AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > July > 25 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTurning back clock reveals ’80s-era hole
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
The Braves turned back the clock Tuesday with ” ’80s Mullet Night.”
Now, I’m not quite sure why anybody would actually embrace memories of the mullet. I have no fond recollections of the ‘do, even when I had the choice to grow one. But I guess somebody in marketing just joined the crowd and burned out on celebrating past division championships.
Besides, the Braves are trying to salvage something worthwhile after the All-Star break. That does seem so ’80s, doesn’t it?
So turn back the clock on this: After going 7-2 on a road trip to revive a spark of a flicker of a crack of faint light of hope, the Braves proceeded to remind us what this scramble is going to be like. To open a homestand they were terrorized by Cody Ross (solo home runs in his first two at-bats) and tamed by Anibal Sanchez (one run in seven innings). For what it’s worth, no team has ever been terrorized by a Cody and tamed by an Anibal and made the playoffs.
The Braves lost to Florida, 2-1, which means they’re 6-5 against a team that’s 41-46 against everybody else. Sure, that’ll get you in the playoffs.
This is the same team that hit .328 with 46 home runs and scored 150 runs in the first 18 games of July. So they return home with renewed hopes, and it’s back to bad-hair days.
“It’s a little disappointing,” said center fielder Ryan Langerhans, who was hardly to blame on this night with two spectacular catches as a replacement for the injured Andruw Jones. “The first game of any series is a big game, and you want to win and go from there. But I’m confident we’ll come back.”
The Braves have worked their way back into wild-card contention. The only problem with that is because they’re battling more than one team, it’s difficult to scoreboard watch. “I don’t know who to root for half the time,” manager Bobby Cox said. “If we get closer to the Mets, it would be easy.”
Good luck with that. There aren’t any teams between the Braves and New York — just the Grand Canyon.
After going 6-21 in June to fall 13 1/2 games behind the Mets, the Braves opened July by going 13-5. For their efforts, they reduced the Mets’ lead by only two whole games. Just imagine the first time you celebrated after knocking down all six milk bottles with one pitch, only to realize your reward was a choice between the whistle ring and the eraser.
They have dug a hole. For the division, it’s too big of a hole. Logic screams it, and the numbers support it. Some just refuse to accept it, or publicly admit it.
“We’re not chasing the wild card — we’re chasing the division title,” Andruw Jones said Tuesday. “That’s what we do, and if that doesn’t happen, then the wild card is cool. We don’t talk about it, but I hope everybody in here is thinking the same way. We have the talent to do it. It’s not impossible.”
The Mets started the night 59-41. If they played .590 baseball the rest of the way, they would finish 96-66. In that scenario, the Braves would have to go 50-14 to match that. A team that is five games under .500 would need to play .781 baseball the rest of the season.
No. Not impossible. Then, of course, there’s always world peace.
The Braves’ problem is that they have not left themselves any room for error. Their offense has been explosive to the point of ridiculous — 46 home runs? — but that didn’t figure to last, and they haven’t shown they have the pitching to overcome quiet nights like Tuesday.
And worse, they save the worst for Turner Field. They’re 21-24 at home, which is worse than their road mark (26-28). They’re also only 17-19 within the East Division.
Further, it doesn’t seem Atlanta is getting swept up in this wild-card chase (sorry, Andruw). The term “crowd noise” was a contradiction Tuesday. The talk is about football training camps opening, not catching Cincinnati.
Cox said he wasn’t surprised by the hot start this month. “Everyone feels we have a good team and we should be winning,” he said.
But at times, it seems they’re being pulled back toward the ’80s.
Permalink | Comments (29) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves / MLB, Jeff Schultz
Comments
By Young
July 25, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this
If the Braves win seven out of ten for the remainder of the season and the Mets play .500 baseball, the Braves will lose the division by one game. We all know that it is impossible for the Braves to play .700 baseball for the remainder of the season, no baseball teams ever have, and the Mets cannot play .500 baseball for the rest of the season, even if the team’s plane crashed with every player on-board. It is a sad day. Also, the Braves have not done well at home within the last five years not mentioning in the playoffs. Among major cities, Atlanta is ranked dead last in championships won or should I say championship won for professional sports?
