Mark Bradley

By bruce

June 26, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Mark, thanks… encouraging… good to hear it again at this point, we all need it.

By George

June 26, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Excellent column. I am afraid in today’s society of “win at any cost” people like Mr. Cox are overlooked as to their value. He is truly a leader in a world where leaders are far and few between.

I would rather support a team that wins one world series in 50 years than a team who spends most of its time on the police blotter and gossip page.

We should value Bobby for the example he sets.

By Will

June 26, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

I am laughing to hard to even post anything relevant! Braves will never see the playoffs again under Bobby Cox. Wow i didnt think last weeks column wondering why fans were all over Frenchy could be topped, but this one just may have done it.

By Jim

June 26, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Mr Bradley. Perhaps you remember a course in logic. If there is an exception, how can it be a rule? Eitherit is 100% or not.

By Daniel

June 26, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Bobby will hold things together. Stay confident Braves fans, we will come around. We have lots of time.

By TURTSNAP

June 26, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Good article Mark. You’ll get a lot of flack from the Bobby haters, thats for sure. But they don’t realize just how lucky they are to have Bobby around. One day, when he is gone, they’ll realize.

By SC

June 26, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Will go away or come up with something meaningful to say. I suppose you could have guided the Braves to first place with all these injuries or perhaps you know of someone who could. Please tell us we’re all anxiously awaiting your brilliance

By Jim

June 26, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Will is a dumba$$$$

By Kashi

June 26, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

A very nice column, this is just what we need right now. Thanks Mark Bradley.

Will @ 10:02AM would you take your stinky mouth somewhere else. It is NOT Bobby’s fault that we didn’t make it to play offs. Are you going to say it is Bobby’s fault that Frenchy is doing bad right now?

By pman

June 26, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

Thanks, Mark. It’s nice to read something encouraging. We all get frustrated with the way the team plays from time to time, but it’s only for fun for us. For these players and staff, it’s their job, and I always appreciate the professionalism. Sure, I wish we had more championships, but the Braves are always competitive, and that’s all anyone can really ask. I still remember back in the 70s when the Braves weren’t even close to being competitive. I’ll take this any day.

By Titothebear

June 26, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Translation: Mark thinks the Braves are once again World Series contenders! This will last for 2 weeks!

By Tomahawk Matt

June 26, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

The Bobby Cox Haters are not Braves fans. No Braves FAN would say that Cox should be gone or that we’d be doing any better with someone else at the helm.

Given the number of injuries throughout this team and that we’re only 5 games out is insane. 82 games is a long way to go. It’ll all balance out. No reason yet to stop believing.

Here’s a couple of questions for all the anti-Bobby people… WHO WOULD YOU REPLACE BOBBY WITH? WHO COULD DO ANY BETTER WITH WHAT’S ON THE BRAVES ROSTER?

GO BRAVES!!!

By Mike

June 26, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

I’m a Bobby Cox fan and agree completely with what you said.

My one concern is that this team does not seem to play sound fundamental baseball. If there is a worse bunting team in the game, I’d hate to see it. I can’t watch every minute of every game, but it seems that they aren’t that good at executing things like the hit and run. The defense has been spotty.

I know we’re missing a lot of front liners, but still, these are major league baseball players.

So I ask, do the coaches on this team coach—as in instruct on the essentials of the game—and if they do, do the players listen to them?

By Richard

June 26, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

I have always scratched my head at the constant comments by players at how they love playing for Bobby, what a great manager he is to play for, etc. Not because it may not be true, but yet when it comes to Free Agency the players still always run where the bigger pile of cash is. I would think, at that rate of pay, you would want to stay for a little less (I know it is hard to get by on 10 mill a year when someone else is paying 12) but play for a supposedly better boss.

By James

June 26, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

I disagree. They are not motivated. Sometimes you need to get upset, yell, and show that you as a manager have intensity. All I see is a man that spends most of his time with a finger in his nose losing ballgames. By the way, there have been much worse things said by other professional athletes than anything John Rocker said. Why isn’t that ever mentioned by anybody? What Rocker said was wrong, but worse things have been said since then and none of those athletes have been turned into hate mongers!

By jdh

June 26, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Will, per your comment: “G-d will get you for that” - Maude

By Tomahawk Matt

June 26, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

WILL is from Flushing, NY

That is so obvious.

By TNjeff

June 26, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the positive vibe. Now if Obama wins all our problems will be solved!

Question - Is Bobby Cox feeling OK? I watch the Braves religiously and haven’t seen him booger-picking the last several weeks. Has he changed his managerial style?

By Lorena Bobbitt

June 26, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Bradley, you’re joking right? Maybe you’re better with math than logic. Consider this simple equation…

ADD: .271 BA (3rd best among 16 NL teams)

PLUS: 3.69 ERA (2nd best among 16 NL teams)

PLUS: Bobby Cox

EQUALS: 2nd WORST record in the NL East!

Which leaves only one conclusion…

It’s time to sever ties with Cox!

By Bubba45

June 26, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Hey TNjeff @ 11:19am

Cox hasn’t changed his managerial style just his diet.

By TURTSNAP

June 26, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Hey Lorena, try this… take one man’s batting avg (Larry Wayne) out of your equation and refigure. Also ERA is skewed because a couple of those ERA’s that you are figuring on aren’t and won’t be pitching anymore this year.

By Scott S.

June 26, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Almost a .500 team with rookies and part time players. Not too bad in my book. Part time players will fall back to bench players when Chipper and Yunel are back. Glavine will be back and Kotsay is almost back. Gonzalez closing with Boyer setting up looks good and lets be honest this team can only get better!!! Go Braves!! This is better than winning the division 10 games into the season. It adds to the drama of being a Braves fan!!! Tex is hitting better and we as Braves fans have to let up a bit and let the boys play ball!!! Cox is a master at managing but he is still human and has no had the best to work with either. Not to mention that KJ is waking up at the plate. Enough already from me now lets go to Toronto and keep up what we started last road trip!!

By fieldofdreams

June 26, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

The Skipper’s flaw has never been an inability to steer the Braves through the regular season.

By Milton Jeff

June 26, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

While I have nothing but respect for Cox, I do think we need to start looking for a replacement. His ethic is great but I would love to see him get p** off (other than arguing w/ the umps). Throw stuff around in the dugout or pull a Bobby Knight and throw bats and helmets onto the field. I would like to see Bobby remain in the organization, but a younger manager…How about Dale Murphy?? Anyone??

By Will

June 26, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Tomahawk Matt, Yeah you are totally right buddy no way i could possibly criticize Bobby Cox and be a braves fan. I have respect for him he is a great manager, but it was time for him to retire 3-5 years ago. I think they are winning in spite of him and his ludacris decsion making.

By cityofdecatur

June 26, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Have faith — long season —

By Rye

June 26, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

15 Game Goal

Alright, the Braves have 15 games left until the All-Star break and are currently 2 games under .500. 12 of those 15 games are against teams that have worse records than our Braves. (The only three that are against a winning club is a July-opening series against the division-leading, Phillies.)

I think a reasonable goal is to go 10-5 in this stretch. That would put us 3 games over .500, with a four-day layoff to allow some key members of the team to get healthy. Then if we come out of the gates hot, Frank Wren can make a deal to help bolster the ball club.

By Workinlkeadawg

June 26, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Remember the Houston playoff game a few yrs. ago when the game ended after many extra innings? Well the Braves lost. I quote Andrew Jones, “I’m tired”, the game was still in progress, Bobby replied “Hell were all tired”. The loss certainly wasn’t Cox’s fault. Who can forget the 7th game of the 1991 WS when we lost by a run in etra innings? BTW I still think Lonnie Smith lost that WS with the biggest base runnung blunder in Braves history. We were 3 up on the Yanks in ‘94 or’96 and still lost it’s not Bobbys fault it’s the players.

By GT80

June 26, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

Bobby is the ultimate enigma of baseball managers. The players love him because he’s even keel over the course of 162 games, he never panics in the face of injuries, he never bad mouths his players in public and he treats them like men, always being a positive cheerleader. He is loyal to his players, almost to a fault.

However, he has never been able to turn up the intensity of a team once they get to the playoffs, he continues to manage in the playoffs like it’s a 162 game season, running out a standard left/right platoon even though it’s not the best players on the team. His current teams don’t do fundamental baseball very well, they’ve made mental mistakes on the basepaths and in the field. He continues to send pitchers out into situations where they have failed consistently. He’s got players on the roster every year that cannot even hit .200.

And here’s the thing that I don’t understand…his current team has lost 20 of 25 one run ballgames this year. You would think a hall of fame manager could influence the close games with late game decisions better than that.

If Bobby could have just made better decisions in managing the end game 5 times this year the Braves would be in 1st place.

Agreed that it’s almost a miracle that they are only 4-1/2 games out, but he’s got to fix some things or else they will remain in 4th place till the end. Is that a great manager?

By Hoosier Aaron

June 26, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

No question Bobby is a Hall of Famer and no question every other team in the league would love to have him.

That being said,(Like I know more than BC but I am entitled to my crazy opinion).

I think we have enough speed to steal some bases and win some of these 1 run games.

3rd in NL in OBP (runners are on base) 10th in NL in homers (we’re not knocking down the fences) 12th in the NL in K’s (surprising) We have only 28 steals.

We don’t have an Otis Nixon but I think we have 4 - 5 guys that can steal 25 - 30 bases. Frenchy has no steals - he can steal some bases can’t he?

Watch the Angels run the bases - they are very aggressive - especially from 1st to 3rd on a hit. Many times you see our guys strolling into second - at least make the fielder think you MIGHT be going to third.

Anyway - I’d like to see our next manager be (when the time comes) Mickey Hatcher.

By Will

June 26, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

GT80. You are right on cue, i could not agree more. This is the most well spoken/true assessment i have read about bobby cox on any of these blogs.

By Lorena Bobbitt

June 26, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

TURDSNAP, the numbers don’t lie. Up to this point, the Braves have hit well and pitched well, and they still have a losing record. So who’s fault is it???

By the way, you can’t take the team’s best hitter out of the equation, unless you do it for everyone. Also, you’re saying Smoltz and Glavine skew the ERA down??? No, their combined ERAs are HIGHER than the team ERA.

