Mark Bradley

By Mike

August 31, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Yep. While I’m not happy I am nostalgic—it reminds me of the bad old days of attending games at old Atlanta Stadium with 3000 of my closest friends. Oh well. Let the real fans come on out and band together.

I do think—and I’m not happy to say this—that Bobby Cox should go ahead and retire after this year. It seems to me that the Braves’ best bet is to try to put together a team that can manufacture runs—taking advantage of the speed of guys like Anderson and Blanco—and I don’t think that Bobby does his best managing under those circumstances.

By hop

August 31, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

thanks to corporate ownership and the denial from the braves top brass for the last three years, this team is in total shambles.

the braves will NEVER pay the price to get the necessary players through free agency, and they have gutted the farm system with unwise trades and poor draft selections.

here is hoping that the braves denver owners will do the right thing and put the team on the block!

they really have no interest ; the deal was made so they could unload all of their corporate shares with time warner.

please please put this team on the market so arthur blank or someone local, who gives a rats-a will buy the team.

By Saddened Fan

August 31, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

What has disappointed me the most with this downward slide is how meekly the Braves are going. Bobby’s job was and is to get them motivated, enthused, prepared and ready to play and I can’t say I have seen that since Tex left. It’s OK to have a pity party for a game or two, but since then the team (for the most part) is mailing it in. Bobby can’t manage for the 3 run homer with this crew and ought to think hard about retiring and letting someone willing to manage a small ball crew deal with the team in the future. Go with someone new from outside the organization, Terry Pendleton (heir apparent?) will do as poorly managing as he has as a hitting coach these last few years.

I have also seen comments in the Journal/Constituion about the ebb of professionalism in the locker room. That, in part, is evidence of Bobby’s diminishing influence and evidence of a need for player leadership. It is time (the few years left) for Chipper to stand up and be the leader (vocally), and not the stoic example any more. Stoicism is not going to help here. Show/teach the others what being a professional means, lead the way.

Last, John Schuerholz’s legacy is an empty cupboard. It is now up to Frank Wren to do more than what little he has done. Let’s be honest, wish our heroes of the past well and start re-building from the draft up. Free agents as a bridge where affordable, but draft carefully and start with pitchers because that is what allowed the Braves to excel for so many years.

The bill for 14 years of good times has come due.

By Raleigh Brave

August 31, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Yes to that. Faceless corporate ownership has been a disaster. But alas it’s too late. The Braves are done. Part of the problem is the lost exposure on TBS. The fan base is diminishing and the Braves are becoming just another small market team. Who will want to come here? No more “Baby Braves.” No more of the old guard. It all went to hell very quickly. I looked at their lineup today and I thought it didn’t even look like a major league lineup. I bet they finish behind Washington. They could lose 100 this year and next. They’re going to be more like the Royals and the Mariners than the Yankees and Red Sox. What a shame. They stink. And it’s skunk stink. It’s a stink they can’t get rid of any time soon.

By BravesFan79

August 31, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

I honestly believe this team can make a run next year and heres how. Sign 2 BIG name free agents, either 2 aces, or a ACE and a big time slugger.

Please dont try and pass off a #3 guy as a ace Wren, it just wont do.
Make SURE we have good backups for escobar, mccan, and chipper. Im tired of seeing career pinch .200 hitters up late in the game in crucial situations (woodcrap, orr, corky, thorman)

If Francour returns to form, and bring back Smoltz and Hudson around the All Star break…. (smoltz in the pen).. then i think we could make a SERIOUS run towards the playoffs next year!! Go Braves!

By Raleigh Brave

August 31, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Yes to that. Faceless corporate ownership has been a disaster. But alas it’s too late. The Braves are done. Part of the problem is the lost exposure on TBS. The fan base is diminishing and the Braves are becoming just another small market team. Who will want to come here? No more “Baby Braves.” No more of the old guard. It all went to hell very quickly. I looked at their lineup today and I thought it didn’t even look like a major league lineup. I bet they finish behind Washington. They could lose 100 this year and next. They’re going to be more like the Royals and the Mariners than the Yankees and Red Sox. What a shame. They stink. And it’s skunk stink. It’s a stink they can’t get rid of any time soon.

By Raleigh Brave

August 31, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Yes to that. Faceless corporate ownership has been a disaster. But alas it’s too late. The Braves are done. Part of the problem is the lost exposure on TBS. The fan base is diminishing and the Braves are becoming just another small market team. Who will want to come here? No more “Baby Braves.” No more of the old guard. It all went to hell very quickly. I looked at their lineup today and I thought it didn’t even look like a major league lineup. I bet they finish behind Washington. They could lose 100 this year and next. They’re going to be more like the Royals and the Mariners than the Yankees and Red Sox. What a shame. They stink. And it’s skunk stink. It’s a stink they can’t get rid of any time soon.

By Tom A. Hawk

August 31, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

Mark you sound like all the other fair weather Braves fans out there who panic when the team has one bad year. Let’s remember, the Braves finished over .500 last year, and it not for significant injuries to 4 of their starters, who knows where this team would be! Your stats and facts are so misleading it’s ridiculous. Your stats on Blanco and Infante are the worst. Infante has been an absolute steal, regardless of how many home runs he has hit. The Braves have a ton of money to spend in the off season to make themselves competitive next year. This team has a lot more hope than you give them.

By HoustonBrave

August 31, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

Cox needs to retire period. He has single handedly lost many of the one run games with his favoritism toward certain players and not fielding his best. The one run record is a reflection of him and his managing of the bullpen. Yes we need some players that can hit but Bobby only needs to look in the mirror to see why this team is in free fall.

By HockeyDawg

August 31, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

Mark, sadly I think there’s an awful lot of truth in what you are saying! While it’s true that they’ve been extremely unlucky w/ injuries this year, a lot of their lousy record can be attributed to their decision to rely so much on pitchers who were either an injury risk (Smoltz, Hampton, & Soriano), old (Glavine), or of questionable ability (Reyes & James). Granted, no one could foresee the injuries to Hudson & Moylan, nor the utter collapse of Francoeur. But the lack of quality prospects at the upper levels of their minor league teams has really become evident this year.

At this point, it looks like they need to put an emphasis on scouting and redouble their efforts to rebuild their minor league system. Maybe bring in a few mid-level free agents to help them bridge the gap until some younger players can be developed. They need to see if they can find a shrink who can help Frenchy rebuild his confidence, and they should NOT trade McCann or Escobar, who are about the only proven young top quality major leaguers on their roster currently. They should instead build around those two.

I think you’re right. It looks like they’re gonna be pretty bad for a couple of years. But if they can rebuild the farm system and not make foolish free agent contract offers, they have the chance of being good again maybe by 2011.

By captain Midnight

August 31, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Well you are something else. A couple of months ago you stated the Braves would run away with the pennant. Now you say they are done for years. Light up another joint.

By BravesFan79

August 31, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

Raleigh Brave: How are the Braves a SMALL market team? Last time i checked the true small market cities were places like Raleigh, KC, New Orleans, Tampa Bay…. i dont think u can call the most powerfull city in the South “small market” I dont think a city of 5 million as small market…with thousands of fans in surrounding states as well.

What we NEED is Author Blank to buy the team…and invest some $$ into it..and youll see the fans come back when theres a product worth watching on the field.

As for TBS… i HATE those b*******… i refuse to watch House of Pain, or any other CRAP they replaced the Braves with. I have YET to watch a MLB game on TBS this year… i mean are the Yankess and Sox not force fed down our throats enough already?

Lets hope Wren isnt serious about adding abunch of “small pieces” …whats that get us? overpaying for some 4 or 5 type starters?
And if we dont sign Ohman for next year,ill know Wren is a idiot. Our pen is already bad enough…i dont understand all the people that think we cant afford him next year. Signing Ohman shoud be the first step and the easiest.

By Sage of Bluesland

August 31, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

The Braves are back to the 1980s (as in mid- to late) as an organization…Which was when the ‘rebirth’ which became the success of the 1990s was born.

Cox as GM (with Tanner as field-manager) were brought in and allowed to build it properly—from the ground up. They BUILT the organization from the minors up—and never got the credit they deserved.

Schuerholz—knowing a team on the rise—deserted the sinking ship in KC to latch on here to greater acclaim than he deserved (Has KC ever recovered?) and, like someone mentioned earlier, has left the cupboard completely bare…But, I’m sure the revisionists will blame Frank Wren…

Nope, it’s time to go about this thing the right way again: Build from the ground up. Invest properly. Be patient.

Will the current ownership do this? I doubt it…

By Kentavo

August 31, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Hard to call this one - yes, they suck now, but who wouldn’t suck with 4/5 of the starting rotation under the knife? Now, it was bad planning to have two 40-somethings pencilled in for that rotation.

But, with a couple of professional hitters and veteran starters, this team could be a contender next year.

What they’ve got to build on: 1. Chipper 2. McCann 3. Jurrgens 4. Gonzalez 5. Prado (yes, Prado, he will be a factor) 6. Morton and JoJo taking their lumps now 7. Campillo (at very least could be a long reliever)

What must be addressed at a minium 1. Veteran, durable, innings-eating starting pitcher(s) 2. Outfielder(s) with power

Each year, the number of legitimate MLB hitters has decreased on the roster, and this year we started out with four (Chip, Tex, Kotsay, McCann) and are now down to

By Drummerdad

August 31, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Agreed Mr. Bradley. And you’re the only who is really seeing and stating things as they are.

There was the sale from one corporate entity to another, and the two huge bad trades ( for J.D. Drew, and Texiera). What would fans rather see right now, Jason Marquis, or Elmer Dessens?

The farm system seems depleted and I don’t believe this organization will contend again until Liberty Media has gone away and the Braves have an owner who cares about the recent tradition of winning major league baseball in Atlanta. Another thing to keep in mind is that while this team is regrouping Jair Jurjens will be developing so that Scott Boras can lead him to another team at the worst moment for this outfit.

When Ted Turner sold to AOL/Time Warner he pointed a canon at his beloved ship’s deck and said fire.
It makes me sick.

By gotigers72

August 31, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

They have definitely hit bottom when they have to bring in a ragarm like Elmer Dessens to protect a 1 run, 8th inning lead. Which he couldn’t do obviously.

The Braves need to take a new tack, IMO. I know they got burned on Joey Devine by bringing him up too quickly. However, they need to start bringing guys up from double and triple A, rather than signing has beens such as Dessens, Jeff Bennett, Mark Redman, Jeff Ridgway, Brian Lawrence, and on and on and on. Can’t they see that that sort of option has not been working?

Do as they did in the late 80s with Glavine and others. Bring ‘em up, let ‘em take their lumps for awhile, and just give away a couple of years to rebuild. No more giving up 5 prospects for a player you can keep for ONE year. They were burned by JD Drew and Teixeira. Oh my, wouldn’t Wainwright and Matt Harrison [6-3] look good in the current rotation? After all, they could have finished out of the playoffs without Teixeira. I know Drew helped them get in, but was it worth it for making it to the playoffs for the one year he was here? NO!!!!!

By Bob Sacamano

August 31, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Mark, why don’t you tell the truth about what really needs to happen with the Braves?

Booby Cox needs to GO!!!

He is the absolute wrong manager to manage this kind of team. They should be fighting a scraping and doing everything they can to MANUFACTURE RUNS… but he has them all waiting for the three-run homer.

Shoot… in any other city with a responsible media and fans that actually cared, Cox would have been fired after 1996 and his disasterous decisions that cost the team yet another World Series victory.

Booby Cox… the most OVERRATED manager in baseball history!!!

By RA

August 31, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

Well, as usual after reading one of your articles Mark Bradley, I just want to go right out and shoot myself. Listen, the Braves still have one of the best minor league systems in the game and if the Yankees have taught us anything, it’s that if you’re willing to spend enough money, you can contend, year after year… I think the braves have the management, the will, and the money to get healthy faster than “years.” Until then though, I’ll wait for you to be journalist enough to write something less than terrible about the Hawks!

By Mark Bradley

August 31, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

I thought the Braves would win the NL East, yes. But I always figured it would be, as I’ve said several times, a last stand.

And now, with three pitchers out of contract and no lock ever to throw another pitch for this time and Hudson having had Tommy John surgery — and with Teixeira gone and with who knows what’s going on with Francoeur — I really don’t see much of a team.

And let’s say they do, as was suggested above, buy a big-name pitcher and a proven bat … that’s only one pitcher every five days and only one bat in a fairly unimposing lineup.

By COGPK

August 31, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

It won’t take years if we’ll sign Sabathia and Sheets with this freed up money. We have some good young players coming up. It can turn around next year. Where were the Rays last year?

By TOMY FOURNIER

August 31, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

I said this from the beginning…Atlanta is not going to no-where….I said..Mr.”MORON” Cox have to be out…and all this old “GUY”(SMALL,GLAVINE.HAMSTON,CHIPPER) AND ALL MORON COAHS STAFF…BUT NO BODY SAID NOTHING AND NOW…EVERY BODY IS A GENIUS SAYING THE SAME…BUY NOW IS TO “LATE…TOO LATE!!!!ATLANTA IS SH……!!!!GO WHAT????

By Older Braves Fan

August 31, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

You all have hit the nail on the head, CORPORATE OWENERSHIP. Putting a subpar major league team on the field is a business decision and they do not really care. It is “write off” for them. Why don’t the BRAVES FANS BOYCOTT the junk (product) until CORPORATE OWNERSHIP decides to put a team on the field worth buying a ticket for? Possibly this could send a message that we are mad about it and are not going to take it any longer. Maybe even a major reduction in ticket prices!

By Dick in L'vlle

August 31, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

I agree with Mr. Bradley that the Braves are done and a long way from competing for a championship again. Maybe in 2014 or later.

Many mistakes have been made regarding some trades and signings, however, at the moment they looked good. The minor leagues may have some future players down there, but we will reap the benefit of their talents for several years down the road.

I think the Braves fans should look at what has happened in Pittsburgh, KC, Cincinnati and Baltimore and be prepared for a similar wait.

All of the money in the US can not bring the Braves back to championship form, just look at this years Yankees. The Braves of you blogger’s youth is done and you will have to live with it KIDS!!

By Kenneth

August 31, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

Good article Mark. I cannot see the braves improving for several years. They have no cornerstone except MaCann and that is about it. That is pitiful. Another thing is that apparently they do not have a trainer. Look at all the pitchers who are having surgery. Has there ever been a team with as many pitchers out with surgery? The farm system is non existant. They gave away the farm to rent JD Drew and Tex and for what? Tex is gone after part of 2 seasons and look what we got for him. We gave away several good players and got one that is not even a fair player. Bobby Cox needs to retire, fire Pendleton and get some new blood in the dugout. As for the players they cannot trade any players because they don’t have anybody to trade. Would it be possible to sign enough free agents to play 7 positions and 2-3 good pitchers throwed in too? They have a good catcher and that is it. They need to sign 7 position players and 2-3 good pitchers. This may take 200 million dollars to accomplish this and I know it won’t happen but what else can they do? With no talent at the major league level and no farm system they cannot do anything. I blame this situation on poor trades, poor scouting of young players, and upper management for allowing all this to happen. Other teams do not give up the farm to rent players and they are much more successful than the braves. Look at the Mets. They got Johan Santana and signed him. They did not rent him for one season. It may take 10 years to build the farm back if they don’t give it all away again like they have done in the past 5 years or so. It is a shame that Washington is in last place. The braves need to be there and maybe, just maybe, the upper management will see the light.

By JimK

August 31, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

The foundation is in A and AA. Be patient, and build with kids like the Rays did.

By Kenneth

August 31, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

Who do the braves have in A or AA that would be major leaguers in the next 2-3 years? If they are any good the braves will find some way to give them away.If they have any talent in the organization they need to bring them up now. They couldn’t be any worse than what they put on the field every day.

By Clint

August 31, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

Mark, you’re right on the money. Wren can no doubt put a solid team on the field next year, but there is a huge difference between a solid lineup and a championship team.

