Mark Bradley

By TI

July 13, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

We’re gonna win the Pennant. Go Braves. Go Mike Hampton.

By Theo

July 13, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Time to start rebuilding. Tex/Diaz/Kotsay should lead the way. If we can get anything for Frenchy, take it and run

Need more speed and some hitters who can swing less hard and put the bat on the ball. IOW, play small ball.

Small ball means letting Boobey Cox and Terrie Pendleton go.

Needs some pride/passion/heart on this team, not more professionalism.

By Bob

July 13, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Man, you could at least write something encouraging for Braves fans Bradley. In a couple months you’ll be writting about how good the Braves are when they’re in first place! So if it’s not going to be encouraging about our team and not going to be something that’s very informative, please just don’t write about it.

By proeye

July 13, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

No small ball Theo. What are you thinking? You can’t overturn the Braves standard philosophy overnight.

What the Braves need is more power hitting prospects to take the place of Teixiera, Francoeur, and Johnson. I see nothing wrong with a “do over” this season. We aren’t going anywhere anyway and we are going to lose Teixiera for the simple reason that he’s not worth $20 million. That’s Manny Ramirez in his prime and Tex hasn’t even come close. Ramirez’s career OPS over 16 years is .998!

Let’s trade who we can and get some top prospects in return. This team really, really needs some infusion of young hot players. Players who aren’t apt to get injured and who hustle. Anyone notice in the last few years that young teams have played in the W.S? There is a reason for this! They have the drive and the desire! Who would rather play in the W.S: Someone who has already been there and has been suffering through miserable injuries or a minor league hot call up who hasn’t even sat in the stands during a W.S.???? I think it’s obvious.

I love Chipper but we can’t be relying on him while half of the line up and half of the pitching staff are joining him on the D.L.!

Frankly, I just don’t see how the Braves have enough in their farm system for 3 outfielders and 2 starters. It’s not going to happen. Besides, I don’t trust “veterans” any more anyway. Go for the younger guys. Go for the hot prospects!

By todd h

July 13, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

i thought it was a fair accessment. bottom line… they have to hit better. you can’t play “bobby cox ball” with this lineup hitting like they did in the first half.

By todd h

July 13, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

i thought it was a fair accessment. bottom line… they have to hit better. you can’t play “bobby cox ball” with this lineup hitting like they did in the first half.

By chris

July 13, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Hi Mark,

Very, very well put. The problem is that their main trading chip happens to a bat. So… would you trade Texiera for two bats— 1b and Of?

Chris from MD

By Mark Bradley

July 13, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

I would trade Teixeira for two bats, but I doubt they’ll get that much.

By Kelley

July 13, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

To Theo: Why do you think the Braves have still half a chance now? Most teams with this many injuries to key players and other players “underperforming” would have folded like a lawn chair by now. Credit Bobby Cox with them still being in it. Along with getting overly “passionate” with the wins comes hitting rock bottom emotionally with the lows, which the Braves have seen their share of this season. 162 games is a long season and consistency is what is needed over the long haul.

I’ll take “professional” over passionate any day. DHall on the Falcons was not short on passion. Sure was glad to see him pack it up and go though with his lack of professionalism.
And I think Bobby should have earned your respect with 14 years straight of getting his team to the play offs. Give Bobby a break, he can’t control injuries and the Braves just don’t have the payroll they did with Turner. Now TP on the other hand, I’ll give you a pass on that one…

Now that I’ve gotten off my Bobby soapbox, I agree that the lack of timely hitting is killing the Braves.

I can’t imagine the second half being as bad karma wise as the first, so they just need to start playing more consistently ,especially in their own division, and hopefully things will begin to turn in their favor.

Personally, I’m almost relieved the first half is over and am just wishing for better in the second. Hate to say it, but watch out for the Mets….

By Kashi

July 13, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

If it ain’t broken, don’t try to fix it . I hope second half of the season won’t be stinky pitching cuz we have to relie on Hampton, Glavin and Soriano. I hope we sign Mark Texiera (we must) and get Nady for long term contract even if we have to give up some players. If Tex and Omah leave and we bring minor leaguer to fill hole then we will be in last place until they can prove they belong here as Chipper said.

By stynes

July 13, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

I agree the Braves have a long way to go but I think they have the potential to do it. I think if you would have told the Braves at the beginning of the season that they’d have one of the top ERAs, Chipper wouldn’t have missed any significant time, and they’d be on pace for .275, 15HR, and 70RBI from KJ that they’d have taken it in a heartbeat. Is KJ an “average” major leaguer? Maybe. But he’s not one of the guys the Braves were expected to depend on. KJ hasn’t been the issue. The hitting problems have been:

1) Francoeur has underperformed. I know he’s played hurt a lot and I’m not throwing him under the bus. The Braves just weren’t expecting a .234 average from a career .280 hitter who is supposed to be getting better every year at this point in his career. Based on his career averages, he should have 14HR/58RBI to date (given the current AB numbers). Instead he has 9/44, so it’s not that just the average is down. He’s struggled across the board. The disparity between his late and close numbers and average with runners on this year vs career is even more pronounced.

2) Inconsistencies in the outfield. Kotsay hasn’t been bad but having both Kotsay and Diaz out together for a month really hurt. Blanco is shaping into what’s hopefully a viable option but he’s struggling to hit lefties (.271 vs RHP and .217 vs LHP). Kotsay’s splits are even more pronounced (.301/.236). It’s made not having Diaz’s right handed bat in the lineup even worse. Not that Diaz was hitting when he was in the lineup earlier this year. His drop off is almost as confounding as Franceour’s. You just have to hope having some time off to get healthy he’s going to come back swinging.

