Bold Predictions: Atlanta Braves Edition

With the trade deadline approaching and one of the Braves' starting pitchers sporting a 3-4 record and a 7.04 ERA, I can't help but be nervous. As of right now, the chances of this team acquiring a new arm are looking bleak, but then again, I don't have any inside sources down at the Ted.

I believe that this team has a chance to win the Series. That, however, is not the bold prediction. This dream can only happen if, 1. Jair Jurrjens stops throwing like Ray King, 2. They acquire a upper to mid level starter to replace JJ, or c. someone steps up in a big way to fill this gap in the rotation.

This is where the Bold Prediction comes into play. Write this down: Chris Medlen, who pitches instead of JJ on Tuesday, will pitch 5-6 innings giving up 1 run and earn the win and the starting position for the rest of the year. The prediction doesn't stop here. I predict that Medlen will be another "surprise" in the rotation a "Sheets-esque" addition and will win at least 6 games and push the team into the playoffs.

Medlen has pitched a total of four innings against the Marlins of Miami this season. Thats 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 SO, .75 WHIP, and a 0 ERA
In July he has pitched 16.1 innings allowing 8 hits, 1 run, 4 walks and 13 strikeouts. That's a .55 ERA.

While Medlen has been a very valuable piece to the Braves' bullpen, he was most valuable coming in for 3 or 4 innings when the starter was struggling. It so happened that Jurrjens was often the one struggling, i.e. 6 runs on 9 hits in 2 1/3 innings against the Nats.

Unless Frank Wren gets a deal done in the next 12 hours, Chris Medlen will have to step up big if the Bravos want a chance greatness.

**Part of making Bold Predictions is the possibility that they fail miserably. Ergo I either look like a prophet/genius baseball fan or a rambling idiot who posts his uneducated opinions on the internet. For my sake, I hope Medlen deals, but if he doesn't, feel free to rub it in my face.

Sorry for the jab, Ray.

Let's hope facial expressions are where the similarities end.

Sincerely,
G$

Trade Deadline Ramblings, Ramblings and Ramblings (Part 2)

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to part two of the Sporty Boy's Trade Deadline Ramblings, Ramblings and Ramblings. Hope everyone is ready for some more over-analyzation.

At this instant, the Atlanta Braves own a 54-44 record, trail the NL East-leading Washington Nationals by 5 games and have a 1.5 game lead on the St. Louis Cardinals for the second wild card spot in the NL. For a team that ranks 14th in the NL in starters' ERA (4.31), starters' IP (5.79 IP/start), in strikeouts (431 or 6.91 K/9IP) and 2nd highest in walks issued (209 or 3.35 BB/9IP), that's not bad at all. However, the current pitching staff won't get the Braves to the playoffs.

Until Brandon Beachy's injury back in June, I wasn't particularly worried. Yes the Braves were trotting out some combination of Mike Minor/Randall Delgado/Jair Jurrjens for two out of every five games, but Fredi Gonzalez's crew was getting by with their performances. 

But as the dog days of summer have dragged along, I have realized that we need to make an attempt at adding an arm. And while Ben Sheets has fought back from what many thought was the end of his career to throw 12 scoreless innings in his first two starts for ATL, I do not believe that he is the long-term solution. (I would love for that previous statement to be completely disproven.) 

It is no secret that the Braves have been actively inquiring about a middle to top-of-the-rotation arm for quite some time now. And while Ryan Dempster may not have known that he was being pursued by the Braves, all of ATL did (http://twitter.com/RyanDempsterFDN/status/227485158197043200). 

Once the Dempster deal fell through, I felt relieved. I never have been a fan of the two-month rental program that is common in the MLB. Instead, I am a much bigger fan of trading for a player who you can control through the following season (i.e. Michael Bourn and Alex Gonzalez) than simply a short playoff chase.

That being said, if the Braves were one player away from being a serious title threat, I would not be opposed to a rental. This team, however, is more than one player away. Two of our starting pitching slots are question marks (not including Sheets) and our offensive production among SS for the season is .241/.269/.333 with 4 HR and 32 RBI. And if not for Andrelton's excellent play in 33 games before breaking his pinky finger, those numbers would be .217/.238/.280. Throw in a less successful bullpen and there are significant gaps to be filled.

