OOTP16 - Atlanta Braves

[WeagleWeagle]

5/11/2016

Long Ball Lifts Nationals Past Braves

Washington Nationals (16-12) 4 @ Atlanta Braves (16-13) 2

Atlanta, GA - It was another Julio Teheran performance. Show moments of aceness & turn around & look bad. He gave up 2 HRs leading to 3 runs. 1B Clint Robinoson & SS Ian Desmond both went deep on the Braves pitcher who only lasted 4.1 innings. The bullpen held strong but the Braves offense struggled to get any runs across. The Braves had twice as many hits as the Nationals but half the runs... Scherzer navigated out of trouble multiple times to escape with the W. The Braves are now a half game behind that Gnats as they get ready to host the downward spiraling Marlins.

WP: Max Scherzer (3-2) 6.0 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
LP: Julio Teheran (1-3) 4.1 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
S: Shawn Kelley (11) 1.0 IP, 2 K

Player of the Game: Ian Desmond 2-3, HR, 2 RBI, R, BB

1st Pick Scouting
Each week I am posting a scouting report of a guy that I am considering for my top 5 picks. All ratings are from my scout Brian Bridges

- for some reason scout did not have report for me today

Minor League Review

Gwinnett (20-14) 5 @ Louisville (11-22) 3
- RF Domingo Santana 1-4, BB, 4 K (.111) --> So many strikeouts...
- 1B Conrad Gregor 3-5, HR(8), RBI(22), R (.448/.474/.782)
- SP Manny Banuelos W(2-2) 6.0 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 6 K

Mississippi (20-13) 5 @ Birmingham (17-16) 2
- LF Braxton Davidson 4-5, 2B(1), HR(1), RBI(1), 2 R (.500)
- SS Daniel Castro 3-5, HR(1), RBI(1), 3 R

Carolina (15-18) 4 @ Potomac (11-22) 7
- RF Jordan Paroubeck 3-5, 2 RBI(5) (.727)
- CF Joseph Daris 1-2, BB, 2 R (.345)

Rome (16-10) 7 @ Hickory (11-15) 5
- CF Alex Verdugo 2-4, 2 2B(5) (.202)
- RF Dwanya Williams-Sutton 1-3, HR(1), RBI(1), 2 R (.333)
- 3B Ian Hagenmiller 1-4, HR(3), 4 RBI(14), R (.330)

MLB News
- Nuttin really...

[WeagleWeagle]

5/12/2016

Braves on Bye

1st Pick Scouting
Each week I am posting a scouting report of a guy that I am considering for my top 5 picks. All ratings are from my scout Brian Bridges

C Zach Collins | Bats: Left | Age 21 | 6'3" 230 lbs | 72 POT
Contact: 35/50 | Gap Power: 35/55 | HR Power: 45/70 | Eye/Discipline: 30/45 | Avoid K's: 30/35
Catcher Ability: 55 | Catcher Arm: 60 | Catcher: 50
Speed: 40 | Stealing: 25 | Baserunning: 40
Brian Bridges Thoughts: It's easy to dream on this kid. Makes the game look easy, and should have a long career ahead. Nothing special in his swing. Projects to be a .250 hitter. Plus power potential. Poor plate discipline, and hasn't shown signs of improving. Will really be an Achilles hell if he can't start to change his approach. Right now, Collins is a catcher and plays there well. Little to no speed. Has a collection of baseball memorabilia in his basement.
My Thoughts:If you are looking for one of the pure sluggers in the draft here is one. Collins is average in everything except HR power. In that he is exceptional. He has good gap power & outstanding HR power. When he gets a hold of one it's going places, problem is how many times he can do that. I don't see us going after Collins as he doesn't really fit what I am trying to build & having experienced the slugger with no patience in Domingo Santana, I am even more wary in the future.

1st Pick Shortlist
1.) SP Keegan Thompson
2.) SP Matt Krook
3.) C Blake Sabol
4.) SP James Haynes
5.) Zach Collins

Next week start looking at possible #2 picks

Minor League Review

Gwinnett (21-14) 5 @ Louisville (11-23) 2
Box scores unavailable

Mississippi (20-12) 2 @ Birmingham (18-16) 11
Box scores unavailable

Carolina (16-18) 3 @ Potomac (11-23) 2
Box scores unavailable

Rome (16-11) 2 @ Hickory (12-15) 3
Box scores unavailable

MLB News
- New York Mets trade 25 yr old C Kevin Plawecki to Miami for 28 yr old 2B Dee Gordon, both guys been struggling due to lack of playing time

[WeagleWeagle]

Series Preview

Remember like a week ago when the Marlins were the best team in the NL? Man have things changed. The Marlins enter Turner Field this weekend limping after losing 6 straight dropping their record to 14-14 & putting them 1 & half games back of Washington. In fact Miami is 1-9 if you include the 3 game sweep by the Braves beginning of last week. They lost 3 of 4 to the Cubbies & were swept at home by the Phillies. A lot of the drop off is due to Marcell Ozuna returning back to earth & the Miami pitching staff struggling. The bullpen is still tough with the best ERA in the NL & they are still loaded with sluggers but they don't look as scary as they used too. On the other side Atlanta is trying to snap out of their own funk having dropped 5 of their last 7 since sweeping Miami. GM/manager WeagleWeagle says he wants Christian Villanueva to have more ABs & so will start the first 2 games of the series in place of Jace Peterson who will platoon 2nd with Jose Peraza. Both sides will be sending the bottom of their rotation out their hoping to get the train back on track

Expected Pitching Matchups
Game 1
RHP Henderson Alvarez 1-2, 4.67 ERA, 5.07 FIP, 0.0 WAR
vs
LHP Brett Anderson 2-1, 5.40 ERA, 3.28 FIP, 0.5 WAR
Game 2
LHP Brad Hand 0-2, 6.04 ERA, 4.12 FIP, 0.2 WAR
vs
RHP AJ Cole 2-1, 1.47 ERA, 1.84 FIP, 0.7 WAR
Game 3
RHP Jarred Cozart 3-1, 1.90 ERA, 2.71 FIP, 1.2 WAR
vs
LHP Alex Wood 3-3, 2.09 ERA, 2.50 FIP, 1.5 WAR

Primary Lineup
LF Christian Yelich
C Kevin Plawecki -> first start in a Marlin uniform
RF Giancarlo Stanton
1B C.J. Cron
CF Marcell Ozuna
2B Derek Dietrich
3B Martin Prado
SS Adeiny Hechavarria

[Sundance]

Digging the dynasty so far! Looking forward to following your progress

[aquapong]

Where did you get those nice write ups like in post 3?

[WeagleWeagle]

Originally Posted by Sundance

Digging the dynasty so far! Looking forward to following your progress

Thanks man! I am working my way through your Padre dynasty & loving it!

