Gamethread: Pirates @ Braves, June 8, 2009 (56/162) WIN

[Dreamscape]

Sdp seems to be busy with whatever (slacker) so here I am with a little game thread.

Lineups are posted...
Pittsburgh
McCutchen, CF
Morgan, LF
Sanchez, 2B
Ad. LaRoche, 1B
An. LaRoche, 3B
Moss, RF
Jaramillo, C
Wilson, SS
Duke, P

Atlanta
McLouth, CF
Escobar, SS
Chipper, 3B
McCann, C
Anderson, LF
Francoeur, RF
Prado, 1B
Johnson, 2B
Kawakami, P

[Agent-X-]

Leave it to Bobby to somehow put together a goofed up lineup with what we have. Then again, he does have our best four hitters in the top four spots.

Of course, every guy after McCann is a varying degree of suck with the exception of KJ, who should still be leading off.

[KB 34]

Bad news: The 5th and 6th batters are black holes, the 7th hitter is a utility infielder playing 1B, the starting pitcher is a mediocre pitcher whose horribly overpaid, and managing the team is a guy who needs to retire.
Good news: We're all used to it by now.

[Agent-X-]

Good news is that our 8th slot is not a black hole in the lineup.

Bad news is that our 6th slot is the black hole in the lineup.

Your post reminds me of the "Good Idea, Bad Idea" segment on Animaniacs.

"Good idea, removing the black hole from the 8th spot of your lineup."

"Bad idea, removing the black hole from the 8th spot in your lineup by moving it to the 6th spot. :p"

[Dreamscape]

Konami sets McLouth's replacement down and we're under way.

[Dreamscape]

A strikeout and a HBP. Filling out the stat sheet, are we?

[KB 34]

That would be amazing for 1/3 of the lineup.

[Dreamscape]

McLouth didn't waste much time one-upping the Pirates. Base hit.

[Dreamscape]

CHIPPER!!!! Two-run bomb and it's 2-0.

And they drill McCann for looking like he does. Evil people!

[Dreamscape]

It really is insane how often Francoeur finds himself in an 0-1 count.

[Agent-X-]

I wonder if Francoeur really sees himself through rose-colored glasses. I bet it would be interesting to make him watch Braves games from start to finish so he can see how unproductive he is. Every time he comes to the plate and the Braves are behind, his heart can sink as he realizes he isn't even going to work the count or make it look interesting.

[KB 34]

If he couldn't learn from last season he isn't going to learn now. The guy makes Glavine and Smoltz look really humble.

[Dreamscape]

I am starting to believe the guy at Baseball Prospectus was right. Blanco in left, Brandon Jones in right...platoon them with Diaz and maybe Prado, at least until Infante comes back.

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

Anderson and Francis should platoon as back-up peanut vendors.

[BigWorm]

Whoa a spaghetti monster? awesome

[Dreamscape]

Konami, it's like we tell Lowe and Vazquez. They gave you two...now go win.

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

Whoa a spaghetti monster? awesome



RAmen

[Braves N 10]

Now is the time about where Kenshin gives up runs. He has been pitching pretty good today and for the exception of Jeff we look pretty good at the plate.

[sdp]

Sorry, guys. The past ten hours have been busy.

Slacker.

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

If Kwak didn't make so much money, I think we could turn him into a fantastic set-up man. The old school type who could go 7-8 2 nights in a row. I still have faith in him as a starter though.

[sdp]

By the way, I got ripped off on a Cosmo tonight. The place didn't have prices listed -- $7.49.

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

Thats what you get for drinking cosmos. Seriously though, I felt the same way last weekend. I ran up a tab, only to find out a cranberry-vodka was running me $6.50 a piece, with WELL vodka.

[JanShan12]

I'm just joining in the discussion. I fell asleep when I got home from work and just turned the game on. Looks like I missed another Chipper homer.

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

From gamecast it looks like Kwak's really painting the corners in the bottom of the zone tonight. Thats what I like to see.

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

Looks like Nate's gonna make them set up another mural.

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

Chipper might only have to hit one HomerRun tonight.

[JanShan12]

Chipper might only have to hit one HomerRun tonight.