So who are some players I'd like to see the Braves go after? I've composed a five-player list that doesn't include the names Zach Greinke (the price would be too high; the Brewers want two or three top prospects, including Julio Teheran. The Braves should wait and go after Greinke this offseason in free agency), James Shields or Ryan Dempster. Instead, all of these players are free agents after the 2013 season and have a chance at helping the franchise over both the short-term and the long-term.  From most likely to least likely, they are:

1. Matt Garza, Chicago Cubs

Free Agent after 2013 Season (28 Years Old)

2012 Stats: 5-7, 3.91 ERA, 96 K's (8.37 K/9), 1.18 WHIP

Garza is much better than his 5-7 win-loss record; remember, he is pitching for a team that has scored the fewest runs in the major leagues. This year, he has shown a significant improvement in his control as he is walking a career low 2.8 batters per 9 innings. He has made five postseason starts during his career (that's more than every Braves starter except for Tim Hudson) and has done well in them; he is 2-1 with a 3.48 ERA.


Garza's price in a trade would be similar to the haul that the Braves offered the Cubs for Ryan Dempster. They would likely have to part with Randall Delgado and a couple of lower level prospects, which is not too high of a price for pitcher of Garza's caliber.

2. Jason Vargas, Seattle Mariners

Free Agent after 2013 Season (29 Years Old)

2012 Stats: 11-7, 3.76 ERA, 96 K's (5.92 K/9), 1.16 WHIP

Vargas is one of the hottest pitchers in the league. His stats are much better when he pitches in his cavernous home ballpark, but he has performed everywhere as of late. In his last six starts, three of which came on the road, he is 4-0 with a 1.85 ERA. Vargas' only real red flag is the fact that he has allowed 25 HR (1.5/9IP) on the season. Five of those came in a June game at Arizona in which he allowed 10 ER in 4.1 IP. Without that start, he would have a 3.24 ERA on the season. 

The price for Vargas is believed to be lower than the asking price for Garza, so the Braves could possibly get away with dealing only prospects and hold on to Delgado. There is no indication that Vargas is on the Braves' radar, but I believe he would be a good fit in Atlanta.

3. Jeff Karstens, Pittsburgh Pirates

Free Agent after 2013 Season (29 Years Old)

2012 Stats: 3-2, 3.52 ERA, 31 K's (6.06 K/9), 1.17 WHIP (Only made 8 starts due to shoulder inflammation)

The Pirates are shopping a starting pitcher? That doesn't make sense, does it? Well with the recent acquisition of Wandy Rodriguez from the Astros, the Pirates now have six starting pitchers. They are rumored to be shopping either Karstens or Kevin Correia in order to get a bat. Now I'm not so sure that Juan Francisco or Eric Hinske would be the bat that the Pirates are looking for, but it's about all that the Braves would be able to give up. 

Now it is very unlikely that the Pirates deal Karstens for one of these players, but it's worth a shot, isn't it?

4. Edinson Volquez, San Diego Padres

Free Agent after 2013 Season (29 Years Old)

2012 Stats: 6-7, 3.30 ERA, 117 K's (8.22 K/9), 1.32 WHIP, 73 BB (5.13 BB/9)

It is rumored that the Padres are planning on keeping the somewhat inconsistent Volquez despite the interest from teams around the league. Therefore, the Braves would really have to overpay for a pitcher that is walking over 5 batters per 9 innings; that doesn't sound like a good plan. The package would likely have to include Braves top prospect Julio Teheran and another one or two prospect. While Teheran is not exactly tearing up AAA right now (6-5, 5.34 ERA with a .290 BAA), the Braves shouldn't give up on him unless they are getting a bona fide top of the line starter (see number five on this list).

5. Josh Johnson, Florida Marlins

Free Agent after 2013 Season

2012 Stats: 6-7, 4.14 ERA, 105 K's (7.93 K/9), 1.34 WHIP

The Marlins' front office has denied that they are giving up on the current roster and trading all of their best players. I won't believe them until Josh Johnson, Jose Reyes and Giancarlo (The Artist Formerly Known as Mike) Stanton are all wearing a Marlins uniform on August 1. The Marlins have made it clear that Johnson is not on the trading block; yet he also is not untouchable. Zak Schmoll of Bleacher Report has phrased the Marlins' asking price as "Teixeira-like," which should sound unsettling to Braves fans.

Should the Braves offer another package like they did to the Rangers for Mark Teixeira (which I will recall in my next post)? No way. But I think they should call the Marlins, offer to send them Teheran, SS/3B Edward Salcedo (Braves' #6 prospect accoding to BaseballAmerica.com) to replace Hanley Ramirez and RHP Zeke Spruill (Braves' #8 prospect according to BaseballAmerica.com) and see what happens. There's no harm in trying, is there?

