Sports Columnists

By Gary

September 2, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

No Frenchy, if we’re lucky we’ll still have Smoltz. But age will catch up with him one day. Hampton is completely done. Gone, forever. We’ve got to find two pitchers that aren’t dog meat to go behind Smoltz and Hudson or next year isn’t looking too swift either.

By Dave

September 2, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

Agree 100%. Looking forward to next season with a healthy Hampton, plus Gonzalez out of the bullpen. Having a full year of Mark batting cleanup will be nice too.

By some guy

September 2, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

2007 BRAVES APRIL 2, 2007 - REST OF SEASON R.I.P.

By Raleigh Dog

September 2, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Blame it on Time Warner. And a lot of rotten luck with injuries. But also Cox has had a lot of troubl getting a team ready for a big game or to win that big series, particularly in the playoffs. The players may love him but what has happened to the fundamentals? They can’t bunt and move runners over these days. Lousy fundamentals. The little things make for wins. The Braves don’t do the details well anymore. And they all look completely exhausted.

By Ron

September 2, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

I heard Pete Van Wieren say on the radio yesterday, “Yes, a lot of people are still bitter about Tom Glavine; but you have to remember, this is a business.” Yes, it’s a business. But it’s also a lot more than that. It’s also for keeps. Theses games, these championships, are for keeps. A lot of people are born and raised and live their whole lives in Atlanta, or any other major league city, for that matter. The Yankees have their 26 world championships. They are for keeps. A lot of people in New York got to experience that, and it’s theirs forever. The Atlanta Braves have their one world championship. Glavine was part of that. He could have been part of another. He made his choice. His business, now, is to help another New York team keep the good people of Atlanta from experiencing another championship. So to hell with you, Tom Glavine. The Braves will suit up and oppose you again next year, and I and a lot of other loyal Braves fans will be there to boo your every pitch. When you enter the Hall of Fame, I hope you go in as a Met. You are not an Atlantan, or a Brave, at heart. You made that choice years ago. You are just another businessman. And your choice was for keeps.

By Dave is dumb

September 2, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

Dave your head is a brick. Bradley is saying, if you are waiting on Hampton, you are a pathetic loser, because that’s an unrealistic pipe dream, just as it was this year. Hampton’s done.

By SAL

September 2, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

This team was not very good from the beginning. The hopes about making the post season were PR. This is exactly why the Braves should not have made the Teixeria trade. He has been outstanding, but he was not the answer to the problem. I don’t think Braves are going to make a real run for a couple of years and after next tear Teixeira will most likely have left via free agency and Texas will ave a stud catcher-first baseman in Salty for several more years.

I agree that Hampton will not be a signifcant player next year although he may actually throw a pitch.

The only hope is that Braves let Andrew Jones walk and use the cash to get an Aaron Rowand assuming the Phillies don’t re-sign him and get a starter for the back end of the rotation.

Here’s hoping the new owners will play in free agent market this winter and re-sign Teixeria long term.

By Kenneth Simpson

September 2, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Frenchy talks to the pitching staff in 08. I would not count on Hampton at all. He was a big bust and the braves ought to go on without him in their plans. The braves cannot do the little things like steal bases, hit and run, bunt. They swing at too many bad pitches and Chipper batting right handed is pitiful. They need an aggressive manager and invest is some good players who can do the little things needed to win.

By Kenneth Simpson

September 2, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

I think making all those dumb trades in recent years such as the one for JD Drew and some others has depleted too many young pitchers from the farm system and no good pitching is left. Trading all that talent for Tex was absurd. He is a good player but he cannot do anything without the other 7 players contributing and pitchers doing their job. The whole club stinks right now.

By tim

September 2, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

I’ve had dugout season tickets since 1982, so I put my money where my mouth is. It’s PAST TIME for Bobby Cox to go….ONE World Series win with Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Chipper, Andruw and now this. The batting order is screwed up most of the time, the continual WRONG choice out of the pen or even worse, staying much too long with a pitcher or player that just doesn’t have it (there’s a reason no other team wants 50 year old Julio Franco). The Mets and Phils have offered us the NL East over and over and we won’t take it.

By Ron Fowler

September 2, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

From one Ron to the earlier Ron…well said. I agree with you totally! I hope Tom Glavine never wins another game!

By scott

September 2, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

i have given up on my beloved brave some time ago now i feel or taste that bitter sweet of the playoff myself but just new the braves did’nt have the piching that was needed to make the playoff .i’m really tire of hearing this waite until next year it’ time that the brave start rebuilding this team they have the young players stop trading them for this late in the season quik fix it don’t work and the braves always lose quality player in some stupid trade . i still love those braves and looking forward to next season mabe the new owners will spend some money on getting a ACE or two it is mucch need ed if the brave are going to get back to from there not a bad team . it’s just there are other in the national league that is better . go bravos

By Tiny Tim

September 2, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

Good, young talent…the operative word is “young”. These baby Braves don’t yet know how to win at the big league level. I have to agree that fundamentally we stink and that is the manager’s and coach’s fault. I applaud the effort of these young guys and if we had more leadership from AJ and CJ things might have been different. The only way to teach winning is to win and the only way to win is to be sound fundamentally. It’s scary to think folks are counting on Hampton next year; I don’t even put him in the equation. This losing record stinks. I admit I’m spoiled after all the playoff seasons. Raise the salary bar, Liberty. Make “winning” and Braves synonomous again.

By Allan

September 2, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

And lets not forget Bobby Cox having, without a doubt, his worst year as manager. Could it be time for Bobby to step aside gracefully?

By LT (double A blogger)

September 2, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

Good article- nailed it on the last sentence. The Braves have to find a 3 and 4 over the winter. I believe Chuck James could be a good 5 (or maybe even Jojo). Otherwise, more of the same or worse will most likely be in store in 08.

By Marc

September 2, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

Ron,

Grow up. How old are you, 12? What world do you live in, Candyland? We should appreciate Glavine for what he did, not be bitter because of what is not. I will always root for Glavine (when he isn’t pitching against the Braves.)

