AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > April > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDifferent test for Braves
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
You know me. I’m the guy who insists the Braves will be fine when everybody else is saying they’re finished. I said it in 2004 when they were under .500 on the Fourth of July, said it again last year when they trailed Washington by 5 1/2 games on July 3.
You’ll notice I’m not saying it now.
Yes, it’s ridiculously early. Yes, the Braves are beginning to get healthy and have already played almost 20 percent of their road games for the season. No, the Braves are never very good in April. I know all that. But I’m starting to believe these Mets are really good.
The chief reason the Braves have been able to execute their customary chase-downs is that, over the last dozen years, they haven’t fallen way behind a truly solid team operating at peak capacity. There’s a difference in trailing the 2001 Phillies, who were too young, or the 2005 Nationals, who weren’t all that skilled, or even the 2004 Marlins, who were coming off a World Series title but weren’t quite the same club, and in ceding ground to the 2006 Mets.
The Mets have a better lineup than the Braves, a better closer and a better top of the rotation. Not insignificantly, the Mets are no longer managed by the grating Bobby Valentine. Meanwhile, there’s growing suspicion the Braves aren’t quite the Braves.
Jorge Sosa, who couldn’t lose last summer, can’t win this spring. Jeff Francoeur, who lit the fuse that burned into a 14th consecutive division title, isn’t hitting his weight, let alone his stride. Chipper Jones can’t find a position he can play without hurting himself. Tim Hudson displays only sporadic traces of being a real No. 1 starter.
And let’s not forget the bullpen, which already has blown five saves. (No National League team has blown more.) Even so, one reliever — Oscar Villarreal — carries more victories than the entire rotation. This being baseball, pitching remains the greatest concern. In seasons past, we took it on faith that Leo Mazzone would get the most from his staff; we can’t yet assume the same of Roger McDowell.
I know, I know. You don’t win 14 division titles without weathering turbulence en route, and over time the Braves have proved themselves expert problem-solvers. But someday some team will set a snare from which even the Braves can’t extricate themselves. The 2005 Marlins might have been such a team had they not devoted their energies to hating Jack McKeon and his smelly cigars. The 2006 Mets might well be such a team.
For years, the Mets have been Charlie Brown — “This time I’m really going to kick that ball!” — to the Braves’ snickering Lucy. They’d assemble a roster with no thought for defense or cohesion and then collapse when things didn’t go their way. These Mets, as built by the savvy Omar Minaya, seem more grounded. No team with Pedro Martinez and Tom Glavine and Carlos Delgado and Billy Wagner is apt to lack self-assurance. No team with this many proud and accomplished pros is going to cede the NL East to the Braves on history alone.
This is a big weekend for the Braves, sure, but it’s bigger for the visitors. Counting the 1999 NLCS, the Mets have lost 54 of 74 games at Turner Field. If they’re indeed stout enough to end the great Braves’ run, this is where the proving must start.
For their part, the Braves simply need to get going. It’s not as if they’ve played their way out of anything or even into unfamiliar territory. Over the past 15 seasons, they’ve been in this same spot — five games behind after 21 played — twice before. They were in 2001, which stands as the last season they advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs, and they were in 1995, which ended with them winning the World Series.
You know me. I’ve seen way too much to dismiss the Braves’ chances. Were they 10 games back with 10 to play, I’d still think they could win. That said, I wouldn’t advise falling 10 games behind these Mets.
Permalink | Comments (51) | Categories: Braves / MLB, Mark Bradley
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By eric the elder
April 27, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this
I share your skepticism, Mark, simply because history has no role to play this time around. We can’t count on Maddux, Galvine, Smoltz to go on a run. We can’t pencil in a Sheffield or JD Drew for our ailing right field, nor can we look to McGriff or Gallaraga to ameliorate the disaster that is first base. Half of our starting position players have less than two years experience, and no one can walk through the bullpen gate and make our hearts go pitty-pat. Last year was something of a miracle, and I’m not sure we can hope for another.
By Kenny
April 27, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this
There is something to be said for having a single owner too. Not that the players don’t look up to Bobby Cox. They do. But it is weird to me and maybe to other fans to have the owner be a faceless unemotional and seemingly uncaring corporation for an owner. Perhaps the players feel the same way. Maybe that’s how we got into this mess. There’s no one with any power to change the financial prospects for the team. For that reason alone, I hope Arthur Blank gets the team. Another Time Warner in Colorado won’t help a bit. Might even be demoralizing. Ted Turner or Blank wouldn’t have let Glavine or Maddux get away. Or Julio Franco and on and on. These current Braves lack a personality. I think there’s too much to overcome this year. If the Braves lose the series to the Mets this weekend and then lose the next one in NY, which is highly possible, I think the Braves will have a very tough time staying competitive.
