AJC > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 30
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Bullpen misuse means time for Cox to go
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s time for Bobby Cox to take the walk upstairs to the cushy front- office job that’s waiting for him.
He’s had a Hall of Fame career as a manager, and he’s earned the respect of players and coaches throughout the league, but it’s time for him to turn this Braves team over to someone else.
I’ve questioned his use of the bullpen for years — since he brought Mark Wohlers in too early in Game 4 of the ‘96 World Series, to be exact — but the last straw came when he sent Manny Acosta out there for a third inning in Wednesday’s loss to the Nats.
The Braves got a tremendous effort from Jair Jurrjens, their most consistent starter thus far this year, and they finally pushed another run across to take a 2-1 lead in the 12th. Then Bobby blew the game by trying to squeeze one too many innings out of his young closer-in-the-making. Acosta threw 48 pitches in two-plus innings, which is how you lose games — and how you destroy a reliever’s elbow.
They’re 0-9 in one-run losses now, giving a whole new meaning to the word “frustrating,” and while the lack of clutch hitting certainly hasn’t helped, a big part of the blame lies squarely with Bobby Cox and the way he handles his pitchers.
So that’s it. I respect Bobby Cox and appreciate everything he’s done, but he needs to realize that it’s time to hang ‘em up.
Permalink | Comments (229) | Post your comment | Categories: Chop Chick
Still more pitching pontification
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“I’m wondering if I’m ever going to win a game,” Tom Glavine (0-1, 2.60 ERA) told Dave O’Brien last night after yet another no-decision in which he gave up six hits and two runs in six innings in the Braves’ 6-2 loss to Washington.
Obviously, we’re not alone in being confused and frustrated by this season. Even John Smoltz, who went on the DL with that sore shoulder, is calling for desperate measures. “Right now I’m sitting at ground zero, taking it day by day, looking at every option to help this team get to the playoffs and end my career the way I’d like to end it.”
Apparently, that might mean heading back to the bullpen and taking on the closer role again. Things must be bad: I never thought I’d hear him volunteer for that. But I’m definitely not going to try to stop him.
Looking further down the road — since some of you have been talking about prospects, because the present hasn’t looked particularly bright lately — here’s some info about two good ones from MLB.com’s Mark Bowman:
“… when Thomas Hanson finally allowed his first run of the season on Thursday, [Bobby] Cox took notice. The veteran skipper was well aware of what the 21-year-old right-hander has been doing with Class A Myrtle Beach. While allowing just one run through his first 29 innings, he has certainly legitimized himself as a top prospect.
“[Cole] Rohrbough has had some elbow discomfort, and he hasn’t started pitching yet this season. The Braves are certainly high on the 21-year-old left-hander, who had 96 strikeouts in 61 1/3 innings last year, and they don’t want to rush him into anything.”
So what do you think of Smoltz going back to the ‘pen, and who would you put in the rotation in his place? Has Jeff Bennett earned a permanent spot? Is Jo-Jo Reyes, who’s starting Saturday, ready for another chance? Is there someone else you’d plug in there?
Upcoming TV Schedule
Wednesday: at Nats, 4:35, SportSouth
Thursday: off-day
Friday: vs. Reds, 7:30, Peachtree TV
Saturday: vs. Reds, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Sunday: vs. Reds, 1:30, SportSouth
Monday: off-day
Permalink | Comments (32) | Post your comment | Categories: Chop Chick