By Fat Lady

September 2, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

Hampton was a bust 2 plus years. A JONES was a bust, should have traded him last years for 3 young pitchers. all we get for him now in 212 ab. Bobby Cox was a BUST, I loved the old Man but its time for him to pack it in. Braves need new blood, like Girade (mispelling) X Fla. MGR. Sign Tex long term. GO get a couple starting pitchers free agents. Fire TP and get a Hitting coach that knows what he’s doing,Maybe Greg Walker white Sox. Sorry got to run.

By Clay Carter

September 2, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

I’m with the Ron and all the guys who say they will boo Glavine in Atlanta and hope he goes in the hall as a Met - but not only because he bailed on Atlanta for more money. Ill always remember him as NL player rep leading the players to the strike of 94 and robbing the fans of the remainder of the season and the playoffs. That was for keeps too and thats why I will always boo him.

By Bobo

September 2, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

Marc; I worked for Braves when Glavine and the players went on strike. I was one of 200 that lost there job. Thanks to Union leader Glavine….You may live in Candyland but I don’t. I agree with Don hope he never wins again.

By Drayton Xavier

September 2, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

Through a charity lottery I won the Braves Assistant GM’s box tickets and could have used them for one of the three games this series … but chose instead to get away with my family for a Gulf vacation on the beach, and it turns out to have been the right choice … My luck never goes that way … By going out of town all weekend, I figured we’d sweep the Mets and ATL would be going wild right now.

By Chris

September 2, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

When the Braves get hitting, they don’t pitch. When they pitch well, they don’t hit. Face it, they are not a good team anymore, and they can not do the little things needed to win. Also Bobby Cox is more of a team mascot now than a manager.

By Drayton Xavier

September 2, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

… even my bad luck couldn’t save the Braves, and I am in agreement that this team goes nowhere without at least one more reliable starting pitcher.

By RDL

September 2, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

HOW MANY DAYS UNTIL SPRINGTRAINING???SEE YA IN MARCH!!!

By Danny

September 2, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

The braves are done. Chipper is terrible with runners on and gets hurt as much as Bob Horner used to.Andruw is not even a pull hitter like he claims just a 215 hitter. Frenchy has started crying about strike zone instead of learning it. Pitching is terrible but most of all this team has no heart at all.

By Howard

September 2, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Mark…you’re right…the Braves are finished. I wonder if anyone remembers back to what John Schuerholz did with the KC Royals back in the 80s?? They won one or two Series titles and were a heckuva ballclub…then mysteriously he started trading guys and getting rid of players who were the nucelus of that Royals’ group…and then voila…what happened?? They faded from upper tier team to mid-card status and then disappeared. Look at the Royals today…the Braves are heading that way if Schuerholz and Cox aren’t shown the door. How about Joe Girardi as a coach? He’d sure be better than Cox and might actually stay in the dugout more than Cox does now…I’m referring to his intentionally betting himself booted to fire up the fans and team…and most importantly disguise the fact he is a lousy coach! Oh…and how about telling Braves players like Chipper to lay off the cutsie, pablum-puking nicknames for their teamates…”Smoltie and Huddy?” Made me want to retch! No wonder they can make the playoffs!!

By Howard

September 2, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Mark…you’re right…the Braves are finished. I wonder if anyone remembers back to what John Schuerholz did with the KC Royals back in the 80s?? They won one or two Series titles and were a heckuva ballclub…then mysteriously he started trading guys and getting rid of players who were the nucelus of that Royals’ group…and then voila…what happened?? They faded from upper tier team to mid-card status and then disappeared. Look at the Royals today…the Braves are heading that way if Schuerholz and Cox aren’t shown the door. How about Joe Girardi as a coach? He’d sure be better than Cox and might actually stay in the dugout more than Cox does now…I’m referring to his intentionally betting himself booted to fire up the fans and team…and most importantly disguise the fact he is a lousy coach! Oh…and how about telling Braves players like Chipper to lay off the cutsie, pablum-puking nicknames for their teamates…”Smoltzie and Huddy?” Made me want to retch! No wonder they can make the playoffs!!

By virgilshouse

September 2, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

bobby cox over managies at times especially in close or xtra inning games.we have 2 of the worse players in the big leagues,in woodward and corky miller but in the xtra inning game against the marlins they both were in the game.hey booby you don t have to change pitchers every inning and don t pinch run for mccann,you might not score and his turn will come back up in the order later in the game.teach these guys to bunt hit and run suicide squeeze do something different you are boring and you manage that way

By virgilshouse

September 2, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

bobby cox over managies at times especially in close or xtra inning games.we have 2 of the worse players in the big leagues,in woodward and corky miller but in the xtra inning game against the marlins they both were in the game.hey booby you don t have to change pitchers every inning and don t pinch run for mccann,you might not score and his turn will come back up in the order later in the game.teach these guys to bunt hit and run suicide squeeze do something different you are boring and you manage that way

By virgilshouse

September 2, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

boo bobby you are a boring manager.,…….bunt hit and run suicide squeeze,knock someone down slap your wife do something different

By virgilshouse

September 2, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

boo bobby you are a boring manager.,…….bunt hit and run suicide squeeze,knock someone down slap your wife do something different

By virgilshouse

September 2, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

boo bobby you are a boring manager.,…….bunt hit and run suicide squeeze,knock someone down slap your wife do something different

By Tommy G

September 2, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

You guys are so right about Glavine. I mean, why in the world would a man leave a team for more money. How ludicous. Its a game guys; get a life.

By Larry

September 2, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

I’ve been telling you all since the early 90’s that Bobby Cox is the worst in-game, must-win, strategic decision manager in baseball. More simply he’s a dumb as a box of rocks and is nothing more than a cheerleader who barks out cute little nicknames to grown men as if they’re little leaguers.

