AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > June > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USIn summation, the Braves really stink
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
The day started with players from something called the World Softball League putting on a pre-game home run exhibition. For some reason, they used their own pitcher. They could’ve saved on travel costs and just borrowed Chris Reitsma.
Then the real game started. I think. These days it’s hard to tell the difference between the pros and the warm-up clowns. Maybe instead of running out for the start of the game, the Braves should just pile into a Volkswagen and drive onto the field.
“We all just stink,” Jeff Francoeur said Sunday.
Apparently, you don’t need to be a 10-year veteran to have perspective.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are good. They’re not Godzilla. But the Braves lost Sunday, 9-3, and got swept in a four-game series for the first time in 11 seasons.
They have lost six of seven on the homestand. They’ve led only once in the six losses (that was 1-0 in an 8-3 pounding by Los Angeles.)
The 1-6 stretch follows a 15-5 stretch, which followed a 12-18 start. Tonight is souvenir air sickness bag night.
“We all just stink,” sums things up nicely.
Include Jorge Sosa, who gave up home runs to lead off the first and second innings and is now 1-7 with a 5.07 ERA (after going 13-3 and 2.55 a year ago). Include almost the entire pitching staff, which allowed the Diamondbacks 26 runs, 42 hits and eight home runs in the last two days (three games). Include a lineup that Francoeur and Adam LaRoche says hasn’t started games aggressively enough. (LaRoche: “We got hot for a few games, and now it seems like we forgot what we’re here. I’m as much to blame as anybody.”)
They are now 1-6 against the Diamondbacks. The good news: They are 18-5 against the Marlins, Cubs, Nationals, Rockies and Padres. That should come in handy when they play, I dunno, Estonia.
Maybe we should’ve known this was coming. Last Wednesday, assistant general manager Dayton Moore left to run the worst team in baseball in Kansas City. This was big news for the Royals. They hadn’t been anybody’s preferred option for two decades.
The next day, John Schuerholz was stopped by Turner Field security as he attempted to walk toward the press elevator. She didn’t see his credential and didn’t recognize his face. Worst of all, she hadn’t read the book. Nor did she show up for Schuerholz’ book-signing before Sunday’s game (perhaps believing the title, “Built to Win,” was outdated.)
Friday was a good day. It rained.
On Saturday, the Braves got swept. Bobby Cox was ejected for the 121st time in his career. (He is only 10 behind all-time leader John McGraw. He is five wins behind Joe McCarthy for sixth on that list. At this rate, he’ll catch McGraw first.)
On Sunday, Sosa did his best to lose it before Cox had to go to the bullpen. Home run by Jeff DaVanon to open the game. Home run by Tony Clark to start the second. With two outs and two on later in the inning, pitching coach Roger McDowell walked to the mound. Whatever he said must have really worked. Sosa then threw a wild pitch to advance the runners and yielded a two-run single to DaVanon.
“It’s like we’re all waiting for something to happen,” Francoeur said. “We get down 5-0 or 6-0 before we start hitting.”
The lad is exaggerating. It was only 4-0. Then 5-1. Then 5-3.Then in came the lost Marx brother, Implodo.
Turns out that Reitsma not only can’t hold a lead, he can’t hold a two-run deficit. In the ninth, he allowed a single, a double and two home runs. The grounds crew swept up his remains and scooped them into an urn.
You tell yourself that a team could be worse than 28-29. The All-Star break is still five weeks away. But even Cox called this, “probably the worst series that we’ve ever had here.”
And the lines between pro and amateur are getting blurry.
Permalink | Comments (265) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves / MLB, Jeff Schultz
Comments
By aaron
June 4, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this
i read the players quotes everyday and its the same stuff.”we need to do this better and that better” its come time to stop talking about already and do it. 14 years means nothing. the presnt is here its its 6 games out of first!!! bobby needs to get on these guys already and start winning.
By reitsmas ma
June 4, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this
whens my boys memorial service, jeff? ill be the first one to drive by and yell “you suck!”
By Andy
June 4, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this
I am a big fan—-I just don’t think we have it this year—-last year Andrew carried the team for 2 months—winning games we had no right winng—-no one is able to step p and change the team direction.
We have okay at best starters/the worst bul-pen(period—maybe the worst pen we’ve had in a while—-that says alot) and our hitters are young and streaky—-the ones who are older are just streaky(except renteria of course—and Brain but he’s out) we will not have the furcal getting hot in the middle of the year push which usally helped/saved us alot of games.
IT DOES NOT LOOK GOOD!!!! Maybe it’s over—been one heck of a ride.
By Sonny
June 4, 2006 07:16 PM | Link to this
I don’t see things getting any better…Giles with his 240 avg is not a leadoff hitter, Chipper is a shell of his former self, Andruw is back to his old ways after last years aberration. Laroche, Francour and Langerhans are all batting 240 and that’s probably about 20 points below what they’ll usually bat. Pratt is Pratt, a backup. Betemit is underused and therefor not able to contribute. Oh and please someone get Orr and his 199 avg the heck out of Atlanta. Utility player or not, he’s a joke of a hitter.
Now on to the pitching…Smoltz and Hudson are too inconsitent and there skills are on the decline (Smoltz more than Hudson), Sosa and Thompson just plain suck and Ramierez is a wild card right now. The bullpen is the worst in the majors and maybe the worst the Braves have ever had. There isn’t a single guy in the pen that can come in and do his job, not ONE! I knew when JS didn’t address the pen in the offseason that this would happen. Sticking with Reitsma as the closer after he has been crap all but one month of his tenure here, will always boggle my mind.
The division is no longer ours, nor should it be with the way we are playing.
By Sonny
June 4, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this
I don’t see things getting any better…Giles with his 240 avg is not a leadoff hitter, Chipper is a shell of his former self, Andruw is back to his old ways after last years aberration. Laroche, Francour and Langerhans are all batting 240 and that’s probably about 20 points below what they’ll usually bat. Pratt is Pratt, a backup. Betemit is underused and therefor not able to contribute. Oh and please someone get Orr and his 199 avg the heck out of Atlanta. Utility player or not, he’s a joke of a hitter.
