Click here to read a transcript of today’s chat with host Jeff Todd.
By Jeff Todd | at
Click here to read a transcript of today’s chat with host Jeff Todd.
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bravesfan88
This was arguably one of the worst chats by far. Maybe there wasn’t very many quality or semi-intellectual questions to pick from, so I can’t completely blame good ole Jeffy for that; however, there was roughly about ten or so just completely asinine and absurdly ignorant questions/statements chosen to post/answer…
Second, I’m a bit disappointed you didn’t take the bait to praise Fried’s outing today, when the opportunity presented itself. Max Fried looked like a stud on the hill today, especially considering he was pitching half his time in what were pretty rough conditions.
From the beginning of the game, through the rain pouring down, Fried had all of his pitches working. His fastball had solid life and movement, and Fried was able to vary his speeds going from 93-97 several times when he needed to reach back for a little more. Fried’s curveball was absolutely devastating, and at times, he made the Cubs’ hitters look foolish. Along with his excellent fastball and above average curve, Fried was moving in an 85-87 MPH change, that he was spotting well, and he was able to mix it in effectively to keep his opponents off balance all night.
All in all, it was an extremely impressive outing for Fried, but that credit should also be shared with Big Mac. They both went into the game with a very solid ganeplan, and they collectively executed it about as flawlessly as a pairing could.
Since his debut with the Braves Fried has always shown flashes of brilliance; however, his struggles with blisters and an occasional untimely injury have really what’s been holding Fried back thus far. Even so, it looks like those concerns are well behind Mighty Max, and his future looks extremely bright. If he’s able to mentally attack hitters and truly pitch, couple that with his incredible arsenal, and the Braves certainly have found another fixture for their rotation moving forward. Big Mac, after the game, went on the record to say that Fried reminded him of a young Cole Hamels…Obviously, that’s high praise, and Fried still has a ways to go, but it would be a huge boost for their playoff chances if Fried’s able to finally put together a fully healthy season.
JJB
I think JT’s contract is up soon, and there hasn’t been much talk of an extension between him and Tim Dierkes, so he might just be playing it out.
jorge78
Heresy! Go back to making fox sports great again!
Ungrateful wench!
jorge78
Felt like spewing, eh?
Eta34
This was arguably one of the worst comments ever.
RunDMC
All of this because a compliment was not given to 1 very good start? Cut the guy a break. Maybe like most, it takes a few very good starts before mainstream media starts to sit up and pay attention.
Jeff Todd
I’m as impressed as anyone by a good start, but it’s only one. Broadly … it’s a tough time of year to chat but I’ll always be trying to improve.
bravesfan88
Even still, as promising as the early signs from Albies, Swanson, Vizzy, Fried, Parsons, Teheran, Freeman, and Markakis have been, the bullpen, aside from a bright spot here and there, has been an absolute, miserable experience.
Also, even though Acuña Jr. and Donaldson haven’t fully hit their strides just yet, they’re still both displaying some solid defense, and both are still getting on base, drawing walks, and running the bases very well..
Their position player depth looks solid, their bench looks solid, and even with their injuries to their starting pitchers, their starters have held their own..But then, there’s that bullpen..Then again, it certainly doesn’t help that the Braves'”NL Manager of the Year” often puts his bullpen guys in unfavorable match-ups, completely ignoring the obvious. So, the blame can’t entirely go to the guys in the pen; however, if they don’t get something figured out soon, then it is going to be a long and anxiety-ridden season!!
Melchez
We get it you like the Braves… Fried pitched a great game. So did quite a few other pitchers. Let’s see if he can do it more than once. You don’t see me writing on and on about Spencer Turnbull.
These chats have seemed to get real whiny this first week. People crying about their team doing poorly over a 5 game span. No big deal. There is plenty of baseball to play.
This is MLB Trade Rumors… I would like to see some actual rumors in this site. For instance, why don’t these guys talk about what teams can do to fix their problems. Yankee health issues (gotta get some Yankee talk on here any way you can)… Red Sox bullpen… Mariners to maintain their great early start. Talk baseball, not injuries and waiver wire bs. Those players on the waiver wire will make no difference in the course of a season.
Jeff Todd
We will get into all that stuff, it’s just really early.
DirtbagBlues
“Toughen up, Tomt” is going to be my new catchphrase.
Sky14
Don’t the O’s, Pirates, Giants, and Rockies also have black uniforms?
Lets Go DBacks
Thought the same thing. And why are the White Sox forgotten that are probably the team that wears black uniforms most?
Jeff Todd
I acknowledged that later in the chat! It was a foolish road to wander down.
lesterdnightfly
It wouldn’t be a real chat unless some poor neglected Braves fan feels slighted.