Throughout the 90’s he hid behind the best rotation in the game that masked his inadequacies that were exposed in the playoffs where you always find good competitive pitching in league and World Series opponents. He can no longer hide and the past few weeks perfectly exemplify his inability to make the decisions or moves necessary to elevate his team or alter a game; he’s simply lost without a shutout pitching performance and/or a 3-run homer. After the trade that supposedly gave the Braves the best lineup in the National League the Braves have actually played worse and Bobby Cox hasn’t a clue what to di about it. Remember, this is the same man that batted Andruw Jones fourth for four months who has the worst batting average amoung regulars in the game.

Now perhaps you Bobby Cox Goobers, like the Gay Liberals “Ken Strickland” and “Ron Roberts,” can finally siphon enough neurotransmitter from your cerebrally inadequate frontal cortex to understand why it took Tom Glavine pitching a one-hitter in 1995 in game six of the World Series to give a Bobby Cox managed team it’s only last game victory in 15 chances (including one with Toronto).

Paraphrased, Bobby Cox is 1-14 in the last game or series in the postseason despite having being afforded the talent to win it all, at least, 4-5 more times. Had Tom Glavine not pitched a one hitter….

By John

September 2, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

Most of u guys are stupid! You’re probably he same guys who said bobby cox was the best manager ever no matter what a couple of years ago. pls go Fck yourself. Anyway the braves are indeed finished. But you cant blame this on cox. We have 2.5 starting pitcher ( james is good half the time =D).And our bullpen has 2 good guys ( Sorinao and moylan). Gonzalez went down and hat was a big blow for the braves. Wickman alone lost about 6 sure win games for the braves so it is also partly his fault. But i do agree with the people’s who said the braves are lousy fundamentally. Today Pete Orr, who is supposed to be good at bunting and sht, laid a terrible bunt. The braves need to get some usefull guys on the bench. Corky miller isn’t usefull, neiter is Julio and woodward.

Mike hampton is certainly not our answer for next year. He is 36 years old and he hasn’t pitched in 1.5 years. Next year our bullpen WILL be good, assuming gonzalez comes back early. With andruw leaving with his 13 million, we can probably get a good SP and/or CF ( i hope not aaron rowand, mike cameron is a better choice)

And please, dont b*** on tom glavine. You guys were probably cheering for him in game 6 of the WS, so stop being a baby. He wasn’t the only cause for the 1994 strike. We do you guys even care, it isn’t as if you guys lost all your life savings and sh*t, we’re just fans. We don’t get anything out of the game except joy and pain.

Anywayz, th braves will be better much better next year =P.

By Larry

September 2, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

John,

After you go back and read your post, you may come to the realization that the next person you call “stupid” should be the person in the mirror.

Atlanta Public School System graduate, huh?

By BosnianBaller

September 2, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Anybody remember that chuck James for carl crawford trade that was never made.

2008 OUT: Lazy Andruw Jones, trade kelly johnson for pitching. Chuck James, Buddy,Thorman,Woodward,orr,Yates,

In: Anybody with heart.I think I know why Wickman was released.It’s because he actually gives a crap unlike the other singing braves

By Glenn

September 2, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Dah!!!!!!!!!!!!!,boring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Glenn

September 2, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

By the way, get a real job you bums!… your ball players? Your bums.

By JERSEY GUY

September 2, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

In this year of a mediocre National League, it is very disappointing to be a non factor in the divisional race by Labor Day. Too much strain on Hudson and Smoltz to win every time out, it has taken its toll on them. Not 1 complete game all year! The bullpen has been burned out since early August with all of these sub 5 inning starts by Carlyle, James, Reyes, and Cormier. None of these 4 should be anywhere near our rotation next season! We could have traded Escobar for a # 3 starter by the deadline, such as Arroyo,Millwood, or D.Willis. All in all,a lost season for Bobby’s boys. Lets hope that Bobby’s last season next year is a helluva lot better than 2007!

By Ron H

September 2, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

Hey guys, i don’t know about all of you, but this is the second year we’re not going to be in the playoffs, and this is the second year i’m heartbroken. the first round exits didn’t sting this much. i guess i finally know what it’s like to be a Met fan during the 90s and early 2000s.

I think the priority this coming year is pitching. We don’t need anything else. we have the batting, the relief, the bench (sort of), we just need pitching. i say go after a proven 3rd starter, and with smoltz and huddy (we all know hampton is done) we should contend until the end of the season…

man, just can’t get used to this feeling…

By Me

September 2, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox teams have historically been weak on the fundamentals.

By Paul A

September 2, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

I’ve lived in Atl for 26 years but am a lifelong Met fan. Braves fans are spoiled by all those division titles. You guys have no idea what heartbreak is after all that success. It’s impossible for me to feel sorry for you guys. You’ve had tons and tons of success. Now it’s your time to learn to live with defeat and failure. Don’t take out your frustrations on Tom Glavine, who is and has always been a class act. Get mad at your overrated manager who embarrasses himself more than he realizes by getting kicked out of games more than anyone else in history. Get mad at your underachieving CF and your incredibly talented but no-heart 3B man who never met a bruise he couldn’t find a reason to sit out a game for. Get made at your genious GM who needed a starting pitcher or two but instead got you another slugger for an already loaded lineup and then went out and added two relievers, one of whom wasn’t even healthy. Sorry, folks, it’s your long overdue turn to wallow in the s**t and no on in the NL sympathizes with you. My Mets may well still blow the division or the NLCS like they did last year, but at least I can enjoy watching the Braves sink beneath the waves.

By curtis

September 2, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Now that it’s over:

Will Brian McCann get a day off?

Will Francoeur’s ego allow Bobby to sit him for a day or two as well?

Can we begin auditions for a new center fielder?

Can we get Matt Diaz in the lineup every day…I mean he’s only been hitting .350 since June.

Can we give Moylan a chance to start a game? I mean, seriously, why not?

Can we scout around and find someone, anyone who can steal a base?

Can we pass around the hat and collect some one-way bus fare for Woodward and Thorman?

By Robert S

September 2, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

I couldn’t agree more with Bradley’s assessment. The Braves did a helluva job of teasing us throughout the year, but when it came down to “crunch time,” as they so typically do, they folded like a tortilla.

At least they didn’t wait until October to do it. Thanks for sparing us the trouble.