By desertdawg
April 27, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this
As soon as everyone gets healthy, which looks to be this weekend, we will be fine. Hudson is pitching better and Smoltz is Smoltz. Thomson and Sosa will both win 12-15 games. The concern is the bullpen and lack of offense so far. This is a big series with the Mets—we win another 2 out of 3 and we will be in their heads all year. We always start slow and then win 25 out of 30 in mid summer to get back in it. Frenchy needs to get it together as well. As long as Chipper/Andruw/ Marcus and Smoltz are around we will be in the hunt. GO BRAVOS !!
By Ron Roberts
April 27, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this
I’m not so sure about Sosa, but I do think the rest of the rotation has stepped up, and Mark, ya didn’t really compare the Mets’ and Braves’ rotations, which I think is still in the Braves’ favor, overall.
The way Hudson, Smoltz, Davies and Thomson have pitched of late, I could see the team running off a streak. Seriously, in early May, we play the Marlins, Nats, then Marlins again 10 games straight, and how this team plays through that stretch will say VOLUMES about this team’s chances this season. While we’re in that stretch, the Mets play the Phils, Brewers and Cardinals.
As for our lineup, I have disagree with Mark. With our healthy lineup, I think we’re capable of scoring as well, if not better than, the Mets. The key is going to be Francoeur rebounding, LaRoche knocking down the strikeouts and Chipper’s health.
Last year, this time, we were imploring that Terry Pendleton earn his pay and get Andruw Jones stroking… he did. He knows what his task(s) are this year, and the guy knows about hitting…he could rake himself, so I’ll hold my commentary for now. I’m just hopeful that he can duplicate last year’s work on Andruw with Jeff and LaRoche.
The bullpen doesn’t really bother me, so much. The parts are there… it’s a matter of Bobby Cox learning how and when to use ‘em and learning when they’ve been used too much.
Either way, we need 2 out of 3 this weekend just to remind the Mets we’re still around; let’s just see how Braves’ fans represent at the Ted. After fourteen years of playoffs baseball, we should be providing a far better homefield advantage than we do… will there be thousands of Mets fans in the stands, again? That’s embarrassing.
By Matt
April 27, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this
I think some people are getting to worried to early. It is April and as Mark stated this has happened to the braves before. But also as Mark stated this is a big series, I think that any series we play against the mets is a big series. So with that said we need to make sure that we fill The Ted for the whole weekend and make sure the team knows they are home and feel like they are home. We have to get behind this team, it is a young team and they will strive in an environment where it is rowdy and crazy and the fans are cheering for them. I think this series will also show Atlanta how bad the fans really want to dedicate and help this Braves team of this year. So lets get out their and chop for the braves and hopefully help them take this series. LETS GO BRAVES!!!
By stew
April 27, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this
The Met rotation is in shambles. They are better, but only offensively and that’s due to Delgado. Beltran and Floyd are always hurt. Reyes never has lived up to expectations. Matsui is an eight million dollar a year mistake. Wright is overrated defensively. Nady has never done it consistently for 550 at bats. LoDuca is a punch and judy catcher. Don’t believe the hype. The Mets aren’t as good as they’re made out to be.
By geechee
April 27, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this
How can anyone expect them to compete at the same level as the past with a $78 million payroll? It ain’t gonna happen. When your owners are a group of Yankees’ and Mets’ fans who are trying to dump you, you can’t expect much help from headquarters. I feel for Bobby, the team, and the city but not much can be done. Thankfully they have the best farm system in baseball or it could have even been much worse.
By mark
April 28, 2006 12:44 AM | Link to this
I agree with mark for the most part , but not for the same reasons. Chipper , Andruw , Renteria and Giles can and have been All-stars in the past. The rotation is solid , however the bullpen is better than most people think. The two major problems are that the Braves dont have a legit leadoff hitter , nor do they have a lights out closer. Without a table setter to start the game and a closer to finish it , this team is left with too many holes. Cox has never played small ball and never will. last year playing 18 rookies and winning was remarkable , but with no Furcal or Farnsworth and the Muts built for the long haul its going to be an uphill battle and we will be left to hope that this team can contend for the wild card.
