The Braves Blog
Ramblings about the Braves by True Braves Fans |
Ramblings about the Braves by True Braves Fans |
Hey guys, if you already didn’t know I run the @DanSluggla26 twitter page and a while back I started the hash tag #FearTheForearms. I’ve decided to start selling t shirts with the hashtag on there. They’re actually pretty sweet. I will probably put them on sale tomorrow or Saturday if you guys want to support the “Ariel Bumgardner College Charity” fund 
The web site is www.dansluggla.webs.com so check them out and let me know what you all think. They are made of cotton and come in all kinds of sizes. They will be $25 and I will cover shipping. In the future I figure I’ll make more shirts with different desgins. So check them out. Thanks!
Go Braves!
-Ariel
If you haven’t heard already Kris Medlen was sent down to AAA Gwinnett got get stretched out to join the starting rotation in Atlanta. The numbers when he started were like 13-1 in games he played. Sounds good to me. My question to you is Who will or should he replace? The most likely candidates are Mike Minor or Randall Delgado. While I personally think Delgado has performed better Minor is a lefty and you generally want a LHP in your rotation. Otherwise the opposing manager can stack his roster with LH batters and not have to change his lineup to play the matchups. Let us know what you think in the poll below. Personally I’m voting Minor just because I think he needs to get out of his head and back to basics in Gwinnett.
Loading ...GO BRAVES
Brandon
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinals | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 1 |
| Braves | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
… The 8 game curse is over! Thank goodness, I was actually starting to get really worried. With all of the injuries coming on at once I didn’t know if we’d have enough guys to play. First off Chipper goes down with a nasty leg bruise, then Mac gets the flu, Freddie can’t cry, and Rossy pulls his groin. Not a good stretch. But tonight we had something going. Bourn hit a bomb his 5th, which is tied for his career high and it’s only May, Prado continued to be Pradomatic, and Uggla hit his 8th rocket of the year. Even though Yadier had a great night, the Braves were able to hold on and get Delgado a much-needed win and Kimbrel some much-needed work.
Now let me get on my Uggla Soap Box real quick:
30 RBIs, 8HR, 48 hits, 11 doubles, 34 walks, a .262 average, and a .379 on base percentage and I repeat it’s only May. He had 62 walks the entire season last year, so far he’s on pace for roughly 90 walks. A power hitter getting 90 walks in a season is great, shows patience at the plate. Plus he’s fun to watch and you get to watch him a lot because so far he’s played every inning of this 2012 season, and that’s just what he wants to do. He’s got my respect, but you all knew that already…
*Steps off of Uggla Soap Box*
Let’s recap tonight’s game:
For the Cardinals it was pretty slow offensively except for Yadier Molina who went 4-4 with 3RBIs and a run scored. Braves hits came from Bourn, Prado, Uggla, Heyward, and Constanza in a lineup where the pitcher batted 8th and Jose Constanza was in the 9 hole. I do in fact agree with this decision, I see it all the time in college softball. Bat the pitcher in the 8 hole and then someone fast in the 9 hole as a second leadoff kind of thing. It worked out pretty well for us tonight when Constanza got on base, so maybe we’ll see it again while he’s up. Braves offense came in the form of a Micahel Bourn lead off home run in the first and then an Uggla three run home run in the 3rd (with two outs). Prado and Bourn were both on base. The 5th run came on a Constanza score on a wild pitch (that I call a passed ball but no one cares what I think). Venters came in the 7th and again looked a little shaky, his sinker isn’t looking good at all because it’s not sinking (haha) but we held on with O’Flaherty in the 8th and the Killa Craig came in the save it out in the 9th (his 14th). And that’s how the curse of the 8 game losing streak ended. Now it’s time to get on a long winning streak and to get back on top of the NL East
MVP(s) of the game: Bourn, Uggla, and Delgado. Two home run hitters, and the starting pitcher who’s looking to stay in the rotation.
So that’s tonight’s recap, Keep those arms a choppin’ and Go Braves!
