Braves

By Mike

June 19, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

I had a great weekend at Fenway South watching the sox kick the snot out of the braves. GO SOX!!!

By BirdDawg

June 19, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this

The Braves deserve this.

14 years and only ONE championship?

Pitiful.

By eddie

June 19, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

It’s tough watching a game and hearing so much noise form the visitor’s fans. Transplanted yankees I guess.

By Casey

June 19, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this

It had to end eventually. People were saying it was going to end every year after 1991. If you would have told me in 1991 that the Braves would win 13 more division titles in a row, I would have reported you to to the police for psychological delusions.

I just wish they would go down fighting and not with a whimper.

By dannycardwell

June 19, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

ive been watching all the cox bashing and the ugly stuff people say when things are not going well. i havent posted in a long time and i noticed a lot of people i have great respect for havent either. hob nail boot where are you? i do want to say i have never been as enthused about sureholtz as the rest have been. he took over a francise that cox built and with all the free spending turner let him have, kept it going. the only thing i ever hated to see bobby do that i couldnt understand was keep putting players in that did not produce with 300 hitters(betemet)sitting on the bench, putting the same relievers in knowing they just dont have it in them. surely there are some kids in the minors better that 3-4 we are using now. he is loyal to a fault. that said, he is still one of the 2 best managers i ever saw, the other was sparky anderson. its time to bring more new blood in. 4 relief pitchers and jordan, who is a class act but it is time for him to start his coaching career with eddie perez. common sense dictates that if what you are doing is getting you nowhere, something has to change. cox loves these guys like they are his kids and thats good. but its is time to trade some away. we have a kid who can bat lead off and play all infield positions, making giles great trade bait for relief pitching. we have a center fielder that has bad knees and will be gone in a year anyway probably playing for the yankees or mets who can get 2 good arms and dump our largest salary, next to no pitch hampton. this is not a knock on giles or andrew but changes are needed. i will still go to most of the games with my family either way, but i wont be surprised if the stadium starts getting less fans every week. theres one thing about losing. your kids start getting autographs from players that wont give them the time of day when they are winning.

By Matt

June 19, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

I agree with Casey. It did have to end at some point. However, I really want to rail on the so-called fans of the Atlanta Braves. I have been a fan ever since I was 5 years old (I’m now 24). I can remember a time when the Braves had the worst record in the NL back to back seasons, and can remember when we had NO hope of even thinking about the next year. The core group of Braves fans back then were better than the ones who are there now. If you’re a true Braves fan, then you aren’t going to brow-beat them to death like I’ve seen on the boards here lately. You’re going to get out to the ballgames, support the team, and going to hope for better in the coming weeks. Just rememebr, this isn’t an insurmountable lead that the Mets have right now. Stranger things have happened in the past, and I’m sure that the Braves will do something soon to make things shake!

By Phillip

June 19, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this

You guys are’nt Braves fans,,over half of you transplanted band jumpers were not even here in 1991!You did’nt have to live through summer days at fulton county with 4800 over your closest friends..so shut up and just watch it’s not even the Allstar break yet!!!

By Otis Nixon

June 19, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

The Braves current state is just a reflection of ownership. Another 10-15 million dollars for a couple established bullpen players, and a leadoff man/left fielder and the Braves could compete. Instead they try to relay on the luck of the past two seasons of minor league call-ups and journey men relievers. You can’t compete with a team that has a payroll almost 60 million more than your own. You don’t have to spend NYY/NYM/Red Sox money, but 10-15 million more to compete would have done it.

By The Grinch

June 19, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

Surely this bullpen will go down in history as the worst bunch of a$$ clowns to ever be assembled in one place. I’m not being the least bit sarcastic in saying at this point they should just pick random drunks from the crowd to pitch the 6th-9th innings so at least the blown game would be entertaining. Not only is the outcome now inevitable, they can’t even suck in an exciting way. Pathetic. The rest of the team actually looked ok last night.

By JeanE

June 19, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this

A true Braves fan is with them through division titles AND bad times, like now. All of those Sox fans at Turner make me sick…I am the biggest Brian Jordan fan there is, I hate to see him end it like this. It’s not just him that’s not hitting either. Something has to be done about the bullpen, I don’t know what, but SOMETHING. None of those guys have the killer mentality and Smoltz can’t start and close! Let’s trade Giles and get something for him, we have guys that can play 2nd. A consistent 1st baseman would be nice & I agree that Andruw isn’t going to last alot longer, he’s out of shape & has played that way for years. He’s the best defensive centerfielder there is, but the best is behind him now. I know Chipper will end a brave but I have NEVER been a fan of that petulant whiner so I would be happy to see him go. But NEVER trade Smoltz, that would just be horrible, we have to have one longetime Brave end it a Brave. I almost cried when they showed the picture of Maddux, Glavine & Smoltz on tv, I wish I’d appreciated how rare that was while it was happening. But go Braves, never give up!!

By Merle

June 19, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this

Otis - Which team has a payroll $60 MM higher than the Braves? You say they shouldn’t spend NY or Boston money but advocate adding $15 MM. That would put the Braves at $105 million, behind only the Red Sox and Yankees, and ahead of the Mets, White Sox, Cubs and Angels. Money is not the problem. Awful players are. Quit blaming payroll. The Braves are in the right neighborhood, they’ve just built a crappy house.

By Kevin

June 19, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

I am curious to hear what Bobby Cox and John Scherholz say today. I wonder if we will get the “aw shucks we’ve been in a lot of one run games and a pitch here or there or maybe a hit here or there….blah blah blah.” If I hear “we’re headed in the right direction,” or “we’ve got the right pieces in place,” or “we are pleased with the guys we have here and we are just having some bad luck,” from Scherholz I think I will puke. Bobby and John have built a last place team. This is your mess clean this crap up. The team needs a leader. Chipper nor Andruw are leaders on this team. Smoltz leads the team every 5 start. We need a guy who is not afraid to jerk a knot in somebodies butt and tell them like it is. I’ll tell you like it is… we are an embarrasement. I can handle not making the playoffs after 14 years, but I can not handle this team giving up and waiting for teams to get better.

By Grateful for 14 years

June 19, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this

BirdDawg, you should be “Hater Of The Year”. It’s not like the Braves were the only franchise competing for a ring all those years.

Sheesh. You have entitlement issues.

By Jeff

June 19, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this

You know who is going to suffer to worst of the Braves’ slump? Bobby Cox’s wife.

By Tommy

June 19, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

Jeff - That is not funny. I am not laughing. Not laughing … So hard not to laugh …

By The Grinch

June 19, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this

I wonder if Bobby’s wife can pitch? They should give her a tryout. She couldn’t do worse.

By Scott

June 19, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

Hey BirdDawg, I hope that you are more supportive of the Dawgs than you are of the Braves. I don’t want people complaining about SEC Championships w/out National Titles in a few years if that happens to be the case (I’m banking on Stafford leading us to the promised land). It would be too much for you to be a bad fan of two area teams. Winning in short postseason series often has as much to do with luck as it does skill. We could have played worse baseball and won 3 or 4 World Series. It’s just unfortunate that what I believe the greatest sports run in Georgia sports is ridiculed—by people in Georgia! Have some pride in where you are from.

By Brent

June 19, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

After seeing us win about 8 in a row, I came to the conclusion that when we finally lost, it would be with a whimper.

The NL East fears us, plain and simple. When we’re close, the competition folds.

But now, we’re not even putting up a fight.

Give the Mets credit this year; but, don’t kid yourselves into believing that the Mets are beating the Braves.

Everyone is beating us.

We’re only a story this year because of our past.

We’re bad.

We are the worst team in baseball right at this moment.

There will be no Braves footsteps heard in NL East race this year.

But, we’re only 7 1/2 out of the Wild Card.

Forget thinking about the Mets and focus on getting back into the WC race.

This team, as currently composed, is no Wild Card team. But, who says we can’t make changes?

We’ll find out for sure in the next 4 weeks, whether or not there will be any reason to pay attention come August.

By scott patrick

June 19, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this

I thought before this season that this would be the year the Braves streak would end, but I didn’t expect it to be this bad. Really, the warning signs appeared last year with the bullpen and just carried over to this year. The fact that the owners let Fransworth get away and then reloaded with a bunch of washed up journeymen relievers and some not so good youngsters shows the direction this team is going. Wonder why Leo Mazzone left?? The handwriting was on the wall and it said “REMEMBER THE 70’s, THEY”RE BACK”. But the Braves of the 90’s relied alot on young guys from the farm system. I say release the whole darn bullpen and call up the best of the minor leaguers, struggle with them for awhile, but build for a bright future.

By Joe C.

June 19, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this

I don’t think the Braves collective psyche are going to recover from being division champs one year, and cellar dwellars the next. Welcome to the 80’s Braves fans….

By The Grinch

June 19, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

For the record, I love they Braves and have since the last time they sucked. I’m angry not because they’re losing, but because of the way they’re losing. The bullpen isn’t just overmatched physically, you can see in their eyes they’ve lost before they ever shuffle out to the mound. You learn in little league it’s ok to lose, but not to be a loser. How can you believe in a team that doesn’t believe in itself? I’d be damn proud to wear that uniform, and act like it. Unfortunately, I can’t pich, either.

By SoxNation

June 19, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

I’m so tired of hearing all the Braves fans crying about how packed and loud Turner field was when Red Sox Nation took over! If you don’t like it - then sell out your OWN stadium and cheer for your team! Not once were we disrespectful towards the Braves (and no, those weren’t “Boo’s”, they were “Yoouk’s”), we were just simply getting behind our beloved team that we don’t get the opportunity to see often! I’m sure the sales department didn’t have a problem with us being there! Don’t worry Braves fans, you can have your peace and quiet back when the Blue Jays, and every other team for that matter, come to town. Enjoy!

By Brent

June 19, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

A pointless post by Sox Nation.

The people complaining are those of us that do go to the games.

You should be happy that you got to go. Not complaining that there were tickets available.

By J. Elmo Fogg...

June 19, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

Just a hunch, the Braves and management are headed for a backlash greater than they can imagine or probably deserve for two reasons.

1. A lack of world titles-as long as the Braves were still winning division titles, there was always the hope that one of these days they would slip up and win a title, just like Charlie Brown always held out hope that this would be the time that Lucy finally let him kick the football. Once that carrot is gone, all we can focus on is the missed opportunities of the past 15 years.

2. John S.’s demeanor. When everything you do turns to gold, the “I am the most brilliant baseball mind of the modern era, please do not question me” visage can look like cool confidence. When things head south, you start coming off as Billy Knight real quickly. Never show contempt or condescension for your audience.

By AJ

June 19, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this

We should all consider ourselves blessed to have all 4 major league sports in the ATL. I was a Braves fan the minute I moved here from Portland, ME @ the age of 12 back in ‘79. Sure, all of New England was supposed to cheer the Soxs……. but they were so damn far away- and all I wanted was a major league team of my own. Phil Neikro will always be in my top 3 with Smoltz and Dave Justice. Yeah, I’ll watch them now and cheer twice as hard- they need our support……. Let’s go Braves !!

By Ron

June 19, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this

Hey all,

I am heartbroken as to how badly we’re doing this year… As some other fans have mentioned, I expected us to at least stay close… We’re 13 (or 14, who’s counting now) games out at the moment… I hope the braves can get their act together and make a push for the wild card, but that will be hard, as i think the wild card will come out of the west this year… I just can’t stand it that the Mets are going to win it this year…i guess every dog has it’s day…

By James Schriver

June 19, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this

I have been a fan since 1966. I have only been to a few games, because I live 400 miles away. I miss very few broadcast. The Braves have given me and us exciting baseball. From the Horner and Murphy days to the ‘91 season to 14 division titles. Now some of you so called fans want to bash them and boo them at the ballpark. The season is not half over, lets not give up on them. I’m sure Cox knows better than anyone what needs to be done. He is one of the greatest managers ever. He will figure it out. If not this year then next year. The Braves have been great and now some of you “fans” want to drag them over the coals. Why don’t you just form a possey and lynch them. Cripes! what a bunch of whinners. Atlanta does not deserve this great team. One fan even wants to drag Cox’s wife into the equation. Some of you are pitiful. GO BRAVES!!

By stacey

June 19, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this

The biggest problems with the Braves are A)the management is cheap. They refuse to spend money to bring in quality free agents to help this team B)They should have resigned either Glavine or Maddux or hell both C)Leo. I don’t give a darn what anybody has to say the real genius of this outfit is in Balitmore.

