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Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > June > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDon’t expect Braves to panic
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sometimes good plans go bad. Sometimes it’s just not your year. It happens to all teams in all sports, and when it does the usual response is to roll up the corporate sleeves and try even harder next time.
That said, this Braves season has always seemed a last stand. By banking so heavily on aging pitchers and a probable lame duck of a first baseman, there was never any assurance that 2009 would look nearly so promising. This roster, the first of Frank Wren’s construction, was built to win now.
Alas, the Braves awoke Wednesday below .500 for the first time in five weeks, 6 1/2 games out of first place. They have enough time to recover, but they might not have enough players.
Sixteen days ago, this correspondent asserted that the Braves would be in first place by the Fourth of July. The assumption was that the outbreak of infirmity was surely near its end. The Braves have since lost four more players to the disabled list and have seen Chipper Jones miss games and Rafael Soriano reduced to occasional duty and Jair Jurrjens sprain his ankle on the dugout steps.
With all hands on deck, this team appeared the class of the NL East. Alas, it will never have all hands on deck. John Smoltz won’t throw another pitch this season, if ever. Tom Glavine, who hadn’t been on the DL until 2008, was just placed on it again, this time more ominously (sore elbow). And, with Mike Hampton doing his never-ending rehab, we see the flaw in the Braves’ design: A lot of old guys had to pitch awfully well to make this work.
And now the Braves arrive at a critical juncture: Wren will be tempted to make a massive move to save his team, but there wouldn’t seem to be a move to make. Trade Mark Teixeira and it opens a hole in a lineup missing two starting outfielders. (And if you trade Teixeira after only 11 months, weren’t those five prospects sent to Texas for nothing?) So what’s left to try?
“We’re not going to panic and do something we regret,” Wren said Wednesday, and then he allowed that Charlie Morton, the scourge of Class AAA, will be summoned to make a start this weekend. Given that the Braves have taken such pains to protect Morton, who has been in the organization since 2002 but who only became a winner last August, would this be a sign of … panic?
No, Wren said. “We’ve thought for a few weeks that he was ready when the opportunity presented itself. We’re not rushing him. He has earned the right to be in the majors.”
Still, it would be wrong to view Morton as a savior. Just because old pitchers break down isn’t reason to put pressure on younger ones. On the contrary, it’s reason to tread softly. As good as Jurrjens — a splendid Wren acquisition — has been, he has yielded 28 hits and 14 earned runs in his most recent 15 innings. Jurrjens is 22 and has never worked more than 144 innings in a professional season; he’s on pace to log 190.
For too long the Braves failed to develop young starters to replace aging incumbents. Now they have Jurrjens and Morton, who should be winning big five years after Smoltz and Glavine are called to Cooperstown. Nothing that happens, or doesn’t happen, this summer is as important as the cultivation of those young arms.
“The season’s not over,” Wren said. “If you get healthy and get on a roll, you can get close enough to feel like you’re in it. At the same time, you have to balance what’s good for the short term and the long term.”
This might well be the last stand of the Braves as we’ve come to know them, but if cultivated properly a new band of Braves will arise. The worst thing Wren can do is imperil the future for the sake of these next four months. The good news: He seems to realize as much.
Permalink | Comments (114) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves/MLB
Comments
By Bob from Acworth
June 11, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
I think the best the Braves can hope for is third or fourth this year. Chipper is not going to be on a tear forever and he is starting to have physical problems.Much as it hurts,the front office should REALISTICALLY look at Smoltz and ask him to hang up his spikes. Same for Tommy Glavine. Hampton? Please! The man of glass. Maybe the Braves could call “The Glass Doctor.” Their slogan is “They’ll fix your pains!(panes)” I think it is time to bring some of the young studs on the farm up and give them a look. Time to start re-building for the long term. Rather than think this patchwork lineup can go to the playoffs in October. It ain’t happening!
By ronald
June 11, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
I don’t see why not because they are the worst in MLB in road win they have a lot to be panic about they are losing player to craze injury something is’nt right with that and Frank Wren is’nt trying to get great player he getting had been I don’t see the Braves being a great team for sometime
By DHD
June 11, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
We’re going to lose Tex to free agency. I would go to Boston and tell them that we don’t want the Mets to have him and they don’t want the Yankees to have him, so let’s make a deal. Trade Tex to Boston for Jon Lester in July.
Bring up the kids and let them play it out. We’ll have lots of freed up salary next year and we can fill in the gaps with it.
By Reid in EAV
June 11, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Ronald: please familiarize yourself with the period button on your keyboard. See? That wasn’t so hard.
I tell you, down 7-0 already in this game, it’s difficult not to panic. But you’re right, of course. Can’t mortgage the future for an uncertain present.
By hop
June 11, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
it is high time for the braves to admit that going with the “over the hill gang” was a huge mistake and trading for tex was a big mistake as well.
the starting pitching from the farm has not been very fruitful and now we will see a steady decline until more trades are made to turn this roster from the old folks home to a young and hungry team.
the braves need to trade chipper as well as tex to start the ball rolling for this is not going to be quick fix deal.
i love chipper ,but it will be a while before the braves will be a contender again. it would be better for chipper to play for a contender instead of playing through a rebulding period.
By Plum Randy
June 11, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
Ronald: Reid may have tiptoed around it, but allow me to spell it out for you, D-U-M-M-Y!
Also, just an FYI, mister grammatical wizard, “is’nt” isn’t spelled correctly. I know you need the tip because you mis-spelled it twice. Periods, contractions - work on ‘em! NASA’s calling.
By Give Me A Break
June 11, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
I am sure you wont post this because we need to be soft, sympathetic to the Braves since this is Atlanta not New York, or Los Angeles where they do not put up with this crap. I have never seen a team with less heart than these Braves in my life. Other than Chipper these guys sux….Kelly Johnson is the worst second baseman I have ever seen in a Braves Uniform he can hit ok but he is a terrible fielder. The season was over the other night when Kelly missed a pop-up in the ninth to end the game. Why cant we see some passion some infighting in the clubhouse somebody knock the hell out of somebody else. The look like a bunch of dead corpses on the bench…….take the sym of sympathetic and that is what the Braves are pathetic….Then we have these soft sports writers that coddle the players and dont call them out for what they are a bunch of heartless athletes……oh yeah and by the way send Francouer back to the Minors he suxs
By Dean
June 11, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Hop - Trade Chipper? Why? You’re a moron. “It would be better for Chipper to play for a contender.” You’re an idiot - he’s a lifelong Brave and he IS playing for a contender if everyone was healthy. Go sniff Willie Randolph’s jock you imposter! No way an Atlantan says trade Chipper. You should be backhanded, then tarred and feathered…you little twit!
By D-Cider
June 11, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Since the Braves finished in 3rd place last year and will probably finish 4th this year, what exactly did they get in the Texiera deal? why not trade him now? The Braves have a lousy 2nd baseman, a rightfielder that appears to have retained Andruw Jones as a hitting coach, and holes in center and left. Also, the braintrust of the Braves traded for relievers with a history of arm problems (Gonzalez and Soriano) and a center fielder with a bad back. I don’t expect the Braves to panic, but I don’t expect them to win anything either.