All the same, it doesn’t seem to matter what the cast of characters are year after year, the results are always the same - when the pressure’s on, the Braves suddenly forget how to pitch, how to hit, how to field, and heck, how to even bunt.

They struck out 19 times against a last place team. They were baffled by a pitcher who was 0-7 coming into yesterday’s game, Mike Pelfrey. When the offense does score runs, it’s almost a sure bet that their pitching will give it right back up the next inning.

Say all you want about the Braves’ “ballyhooed” offense, but good hitters make contact when it matters. The Braves simply play into the other team’s pitching strategy, and swing at everything. And it has been a hallmark of so many previous Braves’ teams in the past.

I like to call the Braves’ successes over the years a “myth,” as they’ve beaten up the little guys enough to mask their incompetence against the big boys. They have always been a fundamentally unsound team offensively, yet have managed to win a lot of games over the years because their vaunted pitching and defense covered up a lot of those flaws.

When you have exactly two quality starters and three not-so-quality starters, there’s nowhere to hide. Why Schuerholz didn’t try to acquire a more experienced starter like Steve Trachsel (he was good enough for the Cubs to acquire - a first place team, mind you!) is baffling. Perhaps Cox and Schuerholz truly believed that their offense would beat up on enough teams to cover for their pitching lack. But even Schuerholz knows that pitching and defense (with fundamentally sound offense) are what wins championships, not a team full of sluggers. Just ask the 1995 Cleveland Indians.

What all this points to is that perhaps it’s time for Bobby Cox to move on. He has been the lone constant amidst all the shuffling of players, and yet the end results virtually every year repeat like a broken record.

Cox can kick himself upstairs if he wishes, but the Braves need a new, fresher, and younger manager who knows what it takes to win it all, not just division championships.

Oh, and one who teaches his players how to play fundamentally sound baseball, too, if you get my hint………….

By John

September 2, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

ah Larry, the #1 cox hater, well tell me Larry, why i am so stupid? Is it because: - i think its dumb hating glavine because he was the union leader of the 1994 strike. Who cares, we fans didn’t lose money. - Is it because i think is dumb you guys are hating glavine because he left he braves. Why aren’t you guys bashing greg maddux. Just because the braves played badly today and lost galvine, everyone is bashing him.

And the next guy im going to call stupid is you, Larry. First off, i don’t even live in atlanta you a*****. Secondly, im a straight A student, who is currently studying to become a surgeon. Larry, WTF are you doing huh. bashing bobby cox, probably hoping someone like Lou piniella or tony Larussa come to the braves. And why wouldn’t you want that, Lou one 2 pennants and 1 WS with the rays, larussa won so many WS with his A’s, and last year with the cards. They are all much better then cox right? F*ck no man, Lou Piniell didn’t win s** with TB, Larussa was lucky to win the WS title last year.

Anyway if u dont believe my grades, leave your email adress, i will personally mail them to you, a*****.

And to the guy who wants players with “heart”. Bob wickman sucked badly, he alone lost at least 3 games for tim hudson. And if u see his stats, his WHIP was way too high, its a wonder he lasted so long.

By LivininAL

September 2, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Fundamentals..Baseball is more than hits and runs..Its performing when it counts…Will be nice to see someone play real baseball in the payoffs.

By The Truth

September 2, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

This team has sucked for years …. Why are so many people just realizing it ??? Oh ya, I forgot …. The average IQ of a Braves fans is the same as a half filled bag of stale Doritos. What a bunch of freakin’ losers this town has.

By The Headlines

September 2, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

AJC Headline Braves wet the bed and soil their diaper at the same time. At least they got it all out at one time. Hope the the off-season brings you all jobs at the Varsity. ‘Would you like some fries with those hot dogs, Massa ????’

By Gary A

September 2, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

I am forever a Braves fan. Since the departures of Dave Justice and Terry Pendleton, the Braves have been without team leadership. As long as Bobby Cox is the manager, it will be that way because he simply does not want to give up the control to a player. We have a group of good young Braves now. Its time for Bobby to hand over the reigns to a new manager. Talent wise, he seems to do a lot with a little, but does very little with a lot. In critical games and critical series as well as playoff games, he manages just like he does in April. We have seen plenty of good teams go to waste because of this management style.

By LEE

September 2, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

HOW SWEEP IT IS!! ADIOS BRAVOS. NO STARTING PITCHING AFTER 1 AND 2. SMOLTZ IS OLD. DONT COUNT ON HAMPTON. METS WOULD HAVE KNOCKED BRAVOS OUT EARLIER IF INJURIES DIDNT KILL THEM. TBS ANNOUNCERS ARE SUCH HOMERS. GET REAL SIMPSON!!! LETS GO METS!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Bruinfan

September 2, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

Why do so many other teams have good young arms, and the Braves don’t? Is there ANYTHING on the farm?

There seems to be all slew of good young pitchers on other teams. Do the Braves not believe in drafting pitching, or does Shuerholz give them all away on July 30th every year?

I’m not a real Braves fan (Go Dodgers!) so I don’t know what’s in their system, but I don’t hear anyone talk about any new phenoms.

It is fun to go to the ballpark here. Why don’t you Braves fans try it?

By Laurance Maney

September 2, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

I hate to agree with a namesake, but “Larry” is correct in his take of BC’s managerial skills. I’ve never seen a worse post-season manager, both in terms of roster choices and strategy. Does anyone recall the year he left Millwood off the first round roster despite 17 wins?

By Gayle Abbott

September 2, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

One more time boys, I said it in April - this is a .500 team and one more loss and I’m right on target.

And speaking of targets - to the Rons above, one last time and maybe you’ll get it - Glavine left for time and not money. The Braves would not give him the years and the Mets would. Do ya get it? $6 million vs. $10 millions? Who cares? He wanted the time to get to 300.

And just as stupid as booing Glavine would be booing Maddux. But he does not get booed - not that either of them support it. With the amount of class this town has shown to each of them, it would serve us right for each of them to be in other uniforms when they go into the Hall.