[WeagleWeagle]

Originally Posted by aquapong

Where did you get those nice write ups like in post 3?

Do you mean the photos & such? I just did generic google searches to get those images. Then used the list widget to organize each of the points & stuff. But all the content & stuff I just came up with from my obsessiveness

[WeagleWeagle]

5/13/2016

Realmuto Slugs Marlins Past Braves

Miami Marlins (15-14) 4 @ Atlanta Braves (16-14) 3

Atlanta, GA - When Brett Anderson visualized his start Friday night, I highly doubt he pictured giving up a leadoff HR to Adeiny Hechevarria & a 2 run double to JT Realmuto in the 1st inning but that's what happened. Anderson got off to what you might call a rocky start. Surrendering 3 hits with 1 being a homer & 2 walks to give Miami a 3-0 lead right off the bat. Hechevarria has 3 HRs this season, 2 of them have come against Atlanta. The Braves attempted to claw their way back just couldn't capitalize enough with runners in scoring position. They got 1 back in the bottom of the 2nd on a wild pitch but Miami responded with a solo shot by JT Realmuto. The Marlins traded for Kevin Plawecki of the Mets because Realmuto had been struggling. It appears that extra shot of motivation has worked for the young catcher. The Braves would try to slowly claw their way back with Christian Bethancourt hitting a sac fly to score a runner in the bottom of the 6th, then Nick Markakis (who went 4-4) singled home a 3rd run but the Braves could never get that final hit so even though they out hit Miami 13-7 they fell 4-3. Tomorrow Atlanta sends rookie AJ Cole to the mound again to face Marlins lefty Brad Hand.

WP: Henderson Alvarez (2-2) 6.2 IP, 10 H, 3 ER, BB, 3 K
LP: Brett Anderson (2-2) 5.2 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
S: Steve Cishek (9) 1.0 IP, H, 2 K

2nd Pick Scouting
Each game I am posting a scouting report of a guy that I am considering for my top 5 picks. All ratings are from my scout Brian Bridges

SS Dansby Swanson | Bats: Right | Age 22 | 6'0" 170 lbs | 63 POT
Contact: 30/50 | Gap Power: 30/55 | HR Power: 30/45 | Eye/Discipline: 40/60 | Avoid K's: 35/50
Infield Range: 70 | Infield Error: 65 | Infield Arm: 60 | Turn DP: 60 | Second Base: 60 | Shortstop: 55
Speed: 55 | Stealing: 45 | Baserunning: 60
Brian Bridges Thoughts: Probably won't top any prospect lists, but should be under discussion for the next tier down. Not quite an elite prospect, but close. Projects to be a .270 hitter. Finds the sweet spot every so often, but don't count on him for more than 10 a year. Very good at fighting bat pitches and getting something to hit. He might never win a fielding award, but he's been okay at shortstop defensively throughout his career. He's an average runner who runs better after he's under way. Cherishes his privacy and can't wait to leave after the game.
My Thoughts: The Vandy grad was drafted 15th overall last season by the Miami Marlins but the 2 sides were unable to come to an agreement. Since then his stock has gone down dropping from a 79 POT to 63. Still there is a lot of talent here but not sure if it is 2nd round worthy. He has very good plate discipline & is a very good defender so if he is still sitting there 3rd or 4th I might have to grab him. He is considered an easy signing but wants $2.2M as a bonus. Don't think he's worth that honestly

Minor League Review

Gwinnett (22-14) 5 @ Indianapolis (21-15) 2
- 5 game win streak
- 1B Conrad Gregor 1-5, 2B(6), 2 RBI(24) --> Only 1 hit??? Send him down!
- C Chris O'Dowd 2-2, R, 2 BB (.417)

Mobile (21-14) 9 @ Mississippi (20-15) 2
- CF Matt Lipka 3-4, RBI(11), BB (.318)
- LF Braxton Davidson 2-4, 2B(2) (.412)
- RF Conner Oliver 2-3, 2B(7), HR(6), RBI(24), R (.293)

Frederick (18-17) 12 @ Carolina (16-19) 1
- LF Jordan Paroubeck 3-4, RBI(7) (.611) ---> 7 RBI's in 3 game
- CF Joseph Daris 2-4, R (.354)

Rome (16-12) 3 @ Hickory (13-15) 5
- RF Dwanya Williams-Sutton 1-4, 2B(2), 2 RBI(3) (.300)
- CF Alex Verdugo 2-4, RBI(10), R (.225) ---> Things are starting to click with our top prospect
- 3B Ian Hagenmiller 1-3, BB (.319)

MLB News
- PIT SP Colin McHugh shuts out Brewers going the distance while striking out 8
- Oakland Athletic's end SEA 3B Kyle Seager's 20 game hitting streak
- Former Brave SP Mike Minor now has 5 wins with CLE to lead the ML (that trade starting to look a little dumb...)

[WeagleWeagle]

5/14/2016

Braves Start Strong

Miami Marlins (15-15) 2 @ Atlanta Braves (17-14) 4

Atlanta, GA - AJ Cole was strong for most of his 5 innings of work & was given 4 runs in support on way to his 3rd W. Atlanta jumped all over Brad Hand in the 1st, who continues to struggle with control walking 4 this game. Eric Young Jr opened the game by working a walk. Andrelton Simmons followed with a double putting runners on 2nd & 3rd for the heart of their lineup. Bethancourt came through with a sac fly while Freddie Freeman grounded out but hit in place where only play was to 1st allowing Simmons to score, so just like that it was 2-0 Atlanta. The Braves added another in the 2nd on a Jose Peraza single but could have been much worse as Bethancourt flew out with bases loaded. Atlanta loaded the bases twice & both times hit long flyouts. It wasn't until the 4th that AJ Cole ran into some trouble & that trouble's name is NL HR leader Marcell Ozuna. He hadn't hit one in 2 weeks but Cole hung a slider & Ozuna punished it for his 9th of the season putting the score at 3-2. The Braves came back in the 4th as Peraza singled then small balled his way to 3rd setting up a Bethancourt single to put the game at 4-2 which is where it would stand the rest of the way as both bullpens were outstanding. Tanner Roark worked 2 scoreless innings before giving way to Shae Simmons who made ATL sweat a little but kept number off the board. Then RJ Alvarez came in and finished it off to give the Bravos a much needed victory. Tomorrow Braves ace Alex Wood takes the mound to face Jarred Cozart who is having an outstanding start to the season. Atlanta might be without do it all OFer Eric Young Jr who left the game in the 6th inning due to an injury after running a flyball down. Atlanta is waiting on a prognosis.