I remember back a few years when the Braves were still winning, one of the analysts on ESPN made a point that the Braves had championship caliber players at each key position except left field. Gerald Williams was our left fielder at the time, and the analyst said that to win championships you need to have studs at key positions like left field. Gerald was a solid player, but he said you need more than “solid” players to win championships (the Sox had Manny last year, for example).

The Braves can put “solid” players on the field next year. Kotchman, Francouer, Prado, Escobar, Infante, and maybe Jordan Schaeffer all fit that description. They can also plug gaps with marginal players like Blanco and Kelly Johnson. But McCann and Chipper are the only two “championship caliber” players we have, and our minor leagues above Class A Rome are EMPTY. Go sign a stud center fielder, if you can find one, but this is rock bottom.

Also, the fire Cox and Pendleton idiots should just go away for a while. Vince Lombardi couldn’t win with a bad Redskins team, either. Just because Bobby & Terry can’t polish this turd doesn’t mean they’re at fault for the current situation. Thank Mr. Schuerholz for what we have now.

By Ward

August 31, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

Reluctantly I have reached the “Rubican” never anticipated…Bobby must retire.Fresh leadership, hit&run,stolen bases,are needed. Chemistry has disapated seriously and the woes are evident. Those 1 run games on the road and the first inning disasters are disgusting to bear.

By Kenneth

August 31, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

I think the reason the Rays are finally in first place is they kept their young players and did not give them away for one year rentals like the braves did. I don’t know much about the Rays because I don’t like the American league but I don’t remember a trade where they gave away the farm for a rental. I agree the braves could learn from the Rays but with a depleted farm system it will take years to accomplish this.

By Chief Nokahoma

August 31, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley While I agree that this team isn’t going to significantly improve for some time, I feel it’s up to you and the other writers from the AJC to begin to address the biggest problem withthe Braves instead of pussyfooting around it.

BOBBY COX HAS TO GO!!!! His management of the bullpen is the single biggest detriment to this team and it’s not just this year. The lack of talent has only exposed him for the fraud he is. 28 straight losses in 1-run road games is a direct result of managerial mismanagement of the bullpen.

The sooner you and the other writers (and other local media) begin to start aking the hard questions, begin to start focusing on how poorly this team is managed, start writing about it, only then will things begin to change for the better. Bobby is not the man to begin leading this team back from the dismal swamp of mediocrity they are now enmeshed in.

So how about it, how about addressing the “biggest single detriment” to future improvement.

By joebrave

August 31, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Mark Bradley,You’re about as useless as a monkey with toilet paper.You sir are the epitome of what is wrong with this RAG Sheet called a newspaper.What A godamn wothless scunbag marthaphaker you are.. Pitiful B@stard!!! Go yank off You’re girlfriend Terrence Moron!!! Do Anythiing you piece of $hit but Leave the Braves the He11Alone!!!!

By RA

August 31, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Dear Older Braves Fan. I too, am an older Braves fan, as was my father, and my grandfather, when he rooted for the Boston Braves. Now, what I can tell you is that in all my long years of following this team,I’ve never seen a team disected by injuries and general misfortune as this one! Here’s the thing, we could have started off this season with two hall of fame pitchers and four former all-stars. The only one left is Hampton. What the deuce were the chances on that?! Two years ago, Jeff Franceour, or however his name is spelled hit 29 home runs and I think he had around 100 RBI’s. He had a year long slump, not unlike the one that Ron Gant endured in 2004, or was it 2003. The years start to run together after a while… Anyway, Mark Kotsay was brought in as a stop gap for Schafer, and he comes in knocking the cover off the ball, not even a month later, Schafer’s suspended and Kotsay’s on the DL. Who knew? We started off the year with two closers that could throw lights out, with a third on his way back, a month later they were all hurt at the same time. Chipper Jones starts the year looking like Ted Williams, pulls up lame, again! Folks, the Greeks could not have written a season as tragic as this one! My point is that you can’t use this season to predict what could happen next year or the year after that or “years” down the line. In this twisted free agent universe, NOTHING is certain. Bradley, you of all people should know that.

By Scooter

August 31, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

If Wren resigns Glavine he needs to be horse whipped and run out of town. This t eam is in shambles because of Shurholtz,s trades for J.D. Drew and Tex. We gave up alot of our talent and have nothing to show for it. This insane type of trading has got to stop. You,ve got to sign them to a long term contract when you make a trade of this magnitude. Stop giving away our talent. What,s happened to Bobby Cox? He seems to be managing to loose. Why on earth do you bring in a Mexican league castoff to pitch the eigth inning just after you,ve taken the lead. I think this has been his worse managing year to date. I think he should be replaced and put in the front office. This club doesn,t have the resources and intelligence to turn it around. Our glory days are gone and will take alot to bring back.

By RA

August 31, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

joebrave I know how you feel about Bradley. Heck, a lot of us do, but once somebody gets a good look at what you wrote, they’re going to pull this blog, and I don’t blame them. One of the great things about this “rag of a newspaper” is that we can disagree with each other and the writers, but one of the things that makes us responsible contributors is that we voice those opinions in a responsible way. Really, joebrave, you’re better than that.

By Clyde

August 31, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

No, RA, joebrave is not better than that. He’s a complete idiot who can’t write, can’t spell, doesn’t know the difference between you’re & your, and rarely has anything of substance to offer. I wish they’d log IP addresses and get rid of losers like him permanently.

By Philliesuk

August 31, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

The Braves dynasty started to die once the team changed owners to Time Warner. As someone above said, until a local guy (a la Mark Cuban) takes over, we will not rise again. Sure, there will be seasons where we overachieve, like the Twins and A’s sometimes do, but all in all, there will be more disappointment than winning.

Free agency does not solve everything, but it sure does make a hell of a difference. Look at the moves the Cubs made last year. I said it before, and I’ll say it again: We need to get a #1 starter in the off-season. I don’t care if we have to outbid the Yankees in order to do it. We have a lot of money coming off the books, and it’s time to spend it. If not, it will just be another year on the road to mediocrity.

By the way, I’m not being negative about this team. My love for this team is why I’m so frustrated with this current ownership.

By bill

August 31, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

The people that are faulting corporate ownership are spot on.These clowns are worse than Time-Warner and they were bad.

The first thig T-W did after buying the team from Ted was cut scouting and devlopment.What a stupid move.

I will always belive the decline of the Braves began the day of the Justice-Lofton trade.

I have a message to the current group of owners.I will not set foot in Turner Field while you own the team.That will take a couple of thosand dollars off your bottom line.

When the Braves get home have one of your minios turn on the television and find out how many empty seats there are in the stadium.

I don’t know how to fix the Braves but I know where to start.Find ownership that cares.

By bravlady

August 31, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

There’s a black cloud hanging over the Braves right now and it’s not Gustov or Hanna. It’s management or the lack thereof. Time to clean out and get new blood. I miss seeing the Braves on TV. I refuse to pay MLB and Comcast to watch a game I should be watching on TBS. I’ve been a fan for 30+ years and will be for the next 20 but it’s getting painful to watch them lose the way they have this season. It was clear the Braves threw in the towel when they traded Mark T. That was painful enough to watch. Losing to lowly Washington is too much to take. It’s ugly and it’s going to be a long time before they recover. There hasn’t been an exiting season since the Baby Braves year. They bring up young players and then trade them away. Can’t figure that one out either. This whole season’s got me scratching my head. I’ll probably be bald by the end of September.

By Nelson

August 31, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

I’m not following the Braves for a long time, and probably will not renew my subscription to MLB Extra Innings next year unless they remove mediocre player like KJ, Francouer, the new first baseman, some pitchers and bring young and explosive players and also Bobby resigns. Ask the Marlins how they do it?

By Built to last (oops)

August 31, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

The Rays are finally succeeding because they have had a top five draft position in 8 of the last 10 years.

In two of the last 10 drafts, the Braves didn’t have a first round pick. We had a pick below 20 1 out of the 10 drafts.

By Mark Bradley

August 31, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

The Rays, since you asked, had been building (and losing) for a decade. They didn’t get good all of a sudden because they bought a few big-name free agents. They added Troy Percival and Cliff Floyd — the latter for the bargain price of $3 million — to what they’d been compiling. Sort of like what the Braves did with Terry Pendleton and Sid Bream and Otis Nixon and Rafael Belliard back in 1991.

Here’s the thing, though: An organization has to be sitting on a considerable amount of young talent for such veteran free agents to make a difference, and I don’t believe the Braves are.

By jammer

August 31, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Agree 100%. It is time to start all over. Ask Cox to retire. Dont even consider bringing back Smoltz or Glavine. Build from within and with free agency. The glory of the 90s is over.

By David

August 31, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

There. Somebody finally said it. Thanks, Mark. The Braves are now light years away from even being competitive.

By This Gets Old

August 31, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Jammer? Are you the jammer that used to be on the old Falcons bb on AOL?

By beki

August 31, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

The truth is there are too many older players,retreads, old retreads, and rentals among the few ” golden boys.”i.e. McCann and CJ. I’ll continue watching the Bravos until time freezes over.

By HB

August 31, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

Right now the Braves are the worst team in baseball!!!

By JT

August 31, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

Actually I like what’s happening to the Braves. I lived in Atlanta for eight years and I had to listen to all the babbling about the Braves. But I could always get them quiet when I asked…How many world series did you win versus the Marlins

By Kelley

August 31, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

To the Bobby Bashers, consider these points:

SO…According to individuals like Joe Torre, Tony LaRusaa, and Jim Leyland, Bobby Cox is the best in the business and they have the good sense to realize that no manager could win with the line up and injuiries he has this year.

So, I think I’ll continue to recognize Bobby as one of the greatest managers of all time and be realistic enough to realize that this season is just the hand he has been dealt.
After seeing the results of the poll of major league managers, I feel like I’m in pretty good company on my opinion of Bobby.

And to Mark Bradley, what a scary thought that Jair will be our opening day pitcher next year. I like the kid and all and think he’s a great young pitcher, but not too optimistic if we’re counting on him to be our “ace”. I hope Wren can pull several rabbits out of his hat this off season.

By Braves blow now for sure

August 31, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

The Brave’s are a after thought ,just like chipper winning the batting title ..last check he’s 6 points behind and falling

By t. rigel

August 31, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

this problem did not start this year,

or last year.

or in 2006.

it started years ago with a top management - the saturnine schuerholtz- who played, i.e., traded, to win in the short run season after season after season.

completely new management is badly needed. the farm system and young players need to be attended to beginning NOW.

why would any really top notch free-agent even want to come to a team as bad as the braves are looking now?

they wouldn’t.

how many top-notch free agents would it take?

too many.

get the farm system going, get the young players coming up, and get the fans coming out to watch and become excited fans of those young players.

as a business, the braves lost both their gate magic AND their game magic when they started treating their players like poker chips on a table.

By Ralph

August 31, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

The Braves, say one thing and mean another, how they will trade anyone, to improve the team, and instead get a waste-up pitcher or a part time player, that can’t hit their weight. This guy Wren doesn’t know half of what he is talking about. John Schuerholz’s decision, to pick him, was the worse decision, he has ever made. The owner of the Braves, said Bobby was his man, and the organization has no intention, in replacing him. Will they make improvings to the Braves next year, such, if little green men come to earth. They keep throwing out the baby with the water. They are in complete disarray. Who ever gets traded from the Braves, will be more than glad to get out of a team that have clowns, printed on their forehead. The players play according to the managers leadership, and the spirit of winning, and Bobby just doesn’t have it neither one. The organization, said they are willing to get rid of all their players, and get the best in the world, but as long as they keep the same manager, they will be in last losers. So, with the mentally this organization has, it will for year fight to stay out of last play. And will again be laughing stock, of professional baseball, as they were in the pass. If Bobby Cox care about the Braves, he would step down, and give the Brave an opportunity, for the future. Pendleton, would be the same or even worse.

By You got to be kidding me

August 31, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

I’m sick of all you a-holes calling us fair-weather fans! Since 1987 (when I got my license to drive) my friends and I spent almost every summer evening at Atl/Ful co. stadium watching the pitiful Braves play! Then came 1991 and Oh what a year! I even got a ticket to the first World Series game ever held in Atlanta and sat next to Whitey Ford and Joe Torre (and gave them directions to Aunt Fanny’s cabin for those who remember that restaurant) But after that season Braves tix prices kept increasing to where we could no longer afford to keep going that much… we would still go but it took planning and a check of our finances… yes, they did make a family zone but I like to enjoy a beer with my dog and not have to sit in the upper deck! Now, with the economy the way it is… I expect more bang for my buck and the Braves are not delivering that! They go out and play like they cannot wait to get home to their mansions and golf course in Sugarloaf (which we finance) So unless you are a season ticket holder, you too are a “fair-weather fan” If you are a season ticket holder then you should be more p** than I am about the state of the organization! So shut up!

By Canton(NOT O H I O)BravesFan

August 31, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Because the Braves Organization has kissed Glavine and Smoltz’ a* for too long. They were good in their day. Hell, we all get old. I love Bobby Cox…I want the MAN to sign my baseball! But, if they get rid of Escobar, Prado and Infante………I will forever hate the Braves. PLEASE trade Francoeur and Johnson. I know Frenchy is a HOMEBOY lol but he is not doing us any good. This has got to be as bad as in the 80s. Hell, I didn’t even care in the 80s. When I tuned into the SUPERSTATION, I wanted to see movies. LMAO I miss Ted. to all the ugly GOPers, have a great week lol

By gmk

August 31, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

t. rigel is right. Back in the day, the braves would groom from the farm system and go get a free agent for the playoff run (e.g., fred mcgriff). That farm system has been left depleted by short-term trades. Coupled with cost-reductions, the Braves are several YEARS away from being able to compete with the big-spending teams. It’s a very sad thing for me to see, but on the positive side, we’ll be able to see a few good games in Gwinnett next year!

By Flustered Fan

August 31, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

I agree about changing ownership. The Braves do NOT need to be owned by someone like Liberty Media. I’m still in shock that MLB actually approved that sale! LM does not care about the Braves. They will not spend any money to get the Braves back up to respectability. Bring in Arthur Blank to buy the team. Ok, now about all of those people who call people like me “fairweather fans.” I don’t watch the Braves a lot nowadays because it’s painful to watch a team who doesn’t care about looking like a bunch of girls playing slow pitch softball. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Braves and all, but I am not going to subject myself to pain and misery when they are on tv. I hope the attendance keeps declining at Turner Field. It kind of makes me feel better seeing all of those empty blue seats. Maybe that will send a message to this team that WE, their fans, are fed up with this losing and passionless playing. Also, I hope that the esteemed owners, Hitler Media, er, I mean Liberty Media gets the hint and puts the team on the block so a local owner or owners can come in and restore America’s Team.

By jacktheman

August 31, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

The problem I’ve got is the Braves did throw in the towel when they let Tex go because they didn’t go after pitching help which was the major problem. Everybody hates the Yankees but they try to win at all costs. I want the Braves to think like that. Ted Turner should buy this team back. Bobby is tired. I love the guy,but it is time to go.

By randyh

August 31, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

forget about bringing in sluggers and the three run bomb. do as schuerholz did in the beginning, bring in some infielders who can play solid defense,(bream, pendleton,belliard) and if they hit then its a plus. do what ever it takes to get at least 3 studs on the pitching staff, and let defense and pitching win for you once again. we all cried for more offense back in the day, but now we know for sure the name of the game is defense and pitching. noone on this team should be untouchable…..no…one..

By Mark Bradley

August 31, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

We’ll get to see how serious Liberty Media is about baseball this offseason. But I’m not sure even the Yankees could spend enough money in one winter to make the Braves a winner in 2009.

By jch

August 31, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

GREAT article.

Right on the button.

Make a list of the position players, 1-5 starting pitchers and a closer (forget relievers for now) and, based on the team as it stands today, put the name of who you think will start there on opening day ‘09. Now, put their offensive stats next to each.

Looks pretty sad doesn’t it?

I don’t think the traditional power positions of Diaz, Blanco,Franceour and Kochman will put fear in the eyes of any pitchers.

Our only true power potential is from McCann and Chipper.

McCann, as a catcher, can’t be relied on or expected to put up the numbers he has this year - although for the Braves ‘09 sake we hope he does.