-Ariel
Hi guys,
Lets play a game. I’ll list some stats for 3 different players and you tell me who you would rather have playing or pitching. Answers at the end.
| Batter | AVG | SO | HR | BB | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | .200 | 26 | 5 | 3 | 13 |
| B | .219 | 19 | 0 | 10 | 7 |
| C | .197 | 29 | 4 | 15 | 13 |
| Pitcher | ERA | WHIP | K | BB | HR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 2.63 | 1.08 | 13 | 7 | 1 |
| B | 6.32 | 1.66 | 11 | 9 | 5 |
| C | 6.96 | 1.45 | 48 | 19 | 12 |
Answers:
Batter A: Juan Francisco
Batter B: Chris Nelson, Rockies
Batter C: Ian Stewart, Cubs
Pitcher A: Kris Medlen
Pitcher B: Chad Durbin
Pitcher C: Mike Minor
The stats don’t lie folks. Something is rotten in Atlanta. We’ve got TONS of talent on this roster. We just gotta get that talent onto the field and sit the guys that just aren’t cutting it right now. If they pick it up later on great but for now they need to ride some pine and get their heads right.
How does this scenario strike you:
Aight I’m done with my rant, but you can look forward to more statistical analysis/manipulation in the future. For now lets get ready for the homestand this weekend and get back onto the winning track.
GO BRAVES.
Brandon
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Man it’s been a tough few games for our Braves. The past four games we’re 1-4 and hitting only .158 and tonight could be swept by the Reds (let’s hope not). A BIG reason for the recent skip is our leader Chipper being out with a pretty nasty bruise on his leg. If you didn’t know, Chipper got nailed above the ankle during the Rays game Saturday. He was down for a while but went on to play four innings before Fredi pulled him. He hasn’t played since, which sucks because I know he wants to run around those special bases the Reds made for his trip to Great American Ball Park. He did get to touch first after being walked in a pinch hit job last night, but that doesn’t count in my book. Fransisco hasn’t exactly stepped up either. Yeah he did hit a home run against the Reds, but big whoop (yeah I said big whoop) Bourn our leadoff hit two in one game and my Uggla got a second deck bomb last night, so Juan, you’re not that cool. Bat flipping fool. End rant. At least Prado has been hot during the skid, he’s hitting .463 with 7 extra base hits and a .521 OBP. That means he’s getting on base but no one is getting him in. We’ve gone from scoring 5+ runs a game to struggling to get 2. But cold streaks happen, I’m just hoping this one doesn’t last long with the Nationals coming to town tomorrow. Memorial Day weekend and a battle for the lead over the NL East, I likey. With that being said, let’s win tonight boys, get on a plane, sleep in your own bed, and beat the poo out of the Nationals this weekend (since I’ll be in the stands).
Remember to follow @DanSluggla26 on twitta for game day updates and live in-game tweeting.
Keep those Chopping arms going and GO BRAVES!!
-Ariel
P.S. I’m going to start doing game recaps so be on the look out
I know I’ve said this before, but I think I have people that are really going to blog this time! They’ve both posted already, so scroll down if you missed it.
I’m doing some other “behind-the-scenes” changes as well. I’m working on getting all of the software up-to-date, including the newest methods for facebook and twitter integration. I’m also working on a few coding projects that will make life easier on the bloggers, and as a result, the blogs better for the readers.
The first project is a set of libraries for accessing data from MLB.com using the gameday API. The project has just started, but can be found at http://mlbgamedayapi.peelercoding.com. The next project will utilize the libraries created in the first project to create a set of wordpress plugins that can be utilized by this and any other wordpress blog. It will include shortcodes for easily linking to a page (player, game, team, etc.) on mlb.com, as well as many other features. While the majority of this will not directly affect you, the reader, it will, as I mentioned above, allow for the creation of better, more content-rich blogs.
First attempt at a blog so bear with me. A little Background info on myself. My name is Brandon, I’m 27 from a small NC town. I consider myself an adequate athlete being able to play most any sport to at least a passable level of skill. Lifelong Braves fan. Grew up loving guys like Clontz and Wohlers, and Klesko and Javy (and if you don’t know any of those guys get your google on).