WP: AJ Cole (3-1) 5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, BB, 6 K
LP: Brad Hand (0-3) 3.2 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, K
S: RJ Alvarez (9) 1.0 IP, BB, K

Player of the Game: AJ Cole

2nd Pick Scouting
Each game report I am posting a scouting report of a guy that I am considering for my top 5 picks. All ratings are from my scout Brian Bridges

3B Will Craig | Bats: Right | Age 21 | 6'3" 230 lbs | 57 POT
Contact: 30/45 | Gap Power: 30/45 | HR Power: 40/60 | Eye/Discipline: 35/45 | Avoid K's: 35/45
Infield Range: 55 | Infield Error: 60 | Infield Arm: 60 | Turn DP: 40 | First Base: 45 | Third Base: 45
Speed: 45 | Stealing: 45 | Baserunning: 50
Brian Bridges Thoughts: I can see a solid, but not spectacular, career ahead of Craig. Grades out as a slightly below average contact hitter. Craig just doesn't seem to have a lot of talent (lol). He's got tremendous power potential. Craig swings at some bad pitches and doesn't draw too many walks. He should be a capable defender at the 3rd base position. He's a slightly below-average runner. Has a collection of baseball memorabilia in his basement.
My Thoughts: Well I am 0-2 on scouting for my 2nd pick. Craig is a guy that dropped on Bridges latest review. Mainly it seems he has potential to be a decent corner IF that hits for some power. He is 21 yrs old out of college but still needs a lot of development in my opinion. OSA is very high on him but Bridges doesn't see it & I kind of have to agree. The power is probably there but for a 2nd round pick it better be on it's way to 70-80 range for me to make the pick.

Minor League Review

Gwinnett (23-14) 4 @ Indianapolis (21-16) 3
- 6 game win streak
- DH Destin Hood 1-4, HR(4), 2 RBI(23), R (.276)
- RF Domingo Santana 3-4, HR(2), RBI(3), R (.250) --> Starting to find his swing
- Did this against Nick Kingham who Pitt is very high on & entered game with just a touch over 3 ERA

Mobile (22-14) 13 @ Mississippi (20-16) 8
- 3 straight losses
- LF Braxton Davidson 2-4, 2B(3), 2 RBI(3), R (.429) --> Continues to hit ball well but now has brought losing streak to AA
- 2B Jordan Edgerton 2-3, HR(3), 4 RBI(15), R (.242)

Frederick (18-18) 5 @ Carolina (17-19) 6
- LF Conner Lien 3-5, HR(1), RBI(5), R (.236)
- C Tanner S. Murphy 2-5, HR(4), 2 RBI(20), R (.269)
- 3B Dustin Peterson 1-3, HR(3), RBI(16), R (.214) --> He needed a good day

Rome (16-13) 2 @ Hickory (14-15) 5
- 3 straight losses
- SS Edwin Diaz 2-4 (.299)
- LF Jose L. Morel 2-2, HR(1), RBI(1), 2 R (.222)

MLB News
- Both Cleveland's Nick Swisher & Detroit's Justin Verlander are suspended 8 games for fight that lead to a bench clearing brawl. Tempers flaring in the competitive AL Central
- Arizaon D'Backs deal 28 yr old C Chris Herrmann & 23 yr old minor leaguer 1B Kevin Cron to CWS for 27 yr old LF Adam Eaton (risky move by Arizona Herrman has been outstanding this season while Eaton has been hit or miss)

[WeagleWeagle]

5/15/2016

Atlanta Finds Offense

Miami Marlins (15-16) 2 @ Atlanta Braves (18-14) 8

Atlanta, GA - Instead of going with Jarred Cozart, Miami decided to send their ace out to duel Atlanta's ace Alex Wood. This proved to be a REALLY bad decision as Fernandez was rocked for 5 runs. It all started in the 1st after an 8 pitch inning for Wood. Mallex Smith doubled, Simmons singled him home, Bethancourt flew out, Freeman doubled to move runners to 2nd & 3rd & finally Christian Villanueva singled both men home to give Atlanta a 3-0 lead right out the gates. Miami responded in the top of the 2nd with a CJ Cron homer that went 413 feet but Wood work himself out of further damage. In the bottom of the 5th the Braves would strike again. Maxwell Smith singled but a Simmons flyout & Bethancourt strikeout threatened to leave him on 2nd base (he stole 2nd for his 14th of the season) but then it was Freddie time. Fernandez grooved a fastball inside & Freddie grooved it back out over the RF wall for his 3rd HR of the season to push Atlanta further ahead 5-1. Once again Wood would surrender a response this time a Giancarlo Stanton solo bomb but that would be all. Atlanta roughed up Marlin bullpen man Bryan Morris thanks to a bases loaded 2 out single by Anderlton Simmons that scored Toscano & Markakis. The bullpens would both hold the rest of the way giving the Braves the win & the series. They begin another long road trip tomorrow in San Diego sending Shelby Miller to the mound.

WP: Alex Wood (4-3) 7.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 11 K
LP: Jose Fernandez (2-3) 5.0 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 5 K

Player of the Game: Andrelton Simmons 2-3, 3 RBI, R

2nd Pick Scouting
Each game report I am posting a scouting report of a guy that I am considering for my top 5 picks. All ratings are from my scout Brian Bridges

SP Chris Viall | Throws: Right | Age 20 | 6'9" 230 lbs | 73 POT
Stuff: 40/60 | Movement: 50/65 | Control: 35/60
Fastball: 50/65 | Slider: 40/60 | Changeup: 30/60
Pitcher: 50 | Stamina: 70 | Hold Runners: 50
Brian Bridges Thoughts: Viall is going to be a big-league starter who will compete for the number 1 role. Above-average stuff for a kid his age, tops out around 91-93. Fastball isn't too straight, and he changes speeds nicely. Needs to trust his catcher a little bit more. Top-notch movement on all his pitches. Even when he's tired, his pitches are still heavy in the zone. His breaking stuff is particularly hard to handle. Saw him break 3 bats in a row once. Viall has above average control of his pitches. Pretty solid talent. Ordinary guy, who likes to fish in the offseason
My Thoughts: This is my guy. If he is still here in the 2nd round I want him. How can you not love a 6'9" pitcher with his kind of movement & control? I think with his size that pitch speed can get better & I really like his offspeed stuff. Viall is a little old for coming out of high school but is actually decently developed at this point. Right now he is my #1 choice for the 2nd round pick

Minor League Review

Gwinnett (23-15) 3 @ Indianapolis (22-16) 5
- DH Destin Hood 3-4, HR(5), 2 RBI(25), 2 R (.290)
- RF Domingo Santana 2-4 (.239)

