Chop Chick

By geekboy

June 9, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Other than the first couple of weeks, the braves have played solid defense. I think you may be reading too much into one dropped ball.

The Braves did not get swept by the Phillies because their D sucks, they got swept because they aren’t that great a team. Other than Chipper and McCann, no one is having a great year. Tex, Frenchie are having bad (by their standards) years. Diaz is hurt. Kotsay is hurt. KJ is actually doing OK now that he is not hitting leadoff. Escobar is doing fine.

But, you need more than 2 great players and a bunch of average performances to win a division. The Braves HAVE to trade for a #1/2 starter and hope the hitting comes around. They could also use an everyday LF stud, but those are hard to come by. Those are the only trades I would make … after that I would just see what happens, and if things look out of reach at the trade deadline, dump Tex and maybe Frenchie for longterm (and more reliable) sticks.

By Bball nut

June 9, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

chop Chick,

I see no passion on this team, no hustle except in a few. Kelly Johnson hot doggin in the field, Norton trotting down to first when a blooped catch by the defense could have caused him to be safe but he was still out by 4 steps. Whats the matter with these guys. I think that at the end of the season (around the end of Sept) we will look back at this series with the Phillies as a turning point that we did not recover from. Too bad…but there is always next year.

By Blake Brodie

June 9, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

right now we’re in a tough spot no doubt about it…but remember, its only june 9th…theres still so much ball left to be played and our best is still in front of us…right now we’re at the bottom…right at .500 and 6.5 back but you konw what??? a simple 5 game winning streak or a nice little run of so many wins to few losses and we’re right back in it…we’re still yet to be heard from…but we will…we will

By fieldofdreams

June 9, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

This could get ugly, fast. The Braves are a drunk hobo, staggering out of the woods onto a railroad after tending to the still, unaware that the Chicago to Anaheim train is poised to flatten them, and this season, for good. We may come back from this trip as many as 10 games down; Glavine has value, Tex has value, Frenchy has value; trade them all for young pitching, starters and closers.

By Will

June 9, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

It all starts and stops with the fact that for years Bobby Cox teams have not executed alot of fundamentals very well. Its just that simple.

By herozero@yahoo.com

June 9, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

The Braves won only because of three Hall of Fame pitchers and great defense.

You see what is missing, and what is still the same..

The Braves even have more offensive talent.

Win, or lose this season, The Braves need a #1 starter—with a reputation of being a #1. For that to happen, some major roster decisions will have to be made before The All Star Break. I expect a major trade then.

The Braves always seem to make the big move, before the public questions them for not doing something.

The young pitchers could be great, but everyone who cares will not wait for them to mature.

By Will

June 9, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Field of dreams, your post is hilarious and so true! I cant wait for all the “its only early June” posts! No way, this team is finished.

By herozero@yahoo.com

June 9, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

The Braves won only because of three Hall of Fame pitchers and great defense.

You see what is missing, and what is still the same..

The Braves even have more offensive talent.

Win, or lose this season, The Braves need a #1 starter—with a reputation of being a #1. For that to happen, some major roster decisions will have to be made before The All Star Break. I expect a major trade then.

The Braves always seem to make the big move, before the public questions them for not doing something.

The young pitchers could be great, but everyone who cares will not wait for them to mature.

By Steve

June 9, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately, it is time to turn off the Braves for another year. I simply couldn’t watch anymore after Friday night. When I care more than they do about winning, it is time to move on. I’m glad this is an olympic year to keep me distracted from this lackadaisical bunch.

By Ray

June 9, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Chop Chick, I couldn’t agree with you more. Executing the fundamentals has been the biggest thorn in the side of the Braves this year. What happened to meritocracy? When people are allowed 2nd, 3rd, 15th chances to contribute, and continue to play fruitlessly, the buck gets passed and stops, ultimately, with Bobby. Based on his play in 2006, when he hit over .300 with men in scoring position, Frenchy deserves to bat 5th; based on his play this year, he deserves to bat 7th. Hitting behind Chipper and Tex is a big responsibility that cannot be squandered if this team is to have any chance to make the playoffs. There HAS to be some accountability at some point, be it the hitting coach, the manager, the owner. Someone has to rule with an iron fist.

By CONNECTICUT BRAVES FAN

June 9, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

I agree with Field of Dreams as to whom to trade. Include Bobby Cox and his staff if you can get a team with a dugout bench strong enough to support them.

By SouthGA Brave

June 9, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

i have a suggestion. it has been said on TV that yunel’s numbers are down since moving to the leadoff spot. and i have noticed that at times, he doesn’t exactly work the count…which is fine, he’s a good ball player. i just would like him in the #2 spot.

can we make blanco the leadoff man? he seems to have a good grasp of the strike zone so he doesn’t swing at many bad pitches AND he works the count, gets on base, and has good speed which is something you want out of your leadoff man. yunel is a .300 hitter and can hit with some power at times, so it’s not a knock on him…i just think he’s more fitted to bat 2nd. i’d love to see him there, then chipper, tex, and mccann. for whatever reason, KJ seems to do well when he is batting in the 7 hole.

i do think we need to turn blanco and anderson loose on the bases. they can both fly…i know it’s not bobby’s style at all, but we need to do more running. speaking of, how ‘bout chipper with 2 stolen bases in the last 3 or 4 games?

anyway, i think we need to shake up the order somehow because we just aren’t getting the timely hits. we are getting on base, but can’t seem to string several hits in a row. i’d love to know where we rank in the league in runners stranded. that part frustrates me. hopefully, we’ll get it together and get rolling soon. we need to make up some ground, but it is still early june. we just can’t afford to keep losing on the road like we have been.

