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

I’m 20 years old
Been a Braves fan my entire life
Was an All North Carolina State softball player in high school
Played on year of college softball at Belmont Abbey College before I decided to put my career first
I’m a nursing/journalism major hoping that maybe I’ll get a job sports writing but if not I have nursing as my fall back plan
I run the Twitter account @DanSluggla26 in hopes Uggla can see his wide fan support and possibly fall in love with me (a girl can dream right?)

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

The first pitch was a very symbolic gesture, as Bobby Cox threw out the first pitch, with Fredi Gonzalez receiving it behind the plate.

Later in the night Chipper knocked the 2,500th hit of his career.