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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 13, 2014
Today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast is centered around Atlanta.
The Freddie Freeman extension could be a smart long term move for the Braves and good for baseball. Meanwhile they are a very hard team to predict. Meanwhile I have mike issues.
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Atlanta Braves Payroll in 2014 + Contracts Going Forward Part 1

It would be one thing if B.J. Upton were the only player on the Braves who had an abysmal season. When you add the injuries and the season of Dan Uggla to Upton worst year of his career, it is actually amazing this team ended with 96 Wins. With the club losing Brian McCann, Paul Maholm and Tim Hudson, they will need Upton and CO. to rebound for the team to contend again in 2014. Upton has to get back to 20/20 years for powers and steals, and at least hit to 85% of his career 3 slash – to justify the contract doled out by the Atlanta Braves. Uggla must correct his vision problems and get back to raking again. These 2 guys are the #2 and #3 paid guys on the squad in 2014 behind Justin Upton.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart/Payroll Expert) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The ‘Tomahawk Choppers’ have 2 players that are killing them for Free Agent signings this winter.
B.J. Upton is only in the 2nd year of his 5 YRs/$75 MIL – and underachieving Dan Uggla is still on the books for 2 more years.
Between these 2 gentleman, they will bring down $26.25 MIL in 2014. The Braves are hoping for more than under the ‘Mendoza Line’ Batting Averages – and an occasional big fly.
The Braves are also headed to Arbitration with Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward and Craig Kimbrel. This is certainly bound to cost the organization a pretty penny.
In fact, those 3 players will likely exceed the amount of the B.J Upton and Uggla contracts.
Craig Kimbrel 2013 Highlights – Mature Lyrics Parental Guidance Is Advised:
The Atlanta Braves State Of The Union – Fall 2013: Part 1

2013 was not an easy road traveled for Atlanta. The Braves suffered so many injuries and set backs this season that I think a lot of us almost forget about the ones that happened earlier on in the year. Johnny Venters never even threw a regular season pitch this year and he has been our premiere set up man. Eric O’Flaherty threw his last pitch somewhere around the middle of May against this very Dodger team at Turner Field.
By Bob McVinua (Special Guest Braves Writer – visit his website here): Follow @tomahawkchop95
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
At the point after Eric O’Flaherty went down, many of us Braves fans began to panic and wonder how Fredi Gonzalez would get the ball to arguably the best closer
in all of baseball Craig Kimbrel. What happened after that? The Braves would still go on to post the best bullpen ERA in all of baseball and on top of that set a franchise record for the same mark.
Jason Heyward missed significant time as did Brian McCann. Freddie Freeman spent a couple of weeks on the disabled list and still drove in over 100 runs on the season.
BJ Upton and Dan Uggla struggled throughout most of the 2013 season and BJ was one of the players expected to make a huge impact when he signed with the Braves this winter and it just never happened.
Other players stepped up and young players assumed roles that were well beyond the original expectations of them in 2013.
No one panicked and no one quit and as a fan I am appreciative of the heart and effort this team always put forth.
The Dodgers Celebrate winning the NLDS Series versus Atlanta (At Turner Field)
The Braves Win The NL East For The 1st Time Since 2005: The Team Is Way Different From Early 2013

The Braves won 14 straight Division Titles from 1991 – 2005, that culminated in 5 World Series Visits, with cashing in for the Trophy in 1995, however other than a Wild Card Berth (2010), and a Wild Card Play In Game in 2012 (that they both lost), the club has not seen playoff success for the past 14 years. The Bravos will have a full NLDS Series to claim another chance at a NLCS Pennant, for the 1st time since 1999. Atlanta is still duking it out with the Dodgers and Cardinals for overall home field advantage throughout the playoffs, and have a 0.5 Games Lead over St. Louis (2 game lead over Los Angeles) with just 5 games left. This would be extremely ‘vital’ to the club – as the team sports a (MLB best) record of 53 – 23 at Turner Field – compared to 40 – 41 on the road this season.
By Hayley Howell (Featured Baseball Writer + Braves Enthusiastic Fan) Follow @heyhaylzzz
Follow MLB Reports Follow @mlbreports
The first fourteen years of my life (1991-2005) the Braves won consecutive division titles (the best run in MLB to date). They were the first team in the NL to go from last place to first place the next year (“Worst to First”).