By David Duncan
April 28, 2006 02:15 AM | Link to this
The Mets will be up by 20 games over the Braves by the All Star break. There is no hope in 2006 . This Braves team is going to implode and lose 95 games. It was fun while it lasted. Will another team ever win 14 division championships again?
By gotigers72
April 28, 2006 02:34 AM | Link to this
Out of their 14 Division titles, the Braves have been in first only ONE year at the end of April. Perenially slow starters, perenial division winners. That being said, it does look as if NL pitchers have figured out some of our young hitters, particularly LaRoche and Francouer. Except for Devine, the bullpen hasn’t been that bad, although Reitsma was lucky to escape some jams. I know Francouer was lights out when he was brought up last year, but maybe he needs some more minor league time to learn plate discipline and patience. Whether he stays or goes, they need to do something to get some offense going.
By Zach
April 28, 2006 03:13 AM | Link to this
I’m sorry, I’m still laughing at the guy who said Sosa would win 12-15 games this year. Did we pick up another pitcher named Sosa that can actually pitch? Cause the one we have now won’t even be in the rotation come July.
By Brent
April 28, 2006 04:37 AM | Link to this
Some of what you said made since, however, I don’t agree that the Mets have a better top of the rotation. The Mets have Pedro, who may be pitching well but is certainly not the lights out Pedro of five years ago (radar gun). And I think we all remember Glavine’s ability to jump to fast starts in his last few years in Atlanta, only to fizzle down the stretch. Sosa may not be a very productive fifth starter for the Braves this year, but I doubt Victor Zambrano is any better for the Mets. All in all, if Davies continues to look sharp, which he has his last two starts, the Braves will have the most consistantly productive rotation in the East.
By Uncle Ruckus
April 28, 2006 04:40 AM | Link to this
The payroll issue makes losing Mazzone even bigger. One of the most underrated reasons why the Braves have put together the streak is not just because of Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz, but because of the Burketts, Jaret Wrights, Neagles, and Jorge Sosa’s who could be acquired cheap and plugged into the rotation and expected to do well. The back end of the rotation was always an area the Braves could count on to spend very little and get huge rewards. Now the Braves are gonna have to shell out the money to acquire proven players to fill out these back-end of the rotation positions, which crunches the payroll even harder.
I still think that when people look back at the streak if/when it ends, they will be able to point to Mazzone leaving as the event that ended it. And all the don’t-let-the-door-hit-you-on-the-way-out comments by the other Braves players after he left are gonna look pretty foolish.
By geechee
April 28, 2006 05:33 AM | Link to this
I agree with gotigers that it is still to early to start jumping out of the windows but we are dealing with one of the youngest teams in the league here which makes it kind of scary. Uncle you can’t really blame this on losing Leo, that is just a scapegoating excuse. Mad Dog is still the best pitcher in the league and is 4-0 with 0.99 era and is not being coached by Leo. Glavine is only 2-2 but has a 2.78 era and got no run support in the Braves game and again no Leo. We had the pitchers and let them go. This also had a lot to do with Leo leaving. The way this team is performing comes down to one thing only Time-Warner.
By bill
April 28, 2006 07:12 AM | Link to this
Will I have to report any money taken from David Duncan when the Mets fail to take a 20 game lead on us by the All Star break? We have been without our 1, 2, and 3 hitters and have experienced the schedule from hell since opening day. Not to mention the anticipated sophomore slump from a kid who electrified Atlanta last season, injuries to the pitching staff, and a slow start from our #1 starter. Oh, did I mention that the season is still 162 games long?
By Marc
April 28, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this
The Braves will not lose 95 games—that’s ridiculous. However, it’s quite possible that they will win 85 and not win the division. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Braves turn it around and even win the division. But it’s no longer inevitable like it used to be. There are lots of holes in this team—poor bullpen, unproven players at key positions. The Mets may not be as good as touted, but at least they can go out and get help. This is it for the Braves.
Stop with the silly notion that the TW executives take actions that hurt the Braves because they are Mets/Yankees fans. This is corporate America you are talking about. They are corporate employees who care about making money, period. Stop projecting fandom onto suits in NY. They don’t care who wins the WS as long as the company makes money. But I do agree the payroll restriction has really hurt the Braves; no matter how good the farm system is, when you can’t afford to make moves during the season and have to penny pinch, it’s going to make a difference. LaRoche has been at first base for three years now and has proven to be a thoroughly mediocre ballplayer, but the payroll leaves them no options.