Ha! It really felt watching yesterday's game that Chipper just put the whole team on his shoulders. Thank goodness someone is willing to help share the load. We know Francoeur, Anderson, etc. aren't willing (or able) to do it.

[-Dr. Brave-]

Good to see the Braves launching a few tonight.

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

Ha! It really felt watching yesterday's game that Chipper just put the whole team on his shoulders. Thank goodness someone is willing to help share the load. We know Francoeur, Anderson, etc. aren't willing (or able) to do it.

I know, it's nice to see another hitter who, is at least, capable of making things happen. Afterall Chip, Brian, and Esco can only do so much.

[JanShan12]

3 home runs in one game? In Atlanta? Which team are we watching?

[Dreamscape]

Five runs is like an offensive explosion for this team. It's rather impressive. It's also nice to see Duke coming back to Earth.

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

It's like we went back in time about 10 years. Except then we managed to average about 3.5 homers a game and about 3.6 runs per game.

[JanShan12]

Other than the fact I have Zach Duke starting for my fantasy team tonight, I'm really happy!

[-Dr. Brave-]

3 home runs in one game? In Atlanta? Which team are we watching?

Is it the same team that had 3 stolen bases in Saturday's game?

[Hobbes]

We have post counts again.

[JanShan12]

We have post counts again.

Thanks! :D

[Lauren T.]

RIB, checking in -- using my real name now. Well, sort of. :D

[-Dr. Brave-]

We have post counts again.

Now if we can get some cool smilies again, we'll be all set.

[bravestud]

Two silly outs on the basepaths or else that could have been a big inning.

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

It took Ken 95 Pitches to go 6 innings.

[sdp]

I like McLouth.

[bravos4evr]

I got kicked off the tv so "someone" coul watch jon and kate plus 8...... so we still up 6-3?

[Hobbes]

Were you at the old place, Flying Spaghetti Monster?

[Hobbes]

I got kicked off the tv so "someone" coul watch jon and kate plus 8...... so we still up 6-3?
Yes.

[bravestud]

Wow...

[sdp]

Yes.

Not anymore.

[bravestud]

Moylan has been awful this year.

[-Dr. Brave-]

Maybe we can trade McLouth to the Pirates for McCutchen.

[bravos4evr]

watching the mlb live game animation thingy.....eeeeesh... No faith in Medlen I guess eh?

[bravestud]

watching the mlb live game animation thingy.....eeeeesh... No faith in Medlen I guess eh?
Your guess is as good as mine why we're going with Bennett in this spot. Thankfully we only need one out.

[bravos4evr]

oh dear god not bennet!!!!!!!!!

[Dreamscape]

Moylan wouldn't be this bad.

If he wasn't used in every single game.

Oh, Lord...Jeff Bennett as a situational reliever.

[-Dr. Brave-]

watching the mlb live game animation thingy.....eeeeesh... No faith in Medlen I guess eh?

I actually thought about that too. But Bennett should be able to get one out.

[Chris_Moderato]

Moylan wouldn't be this bad.

If he wasn't used in every single game.

Yep.

[bravos4evr]

Well, we made it. Poor KK gets no decision after pitching pretty well I think.

[-Dr. Brave-]

First time Chipper has been retired since getting ditzy in Saturday's game.

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

Were you at the old place, Flying Spaghetti Monster?

Yup Hobbs, I was ChopChop.

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

I don't see why we haven't seen Medlen out of the pen. he's got to have the 3rd best arm out there, at least, and if your scared to use him 1/3rd into the season against Pitt when are you going to use him? Hell his last start was great, the butterflies should be gone. I don't get it..

[bravos4evr]

at least Frenchy is consistent!

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

At this point, you could just tell him to close his eyes and swing for the fence every pitch and get more production... That is, if thats not what he's doing already :mad:

[Hobbes]

Yup Hobbs, I was ChopChop.
Thanks and welcome. I've updated your post count.

[-Dr. Brave-]

Bottom of the 9th. Let's win one for the gimper.

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

Thanks and welcome. I've updated your post count.

Thank you, Sir.

[Dreamscape]

Hey look, free baseball on our relaunch.

[-Dr. Brave-]

Extra innings. :(

And we've used most of our bullets out of the bullpen.

