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Fantasy Baseball: Atlanta Braves Closer Situation

By Brad Berreman | July 9, 2009 | MVN Outsider

At the start of the 2009 season, the Atlanta Braves had two options for closing games: Left-hander Mike Gonzalez and right-hander Rafael Soriano. Both have had injury issues during their big league careers, but if both stayed healthy the Braves would seem to be in good hands in the late innings. Through Wednesday, Soriano has 10 saves to go along with a 1-1 record and a 1.55 ERA so far this season. He has been very effective, with 53 strikeouts (11.7 K/9) and 15 walks (3.3 BB/9) in 40.2 innings (39 appearances) in 2009. Gonzalez has nine saves to go with a 3-1 record and a 3.05 ERA in 44 appearances (41.1 innings) this season. Like Soriano he has pitched very effectively, with 54 strikeouts (11.8 K/9) and 17 walks (3.7 BB/9) this season. Gonzalez also has nine holds through Wednesday. Atlanta manager Bobby Cox has effectively alternated using Soriano and Gonzalez in save situations this season, but Soriano has...

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Six Games in Six Days: My Very Late Final Thoughts

By Kristi Dosh | July 9, 2009 | Chop-n-Change

I'm about ten days late with this, but I drove out my sixth game in six days (after watching the Braves finally beat the Red Sox!) and headed straight for my vacation. I'm finally back and have a free moment, so I want to add my final thoughts on my Six Games in Six Days journey. First, I've learned that I will probably never be a season ticket holder, at least not the kind that goes to every game. When you live 40 miles or so from the stadium and have a full-time job (along with a part-time teaching gig and sports blogging to do), six games in six days is exhausting! Now, I can imagine nothing better than having a job that paid me to go to every game, but until then I don't think I'll be making it to the ballpark so often. That's not to say that...

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Mid-Season Awards: National League

By Tyler Hissey | July 9, 2009 | Around the Majors

Earlier this week, I produced my mid-season awards for the American League. Now, for those who have been anxiously awaiting the next round, I present to you my picks for the National League.Most Valuable PlayerAlbert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals:We might need to rename the Most Valuable Player award the Albert Pujols. He's just that good.Pujols has continued to amaze for the Cardinals, consistently belting moon shots into the night while walking more than he strikes out. His .336/.462/.735 line and insane .477 Weighted On-Base Average (wOBA) would be impressive in a video game, and he's leading the circuit with 31 home runs, a 215 OPS+, 81 RBIs and 208 total bases. Machine, indeed.Since Pujols is one of the best defensive first baseman in the league as well, this truly is just a no-contest pick. In fact, when accounting for batting, fielding and positional factors, he has been worth an NL-leading...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Albert Pujols, Atlanta Braves, Colby Rasmus, Javier Vasquez, MLB, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Tim Lincecum

Thursday's Games of the Day

By Jonathan Etkowicz | July 9, 2009 | MLB Notebook

Twelve games are being played on Thursday. I'm trying a new format for Games of the Day. Instead of picking only some of the games, each game will be previewed. Two aces, Tim Lincecum and Felix Hernandez, pitch on Thursday. Roy Halladay may be taking the mound in Tampa Bay as a sort of trade audition. Tommy Hanson will get a test from the Rockies at Coors Field. Paul Konerko looks to continue his hot hitting against the Indians. The Cardinals and Brewers rap up an exciting July series. These games and more can be found below. Toronto at Tampa...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Alfredo Aceves, Andrew Miller, Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Brad Penny, Carl Crawford, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Clayton Richard, Cleveland Indians, Cody Ross, Colorado Rockies, David Price, Felix Hernandez, Florida Marlins, Games of the Day, Houston Astros, John Lannan, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, Luke Hochevar, Micah Owings, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, MLB, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Nyjer Morgan, Paul Konerko, Philadelphia Phillies, Rafael Furcal, Randy Wolf, Roy Halladay, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Tim Lincecum, Tommy Hanson, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals

Afternoon Notes: Francouer, Ejections, Gorzelanny

By Zach Sanders | July 8, 2009 | MLB Notebook

After sitting out the past couple of games, Jeff Francoeur was back in the lineup for the Braves. He went 1-for-4.Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum and bench coach Willie Randolph were ejected on seperate check-swing plays. Manny Ramirez was ejected in his own game, after arguing balls in strikes. Replays reportedly showed Manny was wrong.Tom Gorzelanny will remain in the minors, even after pitching well in his last few starts....