Nor can we truly expect Chipper to continue to hit up to his career levels or play much more than 120 games or so.

So, this leaves us with a pretty rag-tag group. Defensively we’ll be pretty solid. Offensively; we’ll need to figure out how to manufacture runs which, in my opnion, the Bobby Cox of recent years hasn’t been very adept at doing.

As for starting pitching… Jurrjens is our ace; enough said.

Gonzo’s pretty good though!

By gayle

August 31, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

props to Bob Sacamano and Kenneth

It’s gratifying to see a local writer lay this team bare. Disgust with this team has been compounded by the local hacks mouthing the JS, BC and FW talking points.

It’s just a shame that this introspection wasn’t said years ago.

Sub .500 baseball for the last three years, no postseason series wins since 2001 and no World Series games victories since game 3 of the 1996 series (0-7).

How easily satisfied the team, the manager and the fans have been to accept this level of mediocraty.

In so many ways we have all become enablers constantly referring to the useless string of meaningless division titles, the Hall of Fame manager and the GM braintrust.

The hired guns coming in for the “cup of coffee”, Drew, Sheffield and Tex - they’re all gone along with the players and prospects given away for that quick shot of playoff caffeine.

The “senior circuit” rotation brought in for one last shot was a sad act of despiration. Even worse is any conversation of ANY of them coming back next year.

Well Braves fans, we’re all out of last shots. The cupboard has been stripped bare and now all those enablers will pay the price with a few years of 1980’s Braves baseball and I don’t mean 1982.

By braves=losers

August 31, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with Mark. Anyone catch the “game” today? Washington will give their all to put the Braves in the cellar. Isn’t taking much effort either. Hard decisions have to be made and carried through. No more Glavine & Smoltz. Time to cut Bobby and Terry loose. And while we’re at it, where in the world did this idiot announcer “Boog” come from? There is no team since we lost Texeria. We need players that want to play & win. Not these lack luster millionaires that don’t give a crap as long as they are paid. We need to rebuild, and pay the bucks it will take to do so. Wise up Wren! This is going to take a hell of a lot more than little pieces.

By WILIAM

August 31, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

WHO OR WHAT DID STOCKMAN UPSET, HE SHOUYLD HAVE BEEN IN ATLANTA ALL YEAR. I GET YHE FEELING PLAYER LIKE SALTY,EMBREE,MARQUIS, ETC. MUST HAVE TOLD BOBBY OFF, WHY ELSE DID THEY LEAVE IN A HURRY.

By Mr. Obvious

August 31, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

At least the BRAVES are not yet getting raped JAILHOUSE-STYLE every night like MIKE VICK is.

By Dozer

August 31, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

Bradley - about time someone in the Atlanta media told the emperor he had no clothes. This organization has mis-managed & scrimped their way into this situation for the last 5 years. Their incompetence is only matched by their arrogance. They built this year’s team on a bunch or injury-prone and aging players, and you all drank the koolaid from day 1. Can someone PLEASE tell me why the Braves are so bulletproof in this town?? One championship in 14 tries? Maybe that’s the way they should have been looking at it all along, instead of heaping endless praise on themselves for making it far enough to be disappointing year after year.

By Canton(NOT O H I O)BravesFan

August 31, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

I only PRAY that Frank Wren reads this blog!!!!! I know Bobby has said in the past he doesn’t read the “local” paper. Maybe you should, Bobby. You would find out how mad us Braves fans are!!!!!!

By Josh

August 31, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

Dunn and Burrell are definitely worth $15MM/year, for a few more seasons at least. They are liabilities on defense but both make up for it with superb On base & Slugging percentages. I’d like to see Dunn brought in; as he ages he could possibly move to 1st.

A contingency plan needs to be brought in for RF. Or if the right player presents himself replace Francouer before 2009 begins. The Braves can’t suffer another season with a sub .800 OPS from RF

I think competing next year is possible but I don’t envy the task of making it happen. It’s a long road ahead.

By Braves-fan-in-Columbus

August 31, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Having been a Braves fan for a long time, I hate to see how so many have just abandoned ship. Go back and look. Just a little over a month ago the Braves were only 6 games back. They were fighting until some bad news hit them again.

The number one issue with the Braves is the general manager. Players who could be contributing today were traded away in hopes of winning at the moment. And now there is nothing to show other than maybe a couple of players. Draft and build through the farm. Get some frontline starters for the rotation and hope that LIberty Media sells the team to someone who wants to build a winner in Atlanta.

By Kenneth

August 31, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

I agree with the person who said the downfall of the braves begin when they traded or should I say gave away Dave Justice and Grissom to rent Kenny Lofton for on year. That deal was rigged. Cleveland had already worked out with Lofton to agree with the trade and seem happy about it and they could get Justice and the very next year he could come back to Cleveland and that is exactly what happened. Cleveland had alreay stuck the braves with Lyn Barker and that should have thrown up a red flag. The trades since have all been downhill with the braves getting the worse end of all deals.

By Ron Roberts

August 31, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

This is the same Mark Bradley who predicted the team’s playoff run before the season, and even in the throes of the early summer swoon.

Now the franchise is in shambles.

By Philliesuk

August 31, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Mark, I agree with you that free agents won’t save this team. However, I think that until the ownership adopts the mindset that signing big-name free agents is essential to building a winner, we will flirt with mediocrity.

I do acknowledge that free agents are not the only answer. In order for the Braves to build a winner, they need to understand that some current players (Kelly Johnson, Matt Diaz) are not going to take us to the top.

By jeff

August 31, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

I love the Excuses and the cover up by our wonderful GM… Please this team is in shambles,and the organization is going down the tubes.. With Frank Wren at the Helm the Atlanta Braves will be at the bottom.. He is an awful GM and needs to be fired.. the ownership needs to start caring about this ball team,and step 1 is firing frank Wren and asking bobby cox to retire. The Organization Needs New Faces and a new direction..

By Philip Covin

August 31, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Let’s look at the positive side. Two of our current starters have stepped forward out of nowhere to become great starting pitchers - Jair Jurrjens and Jorge Campillo. Both of these guys are fantastic. Jair is still learning how to pitch in the bigs, but in his 2nd season he is really proving himself. Campillo started off the season as a reliever, but has stepped up to become a quality starter. Now if we get Smoltz and Hampton back next season, there’s 4 quality starters. I’m not sure that Glavine will be re-signed, but it depends on how much money he’s willing to play for. I’d love to have him back, but I think it will have to be for less than the $8 mil he gets this year, and I hope he loves the game enough that he’ll take less. Anyway, I think between he, Reyes, James, and Morton, we’ll have our 5th starter. What we need in the pitching dept is a set-up man for Soriano and/or Gonzalez. Ohman has shown promise and so has Carlyle, but we may need to sign another reliever. Now for the hitting, I’d love to get Willie Harris back. How long is his contract with DC? Man, he killed us this weekend. Hopefully, Diaz will be back in the line-up, and Frenchy will take a long vacation over the winter and stop trying so hard. Maybe get his eyes checked too - seriously. I do think we need to sign another proven outfielder. Maybe Anderson will be the one next year, but we’ll see how he does in September. I’m hopeful about Prado at first (he’s hitting .349 right now if you didn’t know) but it’s too early to tell. Let’s see how he does in September too. And then there’s Kelly Johnson. I like the guy, but he’s hitting .263. If he can finish above .275, then he’s worth keeping. Escobar is not having as good of a season as last year, but I definitely want him back. I don’t need to say anything about McCann (let’s make him another career Brave), but we need another back-up catcher. Sammons and Corky need to hit better than .157 and .093 respectively.

If we do all this, I think we will have a great team next year. And no, dangit, Bobby doesn’t need to go.

By Dave in Arizona

August 31, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

The first nail in the Braves’ coffin was Leyritz’ home run off Wohlers. They were never the same scrappy bunch after that.

The worst trade was JS moving Boone and Klesko for Quilvio Veras, Joyner, and Sanders after our last WS appearance. The “Curse of Quilvio” took that WS edge away. The bad trades have kept on coming since then. Whoever said JS was to blame for a lot of this was right.

These people hollering “fair weather” are enablers. Some of us have been unhappy for a long time, and said so on various boards. We were met with nasty insults and charges of not being the right kind of fan, which is to them, homers, enablers, and polyannas. The Braves already have enough of those type of fans. People pay big bucks to see this slop. I have the MLB package. That means I’ll complain about the shape of the team and not put my hand in the sand.

The Braves used to play like dogs in post-season, winning all those worthless division titles in a watered down league. Everybody outside Atlanta thinks that’s a Buffalo Bills type joke and means nothing. They will be remembered as losers and chokers. There was nothing lovable about the way the team lost all those years.

As for what to do, get some players who hustle and keep them. We need guys with work ethics and attitude, players like Mark Lemke. Get some Eckstine’s and Counsell’s for us. Guys who can hit and run, bunt, steal…the basics. Get some coaches who can teach and strategize.

But Cox, McDowell, and Pendleton need to go. They didn’t build this pile of garbage, but they can’t navigate it, either. Cox’s decision making has always been brutal. This is a shameful team right now, as bad as any I remember in 40 years of being a fan.

By WhereisHarryCarry'sHONESTY?

August 31, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

we suck— why don’t the announcers call it like it is… WE SUCK!!!!!!!!!1

By Brian

August 31, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Bradley- You give off negative energy. It’s the furthest thing from positive critisism. Are you just rubbing it in or do you relly beleive this team is doomed for years to come because of this year? A smart man NEVER bets on baseball! Obviously, you don’t know that.

By Hillbilly Deluxe

August 31, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

If the Braves have a 4 or 5 game win streak (granted that’s unlikely), MB will being saying they’ve turned the corner.

By Mark Bradley

August 31, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

The Leyritz homer indeed changed the course not just of the Braves but of baseball in the ’90s. Had the Braves won the 1996 World Series, they’d have been hailed as the greatest team of the post-free-agency era. (Heck, I was calling them that after they won Game 2 in Yankee Stadium. Whoops.) And if the Braves had beaten the Yankees in 1996, the Yankees might never have become the Yankees as we came to know them.

As Chipper Jones once said to me, “I was talking to my dad, and he said, ‘Jim Leyritz stole the Team of the ’90s from you.’ “

By Marc

August 31, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

It’s one thing to knock the Braves for what the organization has become today. They deserve it. But I’m tired of the moronic “fans” complaining about a team that won 14 straight “meaningless” division titles. No one else in baseball thinks those are meaningless; ask the Toronto Blue Jays if they wouldn’t like some of those “meaningless” division titles. This idea that if you don’t win the world series you are losers is so stupid that only a Mets fan or an AJC blogger could seriously belive it. I’m tired of these nitwits who wouldn’t know the right way to put on a jock strap complaining about how the Braves are losers because they won “only” one World Series. Guess what—it’s not easy to win the World Series and a lot of it comes down to luck, sorry to say.

By P

August 31, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Until the braves are willing to spend some money on pitching and a few hitters then they will be this way every year they need another power hitter and a couple of good arms in the bullpen and another great starter then mybe we can contend.

By ben

August 31, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Bradley is right on the mark. Although this team was done months ago.

By mark

August 31, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

It really is a huge mess…I mean just seems its beeen going downhill since Ted lost the Team Whoever the owners are now They show no care..Rich People suck…I mean the Braves import players from mexico just to get cheap help..where do they get the info on all this junk, Stop it leave all the junk in mexico before you know it the Braves will be getting chinese players for no money…its a messBobby Why do you do this to yourself..let go give a new breed a chance..

By One Man's View

August 31, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Braves fans and beat writers have been in denial for several yrs now. If anything the Braves overachieved the last couple of yrs (not this one). They have had a steady talent drain the last few yrs. Beyond Chipper (the hurt one) and Smoltz who the heck have the Braves had they could remotely depend upon?

I do blame the Braves mgt. They too have lived in fantasy land. They have stayed with players who were either washed up or had no talent. And I include Bobby Cox. Also, right now the Braves can not or will not play fundamental baseball. That is coaching. If anyone predicts a higher than 4th place div finish next, they will have been self-labled as an idiot.

By gayle

August 31, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

props to Dozer the emperor has been without clothes for some time.

I agree with Dave in Arizona. If the Braves win game 4 in ‘96, they go up 3-1 in the Series and likely win 2 in a row. They’re 0-6 in World Series game since that night.

All you Cox lovers, how does winning one Championship in 14 tries, many of those runs with 3 bona fide Hall of Famers in your rotation make you a good manager? He should have been booted after getting swept in the Series in 1999.

Forget the wish list of free agents. Change for this organization must start at the top. New players with same management is rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.

And all those waxing about Sabbathia, Sheets, Dunn, Burrell and the like - if the money is the same here as elsewhere, who would want to come to this team?

And lay off MB. When the news is this bad, it is always easy to blame the messenger.

By Chuck Uga

August 31, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

THE BRAVES ARE DEAD, AND SCHUERHOLZ IS RETIRING SOON THANK GOD. COX BETTER RETIRE BEFORE BEING FIRED FOR NOT CARING ANYMORE. WREN MUST NOT BE VERY SMART AS NOTED BY THE LACK OF TALENT. GUESSING THE NEW OWNERSHIP HAS SLASHED THE BUDGET, AND THE FARM PROGRAM HAS COLLAPSED AS WELL. NO PROBLEM LIBERTY MEDIA, YOU WON’T SEE A DIME FROM ME ANYTIME SOON. MAY BE 4-5 YEARS BEFORE I SET FOOT BACK IN THE TED. I’LL SPEND MY MONEY ELSEWHERE.

By Skinner Raw

August 31, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox needs to retire gracefully, and then write a back titled “When to Say When” (Which would be all lies). The only way he can save face and the Braves..

By Mitchell

August 31, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

It just doesn’t seem fair that this has all come to an end and only one World Series. I’ve been thinking about that now more than any reasonable person should. The last couple days especially, my mind returns to those singular moments in time when everything that could have been, wasn’t.

And yet, the pieces we have may not be valuable as they are, but I could easily see a Martin Prado or Omar Infante going to a contending team and making a huge impact.

I’d say that all the setbacks and injuries we’ve incurred this year would be the baseball gods restoring balance to the game after our years of success, dominance and in Mr. Bradley’s words, luster, but I’d really believe it if we had accomplished all that we were capable of.

One of many solutions this team needs would be an immediate one. The powers that be need to stop acting like this is a proud franchise, that we in any way resemble our former selves.

Acknowledge the problems, get somebody who actually is not afraid to say things that will get under people’s skin.

I can’t condone anything that John Rocker said in his infamous Sports Illustrated article but he was at least someone who said what was on his mind even if it was unpopular. It’s like they’re all museum pieces who are not to be disturbed.

It is sad to think that Ozzie Guienn(?) has as many World Series championships as Bobby Cox, and not to suggest that he is half the manager Bobby (was) is, there is something to be said for calling your players out when they don’t get the job done. There’s nothing wrong with saying your team sucks when, in fact, your team does suck or is sucking. It may be counter-productive at times but I think we all are getting tired of Bobby never saying a bad word about anybody, whitewashing every error or mistake. It really seems like he/they don’t care anymore.

Call is, the fans, out for not showing up, not filling the stadium in the playoffs, not making any noise. See what happens. It worked for David Justice.

Frank Wren need not pretend that there is anything left to restore. Nothing is sacred. Don’t even bother having a farewell party for any of these guys. Tom Glavine is not coming back, John Smoltz is done, Terry Pendleton should be fired immediately. Bobby Cox should want to retire at this point anyway.

There are plenty of teams and franchises in baseball and in every sport who have a winning tradition. Often those teams go through losing seasons and then get back to where they were. The Braves will never again achieve the kind of sustained excellence they once had and no one should think they will be equipped to contend for anything next year, but we also can simply not accept failure for any extended period of time.

Maybe it would require money that we don’t have but it will absolutely demand that we move forward immediately and stop thinking that anybody’s job is safe.

Reset.

By NO MORE BOBBY

August 31, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

You start by getting rid of the head of this foundation - BOBBY COX!!!

