Sports Columnists

By dustin

September 28, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this

we will be back in the playoffs next year! Go Braves!!

By Not Huey Long

September 28, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this

Mark…your best piece of the year. You just summed up my feelings over the past decade. Pride, melancholy, and sadness for a great franchise.

By fnreitsma

September 28, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this

I hope Glavine gets lit up…f him. he’s a sell out.

By scotter

September 28, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

mark your a idiot

By Adam

September 28, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this

Mark: Outstanding and well-written piece. That about sums it up perfectly.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 28, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

I actually think Mark put it perfectly. That is exactly how I feel. Its how I’m feeling right now. I think in the long run this will be a good thing for the Braves. Next spring instead of coming into spring training expecting to win the divison they now know they have to work hard.

Its one thing to say watch out for the Phillies or Mets only to see them fail time and time again. But, now, they have to watch out for them. They have to take those teams and the Marlins seriously. They will come into spring training hungry, embarrassed, and prepared. The entire orginization is embarrassed and p**. This isn’t suppose to happen. The division title is the Braves’ birthright, right? No, it isn’t and now they realize that.

I think JS will be quite busy this winter and this roster will look very different next season whether Hudson and Andruw are here or not. Guys like Ray, Yates, Orr, Pratt, Jordan, Ramirez, and Langerhans will almost certainly be gone either by trade or just by being told to “get the f out”. Cox and JS are not happy. I don’t care what face they put on in public. They are p**. Even with all the injuries this team was good enough for the playoffs. Some people didn’t carry their weight. Some did (Francoeur, Chipper, and Giles) but could’ve and should’ve been better.

I think JS and Cox will trade whomever they deem they have to make this team better. I guarantee they never want to have this feeling again. The list of guys who are all but assured of not getting moved is short. Chipper, Hampton, James, Smoltz, Wickman, Francoeur, and McCann are on that list. Diaz and LaRoche are on the waiting list to get on that list. I don’t think they would trade LaRoche considering the season he’s had and that he’s relatively cheap but if the right deal comes along………

Basically, the mistakes of the last six years won’t be made this winter. The Braves will join the Angels, Red Sox, Blue Jays, D-Backs, Cubs, and Orioles as the busiest teams this offseaon. These are all teams who believed they should be in the postseason and aren’t. Now, of all these teams who has the best frnt office. That’s right, the Braves.

This team isn’t rebuilding…………they’re RELOADING!

By Ryan

September 28, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this

Perfectly said.

You hit my sentiments squarely on the head.

By Bryan G.

September 28, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this

Great, great, great column. This is honestly one of the best columns I’ve ever read, Mark. You encapsulated everything I’ve thought and felt. 1991 was so exciting, especially for those of us who were fans before then. But ever since 1999, it’s just been painful. Maybe even since 1995.

Maybe now that it’s over, the Braves can stop worrying about streaks and worry about fixing the problems they had the last 10 years: poor bullpen and untimely hitting. Hopefully we can fix it in the offseason and make October exciting and not painful again.

By MD

September 28, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this

I wish Glavine well. He brought this ungrateful city its only World Championship with one of the most clutch performances I have ever seen (in Game 6 of the ‘95 series). I hope gets his 300th win and finishes his career in a Braves’ uniform next season.

Scotter, that should be “YOU’RE AN idiot.” People who don’t show a grasp of the language should not be calling others “idiot.” Just a thought.

By Greg

September 28, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this

Moronic.

By gotigers72

September 28, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this

Are You ready for some FOOTBALL????? {Hank Jr. of course]

By Bruce

September 29, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

I am sad. But the Braves did not give up, they tried hard every game. I admire that. Brian, Jeff, Adam and Matt showed that youth can make it happen… and they will be even better next year. Without a solid closer in the first half, it was too big a challenge to absorb the injuries.

I have been sad for ten days as the E number shrank and .500 seemed so difficult to approach. I was hoping that the Braves could Marlin-like take Wild-Card momentum into the playoffs and do to the Mets what other teams have done to them over the years in the first round. That would have been fun.

May the Braves get healthy in the off-season and some play fall ball to tune up (they know who they are) and then use the current sadness and disappointment to take them all the way next year. Certainly there will not be another June.