Nice try, I know it’s getting harder for the Cox apologists all the time.

By Jack G

June 26, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Cox—-Not because of—-but in spite of.

Mark you have vilified Rocker since day one—-But you nor anyone else has ever said he LIED.

By gary

June 26, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Yes, we hear year after year how much everyone loves Bobby. And yes, I do know that is important. But in sports, what is the yardstick that players/managers are measured by? Soley by how much were they were loved, or does their overall record come into play? Division wins are one thing, and winning a 5-team division of often weak teams is one thing. But playoffs and championships… that’s what people talk about. Do we recall Reggie Jackson and Michael Jordan for their regular season records more than their championship games? The Buffalo Bills are generally lampooned for losing in 4 straight Super Bowls, but never given credit for getting to those games. So how does Cox’s post season record stand out? 15 post seasons (remember one was with the Blue Jays), and only one WS ring. That might be good, but it’s not great. If you’re going to give him credit for all the wins, then you have to give him credit for those failures too.

By Bill

June 26, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

What do mean that Cox won’t let the Braves fall???? They have fallen the last two years. This season has go down the drain. To many thing’s going on for this team to get in contention. They need a total make over. I had rather suffer with younger players than put with this crap.

By GT

June 26, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Bradley, are you serious?

“This team has had every reason to fall apart, but it hasn’t yet”. What exactly are you watching - highlight reels from 1998? Please explain exactly which card hasn’t fallen in the house of them that we built?

That we have such a pathetic record in 1 run games, that we have set a record for continuous 1 run road losses, that we consistently find new ways to lose seemingly every night, that our 250-avg right fielder keeps getting pencilled into the #5 spot in the lineup….

In your mind, just exactly what is the manager responsible for? If none of these are Cox’s responsibility, then there’s no need for a manager in the first place.

The reason nothing is changing with this team on the field is because Cox is too lackadaisical. For all your talk about Cox being a steady hand and effective motivator, what has this really delivered? No, don’t bother answering, because I’ll do it for you: 4th place.

You can continue to highlight the Mets situation this year as an example of “how the Braves are so much better managed”. But the Mets at least recognize the need to make a change (even if they don’t execute it well), and will probably finish with a better record this season than we will.

By TURTSNAP

June 26, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Thanks Bobbitt, I just love when wise people say things that wasn’t said in the original post. Where did I say Smoltz and Glavine? But since you went there…. lets see, Smoltz, ah yes, 2.57 ERA, yep, that is higher than the teams ERA. Oh, and yes, he won’t be pitching anymore, so that figure will skew the other numbers. Chipper has been carrying this team, so I do think it is fair to cancel out his numbers to get a better feel for the overall “group” numbers. Sorta like when you were in school (oh wait, you probably weren’t) and the teacher would eliminate the highest and the lowest score to get the overall Mean?

With the exception of Joe Torre (and he has had an unbelievable wealth of players to “manage”) I don’t see any other managers out there that have consistently had their team perform at a competitive level and be in the playoff hunt year in and year out. Perhaps Genius Bobbitt can provide some names? Perhaps NOT!!!!!

By R1U

June 26, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

If you manage your team into the playoffs with a specific style, what kind of moron would change that style to suit the armchair pros like the ones I read here regularly. BC is HOF!!! Line drives at the worst possible times have killed us out of potential big rallies at least a half dozen times. No wait, wait - dang if BC ONLY didn’t flash the line into a DP sign—GO BRAVES

By TURTSNAP

June 26, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Bill, have you seen a game lately? Its not like the Braves are sending out a bunch of washed up old players, like say the Giants did the past few years.

By Michael

June 26, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why Corkey Miller is on anybody’s baseball team. A position player batting .103 is in the majors. Brain Pena would have done a better job with the bat.

Michael

By Michael

June 26, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why Corkey Miller is on anybody’s baseball team. A position player batting .103 is in the majors. Brain Pena would have done a better job with the bat.

Michael

By Michael

June 26, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why Corkey Miller is on anybody’s baseball team. A position player batting .103 is in the majors. Brain Pena would have done a better job with the bat.

Michael

By Lorena Bobbitt

June 26, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

TURDSNAP has trouble with reading comprehension. Try reading this sentence again, and not being a “wise person who says things that weren’t said in the original post.”

“Also, you’re saying Smoltz and Glavine skew the ERA down??? No, their combined ERAs are HIGHER than the team ERA.”

COMBINED ERAs, got it, TURDSNAP? Let me guess, we shouldn’t throw out Glavine’s high ERA because it helps support your theory? Throw out Smoltz but not Glavine, right?

By the way, I’m not the only one who thinks team batting average is a relevant stat. There’s a reason no one ever talks about a team’s “mean average.” I’m sure you’re really proud to have learned that term last week, but it’s meaningless in this discussion.

Keep trying to manipulate the numbers all you like, TURDSNAP, but they are what they are. No other manager would’ve lost 41 games with a team hitting and pitching as well as the Braves have so far this year.

By Gary

June 26, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox is apparently the best “club house coach” in the business. His proactive approach is well documented. This makes it hard to face the lack of fundamental coaching that is lacking on the field. Fundamentals like bunting, running the bases, taking control of outfield/infield pop-ups. Please don’t forget the rotating door with the pitchers. Some one show me the data on the change of pitchers with left/right handed batters. Isn’t the game performance based. And while I am getting therapeutic, explain a clean up batter who for two years bats below 250 and whose fundamentals are below the local recreational league players. I think Bobby is a great club house coach his coaching on the field leaves a lot to be desired.

By Will

June 26, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

I dont understand some of this blind loyalty to Bobby Cox. I am not even saying he should be fired i think he should have stepped aside at some point the last few years. This team needs a change. I dont care how many 162 game successes he has led this team through 99% of my disdain for him is his god awful managing in the playoffs. I will probably never forgive him for leaving Glavine in the 1999 WS Game 3 to face Chuck Knoblauch after Glavine had already had a start pushed back from being sick. Just a moronic decision and one of many we have seen throughout the playoffs during his tenure.

By Earl Weaver

June 26, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Rah, rah, ram, sis, boom bah

Mark Bradley puts on his cheerleaders skirt and the people who love their Braves—no matter what—eat it up.

The same Braves fans who get a rush listening to Bobby’s “C’mon kid”, “take ball four” hollering when Peachtree TV does the game and pipes up the dugout volume.

Cox is nothing but a tired, grumpy, often confused old man who couldn’t win in the post season in his prime. He’s a long way past his prime.

I guess columns such as this are how Bradley keeps his spot in the Braves pre-game buffet line.

By gary

June 26, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Notice a trend, none of these postings has been able to defend Cox’s postseason performance. So if you like a nice regular bland diet in the regular season, Cox is your man.

By ajr3

June 26, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

That’s funny that you would write this. After reading about the clowns down in Houston, I couldn’t help but to try and think of a time where something like that happened with the Bravos….and I’m still trying to find something hours later. This speaks a lot about how professional this organization is. Proud to be a Braves fan far more than any “Saux” fan is.

By JOE

June 26, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

IT WAS 1996. We were killing the yankees , up 2 games to 0 and Wohlers comes in and throws the three run homer ball that promptly lost us that game and every game after with the Yankees for the next three years. Braves have never recovered and neither did Wohlers. Our play-off record since is awful..but I remain loyal and optomistic..

By TURTSNAP

June 26, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

I apologize to those of you out here with intelligence, but my new friend Bobbitt, while still trying to prove her/his point about ERA/BA and the whole “Bobby Cox Sucks” angle, missed the 2nd paragraph in the above post. Perhaps he/she can’t read beyond one paragraph who knows. Allow me to repost:

With the exception of Joe Torre (and he has had an unbelievable wealth of players to “manage”) I don’t see any other managers out there that have consistently had their team perform at a competitive level and be in the playoff hunt year in and year out. Perhaps Genius Bobbitt can provide some names? Perhaps NOT!!!!!

Still waiting on those names, he/she Bobbitt.

By Bill G

June 26, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

I have never been a great Bobby Cox fan especially since the team lost the world series to the Yankees after taking a two game lead in New York. Since that time, the team has lacked intensity and has had a very blase attitude about the game.

Personally, I think he’s done a lousy job of managing the last three seasons. A good manager wins one run games. A good manager doesn’t wear out his bullpen in the first half of the season as he will this year and as he has in the last two seasons.

As a 73 year old, I would highly recommend that Cox retire, voluntarily or not voluntarily. His days are over. Bring some fire and youth to the Atlanta Braves bench.

Bill G.

By Mark Bradley

June 26, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Let’s ask this: If Bobby Cox would suddenly become a free agent, how many other clubs would try to hire him?

My guess: At least 25.

My point: Unless you’ve been around the game — and not just watching it on TV — you can’t fully grasp the respect this man engenders across all of baseball. As Marty Brennaman, the Reds’ Hall of Fame announcer, has said of Cox (borrowing a line from college football): “He can take his’n and beat your’n, and he can take your’n and beat his’n.”

Fourteen division titles in succession might not mean anything to jaded Atlantans, but they mean everything to people inside the game.

By Lorena Bobbitt

June 26, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Read carefully, TURDSNAP:

No other manager would’ve lost 41 games with a team hitting and pitching as well as the Braves have so far this year.

What, you want me to list all the managers in major league baseball??? Sounds like a waste of time to me. Let’s not bore the blog any more than you already have. Sorry, but I’m not going to keep posting everything twice until you get it.

We were talking about this year, TURDSNAP, but sure, we can discuss irrelevant history if you’d like. Could other managers have consistently won regular season games with the Braves pitching staff full of Hall of Famers? I’m going to go out on a limb, and say, yes. In fact, I’d say quite a few managers could’ve won more than 1 World Series with those teams Cox had to work with. I’m sure you, in all your baseball brilliance, will say no. But then you’re incapable of reason, so this is a pointless argument.

I repeat:

It’s time to sever ties with Cox! And while we’re at it, take TURDSNAP with him!

