Atlanta

Louisville Bats 6, Gwinnett Braves 5 Jose Constanza LF - 2-4 BB, .283 Avg Joey Terdoslavich RF - 1-4 2B(16), RBI(27), 2 K, .325 Avg Brandon Boggs CF - 3-3 2B(6), 3B(2), 2 RBI(14), BB, .202 Avg Joe Leonard DB - 2-2 2B(6), .198 Avg The Braves attempted to rally late in this one. They went into the ninth down by two and got the first two batters on base. Joey Terdoslavich hit a sac fly to score one, but the offense left Jose Constanza stranded on second. Yohan Flande allowed 13 hits in six innings of work and gave up six runs (four earned). Jacksonville Suns 3, Mississippi Braves 1 Edward Salcedo 3B - 2-4 CS(5), .273 Avg Jose Martinez RF - 2-4 2B(5), K, .305 Avg With the loss to the Suns, Mississippi falls behind them by a half game in the division race. Martinez and Salcedo were the only hitters to collect multiple hits and Martinez collected the only extra base hit of the game for the Braves. Alex Wood will take the mound for the Braves tomorrow as they try to regain the division lead. Carolina Mudcats 3, Lynchburg Hillcats 7 Matt Lipka CF - 2-4 SB(10), .274 Avg Robby Hefflinger LF - 2-5 RBI(29), .296 Avg David Rohm DH - 2-4 RBI(17), .326 Avg Kyle Kubitza 3B - 2-4 3B(2), 2 RBI(17), BB, .242 Avg Shawn McGill C - 3-3 .750 Avg Navery Moore 6 IP 7H 3R 1BB 5K 5.94 ERA Nate Hyatt 1IP 0H 0R 1BB 3K 4.60 ERA Matt Lipka picked up with his multi hit ways after an o-fer last night and raised his average up to .276. He finished last season at .271 with a late surge but his power numbers are still light years ahead of previous seasons. Kyle Kubitza has gotten warm in the last week as well. He has three multi-hit games in his last four and hit his first homer on a walk-off three nights ago. He is still showing excellent plate discipline with 10 walks in the last 10 games, but the power might finally be showing up. Asheville Tourists 4, Rome Braves 6 - Game 1 - Resumed from Suspended Action on 5/17 Jose Peraza SS - 3-4 3B(1), 2 RBI(11), SB(12), .281 Avg Levi Hyams 2B - 3-3 2B(5), 2 RBI(12), .348 Avg Josh Elander LF - 1-4 RBI(32), .313 Avg Lucas Sims 3.1IP 2H 0R 0BB 3K 3.18 ERA Lucas Sims continues to get the kid gloves treatment which is fine by me. The Pirates did the same thing with Jameson Taillon the year after he was drafted (though he debuted later in the year) and he is doing pretty well. Sims is currently riding a streak of five consecutive scoreless outings. During that span he has thrown 13.1 innings, allowed 6 hits, 3 walks, and struck out 14. His most impressive stat so far is his batting average against: .154 through 22.2 innings for the seaosn. He has only given up more than one hit in an outing twice this year and he hasn't allowed a walk in his last three appearances. Asheville Tourists 5, Rome Braves 2 - Game 2, 7 Innings Josh Elander LF - 2-3 3B(3), E(1), .320 Avg Carlos Franco 3B - 2-2 RBI(17), BB, SB(9), .237 Avg Felix Marte RF - 2-3 K, .255 Avg Frank Lafreniere 6IP 5H 3R 1BB 5K 5.23 ERA Josh Elander and Carlos Franco were about all the offense in this one. Franco was on a hot streak a couple of weeks ago but had fallen on hard time again recently. He has a modest four game hitting streak going now but it has been pretty empty so far. He still shows the ability to take walks but his strikeouts remain high.

