AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > June > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves now just a team in transition
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
During 14 full seasons we witnessed the extraordinary. We saw a team finish first every single time. There was no impediment so immense the Braves couldn’t figure a way around it, or over it, or through it. Indeed, if the great streak were still intact we’d be sitting here fully believing they’ll find a way to overhaul the Mets.
But the great streak isn’t intact. It ended last year. And the Braves are something different, something less. They’re the team that, since the beginning of the 2006 season, is 121-121. That’s the definition of ordinary.
They awoke Saturday having won four in a row. They began the week having lost five in a row. That’s what the Braves do now. They look good for a little while, and then they look less good. They have too many gifted players — and too shrewd a manager — to be dismissed, too many holes to be seen as a threat to win the World Series. That used to be the stated goal here every year, but it faded about the time the payroll started coming down.
A lavish payroll, as we know, doesn’t guarantee excellence, but a big-spending team has the luxury of outspending its mistakes. The Braves must now settle for tinkering and tweaking. Should we really be surprised that the team with the 15th-highest payroll among 30 major-league clubs has played .500 ball over the last season and a half?
Credit the Braves for being resourceful. They turned an outfielder into a decent second baseman over the winter, and they’re trying to turn a catcher into a first baseman now. They’ve been buoyed by a new left fielder and a rookie shortstop who has been asked to play two other positions. These maneuvers have kept the Braves afloat at a time when their All-Star center fielder is hitting .199, but it defies rational thought that Willie Harris and Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Yunel Escobar can continue to carry the team Andruw Jones was supposed to carry.
And it defies rational thought that this rotation will be good enough to hold up over three more months. Mike Hampton was supposed to be the linchpin, but he never got started. Mark Redman was supposed to fill the gap, but he’s already gone. Lance Cormier was supposed to be the needed reinforcement, but he’s back on the disabled list with a “tired arm” after yielding seven home runs in 7 2/3 innings.
We keep expecting the Braves to make a trade to rectify the rotation because making big trades is what the Braves used to do. But should we really expect the team that opened the season with a half-new infield to find a difference-making starting pitcher in the next month? And should we really want the Braves to acquire a pitcher who isn’t apt to stay with the Braves beyond this season — Mark Buerhle, say — if it means losing Salty or Escobar?
This is officially a team in transition. It’s no longer the club that can count on massive seasons from the Joneses — Chipper for reasons of health, Andruw for reasons unclear — or seamless performances from the rotation. The staples are staples no more. We knew the great run of first-place finishes would end someday, and now that it has it’s hard to imagine this middling team finishing first, or even a wild-card-worthy second.
And yet we continue to hold out hope that the Braves will think of something again because during 14 full seasons the Braves always thought of something. The sad truth is that these Braves aren’t those Braves. They still have a chance in the East because the Mets lost 14 of their first 18 in June, but the Mets aren’t apt to do that again. The Mets, see, have better players. The Mets, see, have a better team.
Permalink | Comments (123) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves / MLB, Mark Bradley
Comments
By joe
June 30, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this
First!
By Thedream21479
June 30, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
Wow. I couldn’t agree with you more Mark. Sad as it is to say, it’s time to bring those lofty expectations and visions of grandeur down.
It COULD be worse I guess. I suppose we could either be Washington or Kansas City.
That said, the Braves have HUGE HUGE talent and if they can get the starting pitching straightened out (lord knows the bullpen has been impressive)…we have some great great players in place for a LONG time.
And no matter how badly Andruw stinks it up this year, he is STILL a first ballot HOFer and it was/is a privelege to watch one of the greatest centerfielders in the history of the game.
By birdbrain
June 30, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
The Braves are what they have always been, the past 40 years….my team…that’s all that matters.
By Omar Minaya
June 30, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this
MARK BRADLEY GO BACK TO NEW YORK!!!
By glass half full
June 30, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this
Is being pessimistic and preaching doom and gloom a requirement for writing columns for the AJC about the Braves?
I mean, come on, the Mets, Marlins, and Phillies have had better teams on paper during the the 14 year stretch, and we still found a way to win when it counted and win the division.
And I’m sick of the payroll excuse. Look at the teams in the AL Central, hardly huge markets other than the ChiSox and even they are way under the budget that the Cubbies have, and look at what a huge payroll got them, they’re a .500 ballclub right now, and the Yankees are a mess despite a grossly huge payroll.
By Mike
June 30, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this
thats a bunch of bs. the braves have too much talent to look toward the next few years… they’re looking towards this season. the braves are better than the mets at every position except shortstop and thats only cause reyes is a tremendous talent, renteria is no slouch though. when the braves won the world series in 95 look who they had starting in that series. guys like rafael belliard and mark lemke who had tremendous hearts but no where near the capabilities of the guys they have in the lineup now. Chipper Jones was only a 260 hitter at the time, mcgriff and justice had down years, marquis grissom hit 258 that year. No one in their right mind would have predicted that lineup to outscore the indians lineup of lofton in his prime, carlos baerga, albert belle, manny ramirez, jim thome, eddie murray, omar vizquel, and so on. Everyone here whose quitting on this years braves is making a huge mistake. They will come out on top and beat the Angels in 6 games in the world series. Smoltz will pitch the final game in Anaheim, Soriano will close it out, and Mccann will hit a three run homer. You heard it here first
By daveGT
June 30, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this
Indeed, it’s sad to say. It’s sad but true. If Liberty would at least bump the payroll to an even $100M, the Braves could be a strong contender again. Here’s to wishing. Here’s to hoping.
By Geoff
June 30, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this
I think EVERY Braves player needs to read this before tonights game and stick it in Mark’s face… its even got me going!
By Todd A
June 30, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this
I agree,Mark.The only way this team can improve with the payroll situation is to take a step back before they go forward.Unload all the big contracts(with the exception of Smoltz) at the end of the year and acquire as much quality young pitching as possible.Smoltzie has earned the right to pitch here until his arm falls off.Unfortunately,John would demand to be traded if the Braves moved their vets.None of this is likely to happen as long as Cox and Schuerholz are here,but it needs to be considered if this team finishes in the middle of the pack in the division again.
By steve
June 30, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this
You hit the nail on the head with the payroll comment. If this team had an extra $20 million a year to spend we would be in first place. Its just that simple
By Chris
June 30, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this
The Yankees may be a mess right now with a huge payroll, but the huge payroll bought them a ton of division titles and quite a few World Series titles as well in the 90s. Plus Yankees ownership has no idea what it’s doing when it comes to how to spend the money. If the Braves had $200 million to spend and still had Bobby Cox then they’d win a ton of division titles again throughout the 2000s.