By TampaGator

June 26, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

I agree, there is no better manager for the regular season than Bobby Cox. His consistency with the players, etc, would carry any team throughout the regular season with success. And no one is better at player relationships than Bobby Cox. I just wish he would turn the managing over to Terry Pendleton during the playoffs. He over the long haul approach has not proven successful in the playoffs…ie. bring Charlie Leibrant in to face Kirby Puckett, for example. That approach would only cost you one game during the regular season, but the same approach costs the Braves a World Series title. And Cox has made many other decisions in the playoffs using the same approach that have repeatedly cost the Braves championships. Yes, 14 regular season titles are wonderful. But I would suggest that a manager that could change his style for the playoffs…maybe hit and run and steal more in the playoffs, etc…would have won more World Series titles during that 14-year run. Maybe, however, that same manager might not have had the opportunity to win so many championships either because of a lack of regular season managing skills that Cox is so good at doing. So, I guess, it is a trade off. Or Cox could change a little if the Braves ever again make it to the playoffs.

By Lorena Bobbitt

June 26, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

So Cox is everyone’s best friend, he’s the best cheerleader in the game, everyone says nice things, great, got it. But is that good for this Braves team?

The evidence overwhelmingly suggests this team has not been as good as the sum of its parts. The Braves have hit well, pitched well, and played sub .500.

Jaded Atlantans aren’t blind, Bradley. We’re smart enough to know when the brain-washed homer local writers are blowing smoke up Cox’s fat a*.

By Bubba45

June 26, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Hey Bradley - nice quote but it needs to be qualified - “He can take his’n and beat your’n, and he can take your’n and beat his’n.” - in the regular season.

Playoffs - Cox can take his’n and lose to your’n and he can take your’n and lose to his’n.

By Tomahawk Matt

June 26, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Everyone knows that it’s Jeff Francouer’s fault that the Braves couldn’t win in the playoffs in the 90’s.

The Braves should hire Bobby Valentine or Larry Bowa to manage. Then we could win more close games.

MLB managers are supposed to hit ground balls and pop-ups to the players during warmups and help them practice sliding. Bobby doesn’t do that. That’s why they don’t know the fundamentals.

Frank Wren should find someone like Vince McMahon or Gallagher to manage. That would give us the intensity we need to win those close games and really fire the players up.

We need some one to help us win in the Playoff really bad! I mean we lost the World Series in 91,92,96, AND 99. Obviously that’s HORRIBLE! And then losing in the NLCS. MAN WE STINK!

CAN YOU SMELL THAT??!!

By Cal Patty

June 26, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a Braves Fan since the 60’s. Believe me, it sure is better now,’91-‘08 than the seasons before(other than ‘82).

Sure has been fun for the last 17 years regardless of the disappointments. We have players who play hard for a man who gives them the chance to do so.

By CONNECTICUT BRAVES FAN

June 26, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

I agree with Bill G. Bobby Cox’s days are over. The game has passed him by. Team lacks basic fundementals, is not aggresive and the pitching staff is mis-managed. I watch many Red Sox games here in New England and since new ownership 5 years ago and Terry Francona taking over as manager, the team has transformed from dull & unimaginative to aggressive & exciting. They now steal often and execute bunting & hit & run to near perfection. Also the management is not afraid to spend money to continue this excellence. 5 years of consecutive sellouts at the highest ticket prices and most antiquated ballpark in America. John Farrell their pitching coach will make an excellent manager.

By Bubba45

June 26, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

1 for 14 - hmmmmm

the one win against a manager that has since been fired from at least 2 other organizations & against a franchise that has NEVER won anything & against a City that has NEVER won anything (more pathetic than even Atlanta!)

Hmmmmm…

By Kentavo

June 26, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

I think this team should be in first place if Cox had been more judicious with pitching changes (trotting Boyer, Bennett and Acosta out there), pinch hitting opportunities (Chipper in the 8th the other night when we wound up losing by 1 again?), and reluctance to move Frenchy to 8th/and or platoon him.

By 4 horse race

June 26, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

It’s more like the Phillies, Marlins and Mets will not let the braves fall apart —or that far behind in the standings, more than Booby Cox.

By Tomahawk Matt

June 26, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

WHY WOULD ANYONE TAKE ANYTHING SERIOUSLY FROM SOMEONE GOING BY THE NAME LORENA BOBBIT? Your stage name alone implies that you’re an 1D10T! Your moronic paperbag arguments & statements drive that fact home. Here’s a quote “it’s best to remain silent and be thought a fool than speak and remove all doubt.”

Name some managers O WISE AND ALL KNOWING BOBBIDIOT that could do better. You MAY HAVE SIGHT BUT YOU LACK VISION. You seem to have enough time to argue back and forth with others but not enough time to validate your points with solid facts or reason.

Although it is fun to read your nonsense.

BOBBY COX FOREVER!

By DesiBrave

June 26, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Sigh.. All of you Bobby haters out there are just magnifying the few mistakes he committed in his career. You are looking at only those risks he took that didn’t work out in his favor. When his plan gets executed properly and Braves win you give credit to the players and when Bobby takes a risk and it backfires due to some doofus out there who can’t execute you blame Bobby for that.

By GT

June 26, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

“If Bobby Cox would suddenly become a free agent, how many other clubs would try to hire him? My guess: At least 25.”

Why on earth would you assume only 4 other ML teams would not hire Cox in this scenario? 3 ML managers have been fired this year, which is a much better indicator of how many teams are dissatisfied with their current direction.

Also, do you really believe Atlanta fans are spoiled? We’ve been spoiled by not having won a championship in 13 years, and having played .500 baseball for the last 2 and a half? Sorry, but this fan wants just a little more from his team than mediocrity.

By uwe, germany

June 26, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

I have so much respect for Mr. Cox, I think he is a role model how to lead a team. I have learned so much about patience and not to push the panic button by just following his career. The Braves might miss the playoffs, but they will fight till the last game, thanks to Mr. Bobby Cox. I would offer a finger of my hand, just to have a chance to play for a guy like Bobby Cox. I´am a Braves fan since I fell in love with the game of baseball way back in 1991 and I know that I gonna miss Bobby Cox when he calls it a day. This organisation is one of the best in the business because of him.

By BravesLover

June 26, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

The objective of the game is to win. Period. To paraphrase Mr. Wilpon of the Mets “if we don’t win something’s gonna change”. AND THEY HAVE A BETTER RECORD THE LAST TWO YEARS THAN THE BRAVES! Felipe Alou, Jimy Williams come to mind as available. Mike Scocia would be an interesting match for 2009.

By Bubba45

June 26, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

the same idiotic logic which demands that you have a ready, no-miss, prior experience hire in place before you fire a coach/manager was being touted repeatedly by loyalist to the former UGA football coach.

Memory serves me that those of US who were tired of mediocrity (which in college football equated to an above 500 record such as 7-4 or 8-3 rather than recent Braves sub 500 records) won out and things are looking so much better.

By LivininAL

June 26, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

I agree it is promising that the Braves are only 4 1/2 games out and that is great!! But 2 things that may create a season finishing 4 games out have been mentioned earlier- the fundamentals needed to win-creating a run, bunting, moving a runner, and defense are often missing . The other Mark Bradley stated ” All that happens here is that a ballclub keeps plugging away.” Wish some had a bit more intensity and less pluggin on the field. A win/loss counts the same now as it will in September regardless of the lineup.

By TURTSNAP

June 26, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

BravesLover, I second your selection for when Bobby steps down. Mike Scioscia would be an excellent choice to carry on the Braves tradition of excellence!

By TURTSNAP

June 26, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Hey Mark, I’m watching the Cubs game and the Cubs just had the bases loaded and didn’t score a run. Lou Piniella should be fired, wouldn’t you agree????

By gary

June 26, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Looks like those who enjoy the status quo, an even keel, don’t rock the boat, and a happy home, all love Bobby Cox. But there comes a time when you need a little fire under someone’s butt to get things moving when the going gets tough. The only World Series won game after a player (David Justice) got things stirred up. 1 World Series out of 14 playoffs and a handfull of first round loses does not sound like the manager is lighting any fires. Presumming that is his job, then someone here is not doing his fully.

By Jack G

June 26, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Cox—-Smoltz—-Glavine—-Hampton—-what do they have in common???—-They are all over the hill and are to selfcenterd to quit when they should.

A true champion knows when to quit trying to hang in there.

By retireing now they have everything to gain and nothing to lose

By Random

June 26, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

Jim —

Some rules have exceptions.

For example:

i before e except after c, or if it sounds like ‘ay’, as in ‘neighbor’ and ‘weigh’.

PS: and except for seize, seizure, etc.

By Jon

June 26, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Mark, are you kidding me? Slow sports news day? The only reason why the Braves still have a chance is because the division stinks. That goes for the Mets, Marlins, and yes, even the Nats. The Phils are nothing special, just like the rest of the division. It has nothing, whatsoever, to do with Bobby Cox. It has to do with player apathy, and lack of greenies. Right now the NL East is like the SUV. You can’t give it away!!! If one team in this division had been playing up to par in this division, the rest would be 15 games out. But please don’t tell us that the Braves are still in it because of Bobby Cox. It’s just not true.

By Bill

June 26, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

TURDSNAP—- I’ve been watching and attending games over fifty years. Is that long enough. You had better check again and see how many old players they have and on DL and lot of the others can’t stay healthy.

By Mark Bradley

June 26, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

The old baseball man Rocky Bridges once said: “There are three things every American man believes he can do better than the other guy — build a fire, run a hotel and manage a big-league ballclub.”

And the criticism of a demonstrably successful manager isn’t a local phenomenon: Tony La Russa has his detractors in St. Louis — too controlling, some say, too interested in playing mind games — and Joe Torre had his in New York. And Sparky Anderson got fired in Cincinnati for the sin of finishing second two years in a row.

By coxfan

June 26, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

I will go Jim’s pedanticism (“Mr Bradley. Perhaps you remember a course in logic. If there is an exception, how can it be a rule? Eitherit is 100% or not.”) one better. The word “proves” in the expression “the exception proves the rule” actually means “tests”, so Rocker tests the rule, but it is so overwhelmingly true that it passes the Rocker test.

Random may add “weird” to his list of exceptions.

By TURTSNAP

June 26, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Hey Bill, since the Braves have only been in Atlanta 42 years, kinda hard to justify your comment. Oh well, the point being, the “kids” and “youth” are playing right now. DL is DL, they can’t play!

