2010 Braves Season Simulated Chopnation Style

[BigWorm]

In this thread we all get to predict what will happen in the Braves 2010 season. Only rule is that you can't do two in a row. Simulate it however you'd like, long and drawn out, or short and sweet.

I'll start with the season opener
Monday, April 5th
Turner Field
vs. Chicago Cubs

Derek Lowe (0-0) vs. Carlos Zambrano (0-0)

Game Summary: Derek Lowe gets the opening day starting nod after a fair spring which saw him go 2-1 with a 3.58 ERA. The game is a definite pitchers duel as the Braves draw first blood with a Troy Glaus RBI double in the fourth. The Cubs come back to tie the game in the eighth as new setup man Saito gives up a game tying home-run. It didn't stay that way for long as Melky Cabrera's pinch hit single brings in Martin Prado with one out in the bottom of the ninth off Cubs closer, Carlos Marmol. Braves win 2-1.
WP: Wagner (1-0)
LP: Marmol (0-1)
HR: A. Ramirez, 1

Braves Record (1-0)

[The Rap]

I'm not into this at all but good luck with the thread. But where did you get Lowe as the opening day starter? I think it will be Hudson with Lowe pitching 4th which is the home opener.

[BigWorm]

Well Raaaaap. You see there's this thing called "fun". Sometimes I like to do things or type things that other people might not agree with. But the beauty of this, is that you can simulate the season however you'd like. To answer your questionssssss. I can see Bobby giving Lowe the opening day nod since he is the most experienced "veteran" on the team. Hudson may be the number, but in my simulation he's not. And thanks for the good luck on the thread, I haven't had many successful ones but I think it's a good idea, something to help the days pass leading up to spring training. If it crashes and burns, than it will be no different than my previous attempts at coolness.

[KB 34]

Game 2:
Braves and Cubs, Turner Field
Tim Hudson (0-0) vs. Ted Lilly (0-0)
Game Summary: Hudson makes his first stat of the season after being pushed back a day to rest his shoulder, which he said tightened slightly during his last preseason start. McCann hit his 1st HR of the season in the 4th to give the Braves a 3-0 lead. Hudson left after 7 innings, giving up 3 runs and striking out 7. The game remained tied until the 11th inning. Singles by Escobar and Heyward put runners at first and second for Melky Cabrera, who replaced Diaz in the lineup batting 8th. Cabrera hit into a double play sending Escobar to 3B. In the next AB Ross hit a walkoff single. Saiko, Wagner, Moylan, and Medlen each pitched scoreless innings.
Win: Medlen (1-0)
Loss: Marcos Mateo (0-1)
Braves record (2-0)

[warefreak]

I don't know about you guys but I'm thinking this team is going 162-0. No doubt about it!

[BigWorm]

I don't know about you guys but I'm thinking this team is going 162-0. No doubt about it!

Not if wordslayer chooses to participate! I can't wait to read what happens.

[warefreak]

Seriously the only time I predict us losing is when we go up against a Johan Santana or a Roy Halladay... and as long as we don't put Lowe or Kawakami against them I picture a 50/50 chance of us winning/losing that game. If it's Kawakami I put us at a 40/60 chance and if it's Lowe I'd put us at a 20/80 chance. I would list a few other aces but I don't have as much time so Johan and Hallady are the only ones I list right now... but there are other aces out there too that will match up favorably with us from time to time.

Other than that I love our starting staff so much that we should go into almost every game as the favorite to win.

[The Rap]

Well Raaaaap. You see there's this thing called "fun". Sometimes I like to do things or type things that other people might not agree with. But the beauty of this, is that you can simulate the season however you'd like. To answer your questionssssss. I can see Bobby giving Lowe the opening day nod since he is the most experienced "veteran" on the team. Hudson may be the number, but in my simulation he's not. And thanks for the good luck on the thread, I haven't had many successful ones but I think it's a good idea, something to help the days pass leading up to spring training. If it crashes and burns, than it will be no different than my previous attempts at coolness.

I have no idea what you are talking about. Just because I said I am not into it doesn't mean I don't think its a viable thread. I can see Huddy pitching the opener and Derek taking game 4 which is the home opener but it is too early to really speculate.

[Chris_Moderato]

I have no idea what you are talking about. Just because I said I am not into it doesn't mean I don't think its a viable thread. I can see Huddy pitching the opener and Derek taking game 4 which is the home opener but it is too early to really speculate.