By Chris
June 30, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this
Then why don’t you go write for the New York papers. Atlanta, see, needs better writers.
By GTA
June 30, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this
I hope the rookie left fielder you’re referring to isn’t Scott Thorman, because he was a 1b in the minors and in his career. He was moved to left field to get his bat in the line up (lefty) since Laroche was at first.
By Braves Fan 79
June 30, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this
I think if we wanna win a title any time in the next 10 years….then the 2 or so left that well have Smoltz and chipper is our best chance. I really cant see the Braves being dominant in the postseason without a true ACE like smoltz on the staff…..thats why im kepping my fingers crossed over that we can grab that wildcard spot. And i truly believe once in the playoffs wed be a force!
By Jamie
June 30, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this
Mike Tell them!!! I agree don’t count this team out!!! I not sure they will win the east but I believe the Mets don’t have a lock on it for sure!!
By jw
June 30, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this
I remember, as a youngster, the joy of having a Braves hat and being a Braves fan. The joy of the couple of pennant chasing runs was the greatest thing in the world, no longer the worst team in baseball. Then, along came the mid 70’s and 80’s and before you knew it - all we could think of was just one winning season. Also, could enough people show up to keep the team in town. That was very scary to me - the Braves were my team, Atlanta’s team, Georgia’s team, didn’t matter how good or bad we were, we had a National League baseball franchise. All I ever wanted was for the Braves to somehow put together ONE season and somehow find a way to win ONE championship. That way, I thought, people would stop making fun of MY Braves - America’s Team - the butt of America’s jokes. I theorized that a championship would keep the team in town. Little did I know that Atlanta, Georgia, and all the towns inside the boundaries of our great state have lost sight of how far we have come. I know there were missed opportunities, missed chances, the streak, the lack of championships, BUT there is one thing that can’t be taken away - ATLANTA BRAVES - CHAMPIONS!!!! Personally, I don’t care how many we lost, how many we should of won, the fact remains that most feel as I in saying thanks for giving our state and our fans something to be proud of - a World Series trophy! That will never go away. That’s my story and many of you can blow a gasket being Screaming A. Smith’s about this, but I can rest easy in my old age knowing the guys put it together for that one special time! Thank you very much for that!
By Yars
June 30, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this
Excellent article by Mark. Like most of you, I was born & raised on Atlanta Braves baseball. It will always be in my blood. Mark was only being realistic about this years team. Do some of you actually believe that the starting rotation we have right now will hold up until the end of the season? We all witnessed last week what good teams can do to us. I still think we have a good chance at reaching the postseason only if a couple of problems are fixed first. We are in desperate need of a starting pitcher to throw behind Smoltz & Hudson. Also, a decent bat off the bench would help.
By Braves Fan 79
June 30, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this
For the Braves to grab the wildcard spot i believe these things need to happen: no more starts for woodward or orr! Those automatic outs in the lineup just hurt to much…and bobby should of realized this earlier in the season. I think if we would of just realized that woodward, orr , and redmen were prettymuch usless earlier in the season wed be at least 10 games over .500 this season. If your gonna b*** about something bradley how about u b*** about how the Braves gave these sorry backups WAY 2 many chances when we had better options in the minors. (we should of brought up escobar earlier) How about critizing scherulz for saying we didnt have the $ to sign glavine ….yet we give redmen 1 mill, wilson 2 mill, woodcrap almost 1mill…for what kinda guarntee? there veterans so u know your getting…..Guarnteed Crap!
By Dunedinman
June 30, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this
The Braves are in second place and playing good, fun baseball. And they have some great young talent in Atlanta right now. Johnson will become excellent trade bait later in the year or in the off season, for starting pitching help, not Escobar, who will become an all-star player in the near future. The same can be said for Salty. Hey, I live in Tampa Bay. You Atlanta fans could have the Devil Rays as your team (with a real payroll problem). Thank your lucky stars you have a team like the Braves to support…and in a beautiful stadium…even with the “limited” payroll. Go Braves…for over 40 years I have been saying that.
By Todd A
June 30, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this
Good post jw.
By ILL-logical
June 30, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
”..For reasons that are unclear..” How about after signing an below market value contract under duress(Stan threatened to trade him) and then carrying the team on his back in 2005 and nearly being traded last year then being told money was an issue-it’s always the budget with JS unless it works-then seeing the Braves extend Brian McCann-rightfully so- come on! He just no longer believes JS when he tells him the moisture on his shoes is rain.
By Barry
June 30, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
Everything is fine with the Braves. This is what sports is about isn’t it?. Nothing being predictable but the talent and the resouceful moves you make to win games. The Braves teams that won where built on these same principles and they are doing it again. New stars are being born on the Braves. and they too will be winners. They will because that is the legacy that the past Brave and current veterans have left them. And the organization has to be a staple for the formula they have in making championships. The only reason they are not there now is that they let the young players they developp into stars, leave due to they do not and/or can’t pay them. Players like Furcal and others who were good and still in their prime when they left. Now the Braves are doing it again. Developing new stars. But when they get to their peak they will trade away their futur again. This was not happening in the early championship years of the Braves. Thsy need to keep their players who mature as stars, pay them and let them bring a chamionship too Atlanta. A little tweaking does not hurt either in getting a quality free agent, but the base must stay yiour farm club players becoming stars and keeping them here. It appears the Braves are becoming a professional farm team for other teams. Let’s mnot let this be the Braves new legacy.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!This is a SECRET from a Brave fan!!!!! Tell Everybody!!!
Ringold
A
By Barry
June 30, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
Everything is fine with the Braves. This is what sports is about isn’t it?. Nothing being predictable but the talent and the resouceful moves you make to win games. The Braves teams that won where built on these same principles and they are doing it again. New stars are being born on the Braves. and they too will be winners. They will because that is the legacy that the past Brave and current veterans have left them. And the organization has to be a staple for the formula they have in making championships. The only reason they are not there now is that they let the young players they developp into stars, leave due to they do not and/or can’t pay them. Players like Furcal and others who were good and still in their prime when they left. Now the Braves are doing it again. Developing new stars. But when they get to their peak they will trade away their futur again. This was not happening in the early championship years of the Braves. Thsy need to keep their players who mature as stars, pay them and let them bring a chamionship too Atlanta. A little tweaking does not hurt either in getting a quality free agent, but the base must stay yiour farm club players becoming stars and keeping them here. It appears the Braves are becoming a professional farm team for other teams. Let’s not let this be the Braves new legacy. let’s keep the family together and win.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!This is a SECRET from a Brave fan!!!!! Tell Everybody!!!