By Bubba45

June 26, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Hey Bradley

Apples & Oranges

I’ll agree that LaRussa, Torre, & Sparky were/are great managers - they have the championships to back it up

By Milton Jeff

June 26, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Does nobody think Dale Murphy would be good? What about Leo Mazzone?

By Bubba45

June 26, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Murphy - No simply because too much like Cox as a players coach

Mazzone - YES - heard the pitchers hated him because he was too tough / seems like they need that now.

By JIM

June 26, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

CORKY MILLER IS THE BEST CATCHER THAT EVER PLAYED BASEBALL…EVER!!!

By JIM

June 26, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

CORKY MILLER IS THE BEST CATCHER THAT EVER PLAYED BASEBALL…EVER!!! I’LL BET JAVY LOPEZ IS THINKING “THIS GUY IS BETTER THAN ME? YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME.”

By TURTSNAP

June 26, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Bill - I checked

Acosta - 27 Bennett - 28 Boyer - 26 Campillo - 29 Carlyle - 30 Gonzalez - 30 Hudson - 32 Jurrjens - 22 Morton - 24 Ohman - 30 Reyes - 23 Ring - 27 McCann - 24 Miller - 32 Escobar - 25 Gotay - 25 Infante - 26 Johnson - 26 Jones - 36 Lillibridge - 24 Norton - 35 Tex - 28 Blanco - 24 Frenchy - 24 Jones - 24

Avg Age - 27

By Hillbilly Deluxe

June 26, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Joe Torre was a mediocore manager with the Mets, Braves, and Cardinals. He was a genius with the Yankees. He’s not looking so good with the Dodgers either. Ballplayers win ballgames.

By Milton Jeff

June 26, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Yeah, what is up w/ Corky? Can’t we grab another catcher from the minors? This is a Cox issue. Why!! WHY!! After so many at bats & 4 hits is this fat boy still up in the majors. I’m sure there is another great catcher in the minors that could be called up.

By Black Panther

June 26, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

It is hilarious that the AJC would write an article to congratulate a man who has gotten sloppy drunk on several occasions and starting beating his wife. Bobby Cox is nothing more than inbred redn**k that still implements the good ole boy system here in Atlanta. That is why we trade every black player and bring in another white boy to put out there. We will always be mediocre because white guys are horrible athletes.

By JIM

June 26, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Joe Simpson said Corky rips balls in batting practice. WOW! I can “rip” balls in batting practice. Miller was supposed to be a solid defensive catcher, so ATL was willing to sacrifice defense. Well, take a look at how many passed balls Corky has this year. If his defense was that great, we could deal with no offensive output, but his defense is average at-best. Man, I miss Ted Turner!

By JIM

June 26, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Black Panther….”WOW, I hope you’re joking. If not, YOU SUCK”.

By Milton Jeff

June 26, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

There goes the race card..only took a few hours before somebody started whining Mr.Black Panther. Dont be upset…We have the Hawks & Falcons to make up for it.

By Bubba45

June 26, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

This is Bradley’s blog not Terence Moore’s!

By BamaBrave

June 26, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Nicely done Black Panther… You win the Moronic Post of the Year Award.

By WIN ONE FOR BOBBY

June 26, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

jack g, your mom is over the hill, you know jack about a champion. Great article Mr. Bradley, so very true.

By Bill

June 26, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

TURTSNAP—-Why didn’t you list all of them? The old one’s you didn’t list. I know the majority are young. I hope they get younger. I had rather suffer for a couple years with young players, than old washed up ones. Do you remember how Smoltz,Glavine and Maddux struggled when they were young?

By Paul in Richmond

June 26, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox is exactly the type of manager we need right now. He is a clinic on percentages and performances and he is the guy who can take an average of wounded bunch and get the absolute most out of them. That is what he is doing right now. Don’t let those averages and stats fool you, we have a very ordinary group of players and those stats are misleading. Bobby took a decimated starting lineup and has stuggled with it in a very respectable manner for half a season.

Now - the problem is that such a clinical, statistic oriented approach leaves us with a less emotional team in the post season. IOW his players seldom play below their abilities but they also seldom play above their talents. Reaching deep for a little something extra seems more rare in a group of unemotional players.

I am willing to bet that this group gets into the post season. And if they do it will be because of Bobby Cox.

By TURTSNAP

June 26, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Bill, yes definitely. I didn’t list the DL’s, but yes I do remember the struggles. The encouraging thing, atleast for the young pitching, is that Reyes may have gotten his struggles out last year, that’s a BIG may, but lets hope so. Jurrjens doesn’t look like he will struggle, atleast as much as Glavine and Smoltz did in the early years. Still too early on Morton, but he looks composed beyond his years too.

By Mark Bradley

June 26, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

Baseball isn’t like football: When in doubt, you can’t just hit somebody harder. Baseball is a game of precision, and you can’t be precise when you’re breathing fire.

We see emotions on display in baseball only after somebody has made a great play or a team has won a big game. Being “emotional” doesn’t help a player make that great play or a team win that big game. On the contrary, being “emotional” tends to hurt performance.

That’s why Cox’s way of managing has been proved, time and again, to work over the long haul, and why Larry Bowa’s, say, has failed. Stan Kasten once said that the No. 1 question to ask of a manager is, “Can he lead men?” The Braves have gladly followed Cox’s lead, but the Phillies never wanted to follow Bowa anywhere.

By BlackberryCobbler

June 26, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Bradley— I appreciate your optimism. And I guess, after being a Bobby Basher for a long time, I’ll soften up on him some. But he and Wren have got to do something to put a better team on the field. All this waiting around and hoping things get better when wounded players return is NOT the answer. I still content that this season is pretty much over due to Fran-cine and Te-she-ra who have done nothing with exception of an occasional outburst.

By Jack G

June 26, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

WIN ONE FOR BOBBY

My mom is dead and I am getting there faster than i would like.

At 84 I have seen too many hang on to long.

No disputing Bobby has been a great manager. The key words here are HAS and BEEN. I am only comenting on his present abilities as a manager. He has slipped badly the last few years.

As for Smoltz, Glavin, and Hampton—-the facts speak for themselves——they are thru and wont acknowledge it.

By Coach (Put up, shut up, do or die)

June 26, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Bradley, I see that you and more than a few other fans are still living in the past. Camelot ended three years ago and Cox is getting by on sheer reputation these days. Look, I’m well aware of the great job Cox does while managing his clubhouse, But seriously, come on !

You and every other journalist working for the Atlanta Journal Constitution will make just about any excuse for the last three seasons except to point the blame in the direction where it belongs, right at Bobby Cox.

Injuries you say? Hey, take a long look at the St. Louis Cardinals 40 man roster and explain to me why they keep winning.(45-35)

Cox is just goofy and I’m talking embarrassing. Example, the June 4th game against the Marlins. Cox sat on the bench and did nothing as Manny Acosta was allowed to give up not ONE but TWO, COUNT’EM OUT LOUD, TWO HR’S in the ninth inning!

Acosta came into the game, gave up a base hit, then the first HR and two Florida runs were in. Did Cox pull him? HELL NO. He sat on his fat arse while Acosta gave up another hit followed by another HR and lost the game 6-4. It was disgraceful management !

Another example. The decision to keep Chuck James in the rotation (8.22 ERA in five starts) while Jeff Bennett would have been the much better option at the time.

Why Jeff Francoeur hasn’t been benched for more than one game at a time yet is just insane.

YOU PEOPLE do realize that the Braves record is 202-202 during the 2006, 2007 and 2008 seasons? I guess .500 MEDIOCRE baseball is acceptable in Atlanta these days.

Here is a NEWS FLASH ! Cox has become the same MEDIOCRE .500 manager in the regular season that he has been in the post season during the previous fifteen years (66-66 .500 post season record).

Did you know that Bobby Cox has won fewer and lost(1 for 5) more World Series than any other manager in Major League History? It’s a fact. His 66 post season losses are also an inglorious all time record.

And before any meathead tries to justify that due to the fifteen teams Cox took into the playoffs, consider the record of Joe Torre: 4 World Series Championships, 74-50 post season record.

Bobby Cox is going into the Hall of Fame because of the likes of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, Leo Mazzone, John Schuerholz, Roy Clark, Frank Wren, Dayton Moore, Ted Turner, Stan Kasten etc. etc. etc. All Bobby had to do was manage his clubhouse and players while the real talent did the rest.

Cox needs to retire. He is an embarrassment. While it’s disgusting enough when the camera’s pan into the dugout and catches the old fart digging for gold in his nose, it’s having to watch the last 404 straight games of .500 baseball that is truly unbearable !

This is one fan who is fed up. Retire, thats my message to Bobby Cox.

By Billiken

June 26, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

Black Panther, whites are horrible athletes? Negroes are superior athletes? Are whites smarter than negroes, or not as smart?

By Lorena Bobbitt

June 26, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Bill, TURDSNAP doesn’t believe in having an honest debate. TURDSNAP would rather cherry pick numbers, invent and manipulate statistics, in the name of his Cox worship.

Clearly TURDSNAP’s arguments are just plain wrong. Otherwise, he might actually consider factual information to support his claims. Sadly, the facts prove TURDSNAP to be rather ignorant, at best.

By gary

June 26, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

That’s right, Cox has led his team to 14 playoffs, and 13 of those times led them right back to the bus for an early departure. It might not be emotions that win in the playoffs; it’s taking advantage of every chance you get when you’re playing a team that’s as good as you are. Throughout the season Cox demonstrates he can beat teams that aren’t as good as the Braves, and in the playoffs he proves he can’t consistantly beat teams that are equal. So, I guess as long as we enjoy simply getting to the playoffs, Bobby is our man.

By WIN ONE FOR BOBBY

June 26, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

well sir if you are 84 yrs old than i am inclined to listen and respect what you have to say(write) and all apologies for the previuos comment. I do however disagree w/ what you posted, smoltz could’ve won the cy young w/ a little run support last yr and the yr before, glavine had never been on the dl until this yr. hampton is a joke. much respect sir.

By kirknga

June 26, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

I think a good question is can he lead them where?

