AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2005 > September > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USInfield pair consistently rises
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Furman Bisher
Sometimes it’s the smallest cog that makes the wheels of a giant machine go round. Sometimes the same can be said of the human pieces of an athletic team. The Albie Pearsons of baseball, the Spud Webbs of basketball and the Warrick Dunns of football can be lost in the roiling scene.
But let it not be so with the Braves. Andruw Jones can already hear the drums beating his 50-home run melody, though think back, if you will, to when there was talk among restless fans of trading him while he was going 0-for-30 or so in early season. Perish the memory. Chipper Jones plays his role as Leader of the Team, as a veteran should. John Smoltz has successfully made the re-conversion from bullpen to starter, and the roll call goes on.
And, of course, who among us has not have been caught up in the clamor for Jeff Francoeur, Ryan Langerhans, Kelly Johnson, and the special kid who has aged in a hurry, Brian McCann, the catcher. (Frankly, why the trade for Todd Hollandsworth I’ll never understand, but I’m probably not supposed to.)
You may have those Herculean dudes who hit it out of the park. How long does a home run take, five, six seconds? Give me that action around the middle bag.
I’d say if you take the pulse of these Braves, you begin around second base. Day after day, it’s Rafael Furcal or Marcus Giles, Giles or Furcal filling in the blanks when, perhaps, all may seem lost. They fit like a hand in a glove. Put the two of them together, they probably wouldn’t add up to one good-sized NFL tackle.
How many times in late innings, the Braves needing a jolt to get back into the game, have you not seen Furcal lay down and beat out a bunt that incites a rally? Or Giles catch a sweet pitch and deliver a two-base hit, his specialty, or hit one into the seats, turning a game around?
They are the two smallest players on the team. They show little respect for their bodies. Giles has the sawed-off stature of a sturdy stump. He punishes himself. You recall last year when he lost one-third of the season butting heads with Andruw Jones diving for a pop-up.
Furcal and the fans had to make peace at the start. He had fences to mend. He had to live down a taste for alcohol, with two DUIs hanging overhead. Furcal got out to a sputtering start and after a month was hitting only .228 and has had to take time off to give a battered shoulder some rest. Ye gods, how many times has he virtually disappeared from the field, deep in the hole to cut down runners at first?
Because they come in small packages, they aren’t afraid to swing for the fences. Between them, they have hit 21 home runs before Tuesday’s game. Oh, I know, Andruw has more than doubled that number, but he’s supposed to. Between them, they have driven in 107 runs before Tuesday’s game â€â€? remember we’re talking about the two leadoff hitters â€â€? and Andruw has more than doubled that, but he’s supposed to.
How many times have you seen Giles barrel into second base, breaking up double plays? Or look a charging runner in the eye and finish off one.
Of course, when you speak of Giles now you must replay the vision of his dash from second to home on an infield out, again against Pedro Martinez and the clueless Mets. He took off in a sprint, rounded third like a dervish and never even had to slide while the addled Mets stood around scratching.
There may be another combination around the league with more impressive numbers, but I’ll pledge this â€â€? they don’t mean as much to their team as this pair. It doesn’t take much space to give Furcal and Giles, Giles and Furcal their just due, and so I have. Here’s to power, but just don’t forget them when you begin to consider who’s Most Valuable. The league is Andruw’s territory. We’re talking team here.
Permalink | Comments (22) | Categories: Braves / MLB, Furman Bisher
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By dannycardwell
September 13, 2005 09:33 PM | Link to this
good article, and true. furcal should be resigned. to a contract laced with incentives. if he wants the money, which is his #1 priority, give hin a bonus for runs scored, stolen bases, on base percentage, and so on. he is the most talent at short in baseball. and a lot of it wasted when he and marcus start swinging for the fences. he should be our first priority for next year with farnsworth.
By doc
September 13, 2005 10:10 PM | Link to this
furman thanks for pointing out how important those two are. fortunately, they seemed to be appreciated by most but their effort shouldnt be overlooked. what is so special is they are so good defensively but contribute so much offensively. with andruw and the guys behind the plate the braves are quite lucky to have the solid defense up the middle that keeps era’s down that can also contribute so much to getting runs on the board. it helps take the pressure off the new guys making up the outfield, slumping first basemen and an injury prone third baseman, the positions you expect your power and run production. they are the true offenders for AJ’s risp numbers as every time you look up they are ready to score again.
By T Robb
September 14, 2005 08:42 AM | Link to this
Another way to illustrate their value is that Andruw has scored 89 runs, Furcal 88, and Giles has scored 94. Offensively they’re doing their job - scoring runs.
What has impressed me greatly is their defense, which has been terrific. Furcal, who always had great tools and made some amazing plays, isn’t erratic anymore. He doesn’t make an amazing stop and throw it nine rows deep, he puts it in his pocket.
When Giles came up, he was stiff at best. He’s smooth now. Glenn Hubbard deserves a lot of credit for working with him; the results are dramatic.