Mobile (23-14) 8 @ Mississippi (20-17) 7 (11)
- 4 straight losses
- LF Braxton Davidson 1-4, HR(2), 2 RBI(5), R (.400)
- 3B Jameson Henning 3-6, 2B(5) (.235)
- SP Tyrell Jenkins on the DL with tender shoulder

Frederick (18-19) 1 @ Carolina (18-19) 3 (11)
- CF Joseph Daris 2-4 (.364)
- LF Jordan Paroubeck 2-5 (.565)
- SS Yeudi Grillon 2-5, HR(5), 2 RBI(12) (.214)

Rome (16-14) 4 @ West Virginia Power (22-8) 11
- 4 straight losses
- DH Aldo Koutsoyanopulos 2-4, HR(4), RBI(17), R (.207) --> This guy is homer or bust
- 1B Alec Bohm 1-4, HR(4), RBI(12), R (.240)
- 2B Dylan Manwaring 3-4, 2 RBI(5) (.474)

MLB News
- SF 3B Matt Duffy now has 20 game hit streak
- LAA CF Mike Trout selected as AL Player of the Week thanks to hitting .571, 3 HRs, 10 RBIs & 7 runs scored
- COL 3B Nolen Arenado wins NL Player of th Week launching 3 HRs, batting .556 & driving in 7 runs
- Top 5 Teams in Power Rankings: TOR, CLE, LAD, DET, OAK --> Losing Abreau for some time has really hurt CWS
- Bottom 5 Teams in Power Rankings: BAL, SD, HOU, NYY, MIN

[WeagleWeagle]

Series Preview

Things are not going well in San Diego. The Padres have the worst record in the NL @ 12-18 & their leadoff hitter is CF Melvin Upton Jr. The one bright spot in this darkness of sucking is their bullpen which has posted ERA of 2.68 ranking 5th in the NL. Offensively it has been a struggle. LF Matt Kemp has really struggled out the gates along with young star C Austin Hedges & 2B Jedd Gyorko. RF Will Meyers & SS Scooter Gennett have been the source of most of their offense in 2016. The Braves hope to take leads into the 9th so they don't have to face their former fan favorite Craig Kimbrel who is lurking in the bullpen. For Atlanta things are much nicer as the Braves are tied with the Nationals atop the NL East. Christian Villanueva looked strong in series against MIA so WeagleWeagle has decided to keep him at 3rd for at least the first 2 games with Peterson & Peraza platooning 2nd. Still no diagnosis for Eric Young Jr so he is still on roster but is unavailable. If he does hit the DL the Braves will have to decide whether to bring Santana back up or call up someone like Todd Cunningham or Destin Hood to be that 4th OFer.

Expected Pitching Matchups
Game 1
RHP Andrew Cashner 0-4, 8.76 ERA, 5.22 FIP, -0.2 WAR
vs
RHP Shelby Miller 3-0, 1.91 ERA, 2.80 FIP, 1.0 WAR
Game 2
RHP Odrisamer Despaigne 3-1, 4.19 ERA, 4.05 FIP, 0.3 WAR
vs
RHP Julio Teheran 1-3, 6.34 ERA, 5.40 FIP, -0.2 WAR
Game 3
RHP Corey Mazzoni 1-2, 7.04 ERA, 5.44 FIP, -0.1 WAR
vs
LHP Brett Anderson 2-2, 5.59 ERA, 3.90 FIP, 0.4 WAR

Primary Lineup
CF Melvin Upton Jr
3B Yangervis Solarte
RF Will Meyers
LF Matt Kemp
SS Scooter Gennett
2B Jedd Gyorko
1B Michael Abreu
C Austin Hedges

[WeagleWeagle]

5/16/2016

Michael Abreu Abuses Atlanta

Atlanta Braves (18-15) 3 @ San Diego Padres (13-18) 5

San Diego, CA - Of all the games in this series the one that seemed to be a lock for Atlanta was this one. Shelby Miller has been one of the best pitchers in baseball facing a guy that has struggled to get past 4-5 innings with an offense that has proven inept at times. Well baseball is a funny game. Cashner wasn't perfect but he went the distance surrendering only 3 ER even though he gave up 10 hits. He consistently navigated out of danger & kept frustrating Braves hitters when runners were in scoring position. On the other side Shelby Miller could not get Michael Abreu out or really even in the ball park... San Diego opened the bottom of the 1st with back to back singles. Matt Kemp, who has been having a down season, finally came through & doubled home Michael Abreu. Scooter Gennet then hit a deep flyball that brought Yangervis Solarte home & just like that it was 2-0. In the top of the 4th Atlanta showed some life. Andrelton Simmons has been pounding the ball recently & that continued Monday night when he sent a fastball into CF for a solo HR. But San Diego wasn't done specifically Michael Abreu who was just getting started. In the bottom of the 5th he launched his first of two home runs into the left field stands to push the game to 3-1. Atlanta attempted to rally in the top of the 6th. Mallex Smith worked a walk & Simmons followed with a single. AJ Pierzynski did what AJ does and singled home Smith but they would strand the rest of the runners. Cody Martin entered the game in the bottom of the 7th & he too had the same issue with Abreu that Shelby Miller had. With a runner on 2nd the Padre first basemen launched the first pitch he saw into the stands pushing San Diego further ahead 5-2. Atlanta's last rally happened in top of 8th when Simmons & Pierzynski hit back to back singles. Christian Villanueva then singled again to bring Simmons home. Toscano singled to load the bases so Markakis came up with chance to tie the game. He hit into a double play.... Atlanta will look to bounce back tomorrow when they send Julio Teheran to the mound, no telling what they get out of him tomorrow night.

WP: Andrew Cashner (1-4) 9.0 IP, 10 H, 3 ER, BB, 2 K
LP: Shelby Miller (3-1) 6.0 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K

Player of the Game: Michael Abreu 3-4, 2 HR(6), 3 RBI(15), 3 R

- Eric Young Jr goes on the 15 day DL with a sprained thumb
- Atlanta recalls RF Destin Hood from AAA Gwinnett

2nd Pick Scouting
Each game report I am posting a scouting report of a guy that I am considering for my top 5 picks. All ratings are from my scout Brian Bridges