By CharlotteDave
July 26, 2006 12:27 AM | Link to this
My goodness, why so negative Jeff? You describe the Braves chances as a “a spark of a flicker of a crack of faint light of hope.” What in the world is that based on? The Braves entered tonight 4 games out in the lost column and in fourth place among the wild card contenders. Which of those other teams do you see as so unbeatable? I think many people around Baseball now see the Braves as the strongest looking team among the wild card contenders and I would concur with that. As for your comments about the crowd, from my vantage point watching on TV, the crowd seemed very responsive when the Braves were making any sort of threat. Obviously though, a crowd isn’t going to be as loud when the team only scores one run the entire game.
By Andy
July 26, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this
yeah—remember the 80’s. 93’….10 games out on aug 2nd…..does not matter. This yeah is now—-the braves chances are slim, sure. How many columns in a row for you three (Terrance, Mark, and you)about how the Braves don’t have a chance. How about something like….Braves have 9 games left with the Mets. Are 4 and change out of the wild card. The odds are against—but the braves have overcome bigger hurdles before to win—the wildcard only 4 or 5 games back with two months to go—-4 more road trips=—none of them over 7 games. I know its your job and being “realist” or whatever you want to call it—jadded. I know you need to have a certain distance, whatever—but you three (MB,TM, and you)just (it seems to me) keep slinging out the same stuff. When the braves returnd home to face the Marlins I looked at the line of starters the braves faced and said to myself “the Braves could easily go 0-4 with the starters they are facing through the Marlins and then pedro to start the Met series” The braves lose the 2st game with roughly 2 months left and you say it over. Even if the braves lose the 1st 4 in this homestand(without the jones being 100%)I don’t believe its over.
By Head Coach
July 26, 2006 03:36 AM | Link to this
I agree their chances are slim to none. But , there is a chance. The remaining schedule is in the Braves favor. They have 36 game at home and 27 on the road and only 15 of the remaining 63 games are against teams with a winning record , so the opportunity is there to make a run at the wild card and the playoffs. The offense needs a true leadoff hitter , they have no speed , base running savvy or stolen base threat at the top of the order and last nights 2-1 loss just magnifies the holes in the offense when they run up against great pitching. They cannot rely on the longball all the time , they strikeout too much( 746 strikeouts , 3rd worst in the majors ) , dont put the ball in play enough and simply cannot manufacture a single run to tie or go up by a run in a tight ballgame. They can hit for average , drive in runs and hit the longball as good as any offense in the majors , they just need to address the deficiencies at the top of the order , get healthy and stop losing close games.
By This gets old
July 26, 2006 05:30 AM | Link to this
While it’s not the job of any columnist to “root” for the home team (I would be po’d if they did) I have to wonder where the joy is in watching professional baseball.
I mean seemingly every year since ‘93 “fans” have been bitchin’, moaning and complaining about the damned team.
You’d have to really be blind in every sense of the word to compare anything to Braves teams of the 80’s. Those were horrible, horrible teams with no hope of seeing any daylight.
It’s a team that is rebuilding (constantly because of budget constraints) and still in contention and some have to take it back to whiney town. Boo hoo for us, we didn’t win the division ONCE in fifteen years.
Hell it’s not like we sold out even when we win. Maybe if more people came out more often the present owners would have looked even more silly cutting payroll. But if everybody is content to watch on TV then I say to hell with those fans.
The fault dear Brutus lies not in the stars…
By Ben Edwards
July 26, 2006 07:36 AM | Link to this
Nice optimism Jeff! Way to build up support for the local team, after they just went on a 7-2 road trip against tough competition. Several players for the Braves had an off night at the plate. It is baseball. You don’t win every game! Both teams played great defense and the pitchers had very good nights. I bet the crowds will come out this weekend against the Mets. Obviously the Braves have a much better chance at the Wild Card than they do catching the Mets. Not one team in the Wild Card chase scares me at all and we are just several games back. If Mets struggle and play .500 ball the rest of the way. The Braves have to go 43-20 to catch them. Not likely, but possible if they get help in the bullpen and play like they are capable. Lets go Smoltz!!
By Ben Edwards
July 26, 2006 07:46 AM | Link to this
Schultz if you just grow out the hair you have, it would be classified as a Skullet!