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Atlanta Braves, Jeff Francoeur, Los Angeles Dodgers, Manny Ramirez, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tom Gorzelanny

Tom Gieryn: July 7 recap

By Alex Remington | July 8, 2009 | Chop-n-Change

Braves 2, Cubs 1MVP: Javier Vazquez. Seven innings of one-run baseball in a close game...that's an ace for you right there.LVP: Yunel Escobar. 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, both of which came with men on base. He wasn't far from the only hitter with a negative WPA though..MIP: Brian McCann's RBI double with two outs in the third to break the 1-1 tie and put the Bravos ahead for good.UotG: Starting pitching. Vazquez pretty much won this game by himself, posting a WPA of .413.Minors Gwinnett: Reid Gorecki's name probably shouldn't keep showing up here, because he really isn't a prospect, but I still think he could be somebody's fifth outfielder someday; anyway, he had two more hits (both doubles) in three at-bats today, and he's now hitting .282/.351/.576 over the last month. Brandon Jones singled twice for the other multi-hit game. Jo-Jo Reyes appeared from the injury shadows again, tossing...

Read more | 10 Comments | Tags: Atlanta Braves, farm system, game recaps, minor league, Tom Gieryn

Tom Gieryn: July 6 Recap

By Alex Remington | July 7, 2009 | Chop-n-Change

Cubs 4, Braves 2MVP: Yunel Escobar. Two singles, a walk, and an RBI in four trips was enough to earn MVP for this game.LVP: Jair Jurrjens. Four earned runs allowed in six innings isn't exactly impressive, and while I hate to dock a pitcher for his hitting, he grounded into a fielder's choice with two outs and the bases loaded with the Braves down 4-1 in the fourth, which was a big play for the Cubbies.MIP: Derrek Lee's two-run homer with one out in the first inning. As usual, in a game where one team is in control the entire game, the first runs are most important.UotG: Since this is the first recap of a loss, remember that the "unit of the game" is the one that contributes most to the result (i.e., if we win, this is the most valuable; if we lose, it's the least valuable). So the...

Read more | 5 Comments | Tags: Atlanta Braves, farm system, game recaps, minor league, Tom Gieryn

Big Money and Little Money Both Get Robbed By All-Star Game Voting

By Nuschler | July 6, 2009 | SF Giants Pride

What in the name of Willie Mays has happened to my beloved National League? The Senior Circuit continually plays the second half of the Major League Baseball season with the American League's collective cleat protruding from its rear due to the latter's dominance in the All-Star Game. Even casual fans of the diamond know the Mid-Summer Classic's gone to the league with that ridiculous designated hitter for a while now. Six in a row, 10 of the last 11, and a string of 12 consecutive contests without a loss by the Junior Circuit to be precise. Can you believe it? The NL's gotta look back on that abysmal, embarrassing tie in Milwaukee with fondness. Ugh. And, if you want to know why, it's because our side is usually of a poorer constitution. Say what you want about the antics from New York and Boston, at least their guys can play. ...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: All-Star Game, Bengie Molina, MLB, National League, NL West, Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants

Fantasy Baseball: Atlanta Braves Closer Situation

By Brad Berreman | July 9, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Atlanta Braves, Fantasy, Mike Gonzalez, MLB, Rafael Soriano

MLB Great Debates: Which Playoff Contender Needs a Trade to Stay in the Race?

By Staff Report | June 26, 2009 | MVN Outsider

MLB Outsider's Jaymes Langrehr and Kurt Evans debate the issue: Which contending team most needs to make a deal before the July 31 trade deadline in order to stay in the race? Jaymes Langrehr argues that the Brewers desperately need starting pitching:As we get closer to the trade deadline, a good number of teams are developing clear needs that need to be addressed if they're going to stay in playoff contention. Some teams will be able to cope with their weaknesses and still make the playoffs due to their other strengths. Other clubs will need to make a move if they have any chance at contending in the second half.The Milwaukee Brewers are a prime example. Heading into this season, they knew that their pitching wouldn't be as good as it was down the stretch last season. Given the strength of their offense, however, they figured to be in okay...Read more

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MLB Outsider - Who?