Ringold
A
By Barry
June 30, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
Everything is fine with the Braves. This is what sports is about isn’t it?. Nothing being predictable but the talent and the resouceful moves you make to win games. The Braves teams that won where built on these same principles and they are doing it again. New stars are being born on the Braves. and they too will be winners. They will because that is the legacy that the past Brave and current veterans have left them. And the organization has to be a staple for the formula they have in making championships. The only reason they are not there now is that they let the young players they developp into stars, leave due to they do not and/or can’t pay them. Players like Furcal and others who were good and still in their prime when they left. Now the Braves are doing it again. Developing new stars. But when they get to their peak they will trade away their futur again. This was not happening in the early championship years of the Braves. Thsy need to keep their players who mature as stars, pay them and let them bring a chamionship too Atlanta. A little tweaking does not hurt either in getting a quality free agent, but the base must stay yiour farm club players becoming stars and keeping them here. It appears the Braves are becoming a professional farm team for other teams. Let’s not let this be the Braves new legacy. let’s keep the family together and win.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!This is a SECRET from a Brave fan!!!!! Tell Everybody!!!
Ringold
A
By Barry
June 30, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
Everything is fine with the Braves. This is what sports is about isn’t it?. Nothing being predictable but the talent and the resouceful moves you make to win games. The Braves teams that won where built on these same principles and they are doing it again. New stars are being born on the Braves. and they too will be winners. They will because that is the legacy that the past Brave and current veterans have left them. And the organization has to be a staple for the formula they have in making championships. The only reason they are not there now is that they let the young players they developp into stars, leave due to they do not and/or can’t pay them. Players like Furcal and others who were good and still in their prime when they left. Now the Braves are doing it again. Developing new stars. But when they get to their peak they will trade away their futur again. This was not happening in the early championship years of the Braves. Thsy need to keep their players who mature as stars, pay them and let them bring a chamionship too Atlanta. A little tweaking does not hurt either in getting a quality free agent, but the base must stay yiour farm club players becoming stars and keeping them here. It appears the Braves are becoming a professional farm team for other teams. Let’s not let this be the Braves new legacy. let’s keep the family together and win.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!This is a SECRET from a Brave fan!!!!! Tell Everybody!!!
Ringold
A
By JMF
June 30, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this
The Braves need to spend some money and get two more starters. Pitching wins.
By Lowcountry Bulldawgs
June 30, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
Mike,
One thing you fail to mention in your post is the Braves also had Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz. That kinda helps your offense a little I think.
Great post JW I could not agree with you more.
By Wayne in Utah
June 30, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
Looks like we have a new blog for the WBF’s. Will Mark read, much less respond to posts? I would be surprised.
SSSHHHH. Don’t tell Mark, but look at some of the World Series winners of the past 10 years. SSHHHH They were not just the Yankees, Mets and Red Sox. Does some financial flexibility help? Of course. Is it the only way to win? Nah.
So WBF’s, you now have a new place to congregate.
By dannycardwell
June 30, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this
spending more money wont help. we dont need to sell out our young talent for another bandaid as js has always done. all he will do with more money is give it to andrew so he will hit his average of 260 instead of 200. we have enough pitching talent in the organization to get by this year. next year willie harris can play center field for 15 million less than andrew, hit for good average and keep that deadly speed in the leadoff spot. in the off season 15 million can get 2 very good starting pitchers that want to sign long term contracts. then we can make a real run at another world series title. the talent is already here, just two guys in the starting rotation and were set.
By Mark
June 30, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this
In this situation, the truth hurts. It’s really disappointing that Arthur Blank wasn’t able to make it happen a year or so ago.
By John Scott
June 30, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
So what? I don’t know why I bother to read Bradley and Moore any more. Two months ago Mark was writing about how the Braves still had the Mets number. Now, the Mets are just a better team and the Braves are also rans. I get irritated watching the Braves lose, but there is hope. There is some great young talent and a decent future with some shrewd moves. Personally, I would rather pull for a team that tries to develop a team through scouting and philosophy than a team that spends a two hundred million to try to buy a championship. It really kind of disgusts me, I still have not gotten over the Alex Rodriguez contract. So go stick your finger in the wind, Mr Bradley, and see which way your fickle wind is blowing today so you can write your next knee jerk column. I prefer to hope for another great run by the Braves, if not this year maybe next. At least I can still respect their methodology.
By John Scott
June 30, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
So what? I don’t know why I bother to read Bradley and Moore any more. Two months ago Mark was writing about how the Braves still had the Mets number. Now, the Mets are just a better team and the Braves are also rans. I get irritated watching the Braves lose, but there is hope. There is some great young talent and a decent future with some shrewd moves. Personally, I would rather pull for a team that tries to develop a team through scouting and philosophy than a team that spends a two hundred million to try to buy a championship. It really kind of disgusts me, I still have not gotten over the Alex Rodriguez contract. So go stick your finger in the wind, Mr Bradley, and see which way your fickle wind is blowing today so you can write your next knee jerk column. I prefer to hope for another great run by the Braves, if not this year maybe next. At least I can still respect their methodology.
By Mark Bradley
June 30, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
I never wrote that the Braves have the Mets’ number. Perhaps you have me confused with someone else.
By Nick
June 30, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this
It’s the truth the Braves are just a Average team now. They had their chance to be a dynasty but they blew it. Winning 1 world series in 14 years is aweful. To me they have been the Atlanta Chokers since 1996. They never won when it counted. Thank Bobby Cox for that.
By mr baseball
June 30, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this
Mr. Bradley, please stick to sports you actually know something about and provide insight into, like basketball and football. No offense, but your grasp of baseball runs the gamut from A to B. Anyone who things Bobby Cox is “shrewd” clearly has little insight into baseball. Cox has several admirable qualities as a manager, but being shrewd is not one of them. Just look at who’s batting cleanup tonight.
The Braves don’t have as much money to spend as the Yankees or Red Sox, but neither did the Cardinals last year or the White Sox or the Angels or the Marlins. The Yankees and Red Sox also don’t have a farm system like the Braves, but that would require some actual knowledge of baseball.
The Braves don’t have Smoltz, Maddux, Glavine, Millwood, Neagle, etc., any more. Nobody else does either. Once the Braves can shed the contracts of Andruw & Hampton, they’ll be fine. They might not make the playoffs again, but it won’t be long before they’re back in, which will likely come as a great surprise to you.
By WickmanFan
June 30, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
Mark, Shaddup! You sound like the typical fairweather fan. And guess what Mark. BOBBY COX doesn’t read the “local newspaper” and he doesn’t care what you say. Since when was the last time JS called YOU to start a game?
