AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 14 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USLate innings have been woeful
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Philadelphia _ Blowing a three-run first-inning lead last night in the City of Brotherly Love was not exactly what the Braves were looking for to shake their road doldrums and/or their one-run game affliction.
But it’s what they got. So you deal with it and move on.
No, wait. First, let’s ruminate on it a bit. Because I got to thinking in that ninth inning about how it seemed I’d witnessed a lot of similar down-to-the-wire heartbreak for the Bravos here in Philly in the past couple of years.
So I looked it up. And it wasn’t quite as many times as I seemed to remember, but it was still a lot. Enough that I wasn’t going to waste the research or the easy intro to this blog, especially since I’m running late (again) and have to get to the ballpark.
Anyway, five times. Last night was the fifth time since the beginning of the 2006 season that the Braves have lost at Philadelphia by one run. Five times in 19 games, or half of their 10 losses at Big Faceless Commercial Bank Park.
(The park itself is actually nice; it’s the bank that’s big and faceless).
So anyway, the Braves were losing a lot here in Philly by one run before they started losing everywhere else by one run. Last night’s 5-4 loss was their 16th consecutive loss in one-run road games dating to last season.
Sixteen straight. That’s remarkable.
And it was their 11th loss in 12 one-run games this season, home or road. Again, staggering.
Do I think it’s flukey or the sign of a real, fundamental flaw in this team?
Glad you asked.
We’re in mid-May now, and the Braves have won one game decided by a run. One.
That’s terrible, obviously. And I do think they’re to the point now where they’ve been asked about it so much, and talked about it so much, that it’s in the back (or perhaps front) of their minds, at least with some Braves, when they enter the late innings of a very close game.
By that I mean, some of them are perhaps expecting something bad to happen, rather than playing smart, aggressive baseball and making sure something bad doesn’t happen.
That’s easy for me to say, I know. And probably overly simplistic. And yes, I do think the Braves will eventually go on a run of four or five consecutive wins in one-run games to make the record a little less glaring.
But to be 1-11 in one-run games, and to have lost 16 consecutive one-run road losses _ that’s just tough to fathom.
There’s a reason the Braves never had runs of such ineptitude in close games during their division-title streak. You know, back when they had a high payroll and a roster filled with proven veterans and a perhaps a few kids sprinkled in.
Proven veterans have a tendency to come through in tight situations. And in the glory years of the Braves pitching staff, they had the kind of starting rotations that only needed 3-4 support runs to assure wins most nights.
And they usually got more runs than that.
After the pitching staff began to decline slightly, to levels of simply solid major league staff instead of utterly dominant staffs, then the Braves had a few years when they had a lineup filled with hitters capable of hitting a ball out of the park.
That’ll also help you win a lot of one-run games, as you can imagine.
The Braves have 37 homers, which ranks eighth in the 16-team NL. And when you consider that 17 of those homers have been hit by two players, Chipper Jones and Brian McCann … well, this isn’t a power-laden lineup. At least not right now.
Not until Mark Teixeira starts hitting the way he’s capable of hitting, and unless and until Jeff Francoeur returns to the power-hitting mode he was in a couple years ago.
Just a few years back, in 2005 (their last division title), the Braves finished fourth in the NL in homers. In 2003 they had a whopping 235 homers when no other NL team had 200.
That 2003 team had six players with more than 20 homers apiece, led by Javy Lopez (43), Gary Sheffield (39), Andruw Jones (36), Chipper Jones (27), Vinny Castilla (22) and Marcus Giles (21).
Not to mention leadoff man Rafael Furcal’s 60 extra-base hits (15 homers) and 25 stolen bases in 27 attempts.
Those were the days, weren’t they?
Well, they’re not coming back anytime soon. Not in that form. Not a power-laden lineup like that (even Robert Fick had 11 homers and 80 RBI on that team).
But the Braves do have a good rotation (despite all the injuries), a solid bullpen (despite all the injuries) and a lineup that hits and scores enough, if they play smart baseball (can’t get picked off second base in crucial situations, for example), and if they start getting hits when it counts.
Yes, the Braves currently lead the NL in batting average (.283). But tell me that doesn’t seem like a mighty hollow distinction?
That’s because while they lead the league by a significant margin in average from the first through sixth innings (.294), the Braves are seventh in average after the sixth inning (.258), and have only nine homers in those late innings.
They’re slugging .390 after the sixth inning, .452 in the first through sixth.
And not to harp on the close-and-late thing, but it’s important: In the late innings of close games (basically, after the sixth inning in tied or one-run games), the Braves are tied for 11th in the NL with a .240 average and have only two homers and a .330 slugging percentage.
By comparison, the Phillies have 12 homers, 23 RBI and a .423 slugging percentage in the late innings.
The Cubs are hitting .264 with eight homers, 42 RBI and a .386 slugging percentage in the late innings.
The Astros have 42 RBI and a .451 slugging percentage in the late innings.
The Marlins have nine homers in the late innings.
On and on.
The Braves have got to start producing in the late innings, because they don’t have the lineup that’s proven it can build big leads on a consistent basis and coast through the late innings.
It didn’t help that in their ninth-inning rally last night, they were without Teixeira, who missed his second game with back spasms. I’m expecting him to be back in there tonight, but won’t know till we get down to clubhouse.
Teixeira is tied for the major league lead with a .500 average (10-for-20). Throw that out and the rest of the Braves’ lineup … well, the close-and-late thing ain’t pretty.
And what’s a shame is that the pitching staff ranks among the league’s best in the late innings, especially in close games.
Chipper in SI: Michael Bamberger of Sports Illustrated is in Philly to write a story on Chipper Jones. I talked to Michael for a while last night. He had some good questions about Hoss, wants to really write about what’s made him so good in his mid-30s.
By the way, here’s the latest on Chipper’s recent and extended surges: He’s hit .434 (43-for-99) with nine homers, 22 RBIs and a .509 OBP and 1.287 OPS in his past 26 games.
He’s hit .371 (156-for-421) with 34 doubles, 26 homers, 94 RBIs and a .450 OBP and .646 slugging percentage in 109 games since July 5.
And in 221 games since June 24, 2006, Chipper has hit .361 (305-for-844) with 66 doubles, six triples, 58 homers, 184 RBI and a .441 OBP and .660 slugging percentage (1.101 OPS).
Oh, and on the road in that last stretch he’s hit .371 with 37 doubles, 30 homers and 89 RBI in 110 games.