3B Greg Diechmann | Bats: Left | Age 20 | 6'2" 185 lbs | 78 POT
Contact: 40/60 | Gap Power: 45/55 | HR Power: 35/55 | Eye/Discipline: 40/55 | Avoid K's: 30/45
Infield Range: 60 | Infield Error: 50 | Infield Arm: 65 | Turn DP: 50 | Third Base: 50 | Shortstop: 40
Speed: 55 | Stealing: 55 | Baserunning: 55
Brian Bridges Thoughts: Could be an offensive force with some refinement. There could be an above-average contact hitter here; maybe a .290 hitter one day. Deichmann has plus raw power and has the chance to be a run producer. Deichmann does a really good job of working the count and isn't easily fooled by close pitches. Deichmann has solid hands and fields his position well. His speed is slightly above average. Good guy in the clubhouse, rarely makes waves.
My Thoughts: I like Deichmann. Not sure if he is gonna be here in the 2nd round but if he is would be hard to pass up excep for his $4.6M signing bonus. He is good at a lot of things and that solid power is tantalizing. He will develop into a very solid 3B & most likely a #2 guy in the lineup. I doubt though he falls this far & I am not sure if we can afford the signing bonus but a guy to keep an eye on for sure

Minor League Review

Gwinnett (24-15) 4 @ Indianapolis (22-17) 1
- DH Destin Hood 2-4 (.296) --> Last game before getting called up
- LF Cedric Hunter 1-3, 2 RBI(9), R (.241)
- SP Manny Banuelos 5.0 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 6 K

Mobile (24-14) 8 @ Mississippi (20-17) 7
- 5 straight losses, same score as yesterday just not in 11 innings
- CF Matt Lipka 2-5, 2B(11), 2 RBI(13), R (.317)
- RF Conner Oliver 2-5, 2B(8), 2 RBI(26), R (.299)

Potomac (15-23) 10 @ Carolina (18-20) 3
- LF Jordan Paroubeck 1-4, 2 RBI(9), R
- 3B Dustin Peterson 1-3, 3B(2), BB (.212)

Rome (17-14) 5 @ West Virginia Power (22-9) 0
- C Matthew Kassowitcz 3-5, 3B(2), HR(7), 2 RBI(20) (.245)
- 3B Ian Hagenmiller 2-5, 2B(4), HR(4), RBI(15), R (.318)
- DH Chris Thibdeau 1-3, HR(3), 2 RBI(13), R (.221)
- SP Chandler Day W(5-1) 6.1 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 6 K (3.40 ERA) --> Really liking his development still on a 90 pitch count

MLB News
- SP Jacob deGrom (MIA) shuts out Chicago's powerful offense in 9-0 W

[WeagleWeagle]

5/17/2016

Padres Offense Explodes

Atlanta Braves (18-16) 2 @ San Diego Padres (14-18) 8

San Diego, CA - Remember when Atlanta was tied for first the NL East & San Diego had the worst record in the NL? Amazing what changes in a few days. San Diego launched 3 HRs with one by, you guessed it Michael Abreu. Yangervis Solart & Derek Norris both also went deep. Julio Teheran struggled lasting only 4.1 innings while giving up 7 hits 5 runs although only 3 of them were earned. On the other side Despaigne was untouchable for most of the day as he held Atlanta to only 5 hits resulting in 2 runs. This series was supposed to be a boost before the 4 game stretch with San Francisco. Things have gone in the complete opposite direction & Brett Anderson will have to try & salvage something tomorrow for Atlanta. To add insult to injury Atlanta learned that Wisler will be out 1-2 weeks longer than initially expected...

WP: Odrisamer Despaigne (4-1) 6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, BB, 6 K
LP: Julio Teheran (1-4) 4.1 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

Player of the Game: Derek Norris 3-4, 2B(3), HR(7), 3 RBI(7)

2nd Pick Scouting
Each game report I am posting a scouting report of a guy that I am considering for my top 5 picks. All ratings are from my scout Brian Bridges

C Jake Jessell | Bats: Right | Age 18 | 6'0" 220 lbs | 58 POT
Contact: 45/55 | Gap Power: 40/55 | HR Power: 35/55 | Eye/Discipline: 40/55 | Avoid K's: 30/35
Catcher Ability: 50 | Catcher Arm: 65 | Catcher: 50
Speed: 45 | Stealing: 55 | Baserunning: 50
Brian Bridges Thoughts: Some scouts are predicting big things for Jessell, but that seems like a stretch to me. Showing contact ability which should translate into an above-average batting average. The power is more a projection right now, but he's got average to plus power potential. Pitchers have to work hard to get him out, he lays off borderline pitches and works the count really well. Fairly average defensive catcher. Won't cost the team anything, but probably won't rob anyone either. Not a threat on the basepaths at all. Ordinary guy, who likes to fish in the offseason.
My Thoughts: Bridges doesn't think as highly of Jessell as OSA or other scouts but does think he can be a decent major leaguer. Mainly they see an extra level of pop in his bat. I am in between the 2 guys but I think that means he isn't 2nd round pick worthy. If he is still sitting there in round 4 or 5 then I definitely think we would go for it.

Minor League Review

Norfolk (23-17) 4 @ Gwinnett (25-15) 8
- 1B Conrad Gregor 3-3, 2B(7) RBI(25), R, BB (.411)
- CF Todd Cunningham 1-3, HR(2), 2 RBI(16), 2 R (.270)
- 3B Adonis Garcia 2-4, 2B(5), HR(3), 2 RBI(20, 2 R (.257)

Birmingham (22-17) 6 @ Mississippi (20-19) 1
- 7 straight losses... Why must all our minor league teams go on long losing streaks??
- LF Braxton Davidson 1-3 (.393)
- CF Matt Lipka 2-4, R (.322)

Potomac (16-23) 5 @ Carolina (18-21) 1
- 3B Dustin Peterson 1-4, 2B(5), R (.213)
- DH Joel B. Polanco 1-3, HR(1), 2 RBI(4), R (.143)

Rome (18-14) 6 @ West Virginia Power (22-10) 4
- LF Dwanya Williams-Sutton 3-4, HR(2), 2 RBI(5), 2 R (.273)
- DH Ian Hagenmiller 1-3, 2B(5), 2 RBI(17), 2 R, BB (.318)

MLB News
- MIN CF Max Keplery & PIT SP Collin McHough lost their tempers during game today that lead to bench clearing brawl & now 8 game suspension
- TEX CF Delino DeShields Jr hits for cycle against KC

[WeagleWeagle]