They went to the World Series. (1991 was the first time that the home team won all 7 games of the World Series-too bad Atlanta wasn’t the home team).
On my first trip to the local library after moving downtown twenty minutes from home I quickly discovered there were only two Braves books in the whole four floors:
The Miracle Season and a book by John Smoltz that I wish I could remember the title of because I read that thing like it was a holy canon that summer.
I know the Braves beat the Astros 6-5 a few hours after I was born, and I think, in baseball astrology terms, that meant I was destined to become a Braves fan.
The first World Series I was alive for was the Braves and the Twins, not as if I could remember it, but I know that people still argue over the bad call that supposedly caused the Braves to lose, as if one call among thousands could determine a game much less a series.
And for fourteen years consecutively the Braves won their Division (of course the 1994 Season was cancelled, negating the only time the season ended, without them atop the NL East Standings – Montreal was leading that year).
Braves Clinch The NL East
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.12th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Ryan Raburn got on base 4 times, homered and drove in 5 runs, leading the Indians to a 14-3 thrashing of the White Sox.
A. J. Griffin moved the A’s closer to a second straight Division Title by holding the Twins to 2 hits, 1 walk and 1 run while striking out 8 over 7 innings in Oakland’s 8-2 victory.
Freddie Freeman went 3-4 with a homer and a walk, driving in a pair, helping the Braves beat the Marlins, 6-1.
Jeff Locke pitched the Pirates back into first place by throwing 7 innings, letting only 3 Cubs get hits and letting up just a single run, getting the 3-1 win.
They all owned baseball on September 12, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
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To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here
The Braves Keep On ‘Chopping’ Despite Several Key Injuries

The Braves have been falling by the wayside to injury since the 1st part of the year. They have lost Venters, O’Flaherty. Hudson and now Heyward for a 2nd time. If you couple that with lackluster performances from Dan Uggla and B.J. Upton, the injury time on the DL for Brian McCann, Brandon Beachy – and even Evan Gattis, plus the retired Chipper Jones having been departed from the 2012 squad, then this team has overachieved to the fullest with the rest of the choppers! Atlanta currently owns the best record in the MLB – with a 77 – 50 mark, 14 games clear of the 2nd place Washington Nationals in the NL East. Also, please stop inadvertently injuring our players New York Mets!
By Bob McVinua (Special Guest Braves Writer – visit his website here): Follow @tomahawkchop95
The word “injury” has plagued this 2013 Braves team all season long.
The injury bug didn’t take long to hit as Jonny Venters the teams premier set up man was unable to throw a single pitch this regular season.
Then it was Eric O’Flaherty who was hit with a season ending injury. At this point in time it was about mid May and many were in panic mode over what would become of this feared and revered Atlanta Braves bullpen.
It wouldn’t take too long to find out the answer to that question. After a little mixing and matching Fredi Gonzalez found the right guys to plug into those critical 7th/8th inning roles and they have been nothing short of spectacular.
Jason Heyward Hit In The Face – Not For The Weak Of Heart, You Have Been Warned!
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July.30th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Brandon Cumpton got his first ever big league win in his fifth start. He shutout the mighty Cardinals over 7 innings, completing the double header sweep and giving the Pirates a 6-0 win and a game and a half lead on St. Louis.
Mark Buehrle tossed seven shutout innings against Oakland, walking none and surrendering only 5 hits as the Blue Jays prevailed, 5-0.
Freddie Freeman clubbed a pair of homers, driving in 4 runs, as Atlanta beat Colorado , 11-3.
Mike Trout reached base 6 times, collecting four hits and two walks. It wasn’t enough for the Angels to win, however. Their bullpen melted down and surrendered a 14-11 loss in 11 innings to Texas.
They all owned baseball on July 30th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Atlanta Braves Payroll In 2013 And Contracts Going Forward
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Craig Kimbrel is one of the best young closers in baseball. He has saved 27 games this season for the Braves and with only three blown saves. The hard-throwing righty has a 1.49 ERA with 57 strikeouts and 13 walks in 36.1 innings pitched. He has a WHIP of 0.99 and 14.1 SO/9. The opposition is just hitting .181 against him, and he is holding right-handed batters to a .140 average. He is holding opposing teams an average of just .129 when runners are in scoring position. They fare a little better with runners on and two outs with a .176 average.