As for Bobby Cox not playing “small ball” as the reason for losing, give me a break. All sorts of statistical analysis shows that smallball is counterproductive. The White Sox didn’t win because of playing small ball; they won because they had great pitching and hit a lot of home runs. If anything, Bobby is too tied to the stupid conventions of small ball so that he has Giles bunting with runners on base, playing for one run. He should do less small ball, not more.
By steve
April 28, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this
the keys to success…1) keep chipper healthy and work him into moving to first base and work to play wilson everyday at third, 2) get edgar back stroking the ball, 3) jeff needs big time help at the plate. If he can’t get it together this weekend, start platooning him as soon as kelly is healthy, 4) send jorge back to wherever he came from and promote the next big pitching thing from wherever the braves stash them. 5) get roger working to earn his paycheck with the pitching staff. is he clueless or what?
By Penn
April 28, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this
For everyone who wants:
Let me ask just one question, where do you think the Braves would be in the standings if Francoeur was hitting .300 with 7-9 HRs and 18-22 RBI’s.
Then make your decision on what to do with him. There is only so much time for him to start producing and that time should be drawing short about NOW. The Braves cannot afford an automatic out playing right field. There is not enough left to pick up the slack. The bench is thin in constrast to what we thought when they broke camp.
By Nick
April 28, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this
1st off, the Braves will be fine. the guys who were injured are coming back. and keep in mind that the Braves were on the road for most of the games this spring. Also, when Ramirez comes back, we absolutely need to put Sosa SOMEWHERE ELSE besides the starting rotation. Don’t worry, I think we’ll take 2 of 3 from these Mets this weekend. Besides, it’s way too early to worry. Lets wait until july or august, and we’ll talk. And remember, DEATH TO THE METS, GO BRAVES.
By Eric Shelander
April 28, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this
Look for the impossible this weekend, when you go to the ball park, bring your brooms. A sweep would send a message to these upstart Mets. They are trying to horn in where the do not belong. This is Braves territory…
By Dr. Jay
April 28, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this
I’d never really seriously considered moving Chipper to first until this year…but it may be time. To me, it’s all about keeping Chipper healthy and in the lineup, and having Hudson step up and become the reliable 18-20 game winner he’s being paid to be. If either of those things fail to happen, we’re toast.
By Rutuger
April 28, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this
When your owners are a group of Yankees’ and Mets’ fans who are trying to dump you, you can’t expect much help from headquarters.
Right on, geechee. I can’t believe my ears when I hear people doubt the benefit of having Blank own this team as opposed to some corporate media conglomerate. Concerned that he won’t be able to run two franchises at one? The man co-founded and ran one of the largest multi-billion dollar corporations in the world. He pours his heart into the Falcons and (gripe about rising ticket prices if you must) LISTENS to the fans, and takes pride in breeding a winner, sparing no cost. What the hell are the downsides to having him own the Braves as opposed to current ownership?
Then there’s Time-Warner, Liberty, etc.: Well, they… uh… hmmm. But wait, they also… oh. Yeah. This is a no-brainer.
And again I’ll restate my position (albeit however glaringly obvious) that we go nowhere until we get a bullpen, or at least a Major League closer. If the Reitsma fan club jumps on me again for saying this, you’re all completely damn insane.
By BP
April 28, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this
Come Monday, the Braves will be 8 game out and the “Fat Lady” will be singing early. This is the worst Braves team I have seen since ‘89-‘90. 1. No offence 2. No defence 3. No energy 4. Worn out pitching (we got the wrong
Oakland pitcher) 5. No coaching 6. No bench
I hate to be so pessamistic, but compared to other Braves teams, THIS ONE STINKS
Come on, How can anybody talk about how good our starting pitching is, when they have just 3 wins in 21 games???
They had a GREAT run, but all good things must end!!!
By john
April 28, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this
Fun discussion, guys. Mark is on target — the Mets look better on paper and should be favorites. I suggest we give Mr Cox his due and give him some time — when the Braves are 10 game out in August, THEN they are in trouble. In the meantime, let’s not be typical Atlanta fans and expect the worst.
By jokurone
April 28, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this
I predict Braves in 1st place by June 1st!!
By jeff
April 28, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
quit being such a puss mark. Do you have sand in your v****? Does it itch?
By Dave
April 28, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this
No need to panic even if the Mets take the series. I remember how AWFUL the Astros were early last season and look where they ended up. The Braves will do the same. They always do. Patience.