Now on to the pitching…Smoltz and Hudson are too inconsitent and there skills are on the decline (Smoltz more than Hudson), Sosa and Thompson just plain suck and Ramierez is a wild card right now. The bullpen is the worst in the majors and maybe the worst the Braves have ever had. There isn’t a single guy in the pen that can come in and do his job, not ONE! I knew when JS didn’t address the pen in the offseason that this would happen. Sticking with Reitsma as the closer after he has been crap all but one month of his tenure here, will always boggle my mind.
The division is no longer ours, nor should it be with the way we are playing.
By Deano
June 4, 2006 07:23 PM | Link to this
Wow, a black police officer stopping the GM of the Braves at his own stadium. WHY DIDN’T YOU TURN ARROUND AND SLUG HER JOHN? SEEMS THAT IS ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR THESE DAYS…CORRECT.
By nathan
June 4, 2006 07:25 PM | Link to this
How come nobody has posted that the braves players know nothing about baseball & that they are just being pesimists, that there is still a lot of “baseball” left to be played, that the braves of old have come back from bigger deficits, that Bobby will guide them somehow to the playoffs, that they’re just unlucky because the ball’s not bouncing there way!
Because I’ve been saying this team “STINKS” for about 10 days, and have gotten nothing in response from people other than the crap I typed above.
THIS TEAM WILL NOT MAKE THE PLAYOFFS THIS TEAM WILL NOT EVEN FINISH 2ND IN EAST THIS TEAM WILL BE SELLERS AT THE DEADLINE THIS TEAM WILL “CLEAN HOUSE” THIS OFFSEASON
BUT BEST PART IS THERE IS 87 DAYS UNTIL OPENING WEEKEND OF THE NFL & 220 DAYS UNTIL SPRING TRAINING!
When this team makes it to the post season this year, I will come on these blogs and appologize sincerely to everyone & appoint Bobby Cox supreme master of all that lives. But when everything I typed above happens, I return with one BIG “I told ya so!”
By gotigers72
June 4, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this
Pitiful bullpen, some anemic batting averages, spotty starting pitching, poor defense at times [why is the defense so different than last year?]. It all adds up to a losing record. Not only a losing record, just lousy baseball and a team that is not even fun to watch. Every time Bobby has to go to the bullpen, you just shake your head and know things will go from bad to worse. In my opinion, the bullpen needs fixing worse than any of the other problems. Blowing saves and letting games get out of hand [when it was close before] are demoralizing to the team.
Too many strikeouts is next on the list. It seems like every team knows how to pitch to the Braves now. I know they have a lot of young bats in the lineup, but they should have found a way to make contact more by now.
A third of the season is over. It’s time for some changes. Please don’t give away top prospects. Bring them up and let them play. If you’re going to lose, at least give some of that young talent a chance to get some experience.
By Donovan Coley
June 4, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this
Let’s call a spade a spade. We can all listen to “Bobby Cox is a player’s coach and should be the manager of the year after year”, Bobby Cox leaves in the game pitchers who should be yanked early in the game. His compassion for their egos and not wanting to bruise their confidence is killing this team. Post season results will tell you that! Until you spend some money on talent and replace a compassionate manager, you will have to live with the dismal results of mediocrity. Put old guy Chipper Jones on first, trade Larouche while there is time, install Betemit at third, and buy starting and relief pitching. Forget about what pitcher was worth a damn last year and look to the future.
By fnreitsma
June 4, 2006 07:37 PM | Link to this
everyone is terrible right now. FACT. however, Reitsma has been terrible for 2 1/2 years minus 1 month in July last year. FACT.
why don’t they release him????
By Luis
June 4, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this
Between Chris Reitsma and Sosa they are making me have to thionk about anger management. REITSMA IS ONE OF THE WORST PICTHERS IN THE HISTORY OF BASEBALL!!!!! ALL HE DOES IS GIVE UP HOMERUNS AND STAND THERE WITH NO FIRE AT ALL AND JUST GET RIPPED. WHERE IN THE HOLY WORLD IS JOEY DEVINE? PLEASE GET RID OF REITSMA RELEASE HIM DO SOMETHING!!! WE CAN’T KEEP GETTING BEAT AND DO NOTHING ABOUT IT! SOSA HAD ONE YEAR AND THAT IS IT GET RID OF HIM PLEASE., SHOW SOME RESPECT FOR THE BRAVES LEGACY AND USE THE FARM SYSTEM TO STOCKPILE AGAIN. WE HAVE SOME YOPUNG ARMS IN THE FARM WE CAN START TO USE. BUT PLEASE DO SOMETHING. LA ROCHE CAN’T HIT HIS WEIGHT, GILES LOKKS SO LOST AND OUT OF WHACK AND CHIPPER SHOULD START TO WORK ON HIS PENSION, PLEAS SPEND SOME MONEY AND SHOW SOME RESPECT FOR THE FANS, THIS IS GETTING WAY OUT OF HAND AND WITHOUT MCANN AND FRANCOEUR SWINGING AT SLIDERS IN THE FIRST BASE BOX WE WILL NOT WIN. PLEASE THIS IS GETTING DEPRESSING
By Steve
June 4, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this
Seth Gresinger, a starter from the Detroit Tigers organization, came up last year pitched 6 innings, gave up two runs and now pitches in Korea. Charles Thomas, D. Wise, platooned in left and disappeared. Second Baseman Ned Green filled in nicely for Giles and now is the AL. Scott Thorman is tearing up IL at Richmond. Strong is LF pick-up that has only been caught stealing one time in three years in the minors. Kelly Johnson is recovered and playing every day at Richmond. Wes Timmons is 4th in hitting as SS in IL. E. Campbell is showing superstar potential at 3rd base in AA. Can the Braves get Gresinger back and would Reitzma be better off as a starter and Sosa in the bullpen? And maybe Braves gave up on Greisnger and he deserves a chance to pitch again in the majors.