By tomo-chop
June 30, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
how do the Braves stack up in regular season attendance vs the rest of the league? anyone know?
By Josh
June 30, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this
The only way the Braves have a chance to make the playoffs is to get Buerhle even if it does mean giving up one of the rookies… Period! You cannot win with 2 good pitchers and a bunch of scrubs… sorry not going to happen… it is imparative that the Braves get a pitcher sooner rather than later.
By Patrick
June 30, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
I’m confused. Who’s the rookie left fielder? Willie Harris has over 1000 career ABs dating back to 2001. Matt Diaz was with the team all of last season. Other than that, I agree with most everything else.
By wtf
June 30, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this
wtf wickman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Thomas
June 30, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
Ho hum or 5 in a row Mark? Quit writing columns to get attention and report the truth. In fine position at the break with plenty of hope for the last half.
By wtf
June 30, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this
Note to Cox and staff: If you have a good lead and its not at home, don’t pitch WTF WICKMAN. He’d rather sit on his fat az in the dugout eating something- then going out and helping the club win. Sheesh….
By steve
June 30, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
wow a local reporter dissing on the braves and praising out of teams go figure, exactly why i DONT read the ajc
By Terry Williams
June 30, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this
Well, Mr. Fickle sportswriter has struck again. (Lose 5 in a row…..throw in the towel.) Listen to this country redneck, MB will be singing the Braves praises again when this road trip streak hits about 8 games. I’ve said all along, Bradley has the shortest memory in all of sports. Why can’t a great city like Atlanta just dump Bradley for a legitimate southern talent?
By Sarah
June 30, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this
You’re an IDIOT-a pure IDIOT! AJC please hire a Braves fan to write the Braves columns.
By Sarah
June 30, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
You’re an IDIOT-a pure IDIOT! AJC please hire a Braves fan to write the Braves columns.
By Anti-Homer
June 30, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
This team has never been anything more than an embarrassment to the city of Atlanta. We can only hope their plane does not make it home from the road-trip. Bye Bye, Losers …..
By CAB
June 30, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
You’re right, Mark. The Braves are a mediocre team due to the payroll. They have some good young players for the future. I say it’s about time that the Braves look at getting rid of the Jones. One of them, before he is so beat up, nobody wants him. The other, before his batting average gets so low, nobody wants him. Use Thorman and Johnson to trade for starting pitching. As far as Smoltz, keep him until he retires.
By gotigers72
June 30, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this
Check out each starter’s last start,and the last 2 starts for Hudson.
Hudson - 7 innings, 1 run for the last 2 starts.
Davies - 2 runs in 6 1/3 innings against Detroit, which is a fairly good hitting team.
Carlyle - 2 runs in 7 innings.
Smoltz - 0 runs in 5 innings.
James - 1 run in 7 innings.
Sure all of those starts except Davies have been against inferior teams, but still, that’s some pretty good pitching. If that continues, especially in the 4 and 5 slots, things could be looking up.
By nolesfaninbamacountry
June 30, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this
It tickles me to hear how much better the team would be if only Arthur would’ve bought the team……..
The falcons keep getting progressively worse….We won’t even get into the Vick problems…..Knowing Vick was having problems he gets rid of our proven backup for WHO…..If he coddles Vick, Imagine what he would do with Chipper & Andrew……And unlike the braves who have invested in local talent, he lets arguably the best WR in the last decade WHO IS LOCAL/HOMEGROWN get drafted by the Lions a few picks later……
Give Liberty a chance, this next month can be a good gauge of things to expect…..
By Drexel Gal
June 30, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
What difference does it make? Atlanta fans get bored easily. They came out in 1991 because of the novelty of a first-place team. They came out in 1997 because of the new ballpark. All other years showed a decline in attendance and TV ratings.
By reality
June 30, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
I would like to see a study done of every game played over the past ten years, from every team in the bigs. This study would simply compare payroll -vs- wins, on game by game. I know spending the most doesn’t mean you will win every game, obviously. I would like to see though, if you we could see stats on how often the bigger pay-roll wins games against smaller pay-roll over time. For example: If the bigger pay roll wins against the smaller pay roll 70% percent of the time (years), then it would pretty clearly show this: you have a very small chance of winning consistently over time with an inferior pay-roll. If the number is more like 50%, then it would show payroll truly is meaningless. Until we see such a study, we are just emotionally attached to opinions.
Keep in mind that the Yanks have (over time) had one of the highest pay-rolls…and strangely enough, have won about 25% of the World Series. That alone seems to be very serious evidence that payroll does indeed make a HUGE difference over time, though nothing guarantees victory EVERY time. Does anyone know if such a study exists?
By John Scott
June 30, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
Mark Bradley wrote:
“I never wrote that the Braves have the Mets’ number. Perhaps you have me confused with someone else.”
I did have you confused with someone else. Terence Moore wrote the article “Mets Still Have Tomahawks on Their Minds.” My mistake.
By Dale Murphy Rocks!
June 30, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this
Anti-homer, I think you mean the Falcons or Hawks are an embarassment, not the Braves. Keep your hatred to yourself. Mark Bradley, are you a Braves fan? If not, you should be reminded that you are in Braves country and tried and true Braves fans don’t want to hear your negative “assessment” of our team. I hope a Braves player turns the other way when he sees you coming. JW great comments! Us true Braves fans need to stick together and continue supporting our team! The rest of you can watch the Falcons or Hawks if you want to catch truly pitiful Atlanta teams. Leave the Braves alone!
By Jimbo
July 1, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this
Great piece Mark…Finally telling it like it is. Chipper will break down any secind. AJ is the biggest joke in baseball. An earlier entry here called him a first ballot hall of famer. What was that dope smoking.
Salty and Yunel are two exciting prospects and many want to give them away…again makes no sense.
Maybe there will be a miracle and Frenchy will get some plate intelligence.
This team will not compete for anything. Too many holes and not enough starting pitching
By wilroy
July 1, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this
After watching the Braves disintegrate against the Red Sox and Tigers, any person who knows anything about the game must realizes the Braves cannot compete in any meaningful way against really good teams. They can beat the Nationals and maybe the Marlins, but they will not finish above the Mets and will not have enough wins to be the wild card team. Their pitching is simply not good enough to go against really good hitters. Good teams have hitters who can hit even the Braves best pitchers, but the Braves hitters cannot hit the really good pitching of really good clubs. I’ve followed the Braves since they were in Boston, but I know from experience this present club will not perform a miracle and win the division. It’s fine to like your team and pull for them, but one has to be realistic enough to realize the pitching will not suddenly develop Cy Young type qualities and carry the Braves to victory. That is simply a realistic appraisal of the current team and its talents. We were spoiled by having three Cy Young pitchers on our club in Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz for so many years. It was the pitching that carried us to those fourteen divisional titles. Those three won seven Cy Young awared during the 1990s, six in Braves uniforms. That type talent is not available today, and is not likely to be again any time soon. Pull for your team, but be realistic and don’t expect pie in the sky. It isn’t going to happen.
