AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > August > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USMcKeon: It’s not the Braves’ year
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
Although Jack McKeon is wrong about the next king of the National League East, the accomplished manager of yore is right about everything else along the way to the divisional throne.
I mean, with apologies to McKeon, the Braves will overcome Andruw Jones’ microscopic batting average. They will survive the significant holes on their pitching staff. They will discover ways to have as much energy in the division against the little boys of Florida and Washington as they do against the big boys of New York and Philadelphia. They will return tonight to Turner Field against the San Francisco Giants after splitting six games on the road with the Mets and the Phillies to sharpen their focus for the stretch drive.
They will win the division.
“You know, I got to say that you’ve got to lean toward the Mets, and I like to think that the underdogs are the Phillies and the Braves,” said McKeon, 76, in his second year of semi-retirement in Elon, N.C., after leading Florida to three of its four winning seasons, including a world championship. Since the early 1970s, there also were managerial stints for McKeon in Kansas City, Oakland, San Diego and Cincinnati. He spent a decade with the Padres becoming “Trader Jack” as their general manager. Even now, as a special adviser to the Marlins with hopes of managing again, McKeon watches an average of “three to four” baseball games per day on television between puffs on his omnipresent cigars.
So, except for that logical but wrongheaded thinking involving the Mets as NL East favorites, McKeon knows what he’s talking about. For instance: He knows the key player for the Braves the rest of the way isn’t exactly Martin Prado.
It’s Jones.
The other one.
“Yeah, they’ve got to keep Chipper healthy, because you can see a big difference in that ballclub when he’s not in there,” McKeon said of the Braves’ third baseman with the NL’s third-best batting average (.337) to complement his mostly clutch 19 home runs and 66 RBIs. He also is second in the league in on-base percentage (.428) and third in slugging percentage (.596). That said, the most significant numbers for Jones are “52-14,” which is the Braves’ record when their frequently aching slugger is in the lineup, and “10-14,” which is their record otherwise.
Added McKeon, “You put Chipper in the class with Barry Bonds. Then you put him up there with people in the past like Thurman Munson, Joe Carter. Guys that, when things get tough for your club, they always seem to be able to rise to the occasion. Chipper has done that kind of damage to me enough. He’s a real professional. He’s a money player.”
He’s also a member of the Braves’ veteran quartet of Bobby Cox, John Smoltz and Andruw Jones when it comes to pressure in division races. It’s a veteran quartet that will help the Braves conquer the Mets despite that little fact: The Mets are better, but only by a Billy Wagner.
Other than Wagner’s closing prowess, the Mets’ pitching is flawed, especially without injured Pedro Martinez for maybe the rest of the season. It’s just that the Mets are slightly less flawed on the mound than a Braves bunch that has mighty questions at the end of its starting rotation and throughout its bullpen.
As for the potent everyday lineups of both teams, it’s about whether you prefer baseball’s version of chicken or fish after the Braves acquired Mark Teixeira to make Chipper Jones even more frightening to opponents.
“You really can’t leave out the Phillies, because even though they don’t quite have the pitching with all of their injuries, they’ve always been a team that has had the talent but has never seemed to be able to put it all together,” McKeon said. “You know, with those three teams going at it, I just think it’s going to be a nailbiting time for everybody during the next six weeks.”
Two words: wild card. Not a bad consolation prize for the Braves, Mets or Phillies. McKeon’s Marlins were one in 2003, and they won it all.
Permalink | Comments (83) | Categories: Braves / MLB, Terence Moore
Comments
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By oasisbraves
August 13, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
The Braves need to put Andruw on the DL until the last few weeks of the season.
GO BRAVES!
By woodie
August 13, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this
Bo Graves!
By BosnianBaller
August 13, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this
I think we can win the division but winning the wildcard would be a more realistic thought considering the padres are currently first and their hitting is horrible. As for 08 andruw is gone and JS has to trade edgar renteria for a starter.
By Ken Gunn
August 13, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this
I bet if Andruw Jones were about 7-8 years younger he would not be playing everyday. Not with a .213 batting average & Andruw publicly stating he can not swing the bat without pain. Come on Bobby sit Andruw & play Diaz & Harris everyday. I think the Braves will be a much better team with Andruw not playing every day.