So much for that idea: I think I’ll just shut up about Francoeur taking a day off, for now. He’s 7-for-15 with two RBI in his three games during the past two days, after going 6-for-38 (.158) with three RBI in his previous 10 games.
Road-woeful Braves: Since April 24, the Brave are 7-0 with a .331 batting average, 2.86 ERA, 47 runs and six homers in seven home games. And in that same period, they are 1-8 with a .241 average, 4.34 ERA, 27 runs and three homers in eight road games.
OK, tunes. Just stopped at a Philly record store and got the great new CD by British songstress Duffy, a blonde who’s better looking and, believe it or not, more talented and soulful than Amy Winehouse. Also got the just-released one by Philly’s own The Roots, a remastered edition of Roberta Flack’s “First Take,” and a My Morning Jacket early CD, The Tennessee Fire, which I’d only owned on a burned copy. Had to have the real thing.
Today’s tune — this seemed appropriate.
”CAN’T WIN” by Richard Thompson
I started to cry, they put gin in my cup
I started to crawl, and they swaddled me up
I got up and run, they said “Easy, son,
Play up, play the game”
They told me to think and forget what I’d heard
They told me to lie and they questioned my word
They told me to fail, better sink than sail,
Just play the game
Oh, towers will tumble and locusts will visit the land
Oh, a curse on your house and your children and the fruit of your hand
They said “You can’t win. You can’t win.
You sweat blood. You give in.
You can’t win. You can’t win.
Turn the cheek. Take it on the chin.
Don’t you dare do this. Don’t you dare do that.”
We shoot down dreams, we stiletto in the back
Oh the nerve of some people, the nerve of some people,
The nerve of some people
I don’t know who you think you are, who you think you are
Oh what kind of mother would hamstring her sons?
Throw sand in their eyes and put ice on their tongues
Ah better to leave than stay here and grieve
And play the game
Don’t waken the dead as you sleepwalk around
If you have a dream, brother, hush, not a sound
Just stand there and rust, die if you must
But play the game
Oh, if we can’t have it, why should a wretch like you?
Oh, it was drilled in our heads, now we drill it into your head too.
They said “You can’t win. You can’t win.
You sweat blood. You give in.
You can’t win. You can’t win.
Turn the cheek. Take it on the chin.
Don’t you dare do this. Don’t you dare do that.”
We shoot down dreams, we stiletto in the back
Oh, the nerve of some people, the nerve of some people,
The nerve of some people
I don’t know who you think you are
The nerve of some people, the nerve of some people….
Comments
By AGTfan
May 14, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
I’m usually the most optimistic person, but the late inning stats have me bummed. To me it indicates a lack of clutch hitting and if it doesn’t turn around, I don’t see this team making the play-offs.
By TennesseePaul
May 14, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the Blog DOB. And in the spirit of providing a friendly forum on which to exchange ideas of baseball… NEW BLOG IS UP. Attack!
Ha! I love it.
By BillSnv
May 14, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB! Go Braves!!
By Charles
May 14, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
DOB
Do you see a lack of consistency (which I mean the same players in the same spot) in the line-up, with the exception of Chipper and Tex? It seems that they are the only two players who are always batting in the same spot, while McCann and Frenchy get flip-flopped, the lead-off batter and second batter change constantly, and even the bottom of the line-up changes with the exception of the pitcher.
Could a lack of consistency be causing a problem mentally for the hitters? I realize that strategy (lefty vs righty, etc) plays into this, but it does not necessarily bring consistency. They are not able to adjust and get comfortable, from what I see.
Frenchy’s faux paux at this point is his overzealousness to want to produce in clutch situations, so he tries too hard. He is young, only three years in, and is still learning. He was quite clutch in his first full year.
By bravesfan
May 14, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
DOB, when you find out, let us know if Tex is in the lineup, please…
By chc4
May 14, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Kelly Johnson reminds me of LaRoche… lackadaisical and totally unfocused.
By sm
May 14, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
first
By Thrillhouse44
May 14, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
DOB, please Bamberger not to put Chipper on the cover! This team can’t afford an SI cover jinx!
By JCFROMUT
May 14, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Any word on Tex?
By Shaun
May 14, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
N8 and other Cox haters from the last blog: I don’t know of anyone who would reasonably argue that Bobby Cox is solely responsible for the Braves’ successful run. But it’s hard to deny Bobby Cox’s impact when you look at the Braves’ run and you listen to what all the insiders say about Cox.
No one can ever know what would have happened had someone switched placed with Cox. It’s true to a large degree that a manager is only as good as his players. Do you seriously think Terry Francona was a completely different manager in Philly than he is in Boston? Do you think Dusty Baker was significantly different in San Fran than he is in Cincy or than he was in Chicago?
So, it’s not just about Bobby Cox’s win-loss records. It’s about the win-loss record and his reputation with players, coaches, other managers, broadcasters, writers, front office people and other insiders.
It’s not as simple as “The Braves had Hall of Famers and that’s why they were good, so therefore Cox wasn’t any good.” That’s a very simplistic way of looking at it. That would be similar to saying Ernie Banks wasn’t a Hall of Famer because he never won the World Series.
By Evan
May 14, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
DOB, Good call with the My Morning Jacket, great live band. You should get the MGMT CD Oracular Spectacular the next time you go album shopping.
By Efrim
May 14, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
CHC4
Kelly Johnson reminds me of LaRoche… lackadaisical and totally unfocused.
Strange, he reminds me of a poor mans Chase Utley…..which makes him an excellent player considering Utley might be the best hitter in the league.
By AGTfan
May 14, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
If someone had predicted pre-season that the 2 Florida teams would be leading their divisions on May 14th, I would have laughed until I stroked out.
This has been a strange season so far.
By N8
May 14, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
BA
That was a fair and reasonable assessment. I can’t argue with much of your OPINION. But I think there is a couple of “facts” that are debatable.
“The last two years? Not enough pitching, period.”
Totally agree. Injuries and bad decisions (like counting on Hampton to be healthy - and not finding a way to add Glavine), handi-capped the team.
“Cox didn’t wake up stupid two years ago.”
I’ve never said that he is stupid. Quite the opposite actually. Some of his decisions, and loyalty to guys NOT producing has to be questioned at times though, IMO. But your previous statement, along with this one, combine to BACK MY POINT UP.
Which is that Cox isn’t doing ANYTHING differently with this team, than he did when he DID have great pitching, and the results are different. Which tells me that the lack of talent now compared to the days of the “Big 3”, has more to do with Bobby’s success/failure in his career.