For 7 1/3 innings and 91 pitches, Dodgers starter Chris Capuano had the Braves in fits. He left after allowing a rally starting single to B.J. Upton, but it was a masterful performance by the 34-year old. Fast forward eight Kenley Jansen pitches later, and all of Capuano's hard work had been undone. The scouting report to throw Evan Gattis high fastballs and breaking balls away apparently hadn't made its way to the Dodgers' clubhouse, as Jansen pounded Gattis with cutters in the zone before "El Oso Blanco" turned on one and lined it into the left field seats for a two-run home run that put Atlanta up 2-1 game. The TV broadcast had really cool video of Justin Upton giving Gattis a scouting report on Jansen before Gattis went to bat. Andrelton Simmons followed with a home run of his own, pulling a high fastball to left field as well to up Atlanta's lead to 3-1. Craig Kimbrel slammed the door with two strikeouts in the ninth to record his 13th save of the season. Up until the eighth inning, the game was a pitchers duel between Capuano and Atlanta starter Kris Medlen. Capuano kept the Braves off balance all night, rotating his sinker and changeup en route to five strikeouts and eight whiffs on his changeup. Atlanta almost got to Capuano in the first, as Jason Heyward connected on a shot to deep center that looked like it was going to get over the fence for a home run. However, Matt Kemp had other plans as the Los Angeles center fielder made an absolutely perfect read on the ball and an insanely good catch to rob Heyward of a home run. Luckily, Medlen was up to the challenge of matching Capuano pitch for pitch. The right-hander allowed just two hits and one run (unearned) while walking three and striking out five in seven innings of work. After struggling with location in recent starts, Medlen was much better in that aspect today and recorded 14 whiffs on 112 pitches. The only blemish against Medlen came in the fourth inning when Adrian Gonzalez walked with one out and came in to score on a double from Skip Schumaker that Justin Upton bobbled in the corner. It was ruled an error on Upton, so the run was unearned. Cory Gearrin pitched an impressive eighth inning to receive the win, his first of the season. Chris Johnson was the only Brave to record multiple hits, as the third baseman singled three times in three plate appearances.

April 17, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Eric O As you probably know the Braves put lefty Eric O’Flaherty on the 15 day DL with a tear of his UCL and called up Cory Rasmus from Gwinnett.  Tears like this almost always mean TJ surgery and a year of recovery. He joins Jonny Venters who had the surgery on Thursday, so I guess they won’t be lonely during rehab though EOF is a free agent after this season and the Braves my elect not to tender the injured pitcher a contract. Jordan Walden was put on the 15 day DL (shoulder) Friday back dated to last Saturday so he may be back in a week or so. Luis Ayala (anxiety disorder), Cristhian Martinez (shoulder) are also  on DL. Wednesday the next logical replacement – hard throwing right hander  J.R. Graham – was sent to Atlanta to see a specialist due to shoulder inflammation, so our pitching is looking tissue thin at the moment. Asked about using six foot four righty Alex Wood to bolster the Braves bullpen GM Frank Wren used his Acme Spin Machine 2000 to toss out this answer. “I don’t think we need to disrupt the development of players at this point. We’ll let them continue to develop and grow. He’s doing really well, but we’re not to the point where we think that would be advantageous to him or us.” Fortunately I have my spin decoder here and that translates to: we don’t have any body ready for prime time yet. So what other options are there? The GM also said quite rightly that there are few trades out there worth having but that doesn’t mean there isn’t movement. Today the Braves added lefty reliever Joe Beimel on a minor-league contract. Beimel last pitched in 2011 – he missed 2012 due to TJ surgery  – throwing 25 1/3 innings for the Pirates compiling a 5.33 ERA and a 1.697 WHIP. He had 6K/9, 3.20 BB/9  and a 2.1 HR/9 ratios. Those numbers likely reflect the soreness he had in his elbow prior to surgery. On Monday the Braves signed minor league free agent lefty reliever Juan Cedeno to a minor-league contract. The 29 year old lefty pitched for Triple-A Scranton in the Yankees organization in 2012 finishing with a 2.81 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in his 64 innings. He posted a 0/7 HR/9, an 8.02 K/9 and and a 2.95 BB/9 ratio . He made ten appearances throwing 11 innings this year for Scranton before being released. he’s had control issues since arriving and doesn’t look like an option. Last Sunday the braves signed RHP Kameron Loe. Loe was released by the Cubs earlier in the week after putting up a 5.80 ERA and 1.920 WHIP for the Cubbies but I doubt he’s an option we’d use any time soon. Leaving Miami The Marlins continue to shed experienced pitchers in one way or another.  Earlier this week the Marlins released righty Jon Rauch – he of the gigantic frame and equally gigantic neck tattoo. This year Rauch had thrown 16 2/3 innings putting up a 7.56 ERA and a 1.80 WHIP, striking out 15 while walking seven and giving up one home run. The ERA is misleading as his FIP was just 3.37, such is the life of a Marlins pitcher this year.  About the same time David Aardsma (1-0, 2.57 ERA) exercised his option and ask for his release from the Marlins AAA team in New Orleans. Aardsma started the year with the Yankees but was DFA on April 4th and signed by the Fish.  Aardsma also had TJ surgery in 2012 and was working his way back. For New Orleans Aardsma had a 2.51 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP in 14 innings striking out 12, walking 8 and giving up two home runs in the 14 hits allowed.  Prior to injury his hip and then his elbow Aardsma had been a pretty good reliever for the Mariners. Either of these guy might well fit in the Braves bullpen. That’s A Wrap Even though the GM says we’re not worried you can bet he’s working hard to fill the void in the Braves bullpen. We’ve seen already that Walden can be fragile and if Craig Kimbrel goes down it’s all over but the crying. On top of that our starters have not looked good of late. Some of that may have been roa