By SRF

June 9, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

It may be just June - but I cannot see anything that makes me think that it will get any better - only worse. They will return from this long road trip ate least 8 games below .500 and at least 8 games back - could drop to 4th place if either the Muts or Nats have a good streak.

You cannot recover from that kind of hole as bad as the Braves are. I mean really - who plays a catcher that bats .069 ? This is the majors. Time to punt and build for the future.

Rest Chipper, trade Tex and release Corky. Half of the team is AAA quality anyway - might as well bring up some more to evaluate.

The young pitchers show some promise - just let them learn and get ready for next year.

By TNjeff

June 9, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Haven’t heard anyone suggest this yet? It appeared to me that Friday night’s nightmare which centered on Johnson’s dropped fly ball was only partially due to his using one hand. But it also seemed like on that play, Johnson was looking away from the ball to see where the runners were on the basepath. I think he didn’t know/remember how many outs there were in the game.

Do these guys ever communicate to each other before the play? Better be talking in English & Spanish - Escobar looked like there was a language barrier as he half-heartedly & stupidly ran into an out at home on Friday too.

After this road trip we’ll all be able to relax and just pull for Chipper to hit 400. Cox will need to work to secure another 3rd place finish!

By NORTH GEORGIABRAVESFAN

June 9, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

ILOVE BOBBY COX AND HE WILL BE IN THE HALL OF FAME SOME DAY.BUT NOW WE NEED NEW BLOOD IN THE DUGOUT. BECAUSE THE TEAM NEED A MANAGER THAT TELL THE TEAM TO JUMP AND THAY ASK HOW HIGH.GOOD LUCK BRAVES THE REST OF THE YEAR YA’LL GOING TO NEED IT.GO BRAVES.

By TNjeff

June 9, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

South GAbrave

Escobar can’t bunt - so batting 2nd is out. Actually unless Anderson is playing and batting 2nd, the Braves might be better suited batting the pitcher 2nd to try to sacrifice the runners over.

Hall of Fame manager - anybody know how many Hall of Fame managers managed to win ONLY 1 championship with 4 Hall of Fame players (3 of which were Starting Pitchers) on their team for a decade? Why couldn’t we win more then - couldn’t play small ball & win the close games in the playoffs.

Managing style & stupidity remains the same - but down to 1 Hall of Fame player on the team.

By Bob

June 9, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

The Braves do need to get back to basics. I think they’ll come around and win quite a bit of games, but I just don’t think this roster is going to work. The Braves need to be trying more pitchers from the Minors. Bring some of these guys up to pitch as starters or in the pen. For example, look at Charlie Morton, he’s 5-2 with a 2.05 ERA in 12 games started with Richmond, given up 51 hits in 79 innings with 72 k’s. Why don’t the Braves call him up and see what he can do, it won’t hurt anything. Maybe even put him as a starter once and see how he does. Then in Mississippi you’ve got Matt Young hitting .302 and 11 stolen bases. This guy can get on base and score runs for you. Why not have him pinch hitting a little bit and see how he does. Now i know AA is NOTHING like the Majors, but still, the Braves need some type of spark. They need to try calling some of these guys up and see if they can give them a boost. Look at what McCann and Frenchy did for us in 2005. They weren’t putting up amazing numbers in Mississippi, but the Braves called them up and they gave them a spark. That’s what the Braves need this year. Find guys in the Minors who do the little things to help their teams win games, and call them up to try them.

By GT

June 9, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

“The Braves are a drunk hobo, staggering out of the woods”. This is priceless. This is the by far, the best analogy I have read summing up their performance this year. And just like the drunk hobo, the Braves management knows not all is well, but believe they’re still in pretty good shape, all the while completely oblivious to reality.

By NORTH GEORGIABRAVESFAN

June 9, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

YES I THINK BOBBY COX IS A HALL OF FAME MANAGER.I’VE ENJOYED ALL THE WINNING SINCE BOBBY TOOK OVER AS THE MANAGER. I JUST DON’T WANT TO THINK ABOUT ALL LOSING BEFORE BOBBY COX.I JUST THINK THE BRAVES NEED A NEW MANAGER NOW. GOD BLESS YOU BOBBY TIME TO MORE ON.

By RAR

June 9, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

I agree with SRF that the Braves are one week from being eleminated from the National League East championship, and stand a real good chance of finishing last in the division.

Relief pitching has cost way too many losses and the inability to move runners up and drive runners in with two outs has killed us in more games than I care to count.

Unload the drift wood and make some trades and bring up some players from the minor leagues, this season is DONE!

By Peter

June 9, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

We are about done for the season folks, I would say, without a Miracle.

We have some talent available to us, talent that will leave us, and who knows what in the Minors.