It is the answer to that question that reveals whether or not a manager has done a good job or not.

I am not calling to fire Cox. The record is clear. When he has the right players he wins at least division championships.He clearly, for several reasons(injuries,budget) does not have that mix of players now.

That said, Mark I believe calling Atlanta sports fans jaded doesn’t help make the case for Cox.

I’m(like many others) a long time Atlanta fan…Braves, Falcons, Hawks,Flames, Thrashers. The 14-year run by the Braves was great, but with the exception of a few years from the Hawks, and a couple here and there from the Falcons, we fans have not been exposed to so much success from which we could become jaded.

Don’t forget we had our hearts broken 13 out of 14 years.All the teams have, or will have nice new stadiums. We aren’t as quick to boo as in other cities, even if we don’t sellout some playoff games.We’re the fans of Loserville remember?

It’s bad enough we Atlanta fans have to take stuff from national media, but coming from local people it feels like a cruel shot.

By GT

June 26, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

Wow. So it comes down to a comparison to Larry Bowa to prove Cox’s superior ability as a manager? Gimme a break. Sure Cox might be a better manager than say Hal McRae, Dusty Baker or Alan Trammel. Is that really what we want - someone who’s just better than the bottom of the heap?

When will this organization start demanding more? The Phillies knew when it was time for Bowa to leave. Unfortunately, the Braves either don’t recognize the same moment now besets them with Cox, or don’t have the balls to carry it out.

Just because Cox managed to the post-season in the past, this somehow allows him a pass at sustained mediocrity? If the answer is yes, then the only thing us fans have been “spoiled” with is lowered expectations.

By tj

June 26, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

Mr.Bradley - I was getting ready to tell you what a great article this is, then I read your 5:28 post. It’s even better. Iv’e been thinking about that football thing a long time. I see all these people wanting to see some fire and emotion, throw things and break things. I wonder if they handle their life that way. I would suggest they all go watch football. That stuff only gets you ejected,suspended and beaned in baseball, I think Esobar has seen a few close, just because of his “emotional” way of playing. I thought players were taught not to do that in little league. It takes talent,skill and mental concentration to play baseball. As far as Bobby and the playoffs, I still haven’t seen anybody else get there 14 straight years. I played this game a long time and have been around it since the late 50’s and a big fan of the Braves since they came to Atlanta. I know what the changing every year does. These people need to realize you have to get to the playoffs to win in the playoffs. Just a couple of Quotes I heard over the last couple of years: “If you are trying to out manage Bobby that’s one you are not going to win”.Fredi Gonzales. When asked about playing in the world series: “It’s baseball, you play it the same way, it’s just more magnified”. Derrick Jeter. And if anybody thinks players run over Bobby because they like him and he likes them they are badly mistaken.

By Locomotion

June 26, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Bobby has been a bulwark against adversity. But the man is getting along in years and deserves a retirement fit for his performance over the years. Look what Sweet Lou has done for the Cubs with his fiery personality. Granted, he has more to work with than Bobby, but it would be refreshing if Bobby didn’t just stick up for his players, but would chew their fannies when they do something stupid. And they have been doing some really stupid things in the field and on the base paths lately. The guy has been a winner, let him retire before his legacy becomes soiled with performances from players who just are not capable of making this team a winner. Injuries aside, they can’t play small ball and it is hurting them immensely. To be unable to lay down a bunt in critical situations is inexcusable. These guys are being paid as major leaguers, and if they cannot perform fundamentals, that has to reflect on the management of the team. Bobby is a good guy, just let him enjoy his retirement after this year.

By Locomotion

June 26, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

Bobby has been a bulwark against adversity. But the man is getting along in years and deserves a retirement fit for his performance over the years. Look what Sweet Lou has done for the Cubs with his fiery personality. Granted, he has more to work with than Bobby, but it would be refreshing if Bobby didn’t just stick up for his players, but would chew their fannies when they do something stupid. And they have been doing some really stupid things in the field and on the base paths lately. The guy has been a winner, let him retire before his legacy becomes soiled with performances from players who just are not capable of making this team a winner. Injuries aside, they can’t play small ball and it is hurting them immensely. To be unable to lay down a bunt in critical situations is inexcusable. These guys are being paid as major leaguers, and if they cannot perform fundamentals, that has to reflect on the management of the team. Bobby is a good guy, just let him enjoy his retirement after this year.

By kool$kat

June 26, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

Coach, Turtsnap, and other Cox detractors - if you fire Bobby, who do you hire? LaRussa, and Torre both have jobs. Sparky, Casey and John McGraw aren’t available. At least twice in the numerous posts a Cox fan has asked for names. Make a case for someone to take his place, or you have ZERO credibility.

By tj

June 26, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

To Coach: You said

Did you know that Bobby Cox has won fewer and lost(1 for 5) more World Series than any other manager in Major League History?

You either mispoke or you are really digging deep to bash Bobby. You”re telling us that of all the MLB managers in history, they all won more than one WS.

By Hillbilly Deluxe

June 26, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

Playing sound fundamental baseball is what wins in the post season. That’s where the Braves have always come up short.

By Navigator

June 26, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

I’ve been chastised on the AJC bloggs for years, but I’ll say it again. The worst thing that happened to the Braves was winning a World Series with Cox as manager. He can’t develop young players to be better, and there’s casualties littered everywhere that proves this point. He’s a bad judge of talent, and once again their are all stars around the leagues that prove this point as well. I’ve heard for a near two decades that the Braves were constant winners because of Cox. Well where are they now and for the last three years. He rode the fame of the Braves teams to the Hall of Fame. But I believe half of the managers in the majors could have rode that horse to. The greatest pitching staff in modern baseball history, and most of them were here because of the GM. The fact is he couldn’t get Toronto to the World Championship, only to have that same team win two after he left (once beating the Braves). He lucked into winning the one because of a Hall of Fame pitcher named Glaven. The debacles against the Yankees (twice) proves my point as well as any. Many said Torre could hold Cox’s boots, yeah but he throttled Cox’s teams for 8 straight wins. I’ll always look back and wonder what might have been.

By Coach (Put up, shut up, do or die)

June 26, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

TJ, there are actually twenty-two managers who have won more than one World Series. But, you evidently didn’t understand my statement.

Did you know that Bobby Cox has won fewer and lost(1 for 5) more World Series than any other manager in Major League History?

Meaning, when the two winning and losing factors are combined, no one else has won as few as one World Series and lost as many as four in Major League history. (.200 winning percentage)

Not even the great John McGraw who won three World Series and lost six looks as bad as Bobby Cox does. (.333 winning percentage)

I’ll even go so far as to compare the records of some of the managers in our own modern era of baseball in World Series contests.

Joe Torre 4 for 6

Sparky Anderson 3 for 5

Tommy Lasorda 2 for 4

Tony La Russa 2 for 5

Tom Kelly 2 for 2

Cito Gaston 2 for 2

Whitey Herzog 1 for 2

Earl Weaver 1 for 3

Bobby Cox has the worst record of the bunch at 1 for 5. It is what it is.

By TURTSNAP

June 26, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

kool$kat, don’t lump me in with the insanely stupid Cox detractors. I, even though a Turd (according to Lord Bobbitt), am far from a detractor of his.

But I must keep my mouth shut, according to Lord Bobbitt, because I change the facts, or hide figures to portray Bobby as a great manager.

Some people, and I am not talking about you kool$kat, are just idiots (Lord Bobbitt).

By Jack G

June 26, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

WIN ONE FOR BOBBY

Smoltz—Glavine—Hampton Have been great and Smoltz and Glavine are sure to be hall of famers.

That said, the competivines that has made them great has taken a big toll on their bodies.They are still young age wise, but athelitically they are shot and just dont want to face the reality of not being able to bounce back——40 is time to get out. Injuries get more frequent and more severe. Its time for them to go and free up salary money for younger players.

Now for Cox—-he is getting old and just like me, has not diminished mentally, but it just takes longer to come up with the right decision. Longer is something he dosent have the luxury of during a ball game. If he had more time in some of the games the last few years i am sure he would have made some different calls

I am just as smasrt as i ever was (not very) but i am a hell of alot slower mentally. I am sure Cox is also.

By gary

June 26, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

It’s sort of funny that when someone’s success like Joe Torre’s is used, the argument against him is “oh, well look at the teams he managed; anyone could win with that line up”. Well, look at the Braves back then and their line-ups. If anything, Cox was vasting underachieving with them! Only one World Series with teams with HOF pitchers and the hitting they had!

Even today, even with the injuries, this team is near the top in pitching and hitting and can’t even play over .500! Some is just not managing his resources very well.

By Robert

June 26, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

“Here’s a couple of questions for all the anti-Bobby people… WHO WOULD YOU REPLACE BOBBY WITH? WHO COULD DO ANY BETTER WITH WHAT’S ON THE BRAVES ROSTER”

Absolutely anybody, in or out of baseball, live or dead except Bobby Valentine, Mike Hargrove, and Larry Bowa

The stale slice of pizza in the back of my fridge could make better in-game strategic decisions than the donkey that has been managing the Braves since mid-1990

By Robert

June 26, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

“Who can forget the 7th game of the 1991 WS when we lost by a run in etra innings? “

Indeed. The two main factors responsible for the Braves losing the 91 WS were

1)Lack of fundamentals - Lonnie Smith and Ron Gant just to start the list

2)Idiotic in-game strategic managing - Here comes Liebrandt to face Puckett

Those two items have been constants on any team Cox has ever managed, going all the way back to his days with the Syracuse Chiefs

Bobby Cox did a FINE job in his tenure as GM for the Braves. And there is something to be said for his treatment of players - most notably how he keeps team business out of the public eye.

But sometimes the way he treats players sometimes extends to a fault.

And his in-game strategy is just amazingly bad. I mean, if there is a wrong decision that can be made in a tight ballgame, Cox makes it 9 times out of 10.