I discussed the Hawks upcoming offseason and the potential coaching and roster changes that could be on the horizon on the Mike Sammond show on 92.9 The Game. We discussed the coaching search, possible free agents, Jeff Teague and Josh Smith's future, and the possibilities of Dwight Howard and/or Chris Paul coming to Atlanta. You can listen here to my appearance here. Exit Question: What coach and free agents do you think will be/want to be on the Hawks' bench next season?

The Falcons hosted their annual State of the Franchise event on Thursday evening, and president and CEO Rich McKay, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith had a number of interesting things to say about personnel and focus moving into the new season and plans for the new stadium, and they also fielded questions from fans. Rich McKay focused primarily on the new stadium in his remarks, as he is heavily involved in the process. McKay stated that the primary reason the Falcons are moving forward on the new stadium at this time is because their lease at the Georgia Dome is set to expire in 2017, and Arthur Blank believes that it's time to create a long-term solution that will benefit the Falcons organization as well as the city and the fans. McKay described the venture as a true public-private partnership, with the Falcons assuming the bulk of the risk. McKay emphasized the team's commitment to positively impact the surrounding community through this venture, and said that it's one of their top priorities as well as one of the biggest challenges they will face. The team has selected 360 Architecture, who designed Met Life Stadium and many others. As far as what to expect in the design of the new stadium, the Falcons are expecting the new stadium to be a standard-bearer and a game changer when it comes to stadiums. McKay said that, although there are some beautiful new stadiums around the league, the game day experience is pretty static. He took a subtle shot at Cowboys Stadium when he alluded to the fact that a "weird thing hung down the middle" of a stadium doesn't really change the game day experience for the fans. The Falcons want to set the bar high in creating a unique experience for fans in the new venue. Currently, the Georgia Dome is home to a number of high-profile regional events in addition to Falcons home games, such as the SEC Championship, but the Falcons want to create a venue that will be the best destination in the United States for high profile events. Not only that, but Arthur Blank envisions the new stadium as an iconic destination--something that people will go and see when they visit Atlanta even if they aren't planning to attend a sporting event there. When the new stadium committee met with 360 Architecture, the firm provided them with cards to flip through with "outside the box" ideas for the new stadium, designed to get them thinking of creative, new ways to enhance the game day experience--for example, "What if food trucks provided all of the concessions?" and "What if the fans controlled the scoreboard?" You've surely also heard about the potential for seats that vibrate after a big play, and the possibility of a 100 yard bar. They are still in the early stages of planning, but it's clear that they're thinking big, and that the new stadium will be truly unique. And they're not just thinking big about the stadium itself. McKay said that hosting a Super Bowl is not the team's goal. They intend to host multiple Super Bowls.