Pete
By Chief Nokahoma
August 13, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
We need Andrew healthy and at his best. Maybe it would be good to sit him down for a while and let that cranky elbow heal. With Harris in center and Diaz in left, I think we can hold our own until Andrew can get back to 100%. In days of old, we didn’t have the luxury to sit AJ down, but now we do. It could only help the team down the stretch and in October when will need the man who hit 50 homers.
By tyger
August 13, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this
I agree that Andruw does need to sit out this week. He’s known for being an Ironman and playing thru injury, unlike Chippie Jones, but it appears he’s hurting himself and the team now.
Just do like Chippie, string together a few good games and shut it down. Preserve your stats and ride them to fame and fortune. People forget this is his 1st full season in four years.
And more importantly, despite a down year, Andruw still leads the team in HRs and RBIs.
So shut it down for a week Andruw and let Chippie and Tex show their worth. I guarantee we’ll be outta the race by the time you come back.
By Jeroen Jansen
August 13, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this
By Jeroen,(Curacao)
What about AJ today MRI results?
By dadgum
August 13, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this
Hey Terrance get a freaking clue…the main cog is Renteria. Without him the Braves have NO CHANCE. Unless I missed something you never mentioned Renteria anywhere in your article. One of the top 10 players right now in the NL. Guess you can overcome him pretty easy, huh.
By stew
August 13, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
Andruw is and always will be the greatest player in the history of the game! We can not afford to lose him. Was Dimaggio better than Andruw? No way Joltin Joe makes the same plays. Same goes for Willie. Slendid Splinter,sorry. Stan the Man. the Babe was a fat pig. A-Rod no thanks. Andruw’s play in CF dominates. I repeat ANDRUW IS THE GREATEST PLAYER IN THE HISTORY OF THE GAME. ANDRUW IS THE GREATEST PLAYER IN THE HISTORY OF THE GAME. ANDRUW IS THE GREATEST PLAYER IN THE HISTORY OF THE GAME…DON’T FORGET IT!
By D-Cider
August 13, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this
I really don’t know why you are picking the Braves to win the Division, since they haven’t done anything but play .500 ball since they were 7-1 in April. But, at least you’re not ranting about Vick. Still looking forward to reading your obituary, pal.. Also, the Marlins won it all twice as the wild card team and that is twice as many WS titles that the A-Braves have.
By rocketman
August 13, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this
Braves won’t win anything when they keep running Marvin Freeman out there. Oops. I mean Soriano.
By Chief Who?
August 13, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this
I’m the Chief so you can’t be. Why are you using my name? Andruw hasn’t been 100% all year, why do you believe he will be in next 6 weeks? To bad JS didn’t trade him last year when he could have got something for him besides a 200 ba.
By Bob Montag
August 13, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
A. Jones is bad joke this year!
By Bob Montag
August 13, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
A. Jones is bad joke this year!
By Caveman
August 13, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
Braves win the Series in a Sweep!!
By Caveman
August 13, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
blah blah blah blah
By evan friedman
August 13, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this
all of the braves to to sit back and pop and a boner
By Larry
August 13, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
The Braves are burdened with the dumbest manager in the game and will not make the playoffs. Only Bobby Cox would allow Andruw to bat 4th the first four months of the season despite the worse batting average among regulars in all of baseball.
Cox is 1-15 (including Toronto) in the last game of the postseason. This record is not a coincidence. This record is evidence of the worst situational, in-game manager in the history of the game.
By BirdMahn
August 13, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
Hey tyger,
If you don’t realize what a good player Chipper is, you’re most clueless person in A-town. I guess you know more about a players’ abilities than Jack McKeon or all the others in baseball who have praised Chipper’s talents over the years. Yeah right, you’re smarter than those guys. Fact is, my dog knows more about baseball than you do! Have a good evening.
By Bill Heller
August 13, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
The Braves WON’T MAKE the playoffs. Why? Bobby Cox. They have lived by his sword for many great years, but soon they will die by it. Though not a terrible manager this year, his constant shuffling of the lineup (Prado for Johnson last night) and misplaced loyalties (Andruw Jones at cleanup until recently, Soriano as setup man) continue to cost this club games they cannot spare.
By NASCARfan
August 13, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
The only thing Andruw Jones does under pressure is fold like cheap laundry.
And I’m not just talking about this year. I’m talking about his whole career.
How many games, playoff games, or even playoff series can y’all remember which have ended with the tying runs on base and with Andruw at the plate?
I know I remember MANY times in which that has happened.
