I think his offspeed pitches have improved a lot since spring training. Location has been iffy. He's not been as effective now that opponents have seen more of his stuff. Verlander is a pretty high ceiling.
I don't think baseball teams tank. It's not like the NBA or, to a lesser extent, the NFL where you get a ready-made player. I haven't seen that stat but sounds interesting, I will take a look.
If he keeps going like this, not sure if they'll be able to afford him. Plus, he'll be 30 after next season.
Yes, he did. See above. Or is it below?
Olivera is 0-for-6 with two walks and a run scored in two games with Rome.
Depends on the writer and the beat. I wouldn't say it's rare. Also, fans come from a different perspective. It's emotional for them. Think about how often fan sentiment shifts. Most beat writers are detached. We have a professional obligation to be fair.
Yes, he does, but the question was about an extension. My assumption was that it would come after next season.
Not sure about a record but you are correct that Braves fans aren't used to it. It's been interesting to see the reaction. I understand it. Can't blame fans for being anxious about all the changes.
Anyone can be moved for a great haul. But I don't get the sense that the Braves want to move. As an addendum to my earlier speculation about Simmons leveling off, I should note that he's still only 25 with three full seasons. He can get better at the plate.
Ha. Fans are fans. Like I said, Braves backers aren't used to this so I understand the reaction. As time has passed, I've noticed more people willing to be patient and take the long view.
Definitely will be lots of changes. Remember, the Braves had to build a bullpen on the fly after they traded Kimbrel. Then Grilli went down. Now Johnson is gone. They've used 29 relief pitchers this season. That's crazy.
There was some risk in that deal, I agree. He gets on base, is a solid RF and plays every day. What's the market price for that?
Hard to tease out the reasons but the crowds have seemed noticeably smaller to me, with the exception of the reunion weekend. The announced attendance often does not match what my eyes tell me.
Good observation. Fredi Gonzalez has very low tolerance for pitchers who are not in the back end of the pen walking guys. He'll often bring up the subject without being asked about it.
Yes, but I'm not sure he will take it and neither are the Braves.
Well, they are at about 66 percent success rate. Most Saber people believe 70ish is the point where it's worth it to run. One of their best runners, Peterson, is a t 50 percent. Another, Perez, doesn't play every day.
It's definitely mental. He loses focus. Braves were shocked when he was so bad behind the plate after last year's call-up. Also, catchers have to be take-charge leaders and Braves haven't seen that from him.
No, I do not like that rule interpretation at all. But the players and umps have agreed that they like it so that's how it goes.
When I say "runner" I mean "speed."
I don't think it's realistic. Maybe 10-12. The Braves keep saying it's because he didn't have a full offseason. We'll see.
They like Peterson. His contact and walk numbers suggest he can be a better hitter. He's also flashed some power for his position. He's an older prospect but didn't start playing baseball full time until 2011.
I don't see how he can be in their future plans.
There was some real frustration in the clubhouse after the K. Johnson and Uribe trade. Braves players thought they would get Freeman back and make a run at the Mets and Nats. Instead, they traded their second- and third-best hitters to one of the teams they were chasing. I don't think anyone is asking for trades. But I'm sure they want the team to be competitive in 2016 and stop swapping proven players for prospects.