3) Tex has been somewhat inconsistent and while his overall power numbers look good his average is down and his streakiness hasn’t helped in the late and close situations.

4) Escobar has underperformed slightly. His overall numbers aren’t bad but I honestly thing the Braves were hoping for more. They’ve gotten more when he’s been healthy, but like Franceour, he’s also played hurt a lot. Hand and wrist injuries, and now a bum shoulder. He was hitting .296 on 6/24 when he hurt the shoulder. Since then he’s struggled mightily. Without one 4 hit game he’s had at most 1 hit per game and would have dropped his average to under .280.

The biggest keys to the remainder of the season are Francoeur and Diaz. If Francoeur can start hitting the way he’s capable of - they don’t need him to finish the year hitting .300 with 40HRs and 120RBIs. Just hit .280 from today going forward and finish the year with 25HRs and 100RBIs. If that happens and Diaz can come back and hit .300 vs LHP and platoon with Diaz then the barring injury, the Braves should be in good shape. As Bradley points out, the pitching is going to get better as possibly Glavine, Soriano, and Hampton all return. Getting Diaz back (physically and from a production standpoint) and having Francoeur return to what we’ve seen he’s capable of gives the Braves more than enough weapons to win a division where no one is running away and hiding.

Speaking of the division, the winner is on pace to have 88 wins. The Braves currently have 45 so they’d need 43 more. To do that they’d have to play .640 baseball from here on out. If they can continue winning series then that’s very doable. Just gotta have Francoeur and Diaz back hitting.

By Hot Sauce

July 13, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Keep Tex. Dump T.P. Please Hampton, get 15 appearances so I can win my bet. Braves will have a better second half, I’m just not sure how much better. Tex has 17 homers and 69 rbi; how is that not a good start? Frenchy HAS to step it up for this lineup to be potent. He is the weakest link thus far.

By BravesLover

July 13, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

It’s scary to think we need to rely on Diaz and Francine. Mr. Shurholz believes to be a contender to go deep in the playoffs a team MUST be strong up the middle. Since KJ has been at second with his ham hands we’re hurting; add Kotsay and his cranky back and fourth percent of up the middle failing. I’m a Kotsay fan and if he were 100 percent he would be awesome but he’s not. Trade ham hands for a proven go getter at second with a sound bat. Our corners on the infield match up with any in baseball. I’m thinking Hampton will be suited for long relief rather than starting. We’re developing some great young guns so let them stay in the pool and use Hampy if one of them falters for a game. He, also, gives us a situational lefty when the need arises. Diaz and Francine give me nightmares.

By Lee

July 13, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

Mark,

We’ve been hearing for a while now that the team is looking for a left fielder/rh power bat who can give a boost to the lineup. Is the asking price too high to consider Matt Holliday? He is under contract through next season, so he could certainly fill Tex’s spot in the lineup in ‘09. And the two draft picks the team gets for holding Tex may turn out to be more valuable than any trade package at this point.

Even if its a player like Xavier Nady the braves aquire, the team needs to make a move now if they honestly think they can win.

By Robert S

July 13, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

I’m thinking it might be time to see what Martin Prado can do at second base on a more regular basis. Bradley’s right about Kelly Johnson - he’s merely average, and somewhat below that this year.

I’d still like to see the Braves trade Tex, but only if it helps them out this year - the rumored Tex-to-Boston-for-Youkilis-and-Hansen trade sounds OK, but according to one source the Braves turned down Boston’s offer, and another source stated the opposite - that Boston turned down Atlanta’s offer.

Personally, I think the Braves could get a better deal. Hansen’s not shown anything at the big league level to this point (and we already have enough pitching), but Youkilis is a gamer that the Braves sorely need. He’s got to be the centerpiece. The Sox have got to have a prospect or two they’d be willing to give up if they’re in need of a bat, and why not throw in a good bench player like Sean Casey to the Braves as well?

As for the usual suspects in the outfield (the firm of Nady, Bay, and Ibanez), Nady makes the best sense, but will Pittsburgh ask for too much?

Can the Braves strengthen their weak bench? What they have now won’t cut it. That’s why I mentioned Sean Casey in any trade involving Tex and Boston. They’d practically throw him in, I’d imagine. How about a better backup catcher? Will Infante be reliable once he comes back? Ruben Gotay’s proven why the Mets cut him earlier.

If the Braves seriously want to make a run, they just can’t sit on their hands. They have to make wholesale improvements while at the same time not giving up the farm, and maybe even bolstering it a bit.

Good luck, Frank Wren. I don’t envy you………

By Mark Bradley

July 13, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

I believe Dave O’Brien addressed the Matt Holliday scenario the other day, and I’d agree with what he wrote: Landing Holliday this year would be essentially the same thing as landing Teixeira last season — a 14-month rental.

By JJ

July 14, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

If the Braves had only won HALF of the one run games they lost, they would not only be in first place, but they would have a sizable lead.

Usually things like the 1 run losses even out over a season, so the Braves should be right in the thick of things at the end.

By alex

July 14, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this

Well said Mark. Tell me, is there any talk among your press buddies that Bobby isn’t getting it done? These teams of his for the last couple of years just don’t play with any urgency.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2009)

July 14, 2008 4:05 AM | Link to this

According to Peter Gammons the Red Sox turned the Braves down. I don’t blame Theo Epstein one bit, it would accomplish absolutely nothing to trade Kevin Youkilis and get Mark Teixeira in return. NOTHING. The Red Sox are trying to add a bat in the event that Big Papi (David Ortiz) doesn’t return and or stay healthy for the second half of the season. In other words, 1-1=0.