As far as the Sox fans, they made me want to puke also. Makes me long for the Yankees to be back on top…

By Ron

June 19, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this

I’m a native Atlantan with a love/ hate relationship with my city. My dad took me to Braves games to see Hank Aaron play when I was a kid in the 60s. I became a major fan when they won 13 in a row to start the 1982 season, and then suffered through the horrible 80s. I’m proud of our run even though we only won it all once. So you can not say I’m a bandwagon fan. New York, Boston and Chicago fans have two advantages over us Atlanta fans that we can’t help. One is the location and history of their ballparks. That’s why the Cubs have so many fans even though they are losers. They have a grand old park in a great neighborhood, and walking to and from the park is a fun, family event. Walking to and from our park would be suicide, because it’s located in a human sewer. That’s nobody’s fault. It’s just economics. Wrigley was built in the early part of the century. In the present era real estate is too expensive to build a ballpark in a nice neighborhood - or so our city planners tell us. The second advantage the northern teams have is their carpetbagging. We have a beautiful young city with a growing economy, a strong job market and a great climate. So they come down here in hordes from their sorry old cities and raid our treasures. We don’t move up there (why would we?), but they sure move down here. It’s been happening since reconstruction. Then they fill up our ballpark and gloat over how great their team/ city is and what a joke ours is. So you yankees come on down to the ballpark and laugh and do your mock chop while more and more people abandon your decaying cities. Welcome to the south, y’all. Go Braves!

By RobertH

June 19, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

Hey, Phillip, I’ve been a Braves fan since they moved here…I was 10 years old. So I’ve got as much of a right to speak my piece as anyone else. I’m not so deluded as to not be able to see this team’s problems. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. This team basically has the same talent it had last year. There’s no one new in the rotation. There’s only one new position player and he (Renteria) has been just fine. A few new faces in the bullpen, but McBride, Remlinger, and Ritsma have been there before.

The problem is coaching. This is the most poorly coached baseball team I can remember seeing.

FIRE PENDLETON AND MCDOWELL NOW!!!

I’m getting sick and tired of seeing Braves hitters, especially Francoeur, be absolute morons in the batter’s box and then Pendleton do nothing but pat them on the butt and encourage them. Francoeur’s HR not withstanding…look at last night. 1st AB…strikes out on an 0-2 pitch in his eyes. Then, he bunts a pitch 6 inches off the dirt and a foot outside trying to get on base? Just plain stupid…absolutely no discipline at the pate. But the most irritating thing of all after the bunt was seeing Pendleton, when Francoeur gets back to the dugout, do nothing more than pat him on the butt as he went by. Pendleton should have been in his face. If Francoeur is ever going to be the hitter he should be, he’s going to have to get some plate discipline, and if Pendleton or Cox has to get in his face in front of a nationwide Sunday night TV audience, so be it. If it means Cox has to put his butt on the bench for a week, so be it. Or, better yet, send him back to Richmond and tell him he can’t come back to Atlanta until until he’s walked 10 times.

I also get sick and tired of seeing McDowell go to the mound and stare at his shoetops when he’s talking to the pitchers. Just once I’d like to see him look the pitcher in the eye and light a fire under him.

Many of us saw the red flags in the spring when Braves pitchers talked about how they liked McDowell’s more easy going approach compared to Leo. I think part of the problem is taht they just don’t respect him. They may like him, but they don’t respect him. The plain truth is that he is an utter failure as a pitching coach and should be fired immediately.

It’s not just that he’s never beeen a MLB pitching coach. Go back and look at the ERAs of his starting pitchers last year at Las Vegas: 6.38, 5.35, 7.17, 7.12, 5.56, 6.58, 6.42, 8.62, 7.20. (Source: http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ibp&cid=400&stn=true&sid=t400&y=2005)

It’s one thing to have young guys in the bullpen. But hiring a rookie pitching coach with a poor track record was just plain stupid. If the guy needs on the job training, let him get a job in Tampa or KC.

I don’t know why on earth anyone ever mentions Pendleton’s name for managing jobs. I sure wish he’d get one. In the NL East.

By Joe C.

June 19, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

But Schuelerhoz said in spring training that McDowell was the next Leo Mazzone….

By Billy Bob

June 19, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

I saw we give the Red Sox anything they want for that Papelbon kid. I didn’t know why they went crazy when he came out of the pen. Then I saw him pitch and looked at his record/ERA thats what we need in the pen is Papelbon

By stillafan

June 19, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this

Just look at the box scores from the last three games - three saves by Papelbon - only two hits allowed. Pitching is needed badly - starters, set-up men and closers. The Braves have the “trade bait” and now is the time to chum the waters.

By CK

June 19, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

Why does everyone who expresses disgust with the current play of the Braves get labeled as bandwagon fans. I have been a Braves fan since 1973 and have endured many seasons worse than this.

I also got to see some pretty good ostrich races …

My point is this… I don’t like seeing this team lose leads and give away games but I still watch every game I can even though I live 500 miles away.

Every baseball fan has the right to express his or her opinion about their favorite team whether it is good or bad.

The way the Braves are playing right now You would think that JS and Cox would be ready to bring in some new faces to try to kickstart this team into the right direction.

I think a closer, a starter, a speedy leadoff guy (yes there are several available out there) and a first baseman would do the trick. To have some new blood come in and perform well could be very contagious for the other players and get this team back on track.

It is not too late to turn this thing around but we must do it soon.

By al hott

June 19, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

now all the fair weather fans can carp on sombody else “who can’t win the big one”. Have been a Brave since 78 coming over from the Big Red Machine. All teams go thru ups and downs….we have been lucky to be up as long as we have…sure make some moves but damn Atlanta..don’t give up on the best Atlanta Sports Franchise EVER!!!!!! Go Braves!!!!!!!!!!

By Joe C.

June 19, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

It’s time to face the inevitable - fire Bobby Cox.

By jeff

June 19, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

“No Bobby, don’t hit me again! I’m sorry the Braves lost, but please don’t punch me in the face anymore! I’m tired of ‘falling down the stairs’.” Sincerely, Bobby Cox’s wife

By glennbo

June 19, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

RobertH, thanks for the url. I didn’t realize that McDowell’s team was dead last in the PCL with a 6.21 ERA last year. Numbers don’t lie. What were JS and BC thinking?

By MIke

June 19, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

I grew up in Boston and remember watching as the ball went through Buckners leggs and Bucky “Bleeping” Dent screwed us, and Aaron Boone screwed us. I have and will be a Sox fan forever it’s not just a sports team for a native New Englander its a lifestyle.

That being said Ron is dead on. The north sucks, living in Boston sucks and really everything about living up there sucked. Atlanta is a much better city overall with yes a better job market and economy. I will do everything I can for the great city of Atlanta except root for them when the sox are in town. It’s just the way it is. I don’t want or expect you to stop flying the confederate flag just don’t expect me to stop cheering on the sox.

This weekend was good for the Braves not on the field, but financially they must have made a killing with the place being packed like that and I am glad they did.

By Jonny

June 19, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

I was at the game last night and it was difficult to watch at times, especially that 6 run (with two outs) inning. The bullpen is incredibly weak. The rest of the team has enough to get it done although I would like to see stronger and more diciplined hitting, like McCann, up and down the lineup. But the biggest problem with the Braves is that bullpen.

By fnreitsma

June 19, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

PHIL,

i’m sorry, what was the irony of that blog? tom glavine playing for the team that he once beat that put us in to first place fourteen years ago?

is that irony? i’m not an English major, but i don’t think it is.

HOWEVER, wouldnt the irony actually be if… Tom Glavine beating us and eliminating us from making the playoffs?

OR… Tom Glavine playing for the Dodgers and pitches against the Mets but loses, thus the Mets win and we’re eliminated?

just a thought. to me, that would be more ironic

By J

June 19, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

Yes, the Braves run of division titles had to end at some point, BUT I anticipated a hard fought season of .500 or better, perhaps a wild card finish, or just missing out on the playoffs because the talent just wasn’t enough. However, I didn’t see such an incredible crash coming (losers of 17 out of 20). That is a collective collapse and an embarrassment. I wonder how many teams over the last several years have had a stretch of 20 games in which they have gone 3-17. Pitiful. And I do remember the pre-1991 days. I was a fan then, still am and still will be no matter what their record. Cox doesn’t have the horses this year, but he doesn’t have a team that should have this kind of collective collapse. The fundamentals are missing (relievers walking 2 batters with 2 outs and a 2 run lead; and any baseball fan could name countless others over this stretch). When every single pitcher seems to be getting worse as opposed to making adjustments and getting better, attention should be on what the pitching coach is doing too. Perhaps, Cox should give Phil Garner a call and see how the Astros turned it around last year when they seemed equally pitiful. The streak will end, but let it end with some passion and with heads held high.

By soxfan

June 19, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

We didn’t beat the braves this weekend, the braves beat the braves this weekend.

i dont look at this series as a win for the sox nation…cause we’re still struggling mightily. i am very happy we got the sweep. but it wasnt earned - atlanta gave it away. get your crap together, atlanta.

By Joe C.

June 19, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this

Sox better be happy with wins any way they can get them, with the Yanks and Blue Jays nipping at their heels.

I just never thought the mighty Braves would be laying down like this. It’s almost sad.

By Ben

June 19, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

Maybe now people will talk about how remarkable this run was. Nah, the media only pays attention to northern sports teams. As long as the media is based in NYC, everyone south of DC will be seen as a dumb hick.

Sad but True.

Capitol Avenue 9 4ever!!!!!!!!

Braves Nation will rise again!!!!!!!!

On behalf of a grateful nation I want to think all Braves past and present for bonding fathers, daughters, sons, grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles, gandsons, grandaughters, nieces, nephews, friends, and a city for 40 years. You guys make Hotlanta feel like home for this native son.

To the rest of the MLB: They shall return!

By Robert

June 19, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

For the umpteenth and final time

Making note of the FACT that the Braves have an unsurpassed record of underachievment in the playoffs does NOT equate with not being a fan

If I wasnt a fan, it wouldnt bother me knowing, up front, every year, that no matter what,even if they win the division and go to the playoffs, the Braves have no shot at the WS because their manager is a donkey.

But I am a fan, and it bothers me. My oh my what couldve been, what SHOULDVE been. At LEAST 3 WS (91 or 92,95,96) possibly more (99,91 and 92) and who knows (93,97,2001) -

I believe that with any human being with an IQ over 80 as manager, we’d have 3. With a real HOF manager like a Torre, we’d have AT LEAST 5

Thinking about that is frustrating to this FAN who has been one since moving to Ga in 1987

Ultimately, I think what is happening here is good for the team and the organization. Since the mid-90’s, the team has become complacent. They treat a playoff berth like a birthrite, but make little effort to do anything with the opportunity

It is time to let it go - Coxis plain and simple an idiot manager - Chipper and Andru are stale acts in Atlanta, and the veteran warrior Smoltz deserves a better end than this(send him home to Detroit to maybe help another bunch of kids experience playoff magic)

By Swangirl

June 19, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this

Soxfan, why don’t you get YOUR crap together and go back to Boston? We’re beating ourselves up plenty without your unwanted, unasked for drivel.

By BigGreasyNoseNugget

June 19, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

Payroll isn’t the problem—-Braves got swept by the $15 mil. Marlins (same salary as Chipper Jones) ….same team that is now ahead of the Braves in the standings. Can’t be a successful team from top to bottom when 70% of your entire payroll is tied up in 4 or 5 tired old players….this is problem #1.

Problem #2….Schuerholz “luck” has finally ran out—-took a pitiful bullpen from last year and turned it into “pathetic” this year….and now he is doing nothing but book signings.

Problem #3….Bobby Cox is too loyal and too set in his ways—-sticks with losers too long….won’t try anything new.

Problem #4….Roger McDowell is no Leo Mazzone, and never will be. Leo Mazzone saw the writing on the wall and wanted no part of it—-in a couple years Schuerholz and Cox will be gone, and some new corporation will own the Braves while cutting budgets even lower. Leo didn’t leave the Braves organization after 30+ years just so he could rock beside of an old friend in Baltimore, and I think most of you saw what a “nonclassact” is considering all the backstabbing that he recieved after he left.

Problem #5….Chipper Jones is injury prone and declining steadily in offensive production and defense—-not a leader, never will be….Andruw Jones is tired, fat, and noncoachable—-no consistency at the plate—-best years are behind him….Smoltz was a great pitcher—-tired and worn out now—-deserves to go to a contender….Hudson not worth the money spent….Hampton never will be Hampton again—-give him 1 more chance, but don’t hold your breath….

Answer….new blood!—-top to bottom including owners, management, coaches—-mostly a manager that isn’t afraid to try new and exciting things….players out with the old, in with the new—-the Jones brothers, Smoltz, Hampton, and Giles need to go elsewhere, they don’t fit in the payroll now….first priority is starting pitching, relievers, and a solid closer….then build the team around francoeur, McCann, and other young, hungry players who want to win and that love to play—-bring a little excitement into Turner Field!…build for the next “run”—-a run of World Series appearances!…

By Joe C.