He sucks. He’s always been, at best, half of a real ballplayer. And it’s his own selfish, stubborn fault for refusing to be coached. He’s uncoachable and selfish. I’ll be more than happy when he’s gone.
By A.J.
August 13, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
I’m Andruw Jones, and I want to play!! I’m the best centerfielder of all time!!
By BRAVER
August 13, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
AJ WON GAME SIX THAT CLINCHED ONE OF THE GREATEST NLCS GAMES EVER PLAYED. HE DREW A BASES LOADED WALK AGAINST KENNY ROGERS & THE METS WITH THE BASES LOADED IN THE 13TH INNING. RIPLEY’S BELEIVE IT OR NOT. CHIPPER RAKES DAY IN & DAY OUT NO DOUBT. BRAVES LOOK LIKE WILD CARD AT BEST. IF WE CAN GET INTO THE POST SEASON WE ARE DAMN SURE DUE. BC BEING 1 & 15 IN THE LAST GAME OF OCTOBER, IS IT COINCIDENCE?
By Kentavo
August 13, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
Terrence chech your stats, there’s no way this is possible:
That said, the most significant numbers for Jones are 52-14,
By Jerry
August 13, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this
Larry and Bill are positively correct. When the Braves win it is in spite of Bobby. Every time they get the line up clicking he pulls someone who is hitting and sticks in a Woodward or Prado. As for managing his bullpen does anyone remember Charlie Liebrandt in 91? Enough said.
By Kentavo
August 13, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait until Bobby and Andruw ride off into the sunset together - that’s when we’ll win a World Series, with both of those chokers gone.
By gotigers72
August 13, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
The Braves need a significant streak. They haven’t had one this year, as they did during all of those wonderful years when they were winning divisions. I’m talking a 10 gamer, 12 of 14, 15 of 18, something really significant. It’s getting a little late for a streak like that now.
Two main reasons for not having such a streak this year. 1 - The Black Hole, also known as the 5th spot in the starting rotation. Filled through the year with the Kyle Davies, Mark Redmans, Jo Jo Reyes. Lance Cormiers, etc. That spot has lost as many games as the other 4 starters TOGETHER. Winning at a Tampa Bay Devil Ray like 40%, you can’t keep a streak going with that big a hole in the rotation. 2 - I’m a Bobby Cox fan, always have been, but his keeping Andruw in the cleanup spot is another major reason for a streak not being possible. Keeping a guy that’s hitting below .220 in the 4 hole day after day after day. Sure he has 74 RBIs, but hitting behind those on base demons Chipper and Edgar, he should have 104. Ask me who should have been there and I say anybody else in the starting lineup. Andruw is THE WORST on the team at hitting with RISP. The WORST. So anybody else would have been better. If Teixeira had been there all year, I guarantee he’d have 100 ribbies by now. Yet Bobby continued to leave him there and become Mr. Rally Killer. I’ll never understand Bobby doing that. But that’s taken care of now, so if the 5th starting spot could find room for just 2-3 good starts in a row, a streak is still a possibility.
By lee
August 13, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
hey stew you’ve been in the juice too much. A Rod, Jeter, Chipper, Murphy, just 4 players that are/were better than Andruw. He may be one of the best 5 center fielders ever. but lol, never the best player!!
By Bearcat (BC)
August 13, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this
BC how could you go wrong with Jeff “I dare you to run on me” Francoeur in centerfield flanked by Diaz in RF and Willie “always hustling” Harris in LF, you might pull out at least 1 more win per week in those close tight ballgames you will have the rest of the season and let Andruw Jones ride the PINE. If he is really hurt and can’t work, let him advertise for AFLAC. He is not a TEAM MAN these days… He is only for Andruw Jones and his best days are behind him. He is not SMART enough to figure it out. But if BC is smart enough to play without AJ, he would be the genius we have always known and loved and would definitely have the BRAVES playing into October.
By buzz
August 13, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox is so loyal to his veterans, but if he keeps Andrew in the lineup, the Braves will NOT make the playoffs. Willie Harris needs to start and the Braves need to put Andrew on the DL and hope he can join the team (and be productive) during the stretch. During Sunday’s Phillie game, one hit by Andrew could have made the difference in the game …
By P from ATL
August 13, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this
Hey Terrence!