By Anti-Homer
July 1, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this
Hey Stale Murphy …. I meant ALL Atlanta teams are an embarrassment to the city. The fans are just too ignorant to admit to the facts. They just keep trotting out the same crappy product year after year and the fans just say ‘Oh Well, here we go again ….’ Face it, this team has been sitting on the sidelines fro a long time now and there really is no light at the end of the tunnel. Fans that keep hooking their wagon to a loser, ARE LOSERS.
By Riddle
July 1, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this
What do Dale Murphy and Hank Aaron have in common ???? They were both shining lights on crappy teams and neither one of them would come out of the closet.
By nick
July 1, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this
you people are mind boggling. we went through a really rough spot. we did poorly against some really good teams. earlier in the season we beat up on the mets, the dodgers, and the padres. we have one more month like we had in April and we’re right back in the number one spot. quit your defeatist attitudes and look at the bright side. when we start salty at first we’ve got NO holes in the batting lineup apart from Andruw, but give the guy a flippin break. he’ll pull through. and to the guy who said that bobby cox isn’t shrewd - HAHAHAHAHAAA!!! best joke i’ve heard all day, you’re either a comedian or you are a dingleberry, and I’m leaning towards the latter in those two options
By gtfan
July 1, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this
While Bradley is a bandwagon jockey….. at least he didn’t bring the Rainbow Coalition into it. If this was Moore, the reason we would be losing is b/c we don’t have enough ‘African Americans’.
By Braves Fan 79
July 1, 2007 1:45 AM | Link to this
Anti-Homer: no man fans that keep hooking to the bandwagon are TRUE FANS! even when the Braves sucked in 88-90 i was a fan as a little kid. It seemed every game i went to they played the Dodgers and got KILLED! Since then theyve been my team…thru all the ups and downs. Thats a good trait dont u think…to support a team no matter what? fickle pple like you make me sick. If you hate atlanta so bad go move back to wherever your from. I guarntee that city dosent have a team that went to the postseason 14 years in a row. Go Braves, Go Falcons, …screw the hawks! they traded Nique to clipper land and i never got to watch him anymore. A loyalist to the end thats me. Im glad im a loyalist and not some little fairy b*** that jumps from team to team because there winning. Let me guess….u were a yankee fan….but for some reason your wearing a red sox cap this year….or tigers.
By Serbok
July 1, 2007 2:01 AM | Link to this
NICK Bobby IS NOT a shrewed manager!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He proves it nightly! Andrew batting 4th???????? VERY SHREWED! He and Bradley both have something in common tho? They both watch the games? BOBBY has been doing a little bit better than he has in the last 10 days or so in the season! This much I do Agree with! Chuck James IS a Good no.3!!!!!!!! Watch and see!
By nick
July 1, 2007 2:19 AM | Link to this
This just in!!!!! Liberty Media to fire Bobby Cox and to hire Serbok because Bobby Cox lacks shrewdness and has proven to be an inefficient manager whereas Serbok is exceedingly shrewd and has years of baseball managerial experience! Bobby Cox, due to his lack of shrewdess, has never won a single division title or pennant, whereas Serbok has continuously proven that he has the shrewdness to win many titles, pennants and chamionships! Sweet spelling job by the way my friend!
By Serbok
July 1, 2007 3:43 AM | Link to this
LOL Nick! Nice:o) Yeah~ I was thinknin maybe I was “shrewed? enuff” To get the shrew bayou? Fact of matter is~ Bobby has had the best players any mgr has ever had in recent memories and came up with 1 Ring:o( Do you Blog on DOB’s blog? If not` ya might wanna give it a look~ Much better blog~ better insight and more fun~
By JOhn
July 1, 2007 7:04 AM | Link to this
This column sums it up perfectly. They would be a good 3rd place team in the AL East. Just think where this team would be without Smoltz and Chipper Jones, for what they do both on and off the field. Aged ones can only go to the post for so long and without willingness to replace them with proven major league talent (spending major amounts of money) a fan of Atlanta had better get used to enjoying the regular season becasue a regular post season is suspect at best.
By ratbastardjf
July 1, 2007 7:16 AM | Link to this
Serbok, your comments are right on. Nuff said about this years team when looking back at past teams and their outcomes. What really needs to be said is “the Braves need to tip their caps to such faithful and gullible fans”.
By Chris
July 1, 2007 7:22 AM | Link to this
Thanks Mr. Bradley for one of the best posts I’ve read in this paper in quite a while. I couldn’t agree more with your thoughts! Payroll is THE number one thing holding this team back from winning a ton more divisions and even a couple more World Series titles.
By Justin
July 1, 2007 7:50 AM | Link to this
Mr. Bradley you are absolutely correct! I couldn’t agree with you more. The Braves are just your average, mediocre team. They most likely will not advance to the world series again this year (for the umpteenth time) The Braves are just an average team now, and they need to fire Bobby Cox!
By BRAVES FAN
July 1, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
The braves organization needs an overhaul at general manager and manager because their style of putting together a team is outdated they continue to disregard team speed and situational hitting. They were dumb to trade for Tim Hudson who pitches like a journeyman pitcher and dumb not to resign Rafael Furcal. For all the braves talk of pitching can anyone name a superstar stud position player or superstar stud pitcher the general manager has drafted into the braves so called great minor league farm system they have.
By John
July 1, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this
We are Winning!!! I lived throught the 701’s and 80’s.. I love seeing the new players now developing. Hopefully we won’t give them away like so many others, but lock them into long term contract like we did with McCann. Andrew has proven we can win without him (even though he plays every day) Let’s try a couple of games with Willie Harris in Center. How much will Andrew demand with this kind of Year. Get’m Dodgers
By Bill
July 1, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
I love how this article is written from the perspective that it is our god given right to have a team here in Atlanta that is near the top of the league in payroll.
Why would that be? What makes us more entitled that anyone else? Echo the comments of previous posters, let’s just be glad we’re not Kansas City or Pittsburgh.
“mid-market” teams can still get it done. It’s not like the Yankees are winning it every season.
By Richard T Hill Jr
July 1, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
You forgot to end your article with, “the Mets spend more money”. Damn, the truth hurts.