Just when the Braves' injury situation seemingly couldn't get any worse, the club announced Eric O'Flaherty has a tear in his UCL. O'Flaherty has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, although Frank Wren said Saturday afternoon that a quick recovery is not expected. He will meet Dr. James Andrews this week, and it seems highly likely that reconstructive surgery will be needed. If that's the case, EOF would be out for the remainder of the year. The news of O'Flaherty being lost for the season comes days after Jonny Venters was lost for the season with his second Tommy John Surgery in five years. Jordan Walden, who has dealt with injuries throughout his career, was also placed on the 15-day DL with right shoulder inflammation. Cristhian Martinez has been out for more than a month with a right shoulder strain and is reportedly not close to returning. Recently acquired reliever Luis Ayala remains in the Minor Leagues as he adjusts to pitching on medication for an anxiety disorder. To replace O'Flaherty, Atlanta called up Gwinnett closer Cory Rasmus. He posted great numbers in AAA, although he's unproven at the big league level. With so many relievers out, look for Cory Gearrin and Luis Avilan to handle most of the late-inning duties along with the suddenly-hittable Craig Kimbrel. Wren also said on Saturday that the club would look outside the organization to help restock the bullpen. Make of that what you will.

Dale Zanine – USA Today Sports Images The Atlanta Falcons had one of their best seasons in recent history, finishing the NFL regular season with a record of 13-3 and making it to the NFC Championship game. They even had a handy lead in that NFC Championship, but eventually fell victim to a fierce comeback by the San Francisco 49ers. One of the key reasons why the Falcons were much improved was the performance of quarterback Matt Ryan and the reliance of the team’s offensive system on him. Ryan threw 615 passes and completed 68.6 percent of them for 4,719 yards, 32 touchdowns and just 14 interceptions. Reports leading into the season said that head coach Mike Smith had plans to open up the offense and he and Ryan delivered. However, one of the thing that resulted in was them relying much less on the running game, which was also due to the decline of Michael Turner. On the season the Falcons rushed the ball just 378 times, with Turner taking 222 of those carries. He rushed for only 800 yards, though, an average of 3.6 yards per carry. He found the end zone 10 times, but those were largely goal line carries more than anything. Now Turner is gone and the Falcons have brought in Steven Jackson from the St. Louis Rams, which seems like an improvement in the eyes of most people. The Falcons run-blocking was a little below-average last season, but so was the Rams. That didn’t stop Jackson from rushing for 1,042 yards on 257 carries, good for a 4.1 yards per carry average. More importantly, Jackson was able to stay healthy last season. The Falcons offensive line is still somewhat of a worry, especially with the departure of Tyson Clabo and retirement of Todd McClure. However, they have upgraded at the running back position, which should mean a more potent running game and possibly a more balanced offense. Even if the Falcons decrease the focus on their passing game next season, Ryan could have a big year. Defenses were able to somewhat key in on the Falcons passing game, particularly at the end of the year. Turner wasn’t as much of a threat as Ryan was dropping back to throw. If Jackson can be productive this season, that will force defenses to respect the run and drop fewer men into pass coverage. If that ends up being the case, expect Ryan to have an enormous year. Cody Williams is a Senior Writer with Rant Sports. Follow Cody on Twitter @TheSizzle20 and like his Facebook page.

Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports For about a month there has been someone besides Jason Heyward manning the second spot in the Atlanta Braves batting order and his regular spot in right field. It might seem like that was no big deal because Heyward was actually struggling at the time he went down with an emergency appendectomy but that isn’t true. It did matter and it mattered a lot. As I have written before, the very presence of Heyward in the line-up makes everything better for the Braves whether he hits or doesn’t. It is the same effect Chipper Jones had. What happened during the time Heyward was in the line-up and struggling? The Braves were burning it up. They had a few losses but not very many compared to their win total. The official record through his last game prior to injury was 13 – 4. For the time he was out their record was 9 – 14. Quite a bit of a difference yes? His departure couldn’t have come at a more difficult time either, at the beginning of their first ten game road trip. It was just a bad time for them. Not anymore. Heyward is back and he says he feels better at the plate and overall. That is no surprise considering he was having some minor to major pain around his appendix area. Regardless of the reasons, he looks to be swinging much better now and instantly everyone around him seems to have fallen back into place. Justin Upton might not feel the pressure of the entire offense on his shoulders for a change. What was the result? An RBI groundout in the first inning that scored a run and moved a runner to third base was the result. That selfless type hitting is what will be the ignition point for this team to explode. Later of course I don’t have to tell you that the same guy that selflessly grounded to second base hit a game clinching grand slam. Is that a coincidence? I think not. David Miller is a Senior Writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.