“And all those free agents over the years? They didn’t come here because of Mazzone, etc. They came here to play for Bobby Cox, renowned as the best manager in MLB by the people who should know, the players.”
While it may have had to do with them SIGNING EXTENSIONS, (that and just realizing that the TEAM was very talented and that the check-book of Turner was endless - thus giving them a good shot at winning as they would have anywhere). But there REALLY wasn’t too many free agents (other than veterans and castaways that nobody wanted, that signed with the Braves.
I’m talking about the BIG acquisitions, now. Not guys like Robert Fick.
Let’s run them down.
TP, Bream and Belliard. Not so sure Bobby’s “reputation” had much to do with them signing on in 1991.
Maddux? He turned down the Yankees. (Can anybody REALLY have seen Maddux in pin-stripes?). Maybe he came to Atlanta for Bobby. Maybe he just wanted to be paired up with the guy who won the Cy Young before him, and two of the most dominant pitchers (at that time) in the post-season, in Avery and Smoltz?
McGriff? Trade.
Grissom? Trade.
Neagle? Trade.
Galarraga & Weiss were free agent signings. Maybe they came to the Braves for Bobby. Maybe they came because the team had won the WS in 95 (knocking their Rockies out of the playoffs), lost in the WS in 96, and lost in the NLCS in 97? Maybe it just happened to be the biggest dollar amount they were offered. LOL!
Brian Jordan was a free agent. That counts for something, I guess.
Russ Ortiz? Trade.
Mike Hampton? Trade (let’s not forget he DID help that first year).
JD Drew? Trade.
Sheffield? Trade.
Renteria? Trade.
Tim Hudson? Trade.
Bottom line, is that JS and now Wren have NOT been big players in the free agent market. Like I said, the players they traded for that signed extensions (McGriff).
In fact, more guys have LEFT for big dollar amounts than have come here for big dollar amounts in the free agent process. One COULD argue that if Bobby was so darn good, that guys like Sheff, Drew, Furcal, Andruw, Maddux, Glavine, Wright, Farnsworth, etc…. would have stayed for less, right?
Before you jump me, I get that their agents and the players union has a “little bit” to do with NOT settling for less, but you get the point.
NOW. If the payroll would be unlimited like years past, one could argue that many of those guys that left, would have stayed with Bobby (and their Braves teammates), if the money being offered was equal. That of course cannot be put on Bobby.
By Jon1
May 14, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
KJ looked pretty good last night after Bobby dropped him down to 7th in the batting order. He is not a lead off hitter!!
By Tim Hardeman
May 14, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
I think you were correct in your original assessment that Francoeur needed some time off. We don’t need another Punch & Judy hitter in a corner outfield position. I would prefer that he hit for a lower average and regain his stroke as a home run hitter. Our outfielders are a bunch of weak sisters in the power department.
By Braves20
May 14, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
After six weeks into the season for us to assume we will be any better than a 3rd place team is folly.
At least not until we can get Chipper hit fourth as well as third and perhaps lead off. There are probably a couple other spots on the club it would do well to plug him in as well.
Only fear is that what is possibly the best year by a position player in Atlanta history is going to be overshadowed by a third place finish when they count the MVP votes in October.
By TURTSNAP
May 14, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
While the numbers don’t constitute it (yet), the Braves still need to make a move to bring in a quality number 2 or 3 SP. Not having Smoltz there will burn sooner or later. DOB, any rumors?
By deepinmetsterritory
May 14, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
My Morning Jacket has a great cover of the Erykah Badu (I think that’s how she spells it) song, “Tyrone.” I know it’s a big women’s anthem or whatever, but they cover the heck out of it. Reverb makes it cooler.
By Eric from MO
May 14, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
I dont understand how the Braves are so good at home and so horrible on the road. Occasionally you see this with teams but normally that is teams like the Red Sox, Cardinals, Cubs, you know teams with good fans. Braves fans are horrible. Braves rarely sell more than 40,000 tickets to a game. So I dont understand what difference does it make if they are playing at home or away.
Also what has happened to Francouer. The last 2 years Francouer has been in the top 3 in two out rbi’s. He used to be Mr. Clutch. What has happened?
By Charlie
May 14, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
What is the scoop on Hampton right now?
By 18 Wheels of Love
May 14, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Home Field Advantage
With all due respect to The Drive-By Truckers, who I go see live tomorrow night!
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
You ain’t much of an away team since you lost three of four.
You don’t have what it takes yet cause there’s the cellar door.
Now you’ve takin’ me down and claimed yer road rage is happnin’.
Now they’re callin’ you out even with yer home field advantage.
Van Benschoten may have thrown you a curveball.
Yeah, he threw a doozie at you.
You ain’t heard ‘bout Van Benschoten but he sure heard about you.
And now he’s callin’ you out and you claim your road rage is happnin’.
You don’t know what to do. Yeah, you’re lookin’ around.
Nobody’s at home and you don’t know the count.
Well, you come back and lose by one.
Now you’ve takin’ me down and claimed yer road rage is happnin’.
Now they’re callin’ you out even with yer home field advantage.
By bravedawg
May 14, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
DOB you stated it, the 1 run loss thing is in the minds of everyone, because that is all you the media want to talk about! I know the braves aren’t playing stellar yet, but how come we can’t focus on the fact that they are only 3.5 games out, right at .500 with over 4 months left in the season. Some of these stats that the media shove down our throats don’t mean crap. Who cares if they lose by one run or 8 runs it is still a loss. The fact is as a 9 man line up we aren’t hitting consistantly yet, especially in scoring situations. If they can just focus on one at bat at a time, this team is good enough to win this division especially when we get fully healthy. Quit talking about the one run crap. Who cares! Let’s focus on one at a time and I still strongly believe we will be in the hunt at the end. And personally I think we will win the division.
By N8
May 14, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
DOB
Nice blog. Succinct and to the point.
My favorite part was:
“Yes, the Braves currently lead the NL in batting average (.283). But tell me that doesn’t seem like a mighty hollow distinction?”
Be careful. Some on here might not like you questioning the league-leading offense. LOL!
On a side note, isn’t INSANE that Glavine has YET to get a victory in his return to Atlanta and it’s the middle of May? Unreal.
Isn’t it MORE insane that Francoeur hasn’t hit a HR since his April 12th game against the Nats (2 HR - 7 RBI that day)? Yikes.
DOB, did you see Duffy on Conan last night? Not sure if it was a re-run or not. You’re right. She is HOTTTTT! Oh. She can sing too.