By Buy Low Sell High
July 1, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this
Some fans must work in the financial world. They want to buy low and sell high. IE, they overvalue their own stock (Braves) and undervalue everyone else’s. (rest of the division and baseball in general)
I’m not saying that the Braves can’t win the division, but they have to be close to perfect with what they have to work with. Some teams, like the Mets, can afford to have some stretches where they play below their peak level simply because they have better cards to play.
Good article, Bradley. You hit the nail on the head.
By Big Bad Bob
July 1, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
I think Mark Bradley’s analysis is right on. But I also think the blame lies not on the field or in the dugout, but rather, in the front office. John Scheerholtz (sp?) needs more help acquiring the right players than I need help spelling.
By Doug Brown
July 1, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
To operate successfully within a limited budget, the Braves should use the Brewers and Twins as its business model. Both are very successful with a team of home grown players. Forget about trading Salty or Escobar. As McCann said, they are future superstars.
By H_charles
July 1, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
Mark — Very well said. Probably the most accurate, well thought out synopsis of the Braves the AJC has produced in quite some time. This is reality, and all the fan anger, finger pointing, Bobby-bashing can’t change that. There are certainly exceptions to the rule that you need big money to win, but those are rare one-hit wonders. The teams continually in the hunt with real shots to win the WS are the big dollar squads. It is sad to see, and an injustice to Bobby, JS, and everyone else in this organization whose talent is being wasted due to insufficient funds.
This team should admired for what they accomplish on this budget, not bashed for their failings (except for Andruw — he is one of the few getting paid).
The fans who should be angry are those in Philly and NY. Whopper budgets and free agent superstars, yet the lowly Braves still nip at the heels.
By PaulinDuluth
July 1, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
Hmmm. Let’s seed: The Florida Marlins have been in the NL how many years? TWO WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIPS? Much small payroll than our Atlanta Braves? Management chaos and turmoil down there and still they put a competetive team on the field - even after trading much-sought-after players (look back who they have traded away), and they are only a few games behind the Braves at this point? Hell, look at the Devil Rays…could the Braves beat them time after time? Payroll money ain’t the answer people. Find some other excuse. Oh, yes, ownership problems also ain’t the problem 9see FL Marlins). Is it time to clean house and get a fresh start? No knock on Cox but in any other situation (both leagues) he would have been gone eons ago by now. No playoffs in 2007 so get over it.
By BRAVESFAN5114
July 1, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this
When the Braves win again, you will right there singing their praises. Why dont you go to New York with the better team? I cant understand why the AJC even wants a washed up, never was to print that trash.
By Jim
July 1, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
Wow……a negative, pessimistic column from Bradley….big friggin’ suprise.
The fact is things ain’t that bad. The Braves are loaded with talented young players, the new ownership will most likely raise the payroll a little (according to reports), and we still have the best management team in baseball.
Bradley, please move to NYC and relieve us of your stupid opinions!
By **billy g**
July 1, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
I don’t know when Hampton’s incredible contract expires…..I am hoping that it dies this offseason. Coupling that gain with the obvious dismissal of Andru, the Braves should have plenty of salary space to add a real starter.
BTW, what did the Smoltz extension cost?
By Lew
July 1, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
And yet the Mets had a 3-16 stretch last month. So much for lots better. I suppose we should just quit now and go home. Bradley has proclaimed it’s over. Kind of like Ronnie telling the Russians to tear down the wall. It’s over now. Break out the hammers.
By Jeff R
July 1, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
Bradley’s right. Budget counts. The Braves have a core of good young postion players (pitching is a differnet story), but management doesn’t have the dollars to add the talent to sustain a run for the division or the wild card. Today’d Braves are middling good and are depending on the Mets or the potential wild card contenders to falter. That’s not how it used to be.
$80 million annually in player payroll is about $20 million less than the team needs to be at the low end of truly competitive. No, it’s not all about money; it takes shrewd management to win divisions and make the World Series, but dollars do count. Ask Braves management if another $20 million a year wouldn’t make a difference.
By Ex-Southerner who escaped
July 1, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
All you dimwits that want him to “go back to New York” should remember—if it weren’t for the New Yorkers and others from the north, the population of Atlanta would be about 12 and most of those would would be high school dropouts. You southern rednecks are something else!
By Mike
July 1, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
I don’t think the Braves’ situation is nearly as dire as you depict. First of all, note the glut of talented position players—that indicates depth and trade bait. Secondly, as long as Bobby manages,and Smoltz pitches we have the veteran expertise to ride out the hard times.
I do, however, see changes acomin’. First I say play Salty at first base. The D will get better and the kid’s bat is great and will only get greater. Second, Escobar is my starting second basemen, and Kelly Johnson becomes the next Jeff Blauser. No way can we keep Escobar waiting until Chipper retires. Play him now all the time. Johnson is a talented outfield that could provide great reserve depth and rest to regulars in both outfield and infield. I don’t think it would be a stretch to see Kelly pick up the third base position. If he could, he would fill that utility player role that Blauser filled so well.
Third, either Diaz or Thorman and a prospect or two are trade bait for mid-level starter. Willie Harris stays in left and if Andrew is departing next year, he’s our CF. His speed and hustle are perfect for leadoff and sparking rallies.
By Mark Bradley, Doomsdayer
July 1, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
Great article, Bradley! A little more pessimism though would really help out, you know, maybe get a few more fans to the park!! I don’t think I have read one single article where you give this team a shot.
As much as the Mets have loaded up, we BEAT them. Head to head, Mark. In Atlanta, Mark. In New York, Mark. As ‘great’ as the Mets are, we still match up well against them. If we could just figure out how to beat the lame teams in this league, we wouldn’t be 4 games out.
By Pro-tonix
July 1, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
Good column, Mr. Bradley, and I am not normally a “Bradley fan”. But, this one was good and I agree with you 100%.
By Neil
July 1, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
Geez man you sound like a true fan. So what your saying is that because we failed to keep the streak alive we should tuck tail and go buy a Mets hat? Thats rubbish. A fan is a fan through tough times and bad, we all have eyes, we all see whats going on. How about you report some good news? I bet White Sox fans still pack the stands, how long did it take Boston to get back on top? SO what if we don’t win the east for a fewy ears or longer, we still have 2 H.O.F players to go see, a slew of young talent and the best skipper in the bigs. Salvation can come in the form is knocking the Mets out or beating the Padres. I am sick of you babies crying, no team stays on top forever and if your suggesting we stop cheering and rooting for one of the greatest franchises in all of sports your a damn nut! Maybe if you writers did your jobs we would still have true fans and not a bunch of gutless cowards. Your right throw in the towel we didn’t make the playoffs for once in my life.