We don’t have a lead off guy, a solid left fielder, a back up catcher, a real closer, or in general, patience at the plate.

As long as Frenchy swings at and makes outs on the first second or third pitch, he will never improve. Heck he doesn’t even see all the pitchers pitches until the guy gets pulled in the 6th or 7th.

No one is taking responsibility, and Mike Hampton has been Bilking the Braves for years.

Good luck to the Braves fans, they are getting hard to watch!

By rekkidbraka

June 9, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

When your ballclub’s philosophy is “Let’s Wait On The Three-Run Homer,” mundane little things like fundamentals just get in the way, don’t they? I mean, today’s baseball fans want those 7-run innings instead of good, quality ball that forces them to be patient and wait as their team bunts or steals or works its way around the basepaths. Damn the AL and its el cheapo “fast food” style of get-hits-quick baseball that’s wrecked the game and the class of fans since the institution of the DH.

By Michael

June 9, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

The blame for the lack of basic baseball should be put on Bobby Cox. In Friday’s game with one out and a runner at 3rd he ask Blanco to bunt. Blanco handles the bat well. Let him hit. After a few years in the majors Frenchy still doesn’t know the stricke zone. He should learn it in Richmond or Rome. The only person that comes through in the cluth is Chipper, McCain, Escabor. Kelly Johnson should not be on noboby professional baseball team. The backup catcher Miller should be released. You should not be a position player in the majors batting.069. They should have never released Pena. I guess Bobby likes Miller. This road trip coming up could determine their season. Get back to basics.

Michael

By Michael

June 9, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

The blame for the lack of basic baseball should be put on Bobby Cox. In Friday’s game with one out and a runner at 3rd he ask Blanco to bunt. Blanco handles the bat well. Let him hit. After a few years in the majors Frenchy still doesn’t know the stricke zone. He should learn it in Richmond or Rome. The only person that comes through in the cluth is Chipper, McCain, Escabor. Kelly Johnson should not be on noboby professional baseball team. The backup catcher Miller should be released. You should not be a position player in the majors batting.069. They should have never released Pena. I guess Bobby likes Miller. This road trip coming up could determine their season. Get back to basics.

Michael

By Michael

June 9, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

The blame for the lack of basic baseball should be put on Bobby Cox. In Friday’s game with one out and a runner at 3rd he ask Blanco to bunt. Blanco handles the bat well. Let him hit. After a few years in the majors Frenchy still doesn’t know the stricke zone. He should learn it in Richmond or Rome. The only person that comes through in the cluth is Chipper, McCain, Escabor. Kelly Johnson should not be on noboby professional baseball team. The backup catcher Miller should be released. You should not be a position player in the majors batting.069. They should have never released Pena. I guess Bobby likes Miller. This road trip coming up could determine their season. Get back to basics.

Michael

By roja

June 9, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

With EIGHT players on the DL and FOUR more day-to-day, most teams would be playing like the bottom 3 teams in the NL West. As Yogi said, it’s not over ‘til it’s over.

Anyone that believes the Phillies have a lock on the NL East need just hark back to the last two weeks of the Mets 2007 season.

I’m worried but I was an avid fan in the 80’s where on a good night the game was over in the bottom of the second and the season was over by May 1.

By DHD

June 9, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Once again, it’s all Bobby Cox’s fault. He put those players on the field and they got hurt. What was he thinking? Keep Chipper, Kotsay, Diaz, Hampton, Soriano, Gonzales and Smoltz on the bench so they don’t get injured. That stupid Bobby Cox!!

By beau vighn

June 9, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

For crying out loud, will you people give it a rest with the double post. It says in big bold letters that there is a five minute delay before you comment will appear.

You gen Xer’s with your need for immediate gratification is unbelievable..Oh yeah, Braves suck. College football season can’t come soon enough.

By NCBravesFan

June 9, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Trade everyone we can to get good,young pitching and hope the hitting comes arround in a few years.

By tyrone

June 9, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

THIS IS BAD…so many mistakes.it all started with kelly dropping the pop fly which set us back 4.5 games instead of 2.5 friday night.and then getting swept to 6.5 instead of us sweeping and getting to .5 game back…i agree time for bobby to step down

By tyrone

June 9, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

it is still early…IF the braves can have a good road trip and have positive energy coming back home…get within 3 or 4 games by the all star break,make a trade for a 1,2 starter get mike gonzalez and soriano back in the bullpen…who knows what can happen??

By gayle

June 9, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

I just don’t understand why it is that BC keeps getting the pass no matter how badly this team does.

Look at the Pistons, three years they didn’t make the finals and the coach is gone. Let’s see, the Braves have 14 divisional titles and only 1 Championship? What is wrong with this picture and why won’t the ownership address it? Maybe it is because they are waiting for new ownership?

The only common thread through this “great” run is BC - as long as he is here, this team will not improve.

By ben

June 9, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

It all starts with the manager. You see other teams successfully bunt, squeeze plays, good at running bases, and very few errors. The manager has to stress these things and it will carry over.