By Kentavo
April 28, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this
I hope we take two of three from the Mets, because you know we’ll be down 0-1 after tonight. Braves can’t hit Pedro and he’s not someone they’re going to break out of their funk against. And Smoltz seems to have that one inning where he always gives up runs. So, I predict a 2-0 Mets victory tonight (save goes to Wagner), with the Braves lighting up the rest of the Mets (Glavine?) pitching staff for wins Saturday and Sunday.
By Penn
April 28, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this
Isn’t optimism grand? Blind optimism is even grander. :)
A little logic will help prepare you for heartbreak later on. There are problems with the Braves this year that have not existed in recent times.
Last year we had a platoon at first that produced 114 RBI’s and about 30 homers. We will not get that this year.
Granted we have better catching this year.
We have less effective pitching, both with starters and relievers.
Chipper is a year older and more brittle and he’s slipped a peg or two.
Left field is about the same as is center field. Right field was bad last year and is worse this year.
Overall SS is probably about equal. Furcal has better range and a stronger arm. Both Furcal and Renteria produce at the plate although Renteria is more consistent.
At 2nd Marcus doesn’t even look like the Marcus of 2005 and I can’t figure out why.
And the bench is decidedly weaker in 2006. How often do you feel confident when a pinch hitter steps in the batter’s box this year?
And most important is the confidence factor when they go out on that field. It’s missing in 2006 compared to last year.
I believe confidence is far too often overlooked. Attitude, spirit, cockiness, bravado, call it what you will, I don’t see it this year.
I hope I am wrong but casting a blind eye toward reality is never very productive. I am a very positive person but this year I don’t see a reason to be confident. I see the Braves maybe in second if they can beat out the Phillies. But the Muts have put together a fine team this year as I warned all of you a number of weeks ago.
Living in South Florida and watching the Marlins last year I can tell you that the players the Must got from Florida are winners, Delgado and LoDuca. Those guys come to win. And getting that lights out closer (Billy Wagner) will win ten games for them that they would have lost last year.
Get real folks, enjoy the games but don’t become a mental wreck if they play .500 ball this year. It can happen unless they discover a few miracle babies like they did last year but does lightning strike the same spot twice in a row? Not likely.
By bigFAN
April 28, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this
First the Mets: 1. The ‘best top of the rotation’ (Glavine and Pedro) is prone to injuries and there is a better than average chance that one or both of them will spend some time on the DL…who’s the Met’s 3-4-5 punch? and who would fill in if Glavine or Pedro goes down…if the names don’t jump to the tip of your tounge don’t be embarassed…they’re not that noteable. 2. Give the Mets fans time to turn Shea into the worst home field in the National League - as soon as the mets hit a 3-15 skid or something of the sort and fall 1/2 game behind the Braves…let the new manager search begin in the NY tabloids. 3. I’ll concede- the Mets’ starting 8 is just flat nasty; but how many times did the Phillies 1-8 look just about as good?
The Braves: 1. For all the bandwagon ‘first-glancers’ out there, I’d be less conderned about a learning, adjusting, well-mannered, enthusiastic, future all-start five tool playre and great-teamate (Francoeur) than I would about a 3rd year firstbaseman who is better known for his glove than his bat, who has yet to even attemt to adjust his swing, who shows up pitchers when they forget to cover first, and who whines to the media every time he screws up that he’d really just like a chance to play everyday - well he is and his lifetime 250 average has not gone up - its gone down. 2. Here’s the proposal: Chipper to Firstbase- he’ll get hurt less, he’s more than capeable, he can hit lefties, and itll keep him on the infield -leadership! PLUS…Wilson Betiment is ready to play everyday - this guys biggest flaw is that he doesn’t know how to hit under 300! and it gives the Braves a more athletic SWITCH hitter in their everyday lineup. 3. The Pitching - Less fault to the bullpen and more to modern day starting pitching that doesn’t go past the 5th inning! And we all knew it was gonna take time for Rodger McDowell and Bobby Cox to get on the same page as far as style is concerned … Cox is a big location guy - throw strikes down in the zone, while McDowell has for his career been more of a ‘change of pace’ off balanced approach. And here’s the biggest flaw in the staff right now -Sosa…forget that the guy can’t seem to get the ball down in the zone and gets shelled because he’s not doing it- the guy seems to have forgotten how to play the game- in his last two starts he has made mental mistakes that have cost the braves a pair of crooked number innings in the field - here’s the situations…2 outs runner on second..8th place hitter at the plate…pitcher on deck…Sosa throws him a fat fastball belt high and slightly inside of the center of the plate - RIP! pitcher comes to bat…Sosa WALKS the pitcher…top of thelineup comes up…you can take it from here…Second situation - Sosa makes a bad pitch, it gets ripped to LaRoche’s left w/ 2 outs and Sosa fails to cover first Braves give up 4 in the inning - And i dont even need to recall the “missed sign” incedent…he makes baseball mistakes besides the pitching woes….time to go Sosa no patience for a guy who is slumping and still forgets fundementals…it’s like Francoeur hitting 190 and failing to hustle out and infield grounder. 4. Finally - lets check to standings Aug 1, 2006.