June 19, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

How can anybody here say that the media only pays attention to northern sports teams when on Fox games of the week, we are constantly bludgeoned by the fact that the Braves have won 14 division titles in a row?

By Dale R.

June 19, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

I love the Braves being from Atlanta but this is only a game, and this to shall pass. Plus, football starts in about 75 days!

By ronald

June 19, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a Braves fan since the day they moved from Atlanta. They are my team and I’ll say whatever I please about them. They suck, plain and simple. Robert H. gave you that url because I suggested to him that he check out the era of the pitchers of the minor league team McDowell coached last year. Get this, we hired a minor league coach to replace Leo. We hired a highly unsuccessful minor league coach to replace one of the greatest in the history of the game. If we were going to hire a minor league coach to replace Leo it looks like we could have found one in our own farm system who is better than that idiot McDowell. Numbers do not lie and McDowell is the worst move this team has made since trading Dusty Baker for Jimmy Wynn. Joe Morgan said it well last night. No team has won a championship with one player getting 16% of the payroll. Too much money is being spent on five or six players. The ones who are getting the most of the money are not producing and are providing very little leadership. Clean house beginning with McDowell and Pendleton. If Cox doesn’t like the idea get rid of him too.

By Brent

June 19, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this

The Braves signed a lot of these large contracts when the payroll was still much higher.

The payroll was then slashed by TW, thus creating the current mismatch.

Much of our problem is “payroll cutting” as much as it is “mismanagement.”

We are messed over, largely because we cannot trade Chipper - and now Andruw (although I’m okay with him).

We do need a couple of large contracts to fall off, but once they do (in a couple of years), I feel very good about our chances.

Criticize Schuerholz all you want (for what exactly, I don’t know), but in a couple of years, you’ll be thanking him again for having the wherewithal to draft local guys like McCann, Francoeur, and Davies, who will want to continue to be part of the proud Braves tradition, even after they become free agents.

By John Schuerholz

June 19, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this

Trust me, it would be a lot more frustrating right now if we DIDN’T know what was wrong with this ballclub. Pitching has been suspect since day 1 of training camp and the media owners look at us like we’re a chess piece in a much bigger game of bottom line profits. Bottom line, you get what you pay for. If they don’t want to pony up in the payroll department, then learn to enjoy medocrity or less.

By Tony Almeida

June 19, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

Who is Phil Gast?

By Brian

June 19, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

What the Braves have done for the past 14 years is nothing more than spectualar! Most teams would love to make the playoffs year in and year out. Its a shame that the baseball world looks at World Series rings as a measure of a team. And Otis you are right! If the Braves could spend a mere $10-15 million more on maybe 2 established players, a reliever and maybe a starter, they might be right in it. And it wouldn’t up their payroll over $100M. Remember they are getting insurance money for Hampton! Sox fans! You have no room to talk! You might have more rings than Atlanta, but how long did it take you to finally erase a “curse”!

By dwj

June 19, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

I can remember back in the late 70’s or early 1980 when Sports Illustrated had a cover article depicting Atlanta as Loserville USA. For 14 years, the Braves have been the one team that’s been at the top for us always. I don’t care if they never win again….ok, that’s a lie. I DO care. But what they’ve done over the past 14 years is so phenomenal that I’ll never fault them for one bad year. So what if during that time they only won one World Series? That’s one more than a lot of other teams have done. What about teams that have never made it there?

By mike r

June 19, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

shut up!!! yes, we are struggling, but so what??? bobby will find a way, or have you not seen all the talent we have left??? we only need a bullpen, and we are in business

By Braves Fan

June 19, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

People show how they are wrapped up in sports way to much with some of these responses. The Braves have been on the verge the past four years of not being able to win the division. When they traded for Sheffield they simply were taking a chance on him and figured they would be retooling for a run in a couple of years. Sheffied worked out better than they could have hoped but he bolted so they took another chance on JD Drew. He too surpassed all hopes and the left again because of the lack of spending from AOL. Finally, last year they gambled on two old players, Jordan and Modesi who couldn’t cut it, but due to some good scouting and luck the young guys came through. The bullpen has been even luckier for awhile and finally has run out. People who get all upset or bash the Braves are not only non-BRaves fans, they due not understand sports and how things chance. Also, Boston fans no matter that you finally won a World Champsionhip, you still cannot even win your own division. The wildcard is a joke and only in place to make more money. To me, it lessen the value of MLB as someone who did NOT win anything gets a chance in the playoffs.

By bulldawg56

June 19, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

I just want to ask everyone a simple question. Name one team in any sport that can say they have won 14 division titles in a row? If it ends this year lets just start another streak next year.

By Techie

June 19, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

Those of us who are native Atlantans have a unique perspective…We sat in AFCS when you cold walk up and buy lower level seats for $10, and we were there in 91, 92, etc…

14 straight division championships, but only 1 world championship…success? Yes, and no.

What’s the problem this year?

Thank Time Warner…our Yankee owners could care less about this team…we’re going to be sold solely as a piece of a tax advantageous corporate deal…

But, we don’t have a BULLPEN. We’ve NEVER had a BULLPEN. Maybe the occasional dominant closer (Wohlers/Rocker/Litenburg/Smoltz), but without a BULLPEN, we’ll never compete.

By bravesfansince1966

June 19, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

BRING ON THE ROOKIES!!! We can play just as well without these millionaires and besides perhaps the beer prices will drop to an affordable level. Does anyone else feel like crying today?

By Booger

June 19, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

“we only need a bullpen”……….DUH!!!!……

By Booger

June 19, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

“we only need a bullpen”………DUH!!!!…….

By NyMets

June 19, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

I think Braves fans should be happy, nothing lasts forever, 14 division titles in a row is impressive, how many has my beloved team won in that time frame? obviously zero…how many do we have in our history? 4.

I must admit however, being a Mets fan and all, I do get on them for only being 1 for 14 in the WS, not a good percentage in any definition.

I can understand why braves fans seem (to me at least) dislike the Mets more than any other team in the division but it has to hurt knowing 3 times the teams that finished 2nd to you, went to the world series and the Marlins won it twice and Mets went with a team that though I really liked, were obviously not as good as that Braves team.

So use this time to reflect on how lucky you were to witness a great run, its just too bad you only have one ring to show for it, baseball define great teams for how many WS they won, not how many division titles. You might as well not made the post season - in terms of legacy and remembrance in Baseball history. But that being said, this Mets fan sincerily salutes the Braves and their remarkable run.

By rbanditt

June 19, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

Go Braves! I still have hope…even from Florida now, I am a die-hard fan! The Braves will rise again!

By The Braves Bullpen

June 19, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this

What’s a bullpen? Wait, you mean this isn’t batting practice?

By saltlakedawg

June 19, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

I am a native Atlantan. I remember when Tom Cousins, an Atlantan, brought the Braves to Atlanta from Milwaukee. Then Ted Turner, obviously another Altantan bought the team in the mid 70’s and put on his SuperStation. Now I bet all those Yankees/Mets fans Time Warner execs are sitting back laughing their a**es off.

By Snuffy S.

June 19, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

MOVE BACK NORTH CARPETBAGGERS!!!

By Matt

June 19, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this

The bats will swing again.

The pitches will hit their target again.

The Braves will surge a comeback.

And the nay-sayers will crawl back in the depths from which they came.

By Blake Lane

June 19, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

I have been a Braves fan forever and can’t remember such a low point for this team. I think moves need to be made now. One move that should be done is a trade for Tampa Bay’s Carl Crawford. This would give us a great leadoff bat, instant offense, and most importantly consistency. That would give us a great lineup to build a pen around next year. I know people want to believe in a miracle for this year but anyone who has watched us this month know we arent capable of pulling out of this slump. Trade for Crawford and our problems will be minimized looking into next season. And maybe this losing season is what this city needs. we havent sold out a division series game in years and the empty seats tell the whole story. Maybe this is what we need to get this city excited about baseball again instead of just expecting success. We dont deserve it this year and there is not one person in that pen i have any confidence in october or even june. Here’s to next season.

By brewerfaninATL

June 19, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand, just because Red Sox fans were cheering for their team, they are to be crucified? Big deal, if anything, you should be jealous of the loyalty that REAL fans display. See, we appreciate our teams and stick with them through thick and thin, like REAL fans do, and we get branded as “yankees.” That’s fine, I don’t know why just because I’m a Brewer fan from Wisconsin I should be branded as a “yankee” but if that means I’m a loyal fan than I’ll take it! How many times over the years have I seen Braves fans cheering for the Braves in other venues like New York, Philly, etc? That’s right and Red Sox fans are wrong, huh?

By Thomas

June 19, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

Redsox fans are the worst. They have the audacity to mouth off about Atlanta, when in fact, they all hated Beantown so much, they moved to a great city called, Atlanta. The sox have only recently been good, but you sox fans are nothing but loud mouthed, obnoxious, arrogant clowns! There is an old Delta saying; “Delta is ready when you are!” Time for y’all to leave town and go back to your worthless city.

By Billy

June 19, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

We is everyone always saying we need another bat…..people its not he offence more times that not. its the bull pen.

By SR

June 19, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

Two things can be equally true and that is the point here:

Number 1- Yes, the Braves run of 14 consecutive titles is astounding. Yes, they deserve all the credit in the world for that. However, they do also deserve some blame for only winning one championship during that time.

Number 2- JS has made some terriffic moves over the years and deserves due credit for those. In point of fact however a lot of the credit once the moves were made, particularly with pitchers belongs to Leo. You don’t see that happening this year now do you. Along with the credit for JS however, he must accept his share of the blame for the bad moves, e.g., Dan Kolb, J.D. Drew, Estrada for two losers etc. Comes with the territory.

By Billy

June 19, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

The Braves current state is just a reflection of ownership. Another 10-15 million dollars for a couple established bullpen players, and a leadoff man/left fielder and the Braves could compete. Instead they try to relay on the luck of the past two seasons of minor league call-ups and journey men relievers. You can’t compete with a team that has a payroll almost 60 million more than your own. You don’t have to spend NYY/NYM/Red Sox money, but 10-15 million more to compete would have done it.

10-15 million holy crap dude….do your relize how much money that is…..even if talking reative to TW.

By old timer

June 19, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

So I’m thinking yesterday must have been the date we moved into first place back in ‘91, just looking for some irony there, Phil, but no, just sinking into last place, a temporary first to worst. Journalist jimmysmith could have written a better blog.

Anyway, it looks as though we can’t win no matter who we throw out there. Poronto, however you spell his name, endorced by none other than the esteemed and aforementioned journalist jimmysmith, blows up in the one outing you needed him to get a few guys out. This is starting to p** me off.

I’d go ahead and keep playing Thorman, though, preferably at first base against all pitching. I don’t know what to do about that pen, though. It sucks even without Kolb and Reitsma.

By Soccer mama

June 19, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

what ever. Turn on the World Cup if you want to see some excitement. Baseball will still be going on for months…

By Brent

June 19, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

It is so moronic and immature to accuse Braves fans of not being real fans.

What is that based on, exactly?

The fact that we’ve won 14 straight division titles?

Fans of teams that perenially lose just naturally seem to assume that fans of good teams aren’t “real fans”.

So, when the Brewers finally return to the play-offs (1982?), are we supposed supposed to tell them that they are not real fans?

This is stupid.

By Wes

June 19, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

To Merle at the top, 78 million + 15 million = 93 million, not 105. Moron. And that would have them behind the Mets as well as a few others.

By Blake Lane

June 19, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this

I dont know if some of you forgot but we had a great may record and were only 4 games back starting june. So this team has the potential to do something, but this slump has killed us and its mostly the bullpen’s fault for not being able to complete the effort to stop the bleeding. we are a leadoff hitter and a whole bullpen away from competing. I dont agree with people’s posts that we need a whole overhaul of the entire franchise. The clouds werent always dark this year. However June has been bad enough to wipe us off the playoff map this year and make us think about next year. get crawford from tampa bay and look at the avaiable FA’s in the offseason to go into the pen. Hudson and Smoltz have looked great this year but they cant pitch CG’s every time. Bring up the kids and let them try. At least they will throw strikes and learn for next year. I am so tired of the walks. No defense for that. We lead baseball in walks from our pen and are 3rd in K’s from our offense. Those stats dont like. any thoughts?

By Brent

June 19, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

NyMets,

You’re attempt to be nice fell short.

First, we were 1/5 in the WS, not 1/14.

Still only 1 title, but the play-offs have expanded. Which brings me to your point about the #2 team in the division winning it all. Every other division winner those years also failed to win the WS, not just the Braves. So, either criticize the other teams, criticize the system, or don’t criticize anyone/anything at all.

There is no secret: We are happy with the division championships, and disappointed with only 1 WS (but still nonetheless happy that with that 1, in and of itself).

Some idiots in this world think that Braves fans don’t know that we only won 1 world series.