5/18/2016

Alvarez Implodes

Atlanta Braves (18-17) 2 @ San Diego Padres (14-18) 8

San Diego, CA - As RJ Alvarez walked off the field with his head down & Padres celebrating at home plate the Petco Park sound man decided to twist the dagger deeper by playing "Bad Day". And it was a bad day for the Braves closer but let's rewind to the first inning when it looked the Atlanta had found their stride again. Mallex Smith opened game with a single. 2 batters later Christian Bethancourt launched his team leading 4th HR (career single season high) 388 ft into LF to launch the Bravos ahead 2-0. Matt Kemp destroyed a Brett Anderson fastball in bottom of the 4th to cut the lead in half. But Atlanta wasn't done. In the top of the 7th facing a tiring Cory Mazzoni, Jace Peterson & Christian Villanueva singled to put men on 1st & 2nd. Jose Peraza then tripled the 2 home. Mallex Smith later hit a sac fly bringing home the 5th run for Atlanta. San Diego would get a run back in the bottom of the 7th off John Cornerly but that would be it till the dreadful 9th... RJ Alvarez entered with a 5-2 lead needing only 3 outs to get Atlanta out of San Diego with something other than a sweep. It started fine with a groundout but then Braves killer Michael Abreu got the party started with a groundball single. The next batter Jordy Mercer facing a 2-1 count absolutely obliterated a fastball 429 feet for a 2 run score cutting the once comfortable lead to 5-4. Derek Norris then singled but Alvarez bounced back with a flyout. So with 2 outs all he had to do was get Melvin Upton Jr out who is hitting a sad .105... He instead walked him... That brought up Yangervis Solarte who on a 2-2 count got a pitch he liked & punished it 356 ft for a 3 run blast completing the implosion. Atlanta leaves San Diego 2 games back from Washington in the East & 18-17 record. Now the Braves will have to travel to take on San Francisco who is on the reverse side of the standings in the West. AJ Cole will try to end the Braves slide tomorrow.

WP: Craig Kimbrel (1-0) 1.0 IP, K
LP: RJ Alvarez (1-1) BS(3) 0.2 IP, 4 H, 5 ER, BB

Player of the Game: Brett Anderson 6.0 IP, 3 H, ER, K

2nd Pick Scouting
Each game report I am posting a scouting report of a guy that I am considering for my top 5 picks. All ratings are from my scout Brian Bridges

SP John Pomeroy | Throws: Right | Age 21 | 6.0" 230 lbs | 24 POT
Stuff: 40/60 | Movement: 45/55 | Control: 35/50
Fastball: 50/65 | Curveball: 35/65 | Changeup: 30/65
Pitcher: 45 | Stamina: 55 | Hold Runners: 50
Brian Bridges Thoughts: Pomeroy might reach the big leagues at some point, but only if the timing is right. His stuff shows respectable potential. If he gets smarter and tougher, he could have a job in the big leagues for a while. Has gotten by this far by changing speeds, but once he starts to see some better hitters, his lack of movement will be exposed. Just too incosistent with his control. Throws well sometimes, but often enough. One of the guys.
My Thoughts: To say Bridges & OSA disagree vastly on this guy's upside is bit of an understatement. He can hit 92-94 mph consistently & I think Bridges is selling him short but it's a big gamble to spend 2nd round pick on a guy your scout doesn't see as a top of the rotation type of guy...

Minor League Review

Norfolk (24-17) 7 @ Gwinnett (25-16) 1
- C Chris O'Dowd 1-3, RBI(9) (405)
- RF Domingo Santana 0-4 (.250) --> Still struggling

Birmingham (23-17) 5 @ Mississippi (20-20) 2
- 8 straight losses... Will it ever end?
- 1B Levi Hyams 2-4, 2B(7) (.297)
- LF Braxton Davidson 1-2, RBI(6)

Potomac (16-24) 1 @ Carolina (19-21) 3
- RF Jordan Paroubeck 3-4, R (.529)
- LF Sean Godfrey 3-4, 2B(3), 2 RBI(8) (.148)

Rome (18-14) on bye

MLB News
- SF Matt Duffy's 21 game hit streak ended by Angels
- SEA SP Rafael Montero shuts out the D'Backs

[WeagleWeagle]

Series Preview

The plan was to go take at least 2 from San Diego & get geared up for a big 4 game road series against the 19-16 Giants. That didn't go as planned as the Braves were swept & now hobble into AT&T Park to face murderer's row of starters. It's hard to find a starting rotation as scary as this one. Madison Bumgarner, Jake Peavy, Matt Cain & Jeff Samardzija make for as tough of a starting rotation as you will find. Then take a peak at their 3-6 hitters: C Buster Posey, 1B Brandon Belt, LF Josh Hamilton & RF Hunter Pence. The Giants made headlines in the offseason trading for Josh Hamilton who has not been the level San Francisco was hoping but you know what power & talent is lurking their in the 5 hole. The Giants bring in the best batting avg & OBP in the NL. Atlanta is reeling & really needs a strong series. Splitting would be huge. One thing is for sure there are going to be some brilliant pitching matchups this weekend.

Expected Pitching Matchups
Game 1
LHP Madison Bumgarner 4-2, 1.79 ERA, 2.40 FIP, 1.7 WAR
vs
RHP AJ Cole 3-1, 1.93 ERA, 2.33 FIP, 0.8 WAR
Game 2
RHP Jake Peavy 1-4, 4.14 ERA, 3.81 FIP, 0.6 WAR
vs
LHP Alex Wood 4-3, 2.15 ERA, 2.67 FIP, 1.6 WAR
Game 3
RHP Matt Cain 4-1, 2.58 ERA, 3.31 FIP, 0.9 WAR
vs
RHP Shelby Miller 3-1, 2.27 ERA, 3.10 FIP, 1.0 WAR
Game 4
RHP Jeff Samardizja 4-2, 3.48 ERA, 4.15 FIP, 0.4 WAR
vs
RHP Julio Teheran 1-4, 6.32 ERA, 5.81 FIP, -0.4 WAR

Primary Lineup
CF Darrell Ciciliani
2B Joe Panik
C Buster Posey
1B Brandon Belt
LF Josh Hamilton
RF Hunter Pence
3B Matt Duffy
SS Brandon Crawford

[jtsly2000]

Good news is Cole and Wood are lined up to start the first two of the series for the Braves. Good luck!

[WeagleWeagle]

5/19/2016

Giants Shut Out Braves

Atlanta Braves (18-18) 0 @ San Francisco (20-16) 1

San Francisco, CA - AJ Cole was outstanding. He kept Giants hitters off balance & confused all day. He pitched 8 innings surrendering only 5 runs with 2 walks & 5 Ks. The problem? He surrendered a run in the 1st... Madison Bumgarner was even better. He went 7 giving up 5 hits, walking 2 & striking TEN Braves hitters. It looked like it was going to be a rough start for the Braves rookie as Brandon Belt singled home Cicilani in the bottom of the 1st but after a double play it was smooth sailing rest of the way for Cole who gave up 4 of his 5 hits in the first 2 innings. On the other side Atlanta could not figure out how to score on Bumgarner. Their best chance came in the 6th. Simmons started inning off with a grounder & Bethancourt followed with a double. So with 0 outs they had runners on 2nd & 3rd with Freddie Freeman at the plate. Then the following happened, Freeman struck out, Villanueva grounded out to the pitcher & Destin Hood who was 2-2 before this grounded out to the SS. That would be the closest Atlanta would get the rest of the day. The Braves send Alex Wood to the mound tomorrow to do what aces are supposed to do, stop losing streaks. But he will need some help from the offense who face off against Jake Peavy who has struggled some in the early 2016 campaign.