Now, if the Braves are serious, they should be asking for Justin Masterson(2nd rounder 2006) or Michael Bowden(1st rounder 2005) plus one or two other minor league prospects. If the Braves could get both of those pitchers it would be a no-brainer.

After all, the Red Sox know the Braves will at worst receive two 1st round compensation picks for Teixeira when and if he stays with the Braves through the remainder of the 2008 season.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2009)

July 14, 2008 4:35 AM | Link to this

As far as the Braves playoff chances go, I’m gonna try and keep a straight face and give it to you in plain old numbers, Ya’ll can figure it for yourselves.

The Braves are 45-50 .474 with 67 games remaining. No team has ever won the wild card with anything less than 88 wins. The Phillies are on track to win the division with at least 88 wins. The Mets are hot and those Marlins are not going away.

Leaving the Braves, who have played the last 2.5 seasons worth of baseball at a pace of .505 (212-207) with the daunting task of having to win no less than 43 of the remaining 67 games. Thats a pace of 43-24 .641(nineteen games over .500), bare minimum.

The Braves have played the Phillies, Mets and Marlins 27 games head to head so far and finished 13-14. Another 27 games remain to be played against these three division rivals.

40 of the remaining 67 games are against teams with winning records. As we say up north, it’s tough sledding up ahead !

By Steve

July 14, 2008 6:36 AM | Link to this

Braves need to sit still and not trade anyone. Before everyone reacts, read this entire post.

First off, the one-run games are the biggest factor. They are the absolute worst at this among all contenders. This will change if they can keep Gonzalez healthy. I think we found out that neither Soriano or Acosta are closers, as they both made Wickman look like Mariano Rivera. With Gonzalez looking to be getting things together, the bullpen will fall into place and that could be the difference maker.

Secondly, they COULD get more for Tex just by holding on to him. If he merely duplicates his stats in the second half, the Braves get at least two compensatory draft picks if he signs as a free agent. They have to offer him arbitration though, which they might not be willing to do as they might get stuck with a $13million salary.

Now, I said COULD above, because the Braves have to be willing to change their drafting philosophy if they want to get better sooner. Since their payroll situation has changed, and they are cutting back, they have to change the way they draft. Stop drafting 60 high schoolers every draft only to see a handful each year ever make it to the majors, and usually with someone else. Throw in a bone every now and then on a college slugger. They are much more proven and the power hitters seem to work out better because you can scout them for three or four extra years of games to see if they can hit breaking balls. The Braves history of drafting first and third baseman is HORRIBLE (Chipper was really intended to be the franchise SS when they drafted him). Outside of Bob Horner, the Braves haven’t drafted a decent corner player in decades.

They could get two college players with compensatory picks (mid 30’s overall in draft) which could be here in a year or two as opposed to most high schoolers taking four or five years at best, and over 90% never make it at all. Not only that, college players are typically hitting their prime in their fourth or fifth year and you know whether they are worth holding. The same cannot be said for high schoolers and you risk losing them in the five year draft.

Want proof, just look at Oakland. They stay in the thick of things every year with a low payroll because they draft college stars, get them to the bigs in two, and then trade them for more studs before they hit the big contract. Couple that idealogy with a larger payroll that the Braves can handle and you could have a winning combination. Currently the Braves have a payroll at $102 million while the A’s have just $48 million. Imagine what the A’s could do with their drafting and trading ability, and just half the difference in payroll to bring in two or three big contracts. That is what the Braves COULD have.

By Pre 91 Fan

July 14, 2008 7:05 AM | Link to this

The Braves won’t go to the playoffs, because

1) Bobby Cox isn’t willing to manage any differently than he has for the last couple of decades.

2) Braves management isn’t willing to bring in fresh talent at this point in the season, talent with energy and motivation, talent that hasn’t been brainwashed with Cox’s steady, businesslike approach.

The Braves need a spark (or three) but they aren’t willing, or capable, of doing what it takes to get that spark.

By Tami

July 14, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this

Everyone makes good & valid points. I personally don’t think the Braves will trade Texeira away before the season is over, with the 2 compensatory picks coming their way if they hold on to him all season. Unless, of course, a no-brainer trade offer comes along before the July 31st deadline. I think the boys need to discover how to play small ball again in one-run/two-run situations. They showed in their series against the Padres that they could. I’d like to see more of that. And…they need to play their division rivals MUCH better. We’ll know very soon - coming out of the gate after the All-Star Break - if they’ll be true contenders or not. My frustration with them all season is not being patient at the plate and flailing the bat at anything with runners in scoring position. They have the opposing pitcher in a bind. Then, they get impatient and literally help the pitcher out of his bind. There was a late inning scoring surge in yesterday’s game where they scored on merely base hits and being PATIENT at the plate. It was great! THAT was like 1993 again. Do MORE of that! I sure hope the NL can pull off a win FINALLY in tomorrow’s game.

By Dr. Huer

July 14, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this

In 95 games to date, the Braves have scored a mediocre 421 runs. But they’ve given up a very stingy 386 runs. Such stats usually would produce a winning record, something like 50-45. Unfortunately, the Braves are 45-50 because of their poor record in close games.

To do better, the Braves first need to get their share of the breaks in close games. And they must score more runs. Frenchy, it’s time to step up and play like you know how.