What will the Braves decide? We'll find out in four days, four hours and 26 minutes.

Trade Deadline Ramblings, Ramblings and Ramblings (Part One)

As the July 31 Trade Deadline rapidly approaches, MLB contenders are facing a new issue: will the extra playoff spot in each league have an impact on the trade market? At first glance, some would assume that the market would heat up to unprecedented levels. More teams feel as if they have a chance to make the playoffs, so more teams will be trying to make deals, right?

But with the extra playoff spot, fewer teams are throwing in the towel and focusing on the future. Five days before the trade deadline, there are only three AL teams that I consider outside of striking distance for a wild card spot; those would be the Mariners, Royals and Twins.  

The NL list is a little longer, with the Astros and Marlins (so much for Marlinsanity....http://www.lobshots.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Marlinsanity-SI.jpg) already clearing out their rosters and the Cubs soon to join. Throw in the Rockies who are surely not willing to part with Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez or Todd Helton (I seriously doubt you can name any more Rockies off of the top of your head), the Padres (who have some tradable assets) and the Brewers and the supply of available players grows to a somewhat respectable crop.

Taking all of this information into account, it's clear that this year's trade market is most certainly more favorable for the sellers. Isn't it? There are more buyers competing for fewer pieces from a smaller number of sellers.

Not so fast my friend! With more teams in the race 100 games into the season, teams like the Athletics, Orioles or Rays may feel less of a need to add a piece. Plenty of teams may be thinking something along the lines of, "Heck, we've made it this far with our roster, why panic now?" Or, "Why jeopardize our franchise's long-term goal for a two-month rental?" Or maybe even, "What the $*#% are the Marlins doing?" Wait a second, every team is asking that last question.

But enough of this market analyzation; I'll sum it up by saying that sellers will probably have more patience because of the increased number of contenders (that is, excluding the Marlins) and that buyers may have to up their offers to move key players. The sellers have the advantage, but it may not be as large as you would think.

Hopefully I don't look like an idiot later today when I post part two of my Trade Deadline Ramblings, Ramblings and Ramblings, in which I will state my position on the Braves' current starting pitching predicament. Hopefully, all of the major rumors are still simply rumors. But if they are no longer simply rumors, prepare for trade analysis as well.

Until next time.......

AtF's Best of the Best: Facial Hair

To many, facial hair is merely seen as a coping method for men (and some women) who struggle with growing hair on the other end of their head. However, the staff here at AtF sees it for what it truly is, an art form. Sure, in some cases facial hair is primitive and unkempt, but today, we salute those who truly understand the art of growing hair out of their faces.

10. LeBron James
Today, King James is king of something besides eclectic facial expressions. That is the neard. AKA the neck beard. It takes quite the person to pull off this "Bradlyn Gossett-esque" statement, and to be honest, we aren't really sure the LBJ can actually pull it off. LeBron, however, clearly thinks he does because he keeps wearing it? I guess wearing is the phrase to use here? So, for having "not-so-quiet-confidence, we give LeBron James and his neard the number 10 spot on the countdown. 

"Harden ain't got nuthin on me."

9. Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez won two World Series, a batting title and was a five time All Star, yet still, his greatest accomplishment does not lie in the realm of baseball. It, in fact, lies in the realm of his upper lip. Yes, Keith Hernandez, one of the greatest first basemen of all time is often forgotten. His mustache, however, will live on forever. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, perhaps capturing the spirit of blue collar America who strove for much more in life, Hernandez became an icon to middle class America, and for that he grabs the number 9 spot.

Keith Hernandez just wants to play.

8. Kimbo Slice
Contrary to popular belief, Kimbo Slice is not a dish at a Middle Eastern food stand. He is, in fact, one of the greatest fighters of our time and what does every great fighter need? You guessed it, great facial hair. Many opponents of Kimbo have postulated that his raw power and ferocity comes directly from the shrub on his face, a Sampson like quality. I can neither confirm nor deny these claims, but Kimbo has one of the most intimidating beards of all time earning himself the 8 spot on the countdown.

You Go Kimbo

7. Walt Frazier
Few men can pull off sideburns like Walt "Clyde" Frazier. In 1987, Frazier was inducted into the basketball Hall of Fame. Today, we induct Walt into a more important Hall, the Facial Hair Hall of Fame. Walt's sideburns were like racing stripes as he sliced and diced opponents left and right making him one of the best players to ever live. Congrats Walt, you earned it.