4-20 in one run games. If the outcome of a game depends on a managerial decision, we’re hosed

By Robert

June 26, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

“And the criticism of a demonstrably successful manager isn’t a local phenomenon:”

Demonstrably succesful - Bradley I challenge you to find a way to NOT be succesful when your rotation features three lock HOFers and you’ve got the best pitching coach in the game

By kool$kat

June 26, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

Robert, what happened to the “best pitching coach in the game” when he left Bobby’s side? He sucked! And where is he now? Sitting, no, rocking away on his porch, at home! And if anybody can manage better than Cox, why wouldn’t one of the best GM’s in recent baseball history have canned him? Why doesn’ t Wren fire him now, to save money, and let TP manage? Or Hubbard? Or Terence Moore for that matter. Or even you?

By bruce

June 26, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

Mark, Has anyone put Bobby’s ejection numbers into perspective… like ejections per season managed?

My guess is he would not be the all-time leader… but even if he is, he does it for the players (most/nearly all of the time?)… that is a measure of manager support in addition to his incredible words of support of the players (or minimal criticism) to the press and therefore the fans. Thanks!

By Mark Bradley

June 27, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

The “Cox should have never let Charlie Leibrandt face Kirby Puckett in Game 6” line of reasoning is one of the most fallacious in the history of baseball. If you’d care to check, you’d note that Leibrandt, who’d started Game 1 of the World Series and who’d won 15 games for the Braves that season, had already faced Puckett twice in that Series. And he’d struck him out both times. Did it work in Game 6? No. But just because something doesn’t work doesn’t mean it was a rotten move. A Hall of Famer hit a walk-off home run. It happens. (Terry Pendelton had hit a homer off Jack Morris in Game 4. Did that mean Tom Kelly was an idiot?)

By tj

June 27, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this

Coach, sorry about the wrong interpretation, but whatever you say it means, thats what it means I guess. But it still says any manager in major league history.

Quote

Bobby Cox has won fewer and lost(1 for 5) more World Series than any other manager in Major League History?

No big deal, I just don’t read it that way. But I’m glad you brought up Earl Weaver, one of my all time favorites. One of the few with a better winning percentage than Bobby.And I think he was the Manager when the Orioles had four 20 game winners in one year. But I don’t think very many of the bloggers on here would think much of him either. Just a little of his philosophy on baseball:

If you play for one run, that’s all you’ll get

On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs

They don’t give you but 3 outs, I sure as h*ll ain’t gonna give one back

Bobby knows when to bunt, steal and hit and run as well as anybody, and probably better than most. You just can’t do it down 5 to 7 runs in the fourth or fifth inning like Joe Simpson ( get him over, you don’t have to get ‘em all back at one time)and Ronnie Gant want to do.(Gant was real good at that.)I heard him say a few weeks ago he’d been talking to Jeff (and Tex at a different time )and he was about to come out of it. Sorry about the long blog guy, and it wasn’t all directed at you. Just some things I had on my mind.

By senorw64

June 27, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this

Smoltz 15-4 in the postseason. Glavine and Maddux 25-0 combined. if they’re the ones responsible for Cox’s “success” in reg season, then mightn’t they have some of the responsibility for his playoff “failures”? Cox didn’t hang a slider to Leyritz in ‘96, and he didn’t have a 7-foot wide zone against the Marlins in 97.

By senorw64

June 27, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this

Smoltz 15-4 in the postseason. Glavine and Maddux 25-30 combined. if they’re the ones responsible for Cox’s “success” in reg season, then mightn’t they have some of the responsibility for his playoff “failures”? Cox didn’t hang a slider to Leyritz in ‘96, and he didn’t have a 7-foot wide zone against the Marlins in 97.

By tj

June 27, 2008 1:49 AM | Link to this

MR Bradley: I don’t know what’s going on tonight, but you and I are thinking right along together. Leibrandt was a starting pitcher and had won 15 games. It was not like he was a scrub just added to the playoff roster. Seems like I remember Wholers giving up a home run too, I believe in ‘96, righty to righty.Bobby still gets the blame for that on here too. H*ll, I guess he even gets the blame for Eric Gregg’s three foot wide strike zone. I have read these blogs a lot but don’t post very often. I think all the personal attacks and bashing just got to me a little. At least some of these people on here could state their opinions without being filthy and personal. I think the era of the talking heads on ESPN and the wanna be managers doing the TV games have got to them. Just one question and I’ll stop: I heard Tim Hudson give Katie what I believed to be a very sarcastic answer last time he pitched. After the game she asked him if he was aware that he was 0-10 in interleague games before that game. With a very serious look on his face he said ” yeah, some hall of fame media type ” reminded me so I decided I better step it up a little. I have an idea who he was talking about, but can’t say for sure. I think Katie got the message. Just wondering if you heard anything. I’ve had the feeling for a while some of the players (and the way Bobby answers questions sometimes) might be fed up with the negativity from that whole crew. JMO

By Coach ( Fed up with Bobby Cox)

June 27, 2008 1:53 AM | Link to this

Since we are going to rehash past World Series history, I’ll let Bradley try and defend this massive brain fart that Cox laid in the 1996 series.

I’m talking about game four. Get the picture, the Braves are up two games to one. It’s the eighth inning, Atlanta is leading 6-3 and Cox pulls one of the most inexplicable moves I have ever witnessed.

Mike Bielecki had nailed down two innings of relief work, striking out four of six batters in the sixth and seventh innings. In fact, Bielecki threw 6.2 innings of work with ZERO hits or runs in the entire 96 post season.

Bielecki was one of the stalwarts of the bullpen all season with his 2.63 ERA in 40 appearances and five spot starts.

Did Cox let him pitch the eighth with a three run lead as conventional wisdom would dictate? HELL NO !

Bobby decided that Wohlers was needed in the eighth inning to pitch two innings for the save. Never mind the fact that Wohlers had not seen a two inning six out save all season long, Cox decided to break what didn’t need fixing.

Wohlers brought his high nineties fastball into the game for two innings and that was exactly what the fastball hitting Yankees needed. Jim Leyritz drove one of those fastballs over the LF wall for a three run HR and tied the game in the eighth inning effectively taking Wohlers out of the rest of the 96 World Series as a factor.

As we know, after that eighth inning of game four, the Yankees completely dominated the rest of the 1996 Series winning it in six games.

The unexplainable move of Bobby Cox in which he misused his three out, one inning closer in the eighth inning while leading by three runs remains of of the mystery’s lost in the clouded brain of Bobby Cox and it effectively lost the 1996 World Series for the Atlanta Braves.

If you were wondering why Cox is 1 for 5 in World Series appearances, the previous explanation is just one example of many.

By ronp

June 27, 2008 2:12 AM | Link to this

Bobby Cox doesn’t know everything …but he knows enough!

He’s a rare bird and a future Hall of Famer..the game needs more like him.

By Robert

June 27, 2008 2:56 AM | Link to this

“Cox didn’t hang a slider to Leyritz in ‘96, and he didn’t have a 7-foot wide zone against the Marlins in 97.”

But instilled the philosophy whereby the Braves p** and moaned about the strike zone in that game and used it as an EXCUSE instead of just dealing and doing

And as far as Maddux and Glavine being responsible for the playoff failures - I say it’s the guy who used them improperly

The 1999 WS shouldve been tied at 2 games apiece after 4 games but instead was a 4-0 embarrasment due to Cox’s stupidity

When Maddux was trotted out there to start the 8th against Brosius I about had a seizure I was so mad

And then your favorite manager REPEATED the mistake with Glavine in Game 3

To date, this year’s team has the third best team batting average and second best team ERA in the National League - and yet they are below .500 and 4-20 in one run games

They’ve got the talent, even WITH the injuries - But the talent isnt being used in a way that maximizes the team’s success

One of the managers responsibilities is to utilize his available resources in the best way - put guys in situations where they are most likely to succeed. Cox fails at that

Folks the other day, with the game on the line, Cox made an explicit decision to stake his team’s chances on a guy who was batting .103

Did Cox have great resources at that point? No. But did he do his job? Did he use the best resource he had available? NO!

Over and over the ox apologists will claim that the problem was lack of good resources - a thin bench, a tired bullpen, injuries,a bad strike zone, the wind from the wrong direction

If the needs perfect resources to succeed, geez, I mean, how good can he be? I dont say that Cox is a poor manager becuase of things he cant control - I say he is a poor manager because he consistantly doesnt give his team the best possible chance to win

CONSERVATIVELY speaking, Cox had the best team in baseball 6 times (93,94,95,97,99,02) 5 times where the Braves shouldve had the best chance of any team out there to win it all (excluding 94 of course - 94 is an topic worth its own blog by the way, but not now) Four of those times you had to search hard to find a team you could reasonably expect to challenge them.

One WS title

And a bazillion excuses.

The playoffs are a crapshoot. Player X sucks in the playoffs. Or the trouble is that his three HOFer pitchers arent all power guys

And someone asked what happened to Mazzone when he left Cox - He went to Baltimore where he had all of maybe three major league arms and had a big positive impact on at least one of them (Bedard)

I ask YOU, what happened to the BRAVES when Mazzine left? The overblown streak ended abruptly. Coincidence? Methinks NOT!

By Robert

June 27, 2008 3:05 AM | Link to this

The ‘99 NL champioship against the Mets - it took Kenny Rogers walking Andruw Jones to force in a run for the Braves to win

Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, and Millwood, who that year was the best of the bunch. Chipper with what was then his career year

And only when the opposing idiot put in the guy who at that time could legitimately be considered the worst playoff pitcher in history and who promptly walked one of the most fundamentally poor batters in the bigs.

The managing in that Series was straight out of Mad Magazine’s Spy vs Spy

The 95 WS - Good golly miss Molly folks - it took the pitchers basically running the table three consecutive times culminating in a combined one-hitter for the Braves to get over the hump and bring home the prize

By Robert

June 27, 2008 3:13 AM | Link to this

Coach, Mr Bradley is gonna tell you that Cox didnt hang the slider and ignoire the fact that Wohlers had no business being in there in that situation

Cox doesnt hit, pitch, field or run so no failure is attributable to him. But every success is due to his genius.

This year’s team plays with emotion of zombies and is pssing away a real chance to win a weak division - and people are actually trying to sell the manure that this might be Cox’s best effort yet

I’ll tell you when Cox shined as a manager. Games 115-162 in 1994

By NO MORE BOBBY

June 27, 2008 3:30 AM | Link to this

Mr Bradley - YOUR AN IDIOT!! Cox DID great things for the Braves and the city of Atlanta but its time he walks away. He has made some poor choices in 2008 that have cost us games. The only reason we are 4 1/2 back is because the whole NL East sucks this year!! Not because Cox is doing some magic job with what players arent hurt.