COMMENTARY | Despite having only pitched in three major-league seasons, Jonny Venters will now have two Tommy John surgery scars to commemorate his time in the Atlanta Braves bullpen. For every pitcher in the MLB, three words are more frightening than any screaming line drive up the middle could ever be: Dr. James Andrews. View full post on Yahoo! Sports – MLB – Atlanta Braves News

April 7, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Jason Heyward (22) reacts to being tagged out by Chicago Cubs infielder Alberto Gonzalez (not pictured) in the seventh inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades.  Remember that popular song from the punk band, Timbuk3?  I heard it the other day, and it got me thinking about the Braves.  My friends will tell you that with me, most things do.  The future in the 2013 season for the Atlanta Braves is starting to shape up to be better than it’s been so far, but not so bright that Braves or Braves fans ought to have blinders on.  Shades perhaps, but not blinders. After last evening’s win against the LA Dodgers in game 1 of the series, all the talk around Braves Country was positive, upbeat, and for now at least, appropriate.  The Braves have their originally planned lineup back fully in place, all of them appear healthy, and the hurtin’ they put on the Dodgers last night would suggest that the universe is sound and that the Braves are tucked safely in their beds with visions of October dancing in their collective heads. Let’s go with that for a moment.  With Jason Heyward returning to the lineup last night, and signs of him perhaps having overcome his early season slump, the Braves may well be turning a kind of corner offensively.  With an admittedly tough road schedule early this season, they have shown inconsistent, see-saw performances so far this year and are fortunate to still be atop the NL East.  Baseball can be a very mental game though, and with everyone back healthy, despite a few lingering struggles in their lineup, perhaps the Braves really are at that turning point mentally where they have put this season’s past behind them and are looking ahead to start playing the way they did in April.  I would suggest to you it may well be the mental game alone the Braves need to win now, so that their pitching and offense follow along the same lines.  They’ve clearly got the talent, but will they have the mental discipline? Five things the Braves can focus on mentally, to help them as they finish up the 1st half of the 2013 Season… 1.  A healthy lineup:  The Braves are finally back healthy. Well, mostly.  All teams deal with injury, but there is a HUGE difference between a team that is sitting in 3rd place and having those injuries, and a team that has led the division almost since day 1 and dealing with injuries.  The difference is that when you’re fighting to stay in first place, any little setback tends to have more of a negative effect on you than if you were in 3rd.  I’m not suggesting teams not in first place shouldn’t fight just as hard, but it’s human nature when you’re on top to want to stay on top, and to get a little down in the dumps when things go wrong.  The Braves had to deal with waiting to get Brian McCann back from the DL.  Now that he is back and safely ensconced behind the plate, he’s catching and hitting like the All-Star player Braves fans love.  Jason Heyward also had to go on the DL due to some down time that had nothing to do with his day-to-day play.  Before that DL stint though, Jason was struggling as mightily as BJ Upton or Dan Uggla.   If his play last night in game 1 is any indication of a turnaround, then that’s great news for the Braves.  I know, those are only two players, and yet they are two players that are heart-and-soul for the Braves, and players whose absence can and WILL affect a team mentally.  Finally, while Jonny Venters was just lost to the 2013 season in order to have a 2nd Tommy John surgery, the Braves can and should focus on the possibility of getting Brandon Beachy back after the All-Star Break.  The bullpen will suffer with the loss of Venters, but the starting rotation could be considerably better going into September. 2.  Ton of Home Games Left:   The Brav