By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner) Follow @aecanada12
The Atlanta Braves have a comfortable lead in the National League East division with them ahead 6 ½ games on the Philadelphia Phillies. This division is having a down year, with no team a legitimate threat to catch Atlanta.
The Braves have a high-powered offense that only a few teams in baseball can match. They have the 3rd best offense in the NL with them scoring 425 runs this season. Atlanta has a play style that is more suited to the American League than the NL.
Atlanta Braves 2012 Highlights – Parental Guidance Is Advised
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July.11th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
Matt Moore held Minnesota hitless until two outs in the 6th inning. He would finish going 7 1/3 innings with only 3 hits and 2 walks, striking out 10 as the Rays topped the Twins, 4-3.
Jacoby Ellsbury led off the game with a homer and reached based 4 times. He extended his hitting streak to 19 games as the Red Sox beat the Mariners in 10 innings, 8-7.
Edwin Jackson shut down his former team, the Cardinals, with a masterful 7 inning performance. He let up no runs and no walks and only 3 hits. The Cubs for at least one day topped St. Louis, 3-0.
And Freddie Freeman drove in three runs on the day he made the All Star team. His 3-4 performance helped lead the Braves to a tight 6-5 victory over the Reds.
They all owned baseball on July 11th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Braves Trade Deadline Talk
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The Brothers Upton are not living up to expectations. With the exception of an MVP type like April, Justin Upton is hitting right where B.J. Upton has for the year.
By Bob McVinua (Special Guest Braves Writer – visit his website here): Follow @tomahawkchop95
I’m sometimes hesitant to even put out an article about the trade deadline because the last thing the internet needs is more rumors and theories floating around, most of which never even come close to materializing.
However there is something to be said about the anticipation of the trade deadline as it’s almost the summer version of the winter meetings in which it allows teams to make that one final push towards their ultimate goal of winning a World Series.
And while some fan bases will have renewed hope or further reassurance that their team is in it to win it, other fan bases will suffer the harsh reality that their team is no longer a contender and that they will be more or less packing it in for the rest of the season.
Over the winter meetings the Braves put themselves in kind of tricky spot, possibly without even realizing it.
Yasiel Puig Should Be Selected Into The All-Star Game
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Dodgers’ Yasiel Puig has been on fire ever since he joined the big club. He is hitting for a 3 Slash Line of .436 with 7 HRs and RBIs through his first 27 games. His 44 Hits collected in the 1st month of his career is 2nd All – Time to the great Joe Dimaggio. There is no doubt that the Cuban Player is one of the best 7 or 8 OF in the National League right now – and it would be blasphemy if he is not given the right to put into the Mid – Summers Classic!
By Enrique Rivera (MLB Reports – LA Dodgers Correspondent) Follow @eriqwiththeq
There is no doubt about it, Dodgers’ OF Yasiel Puig has been all over the sports media – and rightfully so.
Puig has only played in 27 games and he is batting an excellent .436 with 7 HRs and 16 RBIs.
The Dodgers are 15-11 during that stretch including 8-2 in their last 10 games.
Puig doesn’t seem like he’s ready to cool off as he has a 5 game hitting streak including a 4 for 5 game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday June. 30.
Yasiel Puig helps extend the Dodgers winning streak to six
2 And A Hook Podcast Ep #8: Dodgers (Puig Especially), White Sox + Braves Talk With Awesome Guests!
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‘2 And A Hook’ is an expression from Baseball: ‘Throw the guy 2 Fast balls and then a Hook’ (AKA Curve Ball, Wiggly one, Chair etc..)