By bravesfanatic404
June 11, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
listen im not gonna give up on the braves this early in the season…honestly the season really begins after the all star break…but mark i do have one question for you: how come we haven’t looked into getting sammy sosa (who could come off the bench) or trading for adam dunn (who could play in left)…i mean we’ve been “building for the future” for a while now, i just wanna win the big one
By DirtyDawg
June 11, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
No the Braves won’t panic…they don’t care enough to panic. Watching tonight - and listening to the broadcasters’ and their understating the obvious - this team is quitting. Lackadaisical play/errors from some of the usual suspects and even some of those that don’t (usually), seeing a new guy pitch a great inning, for a change, and nobody sez crap to him when he gets to the dugout….HOLY S**T CORKY HIT A HOMERUN…nevermind we’re coming back…forget what I said.
By hop
June 11, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
hey dean, your loser enjoy the bottom of the barrel, if the braves do not make some bold move to savage the future.
you must have really enjoyed the pre 90’s when the braves were awful and were in the cellar.
chipper does not want to play here you jerk, if the braves are rebuilding the team, if they want to get back as a contender within the next five years
dean get your friggin head out of your rearend and smell the roses, as they are not a contender now.
if you think so, you are a total zero!!!!!
By Bravos
June 11, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Pitching, pitching, and pitching. The media all picked the Braves to be back on top this year - with Glavine and Smoltz and Hudson and Hampton. Yea right. And then you go on like it’s bad luck that three of these are hurt!
The “Win Now” mentality never works out. Build a team with young talent, and don’t throw them away on a Tex.
By Season ticket holder since 1982
June 11, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
Another Braves gag on the road. Tex looks quite human all of a sudden and the pitching staff just SUCKS!
Bobby is pushing all the wrong buttons. It’s just a good thing NO ONE is running away with the division, or panic would be the next move.
By Keepin it real
June 11, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Technically the season’s not over…but in all honestly you look at the Braves — since the dropped ball Friday night by Kelly Johnson and after the 20 men “Frenchy” left on base this past weekend you see a Brave’s team that’s no longer playing with any heart. Just about all the players on the teams is hanging their head. I don’t know what’s behind this, but I can’t remember the last time that I seen this ball club quit as they have the past 4 games. Somebody already mentioned what Joe Simpson said tonight about not giving the new call up Ridgway a few congratulations on a good outing which to me is not that big of deal…but it is something that sticks out.
I think that the Braves have dug a hole already this season and who knows it may be to late to panic. I think its safe to say this club will not be in the world series or even sniff the playoffs so we will not to become a ‘trader’ instead of a ‘contender’. We are not an “old” ball club like many people think. Out of our everyday starters (currently) Chipper would be the oldest player on the field. We are however old when it comes to pitching and well thats what bit us in the butt. We HAVE to start consider trading Texiera for an ace and maybe a minor league prospect (DO NOT TRADE HIM TO A TEAM WITHIN OUR DIVISION). I don’t see how that “imperils” the future of this franchise. Its about time some of the younger players get some time in the bigs anyway.
By CantonBravesFan
June 11, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Get rid of Franceour AND Kelly Johnson. I am in panic because these two are still playing.
By Raleigh Dog
June 11, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Done. Finished. Caput. Lousy. Over and out. Losers. Rotten. Crummy. Not worth cheering for. Not worth the ticket price from a 1970s centerfield bleacher seat. Arrogant. No heart. No effort. No drive. Just collecting those big fat paychecks. They don’t care one bit. It’s just a job to them and the fans don’t matter. They can lose and still be rich. They stink.
By lvp
June 11, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
This organization has finished tearing my guts out already for the 2008 season. I can’t watch any more. I feel like I have wasted my money on my MLB Extra Innings package. We have not won a game since a supposed ML Second Baseman dropped a game losing pop fly. Chipper is right. It looks like since we won a division for 14 straight years we are now destined to finish in last place for the next 14….it will be a close race between the Braves and the Nationals for the cellar
By Rabiddawg
June 11, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
You guys act like this type of play is suprising. Do you think that the players actually care? Uh no… They are merely picking up their paychecks… The problem is the same as it has been for the past 10 years. No heart and no enthusiasm. Look at the teams on top of mlb now. Cubs- excitement and heart-can overcome 5 to 6 run deficets (sp). Red Sox- same. White sox- fire in the managers position that lights fires. phillies same. I mean they have made all the right moves, whether it be calling out overpriced veterans or staying on young players for fundamentals. Really, do our Braves do any of these things that it takes to win? Let me help—- NO. Our manager has never lit a fire under any player. Instead they send a young player, Anderson who was hitting .318 and was exciting and has a spark, down to the minors and keeps Frenchy in the everyday lineup when he continuously leaves small armys on the base paths. As much as I hate to admit it I would like to see Chipper win another title and obviously it won’t be with this group of slackers and underachievers. Trade him to a winning club so that he can prosper like he should have been doing while rotting away in Atlanta. I hate to say that because he is one of my personal favs. Please someone rescue me from this atrocious season of baseball. It’s time to take a page from the Marlins book and tear it down a rebuild. It must work because the Marlins are what in the post season twice and win the Series both times. We are what 1 for 15 or 16, Hell I don’t even know how many times they lost, they all run together. GO DAWGS!!!!!! BEAT THE CANES!!!!!
By Dewsie1188
June 11, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
have any of u guys played any game in your life-have u ever played a softball game for your chruch and missed a pop fly that lost the game-yea the braves get payed to play the game, but nobody is perfect-season ticket holder, sale your tickets and stop being a little girl-raleigh dog stay in raleigh and cry about the wolf pack-its funny that more than half of u guys cant even play the game of baseball but yall think that it is bobby cox’s fault. he doesn’t hit,pitch or catch any ball during the game
By D-Man
June 11, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
While there is no defense for injuries, I felt good about this team going into the season. The lineup was every bit comparable to the Phillies and the Mets. But injuries aside the dropped pop up by KJ that would have ended the game will be the defining moment of the season. The Braves promptly went on a 5 game losing streak. Trading Tex would be tempting but what you gave up you won’t get back because other teams know Braves are desperate to unload him b4 he becomes a free agent. Oh by the way: Bobby get out of town. If you are not willing to take your players to task for their uninspired play you are not the mgr. for this team. Look at what Lou Pinella did with the Cubs in a short period of time.
By Hot Doggin
June 11, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
I’m with you CantonBraves I’d get rid (trade) Franceour, Kelly, and Tex get some people that’ll play with some heart…bout time for one Bobby’s “secret closed door” meetings.
By Dirty Bird
June 11, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
have any of you guys played the game or yall just like to complain, go to a batting cage of get your wife to hit some gound balls to you and see if can field them——-Bobby Cox doesn’t hit,catch ot pitch—4 all u chipper fans its great to hit .420 but its better to be a good teammate
By Rabiddawg
June 11, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
One other thing. What kinda sports year is this going to be in ATL? Braves- done, Hawks-We’ll see, Falcs-need I say anything, and Thrashers- awful. This will be a fun year.