WP: Madison Bumgarner (5-2) 7.0 IP, 5 H, 2 B, 10 K
LP: AJ Cole (3-2) 8.0 IP, 5 H, ER, 2 BB, 5 K
S: Sergio Romo(7) 1.0 IP, BB, 2 K

Player of the Game: Madison Bumgarner

3rd Pick Scouting
Each game report I am posting a scouting report of a guy that I am considering for my top 5 picks. All ratings are from my scout Brian Bridges

SS Cayman Richardson | Bats: Right | Age 17 | 6'1" 175 lbs | 68 POT
Contact: 30/50 | Gap Power: 35/55 | HR Power: 35/60 | Eye/Discipline: 40/65 | Avoid K's: 20/40
Infield Range: 70 | Infield Error: 70 | Infield Arm: 70 | Turn DP: 60 | 2nd Base: 35 | 3rd Base: 65 | Shortstop: 65
Speed: 55 | Stealing: 60 | Baserunning: 60
Brian Bridges Thoughts: Some scouts are predicting stardom for Richardson, while others think he'll be only an average regular. I'd split the difference on those projections. Grades out as slightly below average contact hitter. Richardson just doesn't seem to have a lot of talent. He's got above-average power potential, the kind that could generate 25 homers a season in the future. Has the potential to be a hard out every time he steps to the plate, even for the best pitchers. He could be a solid above-average defender. Richardson is a decent runner with average speed. Richardson is a guy other players look up to. A good influence on the team.
My Thoughts: Once again my scout & OSA disagree on this kid's potential but I tend to side with my scout. Richardson is a power hitting SS almost reminding me of Tulo in Colorado. He could also play 3B if we needed him too & has a little experience at 2nd. I wish is avoid K's were higher but he does appear to have great plate discipline so that should lead to less strikeouts & more walks. The major downside is some think it will be impossible for us to sign this kid & there are reports he really wants to go to college. I will need a further look at my other options before pulling the trigger on him if he is still sitting there in the 3rd round.

2nd Pick Preference List
1.) SP Chris Viall
2.) C Jake Jessell
3.) 2B Greg Deichmann
4.) SS Dansby Swanson
5.) 3B Will Craig

Minor League Review

Norfolk (25-17) 5 @ Gwinnett (25-17) 3
- DH Kyeong Kang 1-4, 2B(4), RBI(6) --> left game with injury
- LF Cedric Hunter 1-3, HR(5), RBI(28)

Mississippi (20-20) on BYE

Carolina (19-21) on BYE

Rome (18-14) rained out

MLB News
- BAL 3B Manny Machado has hit safely now in 20 straight games
- 2 new faces at top of HR leaderboard, Neil Walker PIT 2B & Christian Walker BAL 1B each have 10. Jose Abreu still on the DL
- CLE Mike Minor first pitcher to 6 wins, now 6-0 with 2.58 ERA... I want him back...

[WeagleWeagle]

5/20/2016

Braves Can't Find Offense

Atlanta Braves (18-19) 0 @ San Francisco (21-16) 5

San Francisco, CA - Having great pitching is key to being a successful team. It's the main blueprint Atlanta's young GM/manager WeagleWeagle is rebuilding this Altanta club around. Alex Wood, Shelby Miller & AJ Cole have all been outstanding this season with ERAs under 3. However, doesn't matter how great your pitching is if you can't score runs... Like if you score 0 runs... That is the Braves problem right now & they need to solve it fast. For the 2nd straight day Atlanta could not get a hit with RISP & were shutout again. If there was one pitcher in this murderer's row that Atlanta felt they might get too it had to be Jake Peavy who entered with a 4+ ERA. Peavy however looked on point today going 8 innings & striking out 5 while giving up 5 hits. Once again Atlanta got runners on 2nd & 3rd with no out & again Freddie Freeman struck out. After that 2 groundouts followed & the frustration continued for this Braves ballclub. Then in the 9th they loaded the bases with 2 outs bringing Christian Bethancourt to the plate as a pinch hitter. The team's RBI & HR leader was unable to come through either flying out to RF to end the game... Alex Wood wasn't amazing Friday night but he wasn't bad. He surrendered 5 runs but only 4 were earned as Jace Peterson committed 2 errors in the game at 3rd. He did go 7 innings but had a season low 3 strikouts. It will now be Shelby Miller's turn to try & stop the bleeding but at this point it doesn't matter who they send to the mound if they can't score. The Braves have now lost 5 straight & have fallen 3 & half back of the Nationals. Last season Atlanta fell out of the race in July on a 12 game losing streak. Could we be on our way to an earlier repeat?

WP: Jake Peavy (2-4) 8.0 IP, 5 H, BB, 5 K
LP: Alex Wood (4-4) 7.0 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
S: Sergio Romo(8) 0.1 IP

Player of the Game: Jake Peavy

3rd Pick Scouting
Each game report I am posting a scouting report of a guy that I am considering for my top 5 picks. All ratings are from my scout Brian Bridges

3B Dylan Bohnert | Bats: Right | Age 17 | 6'4" 190 lbs | 56 POT
Contact: 35/55 | Gap Power: 45/60 | HR Power: 40/60 | Eye/Discipline: 35/55 | Avoid K's: 20/40
Infield Range: 70 | Infield Error: 50 | Infield Arm: 65 | Turn DP: 65 | 1st Base: 30 | 2nd Base: 60 | 3rd Base: 65 | Shortstop: 50 | Left Field: 35 | Right Field: 35
Speed: 60 | Stealing: 55 | Baserunning: 40
Brian Bridges Thoughts: Not a bad player, and should get better. Bohnert projects to be an average contact hitter. Bohnert shows tremendous raw power. Nothing special at the plate, but capable of avoiding balls and swinging at strikes. Bohnert's best tools are his hands. He catches most everything hit his way. His average speed improves to a tick above once he gets going. Bohnert has an introverted personality.
My Thoughts: I like this kid. He can play a lot of different positions & has great slugging potential. Again another guy I wish avoided strikeouts better but he seems like a solid contact hitter that will go for extra bases. With the 3rd pick at this point if I have selected 2 pitchers already then I am really going to want a position player, preferably a catcher but Bohnert is a solid option. But again he is a guy that is considered borderline impossible to sign out of high school so we will see.