One thing they lack is speed at the top and every one is swinging for the fences. Putting some speed in the line-up and letting Giles hit his 50 doubles somewhere else in the order would seem like an alternative Cox should consider. Too many flat-footed players in the line-up.
By willy
June 4, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this
Emotional attachment aside, this is just not a very good team. After 14 years of playoff baseball (only one title, remember?), the Braves will do all of us a favor and not sneak into the playoffs only to get blown out in the first round again. These four games against the D’Backs is a reminder of what would happen to the Braves if by some miracle - they did make the playoffs. Take a year off and try building a team that can not only excel in a weak division in the regular season, but can maybe make it past the first round of the playoffs
By Blacksburger
June 4, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this
Seems that even if we make some deals, we could “just” make the play-offs. With our pitching, I think winning a series is out of the question. So why not trade off some of the guys that are not doing anything for us?
Bring up some pitchers and let them get some innings. And make everyone available save for McCann, Renteria, Francour, Andruw and Smoltz. And maybe keep Betemit.
The Hudson deal, while not what we thought he would be, is still good for us. Oakland got Chuck Thomas (whose in the minors) and Cruz (whose pitching for the D-Backs), but if someone desperate for pitching offers 2 awesome prospects…
Heck, maybe all we need is a good #3 starter. Maybe we could trade Hampton’s salary back to the Marlins and get Willis. And then trade the bullpen to Baltimore for Leo.
By JJMB
June 4, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this
Many good points. Bringing in talent will cost $, and the Braves are being sold. Will an out-of-state corporate buyer break their necks to spend money? I doubt that.
The only player I can be happy about is Renteria. Everyone else has underachieved, or should be in AAA.
By Mad Mike
June 4, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this
There is a poll asking the question “what’s wrong with the Braves?” on ajc.com. I chose “the bullpen” but what I really wanted to choose is “uncertainty in the organization.”
I hate that the team I love is owned by a disinterested corporation. I hate that the team I love will soon be bought by another disinterested corporation. I hate that the team I love has its games broadcast on 3 different networks regularly (4 when ESPN gets in the mix).
Ron Gant is OK; Bob Rathbun is not. Neither is Jeff Torborg. They are terrible. Go away, FOX.
Skip and Pete are unbeatable. Even if the Braves are getting smoked it’s fun to watch the game because I’m hanging out with Skip and Pete. I would rather hear Skip complain about traffic in Atlanta for an entire half inning than listen to Jeff Torborg do his best rendition of “I’m Joe Morgan and I know everything about baseball” for a whole game. So I have to mute the TV and turn on the radio.
Somebody call The Police: “I’m sending out an SOS.”
By Larry
June 4, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this
“It’s like we’re all waiting for something to happen,” Francoeur said.”
Jeff,
Welcome to the managerial phylosophy of Bobby Cox. He hasn’t a clue without dominant pitching and a three run homer!
By oldcdgrwally
June 4, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this
losing all interest in Braves, what a disaster! expect Cox, Schuerholq, Chipper, Smoltz at the end of the year say Adios, we cannot take it anymore. WHAT ABOUT THE HITTING COACH?? have felt for years tht Pendergast may have been a v good hitter but cannot motivate anyone to help them get out of slumps nor really teach anyone on the team to become hitters, not just wild swingers like Giles, Andruw, Jeff Fr. Braves need solid contact hitters not wild swingers for the fence every at bat. The old codger, have watched most of the great players either in person or on TV.
By JJMB
June 4, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this
Oops, I forgot about McCann. Renteria and McCann.
Get well soon Brian!
By oldcdgrwally
June 4, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this
losing all interest in Braves, what a disaster! expect Cox, Schuerholq, Chipper, Smoltz at the end of the year say Adios, we cannot take it anymore. WHAT ABOUT THE HITTING COACH?? have felt for years tht Pendergast may have been a v good hitter but cannot motivate anyone to help them get out of slumps nor really teach anyone on the team to become hitters, not just wild swingers like Giles, Andruw, Jeff Fr. Braves need solid contact hitters not wild swingers for the fence every at bat. The old codger, have watched most of the great players either in person or on TV.
By Submariner
June 4, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this
Get rid of Sosa, Reitsma and Remlinger. You cannot trade Hudson. If you expect them to get anywhere in the post season, they are going to need him. That’s if they make it. Even if they fall out of contention, they still need to hang onto Hudson. If they are going to rebuild, they need to rebuild around him. The Braves already have him locked up. Smoltz will inevitably be the pitching coach. Probably within the next three years and there’s plenty of young sticks on the roster and in the minors. They need to solidify the bullpen and get another left handed starter. AND FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET BETEMIT IN THE LINE-UP!!!! I say get rid of LaRoche, move Chipper to first and put his @$$ at third!!!!!!!! Oh…..and some speed at the top would be nice, since I’m asking.
By Kentavo
June 4, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this
It is definitely time for changes. I’m not going to spout a bunch of unrealistic stuff. However, getting rid of Reitsma by any means possible seems do-able. Then bring up some minor league talent to inject some energy - preferably someone with some speed and some plate discipline. Is that possible? We’re actually fortunate to be only 1 game under .500 with the way we’ve played. I’m not ready to give up, but I’m not optimistic if changes are not made.
By Deano
June 4, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this
Wow, John getting stopped by a black officer. Why didn’t you turn around and slug her John. Seems like that is ok these days.
By Forrest
June 4, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this
stink is not the word I would use to describe the Braves play of late. Bobby needs to stop playing cheerleader and start playing _ _ _ chewer-start getting in peoples faces and demanding results and compassion or send them on their way. Message to ownership; if you want a championship caliber team, then plan to spend a few more bucks this offseason to bring in the required talent to compete for a championship. Else, we will just be an average franchise that may overachieve but will never get beyond the first round of the playoffs. This year, we may win 80, more likely 75. And that is all I have to say about that.