By Ralph
June 11, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
Even the guys that come up from Triple, like A Jones, wasn’t very impressing. Texiera, Johnson, etc, etc, should all go on the disable list and to eliminate further embarrassment, the Braves should forfeit the rest of the reason. They are depressing when, they take the field or bat. I belief that Bobby doesn’t know what’s going on, he keep making the same mistakes over and over again. To be realistic there is nothing at all to the Braves, they lack everything it take to be a winner. It has been going on to long, fans don’t like teams that give the games away, especially in the first inning. If Bobby, doesn’t turn things around in the next couple of days, he should go on a three month vacation. Why are the umpires so anti-Braves, the Braves have enough enemies, mostly themselves. The umpires are acting more like a bunch of bullies. Terry, will you show the players, where the strike zone is……..
By Keepin it real
June 11, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
I’ve played that game for those that continue asking the question in the blog, but aside from that I don’t think thats even necessariy when it comes to KNOWING the game. If you’re a fan and you’ve watched and studied the game and you know the game then thats all that matters. It doesn’t take a genius to look at the Braves and see that something is not right. The braves have not played like they did tonight for almost two decades now. Bobby’s unwillingness to move guys around in the batting order (moving Blanco to bat 1st, bat Escobar 2nd, followed by Chipper)…Managements unwillingness to play young guys like Josh Anderson who they sent down because they love players like Norton who still scares me in the outfield..no matter how many diving catches he makes. Bobby may not pitch, hit, or catch fly balls, but there is something that has to be said for a team going out and not being focused to play tonight. Hot doggin, I do hope he has a meeting with this ball club because they seriously need one if they want to believe in a dream of being in the playoffs this year.
By Lawrence
June 11, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this
Looks like its all gone to Hades in a handbasket now.
By bob
June 11, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
June collapse Part II. CHANGE SOMETHING!!!
By Bravesherozero@yahoo.com
June 12, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
Peavy or Sheets will be a Brave..
The Braves won’t wait on youth..
The have a reputation that they have to live-up to now..
If they re-sign Teixeira, where will Heyward play in 2-3 seasons? RF? Francouer is there.
By Jim
June 12, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
The Braves have quit, and they are a disgrace to major league baseball. They have no heart, and play like they could care less if they win. Johnson and Francouer should be playing in Triple A, but I notice they sent Anderson down who was hitting 318. Sounds like the Braves to me.
By scottbravesfan
June 12, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
Chipper Jones is playing with a torn quad muscle and some of you people are saying the players don’t care? Are you series? Read the new write up in Sports Illustrated to see how much Chipper cares. The guy is hitting .419 with a torn quad and he is still taking extra batting practice and doing everything he can to stay in the lineup. If you have kids you tell them they should watch Chipper Jones and that’s how you are supposed to play ball. He even came out and said that if you see him jogging to first don’t think he’s dogging it, he’s just trying to find a way to stay in the game because he can’t physically run anymore and yet he is still busting his butt. And then you get guys like Jeff Francoeur who doesn’t seem to even care about the team. Chipper, Hudson, Jair, and McCann are the only ones that have heart on this team. Jair Jurrjens looked like he was about to cry before the game because he felt like he was letting his team down because he couldn’t start tonight. These guys care and that’s why I still watch this team.
By Ronald Millsaps
June 12, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
The typical fan wants, if not expects, a home run every at-bat and is overly misled by statistics, which is no way to approach the game. As bad as things look now, I honestly believe this team won’t be more than 2.5 games out of first come September 1. In baseball, you play 162 games and encounter peaks and valleys along the way. Granted, this current valley is beyond horrible, but the team STILL should be playing better. This team is hurting itself, though, by its own lineup. I don’t know why Bobby insists on putting Kelly Johnson, a bona-fide run-producer, in the “two” slot. (I said before the year that I’d halfway consider putting Brian McCann there. Friends of mine asked, “Why? He’s not fast.” I replied, “They don’t run anyway!”) I believe in the law of averages, which has absolutely nothing to do with superstition. For example, you can tear the cover off the ball ten straight times, and four of the first five might go right at defensive players for outs, but the odds of that being repeated for the next five are slim. Therefore, I think we’re about to see the “next five” for this team. I wouldn’t make any trades, no. This team needs a get-back-on-the-horse-mentality as opposed to a George Steinbrenner-like, “Which player from another team can help us?” approach. Heck, as bad as tonight’s game was, the Braves racked up a 2-0 win if you can remove Jeff Bennett’s two innings. Bennett hasn’t been impressive lately, which might be more a result of his on-call schedule than any wrongdoings on his part, in fairness. Although he has struggled lately and has been a bit unprofessional, I’d consider using Manny Acosta as a starter if an extra one is needed. He reminds me of Jorge Sosa in that he seems to be better off with a clean slate rather than having to get a team out of a jam, and he does have three pitches to his repertoire. We also have Buddy Carlyle (who didn’t look bad Tuesday night) and several other options. The offense simply needs to prepare and execute better. The scariest part about this team’s record is that the starting pitching has been more than acceptable 75% of the time! I’m going to be praying very fervently for John Smoltz, as I hope his career isn’t over. I can’t say enough good things about this man, and in response to the Braves’ pursuit of a psychologist, please don’t waste your time. Just ask Smoltz, who saw one when having pitching difficulties in the first half of the 1991 season but later saw psychology for the waste-of-time field that it is. (I wish the Church of today would do the same instead of promoting it, as in this purpose-driven heresy.) Go, Braves!
By SLC
June 12, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this
I was wondering when people would jump off the USS Braves. I will bet most of you were thinking playoffs when spring training began. Jurrjens is looking good and if Campillo could avoid blisters we have a steal. I think I would send Manny Acostanother game down to Richmond. I want this team to win now and later. The division run made me greedy. Who do the Braves trade for Tex, Chipper or QVC? I think they will get it together.
By GTA
June 12, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this
Didn’t Schuerholz trade Renteria to Detroit as his last great act?
By Coach (Not Drinking The Kool Aid)
June 12, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this
Bradley, I like you was absolutely convinced that this team was headed for the playoffs when the season started.
The talent and depth was certainly present. But, this scourge of injuries could sink two teams, much less one.
I’m of the opinion that this team won’t recover, it can’t.
They have no lead off hitter, no running game, no closer, the bullpen is already worn to an absolute frazzle, eighty percent of the projected starting rotation is in the tank, two-thirds of the starting outfield is on the D.L., Bobby is helpless/clueless and Chipper eventually hitting the D.L. is inevitable.
And I have not even addressed the mental state of shell shock that this team is in right now. Nor the fact that I as a fan have lost all confidence in Bobby Cox.
2005 was the end of Camelot, I think we all see that now. Since then, the Braves have played 390 straight games of .500 baseball (195-195).
With 96 games remaining in the 2008 season, the Braves would have to play at a .583 pace (56-40) just to finish 88-74. Thats the bare minimum due to the fact that no team has ever won the wild card with anything less than 88 wins. That is all but impossible under the current conditions.
Simply put, stick a fork in this team, they are done. That is, unless you believe in devine intervention and miracles.
By joebrave
June 12, 2008 2:35 AM | Link to this
Gutless!!! GUTLESS ARROGANCE !!!!!!!!!! this team is full of Arrogant QUITTERS!!!!!!!!!