By savannahdawg

June 9, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

we need some guys to just step up maybe trade some of our dead weight like jeff franchoke great job this weekend #7 a couple of big two out hits with nobody on and a pile of runners left out to hang and i am sick of seeing this guys dad all the time this isnt little league get away from the homeplate area and maybe your boy will step up and be the man or at least live up to his potential too bad chipper cant be on base when chipper comes up to bat

By tj

June 9, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Oh my God, the Braves just set another record. Lost 3 games in a row after winning 3 of 4 from the Marlins. There is no hope for them. And we all know the Phillies are going to win 18 out of every 22 the rest of the season. They are a good team but I don’t think they’re that good. Not long ago it was the Marlins everybody was talking about was going to bury the Braves. I think the bandwagoners would rather see them lose so they have a reason to gripe and second guess. There is a whole lot of Ronnie Gant and Joe Simpson, all negative on here.

By Mike

June 9, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

And if there’s a worse bunting team in MLB than the Braves, I’d hate to see it.

By gayle

June 9, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

Tyrone, with all respect, tell me how many number one starters will be made available for trade and what would the Braves have to give up to get one?

Do you think the Cubs are trading Zambrano? The Red Sox trade Beckett? The D’Backs trade Webb? C’Mon!

This is the same nonsense that had Hampton and Glavine each winning 15 games this year.

By Mike

June 9, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Ben, you have a point, and I wanted to ask fans here if we can get a live blog like they have for the Mets at Newsday Mets Beat where at gametime you can post comments to each other on a live blog. Its really cool, see ya gay tors.

By awfan

June 9, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Maybe it is time to admit that the local talent experiement is a huge failure. It seems to be worse with nearly their entire draft comming from local talent. Other than Brian McCann, the rest just are not that good, including Jeff Francoeur. The guy has no idea or plan when he steps into the batters box. Swing hard at everything in case you hit it seems to be his hitting philosphy!! Braves need to take advantage of the trading deadline to get some good prospects. At the very least they should trade Tex and Hampton if he is healthy and maybe Hudson. Time to start over with young players who will play hard and make some stuff happen, like Anderson is currently doing.

By LivininAL

June 9, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Right Chop Chick! The few times I have seen the Braves attempt to bunt, it has been a half-assed effort-period. You can see it on their face in the batters box. They stand there with the bat looking at pitches like an umpire, knowing that if they take a strike Bobby will probably shake his head and call off the attempt, then they can take 2 wild swings and go to the dug out and pout. I am beginning to see a team with the mental toughness of an egg shell.

By Kashi

June 9, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

I too thought it was Bobby’s inability to manage tight games. Next day I realized that Bobby had no choice but let Boyer face 4 batters after seeing absolutely no command to this pitches in 9th inning. Omah was pitching great and I felt like Bobby should have Omah finish the game on Friday against Phillies. Now consider Soriano was hurt and he had no reliable pitcher in bullpen….why Bobby decide to take Omaha out since he was NOT used a lot and we were 1 out from winning the game? Does this explain how Bobby manges his game? I can understand not moving runner over is not Bobby’s fault but he must suffle line ups for a change. He should dropped Francouer in 7th spot. I didn’t like to say this early in the season but it is biting us that trading Tayler Yates and Devine is the worst string Frank Wren pulled this year and icing on top of that would be letting cathcer Pena go to KC and giving Javey Lopez a change. Hahahaaa

By LivininAL

June 9, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

tj - There is a reason Gant and Simpson are so negative- they see the same things that Chop Chick has used in this blog. There is not THAT much difference in winning and losing, but the Braves are not doing the small things to win. The record speaks for itself.

By Chop Chick

June 9, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Sorry, guys, but a post has been removed because of an ethnic slur. Feel free to vent all you like (after this weekend, we all need to blow off some steam), but we gotta keep it on this side of the line. Thanks!

By Philliesuk

June 9, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

A team that has Corky Miller as their backup catcher just isn’t going to win. Simple as that. It speaks volumes about this team.

By TURTSNAP

June 9, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Two words:

JUNE SWOON

If the Braves do not turn this around quick, this will make the third straight year that they have fallen apart in June. UNBELIEVABLE

By Eddie Joiner

June 9, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

The Braves need to fire Bobby Cox. When you lose this many one run games it goes back to the manager.

By D.Ellis

June 9, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

It’s not over by any means. But what we just witnessed was a far more superior team come into Atlanta and breat the brakes off the Braves.

It’s not over…however major roster moves need to be made. The Braves need SP really really bad.

By Kashi

June 9, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

I do NOT believe we need another starter so “desperately”. What we need to do is mange team better. Frenchy must work with Terry Pendalton and review videos and scouting reports. Bobby must take risk and play with fundamentals. Infante was tagged out between 3rd base and home plate on sucide bunt. I forgot who was bunting but god grips…it was the sickest play I ever seen. How the hell you bunt so lightly on sucide bunt? Your goal was to bring runners from 3rd. These kids need to be taught or something is not going smooth in club house. We know “Strength and Conditioning” coach was gone, who is next now? A bull pen coach? Boyer and Acosta seems like..they are coming to mound with no plan in their mind.