By Greg
July 26, 2006 07:54 AM | Link to this
Who’s to say the Mets play .590. They just dropped two to the Cubs. A sweep this weekend, and this could get interesting, especially if: Pedro is weakened by his injury, hitters have figured out the New Glavine, and Minaya doesn’t pry Zito away from the As.
By Ron
July 26, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this
Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for? - Robert Browning.
By Haywood Jablome
July 26, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this
Rumor out of NY has Wilson going to the Yankees for Scott Proctor. Apparently Wilson has attained the status of “utility stud”. Proctor looked pretty good the 4 or 5 times I’ve seen him this year and apparently it’s Plan B to the San Diego/Scott Linebrink rumors. Proctor and Linebrink have comparable stats this year, but I like Linebrink’s experience better.
By Gene
July 26, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this
I thought that a Mullet was a fish. Who knows where the Braves will finish. They are playing excellent baseball, in spite of unusually high injuries. That was a good game last night, and the Braves were in it to the end—without the two big hitters. I would rather see them fight an uphill battle toward the wildcard than win another division and choke. I don’t think they will catch the Mets, but stranger things have happened.
By Cap'n Billy Bob
July 26, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this
Bad move to even think about moving Betemit. He’s a guy who will be an integral part of a stable Braves franchise in the very near future. Giles looks lost and left behind…there’s a place as a backup on the bench waiting for him. Betemit appears to have way more upside not to mention being able to move around to different spots (an insurance policy for a fragile Chipper) which Giles cannot do.
By Kentavo
July 26, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this
I think Jeff’s point is: the Braves need to whoop up on the Marlins, not lose ballgames 2-1, to a team that is behind them in the standings. That’s not going to get it done. Yes, it is July, but you need to win every game, especially against teams you should beat. I know the Marlins are spunky - but come on.
By Emilio
July 26, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this
Cap’n, I agree! Wilson has a future. I hope it is as a Brave. I like Giles’ GRIT, but the money and performance doesn’t work for me, especially when you look at what we have in the wings (minors). I believe our greatest need is still a strong set-up guy. Tyler may be the man? JS and BC will have to decide on whether a speedy, leadoff guy is the ticket vs. the set-up guy. Do we have enough pitching coming back soon to slide someone into the set-up slot? Why not try one of the young guns at second (and lead-off). When I look at the whole picture, Marcus (a good guy and Mr. hustle) is the BEST choice to go for one of the above mentioned needs! And thats the way it is today!
By Gilbert Nichols
July 26, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this
Editorial comments are like the heat: in the summer it can be dreadful and unwelcome, whereas in other times of the year, it may come with more acceptance from the masses. The Braves are a beacon to those of us living elsewhere in the world and are not to be counted on as perfect in every game. We see that they have room to grow and a time for “dead wood” to be pruned off. They, like the phoenix that rises up out of the ashes, will once again rise up and win the pennant again. They need people, like Michelangelo, that will see the team emerge from the granite and take their rightful place again in the land of the free and home of the Braves.
By Savannah Guy
July 26, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this
Just Stating the Painfully Obvious
Braves are up against a damn near impossible wall to climb to have any hope of seeing the playoffs, but they could still concievably do it. That is, if Cox will stay engaged as manager/tactition in the late innings and not become a spectator. Last night the play that killed the Braves was the bottom of the 9th, when Renteria hit into a double play. A bunt…or even a hit and run probably puts Giles at second with the tying run and one out. These are the type of games that need to be managed. Many players are too caught up in the moment to “take one for the team”. Instead of bunting, they see themselves as “power hitters” (per Renteria comment recently) and swing for the fences.
Braves have no cushion for these types of squandered opportunities.
By dave
July 26, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this
The Braves and Mets have 9 games head-to-head remaining.
If the Braves can win 7 or more of those, we have a shot.
By Jay
July 26, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this
Thanks for yet another positive essay. Surprised you left out global warming.
By CharlotteDave
July 26, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this
For those who are criticizing the Braves for losing a game to the Marlins, I would just make a couple of points: The Marlins have the best record in the National League since their 11-31 start, and I’m pretty sure they even did well in interleague play. Last night’s pitcher, Sanchez, who Jeff Schultz was sort of making light of, came into the game with a long scoreless innings streak, so it’s not just the depleted Brave’s lineup that’s been having trouble with him. The Marlins have become a tough team to play.