Why must you kill joy?

This thread is a game. A fantasy game, which requires imagination and the ability to suspend disbelief. You are perfectly free to choose not to participate.

[The Rap]

Attacking a moderator publicly is not the way to make your point. Bigworm presented a theoretical thread where there are no right answers. Maybe LaRoche ends up pitching against the Braves because the game goes to 20 innings and both teams are out of pitchers? It could happen and thus something that crazy would be fair game on the thread. Don't like the direction the first post went? Post a result for game 3 and contribute in a positive manner. And please don't try attacking me publicly for being the bad guy. I was made administrator to enforce the forum rules, which is all I'm doing here. KB

[Lauren T.]

Oh jeez.

On topic, if I wrote one of these, y'all wouldn't like it very much. It would involve things like this (http://braveslove.blogspot.com/2008/04/cameras-are-always-rolling.html). Oh wait... that actually happened! :thumbsup:

[-Dr. Brave-]

Game 3:
Braves vs. Cubs, Turner Field
Jair Jurrjens (0-0) vs Ryan Dempster (0-0)
Game Summary: A day game, as this is getaway day before another day game tomorrow in San Francisco.

The Cubs pounced quickly on the Braves in this one with single runs in the first two innings, as Jair Jurrjens struggled with location on his off-speed pitches. His three walks allowed in the first four innings helped the Cubs take a 3-0 lead. The Braves scored three in the fifth to tie the game on the strength of RBI doubles by Omar Infante and Nate McLouth and a two-out RBI single by Chipper Jones. The Cubs chased Jurrjens in the 6th after a Marlon Byrd RBI single. Jesse Chavez came on with two on and one out and promptly gave up a three-run homer to Alfonso Soriano on the first pitch. The Cubs added another run in the 8th and go on to win it 8-3.

W- R. Dempster
L- J. Jurrjens
HR- A. Soriano

Braves record: 2-1
Next game: at SF, 4:35ET

[luvdembravos]

During the Game 4 post-game interview, Bobby Cox revealed that Chipper Jones pulled a hamstring running out a first inning grounder. He's expected to miss the next two weeks.

Now that's more realistic ;)

[KB 34]

Game 5: Braves s. Giants
Pitching: Kawakami vs. someone
Note: Chipper Jones was placed on the 15 day DL, and Conrad was recalled from AAA. McCann got the day off. After the game Kawakami reported tightness in his elbow. He's probable for his next start.

Cabrera RF
Prado 2B
McLouth CF
Glaus 1B
Diaz LF
Escobar ss
Infante 3B
Ross C

Kawakami had an ineffective night and left after 4 1/3 innings giving up 5 runs and leaving the bases loaded. Chavez got out of the inning for Kawakami with a double play ball. Escobar single handedly carried the offense going 4-4 with a walk, 2 HR, 1 double, and 4 RBI. The Braes won 6-4.
Win: Chavez 1-0
Save: Wagner (1)
Braves are 4-1

[Middle Man]

BRAVES WIN !!! BRAVES WIN!!! The Braves come from behind to win game 7!!!

Ummm, too soon?

Never mind, carry on. I sure hope Heyward gets the call soon. We can't count on Hanson to pitch a shutout every game, you know?

Edit: Wait! Heyward is on the roster? But got beaned on the head? Can you double check that? I'm pretty sure it was Milky.

[KB 34]

Game 7: Braves and Padres
Pitching Matchup: Hudson and who cares
Injury Notes: Chipper (15 day DL), Kawakami (DTD), BREAKING NEWS-Heyward placed on 15 day DL with post concusion syndrome, will miss a month, Gregor Blanco called up from Gwinnett

Lineup: (no word why Cabrera finds himself on the bench after last game)
Blanco RF
Prado 2B
McLouth CF
Hinske 1B
McCann C
Escobar ss
Diaz LF
Conrad 3B

Hudson gets into a pitching duel, and loses despite pitching 8 innings of one run baseball and striking out 7. The Braves only managed three hits, singles by Escobar, McCann, and Prado. Final score: 1-0

Braves record: 5-2

[The Rap]

This looks like a lot of fun but I am not comfortable with the prediction of injuries, especially with the beaning of our prize jewel.

[KB 34]

Game 9: Braves and Pradres
Hanson (1-0) vs. whoever
Injury notes: Chipper still on the DL, should be ready to go when he's eligible to come off the DL, The Braves plan on having Heyward play a couple games at AAA when he gets better, Kawakami will make his schedules start.