By D.Ellis

June 9, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

I would trade Boyer and Frenchy to Pirates for X. Nady. And throw in Hampton for shi$s and giggles

By this is rediculous

June 9, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

We are overlooking the obvious - this is a mediocre team playing mediocre ball. People, that is why they hover around .500. It is no coincidence, trust me. Once you all come the same conclusion i sadly have this day, the Braves were swept not by a hot team, but by a much better team in Philly. Face it, thier 3,4,5 pitchers held our offence to basically nothing. Their is a reason we suck in 1 run games…our bullpen can hold out and wait til our anemic offence scores a run after the 7th inning. If any of you actually believe the first 60-65 games is not a portrait of what the rest of the season holds, then you are fooling yourselves. This team will finish with around 80-85 wins, at most. A spades a spade, no matter what color it is…

By prattvillenolzfan

June 9, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

I’ve been preaching all year about the lack of fundementals.

This team is the most fundamentally unsound team in the majors……This goes back to coaching from Cox and his staff, as well as the coaches in the minors…..Cox is a TERRIBLE game coach, there has to be a correlation between our record since Corrales and Freddy Gonzalez have left, and us not making the playoffs.

Watching these team not being able to adjust is frustrating to everyone out there. We are making the same STUPID mistakes every day….

To all of the Braves fans who continue to wear their rose colored glasses,

I’ve heard these excuses from day one: It’s only April, wins will come It’s only May, wins will come It’s still early, wins will come Franceour’s just slumping, he’ll come around When Smoltz,Soriano, & Gonzalez comes back, wins will come When Hampton get’s healty, wins will come Cox is a Hall of Fame Manager, he deserves a chance to go out on his own terms

Well guess what……The wins aren’t coming……One thing that everyone has overlooked, is that we had the easiest schedule in the majors during April and May, we should’ve been 10 games over 500 by now.

Too many people on the DL has destroyed this team….I’m afraid that Chipper is pulling a Smoltz, and trying to play through the inevitable…..

Bob, regarding you 1:07 post ON WHAT BASIS DO YOU THINK THEY CAN GET BACK TO FUNDEMENTALS…THESE ARE PROFESSIONALS…IF THEY DON’T HAVE IT NOW, THEY NEVER WILL.

Also, on what basis do you think that they will turn it around…They are going to spend the next 10 games on the road. A 500 record will be an absolute miracle.

I have supported the Braves since the early 70’s, and always will, but it is getting very frustrating to see the lack of passion emancipating from this team.

This team has grown very stale under Cox, even watching Cox, it seems like he doesn’t get fired up as much as he has in the past. There have been several games where everyone thought he would go off on the umps, and hasn’t….

Instead of playing to win, this team is playing not to lose

I’ve rambled on long enough, as painful as it is to watch, I still will watch, and will still support the Braves….

By Carolina Gent

June 9, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

I think Peter summed it up pretty well at 1:41. Barring some sort of Rockies-like 2nd half miracle comeback, this team is already at medium, on its way to fully cooked! Why? Lots of reasons. Take a look back at spring training. Smoltz was being counted on to be the ace of the staff, the “stopper.” Out for the year, and who knows after that. Hudson was supposed to be, and pretty much is, a solid #2. Glavine was supposed to be a stablizer at #3, capable of giving us about 6+ quality innings per start. We’re generally getting 5 innings of so-so quality from him. JJ has been a pleasant surprise, but he can’t carry the burden of missing Smoltz and a not-as-good-as-expected Glavine. The rotation’s “depth” was supposed to come from Chuck James, Buddy Carlyle and Jo Jo. James crashed, Buddy’s been hurt and Jo Jo has actually shown some improvement, but not yet consistency. Plus, I’m not certain that Bobby is using him to his utmost effectiveness.

And the lineup.. KJ at leadoff? Didn’t work. Escobar? A good, young player who’s not leadoff material himself. Fact is, we don’t have a true leadoff hitter. We have a bunch of 7-8’s experimenting in the 1 slot.

Bullpen? Soriano as the shutdown closer. Elbow pain, can only use sporadically. Gonzo? MAybe will help in 2nd half. The rest? A decent, slightly-above-average group (except Resop) that’s getting waaayyy too much work.

Bottom line? Once again, Braves management tried to piece together a team with obvious holes, and counted on everything to break just right to stay in contention. It’s happened just the opposite, exposing that the supposed depth and quality on the team was really a mirage, bundled in with crossed fingers.

By this is rediculous

June 9, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

Lets see,…for the Braves to turn this around….screen goes wavvy…distant music in the background….ahhhh…

Mike Hampton wins 12 games after the all star break; Francine becomes a major league hitter, and takes a pitch; Tex does something other than rollover an outside slider; Bobby Cox plays NL ball for a change; Glavine pitches into the 6th inning more than once, without giving up a run in the first inning; Yunel works the count; Someone learns to bunt; and no one gets a blister.

And if this doesnt work, we trade for a new outfield, new 1 and 2 pitcher, a closer, a manager, first baseman, and a strength and conditioning coach…all for Corky Miller. Nothin Left to do but Smile, Smile, Smile.

By supa

June 9, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

The Braves are simply a mediocre team…not bad, but not great. They’ve been a mediocre team for the past 3 seasons.

Braves’ record over the last 3 seasons (2006-2008):

195-193. A big TWO games over .500 over that stretch.

Doesn’t get any more mediocre than that.