By Batter Up
July 1, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
The Braves key players need to stop warming the benches. Escobar, Diaz, and Harris need much more play.
Wickman is a complete dork! And Bobby is an even bigger one for letting him take the mound. Wickman is supposed to ‘save’ games not let the other team catch up and end up losing.
BOOT WICKMAN, BOOT WICKMAN, BOOT WICKMAN, BOOT WICKMAN……. AND TAKE BOBBY W/ YOU
By jch
July 1, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
Thanks for putting so eloquently what I’ve been saying, or trying to say, over the past few months.
I’ve been a Braves fan since the Horner & Murphy days and will remain so but, I’m also realistic. The ‘07 Braves just aren’t good enough to contend for a title - not even a division title.
Our hopes are pinned on the same 3 guys we’ve had them pinned on for over a decade and a half! Well, 2 of them anyway, the other only for a decade or so.
Smoltz and Chipper are great, both certain HOF’ers but, they’re also in the twilight of their careers. Realistically, how much longer do we expect these guys to carry us? How much longer can we expect these guys to last?
All teams go through cycles of rebuilding - we’re in one now and have an excellent stable of talent to rebuild with.
Let’s get these guys on the field everyday, get them some PT and major league experience and start looking towards ‘08. Because, as the line-up stands now, ‘07 is over.
On the bright side, maybe getting a spark from Escobar, Salty and others will get them into the post-season.
By EF
July 1, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
Anyone with any sense could have seen this coming the day Ted Turner sold the team to Time Warner. Four times to the World Series while Ted had the team. None since he sold it.
By LivininAL
July 1, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
Teams don’t rebuild today…They rebuy.
By Mark Bradley
July 1, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
Let’s be clear on something: I actually think the Braves have gotten good value from the roster they have (especially considering Hampton hasn’t pitched and Andruw hasn’t hit). I just don’t think this is a playoff-type roster.
By rocketman
July 1, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
What a pessimist. True, the payroll is down bit that does not stop the Twins and the A’s of the world. We still are loaded with talent. The challenge for Cox and company is to get out of their laid back mold and fire people up. It was great to see Yates replace Wickman in the 9th. Maybe Andruw needs to sit down a few games, bat 8th or actually ENCOURAGE him to bunt the runners over a few times when he’s batting .199. God forbid, the Braves learn some fundamental baseball for potential post-season play. If every player spent 5 minutes watching how Renteria approaches an at bat we’d still be in first place right now.
By Drixie
July 1, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
Win or lose I will always be a Braves fan.
By N8
July 1, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
Nice article Mark.
Totally agree with you. We obviously have been the definition of mediocre (121-121) since the beginning of 2006.
Nothing wrong with that. It could go either way the rest of the year.
Do we have the talent to “turn it on” and catch the Mets, or steal the wild card? Absolutely.
Will that talent actually do anything about it to show the rest of MLB that we mean business?
That IS the million dollar question, now, isn’t it?
We’ll see. My guess is that we make a nice run of it, falling just short. But as long as we “tweak” the roster just enough to improve for this year, (with next year in mind as well), without sacrificing Salty and (or) Escobar, I’m OK with that.
Missing the playoffs this year, would NOT be the end of the world. Just so long as we finish strong, and the kids get a feel of what it’s like to be in the big leagues. So we (they) go into next year more prepared.
Let’s see what the kids do the rest of this year, assess it at the end, and let JS do what it is that he does in the offseason.
By Bo
July 1, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
Mark- I finally agree with you on something. The Braves are just the Braves and thats not a play-off team. The truth hurts…………
By BRAVESFAN5114
July 1, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
To “Ex-Southerner who escaped”. Glad you left. I only hope you took your father and brother with you. Oops, I forgot. they are the same person. And you probably would be here, except for the fact they have fast food restaurants in NYC.
By bubba3Baseball
July 1, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
Mark Bradley, how long did you think the winning streak was going to last?
Andrew isn’t hitting an probably won’t be there next year. Chipper is a great player like Ken Griffey when they are not hurt.
We have new owners but they have not released the money to acquire big name players, the payroll is still around 80mil. This team will be great when they learn to play as a team. The farm system needs to start developing pitchers, pitchers and more pitchers.
Would you rather have this team in transition or a team like the KC Royals or Pitt Pirates. How many teams have been in transition for years and have never made it to the playoffs. the Braves have a chance to make the playoff and WS but I feel no National League team will beat the American league this year. Their hitting is tooooo good.
By BRAVESFAN5114
July 1, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
I just saw your post MB. You are my pal again. Please dont take it the wrong way. I am a Braves fan to the end. I know it doesnt look good, but maybe we can find a way. The hardest part is watching the team you love, with half the team giving 100%, and the other half laughing it up when you are down by three in the ninth.
By Jack
July 1, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
The cure for most of the Braves problem is not going to happen, so the same old same old is going to keep on keeping on. Whats the cure ——Dump Cox. Pendelton and who ever the clown of a pitching coach is. I have been advocating this all year but this is the last time. The one that could make this happens is afraid of his own job—-JS.
By Joe
July 1, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
Omar Minaya….JUST SHUT UP!
Mark is totally correct on this topic. Poor ATL. We need some real ownership in here.
By MEB
July 1, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
The Mets, see, have better players. The Mets, see, have a better team.
Well… I see that Mark Bradley is entitled to his own opinion and he is in a position that allows him to express it to the masses. I certainly am looking forward to seeing him eat a little crow and humble pie at the end of the year. Mark, some IBC Root Beer will help cut through the bitter and nasty taste.
By Ripme
July 1, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
Todays line up SUCKS…Andrew clean up 197 ba. Bob Cox needs to retire..If I was the pitcher today I’d tell BC to stick it!!!!!No first base man, no lead off hitter, subs, subs and more subs, let it rain. sucks sucks sucks
By bravefansince54
July 1, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
I agree with your post. As a longtime Braves fan and baseball observer, I have seen things happen that all the experts missed - but these things happen rarely. At this point the 121-121 record seems to define where this team is at - but maybe not where it is going. I have seen some recent trends in the “pitching” and you add Salty, Escobar, and Harris to the mix, subtract Wilson, Langerhans, Redman, and, there is hope that the trend line moves to the (W) column. This is not a playoff year, it’s the beginning of a new team, and I like this team. (BTW Wickman’s gotta go!)
By Nelson
July 1, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
You know what, I agree with Mark also with JW, but the main thing is that we all love the Braves and I hope that everything will be better. I attended last night game here in Miami and it was a really good one! GO BRAVES! Nelson.
