Official Atlanta Braves Thread

[Joscott]

Back to back games that were just night and day for the Braves. Silent bats last night and explosive today. The lineups have looked scary the past few days, but it worked out today.

Prado had a setback yesterday in batting practice and looks like it wont be until next week. I'd try to plug him into 3rd and let Infante have 2nd because it will keep the hot bat in there. It's a shame Omar wont get the best shot at winning the batting title, he'd pretty much need to play every game left batting leadoff while keeping his average to have any chance.

Glaus had a nice HR today but he still looks like his knees are in pain. I'd rather have him start every couple of days and split with Freeman, but they are not ready to bring him up for some reason. He could be a real boost to the offense and give Glaus some days off when needed.

Melky has really done well at the plate, so I think you find a way to put him in everyday too. Hopefully Heyward can get rid of the nagging injuries too.

The pitching is really pulling this team and whats going to keep us going.

I think the top of the lineup should be after Prado is back:

Infante 2B (great avg. gets on base and decent speed)

Heyward RF (nagging injuries and still hasn't found the power he had at the start, but can get on)

Prado 3B (if healthy, he comes back with a great avg. and decent power this year)

McCann C (the real deep threat in the lineup, needs to be protected in the lineup)

Glaus/Freeman 1B(this spot needs a threat to keep Mac at the bat)

Cabrera LF (has one of the hottest bats right now, but not he best D)

Ankiel CF (not a consistant avg. but great D at center)

Gonzalez SS (still showing some power, less chance of a dead spot this far down in the lineup

Of course Diaz can be put in the OF for better match-ups and Conrad should get the clutch hits when he can. Hinske has really cooled off.

Yeah I like making lineups and the chances of this happening are slim, but I can hope.

[Joscott]

What a win tonight, the Melk Man with a walk-of single.

The Dodgers just looked defeated and took the final blow of this season.

[Johnny Rockets]

Son of a.....

I can't believe they won. I fell asleep after the Dodgers took the lead and figured it was over.

[Kevin Greene]

What a win tonight, the Melk Man with a walk-of single.

The Dodgers just looked defeated and took the final blow of this season.

The Dodgers are defeated. Line Drive Broxton has single handedly lost several games for the Dodgers since the allstar break and now it's Kuo's turn.

Teams don't recover from stuff like that.

[Mesmer]

Sucks for them. Go Braves!

[Joscott]

That Martin Prado guy looks pretty decent in the lineup, maybe we should keep him in it.

Word is that the Braves are really close to getting Derek Lee from the Cubs, he's been hot since the break and could be the everyday starter at 1st, giving Troy some rest and another RH bat.

[The Saltman]

Hey johnny, will u please tell the Phillies to lose some games? This is too close.

[Johnny Rockets]

Hey johnny, will u please tell the Phillies to lose some games? This is too close.

I think with Utley and Howard coming back they may lose a stretch of games until they get their timing back. Might even fall to about 5 games back. But once they get going, it is going to be hard to hold the Phil's back.

I love the Braves vs. Phils battle that has pretty much gone on all year. Wouldn't have it any other way. I hope both teams make the playoffs and it comes down to the last weekend of the year when the Phils close out the season in Atlanta.

ps. I just picked up Jonny Venters for my fantasy baseball team to help lower my team's ERA which means he most likey start blowing up when trying to set up Wagner. If it happens, blame me...You are welcome!

[The Saltman]

It will probably end up that way, true. I'm excited, we haven't seen the playoffs in Atl for a little bit.

[Johnny Rockets]

I'll be down there for that last series. Should be a great weekend.

[Brooklyn Bully]

Derek Lee to the Braves it's looking like.

[Scrumtrilescent]

See ya next year, Freddie Freeman.

[Johnny Rockets]

See ya next year, Freddie Freeman.

<<<<puts "Free Freddie Freeman!" shirt back in closet.

[faultlessjoint]

I can't believe the whole DLee thing. He has been one of my favorite non-Braves for years now. Dude is a straight professional. I can't believe the cubs are going to give him up for some low level prospects. Obviously he's had a down year this year, but check out his last few seasons:

Year/avg/hr/rbi/ops

2005 / .335 / 46 / 107 / 1.080

2006 / .286 / 8 / 30 / .842 (only 50 games, broke his arm colliding with Furcal at 1st)

2007 / .317 / 22 / 82 / .913

2008 / .291 / 20 / 90 / .823

2009 / .306 / 35 / 111 / .972