I’ve enjoyed watching this year… in DC, Philly and Pittsburg, on TBS and on MLB. I will miss the TBS team… they have had a great streak too… just ironic that both streaks end at the same time.

Most teams and fans wish they could have had the problems that Braves fans are lamenting now. So many have not had a streak of one.

May our new streak only be one time out of the playoffs going forward. No other team in any sport has been good enough with championships to have even have that wish going forward. That’s the TRUTH.

By Todd A

September 29, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this

The streak coming to an end was the best thing that could happen to the Braves.Now the focus of the organization can return to back to what’s most important-winning the World Series,not just making the playoffs and winning a meaningless division title.I don’t feel bad at all right now.I’m actually excited about potential off-season moves and spring traing now.

By Fahim

September 29, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this

Amazing piece sir! Best i’ve ever read written about the Braves. At least this year we won’t be a punching bag for some wild-card team.

I hope we’ll to October baseball soon enough!

By Whopper Dawg

September 29, 2006 12:39 AM | Link to this

Yup, on the money. Here is hoping that we spend a couple of years letting the talent mature rather than trading the young guys for the reliever/outfielder/shortstop of the year in a misguided attempt to lose early in the playoffs.

By Head Coach

September 29, 2006 12:43 AM | Link to this

Adversity builds strength of character. John Schuerholz has recognized the Braves slow downward spiral and has begun aggressively fixing it begiinning with Wickman and Smoltz. In truth , 2006 is just a bump in the road. This organization is loaded with young talented players and we will see them back in the playoffs next year. GO BRAVES !!!!!

By kevin

September 29, 2006 01:24 AM | Link to this

Wow Mr. Bradley, kudos to you for a job well done—best blog all year.

I just think it’s a shame that the TBS will no longer air the Braves in a few years (exclusively that is). I live in California and I can’t watch the Braves on FSN South or Turner South, so TBS is my only outlet…it was so nice when I was able to watch up to 120 games per season 10 years ago…

By Dawgs2006

September 29, 2006 02:09 AM | Link to this

I am from Atlanta and I lived in California for a few years in the early nineties. I watched the Braves every night on TBS. On wednesdays, they would usually be on ESPN. The only problem I had was when the Braves played the Dodgers in L.A, sometimes the games were blacked out in the L.A. Market. It was great to rush home from work and have the game come on at 4:35 everyday. On Sundays the game would come on at 10:00am! You could watch the game and when it was over you had the whole day to do whatever.

By Dave in AZ

September 29, 2006 02:57 AM | Link to this

Great job, Mark. You took the slings and arrows all season for telling us what a crummy team this was. I am looking forward to the team getting even with Houston this weekend and calling it a season.

Octobers have been miserable since 1995. I can’t think of a single positive post-season memory the last ten years. Glad the other teams have to find someone else to kick around. Enjoy the football season.

By RC35

September 29, 2006 05:45 AM | Link to this

Glad it’s over? That’s the same kind of defeatist talk the Denver Broncos “fans” used to produce after losing the Super Bowl. I’d far rather be in the playoffs, come what may, than to limp into a sub-.500 twilight. Glavine? “Just for a handful of silver he left us, just for a riband to stick in his coat”.

By Vikingsouth

September 29, 2006 06:11 AM | Link to this

Great column, Mark. My greatest regret is that the Braves didn’t win a couple of more World Series. Then they wouldn’t be looked upon as ultimate losers. That frustrates and saddens me. If only Lonnie Smith hadn’t been decoyed, if only Wohlers had thrown another pitch… I need to stop- I’m getting depressed.

