That was quick.
I don’t want to even go there with Heyward, but I don’t think TP is helping him, either. At all.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - August 4, 2010
You have no evidence for any of this. In fact, you have plenty of evidence to the contrary. Stop scapegoating TP. Blame Hinske for his bad at-bat, not anyone else.
I have no idea what you’re talking about with Heyward.
Jacob Peterson - August 4, 2010
When an entire offense is consistently this inconsistent, I choose to blame the hitting coach. Thanks.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - August 4, 2010
I would say our only inconsistent hitters have been Glaus, Hinske and Heyward. Heyward is a rookie and has been hurt, neither of which have anything to do with TP. Glaus has also been hurt and was a streaky hitter before he even came here to be coached by TP. Hinske has also been inconsistent his entire career. That is why he has spent the majority of his career as a pinch hitter. Players go through slumps and it has nothing to do with the coaching. TP isn’t telling guys to go up there and swing at crappy 3-1 pitches that lead to pop ups and groundballs. I guarantee you he is telling them the opposite. But it is up to the players. TP can tell them what to do, but it is up to them to follow through.
sleezer1788 - August 4, 2010 via mobile
this
Braves24 - August 4, 2010
I don't blame TP.
I blame the guy with the bat in his hands.
If TP is teaching everybody to be a free-swinger, why are we leading the league in walks and OBP?
sddbaker - August 4, 2010
Your logic and reason have no place here.
It’s pitchfork time!
Jeez…an outbreak of “fire TP” posts? Really? We’ve really skidded off the rails.
We lose a couple more and somebody will advocate trading Teheran for Adrian Gonzalez.
Sam Jethroe - August 4, 2010
There is a reason Hinske hasn’t been a starter in MLB and it has nothing to do with Terry P.
jbeachbum24 - August 4, 2010
Its not Bobby's,Glaus' or Farnsworth's fault
Its mine. I’m extremely superstitious but when I have been on TC during any part of the game the Braves have lost the past 2 weeks. I will promise to not get on today during the game and see what happens.
PhuckthePhillies - August 4, 2010
Awards
MVPs
Jeff Francoeur— 1/3, BB, HR, 2 R, RBI, 0.361 WPA
Add salt to wound.
adc62 - August 4, 2010
Take your pick at which stat sucked the most
GW HR: Francoeur
WP: Acosta
BS: Farnsworth
LP: Wagner
RISP: eleventy-billion
royhobbs - August 4, 2010
I would say RISP
I’m basing this on the 1st 4 being statistical anomalies
leedawg - August 4, 2010
Why We Lost
1. Farnsworth walk to start 7th
2. Glaus double play
3. Botched hit and run
This loss really didn’t happen because of the JF homerun or Acosta’s ‘dominance.’ We should have been up by three runs by the time Jeffy made it to the plate in the ninth.
Chavez would have done better than Farnsworth. I can’t remember the last 4-pitch walk to a crappy hitter with a 1-run lead that I saw. No excuse.
No clutch hitting = no playoffs. It’s a really simple formula that I hope the Braves can solve starting, like, now.
ryantex - August 4, 2010
Wrong. We lost because
I forgot to wear my “at home game 1 of a series” lucky number 10 jersey. Yes I am ashamed.
jbeachbum24 - August 4, 2010
but...
it was game 2 of the series…..
sddbaker - August 4, 2010
I want my Prado back.
adc62 - August 4, 2010
we'll get him in time
we can make Gonzo a backup SS and have Infante as the starting SS with Prado on 2nd, since the all star game Infante has been phenominal at the plate
southman - August 4, 2010
No slam @ Infante intended (nor anyone filling in for Prado). Prado brings an intensity to the game that is contagious. He seems to get the team fired up. I miss that.
adc62 - August 4, 2010
let's hope the thumb injury is only day to day
southman - August 4, 2010
Bobby shoulda pulled Farnsworth
When he started struggling right away. Realize that he’s not hitting his mark and get him out of there. I think Farnsworth is going to be really good for us, but last night, wasn’t his night
KJDH2154 - August 4, 2010
I have a novel idea: If a pitcher can’t get Jeffy Francoeur to swing once after four pitches, he needs to leave the game.
ryantex - August 4, 2010
I am just shaking my head
at all this angst around here. It was an unfortunate loss with poor execution, but some people around here are treating it like Bastille Day. We don’t need to behead Pendleton, Farnsworth, Glaus, Hinske, or Wags.
Settle down and unwad those panties from your cracks. Today is another day.
UMDBHIK - August 4, 2010
lol
Just the fact that Frenchy and Acosta were the ones that shoved our faces in shit is tough enough to get over.
Winning the series could make it a little better.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - August 4, 2010
We’ve all been on edge for a week or so. I think all Braves fans (including myself) are getting grumpy out of frustration. I can’t wait for us to go on our inevitable 8 game winning streak to soothe our nerves…
Jman781 - August 4, 2010
“Settle down and unwad those panties from your cracks. Today is another day.”
It’s always best as a Braves fan not to wear panties but to go Hollywood so as to avoid this discomfort.
adc62 - August 4, 2010
We need one BIG hit...
First off, good game from Derek, hopefully he can build off it and pitch with that much movement the rest of the season.
What this team needs right now is a gapper with men on first and third and 2 out. I use the analogy of a basketball player who just can’t hit a shot for his life but finally he hits a jumper and all of a sudden things just start falling. The Braves just need one big hit to jump start the offense again but it just hasn’t come yet.
Buffalo Braves - August 4, 2010
And hopefully with Howard on the DL, the Phuckers start spiraling downward, with a loss courtesy of the Fish, tonite.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - August 4, 2010
We can only hope!
Buffalo Braves - August 4, 2010
Since the AS Game we have only scored 5 or more 5 times. This is clearly the problem. We need a blowout game!
jbeachbum24 - August 4, 2010
and we're gonna get that against the Phillies?
southman - August 4, 2010
I'm hoping we get it against the Mets. Tonight.
jbeachbum24 - August 4, 2010
it is crucial
tonight and the next 4 days cuz we have San Fran coming in after the muts and we have to face Lincecum in I think game 2 or 3
southman - August 4, 2010
Game 1 (tomorrow) vs Jurrjens for Lincecum
Buffalo Braves - August 4, 2010
uh oh
of all times, it’s not that I don’t have faith in JJ I just don’t have enough faith in him
southman - August 4, 2010
I know we shouldn’t be freaking out, but there is no doubt that this team is in a serious slump, and we look like a team on the way down.
Now, that’s not to say that we won’t snap out of it, but if we don’t do something soon, we could be in serious trouble.
Blowing those leads against Florida created some very negative momentum.
ryantex - August 4, 2010
we lost- bad choices- bad pitches- it happens
like grappy williejay use to tell me- even blind pigs find acorns every once in awhile. i don’t think failcour has found his stroke- he got lucky. we do need to snap out of this slump but we still are in 1st. . GO BRAVES!
williejay1 - August 4, 2010
shhhhh….. don’t tell the mets!
sddbaker - August 4, 2010
I was just hoping...
that since Farnsworth couldn’t seem to find the plate against Frenchy, he might hit him and Frenchy would charge the mound in an attempt to get his team fired up.
This never gets old:
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1818684
sddbaker - August 4, 2010
I would pay good money to see that.
If only.
Sam Jethroe - August 4, 2010
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