AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > August > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USYou can’t fool us, Bobby Cox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
New York — In his continuing quest to lead the majors in group hugs and downplay anything that might tempt an emotional ripple, Bobby Cox reacted accordingly Tuesday when asked about the significance of this series against the New York Mets.
“It’s like April,” he said. “It’s just a series. Every series is the same in my book.”
Yes, Bobby. It’s just a series. It’s April. It’s not August. That’s why your general manager just sent four prospects to Texas for Mark Teixeira. To make a statement for May. Cute.
Did the Braves clinch something Tuesday night? No.
Will anybody clinch anything this week? No.
But it was telling that when the Braves opened a three-game series against the Mets, it was difficult to tell who was leading whom in the division. It was 6-0 after, like, 10 minutes.
The Braves are closing, and the Mets know it. They had the better team on paper after the trade deadline last week, and they certainly had the better team on sod Tuesday. They won 7-3. They have won six of their past eight overall. They have drummed the Mets in seven of nine meetings since dropping one to New York, 11-1 … in April.
It is four months later. And, yes, the players realize that.
Told of Cox’s comments, Chipper Jones smiled.
“That’s prototypical Bobby.
“I think we’re a little more focused. We know whenever we play them we can gain ground.”
The second-place team has momentum. The first-place team looks like it’s on a hamster wheel.
Maybe you thought the Mets running away with things last year would start a trend. Now it looks like an aberration. They were inferior in every area: starting pitching, relief pitching, hitting, the defense (they turned three double-plays, negating a meaningless error).
A year ago, the Mets woke up with a 13-1/2 game lead over Philadelphia and 15-1/2 over the Braves. They were 23 games over .500 (67-44). The Mets were good. The fact the Braves’ bullpen resembled gasoline alley merely turned the deficit into something mutant.
But neither team bares much resemblance to those of last year. The Braves have a rebuilt bullpen (four relievers threw four shutout innings Tuesday) and probably their best lineup in a decade. They also now have a legitimate third starter in Buddy Carlyle, who has evolved from novelty act.
The rotation used to be: Tim Hudson, John Smoltz, then get smacked by a Winnebago. (Among the flattened: Kyle Davies, Mark Redman. Mike Hampton never made it out of spring.) Now look. Carlyle, with his seventh organization and not far removed from the Hanshin Tigers, is 7-3. He has only three fewer victories than Smoltz.
How important is Carlyle? “Well, you saw what happened with Redman,” said Cox, alluding to his 11.63 ERA.
The Mets have gone the other way. They are on their second hitting coach and third starting second baseman. They did nothing of significance before the trade deadline, unless you count this: On the same day the Braves acquired Teixeira, Dotel and Ron Mahay, New York put Carlos Beltran on the disabled list. That sure fired up the masses.
This was the teams’ first meeting since the Braves’ makeover. Paper spoke volumes. The Braves scored six earned runs in five innings against a pitcher (Oliver Perez) who had held them to three in 20-2/3 in three previous starts.
“It’s nice to get a little momentum,” Jones said. But he soon channeled his manager.
“What did we cut the lead to — 3-1/2 games,” he said. “It can be right back to 4-1/2 if we don’t play well [today]. In that sense, that’s why Bobby’s saying those things. When the clock strikes midnight, you flush it.”
It’s the right approach. But the flushing sound seems to be coming from the other clubhouse.
Permalink | Comments (46) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves / MLB, Jeff Schultz
Comments
By Chopping Anthony
August 8, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this
Whoo Buddy! It seems like over the past 10 games, the Braves trade has lit a fire under the three NL East contenders. They’ve all been playing with a lot more spirit. I just hope the Braves can continue to play quality baseball and pull it out. If we can get to the playoffs, I feel really good about this team. An ace at the top, four quality starters, decent bullpen, and a raking offense that doesn’t rely overwhelmingly on the HR? Sounds WS bound to me. Go Braves!
By Cameron
August 8, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this
Just hold on and see what happens! Everyone writer in New York was talking about how the Mets needed to make a statement tonight, and they didn’t. They will all be really harsh in tomorrow’s paper. But, the reality is just as well as the Braves have been playing so have the Mets. If the Braves take two out of three, tehy only gain a game. The Mets beat the teams they are supposed to, but the Braves play down to their competition. Wait to see if the Braves sweep the series or if they come within a game or a half game within first place.