By Jon1
May 14, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Just got finished reading the last blog and it seems to me like there are alot on knee jerk reactions going on out there this early in the season about the rotation. Sure the rotation is not what we expected coming out of spring training but they are pitching well. Jo-Jo looked really good last night. He was in command of the strike zone and his curve was nasty.
I for one think it’s way to early to be talking about block buster trades for a front of the rotation pitcher.
What we need is for our position player to quit stranding runners in scoring position. This is the NL not the AL so we need to quit trying to rely on the long ball and start playing small ball.
By Bobby's Cox
May 14, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Braveheart: I agree with your last post, well at least the 2nd part of it, like i agree with you 97% of the time.
Efrim: It’s not that I hate KJ. He’s a real nice, respectable kid. But i don’t like how he plays. I was skeptical of giving the kid the everyday second base job last year after he hit only .250 in 2005 AND missed all of 2006. However, i was a supporter of his work ethic and was anxious to see how he would do.
KJ did a helluva job adjusting to second base. You’re damn right i wanted him to play when i saw woodcrap get spot starts last season. He started off last year on fire in April, but dwindled considerably since then, having only 1 other hot stretch (july). Other than that, he’s reminded me of his 2005 self, and continued to make errors on the field late last season in close games, much like he displayed last night on the DP grounder.
Pitchers are getting ahead of him this year, and he hasn’t adjusted.
The guy is hardly clutch. Part of my frustration with him is Bobby Cox leaving him in the leadoff spot. That has made it easy for me to want another option.
I understand he’s still young and is in his 3rd season now. I understand most braves fans love KJ because of his OBP and power potential. Heck, most of you think he’ll be another utely. But all i’ve seen lately is a guy who strikes out every 5.2 AB and walks every 9.2 AB. To put that in perspective, Frenchy K’s every 8.3 AB. The only 2 braves that K more often than KJ are Diaz (4.3 AB) and Blanco (4.1 AB). Look it up here.
KJ’s possible replacement, prado K’s every 13 AB and walks every 5.6 (total opposite), not to mention hits for a higher average and will have better D with the same amount of experience KJ’s had at second. He’ll double more often, and is a more aggressive and astute baserunner.
Even if you look at career leverage situations, the stats are also a complete opposite for KJ and prado (though prado’s has limited AB). Prado High lev: .385, Med: .269, Low: .242. KJ High: .215, Med: .268, Low: .281. Opposing trends! The trend is the same when the game is tied, 1-run, 2 run, > 3-runs as well.
Again, i don’t like to hate on KJ, but how long do we give him to turn into the Utely we think he’s going to be? We waited quite a long time for AJ’s breakthrough season, and are being over patient with other young braves such as Frenchy. That was fine when we had Maddux, Smoltz, and Glavine in their youthful primes. But now waiting years for these kids to be impact players, i fear, is the main problem with our Houdini offense. Why not let kids play who might be impact players already? No one knew escobar would be until he was given the shot.
2 of our 3 best players (escobar, JJ) are Latin players. Why not add a 3rd when he’s healthy again?
So yeah Efrim and the other KJ lovers on this blog (shaun,scoots, etc), I like KJ, but i wouldn’t mind seeing him be replaced, and the braves considered it last offseason. If the braves make the unlikely switch, and it fails, or the numbers turn around, then you can let me have it. Until then, it will always be my opinion and discussions like this will continue.
By Bravosimos
May 14, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
After the 6th we should change uniforms from the Braves to the Cowards.
By eric the elder
May 14, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
DOB, not a criticism - - just curious.
The songs of the 40s (yes, I remember them),when we were in a terrible war, were full of optimism, tenderness, dreams of a white Christmas, and wonderful aromas from the kitchen.
Today’s songs seem so full of depression and drowning in self pity. “They” did this to me, “they” did that. “They” are responsible for the disaster that is my life.
Mix in a little anger and intimidation and whining, and we have the contemporary music culture. Little wonder that so many of our youth are neurotic.
By Jon1
May 14, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Just got finished reading the last blog and it seems to me like there are alot on knee jerk reactions going on out there this early in the season about the rotation. Sure the rotation is not what we expected coming out of spring training but they are pitching well. Jo-Jo looked really good last night. He was in command of the strike zone and his curve was nasty.
I for one think it’s way to early to be talking about block buster trades for a front of the rotation pitcher.
What we need is for our position player to quit stranding runners in scoring position. This is the NL not the AL so we need to quit trying to rely on the long ball and start playing small ball.
By Cecil34
May 14, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
N8
Correct me if I am wrong - but what you are trying to say is that a manager manages to the talent he has at any given time.
Meaning that managing a team year in and year out is a fluid process, and cannot be rigidly set in stone.
Some years will require more effort and astute thinking than other years.
When the talent pool is high, the amount of abstract thinking and effort is at a minimum - but it is percieved as managing excellence.
When the talent pool is lower, the amount of “out of the box” thinking and decision-making ability must match up. Thus this determines whether the percieved excellence is real or imagined.
So as to get the most out of the lower talent pool.
Lower talent pool = much more effort and innovative thinking to produce the same results.
If the manager is not able to conjure up more abstract thinking (baseball savvy) and CORRECT decision-making ability to fit the circumstances, then the team will fail when it possibly could have succeeded with a more adept manager.
Does that sound like I am in the “ballpark”?
By Caleb
May 14, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
DOB, to further back up your point about the Braves and Kotsay, Oakland is essentially paying 5.5 million (the rest of Kotsay’s deal) plus whatever league minimum he makes for Devine. That’s alot for a middle reliever.
By champ
May 14, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
“Lose an Andruw, gain an Andruw.” That might be the best quote of the year. Francoeur’s last two at bats last night were horrible. I understand that he is an “aggressive” hitter, but you have to have an approach when you go up to bat. The pitcher just threw 4 straight balls, what do you do? Swing at the first pitch that is a foot outside and miss. Second pitch swing at another ball and miss. I just hope he doesn’t turn into Andruw of the past couple years, occasionally have the big game or two, followed by a few weeks of looking bad. He will get his RBIs because he plays everyday, but he does not have Andruw’s power. So let’s hope he learns how to hit because a .260 18 95 year from the Braves “star” right fielder will not work.
By Bobby's Cox
May 14, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
FloridaBrave
Excellent post [last blog]!(http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/braves/entries/2008/05/13/bravesphillies.html#comment-62527903)
Been my stance for quite a while.
By N8
May 14, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Here’s a twist of irony (or maybe it’s bad luck), that strikes me as funny/odd.