By captain Midnight
June 12, 2008 2:51 AM | Link to this
You morans that say “trade Chipper” are crazy as hell. Your mama,daddy or wife would probably love to trade you to Russia. He is a sure hall of famer and I certainly hope he finishes his career with the Braves. Get rid of Francoeur, Johnson and for gods sake find a better backup catcher.There I’ve said it.
By Big Steve
June 12, 2008 4:39 AM | Link to this
Has anyone commented on the fact that the year (2008) we decide to go with new away uniforms, we go straight into the tank? I’m just saying……
By stew
June 12, 2008 5:39 AM | Link to this
I agree,let’s work on getting a rotation. As good as Campillo’s been, it’s just a matter of time.
By bum
June 12, 2008 6:53 AM | Link to this
Milton Bradley of the KC Royals is a jack-hole.
By Charlie
June 12, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this
Tex has to be traded. The prospects we gave (which were too much) are gone. Hanging on to a Bora$ boy that we will lose at the end of the season anyway is doubly stupid. Tex is quite over-rated anyway. No need to panic. This season IS over. This team is full of holes: no clutch hitting, lousy baserunning and bunting, poor defense. KJ makes the Braves weak up the middle. Frenchy is the new Andruw. His ability to play defense is also much less. No closer. 2 starters. McCann is a poor defensive catcher. He can’t throw out a baserunner, and is too awkward to move behind the plate. When you break it down, this team has very little beyond Chipper. No need to panic…it’s much too late for than anyway.
By NC Roy
June 12, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this
CHUCK JAMES. Remember him? He’s Pitching well in AAA, but no mention of him being brought back. Yes, he Pitched poorly his 2x’s up this year, but the guy’s won a few games in the Major Leagues and…well, what’s wrong?
By Myrtle Beach
June 12, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this
Ok Listen up, Our 1st Baseman is in Pittsburg for Gonz because Thorman was supposed to be the next Big Poppy. He flopped, The Genius panics and trades our top 5 prospects for a guy who in the end will care nothing about anything but money and is gone. Not saying he’s not good but he ain’t staying because if they pay him what he wants they will cripple the team. Anyone out there who would like to see Harrison pitching in the rotation now? Better yet Anyone know who’s the Ace in Saint Louis? Wainwright who the Genius traded for J.D. I was here 1 year Drew who like our current 1st baseman will be gone. The moral of the story is Bobby Cox while GM drafted pitching 1st and built a farm system 2nd to none. The Genius destroyed the farm system, We would have won the division that year without Drew, we could have ended up in 3rd place last year without Mr. Money at 1st base. We could have made the same deal for JJ without the Genius so how would Hudson, Wainwright, JJ, Harrison and whoever look right now with a stocked farm system? I remember when you went to Fulton County and before you could get to the gate someone had “GIVEN” you a ticket to simply walk down and sit behind home plate because nobody else was there. Anybody who is bold enough to say “ANYTHING” negative about Bobby Cox knows nothing about the history of the Atlanta Braves. He’s the best Manager in Baseball and was the Best GM. He is a Braves Baseball “GOD” and if you want to complain about what’s going on now you need to talk about the Genius GM who left us to be President when he knew it was time to get out of dodge.
By mark
June 12, 2008 7:21 AM | Link to this
Just plain beat up is the 2 words..
By Bill
June 12, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this
I watched the Braves last night and saw a young rookie pitcher come in the game to pitch and had three up and three down with two strike outs and got nothing from his “teammates” when he got back to the dugout. Not a pat opn the back, a high five, or a swift kick in the a*. That tells me the Braves are finished unless Cox can turn their attitudes around!!!
By bevsouth
June 12, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this
So far the prospects we sent to Texas for Tex are still just that. Four are in the minors, Andrus at least two years away, and Salty looks very mediocre. I saw him 3 times this week against the Rays.He has throw out 5% of the runners attempting to steal, and is hitting 236.Now if we can trade Tex for the right prospects we could still come out ahead.
By kenjkk
June 12, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this
It seems we have had numerous injuries to the pitching staff the last couple of years. I know some of the pitchers say they did not like Leo Mazzone regiment but since he’s been gone the injuries have mounted. Also the Braves seem to always have hitting problems in general the last couple of years. It may be time to get new blood in the coaching staff. Pendelton is cutting it anymore as a hitting coach and maybe hire Leo back as a roving pitching coach to help both the Braves and their farm system pitchers.
By it's over
June 12, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
It IS over —not only for the 2008 season, but for the next few seasons as well. This team is not in good shape, is not allowed to go out and spend on free agents, the farm system is not in good shape either. This in turn points towards mediocrity for the upcoming years.
By Ronald Millsaps
June 12, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this
If Mike Gonzalez really is about to return, and if this return is a true return—not one followed by an immediate return to the DL (I’m not making light)—then we might have something going. I have Gonzalez ranked as the third-best player on this team, with Chipper and John Smoltz essentially tied for first. If he really is healthy and back soon, this bullpen and team could get a monumental lift, which I dare say it could use. Want to win better on the road? Be more prepared. Watch more film. Take extra batting practice. Relax better. Do your homework. There is no math formula here; you need poise, which is a result of God-given ability combined with hard work and preparation. You can take a crowd out of a game. I do wish this team would make more short-term goals. Last year, when Brandon Webb came to town, for example, Bobby could’ve said, “We have ‘x’ number of innings to preserve Greg Maddux’s scoreless streak. Let’s get at least one early run for one of our all-time greats.” I’ll say it again: I think Bobby’s the greatest manager of all time; sometimes I get the impression that the short-term goals aren’t made, but…I’m not in the locker room, so I don’t know.
By TNjeff
June 12, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this
Last Stand???
When did they get up off the mat?
By BlackberryCobbler
June 12, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
The Braves knew damn well last year that they gave up 4 for Tex with the high likilhood he’d be gone after this season. So, it’s not like they didn’t know what they were doing to begin with.
If Tex was the impact player he was last year we wouldn’t be haveing this damn discussion. But the point is he and Francine are killing this team.
Dump’em both.
By Mark Bradley
June 12, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
Let’s get serious: The Braves haven’t quit. They’ve just run low on players.
By wmasi
June 12, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
Let’s quit picking on Texeira and Johnson. You’re not going to win with Gregor Blanco in center. He’s another Omar Moreno.
By R. E.
June 12, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
Of corse your right, remember Millwood and Wainright, while not the best out there they were sufficient. Trade what you want but no pitchers. By the way how would Lance Berkman look behind Chipper. Braves please don’t spend 20 million a year on Tiexera. I’ve wondered about the extreme possibility of having Clint Sammons on the roster and cross training he and Mccann at first that way Brian is in the batting order every night.
By 82DAWG
June 12, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
This team is toast. There is a difference between panic and overdue realization that its time to completely rebuild. Let Chipper finish out his career here but they need to use the Marlin’s model for building teams and trade Tiexiera and Hudson for top pitching prospects. The successful Braves were built on pitching & defense. I remember a quote by Schuerholz several years ago, “Get the best pitching and defense up the middle and let the hitting take care of itself”. Its time to revisit that strategy and build a new, young, dynamic team. The time to start is now.