One thing I do know is this, if there is a 2007, there will be a 2007 MLB season, and that will give us another chance to win it all.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 19, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

hello old timer, and hello blog. it is true that journalist jimmy smith could have written the blog today, but he was not asked. go figure. who is journalist phil gast? has dob been moved already to ajc hip-hop coverage? now, paronto … yes, jimmy smith was high on the under 3.00 era the big reliever carried until, what, last night? he self-destructed big-time in a big game. so, as someone pointed out, this is why they are jorneyman relievers. it must have been a sad journey from the mound last night. any coolers destroyed? at least he had no neck to turn red during the choke. now, the future … chipper will be back for ted lilly tomorrow. his thumb sickness is improving and he says he feels like a new woman. let’s hope he hits better soon. a team built for the three-run homer does not function well when chipper has only 7 homeruns in mid-to-late June. now, didn’t the red sox play some pretty good national league baseball last night? did you notice? now, bullpen coach - sign up greg olson before he gets outa town.

By John

June 19, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

Hey Brave fans things could be worse. I’ve had to listen about the NY Yankees for all my life. Im a MET fan and I’ve always repected the Braves they never threw it in our face. As a MET fan I’m still scared of you guys. All things have to end. Met Fan

By Dee

June 19, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

The Braves can be so good for only so long. I wish we had an Owner like Blank that would put some life in to the Team. I also have one more comment, I love Bobby Cox, but he should have been cut a long time ago.

By KneeJerk

June 19, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

Robert, Once again, you’re barking up the wrong tree. You say Torre would’ve won at least 5 WS with the Braves? I’ve asked this question many times: How many playoff games has Torre won without Steinbrenner’s endless funds? He was fired in NYM, fired in ATL and fired in StL. Did he become a genius when he got to the Yanks? Oh, and with the highest payroll in baseball for several years, when was the last time he won a WS? It’s been 6 years.

By Jack Archer

June 19, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

14 consecutive pennants are nice, but Championships are all that matter. I am proud of our Bravos, but we will always be the Buffalo Bills of baseball.

I laughed when seeing John Scherholz writing a book on winning. Geez!! Give me a break. Winning is taking championships not division titles with your Brooks Brothers suite and suspenders. Give me a break!

Well the books are sold, and the honeymoon is over. Hey John, maybe you should read some books by John Wooden. He won 7 consecutive NCAA Div 1 basketball championships, and knows a little something about winning and loathes wearing coats and ties. Roll up your sleeves, and find some pitching.

By Rob B.

June 19, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this

I totally agree with what Matt said about being a true Braves fan. I’m Fixing to turn 30, been going to the braves games since I could walk. The folks that showed up for those games were better fans than we are today. I was Disgusted at the fact that there were so many Red Sox Fans in our stadium making all that noise. But thats our fault,we’ve had this Nonchalant attitude since the mid 90’s. I don’t know about y’all but I’m sick of of ESPN sports casters making fun of us as fans. Well I say instead of dwelling on how great the old days of 91 were, lets turn back the clock and be those Tomahawk Rally crazed Braves Fans again. Lets get out butts out of seats and cheer for every pitch. If the Braves are going to step it up, than we need to as well. LETS GO BRAVES

By William P. Fallin

June 19, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this

Just thought I’d share this with all of you. It really is over and time to look to the future. Heads up and try to smile, it will hurt less.

WILLIAM P. FALLIN Columnist Douglas, GA Enterprise Natchitoches, LA Times Camden County, GA Courier

A HUMAN TRAGEDY

A double tragedy unfolded last week in an Atlanta courtroom. Judge J. Johnson Snodgrass was trying to settle the custody problem of a ten year old boy after his parents had been convicted of beating him unmercifully. The judge suggested he live with an aunt but the boy said his aunt had beaten him worse than his parents.

Judge Snodgrass got the same story about his grandparents and after deciding he was facing a classic case of family dysfunction he took the unusual step of asking the boy whom he wanted for a legal guardian. Without hesitation the boy replied, “the Atlanta Braves, judge ‘cause everybody knows they ain’t gonna beat nobody.”

(Note: Story stolen from the fellow who sent it to me.)

And that about clarifies the function and fate of the hapless Braves of 2006. No young fans and few older ones can remember a team that has played worse than the Braves this year.

If you are a baseball fan you know about which I write and if you are not then I’ll tell you in a few paragraphs. For fourteen CONSECUTIVE years the Braves have won the championship of the Eastern Division of the National Baseball League. That is better than even the famed New York Yankees have ever done. As a matter of fact that is better than any team in any professional sport in the history of the United States have ever done.

General Manager John Scheurholz and field manager Bobby Cox have been lionized for their efforts. Both are frequently mentioned as almost surefire candidates for the baseball Hall of Fame.

So, what happened? No one and I mean NO ONE can figure it out – for sure. But looking back we can spot a few things that were obviously overlooked. (Note: hindsight is still 20/20.)

The Braves opened the season with more starting pitchers than they needed (or so they thought). They actually tried to trade John Thomson until about three days before opening day. One of their other starters came down with an injury and they were glad they had not made the trade, another mistake.

They forgot to trade for or bring up from their farm system any relief pitchers who could get anyone out. For a closer they chose to go with a fellow (Chris Reitsma) who was a failure in 2005. Usually failure is a pretty good predictor of the future but they chose to ignore that.

They also chose not to pay pitching coach Leo Mazzone the extra $250,000 Baltimore offered him. Mazzone had coached all those staffs through those fourteen years of winning but the Braves believed they could do without him. After all many of the pitchers didn’t like him anyway for his autocratic ways …. otherwise known for forcing onto his pitchers what was needed to win such as staying in condition and learning how to bunt. (Note: $250,000 is $100,000 less than the rawest rookie is paid.)

And they decided to stick with their batting coach, ever-popular Terry Pendleton. Terry had been the league’s most valuable player for the Braves early in the famed win streak but that does not make him a good teacher.

And they allowed their young right fielder to go off and play in “exhibition” games (WBC) instead of staying where he could possibly learn a bit more about where the strike zone is located.

They started with a 39 year old right hand batting first baseman (Brian Jordan) who had never played first base before and a left handed hitting first baseman who was going into his second full year and was a perennial .260 hitter. Their only bright lights have been a solid rookie catcher, Brian McCann, Shortstop Edgar Renteria and to a lesser degree, centerfielder Andruw Jones and third baseman Chipper Jones.

Opening day came and everything got worse. The Jones boys played below par, first base was a disaster, second baseman Marcus Giles slipped badly, right fielder, Francoeur is hitting .250 and left fielder, Langerhans is hitting even less.

You can’t win championships with only 25% of your position players performing at major league levels. What you get is falling from first to last in one fell swoop. And that is where the Braves find themselves as I write.

Can the Braves fix their problems? No, not this year but they may be able to fix them before March 2007 if they can find other general managers dumb enough to trade for their non-performers. We’ll have to wait and see.

Next week we’ll return to the problems of the world but this week, the Atlanta Braves are the most serious topic for hundreds of thousands of fans who have followed them over the years.

By shawn

June 19, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this

These comments are funny. Mostly from Northern transplants from Philly or N.Y. who have been forced to watch their teams not even matter for 14 years. Pile it on as much as you can. The current rosters is not the best the Braves have ever had but they aren’t the worst either. There isn’t a Mahler, Blanks, or Frias (yeah I am an old Atl. Braves fan) in the group. So keep saying how much you hate the Braves and every off season try to sign their players or lure their coaches to your town in hopes you can somehow duplicate what they have done. You think Cox and J.S. haven’t heard from Washington already? Any way say what you can…the more the better….make the players, coaches, and G.M. mad. Get them angry..wound their pride…then watch out because while they look like they have no chance there was at least 7-8 other years during this streak that they looked like it would end. Then somehow they kicked you butts again. Ask N.Y, or Philly, or S.F and L.A. Belittle the streak if you may but each of you wish it was yours…….

By Brian

June 19, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

$10-15 M for a company like TW/AOL is nothing

By Greg

June 19, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

I could see the Braves getting Kris Benson or a closer. The division title is out, but it could happen if the Braves went to a tremendous tear and the Mets collapse. Winning a game, stopping the losing streak is the first priority. Pitching is what is going to stop the Braves from losing. Scoring runs is what allows you to win. I think the Braves are deviating from that philosophy that has produced 14 straight division titles, 5 pennants, and a world series title. I love the braves young talent. I don’t think they should give up Francouer, McCann, Langerhans, Davies, LaRoche(skeptical of him however)and Betemit (he should be playing third base) They should let chipper finish out his career at first base with his bad knees, back, elbows, neck, throat. Chipper needs to find that homerun swing again. The Braves are the South’s best to offer in sports.You have to include the Marlins!

By Ron Gant

June 19, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

Billy, 10-15 million to a billion dollar corporation is not anything. You can talk about running a “business” all you want. Owning a sports team is different. Ask Mark Cuban, Arthur Blank, etc if making a little less profit to compete for a championship is worth it. Adding a couple proven relivers and another bat for 10 million or so more and we would not be in this position.

By I think with a drawl

June 19, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

The Braves will be okay (after they sign Soriano). The Astros we’re below .500 around this time last year also if I’m not mistaken. They went to the World Series. We just need to make some adjustments.

By Jimibee

June 19, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

Nothing lasts forever Braves, especially records. 14 division titles in a row is an incredible feat… unfortunately, it has become the whole reason for playing the season. It’s time for the Braves to plot a new course. Consider this fact, Chipper and Andruw have been to the playoffs every year of their career! Up until now, nobody has done that in the history of baseball. John Smoltz has been there for the whole 14 year ride. I’m an Atlanta native and fan for 10 years. I’ll support the Braves for many decades to come.

By Eric C.

June 19, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

SoxNation…I’m so glad to hear that you support your team. Now go jump in a lake.

Met fans…thanks for the sympathetic remarks, and enjoy your first place rental.

If the Braves were a stock, I’d be buying…it is only up from here. I used to hate the wild card for obvious reasons, but it is STILL only 7.5 games away. Strangely enough, it makes since to pull for the Mets against the Reds.

By Allyssa

June 19, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

See i dont get it….i mean we still have a lot more games left of the season so cant we come back and take first….or do all those games not really count…can somebody help explain that for me

By Billy

June 19, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this

“Billy, 10-15 million to a billion dollar corporation is not anything. You can talk about running a “business” all you want. Owning a sports team is different. Ask Mark Cuban, Arthur Blank, etc if making a little less profit to compete for a championship is worth it. Adding a couple proven relivers and another bat for 10 million or so more and we would not be in this position.”

Let me make this clear….i dont support time warner owning the braves……nor do I wish to be in the un-enviable position to defent them now but ive opened my self up… Your a multi billion dollar buissness and have to answer to investors….you make good buisness choices and stick by them…..you set a buget and live by them….for the braves your budgest is 80 million…..make due. I could ask those indivduals if that question but there is an inherent differnce….thier sports teams are not nessicarily a investment. It their toy. two more points. You may or may not have a budget you live by but lets say you did. would it make ecomical sence for you to break your budget by 18% to have even more fun…….what happens when you make that jump in payroll and then you fail….oh we should spend more money……not the answer…not in baseball or life……example look at the yanks…..spend more more more and still have holes. My last point is this…..15 million is 15 million. no one will conveince me other wise….can you honestly comperhend that kinda of money……i cant…u may be able too due to what ever you do for a living….but I cant….i cant see a “buisness” practice bad economic pratices with the hope of winning. By all means bring on Blank or some other private owner……cuz tw or anyother corp sucks the character and life out of a team……sorry so long and bad but in a rush……

By Rob B.

June 19, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this

Good Point Eric. We still have the wild card, and in my opinion just a few adjustments away from changing this season around. Question: What are the rumors on what moves the Braves will make before the trade deadline.

Dear Sox Nation, Know your role, and shut your mouth. Not only did you come to our ballpark (which probably seem like going to the hilton compared to what y’all have), but now you’re on our chatline. Get a life, and if Boston is such a great town, then GO BACK. Trust me, you won’t be missed.

By Allyssa

June 19, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

See i dont get it….i mean we still have a lot more games left of the season so cant we come back and take first….or do all those games not really count…can somebody help explain that for me

By Peter

June 19, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

The Braves are basically done in the East, but they can still get the wild card Look at the Astros the past two years, they were at least 15 games down two years ago and they won the wild card If the Braves can get a lead off man, a closer and a pitcher or at least 2 of the 3 then they can make a run at the Wild Card Trade Giles for a closer or a pitcher and put Betemit in the leadoff spot, he has speed and can hit, or trade Giles for Crawford.

By Allyssa

June 19, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this

ok thanks for clearing that up..