By JMBO

July 14, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this

Wow, for a minute I thought you were talking about the front office. Weak owners confound good team. Fire Mckirk and free up some “scout” money!

By bravo and uga

July 14, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

trade frenchy for a minor league bat boy and furnish the other team with plenty of crying towels (cry baby frenchy)

By Kevin

July 14, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this

Sorry mark bradley we need more then that.Try Fire Bobby cox n TP now at break…are be out of any playoffs we are now…accordin to chippey jones n frankerfter n Tex(No-Hit)wonder u need spark we ain’t got it…GM Wren Its time for change also AXE Bobby cox TP now!

By ronp

July 14, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this

Don’t panic…as long as the pitchers pitch, the hitters will hit. It’s a good team and even better when healthy.

By Willie

July 14, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

Bobby Cox and Rocky Balboa…what do they have in common? One championship and the rest loosers. Will Bobby be coaching when he is 110 and still be 5 1/2 games out? I do not get it…if I my work results were like Bobby coaching results, I would be looking for employment. How long are we going to stay with a looooosseerrrr?

By Phil

July 14, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

Pre 91 Fan,

Someone in the Braves mangement, I don’t know who, must think Moron Cox is doing a great job. So forget about a change coming, we’re stuck with this clown, not only the remainder of this season, but he got an extension for next season!

You think the Mets are glad they pulled the string on Willie Randloph? They have won 9 in a row, they are 17-9 under their new manager and are only a half a game out of first.

As Coach pointed out, the Braves would have to win somewhere around 43 of the last 67 games to have a chance. And roughly half of the 67 games are on the road where we are just plain awful.

Does anybody think Moron Cox is capable of firing this team up? Absolutely not. This season is over right here at the All Star Break under Cox. The only way to break this mediocre sluggish mindset is to do what the Mets did and get rid of Moron Cox. But it ain’t gonna happen, Wren and all the others don’t have the guts.

We’re not going anywhere for another 1 1/2 years until Moron Cox gone. Let’s just hope and pray he doesn’t pull a Brett Favre and decide he wants to keep going.

By Lawdog

July 14, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

But we gotta score runs.

Mike Gonzalez is a proven closer, possibly a return by Soriano as well.

With clutch hitting, this could be the comeback story of the second half. Francoeur will have a strong second half.

We need to part with the dollars and keep Tex. It could be the most important move of all.

Chipper, Mac, Tex and Francoeur will come back strong after the break.

Yes, I remain optimistic. The Braves are positioned to be the story of the second half. If they can just advance in the playoffs, Bobby may sail into the sunset with a surprising World Title.

Keep the faith and sign Tex. We’ll be there in October.

By Mike

July 14, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

The problem with Blogs is that your words can come back to bite you.

Here’s Bradley on May 28th:

“Memorial Day arrived with the Braves in second place. They’ll be in first by the Fourth of July, and come Labor Day they’ll be pulling away”.

Ouch!

By Realist

July 14, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

Why do so many people seem to think that Escobar is a better or even a higher-potential player than Kelly Johnson? They are essentially the same, except that Johnson has more power and Escobar has a (slightly) better glove. They are BOTH average middle infielders. Neither one is the weakness in the lineup, but neither one is going to carry a team. For some reason though, a lot of people will dump on Kelly but handle Yunel with kid gloves.

By Chief Knockahoma

July 14, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

As we all know, the problem is lack of power. Why all of the “trade Franceour” talk? Yeah, he’s having a rough year, but he’s what, 24? We don’t have to pay him squat, so keep him (he is a 100 RBI guy) but sign someone with some POP to play in the outfield.

And to the moron who kept saying “we need to go young”… uh, what do you think we are right now? And WHY do you think we suck?

By KyleH

July 14, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

I think its time to go get Xavier Nady. I think the Pirates are realizing that they have too much outfield talent. They have Bay McLouth and Nady, and they have McCutcheon in the minors who is probably ready to come up. The Pirates bullpen blows and their starting pitching is not far behind, but their hitting is phenominal so we probably wouldnt have to give up a bat to get him. Id say Will Ohmen would be a good fit and maybe a Chuck James and a lowerlevel prospect. Im not sure but the pirates season is already over in that tough division so they might bite on a deal like that. Keep Tex and sign him. Next year we drop alot of payroll off of pitching and we can spend on offense.

By Larry

July 14, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Good column. How about a poll in the AJC. Simple question - “Buy or Sell”? With something like that, at least the Braves would know which way their fans are leaning.

By KyleH

July 14, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

O and concerning Nady who is a plus 300 hitter with some power, he also has a cannon for and arm. He can make some great throws and Im sure he could play left field.

By jeanE

July 14, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Not only do they not hit but I don’t think this team is mentally tough enough, with a few exceptions, to really pull it off. I miss the scrappy fighting team of the turnaround year, ‘91! They were so fun to watch, unlike this years who are BORING. Not a character among them…how I wish Roger McDowell would put his pants on his head and run around! This team is snoozeville. There’s no way they will turn it around, if they do, I’ll eat my Braves hat.

By Jeff R

July 14, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

First, ‘08 Braves doesn’t even begin to resemble the ‘93 squad. Second,the Braves are hanging in the division race, to the extent that they are, because the teams ahead of them are no world-shakers. The pitching has been good - past the older, broken down trio of starting arms - and promising, but I don’t think Reyes and Morton, who are still learning to pitch, have the stuff to keep this team in contention (and as Bradley mentions, let’s not forget the anemic bats.