6.Adam Morrison
As Keith Hernandez is to middle class America, Adam Morrison is to struggling facial hair growers. It is clear that Morrison cannot grow facial hair very well, yet he tries it anyways. Unfortunately, this persistence and zeal does not translate into his basketball game. Really, all he has is his mustache, so who can blame him for sticking with it? I'm sure Adam has been heckled more than David Stern at the Draft, so I bet he could use some good news right about now and for that he receives the number 6 spot.

5. Drew Gooden
The facial hair of Drew Gooden is like the phases of the moon, except it never repeats itself. Gooden cracks the top five for one phase in particular. I call it the Jack Sparrow beard. Others refer to it as the spider beard. What ever it is called, it is truly a work of art and it might be controlling Gooden's mind and forcing him to take over the world. Whatever, it's still awesome.

Peter Parker

4. Brett Keisel
It takes a lot to grow a beard like Brett Keisel. Each morning, he carefully combs tree sap and mink oil into his luscious chin flow. Brett actually spent his whole off season chopping down trees so that his beard would have a little character. That kind of dedication can only earn a man one thing: the number 4 spot on our countdown.

Hot juicy burger

3. Lanny McDonald
Lanny McDonald's mustache makes Keith Hernandez look like Adam Morrison. The soup strainer on his face can actually filter sea water and make it potable. Should we expect Lanny to travel to third world countries and filter water with his face? Maybe. The one thing we do know for sure is that Lanny McDonald has one heck of a mustache.

2. James Harden and Brian Wilson
"Fear the Beard" The number 2 spot is tie between two athletes who have made millions off of beard merchandise. (probably) The only difference between the two is a championship. James Harden doesn't have one because the NBA doesn't allow feather earrings, therefore inhibiting him from actually becoming Mr. T. on the court. Both have fantastic beards earning them the number 2 spot.

1. Rollie Fingers
How can we define perfection in today's corrupted world? How can we find beauty when we are surrounded by such evil? How can we explain love when the heart's of men are full of hate? I'll tell you how: Rollie Fingers, more specifically, his mustache. Never mind that he has the perfect pitching name. The only thing that matters is his mustache. We should all strive to his example of what facial hair should be, yet no one shall ever dare to attempt the "fingers" because you WILL fail. Therefore, we end this countdown with a legend. Congratulations to Rollie Fingers for having the greatest facial hair in all of sports.

Peace, Love, and Crabs,
G$

Weekly Music Update

As the summer drags on, (notice how I didn't mention the temperature... We all know it is hot. Stop complaining.), I have turned to this blog to pass the hours. Now that my position on staff of the prestigious Green & Gold has been revoked, I have to spout my non-sensical opinions elsewhere and this is just the place. Honestly, I'm not even sure if people read this blog and honestly, I don't care. That may be a poor attitude if I ever want this thing to succeed, but, as of right now, this blog is simply a source of entertainment for ME. But hey, if my typo filled posts entertain you, then so be it, I would love for you to read it and maybe even tell your friends. (Chances are that if you read this, you are struggling on the friend front...Sorry.) I have decided to add a little regularity to this site which has never experienced such a phenomenon. I shall call it the "Weekly Music Update". I like to think that I have an eclectic taste in music. One that could be appreciated if shared with the world, but also one that people might find repulsive. Everything that is appreciated in life has haters and like a wise man once said, "Haters gon' Hate". So, without further ado, I shall introduce bands to you, my loyal readers, in hopes that you will appreciate/hate them and make Mitchell, Bradlyn (intentional misspelling), and myself world famous... Enjoy... or not...

This week's band heralds from the great city of Nashvegas, i.e. Nashville. A city that isn't JUST for lonesome cowboys looking to make it big anymore. In today's underground techno-pop-alternative world, names like MGMT and Passion Pit have emerged from the dust and created a market for this catchy yet subdued music. I say subdued meaning in comparison to this DubStep thing. One band that looks to follow in the aforementioned bands footsteps, yet deviate into their own sound is Cherub. According to my friend Erik, Cherub is already being blasted in bars around college towns such as Athens, GA, and this suits their band well. Cherub has a distinct sort of alt-techno club banger sound that features the sweet falsetto of Jordan Kelley and funky guitar/keyboard of Jason Huber in a perfect combination that is most effective when played at full volume. Cherub released their first studio album, "Mom & Dad", in February of 2012. Most popularly, the song "Doses & Mimosas" has been the "single" for their album. It captures their pretentious, "I don't care what you think" attitude, which suits them well. The album makes a great soundtrack for a late night of debauchery which is what will make them successful.