We could even be only 2 games out if just recently he didnt screw up the Cubs game (Edmonds homer) and the blown Marlins afternoon game at Turner where they hit two - two run home runs to win in the ninth (I was there and not very happy he left Manny Acosta in after that first homer).

I understand the laid back country folk here in the south are polite and still see Cox as that genius of the 90s. But in any other city where they care about winning he would be gone because its about WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY. And Bobby’s lately was 13 years ago.

By Bobbys time has come and gone

June 27, 2008 5:36 AM | Link to this

Great manager in the regular season however he never plays the players who got him there in the post season. He puts in veterans that have been on the bench most of the season because they have been outplayed….Then media ask him why did you do that number one answer I had a hunch…well his hunches sux and have cost us at least 2 world series….If we had two world series I believe the team could have been called a dynasty…We have candy a$$ writers in Atlanta who do not hold players or coaches feets to the fire…………..no guts to ask the questions everyone want to hear..and trade Francouer he is our andruw jones from last year he is killing this team and he is the easiest player in the major leagues to strike out….always down 0-2 next pitch above his chest he always strikes out…I am glad he did not sign when McCann did he would have been overpaid he cant hold Mccann Jock strap

By Stephen Frazier

June 27, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Count me in on Will’s bandwagon. I guess that makes me an idiot, Bobby hater, etc, but don’t get me confused with someone who gives a d**n what you think.

All I know is, Cox makes out the lineup and that is IT. When was the last time the Braves put on a hit and run? No doubt they lead the league in double plays, because Bobby just lets the runner sit until Chipper hits one.

And God only knows how many pitchers Cox has let give up six runs or more before the fifth inning before removing him.

I can give THREE instances where Bobby’s non-imagination cost the Braves a World Series game: (1)1992, game six. Letting junkballer Charlie Liebrandt pitch to Dave Winfield, the Blue Jays’ best junkball hitter.

(2) 1991, game six. Letting Liebrandt pitch to Kirby Pucket, the Twins’ best junkball hitter.

(3) 1996. After watching Mark Wohlers buzz two bombs past Jim Leyritz, Cox, who called ALL his pitchers’ pitches in those days, and most of them THESE days, called for a SLIDER, which Leyritz promptly lit up for a game winning triple, turning the Yankees around and starting their run of fourteen straight World Series game wins.

Finally, how many games have the Braves lost because Bobby insists on using his closer in non-closing situations? Closers should only be used in extra innings or in the NINTH inning with a lead. You NEVER know when Bobby will stick him in, which is why we haven’t had a decent one since John Smoltz, and before that, it was John Rocker.

No doubt the Bravos will again darken the winner’s circle in the World Series, but it will be with a manager that uses a full playbook and a lot more imagination than Bobby Cox seems to have or want to use.

Go ahead. Call me and Will all the names you want, but BOTH of us will manage a WS winner in Atlanta before Bobby Cox does it again.

By Kelley

June 27, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

Great Article.

As a person in a leadership position and having read tons of books on leadership and attended conferences on leadership, I will tell you that Bobby is hands down one of the best LEADERS I have ever seen. Mr. Bradley had an excellent point in his post, that if the Braves let Bobby go, other teams would be falling all over each other trying to get him, I doubt anyone can argue with that point.

A recent SI poll was given to MLB players asking which manager in baseball they would most want to play for, and guess who got the biggest number of votes? Bobby, by a landslide. Those of you who dislike him will say, “It’s just because he coddles players and is a cheerleader”, but really? You really don’t think MLB players are not interested in WINNING? They are interested in winnning and know the man who would give them the best shot of being on a winning team-Bobby.

Bobby’s record speaks for itself, I don’t know why there is any argument about just how great he is.

To those of you who don’t like Bobby and always write these things about him: If you ever get the chance to talk to someone actually IN MLB, don’t share your thoughts with them, there’s a big chance they will laugh in your face. There’s probably not a more respected man in the game right now.

Oh yeah, last week someone was saying once the Bulldogs win the College World Series the players on that team could just start playing for the Braves, what happened to that plan of them winning it all???

By Lee in S. GA

June 27, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

If the Braves would have won at least 1 more W.S. title, Cox’s managerial style would not be questioned at all. All of you haters gripe about Cox all you want and be sure not to trip over the statue of him that will one day be at “The Ted”. Maybe then some will look back and realize what he actually meant to this team.

By Savannah Guy

June 27, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Mark, you write a nice article, yet I take issue not with your facts or your intent… but your overall premise. You write about Cox “treating players like men”, running a smooth clubhouse and garnering respect from around baseball. These things are all true, well known and certainly deserved.

Not suggesting you write a ‘hit’ piece by any means, but I notice the media in Atlanta never even approaches the subject of Bobby’s decreasing ability to make sensible ‘moves’ during games, his using up and burning out a chosen few in the pen and the many fundamental lapses of the “men” under his management. At some point, fans would expect the elephant in the room to get a mention or two… for balance if nothing else.

How long will the local media rest on Cox’s laurels? After a while it begins to sound less like reporting and more like continued AJC PR for our Braves manager. Look, we all want the Braves to win and we all respect Cox. That’s not the point. Point is, he needs to retire or be retired and ‘moved upstairs’.

In the meantime, maybe he should try treating his highly paid “men” athletes like the young ‘players’ they are, have them work a little harder on the little things like bunting, running bases and hustling for a change.

That and a bench coach that can make some strategic sense out of the frequent oddball decisions that come out of the dugout without a Pat Corrales.

With the plague of injuries this year any manager would be challenged, but you just don’t lose this many one run games due to bad luck and chance. It’s a pattern most fans have seen for quite a while. This team should not be 4.5 games back.

In all fairness, Bobby Cox should be heralded as one of the great managers in the history of the game. The heartless idiots who post cruel, personal and vicious comments about our team or manager on the blog should be ashamed.

At the same time, the compliant, enabling media should not be cruel to our club, it’s manager or it’s players like some reporters in LA and other venues… but the media should remove the rose colored glasses occasionally and report the other side of the story. The unvarnished truth could possibly light a few necessary fires and contribute to greater awareness at the Ted.

Admittedly, It’s all pretty subjective. Thing is, as Yogi said, “you can learn a lot just by watching”.

By Ralph

June 27, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

No one is saying Cox isn’t a good manager, what they are saying is that Cox is making all the wrong moves. Which, he has for the last three years. The Braves, just don’t, seem to learn from their their mistakes. Their constant mistakes, and lack of basics or common sense, are repeated in every game they play. Basics that should have being taken care of in spring training. The sad part is that they seen to quit, before the game ever begins. Cox, is the one who pays the consequences, if the team, plays good or bad. What has save, the Braves so far, is that no other team has run away with it. If the Braves, keep playing like they have in the first half, there won’t any games in October. So, if the Brave are going to make major changes they better start now, and there are a few places they can improve in.

By Ron

June 27, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Since 1991, we’ve had one manager, 14 division titles, 5 league championships, and one world championship. Measure that against ANY team in the National League. Think about how many different managers the Dodgers, Cubs, Astros, Mets and Marlins have had in that span. I don’t even need to mention the division titles. Or even the league pennants for that matter. World Championships? Who in the National League has had more? The Marlins? Okay, so would you trade a decade and a half of excellence, competitiveness, and a string of titles that will NEVER be equalled, to two fluke world championships from a team that was so mediocre all those years in between that they have never in their history even won their own division? Maybe that’s the kind of sports fan you are, but not me. I’ll take our manager and our successes and our history over any NL team since 1991.

By Brett

June 27, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Well, Mark, you’ve got it WRONG again. I have been around probably as long or longer than you have, and I can honestly say Cox is the most overrated manager that I can remember. Without the pitching he had for the first 12-14 years he was here, he would not have won 1…repeat ONE division championship. He gets the glory for being here when the pitching was great…I could have done as well with those teams. What has he done these past 3 years…what has he done for us lately? Oh, he goes out and blows off steam occassionally, but with the K’s and lack of clutch hitting on this team, so do I. By the end of this season, the Braves will be comfortably in 4th place, still with Tex and Frenchy, and at least 12 games out of 1st. Another season of Cox and no playoffs, and unfortunately, the same to look forward to next year. So, sorry, Mark, I would like to agree with you, but you are totally wrong on this analysis.

By Wilton Walton

June 27, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Several years ago Harley Bowers,(now deceased) sports editor of The Macon Telegraph, described the clubhouse of the Braves before a game. He said that Cox was the magic (this was in the early ’90s) that kept the team performing. He said that Cox’s management style was such that players would consistently do their best for this man. Tension and anger were not a part of the clubhouse. I’d say that Cox has more than proved Mr. Bowers as right on the money.

By Barry

June 27, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

2,092 - 1,603
.566

By Barry

June 27, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

And as we’re seeing right now, as I said a few weeks ago, Philly isn’t that good and they are easy to strike out and shut out. This is anybody’s division.

By Dave

June 27, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Brett-please come to my office so I can B*#$@ slp you!

By Dave

June 27, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Brett-please come to my office so I can B*#$@ slap you!

By Dave

June 27, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Brett-please come to my office so I can B*#$@ slap you!

By Dave

June 27, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Brett-please come to my office so I can B*#$@ slap you!

By Dave

June 27, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Brett-please come to my office so I can B*#$@ slap you!

By Lorena Bobbitt

June 27, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Lee, do you think Cox’s statue will have a finger two knuckles deep in his nose?

By Lorena Bobbitt

June 27, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Bradley, please refer to O’Brien’s blog for further proof what a horrible managing job Cox is doing this year.

The team is now leading the NL in ERA, and is still 4th place in a 5 team division!

The bullpen ranks 3rd in the NL with a 3.37 ERA, yet has blown 10 out of 23 saves!

And you think Cox isn’t mismanaging his pitching staff? With numbers that solid, he really couldn’t have put more pitchers in a position to fail if he tried.