By scott
June 12, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
i love the braves but thier looking older than joHn McCain , i think it’s time for bobby cox ,glavin ,john smolths, and all the other great 90S players to retire. the brave will lose more game in the future but it’s time that they start bringing up those young guys in the minor that is ready to play ball .
By BlackberryCobbler
June 12, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Mark Bradley—
This team was designed to fail. That’s what fans are upset about. It would be a damn miracle if the season had worked out good.
This team was heavily dependent on 40 somethings and surgically repaired arms (Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton) and injury prone players like Chipper and Kotsay.
They also gave up talent to get a guy (Tex), that gave us less than 1 decent year, knowing he’d be gone after this year.
Kelly Johnson is a sorry excuse for a 2nd baseman— that little experiment has failed.
McCann, although I like his bat, is weak defensively and Francine is just completely lost.
By Bob
June 12, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Wow…the peril of message boards…we have so many coaches, managers and HOF players out here in reader land…it’s amazing.
By LivininAL
June 12, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Can’t change the past so let’s go with Hudson,Jurrigens, Morton,Reyes, and Campillo. Forget a closer, Boyer & Acosta’s butthole draws in knot if you mention SAVE.Soriano is a carrer sore arm. Let whoever is pitching finish the game, let Bobby quit using stupid terms like lights-out, spectacular,outstanding when they stink. It is like Ron Gant said - The Braves have not played 9 innings of intense baseball this year. So grow up young ones. At least Blanco and Anderson play with excitement -Oh wait Anderson is gone again, he must have asked to steal a base.
By chrisTklobT
June 12, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
“And if you trade Teixeira after only 11 months, weren’t those five prospects sent to Texas for nothing?”
No, they would have been sent to Texas last year for whoever we might get for Tex this year (plus a year of his services), should we indeed trade him.
Only way they would have been sent to Texas for nothing (other than a year of Tex’s time here) would be if we failed to re-sign him (and even then we’d still get the draft picks).
By wild man
June 12, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
I think the Braves should give Barry Bonds a shot. He says he wants to play and would play for leauge minimum. He is still not as bad of a fielder as Kelly Johnson. Just a thought
By arnold benedict
June 12, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
I hate to admit it - because it is just June 12, but I have given up for this year for the boys. Sorry about that, but it is what it is. I was very skeptical with the AARP starting rotation that we had at the beginning and it’s just come to fruition. Glavine, Smoltz are great hall bound arms - but old with lots of miles.
Getting rid of Chipper? No way… I would slash Wrens tires if he did that.
I also went to see the Frisco Rough Riders play the other day out in TX and I’m just wondering what kind of a 2 bagger ol Elvis Andrus could have been for us…
So, you’re right MB, no need to panic - just accept what the season will be, call up some prospects and get them some work with the big boys.
By GolferGalGA
June 12, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
Tex has heart and undoubtedly very upset with the extent of his slump at the moment. Money isn’t all that matters to him. He wants to stay in Atlanta. He likes playing for the Braves. He must be under tremendous pressure knowing that he could be traded and not being able to turn out the hits he’s fully capable of to make the odds of staying here better. He’s a great glove at first base too.
By Kelley
June 12, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
As a Braves fan, I must admit it is awfully hard to watch them right now, if it weren’t so horrifying the number of injuries would almost be comical, what’s next, Hudson hurts his back tying his shoe?
Here’s the bottom line: With the exception of a handful of other teams in MLB this is what fans of other teams have been experiencing since 1991 while we Braves fans have been spoiled to always being in first place and just expecting to be there.
JS and Wren do not have a crystal ball. Overall, I believe they have made great moves over the past decade and a half.
No one is mentioning some of the players they have not broken down and paid the big salaries to who are now with other teams doing absolutely nothing (A.Jones for one).
Everyone screams about more passion. What Ozzie Gullien did bad mouthing his GM in public is NOT passion, it’s this little thing called unprofessionalism, not a very classy thing to do.
Yes, the manager in MLB with more ejections than anyone else in the game needs more “passion” for the game, give me a break.
Injuries are what’s killing this team, you can’t win with 4 of your projected 5 starters hurt. No amount of “passion” in the world can overcome that.
I don’t know if the Braves can overcome these injuries. I do know, however, that Bobby will not allow this team to panic in the second week of June. He will take care of business if he feels players are not giving 100%, anyone remember him jerking Andruw out of a game?
For me personally, I’m still going to try and watch and support them, as painful as it may be.
By jch
June 12, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Many of you said it above and I completely agree - the biggest problem with this team isn’t the injuries, it’s their lack of heart; there just doesn’t seem to be any sense of urgency or desire to win.
Has anyone heard of Cox or the players calling a “team meeting” - no. However, you hear about them all the time when things go awry on other teams; why not here???? Whether they work or not, they are an indication to the team that someone on the team gives a d#$m and just may wake up some of those who’ve lost interest.
There just doesn’t seem to be any passion.
By zaxbydawg
June 12, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Barry Bonds deal in the works?
By Ron H
June 12, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
hey ppl, we are down right now…the DL has claimed a TON of players recently, the mental state is in shambles, and we are very young. This is where we need leadership to really come through. Bobby must, MUST take control NOW if we’re to salvage the season. As badly as we’ve played, we’re ONLY 6.5 games out…and that’s a month before the ALL-STAR BREAK.
I agree with a bunch of you guys. WREN is going to have to get a pitcher, and not a washed up one. i like TEX, but we know we’re not keeping him. It’s all about the money with him. Let’s deal him for an equivalent pitcher (probably a no 2 starter)…
and the 1D10T that suggested that chipper should be traded should be tarred and feathered.
on the bright side, the Mets aren’t doing that great either…
By mikey
June 12, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Kelly J needs to go back to left field. He trys hard, but he is just killing this team with his defense. Try Infante/Prado at 2nd. Infield defense is a must in MLB. Blanco needs to go back to Richmond, and Anderson needs to come back to ATL. Not sure why he was sent out in the first place?? Also not sure why they kept Corky and let Pena go. And this might sound crazy, but I think the pitching will be ok (unless say Hudson gets hurt). As far as Teixera, I would try to re-sign him now or go ahead and trade him if you can get something in return.
By Mark Bradley
June 12, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
The regular season, as we have seen these last 17 years, is about starting pitching. It’s not about “passion,” which wouldn’t sustain itself over one month, let alone six. Kelley is absolutely correct. It isn’t that the Braves don’t care; it’s that their rotation has fallen to pieces.
By Phil
June 12, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Bradley, 16 days ago I told you there is no way this team would be in 1st place by July 4th, with no caveat attached. Even at full strength, this team is just plain bad. Hitting, pitching, fielding, coaching, you name it. After watching last night’s game, they even look like they have quit. You and Cox are the two biggest Morons in Atlanta.
By GaReb
June 12, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
It’s funny how easy it is to call someone a moron when you can say it behind the security of a keyboard and computer screen…
By Ace
June 12, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Why not trade Tex? If this season continues on its way down the toilet, then Tex walks and those five prospects really did amount to nothing. Trading him at least gives you something to show for the whole experiment.
I like the idea of talking to Boston - maybe you get Youkilis and a young starter.