His time is up and it kills me how people continue to side with this guy. But never is it “we think we can win with Bobby”, instead its crap like the players love him and everyone that works at the stadium love to see him”. Let him retire and then those people can go feel happy seeing Mr. Cox at a card signing or whatever. The game has changed and he is still stuck in his 90’s version of baseball.

2009 is going to be the same thing. We might not finish 20 games out but we won’t make the playoffs under Cox. We need a manager to bring back a swagger to the players instead of this old man lazy ball the Braves have now. Look at Kotsay!! Watching him on the ESPN clips shows he has a winning swagger I never really saw from him here. Why is that? BECAUSE HE IS PLAYING UNDER A MANAGER THAT IS A WINNER AND GETS THE BEST OUT OF HIS PLAYERS. Cox can’t do that anymore.

So get ready for another playoff-less season next year under Cox and pray that Wren doenst offer another extension in flippin May again like he did this year.

By bernie

August 31, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

The Braves management must be on dope to think they can get some quality players in the off season. They aren’t and won’t spend the money to get players and if they got them they would trade them away. We need Shurholtz, Wren and Cox to go. The old players like Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton, doesn’t need to be resigned and they sure need to get rid of James forever.

By Kaye

August 31, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Bull, I dont buy it. You get some good players and pithers. Look around baseball, not every player commands a salary of 15 million or above. The braves under Time Warner just didnt fit in the baseball arena. For Wren to add Tom Glavine was just outright wrong. I said it in the offseason, you dont add a 42 year old braves wanta be to a 42 year old shoulder problem and a pitcher whos been out for 3 years. That was asking for it and they got it.

The problem is that Wren and yes JS has traded away our talent for one year rentals. Tex was not going to help and we knew he could not be resigned being a Scott Boras superhero. Only problem was he was a quarter year player who wants millions that hes not worth. The people who would have helped they decided there was no money for.

This has been a joke for the last several years and its all because of huge contracts of John Smolz, Chipper Jones, Mike Hampton and Mr Ego. This was a ego trip for then entire braves club this year that backfired on the braves and its sick. Other teams do it with less and we can too. No player wants to sign and thats a fact. The braves have turned into the joke of the town and I for one have given up my season tickets. Never again. Im sick of being a fan to a team whos owners simply do not care.

By roja

August 31, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a Braves fan since their Milwaukee days and have followed them in print and on the web as well as in person.

After reading Terence Moore and Mark Bradley along with other so-called sports “writers” on the AJC staff, I see Dave O’Brien as the only cornerstone of a mediocre newspaper sports staff with little hope of improving.

By Eleth Arthur

August 31, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Mark, Your pessimism is epic. This team is not that bad, just injury ridden.

Next Year, if we get Smoltz or Glavine back we have a great start. We could also get Diaz, The real Frenchy, who while not the Murphy heir apparent whom he was made out to be, is also still a young guy with the very reachable potential to be a real nice player, soon. Kelly’s hitting picks up if the team around him does. Obviously Mac is Talented-and living up to that. We have JJ, and Gonzo. We will get back Soriano and Moylan. Kotchman may turn out to be great. Schafer has been great the last few weeks. Josh should have been up all year. He’s a great pickup.

Lose the pessimism. This is our hometown team, and frankly i’m not interested in seeing only the bad. This is still a very young team. Cut them some slack and give them a chance.

By Tomas

August 31, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Mark you make some good points, but I have to disagree in some of your opinions. Jordan Schafer did start slow, but he has gotten hot and after the allstar game he is hitting 302 with 6hr and 26RBI, 45hits, and 43SO. They also have top prospect Jayson Heyward, who is still on good pace, Julio Tejeran who has a lot of potential for a 17 yr old pitcher, might get to the big leagues by age 20 if he doesn’t suffer an injury, Thomas Hanson just had a great minor league season, and seems to have a bright future. Marek also could be a good fit in the bulpen as a setup guy some time in the next couple of years. Gorky’s Hernandez made the futures team. Kotchman has just played 20 games since comming from the angels, and has struggled, but that is not a reason to think he will still stink, don’t give up on him because he just had one bad month. Prado has played so well, Kelly can be traded, and I could leave with Lillibridge at short, he runs well but a low average, but his defense is outstanding, and if they can get a power bat to play the outfield like Aubrey Huff, Matt Holliday, or Carlos Lee. Remember all those division titles, their shorstops couldn’t hit a beach ball until Furcal appeared. Raphael Belliard, Ozzie Guillen, Walt Weiss. Lillibridge can play defense, and really that’s the most important thing for a shorstop. Franceour will bounce back, have some faith. But they can’t depend on Smoltz, Hudson, or Glavine next season, they need to sign Aj Burnett, or Ryan Dempster, and a reliever or two like Juan Cruz and Jeremy Affeldt. If they sign Derek Lowe, or Jon Garland, Wren would officialy be mongolic. I also hope they resign Hampton if he stays healthy for the rest of this season, and can accept a low payed contract. The Braves have a lot of young players in the majors, but they just suffered too much injuries. Mark this team really stinks right now, and as you I thought they would at least get to the playoff or finish in third plays behind the phillies and mets.

Aj Burnett or Ryan Dempster, Jair Jurrjens, Mike Hampton, Jorge Campillo, Charlie Morton, that’s a respectful pitching rotation. Peter Moylan, Mike Gonzalez, Rafael Soriano, Juan Cruz, Jeremy Affeldt, Manny Acosta, Will Ohman, Manny Acosta, and Blaine Boyer, that is a respectful bulpen if not a great bulpen. Anderson/Blanco, Prado, Chipper, Huff, McCann, Franceour, Kotchman, Lillibridge, this lineup could be great if Huff repeats the same season he is having now, and Franceour can bounce back, but even if he doesn’t I still think this lineup would be great. Campillo would be my biggest concern because of his reasons struggles, I hope it’s just because of pitching so many innings for the first time in the big leagues. So if they sign one starting pitcher it still might be a weak spot.

By Brian

August 31, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

Gayle- YOU’RE AN IDIOT!! SHUT THE HELL UP!!!! The Braves don’t necessarily have to sign FA anyway. Our minors are really good and we have few pieces we could move to get an ace, if that’s the way Wren decides to go. Lowe would be a good signing with Burrell. I trust Wren and I have no reason not to. He’s already given us Jurrjens,Infante,Ohman,Hernandez. If anyones to blame it’s JS, but it will get fixed. Quit trying to act like you know everything!!

By JMP

August 31, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

It is unbelievable they were so successful for so long. But that Lofton trade really hurt.

By Bo

August 31, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

Thanks Mark for having the balls to tell the truth. Every thing you said is correct and some of us have been preaching it for months. Now start the rebuilding with a new MGR.* Fire Bobby Cox and TP.* Bobby has had his glory days and its time for him to hang it up. Frenchy’s a@@ also needs to go!!!

By gayle

August 31, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

Brian - sometimes the truth hurts and defaming me does not in any way diminish the strength of my argument. Loudest is not necessarily smartest.

And no, I will not cease to contribute to this blog, no matter how impolite and rude you feel compelled to be.

By roja

August 31, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

Name one “talent” that is starring somewhere else that we traded away. Salty? Yea, batting .250. We could use another .250 hitter. We’ve got a roster full of .250 hitters. We’ve got a Bullpen that can’t protect a 4 run lead against the worst team in the NL. Game, after game, after game this year we have scored more runs than the starter gave up only to see Boyer, Bennett, Carlyle et al come in and throw homerun derby style batting practice to the opponent. And how does Bobby reward them? Next day he does the same thing - get a lead or a tie and them send in the clowns.

We haven’t had a closer since Smoltz closed for us. We haven’t had a long reliever in 8 years.

And of course, we haven’t had a pinch hitter in 12 years and we fiddle fart around with the likes of Corky, Orr, Woodward - guys who souldn’t get to the third week of Spring Training with the KC Royals or Pirates.

We ship off Aybar and he is filing in brilliantly in Tampa. We’ll probably be too chicken $h*t to keep him around.

We have a good team from a position player perspective. If we are re-building, play Anderson and Schaffer the reat of the year. Bring up some AA and A pitchers, give Corky, Bennett, Boyer, Tavares, even Sorryano, Carlyle, Dessens and the rest of the bullcrap pen the heave ho now just in case someone is foolish enough to pick them up.

And give Bobby the option to retire gracefully after the season or be fired very publicly.

By Mitch

August 31, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

This might sound radical, and I know we need a “gate attraction”, for whatever fans are left, but, if we have hit “Rock bottom”, and all we are looking at is another 90 loss season in 2009, maybe we should ask Chipper if he would accept a trade, while he still has some value.

Yes, he’s hurt a lot, but, we might be able to trade him to an AL team for a decent starting pitcher, and a position player. We would then have Jair, Campillo, whatever starting pitcher we can get for Chipper, and if we can re sign him when he gets back, Hudson. Our pitching foundation would be okay. We have Mccann and Frenchy locked up as our power hitters.

Bobby waited way too long to trade Dale Murphy, to the point where we got nothing for him. At this point, if we can get anyone to take Chipper, we would have little to lose, and everything to gain.

Our rotation besides Jair is a mess. Smoltz and Glavine may be done. Hudson is gone til next August, and then may leave anyway, and who knows what will be with Hampton.

I would take a chance, and talk to Chipper about a trade. I know hes a 10 and 5 guy, but maybe this can be done.

Mitch

By kirknga

August 31, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

No one knows how the Braves young players will play next year. This time last year it was” all hail Francouer”, and “what happen to McCann?”

This year it’s been the opposite. People say they don’t “see a team”, well I would beg to differ. I would say the Braves are set at catcher, 1st, SS, and 3rd, 4-5 starter, closer..two of them,three right-handed late-inning guys, speedy utility players, a versatile bench with not much power. Correct me if I’m wrong, but teams that are “years away” aren’t set at as many positions as are the Braves.

Some would argue the Braves are set at 2nd and in RF as well. I could see either player traded or back in the lineup next season. I see JF moreso than KF.

So I see adding to front-line starters. Either Glavine or Hampton , or both will be back because their economics will look very favorable compared to the pitching market..The Braves need to resign Ohman. Ohman will be our bellwether, if the Braves are serious, they pay to keep him.

So I see it as the addition of 4-5 players, not all have to be superstars, but steady. Starting with starters first so the pen isn’t shot by July.

There is talent here, add some pop, and the confidence that that day’s starter isn’t going to give you a chance to win and Cox has proven that he can win

It will not take years, but an offseason. Liberty Media cannot afford to lose return on their investment with a sorry team that generates less revenue than when it was purchased.

By joebrave

August 31, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

Well,let me start with Clyde,Why don’t You log your lips on my rosy red cheeks and Kiss My @ss!!!! You want substance,here is some substance. How about Liberty Media holding up the People of Atlanta,and pickpocketing every paying working stiff that walks thru the gates at Turner Field. Liars….Don’t believe anything this corporate entity has to say until proven otherwise. As for this Rag Sheet of a newspaper,lemme see,Oh how about an unconstituted Man crush on a convicted Felon,Mike Vick is a criminal in a federal penitentaryand the Worthless sonofabitch still makes headlines where???] Jeff Francouer,No where else but in the minds of this turd swiper is this JOKE a Superstar except maybe Gwinnett that is… and Finally,Mark Bradley,Terrence Moron,and Jeff Schlitz always pondhopping off of each other laps if ya know what I mean,to pounce on D.O.B’s,or Steve Wyche’s coattails…. You wanted substance,Liberty stand up and Don’t Ruin a Jewel in the Crown of Major League Baseball,for godsakes do not re-sign Smoltz,Glavine,or Hampton. And trade that Hardheaded wannabe ball player Francouer!!Show some Nads…. Don’t just do Something SIT THERE!!!! there is Your substance. Now You Clyde can remove Your Lips from My @SS!!!!

By Karl

August 31, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

Trade Chipper? Even if you could get Sandy Koufax for him, we’d then lose a lot of 1-0 games.

I don’t think the organization is even looking at 2009 as a contending season. They’ll try to throw a competitive team out there, but not a serious contender. If we were even close, they’d have to consider signing Bonds, and that ain’t happening. Nope, next year is going to be another 2005 rookie camp and they’ll keep Chipper around to help fill seats. Right now we don’t have one championship level outfielder. Not in the big leagues and not in the minors, either. Schaeffer is merely the second coming of Kotsay - solid but never going to be an all star.

By jj

August 31, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

kirknga: you believe that crap? What you been smoking?

By Miserable Braves Fan

August 31, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

You are right Mark. It may take 10 or 15 years before the Braves are competitive again. I am so glad that TBS quit broadcasting the Braves games. The Braves are so horrible that I am glad that I can’t watch them out here in Colorado.

By joebrave

August 31, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

I used to have an anal minded mechanic named Clyde that tuned up my Automobiles,Clyde is that You????? Probably not,You sir sound like the kind of hypocritical Idiot that would do something stupid,like say vote for a closet Muslim,and a Coward to boot!!!!

By Clyde

August 31, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

Hey joebrave,

You haven’t used a comma correctly yet. Learn to write before posting. That way you won’t look quite as stupid, even though you’ve yet to say anything of substance. Can you say, LOSER?

By richbrave

August 31, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

I agree MARK BRADLEY, years.

The magic question is…. tada….does LIBERTY MEDIA have the will and the coin for this franchise to rebound.?

If they won’t start by resigning both OHMAN and GONZALEZ fans will have the answer.

Then it will be up to the next ownership entity to begin the rebuilding process and the measurement becomes decades not years.

By Brian

August 31, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

Gayle- I’m not a rude person, I’m just a very frustrated fan that sees that when it comes to baseball, nothing is impossible like you make it out to be. We just disagree, that’s all. KEEP BLOGGIN’!!

By Cooper

September 1, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

The key to turning it around is Wren understanding he needs to gut this fish.

His quotes in this piece are either PR bs or delusional.

Wren will either be a hero a goat this winter, period. If he believes the bs he is shoveling then he will be fired Oct 1, 2009 bank on it.

Liberty may not intend to spend 150mm a year on the Braves but they don’t want to get stuck with a non performing asset they cannot unload in a few years.

Liberty is a 3yr and out owner and they are not stupid. If anyone in the Braves FO puts this team on a path to declining asset value they will be fired on the spot.

Unlike the tax shelter idiots at AOL/TW John Malone & Liberty actually like to turn a profit and grow revenues.

Malone is more like Ted Turner than any of the androids from TW. He is competitive and knows you have to invest to succeed in business.

If Wren and company under invest to due to misguided beliefs they are sitting on a gold mine of minor league talent then they will find themselves working in the Mexican League next winter.

Earth to Wren you have zero job security and JS doesn’t not have your back.

By Phil

September 1, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

So this year was a bad year, a very bad year but in no way is this team “years” away. You have to keep in mind that most of what happened this year was due to injuries and some guys having off years. There’s a very remote chance this kind of bad karma happens again to the Braves in the next 20 years.

When I look around the organization I do see plenty of talent to work with. Tommy Hansen looks like he could be a frontline starter very soon. Pair him with JJ and you could have 2 very good young SPs. I still think Colt Morton can be a solid #3 or #4 starter in the future, he’s shown some flashes this season. Campillo has shown he can pitch in the majors though he probably isnt going to be as good as he was in the 1st half ever again. Hopefully Hudson will be back healthy next August, the Braves re-sign him and he picks up where he left off. The Braves will have some money to spend this off-season or next to add another veteran SP or 2. I’m optimisitic they’ll find at least 1 quality starter to add to the rotation.

As for the everyday players, we just HAVE to upgrade in the OF. Catcher is set with McCann. I believe Kotchman will be a fine 1B (a guy who can hit .280-.300 with around 15-20 homers). If he doesnt we have several quality 1B prospects including Freeman down in the minors. At 2nd you have a whole range of options (Prado, Kelly Johnson, Omar Infante). While none of these will be stars, they’re quality starters. We’re set at SS with Escobar and Chipper still has at least 2 more years in him though he’ll miss 30-40 games each year.