You Braves fans are left with Smoltz and his ego. I hope that’s enough for you. You sure as heck are not going to get any more World titles.

By gotigers72

September 2, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

And the fat lady sings. The Braves are done for ‘07. Probably have been the worst teasm in the NL for the last 3-4 weeks.

Time to think about ‘08. 3 big holes to fill. In this order. 1 - 3-5 in the rotation 2 - Who will play centerfield 3 - Fixing that horrid bench that they had all year.

As far as #1 goes. IMO, Chuck, Cormier and Carlyle should NOT be on this team next year. No, I don’t have an answer for who should be, but those three plus Davies, Redman, JoJo, etc. have cost the Braves dearly. Chuck is a HoRam clone. Had a good rookie year, then went seriously downhill this year, and will continue to get worse every year. Similar to Bruce Chen as well as HoRam. Remember how Bruce Chen was going to be the next pitching savior for the Braves rotation? Well, he’s now out of baseball. Chuck throws up in the zone, has only 2 pitches, and pitches behind too much. All of that combines to him giving up TONS of homers, thus TONS OF RUNS! Cormier has pitched decent the last 3 games, but has given up TWELVE homers, and hasn’t pitched that many innings. Carlyle pitched several good games, but has reverted to journeyman status. He has an ERA over 5. A pitcher with an ERA over 5 should not be in the rotation.

Centerfield - I’m hoping Andruw chooses to go elsewhere. His approach to hitting is empty headed and selfish, and he doesn’t cover center near as well as he used to. I hope Liberty frees up enough money for the Braves to get Torii Hunter or Aaron Rowand, in that order.

The Bench - Horrid, putrid, just plain awful. 2 guys with averages BELOW .200 [Orr and Woodward] 1 guy with an average below .215 [Thorman]. How are you expected to have any hope when you need a pinch hit? Or for that matter a bunt. I’ve seen Woodward fail in 2 bunt situations this week, and Orr fail in another bunt situation. Oh yeah, another bench player, the 49 year old one, has an average around the Mendoza line also. This has to be the worst bench in MLB.

By Dad

September 2, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

Well! Braves fans. I told you the Mets would sweep the Braves this weekend. The Mets have buried the Braves so deep in the NL East that the Braves are drowning. It is too bad. The Braves will not even make the playoffs. You Braves fans have had your days of glory. Now! Get ready for the Braves to lose in 14 straight tries to win the NL East. Maybe, you Braves fans should switch over and pull for the Mets. By doing this, you would be able to observe a team win 15 consecutive NL East Titles.Goodbye! Braves You were lucky to stay in the NL East race as long as you did. Enjoy as the Mets roll to a World Seies Championship.

By Jeff R

September 2, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

Post-season, among position players, the one real question mark the Braves will be centerfield. Otherwise, they’re solid.

Pitching: Smoltz (at 41 will likely produce), Hudson (a nice 2007 rebound) and James (a capable #3 or #4 starter, even after a mediocre sophomore season) remain three-fifths the way to a rotation. But management either needs to sign a top line free agent or swing a deal for a starting pitcher who can vie to be staff ace (what would Santana’s price tag be, I wonder, if the Twins were willing to swap?). In the #5 slot, JoJo Reyes? Hampton?

Finally, the bullpen. The parade of arms needs to stop. Management needs to go into the 2008 knowing who sets up and who closes, and have real confidence in whoever wins those jobs. That, or go out, again, and get the talent to make it happen.

Which leads to my final point. Liberty Media needs to stake the team to the dollars necessary to add quality pitching. $80 million annually for payroll is’t enough now and won’t be enough next season, when other teams’ payrolls climb higher. Management wanting to sign Texeria will complicate this, of course.

Without Liberty Media increasing its financial comitment for 2008, expect the Braves to continue to hover around the .500 mark.

By southbeachdietfreak

September 2, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

I somehow doubt Andruw will be back next year. I’m hoping that will free up some cash to go out and get some relievers and/or a reliable bench…

this lineup hit well except when there were RISP. Something about having a man on base gave these guys so much stage fright that they froze when the going got tough

Small ball needs to be a theme for next spring… stop playing for the 3-run HR and move people over!

This is arguably the best lineup in the NL, but for whatever reason, they can’t execute!

Here’s to ‘08…

By Leroy Rogers

September 2, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

Same old Braves. How long have they been in Atlanta? One World Series win. Manager’s demeanor rubbing off on the players. Looking at the umps or excuses. Time for Cox to move on and football. The old saying used to be if one wanted to be baseball fan and wanted to play in October, root for the Yankees. At age 77 I have had my share of following baseball, however, it is now a business and very few pitchers go past 7 innings. Just plain boring for this old man.

Sorry, Go Dawgs!

By Since 1966 One Less Title Than The Marlins

September 2, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

A Healthy Hampton!!!!!! You know, this is why jobs are being outsourced to India. A Healthy Hampton!!!!

A more important question is there a pro athlete in HISTORY that made(???) more money sitting on his dead bottom than Mike Hampton??

When I was out in Denver a couple of years ago a realtor showed me his beautiful house in the mountains and I suggested the property should be labeled “The Mansion That Idleness Bought”—I’m surprised that Scott Boras isn’t in on this with one of his super research projects projecting how “Mike has been one of the Iron Men of the last 50 years. always reliable and never missing a year—I Mean turn”

You are better off counting on Andruw Jones showing up on Jenny Craig than to see Missing Mike win 2 games in 08—Mike Hampton LOL LOL LOL LOL

By heybud

September 3, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this

Here we go again.

The Cox bashers are out in force again.

I’m not quite sure what Bobby could have done differently to keep us from winning any games in the Mets series this weekend or in winning more games this season.

He put his best players on the field in the right locations, had his best pitchers (record-wise) going this weekend, and the players did not produce.

I don’t remember one managerial move he made that kept the team from winning.

I love John Smoltz. He is my favorite Brave, but John gave up three runs Sunday, and Tom Glavine only gave up two runs.