With the right moves, the Braves may just have very good to excellent prospects for 2009. But they have to begin to position now by getting value for Super Tex and Ohman.

By Gman

July 14, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Get Nady…he could be our next McGriff

By gman

July 14, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Oh yeah…Also torch the press box at the stadium and it’s a lock…the players bats will also “catch fire.” :)

By Luke

July 14, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

The only reason we are even talking about the Braves lack of offense is because of their 1-8 record against the Phillies. Say the Braves went 4-5 which isn’t asking a lot, we’d be 3 games out at the Break. If the Braves can manage to go 6-3 vs. the Phillies and Mets each the 2nd half…despite all the 1 run losses and the offensive struglles, we’ll be back in the postseason.

By Luke

July 14, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

The only reason we are even talking about the Braves lack of offense is because of their 1-8 record against the Phillies. Say the Braves went 4-5 which isn’t asking a lot, we’d be 3 games out at the Break. If the Braves can manage to go 6-3 vs. the Phillies and Mets each the 2nd half…despite all the 1 run losses and the offensive struglles, we’ll be back in the postseason.

By Luke

July 14, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

The only reason we are even talking about the Braves lack of offense is because of their 1-8 record against the Phillies. Say the Braves went 4-5 which isn’t asking a lot, we’d be 3 games out at the Break. If the Braves can manage to go 6-3 vs. the Phillies and Mets each the 2nd half…despite all the 1 run losses and the offensive struglles, we’ll be back in the postseason.

By daniel b.

July 14, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

“They’ve surged from greater deficits — 9-1/2 games back at the 1991 All-Star break, nine behind in 1993 — to finish first.”

Who is “they”? None of the active Braves were on that ‘91 team, and only Chipper was on the ‘93 team (and I don’t think he can step up any more than he already has). Bobby and TP are the only ones who were a part of the teams you’re talking about, MB. May as well tell the kids about ‘57.

By Larry A

July 14, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Sometimes I am amazed at the media. Traditional baseball ponduits have “defensive strength up the middle” as a cornerstone of baseball strategy. Offense is accepted as decent AVG and decent OBP. Kelly Johnson has that. Yunel Escobar has that. I don’t understand why KJ is constantly questioned regarding his offense.

Of course, it only happens with others are not producing and rather than continue to harp on them, some turn to people who are doing a decent job. The problem is the corner outfielders are not producing, plain and simply. You hide one corner outfielder with an exceptional hitting catcher. The only way to hide two poor hitting corner outfielders is to have a slugging 2B or SS, the Braves have neither both are good hitters but neither has the power.

If the Braves want to be contenders, they need production from the corner outfielders, plain and simple. If those one of those two positions had hit, the Braves would be in a much different situation now.

So if the Braves are to be a good the second half, you will be able to measure it in those 2 positions. Tex is not having a bad season - average yes but not bad. Chipper is doing fine. Escobar, KJ and Kotsay/Blanco are doing fine - they are all hitting between .275 and .300’ish - you don’t expect much more from those positions as long as they are giving you good D.

Getting Diaz back will help if he can hit again. Blanco is not a corner outfielder, lacks the power - he is your prototype CF with a very mediocre arm but great speed. I was hoping Perry would swing the bat well and be the lefty side of the LF platoon and maybe give Frenchy a day off now and again.

Let’s hope the pitching can carry the load the rest of the year.

By Charles

July 14, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Mark Teixeira finished the first half hitting .271 17 homers and 69 RBIs. That’s a pretty decent first half.

He came to Atlanta last season with a .297 average, 13 homers and 49 RBIs. From Aug. 1 he hit .317 17 homers and 56 RBIs in a Braves’ uniform.

In 147 games as a Brave, he’s been a .300 hitter with 34 homers and 125 RBIs.

To say Tex ain’t hitting is way off target Mr. Bradley. Get out your calculator before you get out your ink pen.

You write that this isn’t one of Tex’s great seasons. If you had done your homework, you would know that the last 147 games he’s played have been among the best of his career.

In 2006, Tex hit .282 33 homers and 110 RBIs in 162 games. In 2005, Tex hit .305 43 homers and 144 RBIs in 162 games. In 2004, Tex hit .281 with 38 homers and 110 RBIs in 145 games.

Tex’s numbers are right in line with what Tex does every year. Don’t go off half-cocked and write about something you haven’t researched Mr. Bradley.

Instead of doing your job, you take the easy road and write about the negavtive stuff.

Here’s the facts Mr. Bradley:

We’ve got 10 players on the DL. Losing Matt Diaz for 51 games is huge. He’s a career .310 hitter and comes through in the clutch. Infante has only been able to play in 41 games and he’s a clutch hitter also.

Kotsay has missed almost 40 games due to injury. Escobar has missed 10 games, Chipper has missed 11 games due to injury. We lost the best set up man in the business in April. That would be Peter Moylan. We lost a clutch middle infield player in Martin Prado for eight weeks.

And we’ve lost two of the best arms the game has ever seen in Glavine and Smoltz. You act like Smoltz is over the hill. He’s thrown almost 700 innings since 2005. He’s won 47 and lost 26 in that time frame.

Come on man, you write about gloom, doom and despair. Give Bobby Cox and Roger McDowell some credit here. They’re winning with a kiddy corp.

And also give the Mets, Marlins and Phillies some credit too. They’re playing solid baseball.

Injuries are a part of the game and Frank Wren, Bobby and Roger don’t have a crystal ball to predict such events.