By Greg

September 29, 2006 06:54 AM | Link to this

I am amazed. Everybody on this blog seems to think it’s better not to be in the playoffs this year because “we’d lose, like we always do.” If you don’t make the playoffs, you’ve already lost! And to the idiots that believe we will somehow magically be able to reload and win a World Series because we didn’t make the playoffs, I have a more accurate prediction. The Kansas City Royals. Once the best team in baseball. Now a hollow shell. There are no guarantees that not making the playoffs will help the team get better. Fans who are happy we aren’t in the postseason this year have no idea how hard it is to make the playoffs and how wonderful it is to root for a winning team. I wouldn’t trade the last 14 years of greatness for 1 more World Series championship. You see, people, I rooted for the Braves in the 1970s and 1980s. That was frustrating, and I fear that is our future. We have cheap ownership. At a time when our rivals are spending more than $200 million per year, we can’t afford a bullpen or a leadoff hitter. The last 14 years were magic, even though we only won one World Series. I remember a time when I believed that if the Braves ever made it to the World Series, the Earth would spin off its axis. Any Braves fan who is happy the Braves aren’t in the playoffs this year is a moron. Worse, they are deluded into believing that not being in the playoffs for a year will somehow transform this team into a World Series champion. Finally, wake up people! The World Series belongs to the American League. It’s almost impossible for a National League team to win a 7-game series against a good American League team. Our DH is a journeyman pinch hitter. There’s is David Ortiz. Or Jason Giambi.

By Mark

September 29, 2006 07:35 AM | Link to this

Im okay with the Braves season and no post season.We as fans need to feel like the Brewers etc, perhaps we wouldnt write all these mean things that are in these blogs.There have been some good things about this season as well.Braves need a owner who loves them! Thats the center of the problem here folks.The yankees have a Payroll of 193 million and 20 more winds….so go figure!Good Day.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 29, 2006 07:58 AM | Link to this

Greg, your comparison between the Braves and the Royals is flat out wrong. One big difference exists. The Royals started going down hill when JS left to come to Atlanta. JS is still here in Atlanta. The Royals front office was and has been since in shambles. The Braves front office with JS at the helm is just fine. With all due respect, sir, your assertions that this team will go into the toilet is idiotic when you look at this roster and see the talent that is there. Any team in the majors would take a foundation that included McCann, Francoeur, James, LaRoche, McBride, and possibly Diaz.

By mart

September 29, 2006 08:24 AM | Link to this

Tell the truth. You hope fat cat Tom Glavine does for the Mets exactly what he did for the Braves—-fold in the clutch like a little lamb.

By G. Brett

September 29, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this

The comparison to the Royals isn’t that far off. For instance, if the Braves get rid of their best YOUNG player, Andruw Jones, it’s a concession that they are a small market team only interested in dumping salaries and serving as a developmental team for the rest of the league. I don’t know what the future holds, but it doesn’t look good.

By Wink from Lithonia

September 29, 2006 08:33 AM | Link to this

Great summation of Braves fan feelings Mark. You are right the first 6 trips were interesting to be a part of as a Brave’s fan. After watching us lose games to the bottom of the line up guys and destroy our hopes, I finally figured it out and stop caring so much.

What I found out was that we always beat up on the bottom feeders during the year. I suppose one would say we should beat the teams we are suppose to beat. To me that was the mirage. Glavin, Smoltz, Maddox would dominate these teams and usually win 18 - 20+ games per year.

Come playoff time they would have to face similar competition, with good pitching and better CONTACT HITTERS, we would score no runs, because we did not know how to manufacture runs and really no speed. We lived by the home run. No timely hitting, ie (Sprague/Leyritz/Caminiti/Ausmus), and there’d go your whole autumn straight down the Dumpster.” As result, in October we were pretty much assured of and early exit.

The team was built for the regular season and not much more. Check our record during the penant run seasons against the good teams we played in those seasons and you will find we were not that much better (50/50 or 55/45 at best).

When I discovered I would much rather have the success of the Marlins (2 World Series Titles) than this run of pennants, I think it was time to check my emotions on this team. If they win at least 2 more titles during this run, it could be debated that they were one of the greatest teams of all time…I said it could be debated, but of course they could make a case for greatest pennant winner, however, I would still take Marlins track record.

When it all said and done, its just a game, a distraction from life, and who even remembers what year the Marlin won anyway or who was on the team, the winning pitcher, or they even played.

Yes, I am glad the run is over, now I can prepare for Halloween, maybe next year :)

By Vs5109

September 29, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this

Well written.