The Braves simply did not score enough runs on Sunday or this weekend, and in turn their pitching staff gave up too many runs.

Considering the team he has been given this year, I think Bobby has done a good job of managing this bunch.

Those of you who keep wanting Bobby to be gone will be wishing he were still here when he is gone.

The problem here in Atlanta is that a lot of Atlanta Braves fans are band-wagoners who jumped on the train in 1991.

Some of us have been Braves fans since they moved here in 1966. Some of us used to just hope for a .500 record. Some of us are glad to have a major league baseball team here in Atlanta.

So, you Bobby Cox haters, be patient, Bobby will be retiring soon (probably in the next two or three years) and you will get your wish - a new manager, but you see it is not the manager that wins and loses baseball games.

Baseball is a team game. No manager in the history of the game of baseball could have done a better job of managing this year’s Braves team than Bobby did.

The Atlanta Braves baseball team just has not done the job this year to make the playoffs.

By When there hot Bobby Will Pull Um

September 3, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this

I must say I am once again relieved that the Braves are not going to make the playoffs this year. I am a huge fan but I need a break from the playoffs and dumbass Bobby Cox the only man on the planet that will pull the hottest hitter on the team and put someone in the playoffs that hardly played all year. He would have started Woodward if we were in the playoffs and put Kelly Johnson on the Bench….WE ALL KNOW BOBBY I HAD A HUNCH….His Hunches SUX and for that matter so do the BRAVES this year……See ya next year…..GO DAWGS/FALCONS/TECH anybody but the HUNCHEES at Turner FIELD…..

By Lionel

September 3, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

While most of you are saying forget about MIKE Hampton, I just want to add that you can forget about MIKE Gonzalez also. His pitching mechanics are so violent arm problems will ALWAYS be a problem for him. The only reason we were able to get him was because he stuck bats up our asses while with the Pirates and the Pirates knew that his violent delivery was soon going to lead to a career ending injury. He ain’t coming back…I bet he can’t wipe his a* with that left arm. Has the story come out yet about this?

By Robert S

September 3, 2007 2:13 AM | Link to this

For Heybud

I’ve followed the Braves since 1980 - the first time Bobby Cox was the Braves manager. I remember the days of Rick Behenna, Biff Pocoroba, Pascual Perez, and later, Ted Simmons and a washed-up Graig Nettles, along with a Bob Horner here and a Dale Murphy there. I remember when it was a whole lot worse, the promises of a ticker tape parade in 1986 by Chuck Tanner notwithstanding. So there are some of us out here who are not “1991 band-wagoneers.”

The point this “Cox-basher” has made is that the results every year under Cox are the same, even when the cast of players has changed dramatically - good pitching teams with solid defense who have absolute zero plate discipline or proper offensive fundamentals. The Mets in 1999 were singing the same refrain that Terry Pendleton made today - these guys swing at everything. The problem today is that the Braves have no pitching to cover up for their undisciplined approach at the plate like they did in ‘99. Hence, they are toast for 2007.

Not only that, Cox is a “hunch” manager. Hunches never win ball games, starting your best team possible does. Cox refuses to see this.

Remember the 1998 NLCS, game six, against the Padres, backs to the wall?? Cox benches Lockhart and Klesko and starts right handed hitters Tony Graffanino and Danny Bautista against Sterling Hitchcock instead, and were duly eliminated. Cox should have been fired for that nearly ten years ago, and yet……..the same old refrain every year. Do the same thing and hope to get a different result.

If the results are the same every season and yet the lineup constantly changes as it has since 1991, then I’m certain it’s not because of some cosmic voodoo that causes these Braves to play the same way they have since Jim Leyritz injected Mark Wohlers with a man-size dose of “Steve Blass Disease” in 1996.

It’s the leadership. Cox needs to step aside, become a VP of operations, be a scout, whatever.

The Braves need new blood at the helm, and a more disciplined attitude.

By Edo River

September 3, 2007 3:26 AM | Link to this

relax, IT’s just a game. The guys in Iraq deserve more grief than the 2007 Braves. Root for the team in the playoffs with the most Georgia connections.

By DaNooch

September 3, 2007 4:38 AM | Link to this

This day has been coming since the day John Schuerholz was hired. He came into an organization just recently rebuilt. Bobby Cox had just taken the worst organization in baseball and turned it into the best, from the scouts to the farm system to the front office. He had stockpiled it with young talent. The farm system was overflowing with pitching, the best in baseball.

Then John Schuerholz came. Every year since he has traded away this young talent in these 3 for 1 and 5 for 2 deals. The Braves got a guy for a 1/2 season or maybe 2 seasons. Then he was gone, and we gave up the farm. Now the cupboard is bare. This is what you get when you don’t have pitching talent in the farm system.

Now, John Schuerholz will ride off into the sunset, Teixeira and Andruw will likely be gone, too, leaving the Braves to start all over again with nothing. It will take us 4 or 5 years to restock the organization again.

By Mark

September 3, 2007 4:40 AM | Link to this

Look at it this way, at least they decided to fizzle out at the right time. I mean it’s football time so who cares about an underachieving baseball team.

We won’t have to sit through those long October nights watching this team lose close games in the playoffs while watching other teams celebrate in Turner Field. We won’t have to watch them blow offensive opportunities because of their manager’s stupidity or because they can’t move runners over. We won’t have to watch Bobby use a unreliable bullpen guys hoping they can get the job done only to fail.

So at least we can be thankful for that.

Go Braves!! Oops I mean,

Braves Suck!

By DaNooch

September 3, 2007 5:03 AM | Link to this

All of morons should be real happy, because Andruw Jones and Bobby Cox will be gone soon. Then, you can see just how wonderful things will be without them.

By DaNooch

September 3, 2007 5:03 AM | Link to this

All of you morons should be real happy, because Andruw Jones and Bobby Cox will be gone soon. Then, you can see just how wonderful things will be without them.