By Tyryztoll
June 4, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this
Cox’s team is no different at the plate than it ever has been……incredibly undisciplined hitters just hacking away with all they’ve got and hoping it flies out. Swinging at first pitches when down multiple runs, flailing aimlessly rather than working the count to get a hitters pitch or draw a free pass. Pitchers must drool when they see us on the schedule now…they know they won’t have to work hard because our undisciplined hitters will bail them out almost every time. This is the same reason we’ve only had one championship in all these years - because Bobby Cox does not demand or know anything about what it takes to manufacture runs in todays game. If you are the manager and a guy like Jeff Francouer or Adam LaRoche is hitting .230 and fanning 2 or 3 times a game consistently, then you start dictating all of his at bats from the dugout with swing and take signs and if he doesn’t like it he can GO BACK TO RICHMOND. But not Bobby…no, we’ll just wait till he goes on another home run tear instead of teaching him how to play the game correctly. As for the bullpen, it’s pretty obvious management has thrown up its hands and just doesn’t care anymore - why else would an invalid like Reeksma still be run out there night after night? And Jorge Sosa should be given his OUTRIGHT RELEASE after coming into camp so out of shape this year after they rescued him from Tampa and taught him how to pitch last year. I’m tired of seeing him trying to bring his right arm around that jiggling beer belly just so the ball can find its way up over the middle of the plate on its way into the outfield stands. Unacceptable!
By PolarBear
June 4, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this
No Doom or Gloom here…….Put Wilson at 1st base right NOW—-get a few wins. Its contagious. Call Richmond. Changes have to be made now. Wilson MUST be in the line up everyday. Its not too late, but it sure will be soon. The talent is there. Lets rock!
By Yars
June 4, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this
The Braves are lucky that they’re not 9 games back instead of only 6. They are lucky that the Mets aren’t playing too good right now as well. The Braves getting swept by the D’backs in a 4 games series is disappointing. That is the type of team they will face in the playoffs if there is a miracle and they do sneak in, but hovering around the .500 mark for most of the season isn’t going to get you in the playoffs. The Mets are the real deal this season. They aren’t going to disappear anytime soon. Don’t count out the Phillies either. The NL East isn’t weak anymore. If the Mets do trade for Barry Zito, then there only chance at making the playoffs is if they get the NL wildcard. I really hope that JS is working the phones right now seeing what’s out there. I love Langerhans, but he has proven that he isn’t an everyday player and his lack of power doesn’t help his cause. Matt Diaz is good as a 4th OF. Nothing more, nothing less. Francouer is too anxious at the plate, but has proved he can hit MLB pitching and does have some pop in his bat. The player I am worried most about is Chipper. He doesn’t look injured, but he’s hitting and playing at 3B as if he’s 40 years old. Perhaps he is on the downside of his career. To those who diss Todd Pratt, cut it out. He’s a backup catcher, and isn’t as bad as you make him sound. Most backup catchers are lousy, but Pratt looks like he really gives 110%. It’s time to take Jorge Sosa out of the rotation. His 2005 season was a fluke. The NL has his number now. The reason Smoltz stays in the game longer than he should is because he has no confidence in the bullpen and being the veteran he is, Bobby keeps him in. It’s time for Hudson to win 6-7 games in a row. He’s the type of pitcher that could. Wasn’t John Thomson rumored to be traded in spring training, well now that he’s healthy, I say trade him. Sosa would be better in a middle relief role, possibly as a set up man. He throws hard enough. Horacio Ramirez is hard to figure out. I still don’t know what to think of him. He’s had 2 decent starts in a row. I think his next few starts will determine his fate. Chris Reitsma should be told he is no longer the teams closer. I wouldn’t just hand it over the Ken “Death” Ray, but I would give him the opportunity. As for the bench, Brian Jordan has proved that he isn’t even a good backup 1B. He has no bat speed and has looked foolish on a lot of at bats. Pete Orr can’t hit worth a lick and his only asset is that he can pinch run. Betemit should be an everyday player at some position. He knows that, and I’m sure the front office knows that as well. He’s the only decent pinch hitter the Braves have coming off the bench. We all keep saying that it’s still early, but when will it not be early? At the all star break? On August 1? This team is far too talented to wind up not winning the NL East, or not getting the NL wildcard. I know the Mets have a good team, but not that of a good team to be capable of running away with the East. I think this team is ready to win 10 + games in a row. maybe JS will surprise us and shake things up a bit. Right now, I think our biggest problem is LF. We need a LF’er that can hit on a consistent basis and has some power. We also need to look into possibly getting another starter. I don’t see JS doing anything about the 1B problem, or the closer nightmare. There are closers available, (Baez) so it will be interesting to see what JS does before the trading deadline, if he does anything at all.
By Mad Mike
June 4, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this
I liked my last post so much I’m posting it again…just gonna change the format a little:
**There is a poll asking the question “what’s wrong with the Braves?” on ajc.com. I chose “the bullpen” but what I really wanted to choose is “uncertainty in the organization.”
I hate that the team I love is owned by a disinterested corporation. I hate that the team I love will soon be bought by another disinterested corporation. I hate that the team I love has its games broadcast on 3 different networks regularly (4 when ESPN gets in the mix).
Ron Gant is OK; Bob Rathbun is not. Neither is Jeff Torborg. They are terrible. Go away, FOX.
Skip and Pete are unbeatable. Even if the Braves are getting smoked it’s fun to watch the game because I’m hanging out with Skip and Pete. I would rather hear Skip complain about traffic in Atlanta for an entire half inning than listen to Jeff Torborg do his best rendition of “I’m Joe Morgan and I know everything about baseball” for a whole game. So I have to mute the TV and turn on the radio.
Somebody call The Police: “I’m sending out an SOS.”**
By Jack
June 4, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this
Position players are just going through the motion. Pitchers are throwing instead of pitching, Cox is making to many bad decisions. Seems like everyone (that includes Jeff) read their press clippings and decided that all they had to do to win was show up at the ball park WRONG. They are trying to impress the new owners in reverse.