By Knockahoma

September 29, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this

Great column! Kind of ironic however that Cox lives for the postseason yet that is where his largest failures have occured. Braves management bases success on winning divisions and until that changes, the Braves will not sniff a World Series. Hard to reach the Moon when your goal is to hit California. Building the next WS team should start with finding a new manager. Cox has single handedly prevented the Braves from winning at least one or two additional titles. Too bad he can be so good at managing the regular season yet so poor in the postseason.

By Blaney

September 29, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this

Tell the Truth - I quit paying attention a long time ago for a number of reasons, in no particular order:

I quit attending games because Turner Field is the worst lit, the loudest, has the worse sound quality, and is the most obnoxious place this side of the Georgia Dome.

I quit watching or listening at home because like all sports broadcasts now days you are inundated with graphics, replays, and endless analyzing wrapped up in talk for the sake of talk.

I can’t stand Ted Turner, but at least he was a presence; a human symbol at the top instead of faceless corporation with no heart and soul.

I dislike the wild card. I dislike the DH. There are too many season games. Way too many playoff games. There are too many teams. I dislike inter-league play. I hate it that the Dodgers are no longer our rivals - who gives a crap about the Mets?.

Somewhere along the way they ceased being the Atlanta Braves and just became the Braves. They became a TV show that lasted one season and has been in perpetual rerun ever since. Seen it once; don’t need to see it again.

I can’t fathom how a team can be a division winner 14 straight times and look so consistently aimless in the playoffs, unless, they just don’t care. If they don’t, why should anyone else?

Yes, the long suffering fans in other towns stand by their teams for decades with nothing to show for it. Yes, those towns tell us to be thankful for what we have. But they haven’t been led down the aisle umpteen times only to have the groom glaze over, forget the words, and leave the ring in his other pants pocket.

I don’t like it, but I just don’t care any longer.

By Marc

September 29, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

Mart,

You mean have Glavine fold like he did in Game 6 of the 1995 World Series? Is that what you mean by folding? What a fool!

By Kelley

September 29, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this

How lucky we’ve all been the last 14 seasons and how most of us began to take it for granted years ago.
Personally, I can barely remember baseball in October without the Braves in it.
Maybe a year out of it will make us ALL appreciate what the Braves have done.
They’ll be back next year and hopefully the fans will support them more.

By T.D.

September 29, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this

Now if only the Falcons will fall into their usual hole, save for the Hawks it can be the 1980s all over again. Here’s to WHITE SNAKE!!!

-T.D.

By Jose Quervo, IV

September 29, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

1.) Cost to take a family of 4 to a Braves game with parking, refreshments, tickets, souvenirs: $427

2.) Cost of the Braves payroll to fund loafing, fan swindling, and posers of pretending to play for the average fan: $95 million

3.) Cost of the Braves having a losing season and missing the playoffs: PRICELESS

Hey Braves players with your high school educations if that: What would you be doing in the real world if not for baseball?

Chipper with his command of the English language (“uhhhhhhh….well uuhhhhh”); I don’t think a career as a McDonalds order taker is for you…let me suggest a job that doesn’t deal with the public alot…can you push a broom?

Smoltzie: you wouldn’t be living in St.Ives bro; back to Hamtramck for you; and your beard in the corporate world? I don’t think so.

Andrew: “Bezball been berry berry good to me…bezball been berry berry good to me”

Frenchie: You can’t pick your nose at work and eat it.

LaRoche: Daddy can’t open alot of doors for you outside of baseball dude.

Bobby: As many times as you get thrown out of a game and using profanity, you would change jobs several times and seek outside anger management counseling.

SO QUIT LOAFING AND GET YOUR HEADS BACK IN THE GAME…RIDICULOUS!

By Steve

September 29, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

Well written blog, Mark.

I’m a former Cardinal fan who fell for the Braves when I moved here 7 years ago. I struggled to understand the apathy I saw from Braves fans in the postseason, but I eventually fell into the same “trap” of taking divison titles for granted. I got mad every year when we (Braves) stumbled out of the playoffs far short of the ultimate prize, without recognizing the accomplishments up to that point. But when I think about the cool October nights in ATL just around the corner, I’m going to desperately miss going to the Ted for playoff games. It’s an electric atmosphere that doesn’t exist during the regular season. Anyone else who has gone to the playoff games the last several years knows what I’m talking about.