By Jr Pac Man

September 3, 2007 6:29 AM | Link to this

I agree that Bobby needs to retire after the season. I think it’s for the best. With that being said, I hope Terry Pendleton isn’t just given the managerial job. Joe Girardi is the type of manager this team needs. With the naacp mad at Schuerholz for not having more black ball players on the team, I expect Pendleton to be the new Braves manager when Bobby retires most likely after the ‘08 season. Schuerholz hands are tied. He really has no choice but to give Pendleton the job. I love Pendleton, don’t get me wrong. Heck, he was my favorite ball player growing up. I just think the Braves need more of a Girardi type manager. Someone who will approach you when you aren’t hustling, playing fundamental ball, ect… Terry Pendleton came from the school of Bobby Cox. Also, we don’t need Terrence Moore going on espn & sports radio *itching about the Braves not hiring a black manager.

By BTR

September 3, 2007 6:58 AM | Link to this

I’m ready for THE SOUTHEAST CHAMPIONS to be back on the ICE… But then Don Waddell takes lessons from John S… and makes POOR choices or no good changes…

Good-Bye Bobby…Just wish we had an OWNER,not some corporation running the show, THEY NEVER do anything positive for a sports franchise nothing except lose…

By Larry

September 3, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this

John,

Surgeon?

Funny, I teach laparoscopic, anterior, posterior, transperitoneal and retroperitoneal, spine and neurosurgical procedures in animal and cadaver labs to the finest minds in the world and I can tell you, base on your spelling, diction, syntax, and elementary vocabulary, you will never operate on anything alive! Your surgical techniques will be limited to the meat department at the Piggly Wiggly!

If you have “A’s” then you must be a ball player attending an Atlanta Public School because, honestly, you really sound as dumb as Bobby Cox!

Just looking at his blog, would anyone want “John” operating on you or your pet?

John the surgeon - Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!

By BraveMan

September 3, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this

Can Ted Turner buy the team back and start spending big money on good players like the Braves used to do? This lineup will never win anything, now that the mets and phillies are good. It’s going to be more years of mediocrity for atlanta, just like the 70s and 80s.

By bevsouth

September 3, 2007 7:50 AM | Link to this

How would we look if we had Wainwright and Marquis instead of the ghost of JD Drew. Truth is no one know whether Hampton can come back and we would be wise to not count on him. We need to find a cou good pitcher(if possible)by tradeing Renteria.The problem is very few teams have a surplus of pitchers. I think Jo Jo Reyes will be a good pitcher in the next few years but Caryle, Cormier and James are not the answer.

By D-Cider

September 3, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this

hey,Bradley, what happened to singing the praises of the Tex trade? right trade at the right time? Braves can make the wild card and win it all? Cormier can come back from injury and pitch well?Please pass me some of what you have been smoking for the last six months. I haven’t had a toke on something that good in 10 years

By John

September 3, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this

Ah larry, Once again you prove to yourself your really stupid, my spelling may be “bad”, but thats because i don’t even live in the us you fool. And that again means, i don’t live in atlanta. I’ve already said did.

Anyway, i don’t think JS is at fault here. Every time the braves lose, we al cherry pick the few bad deals JS made in over 17 years. wainwright hasn’t proven himself yet ( that fact that he was closing games so dominant was because isringhausen was injured and the cards were really lucky). Jason marquise???????? please, career 4.49 ERA and 1.41 WHIP, these are not good numbers.

By Charlie

September 3, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this

The 2007 season is over now. Actually, for the Braves, it was over quite a while ago. This 2007 version was a classic though. This team could find more ways to spit out ball games that most. With all the flaws in the makeup of the team, there is little wonder. Anyone who follows them knows that the starting pitching (after Smoltz and Hudson) was lousy. The bullpen, for all the promises made for improvement, was not much better than the 2006 version. Defense was poor, and like yesterday, the leaky defense led to unearned runs and losses. The bench players were the worst in the major leagues. Thurman, Wooodward, Orr, and thr rest were a joke. That group should be unemployed next year. Bobby Cox was the poster child for lousy decision-making in managing the game, and the season. JS did nothing to address the real needs of the team at the deadline. John S. and Booby Cox’s time has passed. Hopefully they will be gone after 2008. Finally though, the biggest reason the 2007 Braves were a sub mediocore team in 2007 is that they have NO step up / “money” players on the team. When they game or season is on the line, they fold. This is a team of CHOKERS. This weekend, with everything on the line for the playoffs, 3 games against the division leaders, playing at home, the Braves score 4 run TOTAL, and 2 of those were runs the Mets gave them. Andruw Jones has been poor all year. Contract year…pressure to do well…simply, he spit it out. That’s how he responded to the pressure. He’ll soon be gone. He’ll still get big bucks from some owner out there. His 2008 season will be better, because the pressure of a contract will be gone. The other starting 7 were almost as bad as Andruw. They CHOKE. Not a clutch hitter on the team. Not one. Chipper “the Mets killer” was 0 for 14 on the weekend homestand.

Braves: Take your big bucks, and go home. Heaven knows,though, many of you didn’t earn it.

By Joe

September 3, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

Get over it, guys. Your stupid chop doesn’t work anymore. Let’s go Mets!

By TURTSNAP

September 3, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

BRAVES SUCK!

By raymond

September 3, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this

where are Wainright and Marquis when you need them ? Of, we gave them away for a guy we couldn’t sign past 1 year ! I guess Dotel is going to help us as much as Gonzalez. Why sign guys like Beltran and Wagner for free when you can trade for injured arms ? only true masochists would go watch any more fiascos at home the rest of the season.

By walter

September 3, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

I don’t think Hampton’s name is worth mentioning for the future. I think he would rather lay around and collect a fat paycheck than play baseball. Also Chuck James and other young pitchers simply have no weopons - no hard stuff, no sharp sliders ect. Our success is over. Bobby was good when he had the horses but just another mgr. with an average team.

By Chris

September 3, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

As bad as the Braves are at fundamentals, an old school manager would have the team out at 1:00 a.m. after a loss practicing bunting. Bobby Cox is not old school, just old.