ALL WINTER (before we traded for Kotsay), people were saying that either Shafer or Anderson could be the CF, and when Blanco was brought into the conversation, DOB stated that he wasn’t really on the radar.
Mainly because he has very little power, and being the guy to replace Andruw, that person should have some power.
Yet, if you take away Jeff’s 3 for 5, 2HR & 7 RBI day against the Nats out of the equation, he has gone 40-150 (.266) with 1 HR and 17 RBI, in the OTHER 37 games he’s played in.
If the Braves weren’t willing to give Blanco a job in CF (allowing us to keep Devine - I know, Kotsay’s been fine and Devine needed a change of scenery - I still like that move), why on earth are they willing to “tolerate” such weak production from the Golden Boy?
By Bobby's Cox
May 14, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
shaun
nice post at 2:57.
By D.Ellis
May 14, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
I love the Braves. I watch them every chance I get. However I am a realist. I have said it before and I will say it again. This is a %500 ball club. I am a huge Braves fan. However with the other teams in the East getting better through the years….and our pitching staff that looks like a mailing list for Social security checks……it will continue to be a %500 ball club.
By Jon1
May 14, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
We know Chipper is going to hit the ball, so when Yunel and Kotsay get on in front of him we need them to be running. I would hit and run in just about any situation when Chipper is at the plate with the way he has been killing the ball this year.
It seems, especially in the late innings, we are not trying to get runners on and then move them over. We are going to the plate swinging for the fences trying to tie or either win these 1 run games.
By Eric from MO
May 14, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Shaun I completely agree with your 2:57 post.
N8, dont get angry, I going to disagree your post some. Im glad that you agree last year was not Bobby’s fault. You cant win when you cant get anything out of your 3,4,5 pitchers. It just cant be done.
You say Bobby is not doing anything, so Im assuming you mean he needs to make changes to stir things up. Well in the past he hasnt done this, I know he had alot better players, but every player goes through slumps and most managers would of made changes. More times than not when you make changes to superstars they dont respond well. Maybe Bobby does need to make changes but that just isnt the way he manages. I dont know if it is right or wrong. You can get examples supporting it and also getting examples to show it is wrong.
You say the Braves havent been big in the Free-Agent Market and that may be true. Maddux is about the only big name we went out and got but I remember the Maddux signing a little different. I recall for awhile the Yankees pursued him and finally the Braves got in the bidding war and Maddux turned down the Yankees and chose the Braves. We later learned that the reason they went after Maddux because they couldnt get Bonds.
Also you say no one ever signed a contract extension. McGriff(who you named did), Glavine did at one time, Smoltz has, and Maddux did a couple times. Also Andruw also did the first time and the second time he really didnt get an oppurtunity because the Braves didnt offer him anything last offseason.
By FloridaBrave
May 14, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Hey guys, first post here but have read the blog for quite some time. Keep up the great work, DOB.
First, I love Kelly Johnson. I think he has the potential to develop into a guy who can hit consistently hit in the .280-.300 range and pop 20-25 HRs a year. He’s got the eye and the short stroke to do so. Last year he seemed to make a season out of getting ahead in the count and ambushing pitchers but this year pitches have read the reports and are getting ahead of him early and he hasn’t adjusted. He’ll eventually make the adjustment but I agree with the people who think he should be traded. I think we could move him to 1B when Tex leaves but he holds too much value to another team as a 2B then he does to us as a 1B. I don’t think Prado will continue hitting like he has but I’m a firm believer in defense up the middle and situational hitting and I think both would improve with Prado at 2B. I think Kelly as a centerpiece of a deal(with of course other players added on our end) could land us Blanton or Harden from the A’s or maybe we can swing him straight up for Ian Snell. We need a horse in our rotation with Hampton constantly injured, Smoltz heading to the pen, and with Glavine being 40-something years old. It makes too much sense for the Braves to do.
As for Kotsay, I am not surprised by how he’s hit considering the move to the NL but I will admit I’m surprised by his defense and by how he’s stayed healthy. I really hope he continues to stay healthy because, despite how Devine’s pitching, you have to love this deal. You can expect every player the Braves trade to suck. This is one of those deals that have benefited each team. The Braves couldn’t have expected Moylan and Soriano getting hurt when they did this trade but even so, Kotsay has been a consummate professional for this team.
Lastly, I have to say I was really impressed with Jo-Jo Reyes despite the stat line. He got ahead of hitters with first pitch strikes and really trusted his stuff. The Phillies brought they’re hitting shoes and benefited from some lucky hits and mediocre defense, but Jo-Jo made them beat him instead of beating himself with walks and kept us in the game against a great team. I won’t get too excited though because Jo-Jo still has to show consistency but it’s been a good start this year for Jo-Jo.
By PrincetonBrave
May 14, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
I’ll be in the stands tonight fellas.
Not sure whether to expect any trouble from the Philly fans or not. They seem to be too busy hating their own team to notice much else.
Go Bravos!
By Yars
May 14, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
KJ’s bat could heat up big time in the #7 hole while facing RH starting pitching & LH relief pitching, & Bobby will still most likely go with Infante when Braves are facing LH starting pitching. KJ is too good to be in some platoon at 2B. He looked good at the plate last night. Is that what we are looking at right now? A KJ/Infante platoon at 2B? now playing: discipline by nine inch nails.
By monty
May 14, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
I’m convinced that the Braves hitters simply don’t see enough pitches. I saw several hitters make easy outs on the 1st pitch last night,and it’s that way most games. I wish some of you “stats guys” could find one on how the Braves batters compare to the rest of the league as far as seeing pitches per at bat. Maybe they are average, but I have my suspicion that they aren’t. I used to pitch in High School and American Legion ball and I loved to face undisciplined hitters who would fish for anything I threw up there.
Franceour’s problem is his success at swinging at first pitches. If you make an out in the 1st or 4th inning swinging at bad balls,it’s a non-productive at bat, but when you swing at bad pitches with the game on the line and dig yourself a hole against a pitcher who is struggling at the moment you look like Andrew Jones!
By chase (the original)
May 14, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Overlord and Richie
I think (No matter what LEW says)
It is better to let YUNEL hit lower in the order where there is a chance that more people are on when he hits…
Overlord
I think I really really like the idea of YUNEL hitting 3rd…that gives to guys ahead of him that he could drive in and still lets him hit ahead of CHIPPER…ME LIKEY ALOT!
brent a and others arguing with LEW
Welcome to my world…now some of you may ralize that that arguement betweeen me and LEW the other day MAY not have been my fault (even as many piled on)
Lew it seems like you get into alot of these and you always think you are right and everyone else is wrong…
By Jon1
May 14, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
What a performance in AA by Tommy Hanson! The night after he was promoted he goes 6.1 IP and only gives up 1 run for his first AA win. This guy is the real deal!