By James Acevedo – Host (Podcast Veteran ) Follow @yankeeman1973
On today’s show, brought to you by MLB Reports (www.mlbreports.com) & yours truly The Bench Warmers, I talked with MLB Reports Braves correspondent Bob McVinua (www.braveschoptalk.wordpress.com) about the Atlanta Braves season so far, what’s to come for them the rest of the season plus other things…
Then I talked to MLB Reports Dodgers correspondent Enrique Rivera about their phenom Yasiel Puig, if the Dodgers somehow can get back in the playoff race amongst other issues…
Also I interviewed MLB Reports White Sox correspondent Brian Madsen about the White Sox offensive struggles, is their farm system producing any future ball players & other stuff…also I do my Stats & Facts segment as usual so check out this baseball podcast that talks baseball like it outta be!!! SPREAD THE WORD!! Thank you all for your support!!!
People in this Podcast:
Bob McVinua (MLB Reports Guest Braves Correspondent – About 9 Minutes in and a 21 Minute Segment) Follow @tomahawkchop95
Enrique Rivera (MLB Reports LA Dodgers Correspondent – 31 Minute Mark and a 15 Minute Segment) Follow @eriqwiththeq
Brian Madsen (MLB Reports White Sox Correspondent- 53 Minutes In and a 17 Minute Segment) Follow @brianm731
(Stats and Facts done by James at the 1 Hour and 10 Minute Mark for 20 Minutes and for the 1st 9 Minutes.)
We’re A 1/3 Of The Way Home: 10 Braves Questions To Ponder For The Last 2/3
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The Braves have entered the 1/3rd part of the NL East atop of the Division, The Nationals and Phillies have struggled, while the franchise has seen more ups and downs. Even with B.J. Upton, Dan Uggla and Jason Heyward having poor numbers (other than Uggla’s power,) the club may really take off if these guys get aboard the train.
By Bob McVinua (Special Guest Braves Writer – visit his website here): Follow @tomahawkchop95
I can’t believe it’s already the end of May and that baseball season is almost a 1/3 of the way over already. It’s been a fun two months and I’ve enjoyed cheering for and stressing over these Bravos for the past almost 60 days.
I thought that this was a good time to assess what I think the Braves have and what they don’t have. And moving forward what this team will have to do in order to be successful.
As usual I don’t want to bore anyone with stats, I may throw a few in there for reference points but I’ll try not to over load anyone. I can’t stand the fact that you can’t even read an article on baseball without it looking like a math problem.
Past the Read Entry Tag – or youtube clip – as there are the 10 questions to be answered in the last 108 Games.
The Atlanta Braves Are The Best Team In The National League
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The Braves have roared out of the gate during the 2013 MLB Season, with a baseball best 11 – 1, including a convincing sweep of the Washington Nationals over the weekend. This has been done without long time player Chipper Jones retiring – and Brian McCann being on the shelf for the 1st part of the season.
Jake Dal Porto (Baseball Writer) Follow @TheJakeMan24
At 11-1, the Atlanta Braves can seemingly do no wrong. Fresh off a sweep of the Washington Nationals, the Braves can make a very good case regarding their status as the best team in the NL.
That spot was occupied by the Nationals in the preseason chatter. And I wouldn’t blame the pundits who circled them as the NL’s best team.
After all, they fixed their leadoff spot woes with the addition of Denard Span, further improved their bullpen with Rafael Soriano and probably most importantly, started the season with an improved Bryce Harper. On paper, they had minuscule flaws.
The Brothers Upton Both HR to win the game!:
Atlanta Braves 2013 Player Roster: State Of The Union
Monday December 10th, 2012
Jake Dal Porto (Baseball Writer):
The Braves have been one of the most active teams during the offseason, but outside of the B.J. Upton signing, their additions and subtractions have pretty much flown under the radar. I guess that’s no surprise when the spotlight sits on Zack Greinke, Josh Hamilton, and the Dodgers. But it’s time to analyze what’s brewing in Atlanta.
Starting Pitching:
The big headline here is the loss of Tommy Hanson. The 26-year-old has yet to fully reach his ceiling in the major leagues, after having such lofty expectations placed on him when he first broke into the league in 2009. In 2012, he took a few massive steps back, though, with mediocre numbers across the board.
To be specific, he posted a career-worst 4.48 ERA, yielded a career-high 27 HRs, allowed 9.4 hit per Nine Innings, and walked nearly four batters per Nine Innings. So in other words, he didn’t have much of a clue as to where the ball was headed when it left his hands. Still, he has the potential to be front of the rotation starter with the Angels.

















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