2015 Atlanta Braves

[Sportsforever]

Re: 2015 Atlanta Braves

What an absolutely frustrating game today...just typified the entire season, IMO. As frustrating as it was, I realized that the Braves have a chance to really bounce back next year because I believe the bullpen will be 100% improved (how could it not?). None of the guys in the 'pen right now outside of Vizcaino will be on the team next year and when you consider how many games we have lost because of the poor bullpen, it wouldn't surprise me to see us improve by 10-15 games on that area alone.

[LowerWolf]

Re: 2015 Atlanta Braves

We're now on our longest home losing streak in 104 years.

We lost 14 in a row (as the Boston Braves) in May of 1911.

[Speedy]

Re: 2015 Atlanta Braves

Might as well get the #1 pick next year, eh?

I think it's time to see how the draft class for 2016 looks.

[Sportsforever]

Re: 2015 Atlanta Braves

Not sure if anyone read the interview with Wisler this past week, but I found it interesting. In the interview he was discussing how much he feels he has matured in the 2nd half and he admitted that he really had been feeling sorry for himself the moment things started going poorly. He actually said "once I would start getting hit, I mentally gave up and just went through the motions". He went on to say that he now realizes that the hitters are going to start hitting him and that it's up to him to stay focused, make adjustments, and counter their adjustments.

The reason I found this interesting is that a) this is exactly what it has looked like our young pitchers have been doing (giving up) and b) it's surprising to hear professional athletes talk about giving up mentally. I guess it's human nature, but you would think by the time the reach this point in their career they would be over that part of it...but I guess if you are supremely talented you may go your entire career without facing adversity.

Regardless, it at least sounds like he's headed in the right direction...really wish Folty could get over his health issues (he's hospitalized with blood clots in his right arm now) so we could see him pitch a little bit more before the end of the year. It was nice to sweep the Phils out of town though!

[DonkeyJote]

Re: 2015 Atlanta Braves

I've seen a lot of speculation that Folty could end up in the pen, as many think he can be a top flight closer. We'll see what happens in the offseason.

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[canes21]

Re: 2015 Atlanta Braves

So I came up with an idea while I was down in Atlanta last week. I've only seen 4 games this year, but the Braves are also 3-1 in that span. Also, after each time I've seen them live, they go on to win at least 3 of the next 5. So if you guys will assist me in buying season tickets for next season, we should easily cruise into the playoffs. I am what has been missing since Gonzalez got here.

[aukevin]

Re: 2015 Atlanta Braves

So I came up with an idea while I was down in Atlanta last week. I've only seen 4 games this year, but the Braves are also 3-1 in that span. Also, after each time I've seen them live, they go on to win at least 3 of the next 5. So if you guys will assist me in buying season tickets for next season, we should easily cruise into the playoffs. I am what has been missing since Gonzalez got here.

Doing better than me. I saw them lose twice and win one this year! But I did see the AA team win one too.

[Sportsforever]

Re: 2015 Atlanta Braves

One more win, boys...one more win and we avoid a 100 loss season. Really liking the way we have played the last 1.5 weeks. Would be very easy for this team to pack it in, but they are playing with some fire.

[DonkeyJote]

Re: 2015 Atlanta Braves

Doing better than me. I saw them lose twice and win one this year! But I did see the AA team win one too.

You guys are lucky. I've actually never seen them play at home. And I live in Seattle so they've only been here like 3 times in 15 years. Planning on trying to fly out to Atlanta next year to see a game at Turner Field before it's too late.

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[canes21]

Re: 2015 Atlanta Braves

Turner Field may not be the greatest looking stadium, it's very basic, but I still have a blast going to it and wish I lived closer and could make it to as many games as possible. Though, the reason I love being there might just be my love for the sport itself and passion for Braves baseball, but if you have the money to fly out and see a game there next year, do it!

Regarding how they're playing lately, I lost a lot of optimism with the huge losing streak and just overall terrible string after the AS break. Even the first game I saw which was the 5-0 loss to the Blue Jays, the team didn't act at all like the team I saw earlier in the year when we were still up there in the league standings. They looked flat, uninspired, they weren't doing the little things like running hard all the way through the bag, etc. Then in game 2 when they actually go on the board and had a lead it's like something struck the team and they play with more fire. It is nice to see that carrying on still.

I have no idea what to expect next season, it's still too early to really try and predict anything, but I do like a lot of the younger guys seeing time now and hope that the leaders that are on the team or were on the team most of the year did help shape these guys up and teach them how to be successful. I get rebuilding takes time which is a pain in a sport with such a long season, but I don't know if I could take another year like this back to back haha. I need to see definite progress next season or I'll either have zero hair or all grey hair. Between the Redskins, Miami Hurricanes football, Braves, and the Pistons, it's been a rough time in sports recently for me.

[DonkeyJote]

Re: 2015 Atlanta Braves

I definitely expect to see progress next year. I expect the pitching to be better; the young guys will be better, particularly Teheran, who improved in the second half.

Also, we should've sold high on Maybin. He's at .266/.327/.371 with 10 hr now

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[LowerWolf]

Re: 2015 Atlanta Braves

One more win, boys...one more win and we avoid a 100 loss season. Really liking the way we have played the last 1.5 weeks. Would be very easy for this team to pack it in, but they are playing with some fire.

And win #63 is secured. We may lose 99 but we won't lose 100.

I'm still optimistic about next year.

[Sportsforever]

Re: 2015 Atlanta Braves

Even though we were swept in Miami, I have really liked the way the team has finished out. I can't say enough about Matt Wisler...I believe he has turned the corner. A large part of being a big leaguer is BELIEVING that you are a big leaguer. I don't think he believed it until that stint in Washington where he got shelled and then had to come out of the 'pen. From that point on, he's been lights out.

I am really excited to see what happens this offseason and this team will be absolutely improved next year. Look at the players we will have coming off of injury that we didn't have this year/missed a ton of time:

- Mike Minor
- Paco Rodriguez
- Chris Withrow
- Shae Simmons
- Jason Grilli
- Folty
- Banuelos


The bullpen will be completely different and I expect improvement just from that fact.

I am excited to see what Olivera can do with a full year of prep...he really does have the tools and you can see why they were excited about him. I hope Mallox Smith is ready for CF, or at least can split time with Maybin. Tyrell Jenkins should get a shot at the rotation.

Without making any free agent moves I think this team is a 75 win team in 2016. If they pick up a solid bat and a pitcher I could see this team being in the 80-85 win range.

I'm super excited, however, for 2017 and beyond. Max Fried, Kolby Allard, Dion Toscano, Austin Riley, Mike Soroka, etc, give me a lot of hope.

[LowerWolf]

Re: 2015 Atlanta Braves

Shelby gets a win!

Glad to get that monkey off his back heading into 2016.

[Speedy]

Re: 2015 Atlanta Braves

Time for Freddie to get all healed up. Gotta have that wrist completely healthy.