NEW YORK — Braves quotes from Andrelton Simmons, Freddie Freeman, Julio Teheran, David Carpenter, Jason Heyward and manager Fredi Gonzalez after Wednesday’s 3-2 win against the Mets.
**FREDI GONZALEZ
On Simmons saving a run and the game
“Yes, no question. Not even just that one, there were a couple of others during the course of the game, a couple of backhand plays that he made look pretty routine, that were not routine. But you’re always thinking about the last play he made – two outs, man on third base, backhand, in the hole, and he not only makes the play, he makes an accurate throw to first base. Free made a nice play over there receiving that ball.
“Yeah, today Teheran should take (Simmons) out to dinner, because he saved him the win. And also Walden. But we’ve seen it, so we kind of get accustomed to them sometimes, but then he goes out and makes one of those plays where you just don’t know what to tell him, other than, ‘great going.’”
When he hit it, did you think he had a chance to make the throw?
“I thought the ball was through. I was thinking, OK, the game’s tied, what are we going to do with Walden, maybe take him out and bring Varvaro in. But, yeah, then all of a sudden he makes a, I mean, tremendous play. The difficulty by itself is hard, but then you put the tying run on third base with two outs, that makes it even that much better a play.”
You always say his next play is his best one, but do you think there will be one that can trump that?
“No, but how many times have we said that and then he makes another one? Maybe this one wasn’t as hard, or as graceful (as some others he’s made), but the situation where the game was, what, eighth inning, two outs, tying run at third? I’ll stick to my guns on that one, there will be a next one. There’ll be something else that we’ll sit here and talk about, because he’s a special guy.”
On Teheran shutting down Mets after second-inning homer
“He did a nice job. His last couple of innings some of the at-bats against him were a little bit better, but he gaves us an opportunity to win the ballgame.”
It looked like he wasn’t quite as fluid as he normally was, just how he was moving
“Yeah, as the game went on that was a consideration in me making the decision to take him out of the game. I think the long at-bats , his delivery got out of (sync) a little bit in the last couple of hitters, so … but it was nice for us to get him a W.”
Was he cramping or anything, looked like legs were giving him problems
“I think it was some of the residue from (his start in) Cincinnati, where it was hot and humid. But I don’t think it’s an injury, just maybe some lingering effect from his last start.”
Any way to give Simmons the W? (kidding)
“I am. Whatever he wants, really. I mean, that’s a special play.”
**ANDRELTON SIMMONS
Where would you rank that one among your finest defensive plays?
“I don’t know, I haven’t seen it yet (on replay), but I’m just glad I helped. I’m just glad I helped keep the lead right there.”
As you’re ranging to your right, what are your thoughts?
“Hopefully Goose (Gosselin) catches it. (Laughs.) And when it went by I was like, I know I’m going to get to it, it’s just, how am I going to get it over (to first base). And it was the fastest way I thought I could, right there.”
Did you know you couldn’t dive for it and have time to make throw?
“Yeah, I thought about taking a couple of extra steps or sliding and getting up. I just went with it (backhand play). Let the ball dictate right there.”
How excited were you to get the out?
“I was really happy. I was real excited. Big situation, big game. I felt like, I’m glad I contributed. I’m glad I could help, and Kimbrel came in and shut it out.”
On the double play you guys turned right before your big play
“Yeah, who was it there, Walden? Made a good pitch, made a pitch to get out of a jam right there. And it was an easy double play, tailor-made.”
When you leave your feet to make the throw to first, how and when do you pick up Freeman, or do you?
“As soon as the ball gets in my glove, I’m looking for him. So as soon as I get in the air, I have him locked in. If I don’t then I’m in trouble, because if I don’t I’m throwing into space and hoping it falls in the right spot.”
When you let it go did you think it was going to be there and be on time?
“I knew it was on target, just I was hoping it didn’t make a weird hop. Let Freeman do his thing over there.”
On making a play like that, not a home run but it really was the key in the game
“I’m just trying to win. Right now we just need to win ballgames, however it is, however everybody can contribute, it’s big. We’ve got to grind it out right now.”
On Teheran’s game
“Awesome. He didn’t paint the zone, like, hit his spots. But he got the outs. He was effective. He went pretty deep in the game, and relief came in and did what they normally do.”
That (Teheran) is your boy, and you won him the game
“Ah, he won himself the game. He pitched good. It was a team effort today. It was really everybody pitching in.”
“It’s a big game for us. We’ve got to take every single one.”
**JULIO TEHERAN
On Simmons’ play
“He’s unbelievable. Always making plays for us. Every time you don’t think he’s going to make the play, that’s when he makes it.”
Where were you when he made the play?
“I was by the training room, putting ice on my shoulder. I was screaming, because I never thought he was going to make that play. That’s impressive.”
On shutting down the Mets for next four innings giving up second-inning homer
“I fell behind (on the homer) in that at-bat and that’s what happens when you try to attack the zone when you’re behind. I tried not to make that mistake again. Just tried to get ahead in counts.”
On looking a little fatigued at times
“Just kind of tired, but that’s something that I’ve been working on, trying to battle every time I go out there.”
**FREDDIE FREEMAN
Does your shortstop ever cease to amaze you?
“No. Best play I’ve ever seen him make. Certainly in that situation, it also makes it that much better. It was pretty incredible. I didn’t think he was going to be able to get to it, and the next thing you know he gets to it and puts the throw right on the money. It was something special to watch.”
And it wasn’t even close enough for the Mets to challenge
“Yeah, I knew right when I caught it he was out. That’s Andrelton being Andrelton. That’s why he’s the best in the game.”
**JASON HEYWARD
On Simmons making another important, difficult play
“Absolutely, man. That took us out of a tight spot right there. Huge. Free makes that pick on the other end. Outstanding play.”
On watching the play from right field, was it as remarkable as it looked from pressbox?
“Yeah, for me especially because I could see the whole play happen, I could see the runner coming down and everything. And then watch Free pick it. (For Simmons) to get to the ball, obviously, is one thing, and to jump, turn and throw is one thing. But for him to put the ball in the area where Free can pick it and we can get the runner out, that’s an unbelievable play.
“He’ll tell you he wants to make it every single time, that he’s going to try to make it every single time, even if Eric Young is running there he’s going to try to make the play.”
**CHRIS JOHNSON
On Simmons’ play
“He’s unreal. He’s stupid. There’s nobody else in the league that makes that play. Only one shortstop.”
**DAVID CARPENTER
On Simmons’ play
“Every time you think he’s made, like, the best play ever, he comes up with something far greater. To say you appreciate it is an understatement. I was joking with somebody, I said Jeter would have clapped on that one.”