By Sarah

June 19, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

It may be because I’m 16 and all I’ve known is winning from the Braves, but I still don’t think that they’re out yet. They’re down, that’s for sure, but they aren’t out. It’s a good team with a lot of talent, but also a very, how do I put this, underconfident bullpen with no concentration. They have the ability to win, but haven’t done it. Look, my dad is from Boston and is the biggest Red Sox fan in the entire world. I have gotten nothing but crap from him about the Braves losing. If that doesn’t completely remove my confidence in the Braves, nothing will. Let’s just all pray for another 1991. Maybe the rose colored glasses are still on, but I’d rather see the Braves through rose colored glasses then totally lose all faith in a team that I love. So, I think they can pull it out. If not for the division title, for the wild card. Oh, and for those Red Sox fans, my dad included, who think that they proved something by sweeping the Braves, y’all can take a good look at our 14 straight division titles because that’s as close as you’re ever going to come to achieving that much. Ya, sure, they won the world series in 2004. But how long did it take them to do it? When the Red Sox, and any other team for that matter, wins 14 straight division titles, I will be the first to say I was wrong. But until then, go Braves.

By Allyssa

June 19, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this

WOW…i totally i agree with you i mean the BRaves are Still in it

By Sarah

June 19, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

thank you. finally, someone with some brains.

By Ron

June 19, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

We don’t sell out games here because most native southerners (I am one) are obsessed with college football. To them, baseball is a joke. Yankees, Sox, Cubs and Cards fans have had baseball in their cities since their great grandfathers were in knickers. Good for them! What all these Dogs and Auburn fans don’t understand is that we are lucky to have a major league team at all, especially one that gave our city its only professional world championship, not to mention a phenomenal and unprecedented run of 14 straight titles. If all of you Dog fans would go to an occasional baseball game, we would sell out The Ted and this would be a great baseball town like NY or Chicago.

By Carroll

June 19, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

The BoreSox should be real proud of kicking a dog while he’s down…..about as proud as I was of the Braves for narrowly sweeping the slumping Marlins last month. Take it with a grain of salt you buffoons. It means nothing more than that the Braves have the worst bullpen in the history of man.

By Joe C.

June 19, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

“I think I can, I think I can….”

Give me a break…There are like 9 teams in front of the Braves for the Wild Card, most of them with superior lineups and bullpens. The Braves divisional dominance ends with a whimper folks, don’t fool yourself into believing this team has any fight in them. The Mets being in first place since Day 1 this year, that’s not a rental. That is pure dominance, considering that the team has been plagued by injuries and has had problems filling the 4 and 5 starter roles. Braves fans need to wake up and accept the fact that this is just not a very good team this year, that there are no rabbits left in Bobby Cox’s hat, and that you are looking at the beginning of the end for the Braves. This will be the start of a new streak of consecutive LAST PLACE finishes. You read it here first.

By Sarah

June 19, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this

Did anyone read the sport’s vent in the sunday AJC? Someone said that Brian McCann’s dad, Howard should be the hitting coach. Nothing against Terry Pendleton, but that’s not such a bad idea. I mean he was the on the coaching staff at UGA and Marshall Univ. - two quality teams. I read an article a while back about Brian, and it said that when he was in a hitting slump, he called his dad for help. I don’t know if anyone has noticed, but Brian McCann is one of the best hitters on this team. So, to whoever wrote that in the vent, good idea. Maybe Schuerholz could use you on his staff.

By BigMac

June 19, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

It will come around fellas… as many have already said we’re not even to the all star break. Be a true fan and show some support… I loved the braves in ‘90 and I love them now - even if we DON’T win the division. I’m not turning my back on the team… it’d be nice if some other true fans would feel and act the same way. We’ve got a great manager and a great team- we just need a few adjustments (bull pen) and our starters need to start playing some defense to help our starting pitchers. IT WILL GET BETTER.

By Allyssa

June 19, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this

Definately it will get better…because really it can’t get any worse. I have so much Faith in this team that they will all step up not just for our sakes but for theres as well….

By Sarah

June 19, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

Hey Joe C. - I don’t know what got you in such a poor mood, but quit spreading the stinck to the Braves. This is when we separate the real fans from the posers. You, my friend, can take your negativity somewhere else. I don’t now, nor have I ever lost faith in the guys playing hard out on that field for a name that holds the reputation of being a good quality winning ball club. You sir cannot sit there and tell me that it’s over.

By Kent

June 19, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

Joe C No offense man, but you’re crazy!!! Hey, I’m a realist. The Braves aren’t going anywhere this year. Next year however, they are in great shape.

Shuerholz will go out and get some bullpen help. Additionally, Blaine Boyer (who was fantastic last year) should be healthy and ready to help the ‘pen’.

Mike Hampton’s return will bolster the rotation as well.

The Braves have no key players eligible for free agency this offseason. And they have plenty of trade bait to exchange for bullpen help.

Unless Liberty Media comes in and further slashes payroll (which is not likely), the Braves aren’t goining anywhere. They’ll be right back in it next year.

But if you’d like to back up your prediction of a last place finish next year… let’s put some money on it!

By Sarah

June 19, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

I agree with Kent. Although, not about the Braves being completely out his year. As for Mr. Joe C., I was a little out of line. Sorry man. I blame the frustration on the Braves current losing streak that hopefully will stop soon.

By Alan

June 19, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

Ron is totally right…and Mike is one of the few carpetbaggers who is at least willing to admit that Ron is right. We have a decent team that usually does well (even if they don’t win the title) and a nice ballpark where tickets - even for playoff games - are available at the last minute. It is a nice, relaxing, and fairly uncrowded way to spend a summer afternoon or evening. However, we pay the price for this when popular old clubs likes the Cubs and Red Sox and Yankees come to town. Thanks to our booming economy, relatively cheap cost of living, and fantastic weather, we have attracted hundreds of thousands of Northern transplants…and these transplants are always going to take over Turner Field when their team is in town. I hate it just as much as any Braves fan, but until and unless we buy up all the tickets in order to keep most of the carpetbaggers out (as Red Sox Nation wisely suggested) and make more noise than they do, we have no one to blame but ourselves. I love our relaxed and uncrowded way better that the way they do things at Wrigley or Fenway, but the price is putting up with hordes of obnoxious fans from these older and more popular teams a few weekends a year.

By Chop Chop

June 19, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves are done for this season. They’ll have to play 20 games over .500 (56-36 to end up with an 86-76 record) the rest of the year to have a decent shot at the wild card. With the pitching staff (both starters and bullpen) and the lack of plate discipline that the Braves have, that’s going to be nearly impossible for them to pull off.

I don’t have faith in this year’s team, but I’ll always be a Braves fan and will be hoping that they can get things turned around.

By TennesseePaul

June 19, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

Reasons I believe this season isn’t over just yet:

By john

June 19, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

after going to all 3 games this weekend and being one of what felt like 3 braves fans in the crowd it was embarassing exiting the stadium sunday evening. it looks like it’s over for the braves but i am incredibly greatful for all of the great memories they provided me with over the last 15 years. even though it looks like it’s all over for the braves, it is only june.

By Mac

June 19, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this

DOB, Where are you at? Give us some kind of insight into what the hell the Braves are going to do next. Today is full of wild rumors about Smotlz and Andruw and the fans need to know if they are true!

By ronald

June 19, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this

Hey, there is loosing and then there is loosing. When you are playing sound baseball and loosing that’s one thing. When you play the ridiculous brand of ball this team is playing that’s a different matter completely. This team is playing some bad baseball. Where are the fundamentals? That is a coaching situation.

Yes, we are mad. We are complaining. Fans who watch their team play this brand of baseball night after night have a right to complain. All of you fans of other teams go some place else.

By TennesseePaul

June 19, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this

Unbelievable…..

By Sarah

June 19, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this

Amen.

By Carroll

June 19, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

Look at the bright side. Now, if we manage to come back from the dead again, we can boast about another “worst-to-first” season.

By chopyou

June 19, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this

Boy, Allyssa, I’ll bet a guy has no trouble at all talking you into bed, does he?

Wake up and smell the coffee. The run is done.

By TennesseePaul

June 19, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

Another thing about Leo. This talk of him leaving because of the money… The Yankees wanted him. They tried several times to get him. Money is no object to the Yankees. They would have offered him the same or possibly more than Baltimore. He turned down the Yankees on more than one occasion. He left because his best friend is managing Baltimore. It’s that simple. It’s nothing more complicated than that.

By glennbo

June 19, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul, Does 10 games under mean anything to you? What about Dayton Moore gettin’ out when the gettin’ is good and the money is there? What about Schuerholz pimping that book right before the clock strikes midnight?

And Paul, even the most trusting teenage girl had to wonder about Bobby puttin’ Reeksma in repeatedly when everybody knew he had a fork stickin’ out from his ribs.

And you don’t just poop a new, confident, quality bullpen in midseason. Good reievers don’t grow on trees.

As far as the Jones boys go, I don’t know.

Andruw has lost a step, but he’s set to drive in 125, albeit with a great deal of streakiness.

Chipper is definietly not the same guy who won the MVP, but he does still carry a decent batting average and is the only guy besides Renteria and McCann who can work a count.

But the deciding factor that should tell us that its over is a team ERA of 4.83, 15th in the league. Nobody wins anything with that millstone. Leo left because the pipline was dry, IMO.

By nathan

June 19, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul:

Believe me I appreciate your long post! LOL! It was very well thought out and to the point. You may be correct to assume that only a couple of moves could turn this team around. IMO a dominant closer would have us in the running, but would also mean that some other problem areas would be “hidden or masked”.

Way too many holes in this team right now:

1) Too many strike outs (and I don’t see an end in sight)

2) Poor fundamental “small ball” (bunting, cutoff men, dropping foul balls, misjudging fly balls, pitchers missing “spots” by 3 feet when the defense is set up based on pitchers hitting those spots……you get the point)

3) Bobby being WAY TOO PATIENT with guys either having down years, or not enough talent to be up or on the roster in the 1st place.

4) Not enough Strike Outs by the bullpen. I realize that the bullpen in General is the problem. But lack of K’s and too many BB’s. Is the obvious problem….Or I gues it could be summed up by saying “lack of talent” in the bullpen. But some of this could have been “covered up” by Bobby dropping Reitsma out of the Closer’s roll after April.

5) NO LEO MAZZONE. (Actually I’m kidding people. He’s done NOTHING in Baltamore, and wouldn’t be able to do a DARN thing with this sorry excuse of a relievers.

6) No bonified Lead Off Hitter. All winter long (after Furcal left), I had NO problem with Giles being in the lead off spot. I figured he’d get on base (better OBP than Furcal last year). I realized he couldn’t “change games” with his speed the way his predecessor did, but I figured he’d be fine! I realized about 3 weeks into the season that “somthing’s wrong” or he’s just off to a slow start. But Bobby still hasn’t figured it out. Apparently Bobby thinks Renteria hits better with nobody on, that’s the only explanation I could come up with!

7) This lineup is bad enough with McCann in it, but when he’s given a rest, it’s just down right horrible. I could understand, keeping Pratt around if whenever he caught, whomever he was catching had an outstanding outing. But it doesn’t. So if he’s not serving a purpose as a CATCHER, why is he on the team? Pena showed he can CATCH and HIT. He should be the back up catcher. But Bobby can’t see that either. I guess I should just be happy Bobby doesn’t carry 3 catchers in the regular season like he does in the post season.

I could keep going, and in fact I actually forgot why I was responding to you Tennessee Paul! LOL!……OH yeah (I just re-read your post and it reminded me of my point!

I started off by saying essentially you have good points. But while I think the team will play better (it can’t get worse, can it?), I don’t think we’ll make the post season this year. I’m not saying for sure it won’t happen. But the ODDS are stacked pretty heavy. Yeah, 7.5 games isn’t that big of a lead to overcome for the wild card (we for sure are cooked in the east btw, IMO). But the other teams ahead of us for the wild card have handled us pretty good so far this year, and they too will be trying to make “moves” to win the wild card. So the work is cut out.

I say, trade whomever they don’t see as LONG TERM solutions. Pick up somebody like Crawford for the future, even if we don’t make it this year, he’ll surely help next year. Just don’t “give up the farm” to make a push for this stupid “streak”. Think about the future, make SMART moves and if they happen to help us get in the playoffs, great. But I’ll be really upset if we trade Salty for some over the hill veteran pitcher (ala: Andy Ashby!) to make a “push” this year, and miss. That’s unacceptable!

By TennesseePaul

June 19, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

Glennbo: Always with the fork sticking… lol. Yes, Reitsma is good and done. He has been for a while and I’m glad they found a way to get him on the DL and open a spot for some one, anyone, else.

No, 10 games under .500 means nothing. Zero. Ziltch to me. It’s June. I hate the it’s early approach. It’s never too early to win. But it certainly is too early to say the seasons over. There is plenty of time for miracles. I’ll gladdly wait for one. If one never arrives then I can guarantee it won’t hurt as much as a post season failure.