My Favorite Off The Album:
Dear Body

Song Most Likely To Become Famous:
Doses & Mimosas

Worst Song:
What I Want

http://cherublamusica.com/

Have a band I should listen to? Post a comment. I might check it out...I also might not...

-G$

Hawk's New Chapter

As a Hawks fan, this offseason, still in its infancy, has been THE most exciting one in recent memory. Atlanta sports franchises are known for their passive, "old school", approach to success. The Braves have one of the best farm systems in the majors. They approach success by carefully "growing" players from a young age instead of buying success like many teams these days. The Hawks have had the key components of their "mediocre" 1st round of the playoff team since Al Horford was drafted 3rd overall in the 2007 draft. All five of these years, Atlanta has been in the same place. They come into the playoffs and underdog, and lose in either the first or second round. Don't get me wrong. I love that the Hawks make it to the playoffs, heck we could be Charlotte, but I have come to expect this first or second round loss every year. Finally, the Hawks have made some moves and have started to turn heads around the league.

The off season started with the acquisition of a new GM, Danny Ferry, former VP of Basketball Operations for the San Antonio Spurs. Ferry was considered one of the best high school basketball players and played professionally for Cleveland and, for a long time, held the record for most games played for their franchise. That is until "Big Z" dethroned him in 2009. His management career also began with the Cavs. He experienced much success during his time as GM; however most of this fell directly on the shoulders of this guy named LeBron James. When you have that guy, it's almost impossible not to make a run in the playoffs. Ferry made a series of very questionable moves as the GM. The most questionable of these is the acquisition of Shaquille O'Neal. This, at the point in his career where he could hardly make it down the court. Somehow he thought that would get LeBron his ring? After resigning from the Cav's, Ferry "took his talents" to San Antonio where he played a large part in the continuation of the Spur dynasty. Everywhere he has been, success follows and everyone in Atlanta is hoping that this streak continues, even Rick Sund.

Ferry began making moves even before his bags were unpacked in the ATL. The Hawks selected John Jenkins, 3pt specialist out of Vanderbilt, in the first round, and Mike Scott out of UVA in the second. The Jenkins pick is a high-risk-high-reward pick as his game is very one dimensional. One thing is for sure, the boy can shoot and that’s what the Hawks need. Someone, other than Marvin Williams to pass to when they need a triple.

Right after the draft, the impossible occured. Something so unthinkable it would make Kevin Garnett proud. The Hawks traded Joe Johnson and cleansed themselves of the cancer that was his 6 year $119 million contract. Johnson, who averaged a mere 18.8 points per game this past season, did not live up to his title as highest paid player in the NBA. Many looked at Johnson as the anchor of mediocrity for the Hawks, which is why I rejoiced when he was sent to Brooklyn. I honestly don't even care who the Hawks received in return for Johnson, (Jordan Farmar, Johan Petro, Anthony Morrow, DeShawn Stevenson (via sign-and-trade), and Houston’s 2013 lottery-protected first-round pick ). The biggest win for the Hawks is getting rid of JJ and his massive Ford (see Bradley's "Treat Yo Self") and his massive contract.

What does this mean for the Hawk's future? Good question. With Johnson's contract gone, this frees up space on the Hawks payroll and focus falls on the 2013 offseason. Notable free agents include Chris Paul, Dwight Howard (probably), Manu Ginobli, and the whole Jazz team. Josh Smith's contract will have expired as well, and he is sure to have many suitors. If the Hawks could land one of these big names, it would most certainly break up the mediocrity of the team and bring a new hope to the franchise. Howard and Smith's long time friendship might help to reel in Dwight and start a new chapter in The Highlight Factory.

Perhaps the biggest win for the Hawks is getting rid of the scar on the franchise that is Marvin Williams. Every time I look at his face I see missed opportunity, and I see flashes of CP3 in red and navy slicing up defenses in the Phillips. Marvin was traded to the Jazz for former Badger Devin Harris. Harris has fought through injuries in his past few seasons but will be a good replacement for Kirk Hinrich if the rumors surrounding his trade do in fact come true. (My sources, i.e. Levy, tell me that a trade is very likely)

One thing is for sure, these offseason moves have opened up an exciting future for the Atlanta Hawks. With the right management and coaching, the Hawks could become a power in the East and compete with the "next level" teams that dominate basketball.