Cabrera RF
Infante 2B
McLouth CF
Glaus 1B
McCann C
Escobar ss
Diaz LF
Conrad 3B

Hanson makes the minimal quality start, giving up 3 runs over 6 innings. He left with a 5-3 lead thanks to a 3 run double by McCann in the 4th inning. Moylan pitched the 7th and blew the lead. A walkoff HR by the Padres off Wagner in the 9th gave them the win.
Loss: Wagner (1-1)
Braves Record: 5-4

[Middle Man]

Game 9: Braves and Pradres
Hanson (1-0) vs. whoever
Injury notes: Chipper still on the DL, should be ready to go when he's eligible to come off the DL, The Braves plan on having Heyward play a couple games at AAA when he gets better, Kawakami will make his schedules start.

Cabrera RF
Infante 2B
McLouth CF
Glaus 1B
McCann C
Escobar ss
Diaz LF
Conrad 3B

Hanson makes the minimal quality start, giving up 3 runs over 6 innings. He left with a 5-3 lead thanks to a 3 run double by McCann in the 4th inning. Moylan pitched the 7th and blew the lead. A walkoff HR by the Padres off Wagner in the 9th gave them the win.
Loss: Wagner (1-1)
Braves Record: 5-4

I'm surprised Bobby didn't get tossed from this one. The home plate ump was inconsistent all night long.

[jlcct]

Game 10: Braves and Pradres (Rockies)

Kawakami (0-0) vs. Some Dude

It's bark in the park day in San Diego and as irony would have it Renee Zellweger throws out the first pitch as 200 pups rush the field. After an odd and uncomfortable start to the game they finally got underway.

Cabrera RF
Prado 2B
McLouth CF
Glaus 1B
McCann C
Escobar ss
Diaz LF
Conrad 3B

Diaz goes 4 for 4 with 2 jacks and McCann steals 3 bases. Braves win.
W: Kawakami (1-0)
Braves Record: 6-4

[Middle Man]

Game 11: Braves vs. Rockies

Game Postponed until date to be determined

Although a light rain preceded the opening pitch, the game appeared to be a GO until a crazed fan calling himself The Rap raced onto the field demanding a halt to the fun.

Security personnel quickly subdued the trespasser. However, due to the inability of officials to determine the motives of The Rap or to track his movements prior to appearing on the field, and with an abundance of caution, the game was postponed until a later date.

The Rap was later released after paying a $25 fine. It's rumored that Fox TV has offered The Rap his own reality show to begin airing in 2011.

[luvdembravos]

It's rumored that Fox TV has offered The Rap his own NON-reality show to begin airing in 2011.


Fixed that for you.

[The Rap]

That was hysterical. Thx MM

[KB 34]

Game 12: Braves and Padres
Hudson vs. Who Cares

The injury bug bit again with Glaus severely spraining his ankle. He'll miss 3 weeks and was placed on the DL. Freeman was called up from AAA and will take over at 1B.

Diaz RF
Prado 2B
McLouth CF
Infante 3B
McCann C
Escobar ss
Hinske LF
Freeman 1B

Hudson pitched an abolute gem, giving up 1 run in 7 innings, only after 2 Diaz errors in the second inning. However, Saito gave up the game tying run in the 8th and Wagner picked up the win in the 10th. Braves win 2-1. McCann hit the game winning HR.

Braves Record: 7-4

Next Up: 3 games at home vs. Rockies, 3 games at home vs. Phillies

[BigWorm]

Lowe vs. some bum for the Rockies
Turner Field

It looks like it's going to be a Jekyll/Hyde sort of season for Derek Lowe. After starting the season with two quality starts, this one gets away from him quickly as he becomes the first pitcher in Braves history to give up back-to-back-to-back-to-back home runs. When Bobby came out to get Lowe off the mound with one out in the second, Lowe could be seen mouthing "what I'm not doing good enough?" with a smirk and a smile Bobby Cox says "not today kid". The lone bright spot is Freddie Freeman who doubled and scored in three official at bats.