By gobraves06
June 4, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this
Dumping Reeksma, acquiring a good starter and a good bat, and dumping “Rally Killer” LaRoche are just a few steps that need to be made in order for the Braves to improve.
By Clydesdale
June 4, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this
HERE’S AN IDEA.
Bring in John Smoltz, the professional excuse-maker to come up with a reason the Braves lose.
Not just his games as usual, but every game.
Here are some of his personal favorites.
By the way, the guy who thinks of himself as a Hall of Famer is 4-3 this season and the Braves are 6-6 in the games he has started.
But that doesn’t stop him from flapping his jaws on the Fox national games when the Braves are on.
By Gary L. Heckman, Sr.
June 4, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this
There is no other way to put it. Our bullpen stinks! Reitsma and Remlinger were real good once upon a time but “Once upon a time” is the first line from a fairy tail. As far as the everyday players are concerned, it seems to me that everyone is trying to hit five-run homers. What happened to going with the pitch and moving the runners along. There are a couple of Braves that execute the plays but most of them are from the ME generation and need to learn what teamwork is. I hope there are more hungry minor league ballplayers in our system. If not, our GM had better find a diamond in the rough on the waiver wire or stretch the budget a little and make a trade for some help. Bobby needs better personnel.
By Submariner
June 4, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this
I don’t care about winning 15 straight division titles. I want to get to AND WIN in the post-season. If the Braves don’t win the East and can get in with the wild card, and go on to the World Series, I’d be happy. Heck I’d be exstatic!
I would just like to have another world title in ATL before the dark ages come again…….and it seems that they are on the brink.
I remember when you could go down to Fulton County Stadium and get a ticket for 8 bucks and sit on the dugout, because they stunk so bad. I’m not looking forward to those days again.
By DaleMurphyJr.
June 4, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this
Bobby and TP need to institute a new rule for Francouer: For at least three at-bats per week, Francouer will not be permitted to swing. He will either get a walk or strike out looking but at no time will he take the bat off his shoulder. He must learn some discipline! His lack of BB’s last season was funny for a minute but it’s seriously hindering his potential this year. 3 BB’s so far?! Are you kidding me!?
By stew
June 4, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this
Think about this. We just lost 6 out of 7 to the Dodgers and D-Backs and we’re still only 6 games out. We get our five-hitter back in half a week. Let’s work Chuck James into the rotation. Don’t panic! The Mets are going to choke. The Phillies only have one pitcher. Why didn’t we bring up Salty when McCann went down just to get his feet wet. Let’s go back to the youth movement. Don’t we have better relief pitchers at Richmond and Mississippi than Reitsma and Remlinger.
By Submariner
June 4, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this
Good thoughts Stew.
By crawlin dawg
June 4, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this
Hmmm….
‘95. Last time we got swept at home in a four game series…..Last time we won the World Series….
It’s long season folks. At least wait til August to count them out.
By Del
June 4, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this
Yesterday, during and just after game 3 of the Dback series I wrote several negative blogs re the Braves play and team status. Last night several of you called me an idiot, told me to shut up and look in the mirror, etc etc. No problem, I can handle that because I was only expressing my personal opinion. Today I have just read all the blogs after game 4 and find that they are 99+% negative. I also find that they covered almost exactly the same areas I covered Sat, and yet there has been no confrontation to these blogs today.
My question is: Is this because the reality of this teams performance and potential is finally sinking in and you are getting tired of telling us that it is early, or wait till the June bloom, or we’ll get it turned around, etc etc.
In any case, I’m signing off for this year. I hope only the very best things for the Braves and the coaches this year. I am looking forward to the 2007 edition. I’m also looking forward to seeing some positive changes made to our current team and their techniques. Night.
By HOP
June 4, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this
why is everybody surprised, if the braves did not have the best management in baseball from the GM, SCOUTING AND MANAGER, THIS FALL WOULD HAVE HAPPEN MUCH SOONER!!!!!!!
ANY MAJOR LEAGUE TEAM cannot continue to let great players move to other teams without it eventually taken a toll on the team. the corporate owners of the braves, who are headquartered in new york, have cut the payroll so low that we are playing with too many inexperience players at first base, left field,relief pitching and even starting pitching.
it is hard to compete with teams who have a 120mm payroll and even higher like the mets and the braves who have a 79mm payroll simply does not add up to a contender.
the alanta market because of the pull back of the television money is now a small market franchise, welcome to the kansas city of the south and the national league.
now, we know how the marlin fans feel.
the braves cannot compete with this current financial model.
we have been fortunate that cox and company were able to be as competitive as long as we have,but now reality has set in, the braves are not going to compete without more money to get better players.
that is the bottom line!!!!!!!!
By Head Coach
June 4, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this
Jeff , I wanted to participate in your poll but there isnt an “ALL OF THE ABOVE” category , and you left out the “COX’S MANAGEMENT STINKS” category.
By HOP
June 4, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this
why is everybody surprised, if the braves did not have the best management in baseball from the GM, SCOUTING AND MANAGER, THIS FALL WOULD HAVE HAPPEN MUCH SOONER!!!!!!!
ANY MAJOR LEAGUE TEAM cannot continue to let great players move to other teams without it eventually taken a toll on the team. the corporate owners of the braves, who are headquartered in new york, have cut the payroll so low that we are playing with too many inexperience players at first base, left field,relief pitching and even starting pitching.
it is hard to compete with teams who have a 120mm payroll and even higher like the mets and the braves who have a 79mm payroll simply does not add up to a contender.
the alanta market because of the pull back of the television money is now a small market franchise, welcome to the kansas city of the south and the national league.
now, we know how the marlin fans feel.
the braves cannot compete with this current financial model.
we have been fortunate that cox and company were able to be as competitive as long as we have,but now reality has set in, the braves are not going to compete without more money to get better players.
that is the bottom line!!!!!!!!