[-Dr. Brave-]

Adam LaRoche with a stolen base, the third of his career. :mad:

[JanShan12]

Perfect time for a strike out! Let's end it here!

[Dreamscape]

It's be nice if Francoeur did his whole "I can be the Francoeur of four years ago" thing again.

[JanShan12]

Good, walking Francoeur means he can't blow it.

[BigWorm]

Come on Jefffffffffffffrey

[Dreamscape]

Come on, Prado. Bloop one like the slugging first baseman you are.

[Dreamscape]

Oh, Prado, why did you finally have to remember that you're Martin Prado when we actually needed you?

Seriously, why isn't Norton playing first? At least give the guy a chance to get a few games of regular at-bats to see if he can get his timing going.

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

Monroes from my hometown. Yes, I know you don't care :D

[Dreamscape]

Monroe is the name of my billing address. He also got nailed at the plate. That part's kinda cool.

[argentina brave]

i just got on here in time for the bucs to strike out the side in the 11th! :p

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

if the pirates would have just moved McLouth over to left they might've had a nice combo out there for yrs to come.

[argentina brave]

man, acosta looks just like marvin freeman :)

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

Thanks and welcome. I've updated your post count.

man, acosta looks just like marvin freeman :)


http://www.beckett.com/images/pgitems/5710470101.jpg

He sure does.

[sdp]

John Russell ought to hang Ramon Vazquez.

[Dreamscape]

We were lucky Acosta ran out of LaRoche's to walk in that evening.

This game continues, Cox may have to use Medlen. I know he really doesn't want to...

[argentina brave]

what's up with these loooong extra-inning games and laroches that make me vomit in my mouth and start thinking about that playoff game against houston :mad:

[sdp]

If I hear "fisted" one more time, I'm going to break down and search Google for bad things.

[Dreamscape]

If I hear "fisted" one more time, I'm going to break down and search Google for bad things.
TMI. Too much information. I used to say "don't go there," but that's....lame.

/Michael Scott'd

[sdp]

TMI. Too much information. I used to say "don't go there," but that's....lame.

/Michael Scott'd

:P

[Dreamscape]

Jair Jurrjens = Professional Pinch Runner.

[argentina brave]

braves in extra innings = empty beer bottles on argentina brave's kitchen counter

[BigWorm]

Hopefully Medlen can give us 6 or 7 shutout innings tonight.

[Dreamscape]

This is when Medlen is horrible because I've wanted him in the game before the Bennetts and Stan Belinda's of the world.

[argentina brave]

may need 8

[BigWorm]

How the hell is Jeff Bennetts ERA so low? I think you guys are starting to convert me. I'm going to pick up some statdork glasses tomorrow.

[sdp]

How the hell is Jeff Bennetts ERA so low? I think you guys are starting to convert me. I'm going to pick up some statdork glasses tomorrow.

Everyone gets lucky every now and then. Except for me.

[Dreamscape]

Wow...the French Prince with a non-intentional walk.

I'll actually consent to using Prado to bunt here. And I hate the bunt.

[Dreamscape]

Dammit, KJ, you really are embarrassing me in front of all my friends.

And everyone else, too.

[MSbravefan]

Kelly and Jeff are having a contest to see who can suck worse this year.. and it's a pretty good battle

[Dreamscape]

On to the 14th.

We still have Dory or whatever his name is, right? Maybe he will be the hero.

[BigWorm]

Get Blanco the hell out of this organization. Pronto. No not Prado, pronto.

Comprende?

[sdp]

Get Blanco the hell out of this organization. Pronto. No not Prado, pronto.

Comprede?Paronto?

[-Dr. Brave-]

Just what the doctor ordered.

[Dreamscape]

Well, this is fun.

Even worse, Chipper has lasted 13.5 innings. That's like an entire week for him.

[BigWorm]

Well, this is fun.

Even worse, Chipper has lasted 13.5 innings. That's like an entire week for him.

Yeah they showed a shot of him when they pinch ran for Mac in the 12th. He looked jealous.

[Dreamscape]

Medlen, I was already in the process of accepting defeat. How dare you rip that from me!

I mean, great job.

go braves

[Hobbes]

On to the 14th.