Hope the Braves let him develop in the minors before they try bringing him up. He could be like Avery was when they brought him up straight from A ball, or was it AA, but I doubt it. He needs to finish developing first.
By David O'Brien
May 14, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Couple of you have asked about Hampton. Guys, Hampton isn’t a topic of conversation right now, simply because he’s weeks away from returning. Not even on the trip. Hadn’t even begun throwing when we left town, so until he starts throwing there’s not sense in monitoring his every move and updating you on it. So many other issues.
Braves could really use him, obviously. But it’s not happening at least for a few weeks, and I’m done predicting when he’ll be back for real.
By N8
May 14, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Cecil34
Is that a trick question? LOL!
That pretty much sums it up.
Ultimately, Bobby has done a nice job of getting the most out of guys, whether it be platooning, or roles in the bullpen.
But having said that, I’m gonna venture a guess that if Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz were part of ANY OTHER team’s rotation at the same time in from 1993 to 2001, that that team more than likely would have won a WS too, along with more than likely winning the division, year in and year out.
Not sure who is on Buck and Kincade right now, but he just had an “interesting” stat/number on 1-run games.
The 8 playoff teams last year, were a COMBINED 6 games over .500 in 1-run games. The last two WS winners? Red Sox: 6 games under in 1-run games, Cardinals in 2006: 5 games under in 1-run games.
So I guess, ultimately, we need to hope like hell that we don’t play in 80 or 90 1-run games. LOL!
For me, (and I’ve said this a few times), it’s the MANNER in which they’ve been losing. Not the losing itself.
By Efrim
May 14, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox
Well thought out post. Where are you getting those Prado stats though? This season? Small sample size. He doesn’t hit for as much power as Kelly and I don’t think he has the OBP skills either, or at least hasn’t judging by his minor league numbers. Kelly is struggling and a move down the order might be what’s best for the team right now, although I am not quite sure why we don’t just stick Kotsay at leadoff and keep Escobar where he is comfortable, the 2 hole.
By Chop Chop
May 14, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox had great pitchers for a long time, but he also generally made good decisions over the years. He definitely had a great deal to do with the Braves’ success during those division-winning years. However, I’ve felt for a couple of years now that it is time for the Braves to find a new skipper and move on.
While it’s plainly obvious to me that Bobby will get to manage until he’s ready to hang ‘em up (which is a very nice sentiment and example of the respect this organization has for Bobby), that doesn’t mean that the team is benefited. This current roster can’t flip a switch and get it done like the Braves teams of old. Bobby hasn’t been able to find the switch in recent years (he desperately searches for relievers he can count on; he sends runners more; more team meetings have occurred), which is a big reason why Glavine was brought back. “I can trust Tommy” is a nice sentiment, but Tommy (a guy I have immense respect for because of his Hall of Fame contributions to this franchise) isn’t good enough to win (or even take part in) many of those low-scoring 2-1, 3-2 games the way he used to. You can’t manage a team in the past. Bobby knows that, but it’s natural for managers to seek a comfort zone. Glavine gives Bobby a comfort zone.
This brings me to why Francoeur never gets a day off. It’s because Francoeur does whatever Bobby asks him to do. He never complains about anything. (McCann is the same type of guy.) Players love that kind of reciprocal respect from a manager, but it’s up to a manager to deduce that a player might need a rest whether he wants it or not. Sure, Francoeur’s been killing the ball the last two days, but does that justify Cox constantly running the guy out there when he’s meekly trotting to the clubhouse after his umpteenth first-pitch groundout to short in two weeks? I sure as hell don’t think so. After all, every player has slumps, but he can control whether he takes a pitch or not. I believe that Francoeur owes Bobby that kind of respect. You know, the respect to not give away so many at-bats by being an easy out. It’s only fair, right?
Look. Unlike Coach, I’m not a future Hall of Fame manager. If Bobby were judged on the small sample size (thanks, Shaun) of the last three seasons, Bobby wouldn’t be a Hall of Famer. It takes great (or talented, competitive, and malleable) players to make a Hall of Fame skipper. Bobby had players like that for years. Bobby only has one who’s able to achieve greatness (Chipper) now. Most of the other Braves players are still just finding their way in the bigs. I don’t think Bobby’s the right guy for this team, but I hope he’ll find some kind of magic for old times’ sake. It would be nice to end with a bang instead of a whimper.
By FloridaBrave
May 14, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Francouer’s still young and he’s still trying to find a balance between being patient at the plate and putting up his power numbers. Right now, it’s obvious he can’t do one without sacrificing the other but let’s still be patient with him.
By TJ
May 14, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
We know Chipper is going to hit the ball, so when Yunel and Kotsay get on in front of him we need them to be running. I would hit and run in just about any situation when Chipper is at the plate with the way he has been killing the ball this year.
Respectfully disagree, Jon1. First, none of our top 2 hitters (KJ, Escobar, Blanco, Kotsay…really no one on our team) is a great base stealer.
More importantly, you put on the hit-and-run, you’re basically telling Chipper “you have to swing at this pitch.” If he doesn’t swing, we risk taking a runner off base ahead of him; and if he does, he’s likely swinging at a pitch he wouldn’t otherwise swing at. And, it’s a distraction to the hitter to have a runner going.
I think people need to give up on this dream of the Braves playing small ball. We don’t have the personnel to do it successfully.
We need some slugging, as DOB pointed out. If we don’t get it, we’re gonna have a mediocre offense.
By FloridaBrave
May 14, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
You don’t bat Yunel 3rd. You don’t move your best hitter(Jones, obviously) out of the spot he’s most comfortable. That doesn’t benefit the lineup at all.
By chc4
May 14, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Efrim… KJ reminds me you of a poor man’s Chase Utley?? How poor are we talking? Wow, I couldn’t disagree more.
By The Crab
May 14, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
D. Ellis - I agree. Even the Marlins have gotten better and the Braves have not. It is time for players like Frenchy and K.J. to develop into all-star status and they are not.
By Nomar Garciaparra
May 14, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
What are you talking about, Thrillhouse? There’s no SI cover jinx.
By mr baseball
May 14, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
When a team is consistently losing 1-run games, you have to look at the managing. And the closer you look at Cox’s attempts at strategerie, the more you understand why the Braves’ record in 1-run games is what it is.