By Angry Fan
June 12, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Can’t agree with you more, CantonBravesFan. Either send down KJ & Franchy, or trade both of them. Even Franchy is a local boy, it’s no exception. It’s a BUSINESS. If you can hit, you don’t deserve to be here. Plain and simple. The only reason why I’m still watching the Bravo game is to see if Chipper can maintain his 400 Avg. For a baseball fan as emthusiastic as I am, it’s pathetic!! But, instead of watching those losers play, I would rather see some rooks play now. I do mean NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! please.
By Kelley
June 12, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
To Phil:
It makes me laugh that you would call Bobby and Mark B morons.
Bobby is headed to Cooperstown as soon as he decides to call it quits (which I hope is never). People actually IN MLB respect the heck out of Bobby.
Mark Bradley is clearly a very intelligent man, as illustrated when he agreed with ME in his most recent post.
By reading your post and you saying the Braves have quit, I would infer that you believe that the Braves need more passion.
I wonder if resorting to calling people morons is a sign of passion?
By Angry Fan
June 12, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Can’t agree with you more, CantonBravesFan. Either send down KJ & Franchy, or trade both of them. Even Franchy is a local boy, it’s no exception. It’s a BUSINESS. If you can hit, you don’t deserve to be here. Plain and simple. The only reason why I’m still watching the Bravo game is to see if Chipper can maintain his 400 Avg. For a baseball fan as emthusiastic as I am, it’s pathetic!! But, instead of watching those losers play, I would rather see some rooks play now. I do mean NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! please.
By DNK
June 12, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Trade Tex now for pitching although that may not bring much in return. Trade Chipper for pitching, that should bring an ace. The braves have plenty of young position players but not much pitching aka (Smoltz, Glavine, Avery) Get three ace pitchers and you will see many years of excellence
By Phil
June 12, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Kelley:
The fact that Bradley agress with you is not something to be bragging about. I take it you agreed with him when said the Braves would be in 1st place by July 4th and “pulling away” in September? If so, then both of you guys are drinking, make that guzzling, the Kool Aid.
By Mark Bradley
June 12, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
There might come a day when trading Teixeira is the right move, but not just yet. If the Braves are eight games back at the All-Star break and nobody seems to be getting healthy, they’d have to consider it. But that’s a month away.
By GM
June 12, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
There is certainly no passion on this Braves team and it can be traced to Wren and Cox. Wren made what were irrational moves by betting that the over 40 bunch and Chipper could survive a season long enough to get Cox back into the playoffs. Cox has lost the team. They look dead in the water …see last night’s games against the Cubs. People, the Braves need rebuilding and if they can trade Tex, who is not a clutch hitter, and receive a solid position player plus a quality starting pitcher then do it. Chipper as good as he has been needs to DH in the American League. He is a liability at 3rd when he can’t make plays that he use to make in his sleep. He could bring another quality pice in a trade with an AL club. Wren needs to make Cox a consultant since the Braves decided in their great wisdom to extend his contract. Then hire a manager who plays a player because of what he can do now, not what he could do years ago. Wren can then followup that move by making the trades that can make the Braves a quality ball club within 2 -3 years.
By Torpedo
June 12, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
They should try to get Jeff Weaver
By D-Cider
June 12, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
(Kelly)Johnson said that a loud, raucous crowd of 40,312 lifted the surging home team higher I wonder if that same crowd affected his ability to field a ground ball? what a poor excuse for a MLB player
By PMC
June 12, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
well, ok, we knew this could happen before the season, now that we’re here… do we Trade Tex for pitching… start finding out what it’s going to take to keep him or start looking for a replacement… either way. They need to start setting up the future seasons. A big part of that is offense, currnetly they have virtually none in the Outfield, 1st base has ALWAYS been an issue outside of the 2nd half of last year… Kelly Johnson still isn’t comfortable at 2nd and they still lack a true leadoff man unless one of the new guys can fill that roll in the outfield.
Basically, what is panic? These guys mailed it in last night. why should they be upset or frustrated… at worst Free Food, free hotel rooms and 300,000 salary at worst. Go out and freaking play. If there’s guys at richmond/mississippi that can pitch bring them up. The reality is they aren’t a playoff team without unbelievable luck and everyone on the DL back. So go young. Go scout, go find cheap good prospects like the marlins and give us a team that can stay healthy and win 1 run friggin games… send Acosta down and let Boyer clear waivers (who would pick him up anyway?) clearly they are both over worked, find some warm bodies and showcase them for trade bate.
By D-Cider
June 12, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
By Mark Bradley
June 12, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
There might come a day when trading Teixeira is the right move, but not just yet. If the Braves are eight games back at the All-Star break and nobody seems to be getting healthy, they’d have to consider it. But that’s a month away.
what if the Braves are 15 games out of first place by the all-star break?
By Russ
June 12, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
I have been a Braves fan since the seventies and am well experienced with watching bad Braves teams. I will pull for a losing team but I have no use for a losing team that quits. That is what has happened to this bunch. Examples: Johnson oleys 2 balls at second, Escabar pumps long enough so that the runner is safe at first, Mc Cann had no heart to hustle back after a wild pitch,nobody shakes the hand of the only pitcher( a rookie) to retire the side in order,and finally the pathetic efforts of Francour at bat. He is Andruw Jones in disguise.Things need to change. Even areally bad team can hustle.
By Will
June 12, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
After the Dawgs win the CWS, can we replace all the Braves players with the UGA staff? At least we’ll get some effort.
By PMC
June 12, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
The prospects weren’t traded in vein. Salty was the best of the bunch and you just locked up McCann. They got a gold glove first basemen and more importantly an actual bonified clean up batter for the last half of the season. The problem of course is they didn’t have the bullpen or enough starting pitching to make it work to the playoffs. They tried, and failed… I don’t fault them for trying. At least they didn’t stand pat… now they have to do the same and go find bonified 8 inning worthy starters…. not 5.5 inning prayers.
By GM
June 12, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
How much sense does it make to send Anderson down when he is hitting .318 and has obviously out played and out hit Blanco? What did he say or do to justify this move?
By Casey-Tiffany
June 12, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
HiYaaaaa boys, Its really me, Tiffany..formerly Casey, got my surgery, and a band new outfit…wanna look…OOPS. Anyways…they cops found a dead man at Peidmont Park, wearing a Braves shirt, hot pants, make-up, wig and heels. After conducting their report, they took off the shirt..As to not cause his family further embarrassment. Tootles.
By John
June 12, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
There is no panic because this foolish debacle was planned by Braves management last winter. Wren needs to go. Liberty needs to go. There is nothing the team can do now, except get the season over.
By Drew
June 12, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
This is what happens when you draft outfielders for 4 straight years. Granted, the Braves have been good enough the past few years to have their 1st round draft picks fall in the 20-23 range, they sorely need to get back to what they do best, drafting pitching. The average age of their rotation is I’m guessing, 33.
The Braves are a mess. Pitchers are hurt. Francoeur can’t produce. Tex is wavering since he knows that he could give a crap and still get paid (a la Andruw Jones), so what’s the incentive to play good? He knows he won’t be here next year so he has nothing to invest towards the team? Cox will be a memory in 3 years.
The Braves have got to scrap this season and rebuild. We can get more for Tex than just Lester, especially if we trade him to someone who knows they can sign him in 2009. Red Sox, Yankees, Angels, NOT THE METS.