By Carolina Gent

June 9, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

Meant to close my 3:49 post by saying until management starts spending money wisely, trading for/developing younger players, and spending for filling in for particular holes (#1 starter, leadoff, 1B, closer) in the off season PLUS better emphasis on fundamentals such as moving runners up, bunting, etc., (Can’t be done in-season.. it’s more of a seller’s market than a buyer’s one) we’re gonna keep floundering. It’s easy to spend money and look like you’re addressing problems. It’s another thing entirely to spend wisely and actually do so.

By Jeff321

June 9, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

I would trade Tex, Corky, Bobby Cox, Frenchy, Boyer, Acosta for any young talent thats ready or not.. Once you escapists realize that Cox and his decision making (including letting people like Corky have a seat on the bench, playing Frenchy in all but one game, etc.) IS KILLING US, will you see through the fog.

By PEPr

June 9, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

For crying out load, folks. We aren’t even to the “All Star Break”. I’ve never heard so much whining and blame placing. This is not the first time a team has been in a slump to later come out “smoking”. The Braves will recover. Let’s lighten-up and be objective.

By Einstein

June 9, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Memo to Bobby Cox: Thanks for your years of service…but, it’s past time to go. Before you go, please ask your replacement to “demand” something of the players, other than just showing up, and actually have them go over the fundamentals in next year’s spring practice. Also, please send Frency down to AAA to learn how to hit with some consistency, and to bolster his confidence. Please ask Wren to hire a pitching coach that can stress “keeping the ball down” rather than just trying to nibble the corners. What you have been getting is an 0 and 2, then a gopher ball right down the middle. McDowell was a better joke on Seinfeld than as a pitching coach. And lastly, please “demand” that your players (except for Chipper and McCann) listen to what T.P. says…if he’s not able to help, then ask Wren to hire a real hitting coach. You may want to suggest that the team needs to get younger. I know these are all your old drinking buddies, but pick some younger, more energetic, enthusiastic drinking buddies for the team. We want to win! By the way, please don’t pick your nose on camera…kids are watching. Thank you!

By ronald

June 9, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

It seems like fundamentals are lacking in a big way. Johnson’s drop is only one example. The base running errors are inexcusable. The other night after a brave triple Jimy Williams, bench coach for the Phillies, was behind calling a pitchout on the first pitch to the next batter. It was clear that he knew that a squeeze play was coming. Everyone watching the game knew that the Phillies knew that it was coming. What do we do? We go ahead with the squeeze play that every one knew was coming and a runner was dead at the plate.

What is wrong with Francouer (or however he spells it)? If there is a pitch on the outside part of the plate or a foot outside thrown at any speed he’s going to try to yank it to left field rather than go with the pitch. In Friday night’s game he left 9 runners on base. Forgive me for saying this but unless he changes his approach to hitting he is going to be nothing other than another Andruw Jones at the plate, limitless potential never realized.

Corky Miller, Whby in the world is Corky Miller on this squad? There is no good reason to have on this team a catcher who doesn’t belong on any big league roster. What’s his batting average? About .060. Eddie Perez could join the club today and hit .100. When ever Miller is in the line up he may as well bat in the nine hole because whoever pitches has a better chance of getting a hit.

In general, a fire needs to be lit under this team. Will it do any good? Who knows what with more than one playing every day who need more time in the minor leagues. But my goodness, do something to get this bunch fired up. If Cox can’t do it then throw a big Bobby Cox night at the end of the season and let him retire to his farm. I, for one, am sick of the type of ball we are playing. I’d say that the braves are playing like a high school team. I don’t say that because it would be an insult to a good high school team to compare them to the braves.

By Jeff321

June 9, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Braves Purchase Brian Lawrence’s Contract

32 year-old righty Brian Lawrence made six starts for the Mets last year and 16 in Triple A. He’d missed all of ‘06 due to rotator cuff and labrum surgery. Before that, he’d been a useful innings eater.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

By Dave Jones

June 9, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

If the Braves are psyched out on the road, how about hiring the hypnotist from The Natural? “Losing (on the road) is like a disease…” :) On a more serious note - how long is Frenchy going to play hurt? You can see it when he runs the bases, and when he tries to plant and uncork a throw too. He doesn’t run down anything in the outfield anymore - just turns around as fly balls sail over his head and gimps back to the wall. Got to be affecting his offense too.

By Left Field

June 9, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

Win 3 of 4,lose 3,no big deal.The pitching will hold up,Francoue will get hot at the plate and our at bats will have seeing eyes through the infield.We win 6 of 10 on the upcomming roadtrip.He!! we turned it around at home last week.Chill out its only a game.

By Tomy Fournier

June 9, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

MY COMMENT…NOW EVERY BODY IS SAYING WHAT AT THE BEGINING I WAS SAYING…MR COX…PLEAAAAAASE..GET OUT OF THE BASEBALL GAME!!!!BUT WHAT THE ATLANTA MANAGEMENT DID…ANOTHER YEAR CONTRAC…WHAT A JOKE…THAT THE RESPECT FOR THE FANS….WAOOOOO!!!