I rarely say this to ya but NICE ARTICLE! I enjoyed the optimism that you showed supporting your hometown Braves without once mentioning race, as you normally do! Way to go! Keep writing like this and you will have way more readers! Me for one….
P
By Salty Dawg
August 13, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this
Good column TM. Not sure the Braves can make the post season with Andruw in the lineup given his average. Cox could sit him but, gosh, that would make sense.
By Patrick
August 13, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this
HEY TYGER
Check your stats! Actually you are wrong….Francouer leads the team in RBIs.
Andruw does lead the team in HRs, but I’ll give you one guess what other category he leads the team in….
Thats right! STRIKE OUTS! 112. 25 more then the next highest person.
By bravesdude
August 14, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this
Tyger
I am assuming you must be Scott Boras…no one on the planet would actually take the time to say anything like that about Andruw Jones other than Boras. I dont even know where to begin other than YOU MUST BE OUT OF YOUR MIND!!!
Andruw is the top DEFENSIVE outfielder of the last 10 years….but no where near the total packgae of Griffey Jr….who, if he had remained healthy would be approaching Bond-Aaron in homers.Not to mention Andruw would have not received all those consecutive gold gloves. Ichiro is building HOF #s in a big way…..Tori Hunter is the heir apparent and my personal pick for best current ALL-AROUND center fielder in the game.
As for Chipper…..Probably the #2 3rd baseman in the game now and i would say already in the top 5 of all time -#3 switch hitter of all time….you made some real doozies here….this is where i knew you must be Boras….only a fool would speak so highly of Andruw and in the next paragraph throw some stupid bile out there about Chipper.
Andruw has always been a liability to the Braves offense…only gets big hits when it doesnt matter…few exceptions.
Chipper on the other hand is clutch…just ask the Mets or read what an opposing manager has to say….but please-please-please do not spew such useless bile on this Blog.
We all know its you Mr. Boras….do what you can to prop up Andruw…earn your money cus God knows after this season, Andruw has surely cost himself at least 60 million which is a mere 6 million loss for you!!! Dont worry Tex wil get it back for you next year….his day is coming…just be nice and cut us a good deal or who knows what hell end up costin ya next year!!
Good Day!
By Scott
August 14, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this
To anyone who tries to rip Chipper, are you insane? The guy is third in average and second in OPS. Only Bonds has a higher OPS and that’s because no one wants to pitch to him.
And all you internet tough guys writing racist comments, you should be ashamed.
By GoATL
August 14, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this
I think the only people who comment on these blogs are negative people who would complain if someone crapped in their lunch box. If they Braves won the World Series….yall would complain because the fireworks didn’t last long enough. Where are the diehards?….and I dont want one person to say “atlanta has no die-hards” because I know better than that.
By jbutler
August 14, 2007 1:25 AM | Link to this
Hey Paul…nice. Very nice. Hide behind your computer w/your pitiful comments. Good riddance.
By George "Boston Brave" Spitz
August 14, 2007 2:23 AM | Link to this
Matt Diaz and Willie Harris are worthy of playing every day. Matt hits righthanded better than lefthanded pitchers. Willie Harris can probably hit for a better average against lefthanders that Andrew Jones has now and is likely to have through the rest of the year. If we had either Matt or Willie, the Boston Braves would have won the pennant in 1933, their only between the wars challenge.
If the Boston papers had a “tell it like it is” sports writer like Terrence Moore, the team might have signed a Negro League player, which would have put them over the top in the 1933 pennant race and maybe in a few other years before Branch Rickey signed Jackie Robinson.
By Marc
August 14, 2007 7:16 AM | Link to this
Stew… No offense, but Andruw is not the greatest player ever in the game - he’s not even in the top 10.
By john
August 14, 2007 7:55 AM | Link to this
moore - you stink baddddddd
By tyler
August 14, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this
couple of comments: tyger is stupid, please pay him no attention! Paul, don’t start using racial slurs on here, they are not needed and it makes you sound ignorant. And I agree, probably the first good article I have ever read from Mr. Terence Moore. Chipper is key along with our back of rotation. Also, we desperately need Ed Renteria in there too. He might be our all around best hitter on the team (tie with Chipper). Tyger, you suck! I wish I could meet you in person so I could kick your a*, punk!!
By jerry
August 14, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this
On just about every at bat, Andruw Jones swings at-and misses- pitches that are nowhere near being strikes. What the f—k has that got to do with a bad elbow-if he even has one?
