2009 Atlanta Braves

[crques]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I had to work and missed last night's game...what a downer to find out they had lost. I still have hope that they can win these last 4 games. I said it a few weeks ago: if the Braves can get to 90 wins, they'll be in the post season.

I almost wished I wouldn't have watched. LOL It was an emotional roller coaster ride toward the end......after trailing for what seemed like forever, the excitement of the 3-run homer by Diaz to tie, followed by Cantu's single in the next inning scoring the go-ahead run. Sheeesh!! Then things didn't get any better. I flipped to the Rockies games to see them leading 5-2, then watched with joy as Kendall tied it up with his homer in the 9th. Of course we all know that didn't last long thanks to the walkoff in the 11th. Funny thing is that as bad as the loss last night was, we still could end up winning this thing. The Dodgers have been slumping and are due for some wins. Hopefully we'll win out and get some help from the Brewers at least one game and then the Dodgers over the weekend.

[JEM]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

This one probably did them in.. They looked really really really bad against Nolasco... 16 stinking strikeouts.

[Braves Fan]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

It was a good run, is it possible that they just ran out of gas?

[bsb13]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

The braves just waited too late in the season to get it together...that's all there is to it. I have high hopes for next year though.

[crques]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I believe Diaz could have scored on that play in the 9th. What a terrible and disappointing way for the game to end. Oh well, it was a good run and there are plenty of reasons to look forward to next year with this team.

[Garydee]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I believe Diaz could have scored on that play in the 9th. What a terrible and disappointing way for the game to end. Oh well, it was a good run and there are plenty of reasons to look forward to next year with this team.

Yep. In 2010 we're going to win the East

[Braves Fan]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I believe Diaz could have scored on that play in the 9th. What a terrible and disappointing way for the game to end. Oh well, it was a good run and there are plenty of reasons to look forward to next year with this team.

Even if we would have won it would still be 3 out with 4 to play. Colorado just isn't losing and LA has hit a terrible slump.

So we probably weren't going to be able to catch them anyway.

[Speedy]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

The run was good while it lasted...now have lost 5 straight. Also, yet another gem of a game thrown by JJ with no run support given. It's sad he isn't getting any consideration for the Cy Young with the season he's had.

[Infamous92]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I'm really not optimistic at all about next season.

Wren is shopping Javy, we're carrying a losing streak into next season, Chipper is on the decline, Lowe isn't going to be any better, and Prado will be lucky to have another monster season.

We're also going to have some expectations to be back in the Wild-Card hunt. Personally, I think it's going to be another 2-3 years until Atlanta is back on top.

[mattlanta]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I'm really not optimistic at all about next season.

Wren is shopping Javy, we're carrying a losing streak into next season, Chipper is on the decline, Lowe isn't going to be any better, and Prado will be lucky to have another monster season.

We're also going to have some expectations to be back in the Wild-Card hunt. Personally, I think it's going to be another 2-3 years until Atlanta is back on top.

Wow, you sound very pessimistic about the Braves. I like how Frank Wren has done his offseason so far, but I think after this offseason we will really see what type of GM Wren is.

I personally think it would be stupid if Frank Wren didn't shop around Vazquez. He's coming off a dominant 2009 campaign, and we are stockpiled with starting pitchers right now. If we re-signed Hudson, our rotation would still be a very good one compiled of Hanson, Jurrjens, Hudson, Lowe, and Kawakami. If we trade Vazquez, I'm sure we will get a power hitter and (yes, this says AND) a top prospect at least.

And if we fix the bullpen up a bit, we are sure to be strong competitors next year. How could you be this down on your team? We have Heyward coming next season (most likely mid-season around June or July) and Craig Kimbrel will most likely be making his major league debut also. Like I said, our team has a very good chance to be competitors next year, so keep your head up man. There's always hope... the offseason just started for the Braves!

[Infamous92]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I don't know man. I'm a huge Braves fan, but everytime it seems that we might be on the upward it comes back to bite me.

I just have to wait and see I guess.

[Heisman316]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I can't wait to see Heyward out in Right Field. Then, Matty can move back to Left and Ryan Church as a quality back-up.

At the beginning of last year, our outfield was a weakness, and it can potentially be our strength next year.

[Speedy]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I would expect Heyward to get the Hanson treatment, waiting until about mid-May to early-June before he gets to the majors.

[mattlanta]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I would expect Heyward to get the Hanson treatment, waiting until about mid-May to early-June before he gets to the majors.

I agree. I constantly hear people wanting him up by the beginning of the season, but I don't think that would happen. I want to see him play as much as the next person does, but waiting June/July before bringing him up will save the Braves millions and millions of dollars. Because if Heyward is the type of person that he is advertised to be, and it looks like he is, he will command a good $20 million/year in his contract extension and for a mid-sized market Braves team, those millions could be very crucial for us. We could sign Bay, Nady, or even Vladimir (if he can be a better fielder than Garret Anderson) to fill that outfield spot I think. Diaz/Church are a pretty decent platoon with Diaz absolutely raking against lefties last year and Church being a decent RHP hitter and versatile in the outfield.

[p_rushing]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

Heyward is hurt, hopefully it's not going to turn into a lingering thing

http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/injury-knocks-heyward-out-175567.html