Dayton Moore leaving, to me, was not a jumping of ship. He had an opportunity to take a GM position with a team that has little to no hope. So if he flounders, it doesn’t matter. Remember, if he was simply jumping ship, he would have taken the BoSox job. If Leo was simply jumping ship, he would have taken the Yankees job. These guys left because they saw an opportunity that benefitted them on all fronts. It took a lot to get them to leave. Dayton moved to his home state. Leo moved to his home state. Leo is working with his life-long best friend in his home state with a load of cash and a 3 year deal. Dayton is taking JS’s old job in his home state.
I think it was a great choice on Dayton’s part. I could see him coming back to Atlanta after JS retires. In that light, I like him taking the job even more. It lets him get experience in the position before he takes on a big time team like the Braves. He can learn from trial and error on another teams schedule and not ours.

That article DOB just put out there is pretty telling. JS has some ideas on what he wants to do. He is waiting 10 days because he wants to see Thorman. He wants to see Stockman. He wants to see James. If those three show signes of being capable, then he knows what he has to trade for and with. After this stretch, the schedule just gets easier for us. The teams get easier. And we have more home games.

I agree, we stink. We aren’t in last place 10 games under because of bad luck. These guys are making costly errors all over the place. No one is executing. But, last year the Astros were in dire straights and they made it to the World Series. They couldn’t hit to save their life. Our second half, starting as soon as possible, needs to be our better half. And traditionally, it is.

It’s a long shot, but I think the Braves can do it. I refuse to give up hope. My hopes could change as the season progresses, but I will not give up on the Braves. I certainly hope they don’t give up on themselves.

By nathan

June 19, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

well said tennesse paul!

I’m usually pretty negative (talk about stating the obvious!). But sadly enough, your optimism sounds believable. I still doubt they will do it. But I don’t doubt the could do it if the chips fall right. (and Bobby makes better in game & roster decisions)

By nathan

June 19, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

I forgot to add:

10 games under doesn’t mean much to me either. But getting to .500 isn’t all that great of an accomplishment. The more telling number is 14 games back in the standings. 4 teams above us in the standings. And most of all, those 4 teams that for the most part, have kicked our butts. That’s what bothers me.

By TennesseePaul

June 19, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

Nathan: Man I agree with the Pratt talk. I understand keeping a veteran catcher around to help out a rookie. It makes sense. There’s a lot of nuances to learn.
(As a side note: I find it odd that they could look at the catcher position so wisely, and then turn to first base and keep a veteran with zero experience as the back up there.)
I’m for giving Pratt every fifth day. I think that level of consistancy would help both him and McCann… and probably the entire starting rotation.
When Ramirez pitches to Pratt, Ramirez looks like the young stud he was supposed to be. I don’t know why that is, but it seems logical enough that Pratt and Ramirez should work together at all times.
Pratt is not a platoon answer to lefties. He’s actually worse at it than McCann. And I just can’t believe McCann wouldn’t figure out how to hit a lefty. McCann’s just good. Aside from that, I don’t understand taking the best hitter in the league out of the line up because the opposing pitcher is left handed.

As for your points, 1, 2, 3 and 4 are all part of coaching. The coaching could be way, way better. You don’t have to trade talent to get results. The guys have talent, but they have no coaching. Terry is horrible at it. I have no guilt in saying that. I was really rooting for him to get the Dodger job. I was passing out fliers in LA and running a campaign for him. But he backed out of it. It was our best hope at getting a new hitting coach. As for the points about the bullpen and the leadoff hitter, those are the two trades that need to happen. If the Mets can cruise with only Glavine and Martinez in their rotation, we can certainly make it with Smoltz and Hudson. We just need a lead off hitter and a reliable arm in the pen. I think just one arm would be enough. There is talent down there. Stockman is solid, Ray has been solid. McBride hasn’t been as horrid as Boyer was. But you get one good guy down there, everyone else fits into a role and then you get stability and stability produces positive results.

I just refuse to give up this early. I’ll get mad. I’ll yell. Sometimes curse. But I won’t give up.
GO BRAVES

By TennesseePaul

June 19, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this

Ah, just read this on mlb.com

With a 30-40 record, the Braves are just one game behind, which is where the Astros were after 70 games last year. The Astros won the Wild Card race and gained entry to their first World Series.

There is always an historical precendent. The Braves have a history of coming back and pulling Miracles…

By TennesseePaul

June 19, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

I used to think Mark Bowman was a pseudonym of DOB’s until I read that article. It was strikingly similar to DOB’s, as usual, but it was littered with kolbian-esque grammatical errors which DOB, even at his worst, never approaches.

By glennbo

June 19, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul, The Astros had Clemens, Pettite, Oswalt and Lidge. The team ERA was 3.51. I don’t see the Braves getting within one run of that level with a bullpen full of Australians, castoffs and has beens.

On the bright side, Hampton will be back next year. Davies and James should be seasoned. Thomson will be gone. And so will Sosa. That frees up 6 or 7 mill right there. And Jordan will definitely be gone.

What I guess I want to say is this: Lets use this season to reload for next year instead of chasing pipe dreams.

By TennesseePaul

June 19, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

Yes, they had some pitching. It’s what the Braves used to have. Now it’s pathetic. But, it can improve this year with just the addition of James. If that guy is any where close to how good he has been in the pen and in the minors, he’s going to be a huge boost to the totation.
It’s that pen that needs work the most. That and a leadoff hitter.
I don’t see why you can’t reload and chase pipe dreams. If it’s done wisely, it will work. A guy like Crawford would help in the long run as well as the short term. Moves like that are what I’m looking for. Scheurholtz knows how to make a splash. I have no reason to believe he won’t make one this year.

By TheSouthernJackAss

June 19, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

You ignorant losers just can’t let the sja rest in peace—-Tennessee Paul…you sound like Bob, journalist…in drag!!!…GO TIGERS!!!…

By glennbo

June 19, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this

Paul, Really. Chuck James is not going to elevate the staff to the point where you can compare it to the Astros of last year. And it would take a staff like that to become a real contender when you’re down like the Braves are this year.

By Allyssa

June 19, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this

Chopyou, guys do hae trouble talking me into doing it because i am not like that…but anyways the BRaves do have a chance at coming back…but they wont if the FANS wont step up and be true FANS to cheer them on even if they are down. i mean its not just us suffering from embarassment it is them as well…just imagine how they feel right now

By Chop Chop

June 19, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this

glennbo,

I hate to say it, but you’re *damn right. The Braves have no shot to duplicate what the Astros did last year because the rotation and bullpen totally suck. In addition to the Astros’ great pitching staff last year, they also got a huge lift from Lance Berkman’s return to their lineup. Nobody’s going to ride in on a white horse to save this bunch this season.

After reading the “No Fire Sale” article, it seems as if the Braves would rather wait and see about making any moves. Well, that makes sense. They needed a move a couple of weeks ago just to get the fans and players to believe that the team meant business. Since Schuerholz doesn’t seem to care about winning this year, neither will I.

By elbravo x

June 19, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this

How they feel right now? Rich. Players are blessed. They do not suffer like we do! They get paid more than 99.99% more than us of on this blog! It is a game for them, and a silly addiction for us. Nobody has a per dium, spread and charter plane every day but b-playes. Yep, feel so sorry fo them!

By jon

June 19, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this

Well I care about the Braves winning regardless of what JS does. I’ve been with them since the run began and just because things have been rough, I’m not going to give up. I sat around Boston fans Sunday night and caught immortal hell in the 8th, but I would do it again. Improve the bullpen and move Chuck James in the rotation and we still have a chance. I STILL BELIEVE!

By Glass Half Full

June 19, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this

Well, the Braves took a gamble on Jim Brower after he and his 6+ ERA were released…Is Alfonseca in our future since he cleared waivers today? His ERA is in the mid fives…perfect fit.

By Tomahawkin

June 20, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this

Chop Chop, you and glenbo are on point this team barring a blockbuster trade are too inconsistant to pull off a run like da stros did last year… better yet my last hope is that we are like the 1982 braves that saw them lose 19 out of 21 midway (under Joe Torre) only to win the division on da last day of da season, but that was a different era….In this division we have no chance….

I tell you guys what… I b better see a tribute on TBS at the end of the season celebrating 15 years of great baseball instead of Seinfeld reruns, or I’m gonna be p!-s-s-e-d ain’t thatb right D.O.B, Carroll, T, Paul, Ron Roberts, Head Coach…?

By brian

June 20, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this

notice how in the firesale article how the Braves deny veterans being traded and keeping salty as well, no one mentioned Giles. He is on the block and look for him in st.louis for wainewright as DOB predicted.

Major changes are needed especially in the bullpen, but we still love you braves.

Go BRAVES

By Tomahawkin

June 20, 2006 12:16 AM | Link to this

OK I saw some talking about Chipper, I have to agree he is easliy becoming the Chris Chandalier/Mike Vick of the team ( The Dude breaks a nail and he has to miss 2-3 days…come on…) There is no leader of this team that is why we are slacking off so hard… (David Justice and Deion wouldn,t put up wit this crap) and they wonder why attendance is falling at da Ted… This team is WACK, and Boring to watch…

By Joseph Alves

June 20, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this

I enjoyed the last 15 years of Braves baseball. I have been watching them on WTBS since 1985. I live in Hawaii. I have fallen in love with the Braves. I feel so depressed now…feels like I took the last 15 years for granted, watching the games on TV only once in a while…knowing and expecting them to win.

But this year…I feel so sad.

Don’t go out like this! We are 8 GB for the Wild Card. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we won the Wild Card, and won the World Series…..you never know. Go Braves!

By YankeesSUCK

June 20, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this

Three things Braves need!!! 1st Relievers, 2nd Leadoff hitter, 3rd a 1st basemen. Cormier,Reitsma,Villeriall,Mcbride, and Paronto all suck. Marcus Giles isnt a proven leadoff hitter. And Adam Laroach aint cuttin it. I say get either Carl Crawford or Alfonso Soriano. For a first basemen i have no idea who the braves should get, but do something. For relievers maybe alfonseca, Rhodes, Hawkins, or some how get farnsworth back.

By TennesseePaul

June 20, 2006 12:31 AM | Link to this

Tomahawkin: If it comes to that then a tribute would be nice. But personally, I hope to see a tribute to 15 straight g*******! lol.

Chuck James, if he pitches like he has so far, will be a massive improvement. It would mean wither Thomson or Sosa is out, or will get fewer starts, which gives us more chances to win. That’s all hinging on if though.
Besides, I still can’t help but call out It’s Chuck James B!tch everytime I see him.

I’m still going to root for ‘em to win it all. This team isn’t made of quiters. And quiters would give up in mid June. So as long as they’re trying to win, I’m going to think there’s a chance.
Though, I will admit I was a little bummed to see Chipper sit with a hang-nail. That’s not what I expect to see out of him. Maybe this off day at home helped them regroup.

GO BRAVES!!

By nathan

June 20, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this

Check out this coincidence!

1982: Chief Nokahoma’s TeePee is taken down. The Braves immediately lose 19 of 21 games…….The TeePee is put back up, the Braves go on to win the division!

2006: No TeePee to be found anywhere! Braves lose 17 of 20 games……Put the Damn TeePee back up and Oh Yeah…….The division is OURS!

It’s not like the seats in the outfield are all gettin used anyhow! I’d give anything just to see Nokahoma come sprinting out from LF one more time!

By Yanks#1

June 20, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this

* NO NO NO!!!!!!* 1st the braves arent gonna get crawford this year unless they trade some superstar like Andruw because Tampa is rebuilding around Carl and just wont let him go. 2nd Braves have no chance at getting Soriano unless they dont sign Andruw’s contract they dont have the cash. and 3rd u can have farnsworth back he’s choking every chance he gets. Braves should rely on their farm system for a 1st basemen since there isnt a * great* one in the market. The most important thing none of you guys understand is that this aint a video game where u pile great players on a team with whoever you want. Some players hate others or wont fit because their role is taken by some other player.

By Tomahawkin

June 20, 2006 12:43 AM | Link to this

OK Tenn, Paul, How Do you, think we can get out of this funk????

By Tomahawkin

June 20, 2006 12:48 AM | Link to this

Hey Tenn. Paul, It seems like ME, YOU, RON ROBERTS, AND CARROLL, were the only loyal braves fans who’ve been bloggin since the offseason, Where the F—-c—k are all these bandwagon Mutts and yankees fans coming from… Our Boyz may suck now, but you got to B Loyal to your roots….

By Tomahawkin

June 20, 2006 12:54 AM | Link to this

Yanks#1 even though you don’t belong here, Why da he!! do we even want Soriano, I hear from Ranger fans that he is the laziest S.O.B. in da game, but nevermind it seems that Bobby C. tolerates Chipper and Andruw Jogging to first, so Soriano would be right up his alley….