By P-Town Brave
August 14, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
andrew needs to go on the dl for 15 days so he can rest his elbow; it will make him an asset down the stretch instead of the liability he has become.
By Soul Man
August 14, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this
Heading into Tuesday’s game with the Giants, the Braves are 52-42 with Chipper, 10-14 without him.
By Kelley
August 14, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
Good article. I agree totally.
Frankly, I’m appalled at some of the things allowed to be posted on this blog though. Racial slurs? I’m surprised at the level of ignorance that still exists today.
The biggest advantage the Braves have is if it comes down to them or the Mets at the end of the season, the Mets just can’t beat the Braves and that will play in the Braves’ favor in the last head to head series between the two teams.
Hopefully, Renteria will come back playing like he has all season. Some pitchers have got to step up and get the job done.
More than anything, never, ever, count out a Bobby Cox team.
Personally, I look forward to a pennant race this year. Last year, the Braves weren’t even in it and for years before the Braves didn’t have any competition. It will be fun to see it come down to the last day of the season for a change. I have confidence that my boys will be there in October this year, right where they belong.
By KC
August 14, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
The Cardinals didn’t have all the tools last year. The 2001 D-Backs strike me as a very similar team to this year’s Braves squad… 2 dominant aces at the top, and - at best - slightly above average at the 3/4 slots in the rotation.
The difference is that this Braves team has a better offense than that D-Backs team, and Wickman is more reliable that BY Kim was for them in 2001.
This team definitely has a good chance of making the playoffs. And once they’re there (assuming they do make it there)… they’ve got an excellent shot as long as Smoltz is healthy enough.
By David
August 14, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
Terence Moore is nothing short of an unabashed homer. He’s been kissing the Braves’ rear ends since the Aaron days, and that includes the days when Redneck America’s Team drew about 5,000 fans to that donut dump. Redneck America’s Team will not make the playoffs, and if they do, they will be three and out like the chokers they truly are.
By Bigmuddy
August 14, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
The Mets secret weapon—Andrew Jones!!!!
By yellowblood
August 14, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
By TomahawkSlinginInDC
August 14, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
I’m just in disbelief by all the Andruw Jones defense, I mean seriously, people are riding Chipper’s back about injuries but don’t the numbers show that even when he’s hurt he’s STILL BETTER THAN ANDRUW Now don’t get me wrong, I love Andruw, love his defensive skills, even if I had a rocket under my skirt I wouldn’t underestimate that man’s arm- but his bat, thats another story. I think even I can do better than him in batting, his average is just a straight P3, p*ss-poor-pathetic, and it hasn’t got a thing to do with his elbow; just his swing.
By Luke
August 14, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
13 of next 16 games are against below .500 ball clubs. If the Braves take care of business and win 11 they’ll be 73-61 going into the Mets series. That will become the most important series of the year up to that point. Mark your calender Spetember 2, The Braves will have their first lead in the division since May.
By ebineezer
August 14, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
How can you write an article about the Braves this year and leave Edgar out. From day one this season he has been Mr. Clutch for the Braves. Chipper is/has been great this year but it has been Edgar that has been carring the team. If Andrew has to play, move him down to 8th in the batting order. I could not believe Bobby had Prado in for Johnson in the final game against Philidelphia. Put the best on the field. Every game is critical. Does Bobby not feel a sence of urgency?
By brad in KY
August 14, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
The Braves and Mets are just about even except for the pitching issues TM mentions. The problem is that the Mets are already in first by a few games which means the Braves have to outplay them by 4 games the rest of the way to win the division. I guess I have a hard time imagining them doing that so long as Chuck, Carlyle, and Cormier are at the end of the rotation. 3 C’s. 3 average (at best) pitchers.
By humbug
August 14, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
I agree with Mckeon. Look at this past road trip. The Mets offered the Braves first place. The Braves said “No, thanks”. The Plillies then offered the Braves first place. The Braves again said, “No, thanks”. The needed fire and desire is just not there. I think third place is their best chance.
By Earl Brown
August 14, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
I think Bobby Cox should step aside and let Roger McDowel be field manager
By Phil
August 14, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
Soriano, Andruw and that moron Bobby Cox will keep us from winning the division and maybe even the wildcard. What does Cox do against the Phiilies?? The same idiotic move he made against the Mets by bringing in Soriano in the 8th inning. Thank goodness we had a 3 run lead in that game when gave up his usual home run. But this shows Cox’s stupidity. And Andruw killed us against the Phillies. Runners in scoring positions and he’s swinging at balls in the dirt. Willie Harris needs to be in center field and Andruw needs to take a seat.