By Jeff
August 8, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
How can I get video of that ridiculous catch Wickie made the other night? The one where he had to move laterally a few feet and ended up on his a@@. That play is a metaphor for the Braves bullpen and until they improve the Braves are wait and see.
By DAD
August 8, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this
Hold on Braves fans. You only won the first game in the series. The Rockies bopped John Smoltz around last Friday and so will the Mets tonite. The Braves will be back to 5 and 1/2 games behind the Mets by the end of Thursday. You Braves fans better get ready for an incredible run by the Mets after the series with the Braves. The Braves will only get a sniff of first place in the NL East and then fold like a newspaper as the Mets march to their second consecutive NL East title.
By scott
August 8, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this
I hate the Mets. And the Braves are clearly the better team. I love this lineups approach. They are not afraid to take pitches and wear down the pitcher.
By Hobbs
August 8, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this
Oh those Braves look delicious!!!
By Jeff
August 8, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this
To all the lippy New Yorkers who have settled in Atlanta: No matter what you’ve heard from friends, or read on the Internet, you are not welcome in Atlanta. The only value you bring to Atlanta is the fun we have laughing at your pathetic Mets and their long-standing losing ways. Say hello to second place…forever.
By Coach ( Hank Aaron Will Always Be My HR Champion)
August 8, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this
Jeff , I can appreciate your enthusiasm as much as the next Braves fan. This offense is dominant and I mean outstanding. The Braves clearly have the Mets number this season in head to head play. But , I caution you , this Braves team has much to prove. After this six game set is over , we will know much more about whether or not this talented bunch of 2007 Braves have the sand to stick in this race or not.
By Damon
August 8, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this
I definitely agree that Atlanta has some momentum, but don’t be so quick to say the Mets are heading down the toilet. The Metropolitans won series against Milwaukee and Chicago - both playoff contending teams. Before we jump on the Braves bandwagon, let’s remember that tomorrow’s game could be a complete 180 from tonight’s.
By Met Destroyer
August 8, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this
While winning the East would be preferable, just getting into the playoffs, even it’s as a wild card, would be fine. The Mets know they can’t beat us. If we match up with them in the LCS (which I could see happening since these are clearly the NL’s two best teams) we’d have to be heavy favorites.
By Chris
August 8, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this
Brewers and Cubs aren’t Braves.
And before Mets fans rattle off that tired “how many World Series did you win in 14 years?” nonsense, let me ask this:
When was the last time the Mets won the World Series?
Yeah, thought so.
By rupert
August 8, 2007 1:31 AM | Link to this
that sound you just heard was the braves b*** slapping the mets
By Mark
August 8, 2007 2:57 AM | Link to this
DAD and Damon, please shut up.
We all know that the Rockies knocked Smoltz around, but they have a better lineup than you guys do.
Damon we all know that your Mets beat the Cubs and the Brewers, but let’s be honest, the Brewers are going down and the Cubs were due to lose a series because they have been so hot.
We don’t care about your team. Our team has a winning record against every national league team. Can your guys say the same thing? Hell No!
I know you guys didn’t have Beltran, but we didn’t have Renteria who is just as valuable. Unlike the Mets, we have depth. (See Escobar, Diaz, and Harris)
The difference between the Braves and Mets is that our GM doesn’t go out and get superstars, but he knows how to build chemistry with veterans and youth. What should scare you Met fans is that Liberty Media is willing to spend more money to improve this team and we have a nucleus that will be around for a while. (see Kelly Johnson, Brian McCann, Francouer and Escobar) The Mets are sort of old and might not have too many more chances.
Your Mets might win the Division, but I know they don’t want us to win the wildcard because they don’t want to see us in the playoffs
By Chris
August 8, 2007 3:24 AM | Link to this
legitimate third starter in Buddy Carlyle…actually he is their fourth starter, but I kinda gotta agree with you Jeff that maybe he should be their third starter. James is a little rough after about three innings.
By hop
August 8, 2007 6:01 AM | Link to this
we still have a loooog way to go,but clearly the braves have made the moves that have strengthen their club for the run this year. will it be enough to make it to the playoffs, only time will tell.