Lets do something right and not bring in more aged, vulnerable veterans.
By pat
June 12, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
The good news?! We aren’t Mets…They have most of their major pieces healthy and they still cannot win. We have a good excuse, Half the team on the DL does not a championship make.
By A-ville Ranger
June 12, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Lets get real,they won’t panic,they will roll over though.
By nelson
June 12, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Don’t expect Braves to panic ? cmon
gonzales DL , glavine DL , smoltz DL , lerew DL , moylan Out DL , prado DL , kotsay DL , ECT ECT
HEY BRAVES CALL 911 !!!!!!!!!!!!
By TPM
June 12, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Let’s tell the truth about this jurassic park rotation:
” Bulldog ” Mike Hampton has not pitched 200 innings since 2001 and has been a no-show for the last two years. Mike Hampton needs to go away and stop stealing money. ( Sorry Buck Belue - the truth hurts)
John Smoltz fell and hurt his shoulder last May of 2007 and then was rewarded with a 14 million dollar contract. Smoltz needs to go away and stop stealing money.
Hometown Discount Tom Glavine has an era of 4.85 and struggles to get 15 outs a start. Glavine needs to go away and stop stealing money
By braves70
June 12, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Tex should be shipped to the Yankees for 3-4 of their top prospects. They have pitchers like J.B. Cox, Jason Jones, Chase Wright, Daniel McCutchen and hitters like Brett Gardner, Brett Carson, and Juan Miranda. With the right move, we could be younger and better than the Marlins.
By wolfman
June 12, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Lets be realistic Braves fans, this year is OVER !!!!!! Done !!!! See ya next year !!! With all the injuries, non clutch hitting on the road, horror show in RF, Pitching arms falling off every other day, now position players going down, Bobby sitting back for 3-run homer when this line-up is not the Bronx Bombers !!!! I have never seen any thing like this year in all my 40 Braves years put together !!!…The Baseball gods have really been overly cruel to my Braves this year. This is three or four years worth of injuries all rolled into one year, o ,.I forgor 2 + months,…my bad !!!Unreal !!!! I stuck a fork in these hapless Braves last Friday night when Kelly Crybaby Johnson lost the game by dropping a game clinching little league pop-up that Ray Charles could have caught !!!….Wow, two of the last three years we are toasted by the end of June. Makes me want to “Puke” all over myself !!!!!
By C from Marietta
June 12, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
I love to read all the crying. You folks take this stuff WAY to serious. If it bothers you that much please 1) stop going to games 2) stop watching it on TV. Chill out, it’s only baseball.
By ben
June 12, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
This team has already quit. There is not enthusiasm or spirit. Cox does apparently nothing for the sorry play. A young pitcher just called up gets two outs and none of the players on the Braves padded him on the back or greeted him when he went to the dugout. Even Ron Gant has noticed the lack of spirit and mentioned about the lack of congratulations toward young pitcher during the post game show. All of this comes back to Cox!
By Gary
June 12, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
I think some people are throuwing in the towel way too early. Although we’ve had a lot of key injuries, we still have a lot of great players on the team, and a lot of young talent is getting a chance to show their stuff. All it takes is a little leadership from the veterans combined with the young players’ enthusiasm and this team can still compete. Braves fans can play a key role in motivating this team to perform. Go Bravos!
By Because
June 12, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
If Glavine & Smoltz retire & with Hampton gone we should have 35 mil or so in salary freed up next year. If we resign Tex & Franceour we should have around 20 mil or so left. I would love to see the Braves trade for a premier starting pitcher at the trade deadline. One that commands 12-18 mill. Sabathia? A rotation of Hudson, Sabathia, Jurrjens, a veteran filler, & Morton/Reyes would be strong. A recovered Soriano, Gonzalez & Moylan would be nice for the bullpen.
As for the offense: I have a few options. We could move Kelly to left, thus adding corner outfield pop and then maybe Prado/Infante or Free agent @ 2nd. Or we can sign a left fielder…although the team salary may be maxed.
What to give for Sabathia? Assuming we resign Tex then Jason Heyward could be dangled, as well as Schafer (doubt he has value at this point, though), Blanco, Brandon Jones, Kelly Johnson, etc. If we can get a frontline starter then I’m willing to part with almost anything… especially since the Braves can’t develop thier own pitchers.
on a side note…..I always liked the Tex trade, but I could never understand why they could not have traded for Santana or Sabathia instead. I would much rather have an ace than an Allstar First baseman. I will be disgusted if we lose Salty, Harrison & Elvis Andrus for nothing. What a shame!
By Mark Bradley
June 12, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
I’ve always felt the Teixeira trade was made more for this year — when the Braves would be without Andruw Jones — than for the last two months of 2007. But I also thought Teixeira was going to have a massive 2008, and he hasn’t yet.
By Not knowing
June 12, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
*By Mark Bradley
June 12, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
The regular season, as we have seen these last 17 years, is about starting pitching. It’s not about “passion,” which wouldn’t sustain itself over one month, let alone six. Kelley is absolutely correct. It isn’t that the Braves don’t care; it’s that their rotation has fallen to pieces.*
I’m not trying to bash what you said earlier Mark, but as an old time Braves fan I can say that the early 90s was full blown heart, passion, sweat, and hard work during both the regular season and post season. I believe those things can sunstain thoughout the year. I understand that injuries are playing a factor, but as a major league ball player thats getting paid to play a game you need to go out and play the game the way its supposed to be played and not cry about guys being injured who we all suspected could get injured going into the season. I’m not asking the Braves to go out and win every game because thats not possible, but I am asking them to go out and show that they care. These past few nights were not good, and as far as this afternoon goes you can chalk that up to hitting. Anyway you look at it we need some focus, hardwork, and effort these next few weeks or they can forget about being close going into the all-star break. We can find ourselves in the cellar fast.
By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)
June 12, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Bradley, nobody should panic. But, Braves nation is slowing weaning itself off the kool aid and coming to the realization that Bobby Cox needs to retire or be fired.
The man is both a Hall of Fame first ballot shoe in vote and the most overrated manager in the history of Major League baseball. No manager has lost more and won fewer World Series, no other manager has a worse post-season record, no other manager with at least two world series appearances has a worse winning percentage (.500) in the post-season.
There are more than twenty other managers with two WS Championships to their credit.
The Braves have not been to the post-season since 2005, they have not won a post season series since 2001, they have not been to the WS since 1999(they lost) and we all know about the one trick pony (1995).
Bobby’s true legacy is the fact that he has one WS championship and the man has cost this great franchise between four to six more.
Camelot ended in 2005. The Braves are now 195-196 during the 06-07 and 08 seasons. Cox is accountable. There are no more excuses for the mans incompetence , he needs to go, NOW !
By Dave In Arizona
June 12, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Coach just saved me a whole bunch of typing.
Bradley, your prediction about the Braves being this great juggernaut that would blow everybody away was the biggest laugher in a long time. You should take up comedy.
This team should be renamed the “Jokes.” They are laughable in their futility. Chipper said it, “Other teams execute. We don’t.”
These clowns have now entered into the nether world of the Kansas City Royals. That’s whose one run losing streak they just tied. What a bunch of bums.