By Desperado Dave

June 9, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

I agree with the point about lack of passion. They play so listless and sit and wait on the grand slam to win a ball game. One of the few times I saw Bobby Cox do anything other than wait on the big one, the Braves blew a suicide squeeze. On fundamental things, I agree completely. The bunting, catching, playing with with a little bit of common sense, it’s all symptomatic of this team. The pitching staff may have a decent ERA, but they give up runs in crucial situations far too often. I am one of the few who think that the Braves should not have extended Bobby Cox. I think the changes that need to be made will not be made until he is gone. He has been a great one, but there comes a time when everyone must hang it up.

By william cranman

June 9, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

Kelly Johnson’s error on Friday night was the biggest error in the regular season I can ever remember. It was a 2 game swing. Instead of being 2.5 games out with momentum we go to 4.5 games out while hanging our heads. I like Kelly Johnson, but that single error may have cost the Braves any shot at the playoffs.

By scottbravesfan

June 9, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

I’ve been saying it all year, the Braves are a terrible fundamental team. Only Chipper Jones and Brian McCann know how to play the game properly. I don’t know who taught Francouer the game but whoever it was should be banned from baseball for life. Jeff Francoeur is the worst player of the Braves position players and it’s not even close. He’s awful.

By SaltyDawg

June 9, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

I hate to pile on K.J., but I paid good money to go see the Braves play on Friday and by all rights should have left after the 9th with a smile on my face. That was total lack of focus on his part. But CC is absolutely right here. The Braves seem to have no grasp of the fundamentals. I would bet even money that Glavine would be the only person to lay down a decent bunt in a clutch situation. They run poorly, hit poorly, play poor defense, and most of all pitch poorly when the game is on the line. So who is to blame? Bobby Cox? The other coaches? The minor league system? Somebody has to evaluate this problem and address it before the Braves end up a second-rate team again. Atlanta fans are too fickle to continue supporting a mediocre team and that is where these guys are headed. It is a shame when myself and the other posters here seem to have a better grasp on the Braves’ problems and possible solutions than the people in the organization who make the decisions. Come on Bobby, shuffle the lineup when a guy (Frenchy) is struggling so badly that he is detrimental to the team. Put him in the 7-spot for a couple of days/weeks. Give him time to re-focus. It’s not like the status quo is getting us anywhere.

By mwlin

June 9, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

Kelly Johnson will probably be traded in the off-season. This town will never forget his dropped ball, and he’ll never be able to live it down. Johnson’s error reminds me of Adam Laroche’s miscue at 1B in 2006, when he got beat by a not-very-fast runner to first base. In any case, Bobby Cox and the team got the most of the so-called 2005 Baby Braves, which on balance were a bunch of overachievers. Except for McCann, both Johnson and Francouer have reached their potentials as ballplayers, and I’m afraid it’s diminishing returns from here on out.
Let’s go Braves.

By LuisGuillermo

June 9, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Chipper Jones was named the NL Player of the Week. I have to say that I was a little surprised he got that nomination. I mean, I thought about that the other day, given that he reached a milestone, but then I said “c’mon, somebody else is going to hit like .350 and drive in 4-5 runs and get more votes than Chipper, because he’ll go under the radar”.

By stendec

June 10, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

More garbage from Braves! Worthless curs. No hustle. No fire. No talent. No class. No hope! Whatever became of guys in Brave unforms that gave a damn? Guess those times are long gone. Too bad. This group not worth a F++K! How truly pathetic!

By RB

June 10, 2008 3:43 AM | Link to this

Jeff Francoeur reminds me of Andrew Jones. Andrew wasted years of potentially great offensive numbers because he would not listen to his instructors. He tried to pull everything to the detriment of himself and his team. Just like Andrew, Francouer swings at terrible pitches again and again and again. It is maddening to watch Francouer repeat the same mistakes bat after bat after bat. He has batted 15 times with the bases loaded, (9 times more than any other player on the team), and has produced a mere 7 RBIs. In two of the games with the Phillies he left a total of 17 runners on base. Please Bobby put McCann in his spot and move Francouer to 7 or 8 in the batting order. Imagine the Braves record if Francouer had produced at a 280 to 300. clip! Come on Francouer take advantage of emmulating one of the greatest Braves hitters of all time sitting right next to you every game. Don’t waste your great luck to have Chipper as your mentor. Do it for the team if not for yourself.

RB, Seattle

By TheCutMan

June 10, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

Having been both to spring training and to various NFL pre-season camps, I’ve noticed a glaring difference and it speaks to what ChopChick is addressing.

In the spring training sessions I’ve seen, there is no emphasis on the fundamentals nor are they practiced under supervision. Oh sure, there’s a hitting coach leaning against the cage watching guys hit and managers perched in the dugout viewing infield practice but no hands-on instruction or situations causing the players to practice base running, bunting or even catching or throwing the ball to the right base or cut-off man.

Contrast that to, say, a Tim Krumrie who is the defensive line coach of the KC Chiefs. Tim is hands-on, teaching technique, in the trenches and actually showing the players the correct angles, how to use leverage in their favor, etc. Tim is also an extremely vocal and passionate guy that the players HAVE to listen to and respond to his coaching.

Being strong in fundamentals isn’t an early in the career type thing. It’s something that has to be stressed and practiced throughout a player’s career and we’re seeing very little of that mindset with the Braves.