We still have Dory or whatever his name is, right? Maybe he will be the hero.
http://getsexysanantonio.com/control/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/dory.jpg

[sdp]

This is where baseball becomes one heck of a lame game.

[MSbravefan]

and by stupidly pinch-running for Brian earlier, Bobby takes the bat out of both of his best hitters' hands.. brilliant

[Dreamscape]

That is all I will know him as now. Thanks, Hobbes.

Hey, look, Medlen is Chipper's protection now. Isn't that fun?

[sdp]

If we lose this game, thank Bobby's horrible management. It's way past his bedtime, the old codger.

[BigWorm]

This is where baseball becomes one heck of a lame game.

If I was commish, I'd make all tie games after the 11th go to an old fashioned home run derby. Each team picks one slugger and gets their own batting practice pitcher. 5 outs per team.

[JanShan12]

I'm so sleepy!

[sdp]

Fans would love it, that's for sure.

[Dreamscape]

Hey, cool, 14 and a half innings complete.

[-Dr. Brave-]

Medlen's been pretty damn solid except for that disastrous inning in his first start.

[BigWorm]

Someone ought to beat the **** out of that sorry ass Aussie.

[sdp]

Dammit, Blanco and Francoeur.

[Dreamscape]

Hey, cool, we just made it into their starting rotation.

[Dreamscape]

lol...the French Prince tried a bunt.

[Dreamscape]

KJ, time to be the hero.

I believe. Mainly because, well, this mancrush isn't going away just yet.

[Hobbes]

Come on Ross.

[-Dr. Brave-]

Martin Prado can barely walk. When did he hurt his knee?

[BigWorm]

End this.
Now please.

[sdp]

Martin Prado can barely walk. When did he hurt his knee?He's playing with a groin strain.

[BigWorm]

Yeah. Goodnight.

[sdp]

Braves win!

[Hobbes]

Yeah baby!

[Dreamscape]

Braves after our software switch: 1-0.

Yeah, that's how we roll.

[-Dr. Brave-]

He's playing with a groin strain.

Someone should tell Joe Simpson.

Career win #2000 for Bobby Cox.

[Hobbes]

Quite the way to inaugurate our new site.

[JanShan12]

Congrats, Bobby, on win #2000.

Congrats, ChopNation!

GOODNIGHT!!!

[argentina brave]

ditto, ditto, and DITTO!

[bravos4evr]

Well, that was fun eh?...............................

Ross couldn't have hit that much better, too slow for a DP and just fast enough to make Wilson struggle to field it and throw.

Yeah, that sucked, Medlen for the 7th!!!!!

[KB 34]

Moylan needs some offdays and I wouldn't mind seeing Medlen and Acosta pitch a few more important innings. It's a beautiful situation really. The Braves have the pieces to strengthen the bullpen and just need to put them together.

Moylan Game Count: 30 (tied for 3rd most in NL)

[sdp]

Quite the way to inaugurate our new site.

Heck yeah.

[BraveFan]

Great game especially by the pitching staff outside of Moylan.

[BigWorm]

Chopnation.com is taking me to the old site.... had to find the IP from Chris's post to find this site today.

[Hobbes]

Yeah, Don is trying to get that resolved, hopefully today.

[slowride]

I still can't believe Frenchy nearly blew that last play by loafing down the third base line. Thank God the throw was a couple inches off the plate.

[Bad Blood]

I still can't believe Frenchy nearly blew that last play by loafing down the third base line. Thank God the throw was a couple inches off the plate.

I can believe it.

[Lauren T.]

Moylan needs some offdays and I wouldn't mind seeing Medlen and Acosta pitch a few more important innings.

Totally agree here. One of my co-workers texted me last night to say he's not a fan of my "boyfriend", Moylan. I had to remind him that Moylan fell off the love-list this spring and is certainly NOT on there now.

[chicagobrave]

Well that was one long game last night. It was nice to see three homeruns in one game. I am really glad the Braves won but it would have been nice if the pitching staff had kept the lead when we had 6 runs. I would love to know why it seems like Moylan pitches in every game. Is Bobby waiting for his arm to fall off? I hope the offense continues to produce runs tonight and that I hope that Lowe can give us a lot of innings tonight