By jerry
July 1, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
Since when did a sportswriter or sportscaster have to be a fan of any team? Shouldn’t they just tell it like they see it? If you like your Braves sugar coated just listen to their announcers.
By JimK
July 1, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
Tell us something we don’t know, Mark.
Clear up Andruw’s “reasons unclear”. Or at least tell us what most opposing scouts think of Davies’ stuff, and Jo-Jo Reyes’ potential. Is there a pitch Carlyle tinkering with which could make him into a reliable starter?
In the age of the internet everyone has an opinion and access to obvious facts. Paid journalists need to be not merely pundits, but reporters.
By Knucksie
July 1, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
Mark, it’s easy to look backwards and see what has been, Monday morning quarterbacks are a dime a dozen, in fact I’m one myself. But shrewd assessors of talent are harder to come by. If your assessment is so keen why don’t you go out on a limb and make a prediction as to where you think the Braves will finish and if you are wrong, go ahead and eat your humble pie and admit that all you are is what everybody else is, an after the fact reactor. If you are right, hey, at least you may gain a little more respect.
By Steve
July 1, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
One thing to remember about the “great streak” is that only once during that streak was a World Series title included. I think the streak of great regular seasons followed by inevitible playoff failure eventually became “hum drum.” I’m all for struggles during the season that lead to excitement, not failure, in October.
By al
July 1, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
Mark, are you trying to win a race to see how many people in Atlanta you can get to hate you? That race was over a LONG time ago. Terence Moore won it by a landslide! However, you keep writing. The hate will pile up. I don’t even click on anything that TM writes. As of now, I’m doing the same to you! Why don’t you and Terence go try to make babies with each other.
By Braves Fan 79
July 1, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
Like ive said for months. Bobby giving woodward starts is killing this team! We finially have a decent bench now and Bobby continues to give woodcrap his weekly or twice a week start. BOBBY….its hard to win when u have 2 automatic outs in the lineup back to back! We could have bases loaded with 1 out and woodward and the pitcher come up back to back….and u just know the inning is over already. U know salty has to be fustrated getting on base all those times in the 7th hitter spot…for nothing. Woodward…the rally killer!!
By jdw
July 1, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
Is it just me… or does andruw too good to run any time he doesn’t hit the ball out of the park?? It makes me sick Thorman and Diaz make plays closer than Andruw
By Braves Fan 79
July 1, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
AHHHH…..im so glad i didnt give up on watching this game….good job escobar!!
By Braves Fan 79
July 1, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this
Ahh this sucks…bobby your loyal to a fault! why not bring in soriano??? wickman just hasnt been hot lately! PLAY YOUR HOT HAND!!!
By ken
July 1, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
i guess a ho hum sports writer deserves a ho hum team to cover. bradley is worse than ho hum. he should be covering the royals.
By chrisklob
July 1, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this
WOw, I’m shocked that AJ didn’t swing at that 0-2 slider off the plate. Must be a first for him.
By TebowDaMan
July 1, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
The Braves are the best team in Georgia including pro’s and college. No wonder they sell out games to the most boring sport. Not much success up there in Georgia . Go Gators. Joakim Noah. Chris Leak. Tim TEBOW. Billy D. Urban LEGEND.
By Coach (BRINGING THE WRECKING BALL)
July 1, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
Bradley , your assessment is right on the money. This a decent team , better than last season but not good enough to contend for a playoff spot. The Braves would do well to sell a high priced veteran in Wickman. They really don’t need him because they are not going to the playoffs and Wicky could bring some much needed help on the bench or a couple of young prospects. Soriano and Yates can hold down the closer spot just fine.
By Sir Stealth
July 1, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
Is there something so terrible about getting behind a team and rooting for it to win? Does it make you feel better if you say the team sucks and then things don’t work out? Might as well not follow a team with that attitude. Mark Bradley is just a columnist who can write his negative opinions all he wants, but there are plenty of “fans” out there that I’m ashamed to be associated with.
By Creetin
July 1, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this
The key is to keep Salty, Escobar, and Willie Harris in the lineup. Bobby, as good a manager as he is, is sometimes too loyal to veteran and bench players. Woodward, Kelly Johnson, Thorman, and Diaz should be playing much less. Though he is already doing this with Johnson, we need to play our hot players. Diaz is OK, but Willie Harris brings speed, defense, and clutch-hitting to the table. I am not a huge fan of this lefty v. lefty, righty v. righty mentality. I think that over the course of several games or several innings, our hot players are our hot players. Period.
Houston is gearing up for a huge fire sale. Let’s package Thorman and Johnson with another minor leaguer, perhaps Lillibridge, and go after Oswalt. I have read that Oswalt is willing to waive his no-trade clause to be sent to a contender. Seeing as he is from Mississippi, and the Braves having a pitching-rich tradition, I think Oswalt would be a good Brave. He reminds me of having the demeanor of Glavine, with the stuff of John Smoltz. And he is known as a fierce competitor. This might be the final piece to the championship puzzle.
If we keep the hot players in the lineup, and get a strong, veteran starter, I will feel very good about our chances.
By DAD
July 1, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this
Mark,
You are right on. I have stated many times that the Mets are a better team. They have such a powerful line up. The mets will walk away with the NL East this year with the Phillies beginning to fade. The Braves will soon be completely out of the NL East race. One more comment before I go. John Shueroltz is the most overrated GM in baseball. He gave a quality first baseman to the Pirates for a relief pitcher that will probably not pitch for the Braves again. He contines to make bonehead moves. He will probably give Salty and Escobar away for a wash up starter. He is the main reason that the Braves are 121-121 since 2006. If the Braves could get rid of JS, they might be able to turn things around.
By Matt
July 2, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this
DAD said:
“John Schuerholz is the most overrated GM in baseball”
DAD has proven by that one comment alone that he knows nothing about baseball.Please,DAD,never comment about baseball again,.
By Gayle Abbott
July 2, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this
Thank you MB. I’ve said all along that at best this is a .500 team. Please qualify your 14 extraordinary seasons by saying that only ONCE did the Braves win their last game - more mediocre than extraordinary.
Why can’t they simply accept that the “run” is over and retool? Why go through the pretense of making the playoffs? Did this team’s performance against the American League recently remind anyone here what it was like to watch this team in the World Series?
Andruw will be gone, Chipper should be a DH somewhere and Smoltz can begin covering himself in gold leaf for his statue. There is alot of good young talent on this team and if management would only stop pretending and start rebuilding it could be fun to watch this team again.