I have faith the Braves will make the moves they need to make to compete again next year. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to the series this weekend in a big way. People, we owe Houston big-time after the heartache they’ve given us the last two years. Show some support and get down to the Ted. Take your frustration out on the Astros. I expect the Braves to come out gunning for them, and would love to see Bobby play our starters the whole series and sweep their butts back to Houston- and OUT of the playoffs.

Boys, play angry for 3 more games and go out on a high note.

Go Braves!

By Michael

September 29, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this

Mark, how many times are you going to write the Braves eulogy? This has to be at least 3 articles you’ve written on the same topic. Come on man, find some new material.

By mark

September 29, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this

To tell the truth you are right Mark, this team is a disgrace. The only thing you can say about them is that they have proven that old cliche, “Nobody remembers who finishes second” wrong. People will definitely remember how this team (and the Buffalo Bills) always flopped. The only thing they have to be proud of is that they have the only championship in Atlanta history. It kills me how people get mad at the fans for not supporting this team. Maybe if they were to look at the history of Atlanta sports they could see why. Let’s face it our teams have always sucked, especially in big games. The Falcons were a joke until they changed owners, the Hawks are still a joke, and our hockey team is pathetic. These Braves are the worst because they would get your hopes up and then let you down. They had their exciting moments, like when Sid Bream scored the winning run in the NLCS in 1992. Even that year we didn’t win it. It kills me when fans settle for making the playoffs. I hate when people say “How would you like it if we were like the Royals or Cubs?” My response is that at least they don’t tease their fans with division titles. What if these Braves were to start winning again, made the playoffs back to back years, and actually won the World Series both of those years. They would be more successful than that group that only won 1 WS title in 14 years. It funny because the Marlins have won more WS titles than we have during this run and they only made it twice. Go figure. So to tell you the truth it’s over, I am glad it’s over, and it should be over!

By mark

September 29, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this

To tell the truth you are right Mark, this team is a disgrace. The only thing you can say about them is that they have proven that old cliche, “Nobody remembers who finishes second” wrong. People will definitely remember how this team (and the Buffalo Bills) always flopped. The only thing they have to be proud of is that they have the only championship in Atlanta history. It kills me how people get mad at the fans for not supporting this team. Maybe if they were to look at the history of Atlanta sports they could see why. Let’s face it our teams have always sucked, especially in big games. The Falcons were a joke until they changed owners, the Hawks are still a joke, and our hockey team is pathetic. These Braves are the worst because they would get your hopes up and then let you down. They had their exciting moments, like when Sid Bream scored the winning run in the NLCS in 1992. Even that year we didn’t win it. It kills me when fans settle for making the playoffs. I hate when people say “How would you like it if we were like the Royals or Cubs?” My response is that at least they don’t tease their fans with division titles. What if these Braves were to start winning again, made the playoffs back to back years, and actually won the World Series both of those years. They would be more successful than that group that only won 1 WS title in 14 years. It funny because the Marlins have won more WS titles than we have during this run and they only made it twice. Go figure. So to tell you the truth it’s over, I am glad it’s over, and it should be over!

By Greg

September 29, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

Don’t believe the Braves are now a small market team like the Royals. I just received an e-mail promoting tonight’s game because Roger Clemens is pitching. Gee, advertising the game on the basis of the greatness of the other team’s players. That’s what losers do, people. That’s what my hometown Charlotte Bobcats do in the NBA. It’s what the Pirates and Royals do in MLB. It’s what the LA Clippers used to do to get people to come to their games. “Come see Michael Jordan.” It’s what small market teams who aren’t competitive do. And to those of you who think the Braves will spring back next year, consider this: The Yankees spend more than $200 million a year for players. The Mets have to compete with the Yankees for the attention of New Yorkers. How much do you want to bet that Jason Schmidt or Barry Zito (or both) will wear Mets caps next year. A $90 million payroll will not make us competitive in the NL East, regardless of how good McCann and the highly overrated Francouer play. And for the sake of us all, can somebody teach Francouer to take a pitch. I’m tired of watching him fan.