The OF is just too weak, we’ve got to find a power hitting LF and/or RF. I can live with our options in CF (I think Schaefer will be a very good CF very soon and Anderson/Blanco can keep the spot warm until then). I’d like to see some more of Brandon Jones though i dont think he’s the answer at either spot. I’m sick of seeing Francouer this year and don’t have much hope he can rebound. Heyward might be ready in 2010 though so you can just try to get 1 very good power hitting OFer and a guy who can bridge the gap until Heyward is here.

I dont see the Braves winning a pennant next year but they are definitely not years away. Next year they’ll be picking in the top 5 in the draft so they should get plenty more pieces to work with including a stud to eventually replace Chipper.

By alan from Atlanta GA.

September 1, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this

Well Mark bradley finally said what needed to be said. There is no Braves minor league organization. They traded away the best and we’re left with Jordan Schaffer, who was suspended 50 games, and strikes out often. Mmm, he should fit in fine with Francour and Johnson. Frank Wrenn will probably be here forever. Isn’t it about time for new blood to move in. Maybe Bobby Cox, TP and definately McDowell should also leave. We traded for Texeira last year and gave up 5 players. Traded Teixira and what do we get, a Crotchman who will probably never play for the Braves. What fans need to do is BOYCOTT THE BRAVES. Don’t tell me we have to support them as fans. What are the Braves giving us THE FANS for our money and loyalty. They don;t deserve it anylonger.

By jerry

September 1, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this

Forget about the Braves signing CC and/or Sheets. CC will get 20 mil per year and Sheets will get in the mid teens. That’s 30+ mil for two players, and you still have no power in the line up.

By BravesAC

September 1, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this

The Braves hitting future is solid with Heyward, Freeman, Cody Johnson, Travis Jones, and others in the Class A pipeline. We’ll have to wait for them. It’s pitching prospects where the Braves are total busts. Hanson and Rohrbaugh are “finds” but high draft picks, where you expect results, were spent, and continue to be spent, on “projectable” high school pitchers like Rasmus, Evarts, Rodgers, and Locke…almost complete busts with mostly injuries in their Braves’ pitching resumes. If the Braves spend what will be a top 8 pick in the 2009 June draft on another high school pitcher, the front office should be cleaned out for Tampa’s front office.

By Paddy

September 1, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this

Bob Saco.. you have no clue

By CharlieAlphaBravo

September 1, 2008 2:52 AM | Link to this

Calm down Chicken Little. Let’s not forget that early this season, many of the game’s best analysts (Peter Gammons and Ken Rosenthal for example) were picking the Braves to win it all. Any team that sustains the amount of injuries to key players that the Braves have would be struggling as well. No “foundation” you say? That’s ludicrous. It’s sad that someone who knows so little about this team is published on a regular basis. How about McCann, Jones, Escobar, Infante, Prado, Jurrjens, Blanco, Campillo, Gonzales, Ohman (perhaps), Morton, Norton and Carlyle? All of these guys have had solid seasons individually and all are relative bargains, with the exception of Ohman. Moylan will be back next season, and Hudson could return by August ‘09. Johnson, Francoeur, Soriano and Acosta have had off years, but a couple of them are bound to return to some shade of their former glory. Perhaps even Smoltz, Glavine or Hampton could produce next year. Add to all of that the $30-50 million that’s expected to be spent in the offseason (expiring contracts and a heavily rumored payroll increase) whether by free agency or on contracts acquired through trade, and all of the sudden we are looking pretty formidable again. Don’t be surprised when we’re making a run at the pennant a year from now. I’ll try not to say “I told you so.”

By Drexel Gal

September 1, 2008 3:10 AM | Link to this

I am old enough to have seen this situation before. In the mid-1960s, Dan Topping and Del Webb let the Yankees deteriorate because they knew they were going to sell them (to CBS, as it turned out). The team had been powerful for nineteen years, and it would be another decade before they would win again. Likewise, Time-Warner let the Braves fall into disarray —- and John Schuerholz stepped down form day-to-day operations, just as the Yankees’ george Weiss did in the early 1960s —- in the knowledge that the team would be sold. To a lesser extent, the same thing happened when the estate of Edward Bennett Williams sold the Orioles. That franchise still hasn’t recoverd from three ownerships since. This is the nature of the beast. The Braves had a great run, after decades of squalor. You should have enjoyed while it was there.

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 1, 2008 4:04 AM | Link to this

I’m not old enough to clearly remember the last time the Braves sucked this bad and appeared this hopeless, but it just further illustrates how in every sport, the smartest way to build a team is through the draft. You can’t swing some idiotic trade like the Tex trade last year and not suffer the consequences later, especially if such a trade doesn’t make you an instant championship contender. Hopefully some of the young players the Braves drafted last year and this year, like Jason Heyward for example, can become the stars that players like Francoeur were supposed to be. But regardless, what Bradley says is right — the Braves need to quit hanging on to their past (by paying big money to players like Smoltz, Glavine, and perhaps even Chipper) and start building through the draft for a better future.

By rk

September 1, 2008 4:41 AM | Link to this

$175 MILLION PAYROLL. PERIOD. Liberty, put your money where your mouth is. Lets get back. Not that you CARE about the Braves. Lets put it in YOUR context: bigger return on investment when you sell a winner than a loser….

ART BLANK: WE HAVE NO DOG TORTURERS. PLEASE COME WITH YOUR WHITE HORSE AND RESCUE US.

By This Gets Old

September 1, 2008 5:30 AM | Link to this

It makes no sense for Liberty to put extra money into the Braves. This team solved a tax issue for them.

What would they tell people who hold Liberty stock in their portfolio’s about trying to make the Braves a better team? All the stock holders could give a flying cows rip whether or not the Braves win a pennant.

The Braves used to have a lot more scouts. AOL sewed that and this team is what we reap. If you made a concerted effort, fully funded to repair the minors it would still take a minimum of three more years until we could even begin to talk about a good Braves team. Can’t live on pie in the sky dreams. It only frustrates you more. This is how our team will be for a while.

By baby brave

September 1, 2008 6:23 AM | Link to this

Thank you Terry McGuirk for being a man, and being up front and handling this season’s problem like a great leader that you are. I am surprised that I read about Frank Wren and you are not around. What happened? Are the checks from Liberty still coming in?

By Arthur

September 1, 2008 7:21 AM | Link to this

Wren: “It’s too early to talk to John and Tommy [about possible new contracts] until we get into the offseason and we have more information. There’s no sense talking about it now.”

The above statement says it all. The Braves (Wren) are living in the past. With the multitude of ‘due respects’ John and Tom are has beens. I do appreciate what they “DID”. THAT is it “DID”. We need to move on, get new people. I like Mr. Cox , he is great, but time may have passed him by.

Arthur

By joebrave

September 1, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this

My partner and I just got Back from the Burning Man, festival so I missed this Weekend’s games. The festival was fabulous by the way. We want to add some lycra drapes to our rumpus room because he says they’d really spice up the decor and add to our buddy Time. That’s important expecially, now that, the Braves totally are on a girly path and won’t be any Fun too watch for next year. I sure miss Javy.

By Scott from Fairburn

September 1, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

Pick up a copy of John Schuerholz’s Built to Win. Available on Ebay for $.99.

By MrDan

September 1, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this

I rarely agree with anything sports commentators and journalists spew out, but Bradley you’re spot-on in this assessment. New management and someone who has a keen eye for young talent througout the minor leagues and even high schools is what it will take for this organization. And you’re right, it’s going to take years.

By Firetheoldfool

September 1, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

Chief Nokahoma. Your 6:59 PM post last night says it all. When are these goofballs at the AJC finally going to write about the biggest problem the Braves have had the last 3 years. Of course its Bobby Cox. Any other team would have made him retire or fired him by now!!!!!

By MACMARINE

September 1, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

Good article! The BRAVES are so bad that they are not only losing fans at the park, they are losing them from in front of the TV. They do not give you a reason to want to watch. SOLUTION: GET RID OF BOBBY COX AND GET LIBERTY TO SELL TO MR BLANK!!! BC is to blame for so many one run losses. PLEASE LEAVE BOBBY AND GO TO YOUR FARM AND RIDE YOUR TRACTOR!!! I HAVE ADVOCATED THE DISMISSAL OF MR COX FOR MANY YEARS, WITH MOST ANY OTHER MANAGER THE BRAVES WOULD HAVE WON MORE SERIES GAMES!!

By MACMARINE

September 1, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

Good article! The BRAVES are so bad that they are not only losing fans at the park, they are losing them from in front of the TV. They do not give you a reason to want to watch. SOLUTION: GET RID OF BOBBY COX AND GET LIBERTY TO SELL TO MR BLANK!!! BC is to blame for so many one run losses. PLEASE LEAVE BOBBY AND GO TO YOUR FARM AND RIDE YOUR TRACTOR!!! I HAVE ADVOCATED THE DISMISSAL OF MR COX FOR MANY YEARS, WITH MOST ANY OTHER MANAGER THE BRAVES WOULD HAVE WON MORE SERIES GAMES!!

By ElecTech

September 1, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

Scott from Fairburn, why would you recommend that book? I’m a Braves fan but that was one of the worst books I’ve ever read. JS comes across as a pompous a$$ in his own book. Get Leo’s book instead. Much more insight about baseball.

By ODB

September 1, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

Golly. Gee. Wow! These Braves are the bestest! How about that Hoss! Wow! The Braves are just the bestest! I must text Frank and see what he thinks.

By BravesFan34

September 1, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this

Nobody coule have predicted the season that the Braves were going to have. Chipper was having a career year before injuries have taken over. Plain and simple, injuries have KILLED the braves this year, and with money to spend this offseason, they should sign some key players and fill certain voids. They have people to build around, and with some key pieces (and I don’t mean 1 year rentals either), they can compete yet again. I agree, in order to get something, you have to spend a little. They should open their wallets a little and get what they need. The fans will come, and the chop will be back to the Ted to stay.

Bobby Cox is a great manager, destined for the hall of fame, but his time to retire is growing near. Take a long look at how the Angels function as a team. They manufacture runs. They bunt, hit and run and steal bases. The Braves haven’t done that since the days of Gant, Nixon and Sanders. Maybe some fresh management in the dugout will kickstart this team.

I also agree that the trades for Drew and Texiera have decimated the talent in the farm system and will take a few years to rebuild. Look at Tampa, they kept their talent, they stayed together and took their lumps together, now look at them.

This offseason will be interesting as the Braves are now in a very competitive division, we’ll see how it pans out.

By BravesFan34

September 1, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

Nobody coule have predicted the season that the Braves were going to have. Chipper was having a career year before injuries have taken over. Plain and simple, injuries have KILLED the braves this year, and with money to spend this offseason, they should sign some key players and fill certain voids. They have people to build around, and with some key pieces (and I don’t mean 1 year rentals either), they can compete yet again. I agree, in order to get something, you have to spend a little. They should open their wallets a little and get what they need. The fans will come, and the chop will be back to the Ted to stay.

Bobby Cox is a great manager, destined for the hall of fame, but his time to retire is growing near. Take a long look at how the Angels function as a team. They manufacture runs. They bunt, hit and run and steal bases. The Braves haven’t done that since the days of Gant, Nixon and Sanders. Maybe some fresh management in the dugout will kickstart this team.

I also agree that the trades for Drew and Texiera have decimated the talent in the farm system and will take a few years to rebuild. Look at Tampa, they kept their talent, they stayed together and took their lumps together, now look at them.

This offseason will be interesting as the Braves are now in a very competitive division, we’ll see how it pans out.

By ODB

September 1, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

joebrave, come home. They will not understand you over here. Wow! Here comes a text message from Frank … Gee! They are the bestest! Frank says so, too!

By A braves fan

September 1, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

I hear how we have a great farm system, but you know what??? Every team thinks that! I just don’t see it. Julio Tejeran has a great arm! Wonderful! But, he’s 17 and has pitched in 16 innings this yeari Rookie ball, and has a 6.60 ERA. Cole Rohrbough,21, has a 4.40 combined ERA, in A ball. Meanwhile, the stupid mutts have 21 year old that will be pitching with them in a few days. Brent Lillibridge, .222 BA in AAA. .208 in the minors. Oh yeah, he will bring a big time hitter or pitcher with those numbers. Brandon Jones, 260 in AAA, with 8 homers. Who would want him??? Schafer, Jason Hayward and Tyler Flowers seem like the only legit hitters we have in the minors, and except for Schafer, they are way down in the system. Would you trade them for one of those big time hitter or Pitcher? Even when we had Hudson and Smoltz pitching, and Teixiera at 1st, we were not going to compete with the Phils or Mutts.

By A braves fan

September 1, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

I hear how we have a great farm system, but you know what??? Every team thinks that! I just don’t see it. Julio Tejeran has a great arm! Wonderful! But, he’s 17 and has pitched in 16 innings this yeari Rookie ball, and has a 6.60 ERA. Cole Rohrbough,21, has a 4.40 combined ERA, in A ball. Meanwhile, the stupid mutts have 21 year old that will be pitching with them in a few days. Brent Lillibridge, .222 BA in AAA. .208 in the minors. Oh yeah, he will bring a big time hitter or pitcher with those numbers. Brandon Jones, 260 in AAA, with 8 homers. Who would want him??? Schafer, Jason Hayward and Tyler Flowers seem like the only legit hitters we have in the minors, and except for Schafer, they are way down in the system. Would you trade them for one of those big time hitter or Pitcher? Even when we had Hudson and Smoltz pitching, and Teixiera at 1st, we were not going to compete with the Phils or Mutts.

By dave

September 1, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

Oh yes; let’s get rid of Bobby, the man who has taken two of the worst teams in baseball (Toronto and ATL) and made contenders out of them. Who do propose the Braves replace him with? Joe Torre (he did a great job running Bobby’s first Braves team into the ground 1984-84)? Jim Leyland? They only win when they have a payroll. Bobby Cox does not hit, pitch, field or run. This meltdown has nothing to do with Cox’s ability to manage (there is no sign to flash that says “make an error,” or “hit into a three double plays today”), Pendleton’s ability to coach hitters (ol’ Andruw is stinkin’ up LA every bit as bad as he did here), or McDowell’s ability to coach pitchers (Even Leo Mazzone would have a hard time with this pitching lineup). The Braves have had a series of injuries and slumps, and have made some trades and signed some players who didn’t work out too well (Frenchy is looking more like Brad Komminsk or Albert Hall than David Justice). It happens. As long as the Braves have an absentee corporate owner, expect more of the same. Neither John McGraw, Connie Mack, Walt Alston, Tommy Lasorda, nor Sparky Anderson could have won with the hand this team has been dealt. The Braves are going to suck for a while; let’s just hope it’s not a long while.

By Curious George

September 1, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

Why does Roger McDowell STILL have a job as pitching coach of the BRAVES while Leo Mazzone is currently out of work???

By richbrave

September 1, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

CLINT:

That’s because he(LOMBARDI) died before he could do anything about it. Ask SONNY JURGENSON.

By Kelley

September 1, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

To dave: Thank you, a person w/ some common sense when it comes to Bobby. And to all of you screaming “Fire McDowell and bring back Leo”. (as much as I loved Leo). Yes, let’s fire McDowell and bring back Leo. Maybe he’ll do as well with us as he did with Baltimore.
The problem to me seems to be Liberty Media. We just need ownership that will go out and spend money when the team needs it. In my opinion, the players worth keeping for next year are: Mac, Chipper, Escobar, J. J., Campillo, and Gonzo. Everyone else would be for sale.

The other point I think worth mentioning is I think we were just spoiled for a very long time. Sometimes, teams just go through a rebuilding period. And no I’m not settling for “mediocrioty” Plain and simple, you can’t win every year.

And btw, the headline reading something to the effect “No Offers for Hampton” literally made me laugh out loud. Would anyone really be surprised that there would be no offers for him?

By gayle

September 1, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

Well Dave, the sad thing about replacements for Bobby is that two of them were in this organization and left because they could not chip away at the altar that Bobby had been placed on. And many other worthy candidates have found employment with other teams.

Since you raised the issue, let me ask you a question - what has he done for this team lately? Don’t talk to me about injuries because I’m talking about sub .500 baseball over the last three years. I’m talking about no post season series wins since 2001. I’m talking about mismanaging pitchers to the point where the next addition will be Ricky Vaughan from the California Penal League.