By SIDEWINDER
April 28, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
I REALLY HATE TO SAY THIS , BUT HERE GOES. ANYTIME A COMPANY ( OR TEAM ) GOES THROUGH A TURNOVER A LITTLE BIT IS LOST. THE BRAVES HAVE LOST TOO MUCH OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS TO OVERCOME. AT SOME POINT , IF YOU KEEP DOWNGRADING AS THE BRAVES HAVE DONE , YOU WILL LOSE AND THE BRAVES WILL LOSE THIS YEAR. THEY WILL BE LUCKY TO FINISH A CLOSE THIRD IN N.L. EAST. SORRY ALL BRAVES FANS BUT THIS IS THE COLD HARD TRUTH.
By The Doktor
April 28, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this
Chipper who?!?
The team shoulda got something in return for that over-priced excuse for a third baseman a coupla years ago, when some other team might have actually entertained such a move for this no-glove, sporadic bat All-Star cough…
If he played the game as the player he perceives himself to be, then maybe the Braves got something there. His skills have steadily deteriorated over the last couple of years, and he just DISAPPEARS in the Play-offs. Hey Larry, what have you done for the Braves lately?
Nothing much… ‘nuff said…
By The Doktor
April 28, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this
Chipper who?!?
The team shoulda got something in return for that over-priced excuse for a third baseman a coupla years ago, when some other team might have actually entertained such a move for this no-glove, sporadic bat All-Star cough…
If he played the game as the player he perceives himself to be, then maybe the Braves got something there. His skills have steadily deteriorated over the last couple of years, and he just DISAPPEARS in the Play-offs. Hey Larry, what have you done for the Braves lately?
Nothing much… ‘nuff said…
By Joe Roman
April 28, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this
Ok Mark. I know it’s your job to come up with provocative columns, and God knows in Atlanta, fretting sells. The Braves’ weaknesses are apparent, but they have been in the past. It’s a little extreme to declare Chipper ‘without a position where he won’t be injured’. Sandlot kids would not have played on that infield in San Francisco. That injury says nothing else. He’s been back for TWO GAMES. Renteria is still out. Francoeur will either break out his slump or get benched. In case you haven’t noticed, the Braves have excellent outfield prospects coming out of their ears. As for the Mets, have they somehow been assured in advance of an injury-free season? Have their high dollar free agents been immunized against Beltran disease? Has Willie Randolph been cloned into Casey Stengel?
Also, if by mid-season if there are problems that persist, Ol’ Massa John will take some other G.M. to the cleaners, and all that’s old will be new again. It’s a columnist’s job to be pessimistic. It’s a fan’s pleasure to be optimistic. Believe me, optimism is a lot more fun.
By Jman
April 28, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this
bigFAN - Glavine is hardly ever injured! Pedro has problems but I dont think Glavine has ever had serious problems. Smoltzie and Huddy have so if anyone has to worry about pitching injuries it is us.
That said. The Braves still own the mets. I guarantee the Braves will take at least 2 out of 3 in this series and may sweep. I know that’s a lot to say but I believe it. The Braves always seem to get up for the Mets. Last year the Braves were in another funk in May, the Mets came to town and Atlanta swept them! Granted this Mets team is a little better than that one was, but they were still battling around 2nd and 3rd in the division at the time. Biggest test is tonight against Pedro. They’ll get out of this funk. And when they do, all of you guys who are falling of the bandwagon, or jumping off of it as most seem to be, dont come back on these boards and say “I knew they’d be fine.”
By metsmanintheatl
April 28, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this
glad someone realizes it is finally over…metropolitans have better players..face it…this weekend will be finish off…congrats on your run…will never be matched!….must be frightening to start off against pedro in must series?…respond on monday…GO METS!!!