Giles has a fine arm; Furcal one of the best ever.
And they’re both tough little mothers that hang in on the double play and are at or near the top of the NL in double plays.
I posted before the season how the Braves rotation was as extreme a ground ball throwing rotation as existed in the NL, and the importance of infield defense to this year’s success. These guys have been terrific. I’m a tough grader, and I would award both a Gold Glove.
By RustyLakeMartin
September 14, 2005 09:05 AM | Link to this
There’s no doubt that up the middle, the Braves have the best defense at least in the National league and I expect that to continue throughout the rest of the season. However; to win a world series, these two must get on base consistently and I think they will. They are both gutsy, very competitive players with a huge desire to win. Now for our relief pitching…
By BB FAN
September 14, 2005 10:59 AM | Link to this
I hope the Braves can come up with the money to keep both Furcal and Giles here for a long time. Farnsworth as well. Those three should be the Braves main concern this off season. Nobody is a better lead hitter than Furcal has been the last 3 months. Hopefully he now understands his main job is to get on base.
By jw
September 14, 2005 11:08 AM | Link to this
I hope the Braves remind Raffy to get a driver or cab if he goes out….He’s so vital to the team.
By Joel K. Jones
September 14, 2005 12:00 PM | Link to this
A great commentary on the two most important players in the Braves lineup. It would be good if they had some of that kind of help in the bullpen. Bobby needs to get the kids back into the lineup to loosen everybody else up so they can play the game in the right way.
By John Horton
September 14, 2005 12:39 PM | Link to this
From my days at Tech in the mid 70s, I have always enjoyed FB’s columns - today’s on Furcal and Giles reflects the same easy, yet well crafted words that AJC readers have looked forward to for decades.
Clearly, Furcal & Giles are critical to the Braves success both defensively and offensively. Does anyone really doubt this?
By RandyR
September 14, 2005 01:38 PM | Link to this
Well, after reading your column for the first time, it’s easy to see how you so inspired one of my favorites, the late Lewis Grizzard. Wordsmithing like yours is a lost art, one that we must cultivate in order to preclude its extinction. I am convinced that this brand of journalism is one factor that separates us from the rest of the world. I am also forever grateful that you are a Braves Fan.
Count me as another proponent of the Braves current 4-6 tandem. Furcal’s speed and rocket arm were undeniable from the start, and I always thought I saw a certain hunger in the eyes of Marcus Giles. Thank you for putting into words what many of us have been feeling for a good part of the season. If not for a shaky bullpen, we would seem to have all the parts in place this year. With our two sparkplugs providing the electricity, the Jones boys doing the heavy lifting, and the Baby Braves emulating their elders, I think things will turn out fine.
By Ainsley
September 14, 2005 06:45 PM | Link to this
To start with Furcal has a rocket for an arm, Giles has great arm also. Both are very good offense and defense players. Sometimes Furcal tries to bunt and then it goes right back to the pitcher, but then again he may beat it out. Giles bunt very well and he most of the time beats it out or just does it to get sac bunt. Most of the time he gets on base. Chipper keeps getting small injuries and sits out and we really need him in there. Andruw and Chipper both are GREAT players but doc said they are suppose to. In my opinion other than our bullpen our team would win a lot more games than what are now. The past 2 days the bullpen have completely messed up and they let the other team get more walks and hits than what they are suppose to. They need to get more players in the pen like Farnsworth.
I think the Braves should resign Furcal, Giles, and Farnsworth for a long time like they have with Chipper, Smoltz, & Andruw. I know the payroll keeps getting higher but if that helps the team keep them there. I think the team would do better if they had more veterens in there.
By doc
September 14, 2005 11:09 PM | Link to this
jw thats old news and a cheap joke. save it.
By jim mardis
September 15, 2005 08:43 AM | Link to this
BOBBY COX HAS PROVED HE IS A GOOD MANAGER BUT NOT A GREAT ONE. IT IS A LAUGH TO SEE HIM AND ROCKER SETTING ON THE BENCH AND LOOKING A EACH OTHER, TRYING TO SEE WHAT IS GOING ON AND WHY ARE WE GETTING BEAT. I SIT AT HOME AND WONDER HOW COX COMES UP WITH HIS LINE-UP. WHY HAVE THEY WAITED UNTIL THE LAST FEW GAMES AND WONDER WHATIS GOING ON. ITS TIME TO GET RID OF THE SENIOR CITIZENS AND MOST OF THE RELIEVERS. THEY ARE A JOKE. THE NEW GUYS ARE O.K. BUT THEY ALL SWING FOR THE FENCE AND THEY ARE NOT TO GOOD AT DOING THAT. THE PINCH HITTERS ARE ALSO A JOKE. WHERE DID THE GUY WITH THE LONG CURLY HAIR COME FROM. AND THE ONE FROM CANADA, I DON’T UNDERSTAND. LOOKS LIKE WE ARE NOT GOING TO WIN THE DIVISION THIS YEAR. ONE WORLD SERIES OUT OF 13 [WOW]. DO WE NEED A NEW MANAGER?