By fnreitsma
June 4, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this
as dreadful as remlinger has been for us, at least he can get guys out…on occassion. Reitsma, however, can’t. His ERA is 7.20! There’s no excuse for that. It’s not just bad luck. The guy MUST go. Obviously we can’t trade him, as no one will take him. But let’s just release him and eat his contract. His biggest contribution for us would be for him not to play.
he seems like a great guy, but pitching just isn’t his thing. not in the bigs, at least. time to send him packing.
By PA Bravefan
June 4, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this
Too Many Things to fix this year!!! I think the ride is over. WE need dome speed at the top, more consistent power in the middle. More starting pitching, A WHOLE NEW PEN!!! Not gonna happen this year. Let’s start looking ot next year. I know we have been behind by more before, but we had GREAT starting pitching then, and Good bullpen. Barring some major trades, and callups, it is best to look at 3 years from now when teh Rome Braves Juggernaut team is ready. They have great starting pitching, Awesome young Power ath the corners with Campbell and Kaiihue. Ramirez behind the plate, who seems to have power, and average, which Salty doesn’t. They have speed at teh top. There are some potential arms of the future in teh system. Startup, Stockman, Acosta, and a few others. We need some different leadership. Hey Chipper, Get fired up like Frenchy seems ro be and kick some butts around the clubhouse. That is what a leader does!!! We need some spark now, or I m afraid it is over and for the first time in a long time, we will see the Braves unloading like th Nationals, and Marlins do every year. I am sooooo Depressed! I feel like it is the 1980’s again. Please God let something happen soon.!!!!
By Deano
June 4, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this
Wow, a black police officer stopping the GM of the Braves at his own stadium. WHY DIDN’T YOU TURN ARROUND AND SLUG HER JOHN? SEEMS THAT IS ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR THESE DAYS…CORRECT. Go Braves!!
By John
June 4, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this
Donovan Coley understands the problem . . Bobby Cox and his fear of hurting a players feelings in making a tough decision. Always makes excuses for poor performance by the team as well. His post season record shows his weakness in short series with Quality teams. Time to move on from the head coaching position. As long as Cox is in Atlanta, what you see is what you will get. Divison Championships in a very weak Division.
By Texter87
June 4, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this
We will be all right. I don’t care who says what the Braves will be back. We will win the division. Why not? Nobody thought we would in 91, or did they. Come on folks it is only a ONE series, we have the ability and and the desire to come back and win it all. I love my team and will support them If I am the only one left in the stands and If it is the last game of the season and we are 23 games behind, I don’t care I love my Braves. GO BRAVES.
By JJ
June 4, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this
Ok here’s the deal, just release the whole freakin bullpen. Bring up a bunch of young guys like Will Startup, Chuck “Cy” James, etc, and let the guys who really want to play get out there. Not guys like Reeksma who throws his 80 mph fastball right down the middle. Oh. Cut Jorge Sosa too.
By BO
June 4, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this
Where are all you people that keep saying its early? That Bobby will pull them out? That Reitsma will be ok! We don’t need Baez or any other closer give “them” a chance! Well you got what you asked for. Lets see if John the book writer can gets some help and Bobby will stop playing is buddys.
By Penn
June 4, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this
Let’s face it, the only time Francoeur has come out of his “batting slump” was against really bad pitching in Florida and Chicago. He is a major league outfielder but he’s an A class hitter, not AA, not AAA, just “A”.
In Richmond we now have 1B Thorman hitting .301 and IF Timmons hitting .316. Kevin Berry is 2-2 with a .204 ERA
In Mississippi we have Barbaro Canizares OF hitting .346 and don’t forget IF Martin Prado who has moved on to Richmond and is hitting around .400 in AAA.
Matt Wright has started 7 games in AA and is 4-2 with an ERA of .228.
Will Startup has closed for both AA and AAA and so far has been lights out.
Surely some of them can do better than what we’ve seen so far from the team we have.
Don’t sell out Ken Ray just yet. He has had two bad outings out of 26. No one is perfect. Remlinger and Reitsma should be able to say what Ray can say. Remmy is finished and Reitsma needs a new home.
By Losers
June 4, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this
Look at the bright side folks, this year the Braves won’t pee their pants in the playoffs. Bottom line, they have always been LOSERS and it starts at the top and flows down hill (like the brown stuff).
By #1 Reitsma Fan
June 4, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this
Chris Reitsma is A GREAT PITCHER. He is just going through a rough period. All pitchers have 7.00+ ERA at some point in their career. Instead of jumping all over him, the real Braves fans should show him compassion. Bobby Cox is doing the right thing by having him pitch through this slump. Don’t worry Reits, there are still some of that have faith in you. Reitsa will be an All-Star closer in 2007!
By #1 Reitsma Fan
June 4, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this
Chris Reitsma is A GREAT PITCHER. He is just going through a rough period. All pitchers have 7.00+ ERA at some point in their career. Instead of jumping all over him, the real Braves fans should show him compassion. Bobby Cox is doing the right thing by having him pitch through this slump. Don’t worry Reits, there are still some us of that have faith in you. Reitsma will be an All-Star closer in 2007!
By Losers
June 4, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this
Even on the ‘roids they can not win. So sad, is GrandPa Cox ready for pasture??? He should have been put down long ago.
By Ben
June 4, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this
Seems that the Press cannot find anything good to talk about the Braves other than bragging on Bobby Cox.
If he is good as the press claims him to be then why doesn’t the Braves have a better year than they are having. He’s like every other manager, if he doesn’t have the Players that can produce.
By JOHN
June 4, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this
LETS GET SKIP AND PETE ON TV REGULAR.I GET TIRED OF ALL THE LIP FARTING BY DON AND THE OTHERS. LET US HEAR SOME GOOD PLAY BY PLAY WITH SKIP AND PETE.
By Chuckles
June 4, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this
1 Reitsma Fan…please give me some of what you’re smokin’, must be some really good stuff…By Hater
June 4, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this
Did you see that ???? Reitsma just gave up another gopher …. Time to retire Chris while you have a little dignity left.