You can pick on Kelly Johnson all you want, but he’s put up some solid numbers. He’s not Chase Utley, few players are. But he’s solid at his position.

You’re a fair weather sports writer Mr. Bradley and I might add, overpaid for the copy you crank out.

You need to get the calculator out before you start hitting the keyboard again.

We’re middle of the pack in home runs and RBIs. We’re third in the National League in batting average and third in On Base Percentage.

We need a speedy left fielder. We’re near the bottom rung in steals. We need a playmaker who hits for average at the top of the lineup. Let’s face it, we haven’t had a leadoff hitter since Furcal jumped to the Dodgers.

We need speed on the base paths. Thirty-one steals ain’t cutting it. Find that speedy left-fielder who hits for average and the second half becomes a different story.

The Braves have 68 fewer hits than the Cubs, who lead the National League in hits. We have 74 fewer runs driven in than our counterparts in the Windy City. We’ve hit more homers than the Mets.

Bottom line, the offense is there. Find the right fit at the top of the line up and this is a different team. We’d be wearing Brian Snitker’s rotator cuff out in the second half with speed on the base paths.

Of course we may already have that speed in our farm system and at the Major League level. Blanco is fast, but I’d start the second half with Josh Anderson at the top of the lineup. He’s the fastest guy in the system and he hits for average.

That’s what you need to be writing about Mr. Bradley. The needs of this team, not the woes.

And here’s a professional tip: most computers nowadays come with calculators built into the pperations system.

It’s up to you to take the next step.

By Mark Bradley

July 14, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

To me, it’s almost a bigger deal that the Braves have fallen so far behind the Mets and Marlins as it is that they’re 6 1/2 games behind the Phillies. Any one team can hit a skid — the Phils certainly did — but the odds of three teams in the same division doing it at the same time are fairly steep. (They’ll be playing one another, for one thing, and somebody has to win those games.)

By VAROADRUNNER

July 14, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

With our current and with one or two additions, we have a team that can contend. We need management to get on-board. Or we need new management and maybe a new GM.

By Mike in Houston

July 14, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

C’mon everyone! This has to be one of those strange flukes that eventually solves itself. By that I mean the 5-22 record in one-run games. I haven’t looked at the detailed stats, but over a season I would think a team has a 50-50 chance of winning a one-run game. So suppose the Braves had gone 13 - 14 instead… that’s an extra 8 games in the W column, and good enough for 1st place by a game and a half.

All we need to do is hope things return to normal, and we’ll be enjoying another trip to the playoffs.

By Anthony

July 14, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

When I look at the Minn. Twins and Boston Red Sox (both yearly contenders) I see 2 things the Braves do not have in their everyday line-up. Speed and defense (ie the Twins) or patience (ie the Red Sox). I am a smarter baseball man than Fran Wren. But speed and patience (walks/OBP) are rather cheap to acquire. I like the introduction of G. Blanco into the line-up for speed, but more is needed. Sometimes you won’t get 3 hits in an inning. You have to steal or take an extra base from time to time in order to score.

The teams patience or plate discipline needs even more help. How many times lately have the Braves been scoreless through 6 innings while the apposing pitcher has only thrown 70 pitches. That would never happen with the Rex Sox. That same pitcher would have thrown 95+ pitches and at least you would be in the other teams bullpen.

By onebravesfan

July 14, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley

I read so many want to fire Bobby Cox and Terry Pendeleton. I think that both have done excellent jobs.Do you think that either will/should be fired?

By fieldofdreams

July 14, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Harvested from the oak cork trees native to it’s Mediterranean climate, Portugal is, by far, the world’s leading cork producer. Among it’s many uses, stopping wine bottles is cork’s most tangible contribution to American society. As valuable as cork is to preserving the life of a fine wine, the day inevitably comes when the bottle must be opened, the bouquet savored by it’s tasters, and the cork unceremoniously tossed aside. Mark Texeira traces his ancestry, like the discarded cork, to the dry hills near Lisbon. Braves fans thought he’d be corking home runs by now, instead he’s just stopping us from truly enjoying the full flavor of our team. Surely we can twist some team’s arm, and secure another young gun to go with Jurrgens, in exchange for Mr. Texeira.

By Mark Bradley

July 14, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Cox will never, ever be fired. The Braves value him too highly, and rightly so. I don’t think Terry Pendleton is in immediate danger, but what has happened with Jeff Francoeur can’t be considered a success. (Then again, the Braves have hit well for average.)

By Tomy Fournier

July 14, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

I would like to ask…Mr.Charles…Why the Atlantas Braves are in four place and for me…out of the WILD CARD…Please …stop the excuses(NANNY)…WE DO NOT HAVE A GOOD MANAGER AND WE DO NOT HAVE A GOOD COACH STAFF…ANY ONE IS COMPETENTE…THEY DO NO HAVE THE WAY TO WIN CLOSE GAMES (5 ON 25..MORE OR LESS…WAO…A DISASTER)…THAT AND ONLY THAT IS THE ANSWER OF THIS DISASTER BASEBALL SEASON.AND…NO MORE TO SAY!!!!!

By Phil

July 14, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Cox will never, ever be fired. The Braves value him too highly, and rightly so.

Cox was at his peak when the Braves won the World Series back in 96. It’s been steadily downhill ever since. He reminds me so much of Bobby Bowden, both of whom are merely a shadow of their former self. Looks as though Florida State will never fire Bowden either.