By Kurt Evans | June 22, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Everybody's heard of Alex Rodriguez. We all know who Johan Santana is. Lord knows we've all seen the towering homeruns of Albert Pujols. But as fascinating as those players are -- and it's usually a lot of fun to see somebody turn into a star and have a long, successful career -- there are a number of players in the '09 season who have put up heroic numbers... and yet most of us wouldn't be able to spot them in a crowd or even recognize their name in a discussion. Here's a short list of this year's surprises...The HittersPablo Sandoval - 22-years-old, the Giants rookie is batting .338 and is presently on pace to hit 50 doubles, 5 triples, 20 homeruns, and drive in 82 RBI. I'm sure that Giant fans everywhere know his name and are buying his poster, but outside of San Fran he's probably about as recognizable as...Read more

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Florida Marlins, Minnesota Twins, MLB, MLB Outsider, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays

Fantasy Baseball: A Salute To Tom Glavine

By Brad Berreman | June 4, 2009 | MVN Outsider

On Wednesday, according to FOXSports.com, the Atlanta Braves released pitcher Tom Glavine. Glavine, 43, had made a few rehab starts in the minors this season in his recovery from elbow and shoulder surgeries and proclaimed himself ready to return. The 305-game winner had stated that he only wanted to pitch in Atlanta, where he began his major league career, so his career could be over. It seems to be a financial decision for the Braves, as he could have made as much as $4.5 million this season if he was added to the active roster and subsequently spent 30 and 90 days on the active roster. Glavine's release also opens the door for the Braves to call-up top pitching prospect Tommy Hanson, which they will do. Glavine struggled with injuries in 2008, going 2-4 with a 5.54 ERA in 13 starts with Atlanta. Prior to last season he had been remarkable...Read more

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MLB Great Debates: The Ballpark Experience

By Staff Report | May 26, 2009 | MVN Outsider

MLB Outsider's Jaymes Langrehr and Kurt Evans debate the issue: Which experience is better, going to a Major League Baseball game or going to a minor-league one?Jaymes Langrehr says MLB's quality is top-notch:Where I grew up, I was about a three-hour drive east away from Milwaukee County Stadium, and a three-hour drive west away from the Metrodome. I was literally stuck in the middle of nowhere when it came to the MLB map, and looking back, I was definitely jealous of the kids who were able to spend their summers buying cheap Brewers tickets and move their way up to field level (because it's not like anyone was sitting in those seats, anyway). Still, the few major-league games that I was able to attend were incredible -- even though the home team almost always got crushed. Even when your team stinks, there's something special about a Major League game that...Read more

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MLB Top 10: Padres Come Up Big

By Jaymes Langrehr | May 25, 2009 | MVN Outsider

I said last week that baseball was a funny game -- any team can get hot for an extended period of time, as evidenced by the Rangers topping last week's Top 10 list. This past week, things got even stranger: both the Blue Jays and the Cubs are in the middle of horrific losing streaks, while the San Diego Padres of all teams are riding high with a 9-game winning streak. With that kind of winning streak, San Diego earns the top spot as this week's hottest team...who are the other nine? Why don't you keep reading?1. San Diego Padres (22-22)The Friars are so hot that the only loss they had in the past week was off the field, when Jake Peavy shot down a trade agreement with the Chicago White Sox. A nine-game winning streak certainly wasn't expected from this group, but they've been getting some very good pitching...Read more

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, MLB, MLB Outsider, MLB Top 10, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers

MLB Stock Market - May Day Injuries Edition

By Kurt Evans | May 17, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Another week, another round of heart-breaking injuries. It's not that there weren't good things that happened but when so many All Star caliber players go down at once it's hard to ignore the bad things. Let's take a closer look...RisingTom Glavine's chances of tossing a pitch that mattersI admit that I would be stoked if my hero Andre Dawson were to announce today his plans to come out of retirement and play for the Cubs in 2009. I'd be ecstatic. Doing cartwheels. Performing neck-crunching back-flips. And then, once the euphoria faded, I would ask myself this simple question: what the hell is he thinking? I have to imagine that Braves fans wonder the same thing about Tom Glavine. He's a phenomenal pitcher. A 300 game winner, a sure-fire Hall of Famer, a World Series ring wearer, you name it. But the problem is that when he came back to pitch...Read more

Read more | 2 Comments | Tags: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, MLB, MLB Outsider, New York Mets, New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals

MLB Outsider Mock Draft: Atlanta Braves Select Donavan Tate

By Staff Report | May 15, 2009 | MVN Outsider

MLB Outsider is hosting a 2009 MLB mock draft, where bloggers from all over come together in an attempt to project the draft results that will take place June 9. Braves Journal's Mac Thomason picks for the Atlanta Braves at No. 7. OF Donavan Tate from Cartersville High School continues a Braves trend in the draft. Follow the mock draft here.Donavan (or Donovan, reports differ) Tate is probably the highest rated high school outfielder available, a big (6-3, 200) athlete who is somewhat raw. He's been compared to Jeff Francoeur, which could be the kiss of death for some organizations, but the Braves still like Francoeur. He has the famous five tools, with speed and throwing arm the strongest of them, but has hit for high averages (.515 as a junior, at a high level) and for power. Like I said, he's raw, and he needs to work on his...Read more

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