I’m Sorry to Bash Bobby C. But I hate his loyality, especially to Guys Like Reeksma, Kolb, LaRoche, among others like Lockhart, Wiess, Joyner, and Reggie Sanders (Da Guys Who Don’t cut it in a braves uniform…)

By David O'Brien

June 20, 2006 12:56 AM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, 6:35 p.m. post _ easily the best, most informed, rational opinion I’ve read from a fan on this blog ALL YEAR.

Regardless of what all of you others might think, most are just knee-jerk, emotional rants. His is reasonable and so very much closer to reality, to what is actually going on behind the scenes.

Kudos to you, sir. If we had more discourse like that, I wouldn’t be tired of reading the blog the last few days. The trade-em-all stuff has gotten so silly, I’ve declined to get involved lately.

By Head Coach

June 20, 2006 01:00 AM | Link to this

No fire sale ? John Schuerholz is either lying to cover his true intentions or he is clueless. He says he is frustrated and perplexed ? obviously. If he wants to kick a dead horse , he can go right ahead while I dig the grave. If he or anybody in management honestly thinks a couple of trades will fix this team , then the rest of this season is already a lost cause. A bad stock , a bad investment , a bad team , same thing. Mr. Schuerholz , do the smart thing and cut your losses.

By Tomahawkin

June 20, 2006 01:02 AM | Link to this

D.O.B. Where have you been at baby…? Good to hear from ya… I bet you think it’s over rite, barring a blockbuster trade?

By Tomahawkin

June 20, 2006 01:04 AM | Link to this

Head Coach, Did you Throw any more beer cans at the TV Watching the braves blowpen f—-c—k up last nite????, I was surely p-!$$ed off, cussing the TV out left and right…

By David O'Brien

June 20, 2006 01:05 AM | Link to this

Joseph Alves, if you live in Hawaii, I don’t want to read about you being depressed about the Braves. YOU LIVE IN HAWAII, DUDE! No worries, shaka, and all that.

I love Hawaii. Been to Kauaii and Maui, 7-8 days in each place, and want to go to couple other islands. If they had more sports to cover out there, I think I’d apply for a job.

Mahalo.

Oh, by the way, to my boys over in Athens: Did you guys happen to see Sonic Youth tonight over here in Atlanta, at Center Stage (formerly Earthlink Live)? Great show, and the band that opened for them, Be Your Own Pet, was outstanding. The lead singer is this young punker girl, probably about 20, and she just rocks so hard it hurts. Her neck’s gotta hurt from whipping her head so hard. They’re from Nashville, but they sound like a cross between Yeah Yeah Yeahs and old Bow Wow Wow (I know, that sounds silly putting those two cartoonish sounding names in same sentence, but that’s why they remind me of, or at least her voice does).

Kim Gordon, Thurston, Lee and Steve still rule. Sonic Youth 4ever.

By Tomahawkin

June 20, 2006 01:07 AM | Link to this

D.O.B. Word is Born Kid… about all dat silly Trade/fantasy talk, Its just plain silly, I begin to think that half of dese people are brainwashed by dat crap on ESPN

By David O'Brien

June 20, 2006 01:11 AM | Link to this

Actually, believe it or not, I don’t think it’s over. Divison race, yes. Over. But wild card? Stranger things have happened, boys. Stranger things have happened.

Oh, I can already hear head coach typing: I’m insane. I’ve drank the Kool Aid. Schuerholz is clueless or lying. You’ve got all the answers, don’t you, H.C.? it’s your world, rest of us just renting space.

Do I think it’s likely they’ll win the wild card? No, absolutely not. But 7-8 games with 92 games left? That’s doable, regardless of how many teams are between them.

By Tomahawkin

June 20, 2006 01:12 AM | Link to this

D.O.B. I didn’t know you liked some Sonic Youth, I saw Them on Beavis and Butthead, lol, You must listen to just about everything that ain’t POP TART, GOOD MAN!!!

By Tomahawkin

June 20, 2006 01:15 AM | Link to this

D.O.B. Wild card maybe, but wih the way this team isn playin, I think the Royals could sweep us, since the Marlins did, I don’t see this as the year, barring a Fred McGriff like deal to where we go 51-17 after july 31st

By Head Coach

June 20, 2006 01:35 AM | Link to this

I luv your enthusiasm David , its contagious. Lord knows I want them to win , I’m emotionally spent and totally rational about my comments. So , thats said. No , I dont believe Schuerholz , not for a second. He is way smarter than ten of us put together and he plays his cards tight. I dont have all the answers , just a little experience in the field. I said Giles wasnt a leadoff hitter and Reitsma wasnt a closer in spring training , am I right ? I let the fat lady roar at the end of May and what happened ? Have I been wrong ? If my approach rubs you the wrong way I apologize. A dead horse is a dead horse , stop kicking it and grab a shovel.

By Tomahawkin

June 20, 2006 01:39 AM | Link to this

Oh, and 1991 when Dem Braves Moved into 1st I was in 1st grade getting taught on how to B a real fan at Pointe South Elementary (Clayton Co.) where we showed real braves spirit, unlike most of ther fsirweather fans now who only come out when the braves are winning and I might add many of them don’t even know any other player whose last name doesn’t begin with Jones, or Smoltz, Atlanta is Pathetic

By Tomahawkin

June 20, 2006 01:42 AM | Link to this

Head Coach I still love the comment that you said the other day…”I’m tired of throwing beer cans at the TV while watching the game”, I have that same problem with my remote…

By Tomahawkin

June 20, 2006 01:48 AM | Link to this

Head Coach, Carroll aand Myself wanted Reeksma gone after the game 5 of da 2004 NLDS, That dude has cursed or team, he should be somewhere in the independant leagues by now, thats the onen thing that p-!-$$es me off about Schuerholtz and Cox, Had Reeksma been wit the yankees, da Sox or Phils he would’ve been gone 2 years ago because they don’t put up wit that crap…

By Johnny Taco

June 20, 2006 07:25 AM | Link to this

By announcing that the big names won’t be traded is a huge mistake!

If you don’t move one or more of the following: Smoltz, Hudson, Chipper, Andruw & Hampton, or about 70% of your payroll, that leaves nothing money-wise to spend on the bullpen, and much needed upgrades in leftfield and first.

No leadoff hitter. No speed. A lineup with free swingers.

Not a good omen for next season !

By Blake

June 20, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this

Alfonseco just got put on waivers. We might as well give the “sloth” a chance. DOB,do you know his salary if we claimed him? I am sure we won’t b/c he probably makes 1.5 or 2 million but maybe he will pass through and we can get him for cheap. Worth a shot right?

By Blake

June 20, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

Also, no wild card hopeful team has the talent to go on a tear and leave us in the dust. Granted, we have to play great ball and try and get within 5 or so by the break, but with the NL talent there is a chance. Not a good one, but a chance. JS knows what he is doing.

By Blake

June 20, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this

Should be Alfonseca and he makes 560K, also been hearing Wickman’s name being floated.

Sorry for all the posts, bored waiting on a flight.

By Larry

June 20, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this

I’m a Braves fan since 1967 and I’ve seen the ups and the downs of the franchise. I prefer the ups. However, I’m amazed at the attitude of so many of the so called fans. If you don’t win the World Series, you automatically suck. The last time I checked, only one team can win it all. Does everyone else wear the lable “choker”?

Let’s apply this in real life…if you’re an accountant and you’re not the #1 accountant in America…then you SUCK. If you’re a salesman, and you’re not the very highest producer…then you SUCK. If we follow that logic..then I’ll bet everyone who posts in this blog SUCKS.

Get a grip. Enjoy the sport for what it is. A lot of the posts remind me of parents I’ve seen that berate their 9-year-old children when they strike out in Little League. The only failure you can ignore is your own.

By Native Son

June 20, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this

Soxnation, you could see all the sox games you want if you would get out of my town and go to Boston. What are you doing here anyway? I hate the Sox, The Yankees, and I’ll always hate the DODGERS. Go Braves!

By jerry

June 20, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this

Does anyone remember back when Terry Pendleton was playing for the Braves and he stated to a reporter that he did not watch the game when he was not on the field because it “was boring”? Why would they hire a coach with that attitude?

By PENN

June 20, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

Well said Larry and very timely. Somebody needs to say this about twice a day on this blog.

I’ve never been so sick of a word in my life than I am of “SUCKS.” Whenever I see it I think “DAMN, JUST DAMN.”

I’m pulling for Thorman to lead the Braves to a victory tonight but it will not be easy. The Jays are going to be mad after getting swept by the Marlins in front of crowds below 10,000 each night. Now that is a pity and it has little to do with the stadium but much to do with the transient situation in South Florida.

By Billy

June 20, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this

Most people on this blog think our offence is horrible. We score 4.8 runs a game…..thats good for 5th best in the NL. Our starting Pitching has not been great but they are keeping us in the game. We havent been blown out that much this year. If someone has the time and feels like it do some research and find out how many runs the bullpen has given up in Braves losses. I dont think the team is that bad with the bullpen as the only glaring weakness.

DOB it might sound like a dumb question but mabey you could ask cox. Why not put chipper at leadoff giles second rentirea third (sp?) AJ clean up and frenchy/mcann in the five spot. The reason i suggest this is CJ OBP is .380 and gives a good AB almost everytime. Also worth mentioning he is still a clutch player and you give him more AB’s game the more difference he can make in a game.

Im not a langerhans fan by no means but if the fans are wondering why he stays in the line up just look at what happend when hudson pitched this past weekend. Diaz overran a foul ball and failed to catch a very catchable ball. He catches the ball were 1-1 with no telling what happens after that. Same with Laroach. his defence makes up for his bat. However there is now way he should be batting 5th or 6th. I see LaRoach as a watered down JT snow. Great defence with a little pop in the bat.

My line up would be this.

C. Jones
M. Giles E. Renteria (approch the AB the same way) A. Jones Frenchy/Mcann (L/R swap) Fenchy/Mcann (L/R Swap) A. LaRoach R. Langerhans/Diaz (Platoon)

or

C. Jones E. Retereia B. Mcann (Think the pitches he’d get) A. Jones J. Francour W. Beitiment A. LaRaoch/ Diaz R. Langerhans/ LaRoach\

But I still hold that the offence is not the big problem…….the bullpen needs someone that can get their confidence back.

IMO

By Harry Doyle

June 20, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, great post. I like reading true Braves’ fans posts.

My feeling is quite different than most, I am not looking for help for this team from elsewhere. I look to the players that have always carried this team and gotten the winning streaks going. For all these years, Chipper or Andruw have gotten hot in the summer and sparked the team. And baseball is so contagious, that when these guys get hot, they elevate the other players on the team. Last year, the Braves got hot when Andruw did. And for many years, Chipper got hot and the rest of the team followed. I think one of those guys is going to have to get hot and I think the rest of the team will get hot with them.

Pitching is very much the same thing, and that’s why we keep seeing all these different pitchers in the pen. Bobby knows that if one guy steps it up and gets hot, the rest of pen will follow. Don’t know why, baseball is just contagious like that. You never know who the mentally tough bullpen guy will be, but someone will step up and carry the pen and everyone else will raise their game. More than likely because the pressure is off them now, so they relax and pitch the way theyre capable.

Same story with the rotation. Earlier this year we had that string of three or four consecutive complete games from Hudson, Smoltz, HoRam and Thomson. That will happen again in some form, and that’s why you see Smoltz and Hudson pushing as hard as they are. They know one dominant outing by them could be contagious and spill over into the rest of the starters and get us rolling.

Not saying that adding D-Train, Crawford, Carlos Lee, Joe Nathan, or whoever wouldn’t be a welcome addition, cause they are all great players. I just think it’s up to the obvious leaders on the team to determine the fate of this team, this season. And in baseball, leaders don’t peel the paint off the wall, they lead their team by example, in how they play.

By Billy

June 20, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this

Man all the people bashing the redsox fans dont rember that atlanta is one of the biggest drawing road teams in the league…..I always see a significant amount of brave’s fans while htere on the road….I was at the game sunday and it was fun drowning out the let go redsox chants with boo’s which happend almost everytime. I think it added an extra dynamic to the game.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 20, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this

former president jimmy carter once committed u.s. troops on foreign soil and forewarned that they would carry weapons but have no ammunition.

on a much lighter subject …

now, it is reported that the braves will not move veteran players - like the underperforming jones boys. read into that what you will.

what doess that say to the players on this team? to the veterans? to the kids? what does it say to other teams? there will be many perspectives. jimmy smith hopes he is wrong about the impact of this plan of action/inaction if it is true as reported. think about it.

By EG

June 20, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

Enter Alejandro Pena and goodby Rick Mahler after a horrible outing against the Giants. But the entrance of Pena was after the release of Mahler. At that time we were still chasing the Dodgers. But we were close. Oh we were close. It had to happen sometime. After ownership is settled then and only then will we see changes. Until then we’ll stay in the cellar. The run is over.