He consistently leaves his starting pitcher in 1 inning or 1 batter too long. In the last week, he’s done it with Glavine, James and last night with Reyes. The bullpen is not over-worked, but it will be if he keeps running the same 3 or 4 guys out there every night. There are 7 guys in the ‘pen. Use them, other than Resop, who serves no purpose other than to pitch in mop-up situations.
He can’t come up with a lineup that makes optimal use of the hitters he has. Hitting Norton ahead of Francouer and Johnson last night made absolutely no sense, and definitely played a role in the loss. Blanco is useless in the 8 hole, but is probably not a good enough hitter to bat leadoff. The answer for LF may be to get a new one, someone who maybe can drive in runs, something the 2 current occupants can’t.
Not sure who’s responsible, but someone needs to to work with the pitchers on bunting. That also could have cost the game last night.
Given the ability of this team to hit into DPs, it might not be a bad idea to occasionally put runners in motion (except when Chipper is hitting). Both Escobar & Kotsay consistently put the bat on the ball and are both prone to ground into DPs. Blanco keeps getting on base and keeps getting stranded. Let him run some, even with the pitcher at the plate.
Cox has some admirable qualities as a manager, but most of them end once the game starts. Not sure what you can do about a guy who is a quality manager in the clubhouse but a dismal failure in the dugout.
By DAP
May 14, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
bobby’s cox jurjens is dutch.
By ManOfTeal
May 14, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Go Marlins!!!!
By Eric from MO
May 14, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Jon I disagree with you. I personally hate the hit and run. Seems like almost evertime it is used the ball gets hit right at someone and it is an automatic DP. Chipper is batting over .400 but that means over half the time he gets out and if he hits right at someone it is an automatic DP. Just let Chipper hit and if he gets a hit, especially with Escobars speed, Kotsay and Escobar should score.
By FloridaBrave
May 14, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Yeah, expecting Prado to extrapolate the stats he’s put up thus far over a season is way too optimistic. But I’m willing to trade KJ for a starting pitcher mainly because I want better defense up the middle and I think Prado will offer two things our offense is lacking- speed and situational hitting. Our situational hitting has been horrendous for the past year or two(if not more)With those two things Prado adds, I don’t think our offense will miss Kelly that much even though he is a far superior hitter to Prado.
By Bobby's Cox
May 14, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
FloridaBrave
Thanks for reposting that masterpiece at 3:36.
It is very likely we’ll try to get Harden/Blanton/ or even a reliever Casillo from Oakland. The A’s are going to deal Harden this year. They’ve already said so. They may be reluctant in pulling a bigger trade if they continue to stay close to the Angels though.
By N8
May 14, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Eric from MO
“N8, dont get angry, I going to disagree your post some.”
Why would I get angry? LOL!
“Im glad that you agree last year was not Bobby’s fault. You cant win when you cant get anything out of your 3,4,5 pitchers. It just cant be done.”
So you’re glad that I concede that last year wasn’t Bobby’s fault, yet you aren’t agreeing that when he had 3 HOF pitchers in his rotation, he should be able to take full credit (or as much that is given to him), for winning WITH good production in the 3-4-5 spots. There was a couple of years that we were essentially 4 deep as far as ACES go. One year that we were 5 deep (1998?). Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Millwood, Neagle. EVERY ONE OF THOSE GUYS would have been the Ace of the other teams in baseball that didn’t have Randy Johsnon, Roger Clemens and Pedro Martinez on the staff.
“You say Bobby is not doing anything, so Im assuming you mean he needs to make changes to stir things up.”
You would be correct.
“More times than not when you make changes to superstars they dont respond well.”
How many superstars besides Tex and Chipper, are actually on this team?
As for the guys you listed that signed extensions. You’re right about Maddux, I forgot to add him to the McGriff list.
But the other guys were all guys that were ALREADY Braves. I meant of the guys we traded for, that signed extensions. Meaning, they might not have come to Atlanta by choice, but chose to STAY there.
By Efrim
May 14, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
CHC4
Remember Utley is turning 30 this year. He is a tad older than some may think.
Check out Utley’s 2005 numbers when he was 26(same age as Kelly). Comparable numbers. Not as good, but comparable.
By McFann
May 14, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop—
The third paragraph of your 3:49 post was very good. I like players who don’t complain (obviously). I think they should tough up and act like men. And yeah, Francoeur’s past two or three games doesn’t necessarily justify him to still be playing every day.
My thing is this: If your playing good, there’s no real reason to sit out, unless your really hurting somewhere. If you’ve been stinking the place up with your first-pitch nonsense, then it’s time to take one day.
I like what you said about slumps. Every payer has ‘em, but they don’t have to swing at everything. It’s most likely easier to avoid bad slumps if you take the occasional first pitch.
I also agree that he owes it to Bobby. If the manager thinks enough of you to put you in everyday—whether the fans like it or not—then you should respect that, and not give away the ABs. I think it’s extremely fair.
By FloridaBrave
May 14, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Not to sound like a broken record, but I’d point to our situational hitting before Cox as to why we’re losing close games. Tex will start to hit and with Sori/Gonzo/and Smoltz in the back end of the pen, I’m sure the trend will end soon enough.
By albanian braves fan
May 14, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
obrien say: “also got… my morning jacket which i’d only owned on a burned copy.”
possibly is not so good smoking cigars with morning jacket on. keeping fire extinguishing nearby is also good.
By brent a.
May 14, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Chase,
I never thought I’d see the day when you and I might see eye-to-eye :).
But, here’s the reality, I am happy to admit that I am argumentative. I’ll argue if I have time, but I try not to argue when A) I don’t know anything about a topic, or B) I am completely wrong. (In essense, I don’t WANT to argue, just for the sake of keeping of an argument going).
Anyway, I had told myself two year’s ago that I would basically ignore Lew’s posts, or at least never comment about them. (I have my reasons, but don’t need to go into them - I’m not trying to offend here) but last night, he just happened to post something I disagreed with enough that I decided to respond. I wasn’t angry, I just disagreed with it and responded. It’s shocking to me that it got Lew angry. I actually think a lot of that goes on around here, though.
One thing I have learned about message boards and blogs is this: people have a tendency to not really read what someone else is saying/writing. If they recognize that the person doesn’t agree with them, they often respond negatively, and often in way that shows that they aren’t really reading what the other person says; but rather, they are simply responding negatively because someone appeared to disagree with them. And lastly, I’ve also noticed that when someone recognizes that he/she is wrong/backed into a corner/has nothing else left to say, etc., they typically respond with name-calling. Name calling truly is the last resort of a scoundrel. After all, when all else fails, why not talk about someone’s mama?