But at some point, you would think these guys would step aside for the betterment of their program. But it appears they can’t see themselves in the way we can. They still think they are capable of that one last hoorah. It’s not going to happen folks.

Like I said earlier, it’s a waiting game for Braves fans until Cox decides to leave on his own. This team is going nowhere under Cox, well maybe further down in the standings, that’s the only place they are going.

By Lapdog

July 14, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

From a HUGE Braves fan, this team is toast. I can not even stand to watch anymore. As a season ticket holder, and someone who usually watches all the games, and is not one who only supports them when they win, as I have been a FAN since game #1 against the Pirates in 1966, this team is toast. Clean house, trade anyone but Chipper and McCann, even Bradley, and get some MAJOR Leaguers on this roster. How long has it been since we went to the World Series? How long has it been since we WON a World Series game? Can anyone say Wohlers? One pitch changed the Braves’ future for years.

By LHA

July 14, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Terry Pendleton needs to go. This team hasn’t hit in years. When Chipper is struggling, he goes to his dad. When McCann is struggling he goes to Chipper. Frenchy had to go to Mississippi, and in three games in AA his swing looks better than it has all year.

By Phil

July 14, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

LHA,

I agree 100%. I like TP dating back to when he was an active player. He’s simply not getting it done as a batting coach. BUT, who is responsible for making sure TP does his job? Bobby Cox, that’s who. So not all of the blame falls on TP here.

I jokingly suggested last week that Chipper’s dad be given a shot at the batting coach. Maybe that’s not a bad idea after all.

By coach k

July 14, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

THIS TEAM IS STILL CHAMPIONSHIP CALIBER ON PAPER BUT NEED SHOCK THERAPY, THEY NEED TO QUIT SLEEP WALKING AND PLAY LIKE THEY WANT TO BE THERE, THERE IS NO PASSION AND OUR FANS ARE JUST AS BAD. JUST NEED TO GET SOME PASSION, PLAY SMALL BALL AND THOSE THAT ARE HITTING ARE IN AND THOSE THAT ARE NOT SIT, GET A SET LINEUP AND LET EM GEL. THIS TEAM IS TOO TALENTED TO BE PLAYING SUB 500 BALL IT IS TOTALL INEXCUSABLE

By Phil

July 14, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Coach K,

You just made another excellent point why Cox needs to go. If only we could talk him into it……

By monty

July 14, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

I am the eternal optomist, I used to watch all the Braves games even when they were exceptionally bad, when to win a series was a milestone, but there is nothing about this team that inspires hope or confidence in me and I have been searching for it all season long. Hardly any come from behind wins late. Their record in close games is abysmal. THEre certainly isn’t a lack of talent in my opinion,after all you have 2 All-Stars and a rising supertstar at short. You have Texiera whose numbers are great, although his situational hitting hasn’t been good, especially in the first 50 games. But he is cetainly heating up. But what Bradley called this team struck a chord with me , this is a very “unassuming team.” They really don’t impose their will on teams. They’re almost docile seeming to me. Maybe to ready to say the other guys played better,than saying we played like puke.

By Mark Bradley

July 14, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

To reiterate: A team loses three starting pitchers, its set-up man, its closer and two starting outfielders to the disabled list and sees its third baseman and its shortstop fighting nagging injuries themselves … and you want to fire the manager?

It’s my belief that Bobby Cox has no critics anywhere in the wide world of baseball — except in Atlanta. The reason for that, I submit, is that baseball people realize how hard it is to win even once. Cox’s teams won 14 division titles in succession. And baseball people give greater credence to the 162-game season that they do the crap-shoot playoffs.

By Phil

July 14, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

The reason no other teams criticize Cox is that they smile from ear to ear when they see that goofball in the opposing dugout come playoff time. They all hope to stays another 20 years! They love this guy!

By Peter

July 14, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Problem I see is we don’t have a way to win lot’s of games……… Yes the pitchers keep us in the game, and we are fortunate for that.

But how do we score……. we are too slow to manufacture runs, and not enough Pop for the big homer…..plus doing the little things is a joke for this club….getting down bunts, moving runners along, and hitting the cut off man.

The real issue is we are ALWAYS swinging at the first few pitches, and have zero patience at the plate.

The Braves do not have the (patient) mentality to play station to station baseball, though that is how this team is built to play !

By VAROADRUNNER

July 14, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Charles

There’s help for that attitude!

By Coach ( Lets Go Braves In 2010 ??????)

July 14, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Bradley, I see you to have bought into the myth that is Bobby Cox. Your statement that it’s hard to win even one Championship reflects the ignorance of many because it’s impossible to take FIFTEEN TEAMS to the playoffs and come away with one single World Series ring. But, Cox has accomplished just that.

I reiterate once more: No other manager in the one hundred year plus history of the World Series has won fewer and lost more WS than Bobby Cox..

Cox has the most post season losses ever (66-66 record .500) and actually lost back to back WS in 1991-1992.

That crap shoot argument doesn’t hold water either. Tom Kelly took two teams to the post season and won it all twice. Cito Gaston has four post season teams and two Championships (back to back no less).

Some other managers and their post season records in MLB history:

Frank Chance 4 post season appearances with two WS Championships.

Tommy LaSorda 8 post season appearances with two WS Championships.

Sparky Anderson 7 post season appearances with three WS rings.

Bill Carrigan 4 post season appearances with two WS rings.

Bucky Harris 5 post season appearances with two WS rings.

Dick Williams 5 post season appearanaces with two WS rings.

Billy Southworth 4 post season appearances with two WS rings.