He had 14 division titles, many of those with three bona-fide Hall of Famers in the rotation and he brought only ONE title. Consider the possibilities if the Braves had a manager who was as successful in the post season as he was in the regular season.

The truth is that after being swept in the 1999 World Series, Bobby’s time was done and a progressive, winning organization could have made the changes at a time to sustain the success of the franchise.

It’s people like you who cling to a myth, chant and chop at ballgames and act as enablers to the people who run this team and convince them that the status quo is just fine, thank you.

By richbrave

September 1, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

MARK BRADLEY:

Before we rebuild the BRAVES, a little current and nostalgic history. I posted on FURMAN BISHER’s column/blog requesting that he compose an article around the comparative strengths and weaknesses of EDDIE MATHEWS and CHIP JONES since JONES just equaled MATHEWS’ old home run record set in 1966. Why FURMAN.? He’s the last person around who was an adult and in the sports reporting game then. Therefore he’s the only one who bridges the time gap between them that I’m aware of. CARROLL ROGERS liked the idea and suggested I e-mail him, but I cannot receive e-mail because of a virus problem. If you have any contact with him could you give him a heads up about my request posted on his current column.

By used cars

September 1, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

Let’s put things into perspective…we aren’t sitting here with Barry Bonnell playing third base, thinking we have a future star in Biff Porcoroba behind the plate and a littany of soft-tossers on the mound…We have some good building blocks, with McCann, Jurrjens, Gonzalez, Frenchy (I kknow he’s had a bad year, but I think his career will end up more like Dale Murphy’s with 400 homers and a 270 batting average and gold-glove quality fielding than like Joe Charbanau (?)…I think Morton is a keeper and I believe with some maturity and little more time on the treadmill that JoJo is too…We need to bridge the gap for Heyward, Freeman, Teheran and some of the others…This offseason we need to be judicious with free agents….Not sure about the rules, but since we are so bad, I don’t think that we will lose our first pick….I believe it will be our highest since we took Mike Kelly in ‘91…We need to adjust our drafting focus and concentrate on picking the top college pitcher or bat that is close to being ready (Price, Chamberlain, the likes)…The free agents we go after need to be hardtails, competitors that will raise the sense of urgency on the team….I would like to see TP replaced by a more hands-on hitting coach…Not sure about Mcdowell..haven’t seen a lot of improvement from our young guys like we had in the early ’90s, but that might be more of a skill factor than based on instruction…I thnk the key will be getting second base and leftfield settled, thinking that Kotchmann will come into spring and be a different player…If Prado earns second base, let’s see what KJ will bring in a trade…Burrell, Milton bradley, or some other big rh bat is what we need for leftfield…I actually like Aaron Harang if the price is right for a top spot in the rotation…get him out of that park and I think he’s a top of the rotation starter and more affordable and healthy than some of those guys…Bradley seems to be down on Schafer, but his stats the last 60 days (since he got over that dark cloud, a real questionable one to me) his stats have been better than last year, not far of Frenchy’s and McCann’s when they were called up…I would like to see him in center, with Josh or blanco being packaged for more young pitching…I rambled on some, but I love these Braves just like most of you guys and I don’t think things are as dark as some suggest…

By LuvMyBraves

September 1, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Mark:

If you’re going to bash one of the most respected organizations in MLB, at least have the courage to EAT YOUR OWN WORDS!!!

So, to the few who still give Mark Bradley any credibility, please click on “Archives” and reference:

5/26/08: “Braves on Road to Greatness”

6/11/08: “Braves Won’t Panic”

6/15/08: “There’s Still Life in These Braves”

You declared Francouer a “Ghost”, based on less than half a season, and compare him to the likes of Michael Vick. Frenchy, for all his troubles, has worked his can off this season. I guess you never had a bad stretch at what you call “work”, and you would think it fair game if someone who never wrote for a living publicly humiliated you.

You take the easy route, just going with the wind, hopping on and off the bandwagon. For example, you even started ragging on Mark Richt in 2006 after he won 2 SEC championships. As a Tech grad, it was humorous to see a “Journalism” grad poke at his favorite team, just to make a buck. But at least I’ve been consistent in my respect for Mark Richt as a coach.

I don’t know HOW you sleep at night.

By MJM

September 1, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

I am glad to see that someone at the AJC is taking a reality check. The Braves have clearly been in a decline the past few years although most of the fans in this town have been in denial. If they want to ever have a run like they did in the 90s, they must avoid any “get healthy quick” schemes. They will overpay for mediocre talent and essentially become MLB’s version of the Hawks. Instead, they need to get back to what made them a consistent winner in 1991. They stockpiled young talented arms in the minors during the mid and late 80s. They again need to devote their resources to developing 3 to 4 future starters. Once that foundation is laid, then they can start to look to fill in the pieces. Filling in the pieces ahead of time will not deliver much success and certainly not long term success. This approach should also work with Liberty Media’s short term objectives, which is presumably to sell the team in the next several years. By focusing on the minors, payroll costs should remain low and the team will be much easier to sell. If an Arthur Blank type then purchases the team, the Braves could have their future staff in place and be in a good position to target specific free agents to supply the missing pieces. This plan will not work overnight, but it is true to the success recipe that served this team so well during the 90s.

By richbrave

September 1, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

MARK:

I would term FRANCOUER’s current body of work ” feckless.”

By Joe

September 1, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

If two dreadful trades were reversed, we’d be fine: Drew (cost us our ace for the next 15 years) and the Texsiera trade. Both blunders on Boros’ clients that drained the organization of it’s future stars. There was no way they would sign with Schuerholz a part of the organization - given their history. Bobby Cox? Looks pretty average both pre & post 3 Cy Young winners, doesn’t he?

By St Louis Brave

September 1, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Finally, someone who shares my opinion of the biggest manager flop in baseball!! I am a lifelong Braves fan living in a city with one of the greatest managers ever. Bobby Cox could only win 1 world series with one of the greatest lineups in the history of baseball. He’s a LOSER and must GO. Enjoy the grand kids, social security and get the hell out of town Bobby! You suck as a manager! Kudo’s to Bob for expressing how most TRUE Braves fans feel!!!

By Bob Sacamano

August 31, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Mark, why don’t you tell the truth about what really needs to happen with the Braves?

Booby Cox needs to GO!!!

He is the absolute wrong manager to manage this kind of team. They should be fighting a scraping and doing everything they can to MANUFACTURE RUNS… but he has them all waiting for the three-run homer.

Shoot… in any other city with a responsible media and fans that actually cared, Cox would have been fired after 1996 and his disasterous decisions that cost the team yet another World Series victory.

Booby Cox… the most OVERRATED manager in baseball history!!!

By richbrave

September 1, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

By richbrave

August 31, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

MJM:

STARTERS:

We must sign a #1 beast in FA this winter. Same as we should have done last winter. With HUDSON gone till mid ‘09 and probably not truely effective until ‘10, JUIRGENS is the only man left standing. But help is on the way. MORTON will be an effective #3 by ‘10.

Don’t expect to see GLAVINE back or SMOLTZ unless he’s in the pen in ‘09. I know TOMMY wants another payday, and truly believes he can help, but its time to convince him to retire.

I do not like the odds of JOHN’s return in any capacity, but I do trust his judgement as to whether a return will be effective for him. He won’t take the field if he can’t do the job. I couldn’t say the same for GLAVINE.

See if HAMPTON will sign for a reasonable figure as a #4 or let him go and get someone else. None of the current crop of back-end starters fills the bill. BENNETT - no. REYES - no. CARLYLE - no. JAMES - no. LEREW - no.

BULLPEN:

It is absolutely necessary to sign OHMAN and GONZALEZ ASAP to stabilize the pen. Fix SORIANO’s elbow and his head or cut him loose. ACOSTA - no. Bring up JULIO from RICHMOND and let him audition in ‘08.

Draft a great left-handed pitcher at #4 or #5 and another good one in the sandwich.

Don’t even think of offensive players until the defense is stabilized. Look at the Washington series for a clue as to what I mean. You are not going to win with starters who can’t go effectively for six or more innings unless you score 10 or more runs. You just can’t. How realistic is it to score eight and lose by one? This season has proved that, and ATLANTA’s set a ML record for futility in the process.

So continue the rebuilding of this BRAVES sandwich with the meat first(pitching), and put the mustard on last(hitters). No veggies please. I’m a meat-a-terian.

By Mark Bradley

September 1, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

The problem isn’t Bobby Cox. Nor is it Roger McDowell. The problem is talent, and the lack thereof.

By You got to be kidding me

September 1, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

I have to agree strongly with the guy who pointed out only one championship in 14 years! In any other MLB town that would be unacceptable! Joe Torre won four championships and was run out of town…. The Florida Marlins have won two and they didn’t even exist when the Braves started their run… Hell, even the Red Sox have broken their curse of the Bambino and won two since then! Its time to clean house throw out all the OLD furniture (including the manager) and rebuild!

By St Louis Brave

September 1, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

Resign Hampton…probably one of the biggest free agent busts in the history of baseball? He should play for the minimum based on his performance. We overpaid for Glavin based on what happened 10 years ago. It’s time for a shot of youth. There are young pitchers out there who will produce for pennies on the dollar compared to Hampton and Glavine. If you think Hudson will ever be the same please see St Louis (Mulder and Carpenter). Braves need to clear the pitching staff and start fresh. Keep the youngster (Jurrens) and re-build!

By Mr. Obvious

September 1, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Gee, I don’t recall the level of pitching injuries (to pitchers young AND old) when Leo Mazzone was here with his FAR superior strength & conditioning program for hurlers.

It is NO coincidence that the Braves have been playoff-free since McDowell’s arrival here.

Bradley, you better believe Roger McDowell is deserving of a good portion of blame!

By Mike

September 1, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

The Braves / Schuerholz set this decline in motion years ago by not getting anything for star players. It seems like we rarely got anything in return. (Did we get anything for Grissom, Galarraga, McGriff, Jordan, Estrada?)

By Keeping It Real

September 1, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Get some black guys or white guys with with speed and attitude. They have already tried middle aged free agent white guys with good attitudes and morals(code for mid age white guys like Joe Simpson). Get some young pitchers who can go at least 6 innings.As much as I love Chipper, they may need to trade him to the American Leaugue for a good front line pitcher. Get rid of Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton. Their time has passed. Keep Norton and Diaz for pinch hit roles only. Keep Escobar,Infante,McCann, Francouer, Jurgens,Campillo, for the nucleus. Everyone else is fair game for trades Bring up Brandon Jones, Jordan Schaffer and any other young player in the farm system and let them play. They cannot be any worse than what is on the field now.Changing managers will not help this team. Talent on the field and some intelligence from Wren is required.

Finally….PRAY for divine intervention.

By Cooper

September 1, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Dear Keeping It Real,

As a BRAVES Season Ticket Holder, I’d rather lose every year with law-abiding, articulate, clean-cut Hispanics and Caucasians with work ethics who respect the game and hustle rather than a bunch of over-jeweled, poorly dressed thugs and ghetto trash “keeping it real” out on the playing field.

By Dadgum

September 1, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

I sit here in Richmond with gorgeous blue skies hanging over my head and 500 miles..oops started quoting a song. Great day for the R Braves last game. Let’s see the R Braves are gone, can’t catch the A Braves on the tube and when I do it is via the MASN network with Sutton calling the Washington games-there is irony, and to make things worse the Bravos are simply at the bottom of the tank. We all know that.

Quality starting pitching is the name of the game and without a doubt it must come via free agency or trade. The Braves pipeline for pitching is quite dry and those in the organization are too far away to project to start for us next year or even two years. Remember of Glavine, Smoltz, and Maddox only Glavine was a product of the Braves farm system from the get go.

To be honest, I can’t see Glav, Smoltzie, or Hampton back next year in any role more than ceremonious sendoffs. Hudson, obviously, is a huge question mark. Don’t mean to be negative, not at all, simply put he has an uphill battle albeit with history that says pitchers can sustain themselves well for a few years after this type of surgery. So back to point, Jurrjens is still learning the ropes (only 22 for crying out loud) so lets be real he ain’t the saviour here and shouldn’t have to be. Bring in the Sabathia if we can get him or someone of his ilk. You need 3 studs in the rotation. I will be happy to see Jurrjens as our #3 and hope Hudson can be a #4. If Wren can get us in that situation then I feel teh Braves are poised to make a run at it in ‘09. Again the pitching has to be acquired in the off-season not during ‘09 or it will be ‘10 before any real chance at contending can be expected.

Won’t get into the position players here as that is an entirely separate response. Just suffice to say, we have plenty of players we can “give up” to help to acquire the most pivotal issues and that is pitching. Pure and simple it all starts and ends with pitching.

By Drew

September 1, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

That’s it, bring out the bulldozers…turn this place into a parking lot! Bring out the pooper scooper!!

The Braves just weren’t the same once Keith Lockhart left. The Braves have become the laughing stock of baseball, and major league sports for that matter. At least Arthur Blank and the Atlanta Spirit are loving this demise making the Falcons, Hawks and Thrashers the best teams in Atlanta.

By bobby

September 1, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

This sounds like a broken record (Remember what those are?) but BC is so far out of touch with reality that he couldn’t win if you picked an All-Star team and let him manage it. At one time, he was a fair enough manager but that time has long passed. Don’t blame Roger McDowell for the pitching, it is Bobby’s poor handling and over working that has caused most of the problems. Also, I don’t believe he has practiced fundamentals and basics in 15years.

By The voice or reason

September 1, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Your analysis is absolutely skewed to the dark sid3e. You are assuming that Franks Wren either will not do anyrhing or cannot do anything in the off season which is ridiculous. First off, Frank is going to get a top of the rotation pitcher. It may not be CC, but he will get one of the big names on the market. BTW, Greg Maddux proved that if the money is close, not everybody wants to be a Yankee, by a long shot. Just a note to the uninformed “dump Cox” crowd. Bobby Cox will be a MAJOR FACTOR in attracting a big name starter. It turns out that major league basebaall players kbow a whole lot more about what makes a good manager than the average dump Cox idiot on this Blog.

Secondly, our young starting pitching is still developing. For example, this is Jurjenss first full year in MLB and Charley Morton is here a year before they wanted him to be. Tom Glavin was 7 and 17 in 1988, his first full year, Smoltz was 12 and 11 in 1989, etc. Anybody who knows anything about MLB knows that most young pitchers (starters) never go beyonf 150 innins in the minors and as such, tend to breakdown in the second half of their rookie seasons, Jurjens and Morton, both have good major league stuff and are foundational pieces for a great staff in the not too distant future.Also, Tommy Hanson is probably only 1 year away. He is on the fall leagure roster.

Although he played a lot last year, this is Escobar’s dirst full year as a starter. As of this morning, he is hitting 282 with 8 Hrs and 55 RBIs. What is so wrong with that from a first year starter. In short, Wren is not about to trade him away. We do need a power hitting corner outfielder for the next 2 seasons. Our kids should be ready at that point.

I could go on, but my point is made. Put some time and thought in your next analysis and stop pandering to the gloom and doom crowd. Keep Cox, Dump the AJC.

By ShanghaiATL

September 1, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Why are the Braves suddenly going to become a “Small Market” team like KC or Pittsburgh? Don’t you realize Atlanta is the 8th biggest metro area/TV market in the US now, and edging up to #7? That’s ludicrous to think that way.

By Keeping It Real

September 1, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Hey Cooper,

Its your money and your right to feel as you do. It is my right to “Keeping It Real” from my perspective. Thanks for showing us your true color and Keeping It Real” from your perspective. I hope you enjoy finishing dead last every year being the season ticket holder that you are. Happy Labor Day and Peace Out.

By JEB

September 1, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Here is truth!! Most forget that in 1990 the Braves were in last place and did not look like they were going anywhere fast.

John S. came in, Bobby C. went down from General Mgr. to coach the team (most in the press were questioning this “demotion” of Bobby - most stating the turmoil the organization was in) JS went to work - brought in some key pieces and the rest is history right now, “worst to first”.