The Braves have made great progress in the last few weeks, but it’s a gradual process when a team is trying to recover from the type of deep hole this team had dug for itself. Fortunately, the Braves have put themselves in position to have a legitimately good chance with over two months still to play. The amount of teams ahead of them or close to them is largely irrelevant. If the Braves have a great second half, that will automatically take care of most and probably all of the other wild card contenders. If they don’t have a great second half, it won’t matter anyway.
By Curious Observer
July 26, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this
A 3-2 count, two out, and you stand there and take a strike? It happened twice against the Marlins last night. If it’s even close, you swing at it, as even little leaguers know. And hitting into double plays multiple times to kill rallies won’t cut it either. These Braves are at best longshots even for a wild card slot. They can’t count on double-digit run production to carry them every game.
By Dave
July 26, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this
Okay, let’s be clear. The play that killed the Braves last night was NOT the 9th inning. As the Braves announcers pointed out, Cox had a choice of bunting or letting his best hitter hit away. He chose the latter and a double play resulted. That’s baseball (though I do agree that taking a third strike is inexcusable)!
No, the play that killed the Braves was in the 7th when, with Giles at second with one out, the Braves held Giles at third when Renteria DID come through with a hit to right. Granted, Hermidia has a great arm, but you HAVE to send the runner and take your chances. Renteria will go to second in hope of drawing the throw to make sure that tying run scores. Now we have first and third with one out and Betemit hitting. With the count either 2-0 or 1-1 (I cannot remember for sure), I said to myself “If I were pitching, I would throw a fastball about shoulder high to see I can get an awkward swing.” Damn if that’s not what happened. If Betemit had shown some plate discipline, he would had the count in his favor (2-1 or 3-1). With McCann hitting behind him, he could have sat on a fastball which, IMHO, produces at least a game-tying sacrifice fly.
Oh, well, the Braves are NOT going to win every game. They had an outstanding road trip, so let’s see if the buckle down and can win the next two games to win yet another series, which is what Bobby Cox says they need to do henceforth.
It’s been a fun July. Let’s hope August and September are equally fun!
By sharknamedpeppy
July 26, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this
I hope that when the Joneses come back to the playing field, the team steps it up again. They were playing with some real “heart” in the beginning of the month and they need to keep that going. That’s something that I haven’t seen them do in a long time….play with some “heart”.
By Jeff
July 26, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
The 2-1 loss was encouraging, actually. Consistently good pitching will keep teams in games, and they’re likely to win their share. But the Braves’ pitching isn’t consistently good. The Wickman acquistion was a solid move, but who’s going to keep the Braves in games in innings 7 and 8? And Hudson, who was billed as the staff ace, is pitching no better than a number four starter, if that. Still too many holes.
A team doesn’t need a ton of hitting to win games. It needs solid pitching and fielding and hitting in the clutch.
By Scot
July 26, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this
Move to New York. That way I won’t have to read you.
By MGL
July 26, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
This was a horrible piece for a home-town reporter.
By Sam
July 26, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this
Playing .700 baseball is NOT impossible. Need I remind some of our readers the western division race of ‘93, when the Giants amassed an “insurmountable” lead on the rest of the division? After the Braves picked up McGriff, the Giants dominated by playing .667 ball the rest of the season. The Braves beat them by playing .750 ball after picking up the Crime Dog. That’s even with losing the season series to the Giants! Schultz writes that the Braves have a flicker or small spark of hope. I think that’s all we need to continue to dominate ‘cause even a small spark can start a fire. That spark needs to come from the top of the order and the fire will spread to the rest of the team. Case in point, did anyone notice that Betemit was on fire at the top of the order when we were on that ridiculous offensive tear? If Schurholtz is trying to get a true leadoff man to light a fire, so to speak, that could be all the spark we need. I propose we go after Eric Byrnes. Great OBP, hardly ever strikes out, plays every outfield position, and plays with fire. Just the spark we need.
By MrMet
July 26, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this
Mets rule! We will win at least 2 out of 3 this weekend. Time to put the Braves out of their misery!
By MrMet
July 26, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this
Mets rule! We will win at least 2 out of 3 this weekend. Time to put the Braves out of their misery!
By MrMet
July 26, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this
Mets rule! We will win at least 2 out of 3 this weekend. Time to put the Braves out of their misery!