By braveswin

June 10, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

There is little hope that the Braves bats will come around because of the lack of a hitting coach. T.P. has not improved a single hitter since he has been here.I think he is a major cause of A Jones slide into oblivion and will take Frenchy along as well. Chipper was a stud before he came along as was Tex.McCann learned to hit from his dad (like Chipper).I just don’t see good quality professional at bats from this team, ie moving runners up, using the whole field etc.T.P. is the cause of a lot of the one run losses and needs to find a career more suited to him. He ain’t no hitt’n coach…period

By don

June 10, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Don’t put the blame for poor fundamentals entirely on the minor league managers and coaches. They only do what the higher ups tell them to do. Don’t ever doubt that the ordersw as to who to play and how to play them comes from the “braintrust” in Atlanta. that is where the blame should be squarely placed. After all, the buck stops at the top.

By Corey

June 10, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

You can blame it on fundamentals. You can blame it on coaching.

But, the simple fact is the Braves are 2 Starting Pitchers, a Closer & an Outfielder short of being a playoff caliber team.

By minime

June 10, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

No, not reading to much into one dropped ball but too many errors & the inability to move runners over - I don’t care if the bases are loaded w/ fewer than two out or on 3rd w/ two out a pro s/be able to get them MOVED 3/5 times. TP said he blames himself but I think the players just want to go for the longball because they think they can every time.

By Kev

June 10, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Not a very good team at basic hitting you cant always hit home runs. Need a vet closer. Who in the hell is Lawrance, Same old Braves always trying to get somthing for nothing. Miller is a joke.Cant see why they let B.P. go. Dont think we are going to far this season it would supprise the hell out of me.

By Ralph

June 10, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

The Braves have not played fundamental or had a solid defense for 11/2 month, if they would have, they would be in first place, and yes it’s a big deal when the game is on the line and a pop-up is drop due to a careless, and immature play by a professional player. Johnson should be put back in left field where he belongs. Francoeur, hasn’t learn what disciplined is at the plate, if he doesn’t snap out of his free swing wildness and going after balls on the outside, he’ll be useless as a hitter. The problem, with the Braves is that they don’t want to win bad enough, or think they are without approach to better themselves. Everyone can see, that they lack the determination and concentration. Bobby Cox, no control over the Braves. In a nut shelve, if the Braves don’t wake up, it going to be a long and lonely summer, been a loser. Where is Terry Pendleton, Where is the third base coach, that the runners don’t pay attention to him, or for that matter, where are all the so call specialist, that are suppose to help the manager. The way they are playing right now, first place will only be in their dreams.

By josh

June 11, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

….same old braves. Since Kotsay and Diaz being hurt and Smoltz being done for the season, the braves have looked
sickening. They seem oblivious and their defense looks like little league. Im glad that Chip is having one of the best seasons of his career but if they don’t pick things up all that work will only just end up just a batting title.

By Dannie Mixon

June 11, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

I could not agree with you more that Frenchy is in the wrong batting spot. I also do not like the fact that Tex is hitting clean-up. I know the strategy with back-to-back switch hitters but Tex and Frenchy do not come through in their desired batting spots. Escobar does not need to be lead off. As for the stuggles on the road, well there is nothing to say about that really other than the fact that I am tired of seeing men left on base especially when the bases are loaded and nothing happens. Someone needs to step up and make a play and earn their paycheck.

By Dannie Mixon

June 11, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

I could not agree with you more that Frenchy is in the wrong batting spot. I also do not like the fact that Tex is hitting clean-up. I know the strategy with back-to-back switch hitters but Tex and Frenchy do not come through in their desired batting spots. Escobar does not need to be lead off. As for the stuggles on the road, well there is nothing to say about that really other than the fact that I am tired of seeing men left on base especially when the bases are loaded and nothing happens. Someone needs to step up and make a play and earn their paycheck.

By Dannie Mixon

June 11, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

I could not agree with you more that Frenchy is in the wrong batting spot. I also do not like the fact that Tex is hitting clean-up. I know the strategy with back-to-back switch hitters but Tex and Frenchy do not come through in their desired batting spots. Escobar does not need to be lead off. As for the struggles on the road, well there is nothing to say about that really other than the fact that I am tired of seeing men left on base especially when the bases are loaded and nothing happens. Someone needs to step up and make a play and earn their paycheck.

By jeff

June 12, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox couldnt win a 1 run game if his life depended on it.He doesnt know how to manufacture runs.21 straight 1 run road losses which ties a MAJOR LEAGUE RECORD! that is humiliating.The Braves deserve better.FIRE COX NOW AND LET PENDLETON TAKE OVER.I havent liked him since he blew the Minnesota World Series.If he wasnt such an under achieving manager the Braves could have had 3 or 4 more championships.

By jeff

June 12, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox couldnt win a 1 run game if his life depended on it.He doesnt know how to manufacture runs.21 straight 1 run road losses which ties a MAJOR LEAGUE RECORD! that is humiliating.The Braves deserve better.FIRE COX NOW AND LET PENDLETON TAKE OVER.I havent liked him since he blew the Minnesota World Series.If he wasnt such an under achieving manager the Braves could have had 3 or 4 more championships.