By Confucius

June 20, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

Man with no ammunition in gun cannot shoot self in foot.

By Antonio McNugget

June 20, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

DOB,

I have seen talk about Alphonseca here but is there any way we would be interested in picking up J.T. Snow ??? His salary would not be the 2 mil it was before released it? Cant imagine that Scott Erickson or Nick Green would help matters but Snow and Alphonseca are interesting..

By Ron Roberts

June 20, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

Anybody who logs on to make Bobby Cox wife jokes is a sick individual.

You slimeballs touch your rudder with those typing fingers?

By Confucius

June 20, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this

Team without Joneses is not Braves.

By Antonio McNugget

June 20, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this

On second thought Snow probably would only make things worse. He wouldnt really even be an upgrade over LaRouch as bad as i hate it. I cant imagine Alphonseca making the bullpen worse though. Anyway i guess we shall see

By tootie

June 20, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this

Hey I love the Braves win or lose.A true fan stands by their team and if you can’t take the bad with the good, then you don’t deserve to be a braves fan and they surely don’t need you.

By Billy

June 20, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

someone please tell me how A. Jones is under performing…..and for gods sake dont use just his Batting average.

By Big Braves Girl

June 20, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this

Good grief. All of you naysayers. They’ve had a good run. Every team goes through a rebuilding period. Let the Braves have their time. Sure, they’ve only one one championship, but hey, they WON A CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!! We are all spoiled because of the run the Braves have been on. Let’s enjoy the fact that the Braves are the ONLY team in sports history to have won 14 consecutive division titles.

Go Braves. I may not like the losing, but I’m not going to turn my back on you like some bandwagon fans are. I’m a true fan. Are you?

By ColdFacts

June 20, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this

Why would it matter if Braves did somehow miraculously win the Wild Card?….Their “underperforming” lazy azses would just get swept in the first round of playoffs anyhow!

By Schuerholz & Cocks

June 20, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Schuerholz: Hee!..Haw!!.. —-Cocks: Hee!..Haw!!???.. —-Schuerholz: Hee!..Haw!!.. —-Cocks: Oh, Hee!..Haw!!.. —-Schuerholz: Yes, Hee!..Haw!!.. —-Cox: HEEE!..HAWWW!!..HEEEE!..HAWWWW!!..HEE!..HAW!..HEE!..HAW!!..HEE!..HAW!!……….HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE……HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!………….. —-Schuerholz: Dumbass!…

By Billy

June 20, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

“Schuerholz: Hee!..Haw!!.. —-Cocks: Hee!..Haw!!???.. —-Schuerholz: Hee!..Haw!!.. —-Cocks: Oh, Hee!..Haw!!.. —-Schuerholz: Yes, Hee!..Haw!!.. —-Cox: HEEE!..HAWWW!!..HEEEE!..HAWWWW!!..HEE!..HAW!..HEE!..HAW!!..HEE!..HAW!!……….HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE……HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!………….. —-Schuerholz: Dumbass!…”

Wow……I did not know that people this immature exsited.

By David O'Brien

June 20, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this

Witty guy who posted at 11:53 a.m., man, you must be a riot to cozy up to the bar and watch a game with, huh? Or to chat with over the picket fence?

Or to pass notes to cell-to-cell beneath the prison bars.

By David O'Brien

June 20, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

Oh, and please do us a favor and return the computer to whomever you stole it from. Thanks.

By Billy

June 20, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, what do most scouts think of Mcann this year? Is he really that great of a hitter or mabey he is just outperforming his talent?

By Glass Half Full

June 20, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this

DOB: have you heard anything about the Braves’ interest in Alfonseca? He pitched well for us in 2004 and he’s only pitched 19 innings or so this season and spent time on the DL which may account for his 5+ ERA. Might be a gamble like Jim Brower, but he’d come pretty cheap and things can’t get much worse in the pen.

By Lane Tucker

June 20, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

14 divisional titles 13 post season chokes

What Braves fans don’t realize is that since 1995 with the wild card winning your division no longer counts all that much

Evidence

Florida 0 division titles, 2 World Series championships

By Laurence MacNeill

June 20, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

It seems like 14 consecutive Division Titles have erased everyone’s memories of the ’70s and ’80s. I was a Braves fan back then! Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine we’d EVER be in the position we’re in now… So they’re having a bit of a rough patch right now — big deal! If they manage to make the playoffs for an unprecedented 15th year in a row, then great! If they don’t, well, like the old bumper stickers used to say, “Wait ‘till next year!” I’ll still be a Braves fan, no matter what! All you “Fair Weather Fans” can go take a hike. Cheers to all who’ve posted their support for the Braves, despite their current troubles — we’re down, but we’re definitely not out! GO BRAVES!!

By Glass Half Full

June 20, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this

Some perspective here: when the Braves struggled before 1991 there were only 2 divisions in the National League and no Wild Card, and we were often dead last. On a positive note, there are 4 teams ahead of us in the East; thankfully there are some crappier teams than the 06 Braves.

By Glass Half Full

June 20, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

Let’s be thankful for the Cubs and Pirates.

By Glass Half Full

June 20, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

“1991: the Day Atlanta moved into first?” I bet Phil’s English teacher is going nuts. Last time I checked 1991 was not one of the days of the week.

By BOB C

June 20, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

Two solid reasons to be upbeat. Listening to Gammons Sunday night illustrating who our starting staff would be next year - Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, Davies and either James or Ramirez. That’s pretty stout. Second reason, we play my “hometown” Rays this weekend. You think our bullpen stinks????

By Tomahawkin

June 20, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

Billy, Your Quote “Man all the people bashing the redsox fans dont rember that atlanta is one of the biggest drawing road teams in the league”

Mainly TBS Started that trend in da 80’s and early 90’s when we were once coined America’s team, I think the Braves demise has to go hand in hand with TBS Becoming known as Total B-S, Also many die hard braves fans grew up in Atlanta and are now located elsewhere, like myself, I used to live in the Clay-Co and now live in Cardinal Country, So I always come out when they are at Busch, I also lived in West Palm Beach where there are a lot of loyal Braves fans since they used to train down there…

By Tomahawkin

June 20, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

Speaking of Gammons, I can’t tolerate Sunday night baseball anymore, Jon Miller and Joe Morgan will put you to sleep, I think they need to change the rotation…

Put Chris Berman, The Hawk (Ken Harrelson) and D.J. or Chip Caray on there, but anyone other than Joe Buck and Tim McCarver

By David O'Brien

June 20, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

Billy, McCann is totally legit. Scouts love him, coaches love him, teammates love him. While Frenchy gets most of the pub because of his superior athleticism and flair for the dramatic, McCann is the pure baseball player, and he’s going to be good for a long time. Great swing, real good behind plate, and very smart.

All baseball player.

By nathan

June 20, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

I agree DOB. He IS for sure the reason that Salty is expendable for bullpen help. Even if that help doesn’t get us to the promised land this year. Maybe Salty is a better “chip” to be played in the offseason, when other teams are evaluating their own futures and have sombody they want to dump for our bullpen.

I have a legit question for you DOB.

How come Bobby doesn’t put McCann in the 3-hole?

By David O'Brien

June 20, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this

Just filed a new blog on Smoltz trade rumors. Should be posted any moment now.

By the way, Blue Jays made pitching change from the announced starters we were given Sunday by Braves.

The Jays called up RHP Josh Towers to start tonight, Lilly moved back to tomorrow. If Braves can’t win tonight, even with Sosa pitching, they might not win again this month. I say that because Towers is 1-8 with a 9.00 ERA in 10 starts this season.

By David O'Brien

June 20, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

Two reasons: McCann’s lack of speed (clog the bases), and Chipper’s preferred spot. It’s a big move, much as fans don’t want to hear it, to drop a Chipper Jones in the order. Not saying Bobby won’t do it, but Chipper hasn’t been THAT bad this season.

By nathan

June 20, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this

I agree with you about the speed. That would “clog” up the bases for the other RBI guys.

And you are probably right. It would effect Chipper’s ego a bit. The same way it did Sosa’s a couple years ago when Baker did it. But…..if it’s the “correct” thing to do for the team, you gotta do it, dont’ you?

But I do agree, other than Chipper’s “power” numbers, he hasn’t been that bad. I’ve always thought it would be better to have “contact” hitter in RBI spots in the order than power. Of course, not if you have a manager that plays for the 3run homer. LOL.

Thank you for the response.

PS. I realize that in your story you said they weren’t planning on trading the veterans even if they “gave permission”. I missed the first 3 or 4 innings of the Sunday night game. A buddy of mine said that essentially, Smoltz said he “understood” if the Braves wanted to “rebuild” and would accept a trade to a contender.”

Did he really say somthing to that effect? And if he did, I assume, he’s got Detroit on his mind while making those comments? I would hate to see him go (he should end his career as a Brave as far as I’m concerned), but if he did say that, I commend him for being open minded - not to mention, I’m sure the competitive side of him wants another ring, especially for his home town with all the history his family has had at the old Tiger Stadium. Total class act. Like I said, it would SUCK to see him go, but if they are REALLY out of it in the next 2 or 3 weeks, don’t the Braves have to really look at this possibility to “repeat” history and maybe pick up one of Detroit’s young studs?

Again thanx for the response.

By DonCoburleone

June 20, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this

I live in SoCal so I cannot go to the games, but I watch every game and am a die-hard Braves fan (went to a full 3 game series in ‘02, it was great). Anyway, the Braves are in a horrible slump right now but overall they are an average team this year and it is not going to turn around with this current group. I see 2 HUGE problems: 1) Bullpen is flat out the worst in the league. 2)Too many strikeouts combined with NO SPEED. We all can see with our own two eyes what’s wrong with the bullpen, so I won’t get into that. Now, the second part is the offense. Strikeouts hurt because it eliminates small ball (moving guys over, sac fly’s, infield hits, etc.) But having NO speed in this lineup I believe is even bigger. Just look at last year, when Furcal got hot, the team got hot. When a speedy guy is on base, it distracts every part of the other teams defense. Not to mention the pitcher is not nearly as focused on the batter as he should be, giving the batter better pitches to hit (reason why Giles is struggling this year). I believe speed should be the no.1 priority for JS as this team moves forward. AND PLEASE DO NOT LET REITSMA TOUCH THE BALL AGAIN IN A BRAVES UNIFORM!

By DonCoburleone

June 20, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this

Also, Big Rumor: John Smoltz to the Tigers for Joel Zumaya.

By Kent

June 20, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this

I keep hearing phrases like “the beginning of the end”. That’s just silly. If by that they mean the end of the consecutive division streak, then yes, it’s the end. But that’s the only thing that’s ending.

We’re still in the Wild Card hunt, but we’ll fade out of that picture fast if Shuerholz can’t swing a couple of deals for relievers. However, the Braves have proven over and over that they will not pawn their future to stop the bleeding right now. If we have to sacrifice this season in order to preserve realisitic championship hopes next year, I’m okay with that.

In any event, the Braves future is still quite bright. That’s especially true of next season when Mike Hamton and Blaine Boyer should both return healthy. We will still need bullpen help, but if we’re talking about next season, there’s plenty of time between now and April.

This is more than just a little bump in the road, and it sure is hard for this Braves fan to take (even though I remember the 80’s quite well). But the Braves winning tradition is not coming to an end. We’re not even close to the end.

By Schuerholz and Cocks

June 20, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this

DOB Rumor has it that you’re not too bad to cuddle up with in the bunk either…they say you’re a real squealer!!!……….and a squirmer too! punk

By Big Braves Girl

June 21, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this

**By Laurence MacNeill

It seems like 14 consecutive Division Titles have erased everyone’s memories of the ’70s and ’80s. I was a Braves fan back then! Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine we’d EVER be in the position we’re in now… So they’re having a bit of a rough patch right now — big deal! If they manage to make the playoffs for an unprecedented 15th year in a row, then great! If they don’t, well, like the old bumper stickers used to say, “Wait ‘till next year!” I’ll still be a Braves fan, no matter what! All you “Fair Weather Fans” can go take a hike. Cheers to all who’ve posted their support for the Braves, despite their current troubles — we’re down, but we’re definitely not out! GO BRAVES!!**

Yay! Finally another loyal Braves fan who remembers the lean times of the ’80s.

By Jamie

June 22, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

If Glavine was a Brave right now, you’d be blaming HIM for the problems. He stunk when we had him, and I say no love lost. We need the guys we DO have to step up to the plate, literally and figuratively, and get busy CARING about whether they win or lose. You can see if their faces that they couldn’t care less right now whether they win or lose. They have given up!! Guys, you are better than that!! Get your butts out there and play hard and get psyched up enough and maybe, just maybe, you can salvage some respect and what is left of the 2006 season. I love ya, guys, but you have a bad attitude right now, and a good team has a GOOD attitude!!