Braves Record
7-5

[Freddy_Ballgame]

During a post game interview Chip Caray's replacement, Michael Rapaport, tries to get Chipper Jones to speak about his most recent injury and the timetable for recovery. As Chipper goes with his now-patented low-key, monotone response #7, the boom mike operator dozes off dropping the boom mike squarely on the head of Tim Hudson, concussing him and sending him to an extended stay on the DL. Chipper actually displays emotion, not unlike Keanu Reeves, and fairly barks at Rap who said he didn't buy what Chipper was saying, right after asking him what he was smoking. Afterwards, Bobby Cox is overheard saying, "I'm glad we've got a lot of young arms coming along to cover for Huddy! I'll probably go with Hampton tomorrow if Jeff Bennett isn't ready." Cox is quickly shuttled away to a nearby closet until the next game.

[BigWorm]

What a bad dream. Thank god none of that was real.

[I Come in Peace]

Game 14:

Braves (8-5) vs Phillies

Hanson vs Happ.

Game Summary: Hanson goes 7 giving up 2 runs striking out 11. Happ is pounded in the 5th giving up 5 runs in that inning and is chased out of the game. Filling in for the injured Glaus Eric Hinske has a monster day going 3 for 4 with a HR and two doubles.
Braves win 6-2.

Win: Hanson (2-1)
Loss: Happ (0-2)

Braves Record (9-5)

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

Game 15:
Braves(9-5) vs Phillies

Kawakami vs Moyer

Recap: KK looked shakey in the 1st loading the bases on a pair of walks that sandwiched a Victarino Double. Rollins would have scored on the play, but badly turned his ankle rounding third forcing him out of the game. Castro would come into the game to replace Rollins as the runner at 3rd and SS for the remainder of the game. Utley would hit a sharp line drive that Escobar just managed to snare. Howard took a hanging curve on a 2-1 pitch by Kawakami and hit it towards the deepest part of the park, but McLouth was able to snare the ball before it went over the wall resulting in only a Sac Fly...

From there Moyer and Kawakami would keep the score 1-0 going into the bottom of the 3rd....McLouth,McCann, and Diaz would each homer that inning to push 5 runs accross and give the Braves the 5-1 lead..Kenshin would pitch a scoreless 4th, before giving up a 2 run homer to Utley scoring Victarino, who had reached on his 2nd Double. Bobby would leave KK into to start the 6th, but would quickly remove him after a walk to Werth his 4th of the game....

EOF would be brought on to face Ibanez who manged to reach on a error by Prado. EOF would give a 2 run doulbe to tie the game to Polanco before finally being removed from the game...

Moylan and Saito would pitch scorless 7th and 8th giving the Braves the chance to go ahead in the 8th...McCann would come up with runners on 2nd and 3rd and promptly double them home to give the Braves 7-5 lead and Wagner another save opp which he would quickly nail down striking out the side on 9 pitches in easily his best outing as Braves Closer...

Win: Saito
Loss: Romero
Save: Wagner(3)

Braves 10-5

[I Come in Peace]

Game 16: Braves @ Mets
Derek Lowe misses his scheduled start b/c of a blister on his pitching hand, nothing serious should make next start.

Kris Medlen vs John Maine

Game Summary: Braves pound Maine earlie putting up 3 runs in the first off of a HR by Mac. The Braves go on to pound Maine and the Mets pen for 7 runs while Medlen goes 5 innings scatter 3 runs. Braves win 7 to 4.

Win: Medlen
Loss: Maine
Save: Wagner.

Braves (11-5)

[BigWorm]

Game 17
Braves @ Mets.

Tim Hudson gives up three runs in six innings as the Braves crush the Mets. Nate McLouth went 3-5 and hit his second home run in as many days as the Braves cruised to a 11-5 victory. This game also marked the return of Chipper Jones from the disabled list. Jones singled and scored in his first at bat and was taken out in the sixth inning with the Braves ahead 9-3. Jones had this to say at the end of the day " I'm just glad to be back in the lineup and contributing in some way. I hope this will be the only time I'm put on the disabled list for any period of time, by the way my favorite website is chopnation.com and the fans that post on there are extremely smart and forgiving. Hopefully they'll cough I mean I'll be able to remain healthy and strong."

W- Hudson
L- Perez

Braves Record (12-5)

[Lauren T.]