By Dave in Dublin

September 29, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

To you Glavine Bashers - Get over it! Glavine gave the Braves everthing he had from the first time he set foot on a minor league field. The Braves dissed him, plain and simple, and being a man of principal, he decided not to take it. Calling him greedy for taking a higher paying job is naively hypocritical. He would have stayed in Atlanta had the deal he was offered been more respectful of what he had done for the team. Not necessarily greater than any other offer - just respectful. The truth is, it was not! Loyalty goes both ways, For lack of it, we lost a HOFer and one of the guttsiest lefties to ever toe the mound. It’s not his fault that he’s an employee in an industry that grossly overpays the hired hands while shamelessly gouging it’s constituency. Who among us can truly say they would have reacted any differently? You get an offer from an employer that respects your talent and is willing to pay for it, you darn well are going to take it. True fans of the game can only hope that JS finds a way to get Tommy back to Atlanta next year to notch # 300 in a Braves uniform. We will all be honored. The guy’s a clean gamer - respect the player! Business is just business.

By Antonio Gramsci

September 29, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

Not making the playoffs this season is not a big deal to me. My first playoff series was the 1969 failure v. the Mets. And now I’m numb to the failure, rather than celebrating each division title over the past Time-Warner bargain basement decade.

Anyone who thinks that this is a “blip” or that the team will be back next season is wrong, unless an owner with a real sense of pride and dedication to winning buys the team.

By Salli

September 29, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this

I personally thought the article sucked… I love the Braves and I never want them to be out in October. I don’t think it will be the same without them there this year.

By Virgil

September 29, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

Great article. Next year will be interesting.

By bfred

September 29, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

Schuerholz has for years done what any good GM would do when faced with an ownership-imposed salary cap; he built a team that could win over 162 games, appear competitive and draw as many fans as possible over the course of a season. The problem is that you can’t build a contending 25-man roster on $80MM anymore. The Braves have consistently been half a team, with the holes filled by jouneymen pitchers that Leo could patch up and veteran position players past their primes. It is remarkable that we made the playoffs the last two years, which mostly was due to the emergence of some incredible young talent.

As for next year, much of it depends on how Hampton bounces back and Hudson gets it together. We have big money invested in both and they are not tradeable right now (for anything we’d want, anyway). If they perform, we have as good a rotation as anyone in the NL - and staffed with power pitchers that can win in the post-season. Langerhans was brought along too early or just doesn’t have it, but at least a serviceable left fielder is relatively easy and inexpensive to find. Hopefully management is hearing the outrage over the idea of trading Andruw and he will be back. Just put him on a diet, for crying out loud. He resigned once for about 2/3 of market value, likes Atlanta and will do it again. And lay off Chipper - he’s done nothing but give the Braves every bit he has and is the best switch hitter in baseball history. Name a player better than either that you think can be had for less money. Not that you would like to have, but that is actually available.

By Gary

September 29, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this

Next year will be different. for starters we will not have a closer who blows 20 games for us. We will also have a much better bullpen and the rotation has a chance to get healthy. The young guys like Francour, McCann, LaRoche, etc…. will be a year older and more experienced. This team was in it until the June debacle. What caused that debacle. Injuries and an inexperience bullpen. The Braves didn’t get beat folks, they lost very close games. Heck they lost like 31 one run games. I believe their record in 1 run games was like 16-31. Flop that around and we are talking about a 95 win season and another shot at the playoffs. This team is really not that far off. minus renteria for furcal, its the same team that won 90 games a year ago. Hampton will be back, Hudson will be a comeback player, James will be a year more experienced and Davies will be healthy. Boyer and Devine will be healthy and ready to help the bullpen. The Braves will make a few moves regarding Horacio Ramirez and Marcus Giles. They will aquire a leadoff hitter and a piece or two in the pen. Keep Ward and Diaz for the bench and thsi team can win 90-100 games next year. I believe like i always do. Most of you on here obviously dont. I will see you in March when ST begins as the Braves look to begin a new streak.

By Samael_PR

September 29, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this

My feelings exactly.. playoffs will be missed but for once I can spend my October without a worry

By Marge

September 29, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

Those Braves gave their all. Things happen. Just like my children, love them anyway. It is ok with me that I sat up late at night, I was still there for them. Have been a long time and looking forward to next year.