It is easy to look back now, and say “we had the foundation of talent then - especially in pitching!”. But, who knew that then?? Who knew John Smoltz & Tom Glavine would be the historical pitchers that we know they are now?? Looking at their records then, we sure would not have been able to know!!

So, with a few pieces (could be big) YES! the Braves could very well contend next year. That is why we play the games, each year.. let’s see what happens, let’s not be too quick to be doom and gloom before we know how Wren & co. assemble a team and with WHAT pieces they assemble it with.

By ATLER

September 1, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Can we get some Black free agents in this organization? It’ll help bring the fan base back. I mean this is Atlanta ya know.

By Mark Bradley

September 1, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Greg Maddux took less money to sign with the Braves to join a team coming off consecutive National League pennants. It’s rather different today.

By fieldofdreams

September 1, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

No matter how bad things get, the ghosts of the Fab 14 will forever haunt Turner Field, reminding us of how great they were, and how great we can be again.

By Borat Obama

September 1, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

I make no bones about it, I haven’t attended a Braves game since 1994. (That’s the strike year for all you”I’ve been a baseball fan for years people”) The Braves have screwed the fans over at every opportunity for the past 16 years, and now they are getting just what they deserve. What I find humorous it that they will probably raise ticket prices again for this next season. Now we’ll see how many of the “I’ve been a Braves fan for years” bandwagoneers show up next season with the weak line-up they are fielding.

By Borat Obama

September 1, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

I make no bones about it, I haven’t attended a Braves game since 1994. (That’s the strike year for all you”I’ve been a baseball fan for years people”) The Braves have screwed the fans over at every opportunity for the past 16 years, and now they are getting just what they deserve. What I find humorous is that they will probably raise ticket prices again for this next season. Now we’ll see how many of the “I’ve been a Braves fan for years” bandwagoneers show up next season with the weak line-up they are fielding.

By Navigator

September 1, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

MBradley, I know what I’m saying is repeating others, I’ll still say it. The Braves have gone through multiple owners in the last few years, and none of them have the Braves winning as their primary motivation. With that kind of leadership, you expect the Braves would be where they are. The Yankees prove that spending unlimited money doesn’t guarantee a great team, but the Angels also prove that you have to still spend enough to win. Although the Rays are are the blueprint of success from within, don’t forget they didn’t do this until they got rid of the old/experience retread manager (who is doing wonders for the Cubs by the way). It proves that you need a special kind of personality to build from within, and the Braves are right where the Rays were. Cox is our old/experience retread manager, who doesn’t know how to win with youth. As you can see, the Braves have to overcome two large obstacles to move forward. I also hope the local sports writers will start to write the necessary words to get the Braves attention to make these decisions.

By JEB

September 1, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

The Braves have some great prospects in their organization now! But… you NEVER know what you REALLY have!!

How many GREAT players have the Braves traded away through the years?? Less than I can count on 2 hands!! Less than I can count on ONE hand that have really been great!! When we traded them away, I’m sure we all were enjoying the success the Braves were having, going to the post season each year!

John S. did NOT trade away our future! He traded to win each year (that is why you also build a good grass roots organization, to bring up good trade pieces). John S. did just that, he managed each year to make trades to keep us competitive and help us win each year - building on WHAT you have and using your resources (minor leagues) to help you build a winning team. He did that!!

Bobby had good talent to work with, and he won with it!!

Name any good coach you like, and if they do not have the players they can’t win! Leyland is a good coach, but he could not do it in Fla.(after they stripped the team) in Pittsburgh (after they stripped the team) or Colorado. Torre could not do it in St. Louis and now is struggling in LA. Dusty Baker is struggling in Cincy, Lou Pinnela could not do it in Tampa (he is doing it now in Cub land, but the money and player foundation is different!)

Quit blaming Bobby when he clearly does not have the talent to win with right now. (every coaches moves are questioned during a season - some are good, some are bad, I even question some of Bobby’s! But, he is a GOOD coach for a long season, history speaks loud & clear on that!)

Wren has made some really good trades, and has set some good pieces in place for the future.

Just as history has proven JS to have been a Hall of Fame GM - let’s let history be the judge for Wren, not our present day anger and disappointment over a dismal season. We were due, let’s just accept and move on to build again, every team does it - we are not an exception!

By clsullivansr

September 1, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

I am a season ticket holder and devout fan of the Washington Nats, and realized this past weekend of watching the Braves-Nats series that the games were similar to watching “Double A” baseball. I know the Nats have alot of work left to rebuild, but the Braves are in really, really bad shape; however, the kid Prado seems to be the real deal, and Anderson also impressed me. For the first time in almost two decades, the Braves seem to be in complete disarray with pitching, which does sadden me considering I grew up a devout Braves fan.

By clsullivansr

September 1, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

I am a season ticket holder and devout fan of the Washington Nats, and realized this past weekend of watching the Braves-Nats series that the games were similar to watching “Double A” baseball. I know the Nats have alot of work left to rebuild, but the Braves are in really, really bad shape; however, the kid Prado seems to be the real deal, and Anderson also impressed me. For the first time in almost two decades, the Braves seem to be in complete disarray with pitching, which does sadden me considering I grew up a devout Braves fan.

By Bulldog Drummond

September 1, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Mark Bradley

Be honest with yourself. For whatever reason, you, the AJC’s powder puff beat writer and most of the other Atlanta media is afraid to question Bobby Cox—in print or in person.

When was the last time any of us heard a direct or pointed question aimed at King Grouchy?

Don’t you attach any blame to the manager of a team that has lost 28 one run road decisions in a row? Close games are where big league skippers earn their salary. You or I could manage a 10-3 game.

Also, you have to include me among those who think Cox should have squeezed more than one World Series championship out of all the Hall of Fame talent in the 90’s.

Maybe he wouldn’t have been fired in places such as New York, Boston and Philly.

But he would have at least been questioned or second guessed occasionally by the media.

In Atlanta, he never is.

By Rick Long

September 1, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Talk about a change in attitude. I have made several posts earlier this year regarding how the Braves need to come to their senses and realize that the 14 year run is over. Unfortunately, the practice the past several years of trying to catch “lightning in a bottle one more time” by obtaining a few high priced rental band-aids (e.g. Texeira) at the expense of minor league talent will only delay the rebuilding process.

I also don’t want to hear from the “injury” excuse makers. Sure, the Braves have had an unusual amount of injuries this year. However, regardless of past success, when your rely on 40 something pitchers (and one who hasn’t pitched in 3 years) as the heart of your staff, you really should not be surpised if they break down.

I also agree with Mr. Bradley that the Braves’ nuclesu is not great and that McCann is probably the only young “cornerstone”. However, given the parity (mediocrity) that exists in major league baseball generally and the NL East in particular, I do not believe that the future needs to be as bleak as he portrays. Kotchman, Escobar, Johnson and hopefully Francoeur are all good young players who could be successul in the right set of circumstances. A healthy Soriano and Moylan could team with Gonzalez to form a strong back end of the bullpen.

In my humble opinion, the rebuilding focus need to be on what made them great—PITCHING and that should mean YOUNG PITCHING. Jurrjens is an excellent start and Morton could be effective with more experience (Charlie please see Smoltz’ sports psychologist so you can remedy what seems to be your major and perhaps only weakness—an inexplicable lack of confidence).

For my money, the only real free agent pitcher out there is Sabathia and he most likely is out of the Braves’ price range. Sheetz (injury prone); Lowe, Garland and Dempster just don’t do it for me—especially in a rebuilding scenario and given the prices they will command. I think it would be better to try to acquire younger pitchers such as those on the Marlins for example.

It also would be valuable to start rebuilding and establishing accountability and the right attitude now rather than perpetuating the defeatist attitude that has permeated the Braves this year and is exacerbated with confusing personnel decisions and old-fashioned and just plain stupid managing.

Management continues to acquire, keep and, worse yet, play non-productive aging re-treads like Tavarez, Dessens, Nunez, Norton and my personal favorite, Corky Miller (nice to see his addition to the September roster rather than some younger player). I would rather see some young players who may have a future be given an opportunity and take their lumps rather than see Dessens, Nunez and Tavares pour gasoline on the fire time and time again in the late innings. The notion I read lately in a column that one shouldn’t read too much into what next year’s roster will be like just because the team is adding these unproductive veterans to “eat up” innings, etc. is preposterous. It must be tremendously deflating to the younger players to see this happening and fosters a “it’s okay to kiss off this season but we’ll get ‘em next year attitude” (which won’t go away easily in future years—think Cubs, folks).

Finally, Cox has got to go. This guy has made some of the worst strategical decisions in the post season imaginable when he had great teams to manage. These types of mistakes are much more difficult to overcome with lesser talent. Sometimes it also seems like Cox has kissed this season goodbye as well. A classic example was permitting Hampton to pitch to Hanley Ramirez (the one Marlin who I would not let beat me) the other night. The Braves were losing 1-0 in the 5th, the Marlins pitcher, Johnson, was pitching lights out and there were runners on 2nd and 3rd with two outs and Ramirez at the plate and LoDuca on deck. Of course, Cox lets Hampton pitch to Ramirez who hits the first pitch back up the middle for a 3-0 lead. What was he thinking here? Did he go totally brain dead or did he figure, what the hell, let’s see if he can get him out because the season’s in the you know what any way. This is also not an isolated example of Cox’s “strategical” thinking for all you apologists out there. For this 40 year Braves’ fan, I say let’s start rebuilding with youth and try to instill accountability and a winning rather than non-defeatist attitude NOW.

By baseballdoc6061

September 1, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

minor league baseball at major league prices

By jake

September 1, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Coach K on the Redeem Team: you select the players and hope they become a team.

The Braves for the past few years have been a bunch of guys who’s play has been mediocre and whose team dynamic is complacency.

Blame it on the former Schuerholz who kept finding “organization men,” guys who fit a certain job description but didn’t have fire in their bellies. Cox’s “fault” is that he’s been unable to light a fire under them.

Too soon to tell about Wren, but not one hitter has prospered under Pendleton. And several — Andruw Jones, Johnson, Francoer, to name three — have gotten demonstrably worse. C. Jones and McCann have hit well because they get help from their fathers, not TP.

By Jon Konkack

September 1, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

It will NEVER happen with Terry McJerk in the picture. He is the epitome of incompetence and hiding!

By baseballdoc6061

September 1, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

minor league baseball at major league prices

By baseballdoc6061

September 1, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

minor league baseball at major league prices

By jim

September 1, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Be wary of signing a pitcher to a long-term, big-money contract. This is especially true if, realistically, the team will not be truly competitive for the first 2 years of the contract. The history of Free Agent pitching signings to long-term contracts has more disasters and marginal successes than unqualified successes. Here is just a small sample :

Good:
Greg Maddux to the Braves, Catfish Hunter to Yankees,

Bad or Not so hot: Tom Glavine to the Mets, Pedro Martinez to Mets, Andy Messersmith to Braves, Don Gullet to Yankees

Ugly: Barry Zito to Giants, Carl Pavano to Yankees, Brown to Dodgers, Bruce Suter to Braves

I can’t see Sabathia coming to the Braves, or the Braves outbidding the Yankees for his services. Sheets is a possibility, but his injury history should be a red flag to the organization — especially if you are looking at what he will be able to contribute in 2011 and forward. (Ditto for A. J. Burnett). A Derek Lowe would be a good transitional piece to add stability and eat up innings for the next two or three years, but he is not the “ace” that many other bloggers are demanding. Resigning Hampton for a one or two year deal at a reasonable price might also be an appropriate transitional move.

One big arm and one big bat, or 2 big arms will not make this team a contender. The lineup needs more than a Burrell or a Dunn. (What did Dunn do for Cincinnati with a better supporting cast?). The glass half full sees Chipper hitting 360 and contending for the Batting crown for a second year in a row. The glass half empty sees Chipper hitting in the 260’s since mid-June with little power, producing few runs, and missing periods of time with recurring injuries. Will we see more of the pre-June or post-June Chipper in the future?

On the trading front, KJ and JF are the two players most often mentioned as likely to bring back some return. Will either or both together bring back a prospect as good as say Tommy Hanson or better than Charlie Morton? I doubt it. I doubt that either or both will bring back a better player than either one of them. Without giving up the farm, the trades that seem available to the Braves look to be more on the order of rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

Teams like the Rays, Brewers, and Marlins got to be good by being bad for an extended period beforehand and getting and making good draft picks. If the Braves sign a Type A free agent this year and sign or do not offer arbitration to Ohman they will lose their 2nd round pick and will have a pick somewhere between 4th and 8th, depending on how the season and the Boras mess plays out, then not another until the third round (somewhere around # 70). I think they need to stockpile draft picks, not give them away.

We need to make a realistic evaluation of how good players like Heyward, Freeman, Gilmore, Shafer, Hanson, and Teheran, etc. are likely to be and build around the keepers. It will probably be another year or two before an accurate answer to that question can be made.

By NO MORE BOBBY

September 1, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

ATLANTA PRESS FEARS BOBBY COX!!!!

By mart

September 1, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley, go back and look at your columns on the Braves the past several months. You were picking them to win the division as recently as the 4th of July. Remember when earlier in the season you were making fun of the Mets for having poor chemistry, and lauding the Braves for having a great foundation? Now you write that all is totally hopeless for years to come. Give me a break, you need to bolster your credibility before opining further.

By Chris G

September 1, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Good Bye to all of you fair weather fans!!!

All of this crap about Bobby Cox has to go because he can’t coach a base stealing run generating team must not have lived here in the mid 90’s.

Do any of you Fair Weather’s remember Otis Nixon, Deion Sanders. Bobby coaches what he has available.

I believe with the money we have available and Frank Wren’s desire to win, we WILL have much more talent herenext year.

I would like to see the team sold to Auther Blank. That would again make us serious contenders in the league.

I will however, attend as many games as possible this year and will look forward to next year.

I choose to support through good times and not so good times. I have attended several games each year. I was there for Bod Horners first game. I loved watching Dale Murphy and was treated to several years in the 90’s and 2000’s of teriffic baseball. So say what you will now, then sneak quietly back in to the stadium when the Braves are back on top.

So I say proudly, GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Mark Bradley

September 1, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

About the Rays: It has taken them forever to get where they are. Some of us — not many, because nobody went to games back then — recall the Braves of the ‘80 and 1990 suffering through seven consecutive losing seasons before breaking upward. It’s a laudable concept, building from within and waiting until the kids mature, but the cold reality is that a lot of bad baseball gets played before said maturation occurs. As Braves fans, are you folks willing to wait that long?

By Not Gonna Happen

September 1, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Folks, lets be real here. The Braves have about a good of a chance of being “even fairly decent” in the next few seasons as Vanderbilt has of going undefeated and winning the SEC title game in the next 50 years, NONE! The Braves management has so royally screwed this organization, not just team, up, that they have very few decent minor league every day players and no pitchers. In the past 15 years they traded away all those GREAT prospect pitchers and very very few of them have even been decent with other teams. Very few. So, someone did a very poor job of drafting those guys. The Braves are now going back to the 1970s and middle-late 80s. I for one will not pay major league ticket prices to see the Braves play the Pirates. If I want to see a minor league game, I will drive to Rome. It is much closer to we here in Alabama than Atlanta, and without the fuss and thugs in and around the stadium. Until the Braves get management and players to put winners on the field again, I am through with driving a 200+ round trip to Atlanta to watch these dolts. So, for those of you who want to enjoy minor league ball, go to Turner field. Atlanta is now what it has always been called, LOSERSVILLE, again. The stinking losing Hawks, the loser Falcons, and the toast Braves. Good bye Scarlett and Tara, I’m done with the Braves.

By Mr. Feed Up

September 1, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Well Braves fans..you get what you pay for. The Braves won’t spend money to get any BIG NAME free agents here, so they will continue to lose. 14 straight division titles and only 1 world championship to show for it. The Marlins, which was an expansion team have only made the playoffs twice..and both times they were the wildcard and both times they won the world series, because there owners went out and paid the money to get the big name players and pretty much bought themselves 2 world championship. I would give up the 14 division titles for 2 or 3 world titles any day of the week! The Braves are back to being the old sorry Braves…finishing the season under .500 and in last place. I can’t see us making the playoffs ever again, not even as a wildcard!!!