By Jman
April 28, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this
By the way in that Mets series from May of last year - That was right after that terrible road trip Atlanta took where they went 4-8. The trip also included a sweep by the Padres and we lost 2 of 3 at the Rockies and Red Sox. So of course we come home and sweep the Mets. A cure for all our ills is a home series against the Mets. BELIEVE ME!!!!
It would be interesting to see what the writers were writing then. Is there an archive section on here?
By Jman
April 28, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this
IT IS NOT A MUST SERIES!!! It’s a big early series, but by no means is it a must. You weasels come in here and think you have the right to taunt us! You are 20-54 in Atlanta since 1997! Since we have been at Turner field almost 10 years you have won a grand total of 20 games!!! When you start beating us then you can come in here and talk but not until!!! Like I stated in my previous post we were 4-8 on a road trip last year then you guys came to town and we SWEPT you! We won 6 of our next 20! The only bright part of that stretch was playing the Mets in Atlanta and SWEEPING THEM!!! Go back to your mets boards and talk crap with them. UNTIL YOU UNSEAT US AND ACTUALLY WIN A SERIES IN ATLANTA OR WIN A SERIES AGAINST US IN NEW YORK FOR THAT MATTER YOU HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO ROOM TO TALK!!! Get out you slithery, slimy mutts fan!
By Steve
April 28, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this
First the Mets: 1. The ‘best top of the rotation’ (Glavine and Pedro) is prone to injuries and there is a better than average chance that one or both of them will spend some time on the DL…who’s the Met’s 3-4-5 punch? and who would fill in if Glavine or Pedro goes down…if the names don’t jump to the tip of your tounge don’t be embarassed…they’re not that noteable. 2. Give the Mets fans time to turn Shea into the worst home field in the National League - as soon as the mets hit a 3-15 skid or something of the sort and fall 1/2 game behind the Braves…let the new manager search begin in the NY tabloids. 3. I’ll concede- the Mets’ starting 8 is just flat nasty; but how many times did the Phillies 1-8 look just about as good?
SO VERY TRUE
By Steve
April 28, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this
EXCEPT, Glavine doesn’t go to the DL he just breaks down and becomes 1/3rd of the pitcher he was around….this time of year. Also Pedro, WILL hit the DL guaranteed and will break down as well. That toes aint gonna hold up through the year and neither will his arm be the same as it is now. Regardless, he is not flawless and whoever said tonite is a guaranteed loss is a fool. Recall losing 4-3 AT SHEA last week with SOSA pitching and ATL playing with half its lineup?!??!!! PLEASE!!! Also Edgar is such a massive part of this lineup but nobody realizes it yet because he has played 10 games in a braves uniform. Wait until he comes back and we have Marcuss, Edgar, Chipper, Andruw…then the rest of the bats must be pitched too and everything will fall in place!
P.S. - Horacio please get healthy so Sosa can be cast away.
By BOB C
April 28, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this
We keep trashing the ‘pen. Do you folks remember who was in the pen last year? Brower, Martin and Deadly Dan. Give me Oscar, Lance and the next Glavine (James) any day. If we were five behind the Phils, I’d worry, but the Mets always find a way to self-destruct.
By Penn
April 28, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this
quote
{{{{In case you haven’t noticed, the Braves have excellent outfield prospects coming out of their ears.}}}}
Perhaps this writer would be kind enough to give us a list of say 1 of those prospects who is ready to step into right field and play at the najor league level. And then let’s start raising cain for him to called up.
By Robi
April 28, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this
The braves will be fine and they will win the division. I will not bet against them it is too early in the season. Utill Proven otherwise I am going with the Braves the Mets are yet to show us anything and their rotation is still questionable. Go Braves!!!!!!!!!.
By John Hoar
April 28, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this
I guess it’s that time of the year to declare ourselves. Kinda like asking a young man to declare his intentions-so for me here goes: It’s going to be tough, but we are going to win this thing again. I’m not exactly sure how it will happen but I think a warrior by the name of John Smoltz is going to have a lot to do with it-meanwhile I’ll enjoy all the posts. They keep me going from last pitch to first pitch. The humour. knowledge, comaraderie. dissenting opinions, enthusiasm or even pessimism all combine for a pretty interesting daily get-together. About the only ones that I don’t appreciate are those approaching vulgarity. Those are usually from the same people, or fans of other teams with a first little glimmer of misguided hope and not from what I consider the real bloggers. They are easy enough to skip over and not waste any time over. I imagine that is what most of you do. As for myself, I am more of a reader than a blogger. Have more to learn than to say but I read nearly every word. So yall keep it up and GO BRAVES! Two of three and maybe a sweep!!! Coming from Alabama to see one game.