By northgeorgiabravesfan
August 14, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
the braves are going to be fun to watch the rest of the year.GO BRAVES.
By He could be back, but not here
August 14, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
If Vick pleads guilty, he does at most a year in prison, likely less. Goodell suspends him for the season and he’s back in the league next season. But not for the Falcons. Blank has let Vick burn him enough.
By humbug
August 14, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
Ref the 1007 post by AJ. I agree that he is a great center fielder but the Braves need his bat too. Making catches does not off set the fact that he loses many games by refusing to be a batter. We once looked forward to his bat but now one of the worst things that can happen is having him come to the plate with runners in scoring position. He automatically strikes out or hits a slow roller straight to an infielder. Then he has the audacity to smile and laugh about it. He has disgusted most fans by that act alone.
By Brian
August 14, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
Andruw is the best centerfielder of all time. He’s going to hit 30hr and 100rbi and he’s batting 5 or 6 or 7 in the lineup now. Anybody who says bench him is at least a poor baseball fan and at worst a mouthbreather. Bobby Cox is in the top five managers all time and all of you that think he is stupid should go watch the x games with people who have similar iq levels to yourself. You are the same people doing the wave at the park.Stop it your embarrassing the real Braves fans!
By bravesdude
August 14, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
Tyger My 12:18 blog should have been directed to Stew and not yourself. many apologies….
By JIM LANHAM
August 14, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
HELL YEAH THEY WILL WIN THE DIVISION.I M A BRAVES FAN FROM CHICAGO.I DONT BELIEVE MY TEAM WILL WIN THE DIVISION,I DONT HOPE THEY WIN, THE DIFFERENCE IS I KNOW THEY WILL WIN(UNLIKE THESE JACKASS CUBS FANS WITH THEIR DUMB LITTLE SIGNS AND SAYINGS) YOU ARE NOW MY FAVORITE NEWSPAPER WRITER.KEEP IT UP DUDE!
By brian pitts
August 14, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
terence, i personally enjoy your stories, and this is another good one. keep up the good work.
By Matthew Sanders
August 14, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Um, “ain’t got”??
By Erik
August 14, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
That would make their record this year 62-28, which a month ago when we had played that many games would have put us 1st in the majors by a significant degree. In case anyone didn’t know, their current record is 62-56. I’d have to imagine their with-Chipper record is more along the lines of 52-42. Which still isn’t really World Series quality.
By Duffle Bag Boy
August 14, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
I agree with Stew’s comments. But why is everybody on Andruw’s case. If we got rid of Andruw there will be games lost because of his center field play. Andruw almost won the MVP in 05 if it wasn’t for this batting average.. Andruw will come around soon as he gets the contract situation fixed. Andruw is still good out there and Braves pitchers and fans would hate to see him go cause we know defense wins championships!!!
By Amber
August 14, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
McKeon, please do not taint Chipper’s good name by mentioning it in the same breath as Barroid. Chipper is a true team player - what’s Barroid done for the rest of the Giants lately?
By Harry
August 14, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
I hope that Bobby Cox gets this message. Please take Andruw out of the lineup and put Willie Harris in Center Field. He is costing the Braves a playoff opportunity and possibly a World Series. He’s the kryptonite of the team by hurting the Braves in those clutch situations like like the last Phillies game. We had the bases loaded and one out, and he grounds out into a double-play to allow us to tie the game or go ahead. These consistent mistakes from Andruw will hurt this team until he figures out why he keeps turning his head when he swings the bat. His batting stance is all wrong and not being patient by going deeper in the count will also affect his hitting. He needs to take time off to get his elbow healed before hitting the field. But how can you ignore Willie’s 300+ batting average compared to 213. It shows too much loyalty and not basing players on their performance. Go Braves!!!
By flapjack
August 14, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
Sorry, as much as I love the Braves, this year’s team is no more than a .500 squad. The problem is relief pitching. Bring a guy to the Braves bullpen (name anyone) and he becomes a gopher ball king.