Minor League Review

Norfolk (25-18) 2 @ Gwinnett (26-17) 3
- 1B Conrad Gregor 1-4 (.395)
- RF Domingo Santana 0-4, 2 K (.205) --> No help from him anytime soon
- C Kyle Higashioka 3-4, 2B(5), RBI(10) (.292)

Mississippi (21-20) 10 @ Jacksonville (20-21) 9 (10)
- The streak is broken!
- DH Braxton Davidson 2-4, 2 R (.412)
- 1B Levi Hyams 1-3, HR(6), 3 RBI(34) (.297)
- SS Reed Harper 3-5, HR(1), 2 RBI(8), 3 R (.269)

Carolina (20-21) 5 @ Winston-Salem (19-22) 3
- CF Joseph Daris 2-5, RBI(17), R (.364)
- 2B Carlos Franco 1-4, HR(3), RBI(15), (.217)
- C Tanner S. Murphy 3-4, R (.265)

Charleston (24-9) 6 @ Rome (19-14) 3
- SP Alec Grosser (3-2) 7.0 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 BB, 6 K
- LF Danny Reyes 2-4, 2B(8) (.248)
- CF Alex Verdugo 2-4, RBI(11) (.224)
- 3B Ian Hagenmiller 2-3, HR(5), RBI(18), R (.327)

Charleston (24-10) 6 @ Rome (20-14) 11
- CF Danny Reyes 3-4, 2B(9), 3 RBI(12), 2 R (.264)
- 3B Edwin Diaz 3-4, 2 2B(6), HR(7), 4 RBI(27), 2 R(.317)
- RF Alex Verdugo 1-3, HR(5), 2 RBI(13)
- 1B Alec Bohm 2-4, HR(5), RBI(13), R (.226)

MLB News
- Pirates ace Gerrit Cole spun a gem Friday night shutting out the Mets & striking out 8 along the way
- Houston got some bad news today learning SP Brandon Morrow will be gone for at least 5 months with a bone spur in his elbow, former Brave Daniel Winkler will now move into the starting rotation for the Astros

[WeagleWeagle]

Will have updates later on the final 2 games of the seires but needless to say I slammed by laptop shut after playing through the 2 games. I think my hope of a rebuild in just 2 years is not looking good...

I can't imagine how frustrating a real GM must feel when they watch prospects they trade for and think are gonna be awesome suck lol

[WeagleWeagle]

5/21/2016

Cain Owns Braves

Atlanta Braves (18-20) 2 @ San Francisco (22-16) 3

San Francisco, CA - Stop me if you heard this one before. An Atlanta pitcher goes out & has a pretty decent day. Then the offense goes out & strands base runners EVERYWHERE... Things are becoming pretty repetitive for the Braves ballclub. It has gotten to the point that Andrelton Simmons is the sole source of all things offense related. That is not good. Shelby Miller took the mound for Atlanta to face the Giant's Matt Cain. Miller had a good day besides the bottom of the 2nd. That was not so good. Josh Hamilton who has been silent all series, found a pitch he liked & then was absolutely rude to it blasting a 438 ft HR to jump San Fran out to 1-0 lead. A little later Hunter Pence walked, Leonys Martin singled & then Brandon Crawford singled both home to put the score at 3-0. The Giants would never score again but they scored enough. Dian Toscano singled home Shelby Miller in the top of the 3rd to cut the lead to 2. Then in top of 6th Andrelton Simmons doubled with one out & Freddie Freeman finally came through with RISP with a 2 out RBI single. The Braves would get 2 more really good chances. In the top of the 7th Jace Peterson singled with one out. Pierzynski came in as a PH & singled to put runners on corners with 1 out. Mallex Smith then hit a short flyball to center. Atlanta elected to try Martin's arm which turned out to be poor decision as the speedy 2nd basemen was gunned down at home. Then finally in the top of the 9th Freddie Freeman opened the inning with a double. Then the Braves ineptitude entered it's final crescendo. Villanueva struck out. Makrakis struck out. And Jace Peterson finished strong with a weak groundout keeping the Braves losing streak alive. Tomorrow they will attempt to prevent being swept 2 straight series & salvage something on this West Coast road trip...

WP: Matt Cain (5-1) 8.0 IP, 6 H, ER, BB, 6 K
LP: Shelby Miller (3-2) 6.0 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, BB, 5 K
S: Yusmeiro Petit(1) 1.0 IP, H, 2 K

Player of the Game: Matt Cain

3rd Pick Scouting
Each game report I am posting a scouting report of a guy that I am considering for my top 5 picks. All ratings are from my scout Brian Bridges

SP Cole Sands | Throws: Right | Age 18 | 6'3" 205 lbs | 70 POT
Stuff: 35/65 | Movement: 50/60 | Control: 30/55
Fastball: 45/65 | Curveball: 35/75 | Changeup: 25/55
Pitcher: 35 | Stamina: 55 | Hold Runners: 50
Brian Bridges Thoughts: Sands has the makings of a top-flight starter. Great potential. This kid could put up some serious strikeout numbers. Feisty, great temperatment, really goes after hitters. His breaking stuff is well above average, especially tough from the opposite side of the plate. Tends to overthrow under pressure, which makes his fastball straighten out & gets him into trouble. Projects to have average control. Everday guy, who often cleans up during the clubhouse poker games.
My Thoughts: This is Bridges guy. OSA has his potential at 22. The difference? Bridges sees elite potential in Sand's curveball. Like plus, plus stuff. I think he falls somewhere in between & can develop into a decent mid rotation type pitcher. In the 3rd round I am not looking for mid rotation. I will say tho with him not being so loved by other scouts he might still be there later. If come round 6-8 & he is still there? Then I am definitely taking him. Last year Tampa Bay took him with their 2nd round pick but were unable to sign him. He ended up going 10-4 with 2.72 ERA & 2.694 FIP in college. Not bad..

Minor League Review

Norfolk (26-16) 2 @ Gwinnett (26-18) 1
- SP Manny Banuelos L(3-3) 6.0 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 BB, 7 K --> Shelby Miller, AJ Cole & Alex Wood can relate
- SS Zach Cozart 2-4, 2B(2), RBI(1) (.182)

Mississippi (21-20) rained out

Carolina (20-22) 1 @ Winston-Salem (20-22) 9
- CF Joseph Daris 3-4, 2B(8), R (.374)
- 1B Tanner Krietmeier 1-4, RBI(13)

Charleston (24-11) 0 @ Rome (21-14) 1
- RP Jorge Zavala W(4-0) 2.0 IP, H, BB, 3 K (1.71 ERA) --> Guy's been solid in most stops in farm system
- CF Alex Verdugo 1-3, 2B(7), R (.230)
- 1B Alec Bohm 2-3, RBI(14) (.237)

MLB News
- Oakland's 2B Joe Wendle is out for at least 5 weeks with a sprained ankle
- Orioles 3B Manny Machado's hit streak came to an end after 21 games against the Royals