By ebineezer

September 29, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this

This is not the end, this is the beginning of the end. The Braves cain’t hold on to the old vets(Chipper, Andrew, Smoltz) and get good, established pitching without spending more money. This year is a good example of what happens when you field a pitching staff full of ifs. Wickman is the only non-if pitcher in the bullpen. Hudson has never been “the man” in Atlanta. He has been ok at best. Is there a bigger if than Hampton? Who in their right mind puts all their eggs in his basket? I really like Hampton but nobody knows how he is going to pitch, you cain’t go into a season depending on him. Lets see, IF Franceour will take a pitch IF Andrew will leave off the 2nd BigMac IF we find a left fielder IF Chipper stays healthy IF Rentaria plays steady at SS IF the allstar Marcus Giles comes back IF the medicated LaRoach will play hard IF McCann catches every game IF Smoltz could pitch every game IF Wickman could save every game The Braves would be back in the playoffs and win the world series next year! I’m afraid the next few years there will be a lot more room on the Braves Bandwagon unless they spread some more greenbacks around.

By UGA 72

September 29, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

Mark, Great column!

The Braves are in transition and finally got caught making the change, sort of like a shift change in Hockey sometime leads to an easy goal for the other teams. For all our talk about the Braves Farm System, it appears the farm is about empty of quality replacement player. In the past the Braves seldom needed more than one or two very good players to plug in and maintain their level of excellence. Our lack of pitching at the minor league level is spooky because we have drafted pitchers more than any position players.

I appreciate the past 14 years, I appreciate Ted Turner, Braves Management, Braves Player, Braves support personnel, and most of all I appreciate Bobby Cox who is a certain Hall of Fame manager, but even more importantly a great human being.

As for those who don’t like the Braves, I have two words for you, Suck ** (per DX of World Wrestling Entertainment).

By BIGNCDAWG

September 29, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

The Braves have some great young talent and they will be back, if they can find some pitching.

I will get renewed excitement when the next run starts.

By jim

September 29, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

boy there sure are some losers on here, the braves are an awesome team of whom had a bad year based on early relief pitching, i read an article the other day the have the second best record in the league for the second half. too many met lovers on here, if we had the zillions of dollars to go out and buy a team we would have kicked their a- - again as we would have bought wagner off them as he wanted to play for the braves over the mets. The mets are the most over rated team playing right now look at the last 20 games or so. If I were the Phillies or Astros or either Western team I would not fear the Mets at all. The braves are growing a lot of home talent and I applaud them. Mets fans need to stay on their own site.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 29, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this

I think saying this team is headed down the same road as the Royals is asinine. For the simpler folk, down right stupid. This team has a young foundation that any team in baseball would gladly take. This so called “small market team” would be on their way to the playoffs right now if it had a closer all year, LaRoche had been in the lineup everyday all year, and Thomson had been healthy. Why don’t you fools look at the roster of the Royals and then look at this roster and still see the same team. Give me a flippin’ break!

By TD

September 29, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

Sorry, Mark but my life does not revolve around the Braves. Given the expanded playoffs, I can’t get incredibly excited about the first round. Also, the Braves won in the 4th year of this run, since in 94 everything was cancelled. So, I guess you can go back to your so-called life, writing disposable, quickly forgotten articles until another call comes from another newspaper comes or AJC replaces you.

By Texas Dawg

September 29, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this

The run lasted longer than my marriage. Mixed feelings indeed! Thanks for a great contribution Mark.

By cutty

September 29, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this

Have been a Braves fan since 57.Thought I’d died and gone to heaven when they came to Atl.After 20+ seasons of absentee ownership and inept play I would have sold my soul to the devil for a contending team.How quickly I forgot.The Braves of the past 14 years have been bottom feeders,not that it’s all bad. Catfish and channel bass are bottom feeders and are delicous.But Glavine, Maddox,and all but Smoltz have built their careers on beating the teams they should and taking their lumps against teams of equal or better talent- hence the run of playoff losses.You can’t have enough pitching, and we never have.