Anybody that would stake their season on Mike Hampton is insane, yet the AJC assessments commonly included Hampton like he’s going to pitch every turn and wouldn’t break a nail. This guy was the biggest con man in baseball since Andy Messersmith.
The AJC really babies these guys. They mirror their lackadaisical manager, Bobby Cox. They show up. They hang out, They lose. They go home. They don’t show any life out there at all. What a bunch of corpses.
By Ronald Millsaps
June 13, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
Dave and “coach” made some pretty stiff comments, but neither guy knows as much as he wants you to think he does. For one, no one was staking this season on Mike Hampton.
I think Bobby has hurt the team in some ways, too. In 2006, we never saw Edgar Renteria lead off. Never. How many times did Renteria single that year with one out and be left on base? Plenty of times. Marcus Giles was NOT a leadoff hitter, but he led off basically every game.
Sometimes I don’t think Bobby spends enough time evaluating the best formula for success that this team has. I’ve said tons of times going back to last season that Kelly Johnson shouldn’t be high in the order. When he led off, he struggled. Announcers were patient. When Escobar got the spot, he was scrutinized.
How about Adam LaRoche two years ago? When platooning with Brian Jordan, he was doing well, but after Jordan’s injury and a subsequent chance to play every day, he began hitting homers left and right and finished with 34 (I think). You’d think Bobby would know who’s best-suited for platooning vs. playing every day. Then again, maybe that example was the exception to the rule as far as this category goes.
People talk about the man retiring, acting like the game has passed him by. Ridiculous! The game doesn’t evolve, just like we don’t. Sound fundamentals work; fads don’t.
One thing this team needs to start doing is making an all-out effort to avoid doublt plays, which are hurting this team greatly. I don’t know why this team doesn’t attempt double-steals. Thursday, for example, Chipper hits into a double play, which essentially ends the inning. Escobar and Johnson, who were on base, have reasonable speed. As well as Chipper has hit, you still have to be on the watch for a ground ball to the infield, and I think the unofficial scouting report on the Braves is, “Focus all you want on the hitter; they rarely run, anyway.”
To the person who criticized John Schuerholz recently, I will say that the Justice-Lofton trade is probably the worst in team history, and Schuerholz could’ve found a way to keep him. Sounds like he ran him out of town more than anything else. Had he gone to Justice and explained the situation, I think Justice would’ve taken a paycut, but it looks like he just traded him bluntly.
In response to Mark Bradley’s comment about “passion” not being the problem, he’s right, but this team has had starting pitching probably 75% of the time this year—-and it doesn’t even have a .500 record. Pitching hasn’t been the problem.
Look at yesterday’s game, for example, Greg Norton has one of the worst at-bats I’ve ever seen. Two more guys get out; inning over.
Perhaps this team could be more passionate. I don’t know. There does seem to be a wait-and-see approach as opposed to a run-manufacturing approach. If Bradley’s referring to a fist pump not winning a game for you, true, it won’t, but this team needs to be more aggressive. More passion? No. More aggression? Yes.
By david
June 13, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
GO, PHILLIES! They’ll be wiping up our Braves and our stupid-assed chop/chop by September. Yeah, we’re hurtin’ but hey guys, let’s admit it—-we suck this year. I’m routin’ for the Phils!
By mesmo
June 13, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
One of Schuerholz’s final blunders was trading for Gonzales and Soriano, sore armed relievers who had finished the previous season on the DL. Both had shot elbows. Gonzales went ahead and had his Tommy John surgery. Soriano has tried to avoid his but it would seem to be inevitable.
Shakey bullpen has been the Braves weak spot for years. Bringing in retreads and sore arms will not solve the problem.
By Ronald Millsaps
June 13, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
David, watch your comments.
By the way, there’s nothing stupid about the tomahawk chop, unlike your post.
By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)
June 13, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Millsaps, I know my baseball. I know that from 1991 until 2005 that Braves benefited from having great lead off hitters, speed and the running game.
I’m talking about Otis Nixon, Deion Sanders, Marquis Grissom, Kenny Lofton and Rafael Furcal. All five were lead off hitters, all five could fly, all five could play defense, all five could steal a base in their sleep, lay down a bunt and beat it out. Not to mention Walt Weiss who was pretty decent to.
That is what’s missing from the Braves offense. The Braves have not had this weapon since 2005. When Furcal left, so did our lead off hitter as well as the running game. Neither has been seen since.
By Ronald Millsaps
June 14, 2008 3:16 AM | Link to this
“coach”—That’s “Mr. Millsaps” to you.
You and your friend were ready to blame Bobby Cox for everything, so I responded. I don’t like some of his decisions, either, but the man’s unquestionably a great manager.
As for the leadoff guys you mentioned, I don’t know why you have Kenny Lofton on there, as he didn’t do a blamed thing for us in 1997.
Trading David Justice was inexcusable, at least given the timing and what we got in return for him. Marquis Grissom was ten times better in 1995 and 1996 than Lofton was in ‘97.
By Ronald Millsaps
June 14, 2008 3:40 AM | Link to this
Back to Furcal, if we can’t sign Mark Teixeira this offseason, I say we offer Furcal a contract to play for us again.
Atlanta could let Furcal play short, Yunel Escobar second, and Kelly Johnson first.
If you think Johnson can’t play first, he worked extremely hard and learned quickly in his transition to second base and could do so again, and I hope you folks finally have realized that Johnson’s dropped ball a week ago isn’t even 1% of this season’s problems.
Another possibility would be to move Johnson to center and Matt Diaz to first.
Johnson has a terrific swing and has many good cuts on the ball on his outs. Why he was batting leadoff is beyond me.
Great win tonight. They needed it. Reyes looked great.
By Dudeman
June 14, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
“We’re not going to panic and do something we regret,” Wren said Wednesday”. I think when Atlanta traded five prospects for Mark Texiera, that was panic. And if trading him after 11 months for those five prospects would “look bad”, let’s compound it by keeping him even though the Braves aren’t going anywhere and allow him to leave for nothing but some draft picks. Brilliant!
By Keeping It Real
June 14, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
I have always felt that giving five players away for Texira knowing he would only be here for one year was a dumb a* move. Braves management gave in to the win now philosophy. I would like to see some young guys play. Glavine Smoltz, Hampton etc, should hang up their spikes and leave some money so that some young talent can come in.
By Ronald Millsaps
June 15, 2008 5:36 AM | Link to this
“keeping it real”—-Are you kidding me? Do you really want John Smoltz to retire? He and Tom Glavine still have a lot of baseball left in them, and I don’t even want to think about your ludicrous idea.
Actually, the Mark Teixeira move was very good, and he did attend Georgia Tech, which led the Braves’ front office to believe he might sign an extension with this team. It also gave the team a “Plan B” in the Andruw Jones sweepstakes.
People need to quit talking about trades. The roster for another world championship is here now, even with the injuries, and they’ve FINALLY played like it the last two nights, their two best nights of the season.
I see a lot of Biblical parallels in sports. For example, the Bible speaks of our being weak when we’re strong and strong when we’re weak. The last two nights, after the worst week in franchise history, quite possibly, this team has played what I call “broken” baseball, and they’ve had their two best wins—not just result-wise but execution-wise—of the season.