By Daniel Yarbrough
August 8, 2007 7:06 AM | Link to this
“DAD” Your Mets continue to “Fold…like a cheap suit” everytime they play these Braves. Atlanta is 7-3 against your Mets this season… Home, away, it does not matter. 6-3 prior to the Braves upgrades. Atlanta will sweep the Mets condsidering the top two pitchers on our staff will be pitching games 2 & 3 of this series…but most importantly…. they’ll have plenty of run support. Something this line-up now gives them. I was watching the game last night on the YES Network NY Station and the announcers stated that the Braves had the best line-up from top to bottom in the NL and possibly PERIOD!!! They see the writing on the wall. Why don’t you? C’mon, you’re not an idiot… ???
By Jim
August 8, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this
DAD….you aren’t near as smart as my dad (you typical rude, obnoxious, dumba@@ yankee!) Go Braves! Thump the Muts!
By Stuart
August 8, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this
I know everyone is so jacked after the great win last night, but we need the next two and then we need to start putting inferior teams away, starting with the Phils. We may be better than the Mets, but they have done a better job of closing out weak teams. We have a chance to finish this thing if we play like we did last night against everybody else and not have meltdowns like the Houston game the other night.
By Jeff
August 8, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
The Mets will always at best be a 2nd place team… 2nd in the division and 2nd in NY.
By Chief Slapaho
August 8, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
Jeff is a sheethead. He is worse than the guys that blog Terrance Moore. He can only write a column trying to crack dry jokes the whole time. Never see him write an article of serious nature unless it is brother bashing. Jeff is a coward with a bad hair line, who does not enjoy covering sports and atheletes only making fun of. By the way, you are not funny only your picture is.
By Tami
August 8, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
The Braves’ fan in me wants to get as excited as possible & proclaim a division title victory already. However….yes…there’s always a “however” or a “but”….the Braves still have to play the games. The best they can come out with in this head-to-head series with the Mets is within 1 1/2 games of the division lead, and that’s if they SWEEP the series. They still have to play an equally hot Phillies team right after this series, and could easily find themselves right back at 3-4 1/2 games behind the Mets/Phillies for the division lead if they get lax in their team performance.
Don’t get me wrong: I like the Braves’ chances a lot. The NL East is quickly turning into a bonafide division race, probably the more exciting & intriguing race in the majors right now. I just hope the Bravos can pull it out and win the division. I’d love to see how deep they then could go in the playoffs (it’ll be nice to get out of the first round for a change….).
But for now, I think I’ll sit back & enjoy this division race and see what happens. It’s going to be a fun August & September.
By AthensBrave
August 8, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
Easy Schultz and others,
We’re still 3.5 out. Lets not get over our heads and pronouce the Braves NL east champs yet. There is a lot of baseball to play.
GO BRAVES
By Ron H
August 8, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
Hey all, let’s keep in mind that the METS are in first place right now for a reason. So they can’t beat us, but they’re beating everyone else. We only have 8 games left with them (and 9 with PHILLY) and it’s going to be a battle to the very last series (against the Astros). While i think it’s important to make a statement by beating the METS and PHILLIES, we still need to CONSISTENTLY beat the other teams (that’s aprox 30 other games, or 10 other series).
Let’s hope that this road trip starts that trend!
Gooo Braves!
By Braves Mom
August 8, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
Let’s get the ball rolling on this: when Bonds is at bat when the Giants come to town everyone in the stadium stand and turn your back to the playing field. No boos, no cheers just our backs and dead silence.
By Alex
August 8, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
You don’t win the division or the wild card in August, so let’s not celebrate just yet. Still got a game tonight and tomorrow afternoon to win. Braves need to sweep this series to make a statement. Take it one game at a time. The best thing about the Braves beating the Muts right now, is shutting up the most obnoxious, arrogant, annoying fans in the world…oh no wait, at least Yankee’s fans have something to brag about, unlike their counterparts from Queens!
Here’s to hoping John Smoltz pitches like the gamer that he is and the offense puts up some more runs! Beat the Muts, Step right up and Beat the Muts!
By Colin
August 8, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
We have a real good chance of sweeping and atleast 2/3 Smoltz and Huddy wow what a combo to end the series w/ a sweep.GO BRAVES!!!Anyone else sick of hearing the name Barry Bonds i kinda wish he would just go away.
By Matthew
August 8, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
why is Francour batting 6th? Can we switch him and Andruw please?
By jay
August 8, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
Does any one know how lon is Edgar gonna be out?