I have a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with Mathematics minor so I will analyze and look at stats more in depth and differently than other people.
My blogs should be fun to read if you enjoy shows like Around the Horn or First Take or Sportsnation because I am capable of going on a rant if given the subject and motivation. (You’ll see a glimpse in a minute).
I have players I like, players I don’t like but respect, and then guys I just can’t stand *cough* Bonds *cough*
Follow me on twitter at @KrisMedlensBill . Myself and the other bloggers usually tweet during games for your enjoyment.
Now time for a rant… Chipper Jones is one of the best switch hitting 3rd baseman of ALL TIME! That’s a fact no one can argue against. My list of people I can’t stand includes one Vinny Castilla. Braves picked him up and moved Chipper to LF to make room for him. FIRST thing Chipper is better than Castilla could even fathom being. Chipper should not be supplanted by any player unless you get a time machine and grab Ripken, Jr in his prime. Then MAYBE! But I firmly believe (wrongly or rightly) that a lot of Chipper’s current ailments stem from that time spent in the outfield because of Vinny. So in my mind NO VINNY=Chipper NOT retiring yet. And I don’t think there is any Braves fan that would hate Chipper staying around a few more years. And I don’t remember being overly impressed with Castilla’s performance either. So we move Chipper for a guy who doesn’t live up to the billing and lose a few years off Chipper’s career the way I see it. So here’s to you Vinny Castilla. You are the first member on “The List” … Check back soon for other List members including the likes of Terry Pendleton and Melky Cabrera.
Thanks for reading guys and have a nice day
Hey there everyone!
Just to start off my new blogging experience I’m going to tell y’all a little bit about myself:
That’s really all you need to know right now I guess, but anyways let’s get to the baseball talk.
How about our red hot Braves right now? The regulars are hitting above .250 and everyone on the team (besides pitchers) and Jack Wilson have hit home runs. Wilson would have one but sadly it was robbed, but he’ll get his maybe before Huddy gets one. Freddie Freeman has been on fire lately and what about the Old Man playing like he’s 27 again. Show me another 40 year old who can hit .300 with 5 bombs and 22 ribbies. Chipper is the leader of the ball club and it’s evident when the dude doesn’t play. Not 100% sure of the record when Chipper isn’t in, but I know it’s not even close to good. Uggla and J-Hey look like they’ve found their stride and have vastly improved their numbers from this time last year (thank God). Last May Uggla was hitting MAYBE a buck ninety and now he’s at .275 yeah he’s striking out at least once a game, but he’s having hits too. The Bourn Supremacy is playing great ball too, it’s always a great day when you know your leadoff dude has a .870 OBP. Leadoff guy getting on base usually leads to early runs, which any fan who watched games last year knows, didn’t happen all too often. Here’s to hoping the bats stay hot as we move on into the middle of May.
Let’s talk about pitching, mostly let’s talk about Brandon Beachy.
Good Lord isn’t this kid what we’ve been needing. When JJ started struggling I knew someone was going to have to step up and Brandon did just that. 4-1 record and a 1.60 ERA in seven games. Talk about stepping up. Huddy coming back has helped a lot too. The guy is a great leader and a great mentor to the younger guys. Minor and Hanson have looked pretty good as well, not great, but acceptable. Then there’s the bullpen, I love everyone (yes even Uncle Livan) except for ole Chad Durbin… (Here comes Durbin better grab your Bourbon) But I’ll be nice in my first blog, but I’m not promising nothing later on. The bullpen is looking strong and hopefully they’ll continue to be strong as Moylan gets ready to return soon.
My last comment is, why in the world can writing essays for college not be this easy? But in serious terms, thanks for reading this, leave comments on what you guys would like to see and if anyone knows Dan Uggla’s address let me know… (No seriously, let me know)
Keep the Chopping arms warmed up and GO BRAVES!
-Ariel