I don’t what else to say to Bradley and the rest of the Cox Fan Club (AKA, The Suckers). If you think it’s acceptable to play sub .500 baseball with statistically the best pitching staff in the NL…well, you must be drinking some pretty stiff kool-aid.

By Doug in Tucson

June 27, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Must add my 2 cents worth as a Loyal Brave fan since 1959. Bobby Cox is not the problem, do we sometimes second guess his moves? As die hard Brave supporters sure, we never want to lose a game and a news flash either does Cox. Like Ted Turner or not he put alot of money into talent both proven and drafted prospects. This team has some real holes, the pitching both starters and the pen are either old,prone to injury or just not effective at this level. I agree bring up some more kids like Morton…rather lose with them gaining experience that pray 40 year old arms can last forever. Let Josh Anderson get his shot at CF…the kid can flat motor, don’t waste that gift…. this team has little speed. Blame the ownership for not keeping the talent flowing in from Richmond or even Greenville. I see AAA players in the PCL that would be better than some of the Braves outfielders. Look at Casey Stengal of the old Yankees (60’s) they won constantly then in 1962 he goes to the upstart Mets and they lost almost daily. he didn’t forget how to manage he was saddled with a old and mediocre team. He had a quote that says it all “can anyone here play this game?”….look at the players,management or the owners…not Cox who will be in the HOF.. along with Chipper,Smoltz and Glavine.

By Doug in Tucson

June 27, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Must add my 2 cents worth as a Loyal Brave fan since 1959. Bobby Cox is not the problem, do we sometimes second guess his moves? As die hard Brave supporters sure, we never want to lose a game and a news flash either does Cox. Like Ted Turner or not he put alot of money into talent both proven and drafted prospects. This team has some real holes, the pitching both starters and the pen are either old,prone to injury or just not effective at this level. I agree bring up some more kids like Morton…rather lose with them gaining experience that pray 40 year old arms can last forever. Let Josh Anderson get his shot at CF…the kid can flat motor, don’t waste that gift…. this team has little speed. Blame the ownership for not keeping the talent flowing in from Richmond or even Greenville. I see AAA players in the PCL that would be better than some of the Braves outfielders. Look at Casey Stengal of the old Yankees (60’s) they won constantly then in 1962 he goes to the upstart Mets and they lost almost daily. he didn’t forget how to manage he was saddled with a old and mediocre team. He had a quote that says it all “can anyone here play this game?”….look at the players,management or the owners…not Cox who will be in the HOF.. along with Chipper,Smoltz and Glavine.

By Lorena Bobbitt

June 27, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Doug, you lose all credibility when you say the Braves pitching has not been effective. When you lead the league in ERA, you couldn’t ask to be more effective than that. Poor management is clearly the problem.

By Larry Alford

June 27, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

I think the Bobby haters are off the deep end…With their line of reasoning, the Chicago Cubs have had terrible managers for what…A Hundred Years!!! These are the type of people who raise kids who can’t ever please them. If they are successful, they raise the bar. I only hope that they are #1 in their field, for if they aren’t then they are miserable failures…well at least they are miserable already.

By SFC BRENT BAGLEY

June 27, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Having been an Atlanta Braves fan since Day 1, it is true this season has been tough on the senses..the injuries, the woeful road record and all those one-run losses. Still, I believe this team can make a run and perhaps reign in a playoff spot. So far, 2008 hasn’t been great for pro sports in this town.(Only the Force & Silverbacks have winning records); but take a look at what has been done in Boston (all pro teams are winners)..it can be done here! Gotta get healthy, have a nice winning streak and we’re there!

By senorw64

June 27, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

as for “misusing” his hall of fame pitchers to make them go 25-30 in the post seson, Cox didn’t make Gary Sheffield bat .063 and .143 in his two years in the playoffs (‘02,’03?). David Justice was a .248 postseaso hitter as well. Perhaps having the best pitching, minus power pitching, doesn’t add up to the best team. I remember a few mediocre Braves offensive teams that went a lot farther than I thought they should. That’s managing.

By Harold

June 28, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this

Great column Mark. Not enough good things can be said about Bobby. The Braves have palyed baseball the way it is supposed tobe played under Bobby. One thing that is interesting is that when guys leave the Braves I don’t ever seem to hear any of them bad mouthing Bobby. Thats says something.

By Mark Bradley

June 28, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

I grew up 60 miles from Cincinnati, and I remember that Johnny Bench — yes, Johnny Bench — had his critics. (“Never hits in the clutch” was one of the familiar plaints.) Then Johnny Bench retired and Alex Trevino became the Reds’ catcher and everybody saw that the things Bench had done easily for 15 years were actually really hard to get right.

We in Atlanta will experience the same sensation when Bobby Cox retires. The things we take for granted will suddenly become major issues again, and the things we gripe about won’t seem very important. In sum, we will miss Cox like crazy.

By poorbrave

June 28, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

I worked for Braves 10 years. I was there when he was fired and rehired. Mark there’s alot you and fans don’t know.

You’ve got it Mark…Can’t get anything past you…

Coach and Robert agree 100%!

By Tim

June 28, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

Hey Mark, did you notice that Francoeur hasn’t had a single RBI since your hilariously off base “What’s with the venom against Frenchy?” column? THAT, my short-sighted, pot-stirring friend, is what all the venom is about.

He’s now hitting .241, .294 OBP (relax, it’s still not as bad as his .293 mark from the 2006 season), .389 Slugging. He’s in the top 10 in outs for the third consecutive season. He leads the league in men left on base. And he has the lowest OPS of any every day corner outfielder in baseball. Don’t know if you’ve been watching lately, but he also has been dropping a lot of routine grounders hit his way lately, giving up extrabases to baserunners in the process.

He sucks, plain and simple.

But, as usual, I don’t expect you to acknowledge any of these facts, cuz as you’ve proven time and time again, you’re incapable of that fact.

P.S. Way to use “egregiously beset” twice in one column, clownshoes. LOL.

By Tim

June 28, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

For a sportswriter so egregiously beset with such poor command of the english language, writing for a newspaper so egregiously beset with sunshine-pumping homers, Mark Bradley’s blogs sure do generate entertaining responses.

What’s that? It’s stylistically awkward to use the phrase ‘egriously beset’ twice in such close proximity? Hmm, who knew?

Oh that’s right, everybody. Even a classroom of 8th graders.

By mark

June 28, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox is the reason the Braves have a loosing Record This man has some kind of Hemroids and cant stay still long ebough for some pitchers to get us the Win I cwn think of a lot of times he has removed the starter and put us on the loosing side this year and in past seasons a good bit as well..We need change,Bobby needs to step aside and be in a different position , Im sure he a great baseball man..The rest coaching other than Hubbard need to go as well.

By egregiously beset

June 29, 2008 3:17 AM | Link to this

Wow, look who just learned a new phrase in his Sports Journalism 101 text book!

Excellent work, Bradley. You should be proud. At least your amateurish copy distracts from your incompetent analysis and Cox worship. Well done.

I have to compliment you on one thing though. If you’ve conned the AJC into actually giving you a pay check for this drivel, I’m impressed.

By Tomy Fournier

June 30, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley…why you don’t take Mr. Cox with you to take care of your home…maybe for gardener….MANNNN, WITH 14 FINAL SERIES…AND JUST ONE WORLD SERIES….WAOOOO!!!! WHAT ABOUT THAT….IF THAT’S FOR YOU A “GOOD RECORD”????..NOT HIT AND RUN…NOT STOLEN BASES…NOT BUNTSING…NO NOTHING….AND I SAID NOTHING AND THAT’S YOUR “MAN”…I’TS CRAZY OR YOU DON’T KNOW NOTHING ABOUT BASEBALL…NOTHINGGGGGGG!!!!

By Tomy Fournier

June 30, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

No body…and I said no “body” want to see in the dogout a “good leader”….Everybody want to see a good and with boldness manaeger…with strategy and good judgment on the game…he is not comanding “BOYS”…THEY ARE MEN AND IF THEY DON’T HAVE A GOOD BEHAVIOR…OUT OF THE TEAM…AND BRING ME OTHER ONE…NO MATTER IS THE STAR…”THAT A GOOD MANAEGER…MR. BRADLEY…NOT A LEADER…A GOOD STRATEGIC OF THE BASEBALL GAME…OKKKKKKKKKK????

By Capt. Obvious

June 30, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Hell’s Bells, Mr. Bradley. Cox should put you on his payroll. His longevity in this town has much more to do with biased sports coverage than his managerial abilities.

The AJC loves Cox. A negative word about him scarcely appears in print. And you guys are sadly the only paper in town.

Cox couldn’t carry Torre’s jock strap when it comes to battling adversity, and the difference there is…Joe found a way to win in October.

Here’s a headline idea for you: “With Leo, 14. Without Leo, 0”.

Why don’t you guys actually earn your paychecks by exposing some Atlanta sports-team shortcomings instead of writing puff-pieces about the ‘92 World Series. 80% of your readers were either not living here yet or not living at all then.

By Lou Vales

July 1, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this

Mark, He probably wouldn’t let them win fewer World Series than a team with no fans, no money, no stadium, an owner who would rather spend luxury tax on Luxuries, and no big TV contract. Surely a team like that wouldn’t have won more World Series in last 12 years than the Atlanta/Milwaukee Braves have won in the last 50—-That is true, isn’t it Marcus.Too bad we won’t be around in 60 years when baseball historians look back to a manager who had at his disposal 3!! Hall of Fame pitchers, one of the greatest switch hitters of all time AND the advantage of playing in a division where he had superior talent and an almost guaranteed ride to the post season—and this manager parlayed that into 1!!!! less World Series Title than the LONG Forgotten Florida Marlins.

Mark, Somehow I think he may be judged a little more harshly than the denizens of the AJC newsroom portrayed him.

By Dwayne

July 1, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley, I applaud your affection for Bobby Cox and Frenchy, but lets be realistic, the numbers do not lie. Since the end of the ‘05 season, the Braves are nothing more than a .500 team. That is more than 400 games. What has made Bobby Cox great is the ability to get players to perform above their peotenial and maybe time is just catching up with him. It’s nothing against Bobby, we love him, but the past three years show that the old way of doing things is just not working.