By Koz
August 8, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
Buddy Ball!!!
By Chris
August 8, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
I hate Barry Bonds. Because of him, and my hatred for him, I have not watched SportsCenter, Mike & Mike in the morning, or ESPNews the last 3 days. I didn’t want to see coverage of his punk a$$, so now I’ve been deprived of 70% of my daily TV viewing.
Thanks a lot, dic*head.
By drixie
August 8, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
Hey Mets: Who’s your Buddy?
By DD
August 8, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Go back to New York DAD!
Win 14 in a row then pop off!!
Hank Aaron will always be everyone’s HR King, but there will never be as complete of a ball player the “The Babe” No room for discussion until someone comes by hits 700+ HR’s wins 96 games (3x 20 game winner) and still holds hitting AND pitching records over 70 years since he wore a unitform.
By Chris
August 8, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
Take it another step, Matthew:
Frenchy 5, McCann 6, Andruw 7.
Although the argument can be made that Francoeur’s performance has been because of his slot in the batting order, I really would like to see him behind Tex. That’s scary.
By Colin
August 8, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this
DAD
Im pretty sure the last time the Muts won anything twice in a row well…As i check on wikipedia the MUTS havent wont back to back division titles. That goes back to 1969 and luckily the Braves were in the West or we woulda been kickin your a back then to. And as for the 5 1/2 lead haha all you Muts fans are banking on Pedro to do anything, sorry to tell ya he is jus an average pitcher. Im pretty sure when you think Orlando and John Maine are your saviors for this series get a grip man.**
By Arkansas Braves fan
August 8, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
To me,Frenchy is quickly becoming the Dale Murphy of this franchise. In terms of his class and how well he is liked in Atlanta, the kid is a star. I have followed the Braves very close since 82. Dale Murphy was the Braves during the 80’s and even though the team was awful, you couldn’t help but appreciate Murph.Chipper has been my favorite since he’s been with Braves, but Frenchy is now Mr. Brave to me. He wears my favorite number,plays everyday(like Murph),clutch,wears a cannon on his right arm,and does it all with a Little kid like grin. When Frenchy came up in the 10th On Sunday, I told my wife if had to depend on one person to get a hit to save my life, I would choose Francouer. Of course as soon as I said that he doubled to left field.
By sammy miller
August 8, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
The Muts are trembling in their pants!
By BravesFanSince1965
August 8, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
I like Alex’s words, something like “Braves need to sweep this series to make a statement.” OK, Atlanta’s ready for the sweep!
By saxbob
August 8, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
phillies still hanging around too. if they can keep from losing anymore players and get the key ones back we’re going to see some fun ball in this part of the league. go braves, but not in filthydelphia.
By TheSouthernJackAss
August 8, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this
I don’t believe what the Mets are doing in their pants is called…”trembling”!…
By Bill
August 8, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
Why is Andrew in the line-up,he is a libability to the team /bench HIM.
By Dad
August 8, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
Your silence is deafening
By Kenny
August 9, 2007 7:10 AM | Link to this
Things ARE REALLY QUIET in here. Bags loaded. No out. Go home empty handed. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Love you guys, I really do.
By Mr.Met
August 9, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
That flushing sound you hear is the Brave season going down the toilet. Nice job in the 9th inning Andruw! By the end of the weekend Los Bravos will be solidly entrenched in 2008.
By Evan Bartell
August 9, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
Is this writer serious? Talk all you want about NY but at least the writers are fair and balanced, if not more harsh towards the NY teams. Does Ted Turner own this awful newspaper too? What a joke….
By Tennille Dawg
August 9, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
Soriano is killing us!! I literally turn the TV away from the Braves when he takes over on the mound. I’m tired of seeing him give up home runs to wipe out leads he inherits. His first half of the season dosen’t justify his lack of production on the mound now. We’re in a pennant race for crying out loud! He is KILLING US!!!
By Tennille Dawg
August 9, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Number 1: Place Andruw on The DL because he is injured between his ears. Perhaps after 14 days he would be “healed” and rejuvenated. Number 2: Option “Sorry-ano” to Class A and tell him to get ready for Spring Training ‘08. Number 3: Pray that Renteria is a very fast healer, and he comes back not missing a beat. In the long ago words of Milo Hamilton: “We got to go get ‘em Braves”!