Later.
By FloridaBrave
May 14, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Great minds think alike, Bobby’s Cox
By Jon1
May 14, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
TJ I agree that we do no have blistering speed but we do have enough speed to move runners up. Chipper has shown that he has great plate coverage (even off the plate coverage). Don’t take my word for it have DOB ask J.C. Romero about Chipper’s hit against him last night. That slider was almost in the dirt and off the outside edge of the plate and Chipper got a base hit anyhow.
It would be easier with the lineup we have to just slug the ball but that’s not happening right now. We have to do something else until the bats heat up and stay hot!
Right now Chipper, Yunel and McCann are carrying this team we need Jeff and Tex to step it up CONSISTANTLY!
By Renegator
May 14, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Those looking for an update on Hampton - here it is.
Hampton won’t pitch for the major league club at all this year.
Give it a rest - he ain’t coming back this year.
By Eric from MO
May 14, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Mr. Baseball, I know you are not the only one who says this, but I get so tired of hearing about how a manager leaves guys in for one too many batters. If they pull them before that batter you all say they pulled them too early. Example Monday with JJJ. He is a rookie, already pitched 5 innings, already gave 3 runs, plus plenty of baserunners and all of you, cant remember one other than me who didnt, complained cause Bobby pulled him too early.
By Jon1
May 14, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
BC’s Do we really want Harden? Haven’t we already reached our injury prone starter quota in Hampton?
By mo
May 14, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Maybe the problem is that we are batting someone who has a career 780 OPS in the 5th or 6th spot most nights.
His power is suspect, 3 HR’s this year. 2 of which came in one game.
Guess who is the problem?
By Bob
May 14, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Dave, Do you think that the Braves lack of success in 1 run games is due to their inability to bunt? They are by far the worst bunting team I have ever seen. Seems incredible for a Bobby Cox coached team, but do they even practice bunting? Other teams seem to routinely bunt runners over; the Braves: hardly ever. Are there any stats on bunting?
By Jersey Gil
May 14, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Why everyone say that the Braves are bad in the road….Like Yogi said” it the other team that are good at home”
By Todd A
May 14, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Maddux? He turned down the Yankees. (Can anybody REALLY have seen Maddux in pin-stripes?). Maybe he came to Atlanta for Bobby. Maybe he just wanted to be paired up with the guy who won the Cy Young before him, and two of the most dominant pitchers (at that time) in the post-season, in Avery and Smoltz?
Agree *N8, Maddux didn’t have the stones to pitch in Pin Stripes. Maybe the best regular season pitcher in history, but very ordinary in the post season.
I know the Braves are hoping that Franceour turns into the next Dale Murphy, and the hometown hero is a nice angle (and certainly attracts a a large following to the games from Cobb county), but enough is enough. He either needs to learn the proper approach to the plate or Wren needs to start exploring trade possibilities before Jeff gets into his free agent year.
Are Frenchy, McCann, and Kelly Johnson really the type of guys that the Braves can depend on for being cornerstones of a championship lineup? The jury is still out somewhat, but I don’t think any of these guys should be considered untouchable after watching them for 3 years, hometown angle or not. McCann is a good hitter, but not a very good defensive catcher. Kelly Johnson is a streaky hitter who is very good when hot, awful when cold. When he makes an error, it usually costs the Braves a ballgame. Franceour? Talent isn’t the issue. Does anybody ever listen to Terry Pendleton? We don’t need another Andruw. Jeff either needs to learn plate discipline, or he needs to get to steppin’.
By MGL
May 14, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Since Glavine’s taking the hill today he should take charge of a pre-game player’s meeting. Goes something like this:
Alright guys, PINK Day is over with, time to man-up. I want a win tonight. I’m pitching seven with three hits no runs and one walk (bad calls obviously). You bullpen arms get together and decide who wants the eight and ninth and I expect three up and three down from both of you. The rest of you stay sharp in case anyone lets a runner on.
Now defense. Stay sharp, NO errors allowed. None of this double-clutch stuff, just grab the ball and throw it. McCann, no Passed Balls or you will be trying to pass my shoe from your inner cavity.
I want some consistant offense tonight!! Everyone on base at least two times. When I get up there to bunt, pay attention, I’ll show you how to do it so you wont miss the next time.
For the line-up:
Escobar - give me two hits and a walk. Throw in a steal on the first one.
Kotsay - two doubles and a walk dude.
Hoss - eat a bowl of Wheaties, I want another three hits, but not those flimsy singles. Gotta have at least one bomb and a double.
Tex - none of that creaky back stuff today. You’ve been at the feed trough long enough, time to get to work.
McCann - two doubles for you, and throw in a walk. If you ground into a double play, I’ll double you over after the game.
Frenchy - time for a couple of HR’s son. If you swing at a pitch in the left hand batter’s box or break another bat, you’ll be picking splinters out your a$$.
Kelly - Wake up boy, looks like you’re half asleep sometimes. If you don’t swing the bat, you can’t hit the ball. Time for a big one from you.
Blanco/Matty - Whoever goes first sits if you don’t get on base. And Matty, standup straight in the batter’s box, it looks like you are about to fall over backwards.
I’ll pick up the slack in the ninth spot.
Alright guys, let’s go git er dun!!
By bravesfan
May 14, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
DOB, I know you have got the lineup, what is it?
By Eric from MO
May 14, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
N8 the reason I dont blame Bobby for all the postseason failures, it isnt his fault Maddux and Glavine choked. He threw out his aces and unlike great HOF players are supposed to, they didnt produce. If people are going to say he had nothing to do with the Braves winning because he had the 3HOF pitchers in the rotation, then it should be the pitchers faults when they choked. Also I would never consider Millwood an ace. He was a very good pitcher and actually with his stats he may NOW be an ace but in the 90’s he was just a good pitcher. Neagle was also not in his prime anymore.
And when I was talking about managing superstars I meant the 90’s. Sorry, I should of been more clear.
Sorry when you talking about extensions I thought you were discussing anyone. Also may I point out, just because someone is drafted by the Braves, doesnt mean they wanted to be a Brave, just means they wanted to be MLB player.
By Todd A
May 14, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
I’m convinced that the Braves hitters simply don’t see enough pitches.
Gee, ya really think so? ;)
By Eric from MO
May 14, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Gotta agree with Jon. Who wants Harden? He cant stay healty.
By Jon1
May 14, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this