By Arkie Fan
August 14, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
As much as I like Andrew, why does Cox not put him on the 15 day DI to heal.Any time that the game is on the line, he is an automatic out. Bobby its time to start coaching. I know that your Bull Pen is weak, but you leave 3,4 and 5th starters in to long. Time after time I am telling my wife this. One or two batters later, we are down runs that we can not make up. Bobby you and Andrew are losing many games. Give us a chance to win.
By DHD
August 14, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
Every team has it’s “Andruw.” But, it’s a team and all that counts is winning. Andruw has contributed with over 70 RBI so far. He’ll probably wind up with a .230 BA, 30 HR and 100 RBI. Not his best, but contributing to the team considering he is playing hurt. BTW, if he was sitting out, you guys would be fussing about him not playing hurt. You can’t have it both ways.
The Braves will win the division, win in the playoffs and lose in the Series. I’ll take it.
By Chief Nokahoma
August 14, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
TM, Don’t you wish that everyone had the ability to experience how much fun it must be to have every Tom, Dick, Harry and Jane with a computer and an opinion to comment about their efforts to make a living?
Way to go TM. I might not agree with most of what you say, but I applaud you for having the gonads to write what you think no matter what these nugatory morons might post about it. Good job, please keep up the good work.
By Ralph
August 14, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
When in the world is BOBBY COX GOING TO BENCH ANDRUW JONES AND PUT DIAZ AND HARRIS IN on a regular basis. The Braves are going to lose an opportunity because Cox has an undying loyalty to a player who wouldn’t be in the line up if he was in triple-A. I don’t care what he’s done in the past, it here and now time to product, which Andruw has not done all year long. I like to know which comes first one player who is not doing the job, or the team? As stupid as it sounds I really belief that Bobby doesn’t want to win the division.
By X Out Vick
August 15, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this
Tyger is a female know-nothing racist. She constantly pushes black causes blindly over the benefit of the team. We ran her off the Vick board last week.
By brian
August 15, 2007 1:44 AM | Link to this
Knockahoma called everybody morons right before he invented the word “nugatory”! What a mouthbreather!
By mitsyc10
August 15, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
I agree. Andruw on the DL until the end of the season.
By mitsyc10
August 15, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
I agree. Andruw on the DL until the end of the season.
By Miguel Camacho
August 15, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this
I believe there is a Andruw Jones Conspiracy by the Braves Orgnaization. First he has been playing hurt, which is casusing his offense to suffer. What I really can’t understand the lack of protection the Braves refuse to give Andruw by not having a real good hitter bat behind him. Andruw who is a free swinger should be batting between Chipper and Tex who are switch hitters, this would give Andruw better pitches to select. The Brave are hoping this lack of production will result in a contract for two years of less and at a discount. The Braves will tell Andruw bring your production back and a longer term deal will happen.
By DD
August 16, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
Why do you guys get on Mr. Moore’s case and say such awful things. Why get so personal. He just sits back and laughs at you. Paul your just a flat out moron. Your comment was totally uncalled for. He writes articles so people can talk about the pro’s and con’s. Not everyone is going to agree, but some of this name calling is so juvenile. Get a grip!
Like Stew’s comment on Andrew. It’s great for you to think Andrew is that good or your trying to get people p** off. Either way, and I like Andrew but, until he hits over 700 HR’s and wins 96 games as a pitcher, Babe Ruth will always be the best ball player that ever lived. My opinion.
By bravefanatic
August 16, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
ha GoAtl you want to find a die hard braves fan he is right here. For all you fake brave fans who r ripping andruw and bobby i don’t want to see you guys at the parade when we win the series you fornt runners. no real brave fan would rip bobby cox the glue to this amazing run we’ve had. you guys aren’t true fans. GO BRAVES AND GO FALCONS
By bravefanatic
August 16, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
Brave fans stop panicking r u guys forgetting that we have won all 4 series against the mets this year. remember we don’t have to win the division to win the WS. we won 14 in a row and we only had 1 to show for it while florida won 0 division titles ad 2 WS. in a short series theres no better 123 punch in the starting rotation in the NL than us. we jst have to get in the tournament and there will be no match for us and don’t worry about soriano and andruw they will get it together for the postseason see you all at the parade. GO BRAVES!
By NYRatso
August 16, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
GO METS!!!!!
By falcon80
August 17, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this
Every time Andruw gets a hit or even walks it feels the same as when the pitcher does—bonus! Then he saves the team a run or two on defense and I remember why he’s in the lineup.