By Penn
June 4, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this
By Chuckles
“June 4, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this
1 Reitsma Fan…please give me some of what you’re smokin’, must be some really good stuff…”
Well said Chuckles. I wonder who Reitsma will represent in the 2007 All-Star game.
By Gary
June 4, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this
Everything is going accordingly, the Atlanta Braves will win their 15th consecutive division title by 4 games over the Phillies.
By Real Fan
June 4, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this
The Braves have won their division a few more years than they should have, and now the wheels are coming off. This is just the result of crummy corporate ownership that doesn’t care about the sport or the fans. Bobby and John aren’t given the money to do what needs to be done to produce a winning team, and things won’t get better with another corporate owner that’s only taking the team in order to get a tax break
By Hater
June 4, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this
I would not spend another dime on this sinking ship. You may be able to justify throwing a life jacket to maybe two or three but the rest should just be left to drowned.
By Head Coach
June 4, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this
Dear #1 Moron Reitsma fan , I’m trying to type , but I cant stop laughing at you , Laughing my a$$ off at you , falling down laughing , just blew a gasket laughing at you , hardy har har har har ……. LOL.
By michael
June 4, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this
Where is the optimism? We have ‘em right where we want ‘em, just like in 1991. One game under .500 and 6 back! No problem. Lot of baseball to play.
By michael
June 4, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this
Where is the optimism? We have ‘em right where we want ‘em, just like in 1991. One game under .500 and 6 back! No problem. Lot of baseball to play.
By #1 Reitsma Fan
June 4, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this
Laugh all you guys want. But I will be the one laughing at YOU when Reitsma saves 30-40 games next year. Wait till he gets his sinker going again, he is going to freeze hitters. Not to mention he can hold runners on anytime with his nice slide step move.
By Sophia
June 4, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this
The Braves can’t wait till 2007 for Reitsma to be an All-Star closer. He’s just not closer material. Maybe as a set-up man, but even that I think is impossible now. He’s showing no signs of improvement and I think it’s time to move on. I’m usually a patient person but this is just frustrating!
By Hater
June 4, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this
Too bad he will performing all that magic in Class A ball where he belongs. He is just a run-of-the-mill mop-up man. Face it.
By Anti-Homer
June 4, 2006 11:46 PM | Link to this
Maybe he could be the Royals closer …. They are always looking for other teams castoffs. Go home Yankee …
By JJMB
June 4, 2006 11:48 PM | Link to this
I have enjoyed Pete and Skip this weekend. Joe is my personal favorite, as he is less of a “company man” i.e. less of a corporate whore.
Sutton and Chip can go away forever, I’d be happy.
I like Bob Torborg. He has a fresh perspective, intelligent, former mlb catcher and manager, great resumé.
By Jeffrey
June 4, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this
Well we all knew it had to end sometime. I thought we were finished 2 years ago but we somehow squeezed out 2 more titles.
Thanks Chipper for the good years but it is evident that you are sliding toward retirement. Why not agree to a trade to the AL (Texas maybe) where you can DH? Thank you John Smoltz for all the loyalty and leadership. How about taking one more for the team and agree to a trade to Detroit for copius prospects? You are now in the same spot Doyle Alexander was when we got you.
The Braves must get a true leadoff hitter and an entirely new bullpen. I have a distinct feeling that in 2007, we will hardly recognize anything about the Braves that we have come to known.
By Anti-Homer
June 4, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this
My god …. It would be better if the Braves games were called by mimes. These have got to be the most boring and stupid commentators in the league. I think my five year old knows more about baseball than the whole bunch put together. More personality too …
By Jimbo
June 5, 2006 12:01 AM | Link to this
The Roach says they should all look in the mirror. Good idea, you look first and when you look into your own eyes and you will see what everyone else does…no one’s home.
Frenchy when you look you will see a clown flailing away at everything and anything. Maybe you should stop trying to hit balls to Europe and try just making contact.
Giles when you look you will see a midget second baseman who thinks he is a homerun hitter. Your swing is a joke.
Reeksma when you look you will break the mirror. Be careful.
I’m going to miss those TV shots in the dugout of Bobby picking his nose while the team and the game go down the toilet. You and your coaches are responsible for a very fundamentally challenged team. Please, someone teach them how to play the game.
By otis nixon
June 5, 2006 12:16 AM | Link to this
Chris Reitsma, is that you posting on here under #1 Chris Reitsma fan? The only time Reitsma freezes batters is when they freeze for a second to admire their homeruns.
By Dirty Dawg
June 5, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this
Nothing wrong with Torborg and Rathburn…Torborg knows the game and knows the people…and he’ll tell it like it is. Which is something that Skip and Pete will never do. Hell, Franceour’s not just ‘pressing’…and he’s not just being aggresive…he’s being stupid and somebody needs to say it - on the air.
By #1 Reitsma Fan
June 5, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this
That’s Fine. Make fun of Reitsma all that you want. Believe it or not, he’s got people out there that support and believe that he is still a great pitcher. If he wasn’t talented, why would Bobby Cox, who has won 14 straight Division Titles, keep sending him out there?
By gotigers72
June 5, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this
For stew; Yes the Braves have better relief pitchers in the minors than some on the major league staff.
Check out these numbers on Phil Stockman, between Mississippi and Richmond this year.
Innings pitched=35.0 Hits=9 Runs [Earned and Unearned]=3 Walks=12 Strikeouts=49 9 FREAKIN’ Hits all year, 3 FREAKIN’ Runs all year, and 49 strikeouts in 35 innings [over 12 per every 9 innings.] I’m no math major, but that tells me he has a WHIP and an ERA below 1.00. Why ain’t this guy in the majors with the bullpen problems we have?
By Dirty Dog
June 5, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this
The braves are playing possum they going to win it all. 2006 world champions , Boby wiil make these boys into the greatest team on the planet you just wait and see. they are a dominant baseball team reitsma will save 50 games this season. smoltz will win the cy young chipper will be mvp. all you band wagon fools can get off right now.