Jones had this to say at the end of the day "... by the way my favorite website is chopnation.com and the fans that post on there are extremely smart and forgiving."
Riiiiiiiiight! ;)

[Redman5006]

Game 18

Mets vs. Braves

Santana against Jurrjens

Both teams no hit each other through five innings and Santana gets pulled when Heyward hits his first grand slamma. Then Medlen, Moylan and Wagner slam the door. Jurrjens earns his first no-no and Braves move 14 games ahead of the 2nd place Phillies in the NL east. :thumbsup:

[Redman5006]

Im pretending he never got hit and placed on the DL, its the optimist in me. :)

[BigWorm]

Thought this would be an interesting read. It's from the fantasy baseball projection page on espn.com
Here is the Atlanta Braves projections.
http://games.espn.go.com/flb/tools/projections?display=alt&proTeamId=15

[luvdembravos]

Thought this would be an interesting read. It's from the fantasy baseball projection page on espn.com
Here is the Atlanta Braves projections.
http://games.espn.go.com/flb/tools/projections?display=alt&proTeamId=15

Heyward's projections appear reasonable to me.

[The Rap]

I am just surprised that Blanco and Jo Jo are still with us.

[jlcct]

I didn't know David Ross was such a gamble until now. hmmm. I trust what you guys say about our players quite often since I don't catch a lot of games and nobody talks about David Ross. David Ross. If you do a search of his name it will come up three times now haha. Since I didn't have an opinion I always thought his numbers last year looked okay. I've got my eye on you Mr. Ross.

[BigWorm]

Huh?
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2tu8hByTiU/SYWzvHma3tI/AAAAAAAAAO4/sINoCDt9mIE/s400/001150_25.jpg

[jlcct]

Huh?
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d2tu8hByTiU/SYWzvHma3tI/AAAAAAAAAO4/sINoCDt9mIE/s400/001150_25.jpg

From the second page of the link you posted.

010 Outlook: You would think it smart of the Braves to have a right-handed backup catcher to make up for Brian McCann's occasional issues with left-handed pitching, but Ross isn't exactly the ideal candidate. Once a lefty masher, Ross has .236/.324/.382 (BA/OBP/SLG) numbers versus southpaws the past three seasons combined, making him look like a shaky play as even a daily-leagues matchup option. He's more of a swing-for-the-fences type whose .273 batting average was entirely out of character, making it likely he could do more harm than good to NL-only owners targeting him as a No. 2 catcher. Beware because there's a steep downside here.

[KB 34]

McCann having troubles against lefties is news to me. For some reason I don't worry about McCann's bat in the lineup, maybe because he's a perennial All Star who earns it and deserves it?

[Andy G.]

Where are we in the season? Have the Braves traded for Kelly Johnson yet? :)

[BigWorm]

You'd think GM Dreamscape would've done that already. Or at least GM Wordslayer would've traded for Francoeur so that he could turn around and trade him to the Clemson Tigers for an up and coming trainer. Dave Pursley is getting older.

[KB 34]

Rumors have it the Braves have expressed interest in Adam LaRoche, Adam Dunn, Austin Kearns, and Corey Hart.


Disclaimer: In the game, not reality.

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

Don't forget that Bobby's trying to convince them to bring Jordan, Lockhart, and Norton out of his retirment for his final run...

[KB 34]

Bobby had Infante batting cleanup tonight? Heyward should be batting 4th instead of 7th seeing he has legitimate power and will probably bat 4th in years to come anyhow.

[BigWorm]

In this thread we all get to predict what will happen in the Braves 2010 season. Only rule is that you can't do two in a row. Simulate it however you'd like, long and drawn out, or short and sweet.

I'll start with the season opener
Monday, April 5th
Turner Field
vs. Chicago Cubs

Derek Lowe (0-0) vs. Carlos Zambrano (0-0)

Game Summary: Derek Lowe gets the opening day starting nod after a fair spring which saw him go 2-1 with a 3.58 ERA. The game is a definite pitchers duel as the Braves draw first blood with a Troy Glaus RBI double in the fourth. The Cubs come back to tie the game in the eighth as new setup man Saito gives up a game tying home-run. It didn't stay that way for long as Melky Cabrera's pinch hit single brings in Martin Prado with one out in the bottom of the ninth off Cubs closer, Carlos Marmol. Braves win 2-1.
WP: Wagner (1-0)
LP: Marmol (0-1)
HR: A. Ramirez, 1

Braves Record (1-0)

Welp. At least I picked the starting pitchers right. And the winner. That counts for something, right?

[KB 34]

And your 9 inning total for runs scored equalled the first half inning.

[Andy G.]

You also predicted that Ramirez would hit a homerun, which he did. Nice!