By Danimal

September 1, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

I will be glad when Gwinnett’s Braves start playing so a family of four can go to a game and not have to take out a second mortgage to attend. At least if they lose, you won’t feel so bad because you didn’t spend $200.00 to watch the game. The Braves will never be what we grew accustomed to in the past because the owners are using the team as a tax write off and not a team to compete. I hope Bobby retires soon, just so he is not affiliated with the loser upper management of the Braves. He is too good for them.

By don

September 1, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

the Braves will be fine. They have the nucleus of a good rotation with Wainwright, Marquis, Harrison, and even Miner. Add in future stars, Feliz and Beau James, with Davies and Devine and the pitching looks good. Also, Saltalamacchia and Andrus are about ready to make their mark. Not bad.

Oh, wait a minute. All of those guys are elsewhere because of the ignorant moves of Schuerholz and Wren. And with nothing in return.

Indeed, it does look bad and some of us predicted it when those ill-fated trades were being finalized. No hindsight here.

By Mike

September 1, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Time for Bobby Cox to go. I’m tired of him mis-managing the bullpen. It looks as if he just doesn’t care anymore. If Cox’s competitive fire is gone, Bobby needs to go too.

And Frank Wren should be going with him.

By Mitchell

September 1, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

I just wrote a 500+ word blog entry and forgot to put my email and name so it was all lost.

I’m probably even more despondent over that fact than another eventual one run road loss.

The Braves should have won this game.

It makes me sick.

I have my TiVO on pause and Gonzolez just walked Uggla so it’s probably already over.

Why waste any more arms than we already have? Might as well throw up an 80mph fastball right down the middle.

I have to say, I hope they continue to lose on the road by a run because they don’t deserve to win and by losing in that fashion they might begin to realize that it’s harder to watch it happen than it could ever be for the players themselves.

We deserve better.

At least Gonzolez won’t get a blown save…

F* these guys.

Thanks Martin. Welcome to September.

Glad it’s over.

By Coach (Skip will be missed)

September 1, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Chris G., Bobby Cox had the opportunity to bring Josh Anderson with the team right out of spring training. Instead, he took Gregor Blanco and and even then, Cox didn’t insert Blanco into the lead off hole until 77 games into the season.

So , your argument concerning Cox using speed is ill-informed. Bobby is hung up on the long ball, he lives for the three run bomb. Sad to say, Cox is not the same manager he was back in the nineties.

29….YES SIR, T-W-E-N-T-Y N-I-N-E one run losses in a row on the road dating back to August 2007. It’s simply beyond human. The streak has taken on a life of it’s own.

By tim scott

September 1, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

THANK YOU AOL TIME WARNER. THANK YOU FOR NOT CARING. THANK YOU FOR DEPLETEING OUR MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM WITH TRADES THAT DIDN’T WORK. BE PATIENT BRAVES FANS WE WILL BE BACK WE HAVE NOWHERE TO GO BUT UP. JUST LIKE THE TICKET PRICES. THINK I’LL CATCH THE GWINETT BRAVES ON MY ANNUAL TREK TO ATL INSTEAD OF THE BIG CLUB. GOOD CHANCE THEY WILL BE BETTER AND CHEAPER

By Skipper

September 1, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

RE: “Can we get some Black free agents in this organization?” - ATLER @ 11:33 AM

ATLER,

Baseball is a cerebral sport that requires thinking and patience.

Therefore, through a great demand and non-existent supply, no, we can’t.

By Mitchell

September 1, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

First base umpire owes us for that game.

He owes us the game.

Ramirez went around in the first. That was an out. Hampton got the next two guys. The homerun shouldn’t have counted.

Yunel was so obviously safe at first. I don’t know how in a million years he could have missed that call.

I’m the homer here. I see a play at first and I always yell out “safe”. A lot of the time the runner looks safe and then I look at the replay and realize that he was out.

I had no doubt that he would be called safe at first. And yet the replay made it look closer than it did to the naked eye. But he was still safe!

Absolute f*ing rip-off.

Norton has to make a productive out in the 9th. I mean, if Jeff Francoeur leads off the 9th with a base hit you gotta get him home. That’s just not supposed to happen. It’s Jeff. If he gets a hit, Norton and Prado have no excuse.

Something tells me Prado will not have the most hits in the majors in September.

Just a feeling.

Bobby!!! Don’t give them credit for their pitching in the 9th inning.

Why would you say that the 1st base umpire blew the strike call and the Yunel call and then say, “‘s the way it goes.”

“You can’t complain. They’re a good umpiring crew.”

What!?!

By Butt Geyser

September 1, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

A: Sarah Palin, Bristol Palin, and John McCain

Q: Name two hockey moms and a puck

I guess the RNC didn’t do a very good job at cherry picking veep candidates, eh?

…..

And Mark Bradley. Dont pick. You understand very little about baseball. You’re one of those guys who knows the roster. Good 4U, but otherwise……

By macmarine

September 1, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

TIME TO GO COX!!!!!!!

By Mitchell

September 1, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

I was initially turned off by excitement surrounding the Richmond Braves moving to Gwinnett and feared that there would be more interest in the minor league team than the one that has actual Hall of Fame players on it.

But now, if people are in any way excited about baseball in this town (again) and in a region where baseball season is another way of saying waiting for football season, that can only be a good thing.

The Braves have let us down so many times but they deserve better. They deserve at least as a fraction more than the respect they now get. What incentive will the management have to improve the fortunes of this team if the fans don’t show support?

If the Gwinnett Braves are proof that people still care, then fine.

By Coach (Skip will be missed)

September 1, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

I just scrolled down Terence Moore’s latest debacle only to see that he is getting hammered in his own blog.

Almost everybody disagrees with his stupidity. I suspect that if Terence Moore were white, he would probably still be pounding the pavement as a beat reporter.

Glad to know racial equality is still alive and well in the deep south.

By Pensacola Dog

September 1, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

No its not 100% Boobby cox but he defiently needs to go. He is just riding out the money as long as he can.

By Robert

September 1, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

“Sad to say, Cox is not the same manager he was back in the nineties.”

The hell he ISNT!!!

Cox is making the same donkey mistakes he always has - only now he is doing it with marginal bigleaguers instead of with lock sure HOFers

So instead of a World Series team winning a division title, a .500 team will lose more than 90 games

Same as it ever was my friend

By Robert

September 1, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

“Bobby coaches what he has available”

And does so most poorly

By skeezix

September 1, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

It has been a steady decline since Ted sold the team to a large corporation. Having spent a large part of my life working for corporate America, I knew it was bad news for the Braves and wrote in my two cents about it at the time. American management is too arrogant, short term focused and beauracratic to build/maintain a quality MLB team. This is the same corporate management mentality that is losing globally. This has finally culminated in what is clearly one of the worse teams in Braves history, and Mark is right-it will take years to correct; but, there will be no long term improvement until we get new ownership.

By Robert

September 1, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

What I wouldnt have given to have been at the postgame when Cox offered this comment when asked about the umpiring in today’s game

“You can’t complain”

I wouldve raised my hand (OOH OOH Pick me Mr Donkey, pick me!) -

Me - Then why do you, to the tune of more ejections than any manager in history.

I swear to god, the only three neurons in Booby Cox’s central nervous system that arent interconnected by inhibitory spirochetes* are the ones that control the rhinotillexomania** reflex to his front hooves

• • the organism that causes syphilis

** - the 50-cent word for nose-picking

By Mark Bradley

September 1, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Remember the middle to late ’90s, when it seemed the Braves and the Yankees were in a race to spend the most money? The Yankees kept going (not that it has availed them much lately). The Braves geared back when TBS was sold to Time Warner, which merged with AOL. And now they belong to Liberty Media.

So what’s worse? Faceless ownership or the Atlanta Spirit?

By Baseball Realist

September 1, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

To all those who feel the 14 titles the Braves won are not meaningless—-you are partly right.

No one in their right mind honestly feels the titles mean nothing, but what it actually means is that in 14 visits to the dance you only got asked once.

And that is unacceptable.

The opbect of ANY sport is to win the championship, and the Braves are wanting.

The Yankess have won it 26 times, but you’ll NEVER hear them resting on that feat—-they try to win it EVERY year.

You may not like what I’m saying, but it is what it is.

By Robert

September 1, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

“Remember the middle to late ’90s, when it seemed the Braves and the Yankees were in a race to spend the most money? The Yankees kept going (not that it has availed them much lately). “

Knock knock - earth to Mark Bradley? (what is that hollow ringing sound?)

Since the mid to late 90’s the Yankees have four rings - the Braves I think maybe won 4 playoff games

By joebrave

September 1, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Butt-Geyser,You are one stupid sonofabitch….

By Mark Bradley

September 1, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Key word: “Lately.” How many World Series have the Yankees won since 2000? (Answer: Zero.) When last did they even reach the World Series? (Answer: 2003, when they lost to the wild-card Marlins.)

By Jim H.

September 2, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

More useless drivel from Bradley. How the hell do sportswriters get and keep their jobs? (seeing as how they don’t know any more than average fans do). If the Braves get off to a good start the first month next year he’ll be talking about how they are “World Series bound”.

But anyway……a ridiculous amount of injuries and one or two underperforming key players (yep, I’m talking about you Frenchy) killed this season. It’s as simple as that. They never could get a run going because every time things started to stabilize a little another key injury would reverse the progress. They were in the mix until the injury situation just got overwhelming. The poor play late in the season is because of young inexperienced starting pitchers being in over their head, a severely overworked bullpen, and yes..… a little bit of “throwing in the towel” on a crappy season.

I agree that things don’t look great, but it ain’t nearly as bleak as the “genius” Bradley states. It all begins with the starting pitching. They have to obtain at least one stud starter and one mid-rotation “innings eater” type starter. As much as I admire them, I still hope that Glavine and Smoltz both decide to hang it up and call it a career. That way a clean break can be made and the Braves can move on.

As for as position players, they just have to work with the talent they already have and hopefully add one power hitting outfielder.

By Elmer

September 2, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

We can blame Cox if he thinks bringing back Glav, Smoltz and Hampton is an answer for 2009. Braves need a # 1 starter and a power hitting outfielder.

By Allen

September 2, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

Look at the AL teams young prospects and our future needs. Determine which AL team needs a DH. And then, breaks my heart to say this, approach 10 & 5 Chipper about a trade.

By Robert

September 2, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

You cant compare the Braves to the Yankees. Ok, the Yankees havent won a WS in going on 8 years - then again the Braves havent won a playoff series in - going on 7 years

Comparing the Braves to the Yankees reminds me of former Hawk Dominique Wilkins

Dominique used to tell everyone all the time how he was peers with guys like Bird, Magic, and Isiah.

Never once did Bird, Magic, or Isiah say that Dominique was their peer

Anyway it is so like the Cox apologist nation - when the Braves have done nothing then divert attention and possible criticism by worrying about another franchise’s success or pointing out that this one time, another manager did something silly

“No one in their right mind honestly feels the titles mean nothing’

It means that they won more regular season games tahn any of their division rivals 14 years in a row - that’s ALL. A priori, it doesnt mean they were ever anything special

Suppose you took a team of professionals and entered them in the local beer league. Now suppose you let a brain dead donkey whose only contribution was to pick his nose and occasionally foul the dugout with fart gas manage those pros against the beer drinkers. If the pros won a bunch of times in a row, does that make the farting donkey a HOF candidate?

By Kelley

September 2, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

To all you rocket scientists “Bobby Bashers”: Hey you know how all of you blame Bobby for the one run losses. How about the loss yesterday? Brings in Gonzalez and he loads the bases to give up the go ahead run? How in the world is that his fault??? Your best pitcher in the bullpen.

At some point, the players who have underperformed all year have GOT to shoulder the blame.

So rocket scientists out there, please explain to me how this one was Bobby’s fault…..Who would YOU have brought in that would have done a better job?

By Robert

September 2, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

“So rocket scientists out there, please explain to me how this one was Bobby’s fault…..Who would YOU have brought in that would have done a better job?”

3.How he mismanaged the bullpen in past games played into what he had available today -

By STRETCH

September 2, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Management just needs to go out at get some guys that make contact with the ball! Get a solid starter, and hope the younger guys are a little more experienced next season. Just need a bigger bat or two.

And for the life of me, im sick of when the braves win its Bobby Cox getting all the praise, but when they loose….”poor Bobby” hasn’t much to work with…BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!!!

This guy kept AJ in the 4 spot almost the whole season last year, and you see what he has allowed Frenchy to do this season. Cox is too loyal. Depends on home runs too much, doesnt know how to manufacture runs. 14 Division titles and only 1 WS???!!

I know he cant pitch, run, or hit, but come on people….0-29…. I mean if i rolled dice 29 straight times, im pretty sure ill get a 7 at some point… people WAKE UP!

And these sports journalist, they dont know jack, they are just like us but happened to be in the right place at the right time so they get paid to write and be polite and not ofend the so called icons of the organization.

Its time for change, Bobby’s been around since gas was a $1.80 a gallon folks. Time for change!

By Kevin

September 2, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Obviously major changes need to be made. When did we become the Royals? We can’t (or won’t) sign big name players. We can’t sign Tex because he wants too much; pay him! Why would we want an Atlanta guy who is switch hitting, power hitting, gold glove winning first baseman? Is is any wonder Chipper was hitting lights out this year? OK. He’s gone, I’ll move on. We won’t go after a CC or Sheets because we can’t compete with the Yankees or Red Sox or Mets? Why not? Corporate ownership won’t let us? They want a loser? I read recently that the Braves most likely won’t go after a legitimate ace, but will go after C and B- pitchers like Lowe and Garland. Give me a break. Imagine if we signed a CC and a Lowe. Teamed with Jurgens we could have a solid 1-2-3. Then, sometime next season Hudson will come back. Who knows about Smoltz. Let Glavine retire (we need to get younger with the pitchers). And PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don’t even think about Hampton, unless he wants to play for free (which he should, for feeling quilty about getting paid the past 3 years). I don’t want to become the Yankees, a team that pays too much for old players. I do, however, believe we have to sign and pay for some players, however. With a couple of big name and good signings we can have a mix of young and talented players. Also, the Charlie Morton and Jo Jo Reyes experiment is NOT working out. Jo Jo CANNOT pitch in the majors. (1) CC/Sheets (2) Jurgens (3) Lowe/Garland (4) Campillo (5) ??? Hudson will be back some time next season. I realize Jurgens has struggled since the all star break, but wouldn’t you be over it if you played on this year’s Braves team? He’s been the only constant. Returning in the bullpen will be Moylan, Soriano, Gonzalez, and hopefully Smoltz.

Last year the Yankess fired their training staff. I thought this was a complete joke until I watched the Braves this year. Clearly something has to be done. The Braves get hurt eating their pre-game meals. “Please pass the salt….Ouch, Tommy John time!”

Lastly, I hate to say this, but I think it’s time for a managerial change. I love Bobby and what he’s done for us, but it’s not working anymore. Let’s get a fresh look into the organization. If we don’t, we’re going to be looking up at the Mets, Philis, and even the Marlins for quite some time. By the way the season is going, we may be looking up at the Nats too.

By Dawn

September 2, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

CRYBABY>>>>

By mike110

September 3, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this

out of all the players that the braves in the minor leagues, they have to bring back jeff ridgeway and corky miller. you have got to be kidding me. there has to be someone more deserving then those two. so young player who has never been to the majors that plays there butt off not two has beens. no major league team would give those two the time of day especially corky miller. i havent hit a baseball in 15yrs and i could bat just as good as corky miller, he couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat.

By TOMY fOURNIER

September 5, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

OK FOLKS…KEEP “MORON” COX…BUT NO MORE CRY…NEXT YEAR,,THE SAME SHOW,,,THE SAME MOVIE WITH THE SAME ACTORS…OLD WESTERNS WITH OLD GLAVINE,SMOLTZ.HUDSON,HAMPTON,CHIPPER..AND CO-START..MR. FRANCHY AND CORKY AND COMP….WAO…WHAT A MOVIE!!!!…YOU KNOW WHAT???ATLANTA IS SH….!!!!