By kwadwo
June 5, 2006 01:01 AM | Link to this
To the #1 Reitsma fan…give me a break! This guy has been getting by on projected potential all this time, but hey, look on the bright side, this isn’t all his fault. I look at guys like Giles (CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE TELL THIS CAT HE CAN’T HIT THE HIGH HEAT!!!It is the worst kept secret in baseball)who can’t get on base. Andrew who refuses to exorcise his awful batting habits and for pete’s sake get Thompson back to the minors! Enough with the team meetings and “aw shuck man we just suck.” It is now put up or shut up time. Man up or lay down like them folks in Kansas City. Then atleast those of us who really cheer you on can spend the rest of our summer thinking about them good ol days when it meant something to wear that uniform.
By teoa
June 5, 2006 01:04 AM | Link to this
Clydesdale, it’s ridiculous to put any of the blame for this disaster of a team on John Smoltz. A case can be made that just about everyone else on the Braves is underachieving, but Smoltz has proven himself to be a winner more than any other player during the run. Do you realize that you’re calling THE WINNINGEST PITCHER IN POST SEASON HISTORY an “excuse maker”? I don’t think Smoltz needs any excuses — that’s as stand up as it gets in my book to be the best in history. I hope you were ignorant to that fact.
Also, everyone knows Smoltz win-loss record provides absolutely no indication of how well he has pitched. Without 4 blow saves behind him already this year, Smoltz would be 8-3 and right at the top of the league. Just like he would have won 20 last year without last year’s version of the Time Warner penny-pinching bullpen joke. And that doesn’t even begin to account for all the gutsy performances — pitching on 3 days rest with the arm problems, laying his career on the line for this team, while supposed “aces” like Pedro Martinez manage to risk themselves for 5 innings once a week.
Seriously, do you honestly not think Reitsma deserves any of the blame for that 6-6 record you cited in Smoltz’ starts? It’s Smoltz fault that the Braves have the worst closer in history and Bobby Cox refuses to make a change? Or do you just expect him to go 9 every start? If you don’t think John Smoltz has been good for the team, you really shouldn’t be a Braves fan. You obviously don’t know anything about baseball, so why bother?
By Chipper
June 5, 2006 01:21 AM | Link to this
This team needs a shake-up. Pitchers throwing fastballs down the middle and hitters in game-on-the-line situations hitting at the first pitch 1-foot out of the strike zone need to go. Send Sosa, Reitsma and Franceour to Richmond, bring up three replacements who know how to play the game, they couldn’t be any worse! Put Betemit on second and batting first and send Giles to the bench.
By Dave
June 5, 2006 01:36 AM | Link to this
Doubleheader loss to Diamondbacks.
Four game series sweep at home.
13-0 loss where the other team stopped trying to score runs.
Scads of strikeouts.
Numbskull baserunning and fielding.
Erratic starting pitching.
An attitude that baseball is a job, not an adventure.
Reitsma’s born losers in the bullpen.
Letting a washed up 36 year old bench player become Babe Ruth.
I am so ashamed of this dreadful team. Why are they getting humiliated so often? Is it coaching? Attitude? Fundamentals? Intangibles? Talent? Chemistry? What is it?
I’ve been a Braves fan since Milwaukee. All I ask is effort. I remember the 1974 team that stopped the Red’s pennant chase, the 1978 team that stopped Pete Rose’s hitting streak, and the 1972 team that ended Steve Carlton’s long winning streak. None of those teams were world beaters. Pride is pride. Effort is effort. These slugs have all the money in the world, but they don’t appreciate a thing. I’d be ashamed to give the effort at work that these guys put forth this weekend. I live in Arizona, and I’m so sick of making the Diamondbacks lok like the 1927 Yankees. You said it, “they ain’t Godzilla.”
Keep telling it like it is. These guys are the absolute pits.
By Chuckles
June 5, 2006 02:30 AM | Link to this
Well folks - it’s looking like 1994.
Anyone remember anything about 1994 except for The Strike?
We were on our way to being waxed by the Montreal Expos who, if fate hadn’t stepped in and saved the Braves, would have had a great chance to win the NE East.
They Had Pedro. They had a good bullpen. They had good defense (and Vlad), and timely hitting, team speed, power… All things we lack.
The loss of Brian McCann exposed our team weaknesses. We need a left fielder that can hit with power, a 1st baseman that can hit with power, and a bullpen that would allow Bobby to come in & relieve starters who would be piching better is they thought they could pitch knowing they would not have to throw a 5 hit 2 run 8 inning game every time out.
As for the lack of wins by Smoltz - give me a break! Ask Oscar ‘steal-a-win’ Villareal or ‘Blown save’ Reitsma about the 3-4 wins Smoltzie would have if we had a freakin’ bullpen.
The problem? We won’t get diddly squat in a trade ‘cause the rest of baseball is not gonna trade quality to John S. They know we’re vulnerable, and they like that. Is it jealosy, or fear of giving the Braves another Fred McGriff trade that could make them formidable? Plus, 2/3 or the teams in baseball are still in striking distance of the playoffs with that dang wildcard, so there won’t be any firesales we can take advantage of until it would be too late.
Face it folks: unless Bobby & John can come up with a magic combination using the minors or a deal with some team that’s out of it in the AL, we’re goners this year.
The streak could very well be over.
By PoliticalMan
June 5, 2006 04:40 AM | Link to this
It looks like the smoke and mirrors act is crashing. Maybe relief pitchers aren’t a dime a dozen after all - that’s what John S. thinks. Maybe the genuises aren’t after all.
By Brian Head
June 5, 2006 04:45 AM | Link to this
What really stinks is the attitude of some of the so-called fans who understand very little, only wanting to win. The poll is ill-conceived: first, because it gives fans who are generally ignorant of the game a chance just to sound off, not contributing anything at all to a) an understanting of the problems, nor b) much-needed support for the team; second, because it isolates the factors, which —along with others not even mentioned — form a complex combination. Just because the Braves were 1 win and 6 losses in the recent home-stand is no reason for true alarm. Most fans are not serious students of the game, most