By Tim
September 15, 2005 09:46 AM | Link to this
The team’s defense and offense is outstanding. I agree that Furcal and Giles are an invaluable asset to the team. The Braves major issues are with the bullpen and the starting rotation. The loss of Hampton really hurt the team’s chances in the second half of the year. It’s a shame that Smoltz has to carry the pitching. At least Atl. got a break with Sosa.
By Kathie
September 15, 2005 12:57 PM | Link to this
Jim- If you’re going to criticize someone, at least get their name right. I believe you mean Leo Mazzone, when you say ROCKER sitting next to Bobby on the bench—- As for Bobby, how many other managers have led their teams to 13 and a possible 14th division championship? The team is going through some changes and have made their mistakes, but who and what team hasn’t?? I for one don’t think the Braves would be the same without Bobby Cox and the “senior citizens”!! Only one team wins when it’s all said and done, but we have a shot every year which is more than some teams and their fans have. Being thankful for the little things sometimes brings it own rewards.
By dannycardwell
September 15, 2005 01:25 PM | Link to this
i will take the 14 division wins every time. i love to be sitting in right field in october. i wonder where maddux and glavine will be sitting?
By Jim
September 16, 2005 07:22 AM | Link to this
Hey MARDIS…. ALL CAPS
By Joe Roman
September 16, 2005 08:41 AM | Link to this
Thanks to the Sage of the Sports Department for making my morning. It seems whenever I’m ready to give up on the old coot, he comes up with a gem. Jilly and Fookie are right up there with Nellie Fox and Louis Aparicio. Bisher will appreciate that analogy even if most of you don’t. Giles and Furcal are the glue that holds this team together.
By dave brown
September 16, 2005 05:00 PM | Link to this
It’s been more than 10 years since I left Georgia. How can Furman Bisher get better with age? I hope the home folks don’t take him for granted. This is one fine writer, in the same pantheon as Edwin Pope.
By Bill
September 17, 2005 12:36 PM | Link to this
THanks, Mr Bisher. Thanks Furcal&Giles. I’m 75 and my only fun in sports is the Braves.Everyones seems to agree with Furmans writting. I’ve been reading him for over forty years.Keep up the good work. GO BRAVES
By HBG
September 18, 2005 03:42 AM | Link to this
Jim Mardis..
I say we keep the players and trade you to Seattle for a Braves fan to be named later. Do you even have a clue what you’re talking about? Have you ever actually WATCHED a Braves game or are you parroting daddy?
By HAROLD LEE SCOTT
September 18, 2005 06:15 PM | Link to this
SAT.GAME I WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE BRAVES FIGHT AND DETERMINATION. TODAY I WAS DISAPPOINTED WITH WAY THE BRAVES SEEMED WANT TO GIVE INTO GLAVINE AND SHOW THIER RESPECT FOR HIS PAST WITH THE BRAVES. HOPE NEXT GAME WE GET MORE SERIOUS AND BLOW OUR DIVISION TITLE. SOMETIME YOU CAN CONFUSE PLAYERS AND THROW OFF DESIRE WITHOUT THEM RELIZING IT. BE CAREFFUL. THAT DRIVE TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP IS AN VERY IMPORTANT EMOTION. DEVELOP IT. PLAY ON IT. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT IN WINNING. SPECIALLY IN SHORT SERIES. DEVELOP THAT FIGHT, NEVER GIVE UP ATTITUDE, AND DON’T LET UP. BEGIN NOW AND BUILD ON THAT FIGHT, DETERMINATION, AND NEVER SAY DIE ATTITUDE! GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!
By HAROLD LEE SCOTT
September 18, 2005 06:37 PM | Link to this
DON’T GET ME WRONG BOBBY COX LEO DEWS JS AND ALL THE COACHES ETC HAVING DONE AN EXECELLENT JOB IN DEVELOPING AND BLENDING THE VETS AND THE ROOKIES INTO A VERY COMPETITIVE HARD FIGHTING AND WINNING TEAM. MY HAT GOES OFF TO THEM ILN THE GREAT JOB THEY HAVE DONE AND I KNOW THEY KNOW A LOT MORE ABOUT THE SITUATION THAN I DO BUT I JUST WANT TO SUGGEST ANYTHING I THINK MIGHT HELP. DO NOT LET THIS GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY GET AWAY. I THINK THIS IS THE YEAR WITH A GROUP OF FELLOWS THAT WANT TO WIN AND WILL PAY THE PRICE WHATEVER IT TAKES TO DO JUST THAT. THAT IS WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN. THEY HAVE THE DESIRE, ATTITUDE, TOGETHERNESS, AND TOUGHNESS TO GET THE JOB DONE. THAT’S NOT ALWAYS THERE. USE THAT TO WIN IT ALL. GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!