By Lew
April 28, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this
The song remains the same. Whatever. Will you never learn?
By CRUSHEDFAN
April 28, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this
I’m a Mets fan from New Jersey. I think the 2 teams will be fighting to the end of the season for the division.Until we can knock you guys off from the top , you;re the champs of the division. The papers up here are making this series bigger than it really is though. The season is young.We’ll see how it plays out.Neither team is that deep.It only takes 1 or 2 crucial injuries to change the fate of either team. GO METS
By Miles
April 28, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this
OH MY GOD , ABANDON SHIP!!!!!! AHHHH!!!!!!
what a bunch of fairweather fans. 8 of our losses have been by just 1 run so its not like this team is being outclassed by its opponents. The Braves always start the year off slow before gaining momentum in early June.
And the mets havnt been doing too well lately either, ever since their hot start against the nats/marlins they had just 4 wins in their last 9 games. Their lineup isnt as good as was initially thought. Reyes is having a lot of trouble getting on base, Floyd has regressed significantly, LoDuca isnt the number 2 hitter they thought he was and their weak bench was exposed in the series against the Braves.
Also keep in mind that the mets have ZERO depth in their rotation so they are essentially screwed if Pedro or Glavine have to go on the DL. Bannister is Jorge Sosa 2.0 and just suffered a serious injury in his last start and Heilman, Trachsel and Zambrano are all number 5 type starters.
So keep your heads up, its april for cryin out loud and dont fear the MUTS!!!!
By Ben
April 28, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this
Hello Mark and all the other naysayers! Do yall remember the last series we just had with the Mets?? We took two out of three at Shea stadium. I’ll be laughing in the faces of the naysayers when October comes around and the Braves have yet another division under their belt. They have kept it close in the past few games and that was without Chipper, Renteria, and some games Giles. We’ll be fine in the end.
Another thing, we have to remember that Sosa, out of those 4 runs during his pitching time, only 1 was earned. If it wasn’t for an error by LaRoche, who knows how much longer Sosa could’ve lasted. He was pitching alot better that game and I have to think that he will improve as well.
I guess I can expect this sort of pessimism from the AJC in the future (there is alot of evidence to support that!) However, I do agree with Ron in that there needs to be more fan support at the home games. I would love to see the Ted as the National League equivalent to Yankee stadium in that the crowd is almost always packed and hyped up and actually is a factor in the game.
Go Bravos! We’ll win!
By Ben
April 28, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this
Hello Mark and all the other naysayers! Do yall remember the last series we just had with the Mets?? We took two out of three at Shea stadium. I’ll be laughing in the faces of the naysayers when October comes around and the Braves have yet another division under their belt. They have kept it close in the past few games and that was without Chipper, Renteria, and some games Giles. We’ll be fine in the end.
Another thing, we have to remember that Sosa, out of those 4 runs during his pitching time, only 1 was earned. If it wasn’t for an error by LaRoche, who knows how much longer Sosa could’ve lasted. He was pitching alot better that game and I have to think that he will improve as well.
I guess I can expect this sort of pessimism from the AJC in the future (there is alot of evidence to support that!) However, I do agree with Ron in that there needs to be more fan support at the home games. I would love to see the Ted as the National League equivalent to Yankee stadium in that the crowd is almost always packed and hyped up and actually is a factor in the game.
Go Bravos! We’ll win!
By Del
April 28, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this
I read all the blogs about the not worrying about the slow starting Braves. Can any of you honestly say that the Mets aren’t fundamentally more sound than the Braves right now. They did the little things tonight that win games and win pennants. And Bobby didn’t help much when he had the bases loaded in the ninth and batted Pratt for McCann (our hottest hitter the past two weeks). Go figure, cause I sure cann’t!!
By gotigers72
April 28, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this
What’s wrong with this picture? A corner outfielder hitting below .200, a fourth outfielder hitting below .200, with an 0 for 7 pinch hitting streak, a 1st baseman not hitting his weight and with 26 Ks, a closer with an ERA over 6 [remind you of Dan Kolb?], and a team with a below .200 BA for the last 11 games and leading the league in strikeouts. We’re lucky to have 9 wins.
Looks like Schuerholz made mistakes this winter by not going out and making some trades/signing some free agents.
At least Brave’s fans showed some class when they gave Julio a standing ovation.