Joe Torre 11 post season appearances 4 WS rings.

and on

and on

and on the record book goes….. While the great Bobby Cox is 1 for 15.

Kool Aid, Kool Aid, Kool Aid LOL !

p.s. your most welcome, the history lesson is free.

By Tim

July 14, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

I say lets trade the players with value for young prospects. The farm needs rebuilding now!!!!!

By VAROADRUNNER

July 14, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Mark, what you say is true, but how many managers had three Cy Youngs pitching for them?0

WE won’t win with our existing lineup paired with Cox’s Strategy. He needs to demand situational hitting. TP needs to teach it and the players need to hit situationally. With a man on second and no outs - If you hit just a dribbler to the right side it moves the man to third. Our team tries to pull it out of the park, only to ground into a DP.

Of course the manager can’t do it for them , but he can demand it and EXPECT IT.

Neither Bobby nor TP REQUIRE IT. We can’t even bunt, too much time spent hitting batting practice balls into the stands and live pitching into double plays.

Until Cox opens his eyes and starts to manage again, we are DOOMED.

But I do agree with you Mark, the Braves will change managers when Bobby decides to GO. Please get the hint Bobby, your time and technique are things of the past.

Love to all

By Phil

July 14, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Thank you Coach for pointing out with some great stats what a goofball Cox really is.

By Jordan

July 14, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

The Braves are struggling right now, bet we are set up great for the next few years if mgmt. will go ahead and make some of the right moves. Teixera is in his prime and every action should be taken to lock him up. He is a GOLD GLOVE, POWER SWITCH HITTER! I also think we should go out and get someone like Carl Crawford to man left field, and sign Sabathia in the off season. You may think I’m crazy, but look at the numbers. Chipper will retire soon along with his $15 million. Smoltz and his $14 million should be gone. Hampton and his $15 million gone. I like Kotsay, but not for $7 million. Glavine and his $7 million will be gone as well. These are some of the old guys that I like, but all should be gone next year except for Chipper. That comes to a whopping total of $58 million. Chipper will prob be done after next season. That is a lot of money to go out there and spend. I think if we offer Tex $18 mill a year, he’ll take it. Offer Sabathia $20 million a year. That leaves $21 million left over compared to what we are currently spending. We could easily get Crawford (a perfect fit). Imagine this lineup:

SU Moylan CL Gonzalez

That is a definite NL champion right there, and is definitely feasible. A solid lineup with the roots of our success intact. PITCHING and DEFENSE!

By Jordan

July 14, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

The Braves are struggling right now, bet we are set up great for the next few years if mgmt. will go ahead and make some of the right moves. Teixera is in his prime and every action should be taken to lock him up. He is a GOLD GLOVE, POWER SWITCH HITTER! I also think we should go out and get someone like Carl Crawford to man left field, and sign Sabathia in the off season. You may think I’m crazy, but look at the numbers. Chipper will retire soon along with his $15 million. Smoltz and his $14 million should be gone. Hampton and his $15 million gone. I like Kotsay, but not for $7 million. Glavine and his $7 million will be gone as well. These are some of the old guys that I like, but all should be gone next year except for Chipper. That comes to a whopping total of $58 million. Chipper will prob be done after next season. That is a lot of money to go out there and spend. I think if we offer Tex $18 mill a year, he’ll take it. Offer Sabathia $20 million a year. That leaves $21 million left over compared to what we are currently spending. We could easily get Crawford (a perfect fit). Imagine this lineup:

SU Moylan CL Gonzalez

That is a definite NL champion right there, and is definitely feasible. A solid lineup with the roots of our success intact. PITCHING and DEFENSE!

By Phil

July 14, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Hey Jordan,

Who is the manager of your proposed lineup?

By Coach ( Lets Go Braves In 2010 ??????)

July 14, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Jordan, in case you missed it, the Braves have already attempted to trade Teixeira to the Red Sox because they know Scott Boras will be asking 23 million per season for TEN YEARS as his starting negotiation demand.

The Braves will not pay anything close to that amount.

By Charles

July 14, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

The only thing missing from this team is a true leadoff hitter.

When Otis and Marquis hit at the top of the lineup, the Braves scored and scored often.

That Josh Anderson kid is the real deal. Just ask Chipper about Anderson’s speed. He’ll tell you that Josh is the fastest player in the system.

Also, I noticed that Houston dropped Oscar Villareal from their roster. We got that kid for nothing.

That was a pretty slick deal. It’s time to put him in left and let him lead off. The kid has a career .348 average, no homers and 13 RBIs in 89 Major League at bats.

He’s got 22 stolen bases at Richmond and was named to the Triple A All-Star team. He’s hitting .287 with a homer and 23 RBIs.

The point is, there’s some help that isn’t that far away from the Major Leagues without trading Teixeira.

They’ve also got a first baseman at Richmond that reminds me of Andres Gallaragga, Barbaro Canizares. He’s also a Triple A All-Star. He’s hitting .295 with 10 homers and 44 RBIs. He has 97 hits in 329 at bats.

Also, Jorge Julio and Phil Stockman are pitching lights out at Richmond. Chuck James is pitching pretty good baseball as well.

There are some answers without trading Tex off. If they lose Tex to free agency, they get two prime picks in the First Year Player’s Draft next June.

If we trade Tex, we need to get something solid in return.

We gave up an awful lot to get Tex from the Rangers. A trade of equal value is definitely in order.

The Tampa Bay Rays offer the best opportunity of return on that investment. They’ve got a fully