By wayne

September 3, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

I believe this team has one more run in it before Bobby retires. And its time already for some new blood. But for next year he’s here so this is what we should do:

1) Use Andruw and Wickman’s money and go buy some pitching. 2) Trade Renteria plus prospect for pitching and let Escobar start. 3) We can’t count on Hampton 4) Let the quartet of Reyes/Cormier/Carlyle/James battle for the #5. Trade the rest for… 5) …a Cameron-type player for center field.

By daxxed

September 3, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

I said it all year folks. That the inability for the Braves to bunt, would cost them the season. And all I heard was excuses that these are major leaguers and they should not play little league and not be put into that type of situation. Well because they could not bunt has cost the Braves 6 games now. The Braves would be only 1 game back instead of 7. So maybe Cox needs to reassess his coaching style and this coming spring training or off-season even, all the Braves need to learn to bunt. ALL OF THEM. One run is better than no runs and one out is better than a double play.

Maybe they need to play LITTLE LEAGUE style ball for they sure do not look like MAJOR LEAGUERS.

By Don

September 3, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

Thank goodness college football season has started now. I couldn’t take another month of watching the Braves CHOKE! Andruw - what a joke this year. 124 strikeouts or one SO in every 4 AB. A Little Leaguer wouldn’t have swung at some of the bad pitches he swung at. As luck would have it, I’m moving to Arizona this month and hopefully will experience playoff fever in the desert.

By bob

September 3, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

It is a sad way to end a season on a labor day weekend.

Time to look to the future.

1. New Starting Pitching. Let’s face it we need two new starting pitchers. A number one and a number 4. We can not expect Smoltz and Hudson to continue to be our number on pitchers.

2. Fixed Bullpen. I did not like Wickman most of the time due to his inability to get a 1-2-3 inning. However, he did raise a great point about just pitching in save situations. It is a mental thing with relievers versus stoppers. Remember when Sutter started to get overworked.

3. Jones Boys. Time to say goodbye to Andrew. Let him play in a city which wants him. Time to say to get healthy to Chipper or else we face the same history as with Horner (nagging wrist injury) who was terrific when he played but caused disruption when he was out. A player can not be the team leader when he is missing one-quarter of the season with minor injuries.

4. Team speed. Boy, do we miss the Furcal speed. Just look at the Mets speed at the number one spot. We need two guys who can lay down a bunt and steal 40 bases a year.

5. Cox. Look at the players and the numbers in the 1990’s with only one world series title and then look at the last two years. Time for Cox to assume a different role.

6. JS. Enough already with the McGriff deal…yesterday’s news. How about all the other talent which got shipped out so we could face our disappointment in October rather than November.

7. Identity. What are the Braves…in the 1990’s it was pitching…what now…power, speed, defense, pitching? The team lacks an identity and someone has to pick it and stay the course with it.

If these moves are not made, then 2008 will end the same as 2007.

By bob

September 3, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

It is a sad way to end a season on a labor day weekend.

Time to look to the future.

1. New Starting Pitching. Let’s face it we need two new starting pitchers. A number one and a number 4. We can not expect Smoltz and Hudson to continue to be our number on pitchers.

2. Fixed Bullpen. I did not like Wickman most of the time due to his inability to get a 1-2-3 inning. However, he did raise a great point about just pitching in save situations. It is a mental thing with relievers versus stoppers. Remember when Sutter started to get overworked.

3. Jones Boys. Time to say goodbye to Andrew. Let him play in a city which wants him. Time to say to get healthy to Chipper or else we face the same history as with Horner (nagging wrist injury) who was terrific when he played but caused disruption when he was out. A player can not be the team leader when he is missing one-quarter of the season with minor injuries.

4. Team speed. Boy, do we miss the Furcal speed. Just look at the Mets speed at the number one spot. We need two guys who can lay down a bunt and steal 40 bases a year.

5. Cox. Look at the players and the numbers in the 1990’s with only one world series title and then look at the last two years. Time for Cox to assume a different role.

6. JS. Enough already with the McGriff deal…yesterday’s news. How about all the other talent which got shipped out so we could face our disappointment in October rather than November.

7. Identity. What are the Braves…in the 1990’s it was pitching…what now…power, speed, defense, pitching? The team lacks an identity and someone has to pick it and stay the course with it.

If these moves are not made, then 2008 will end the same as 2007.

By Larry

September 3, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

“Dr. John,”

It is “you’re really stupid” not “your really stupid.”

Are you Bobby’s offspring?

By Larry

September 3, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

Bob,

You nailed it!

Touché!

By J. C Lopez

September 3, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

it is simple, we need to new starters. 1.- Smoltz 2.- Tim Hudson 3.- Johan Santana 4.- Roy Oswalt. The Baseball is a pitching game if you dont have it simply you lose.

The braves lose the focus on the pitchers. The key of the game

By Alf

September 3, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

I am so sick of hearing idiots like AJ and sycophant fans trying to exempt Bobby from blame for all the playoff failures and the recent inabilities to even field a competent team. Bottom line: if he’s not to blame, then why is he even there. If all he does is make out the lineup card, then why do you even need a manager?

It’s because you DO need a competent manager to lead, energize, push the right buttons, make the right moves, and there couldn’t be a worse person for the job than Bobby.

And if anyone is simple-minded enough to credit him for the 15 year run, all I can say is that we enjoyed a minimal degree of success when you consider the dearth of pitching and talent we had back then. In fact, 1/15 is downright unacceptable. Period. It is past time for a new day in Atlanta, and I’d love to see TP get that chance. Hell, he was more of a manager in the early years than Bobby was anyway.

By Alf

September 3, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

And in that same vein, I’d like to see the Bobby Cox relics shipped outta here too. AJ is a given, but I wouldn’t mind to see Chipper go as well. He is still a good player, but his fragility and lackadaisical attitude brings the team down. In fact, I wouldn’t even mind seeing Smoltz gone too IF and ONLY IF it netted us quality young pitching in return.

At the end of the day, I’ve been calling for the Braves to pack it in and start taking their lumps and just rebuild for years. Those last few years of playoff humiliation could have been the beginning, and then we would already be close to a new wave of success. But NOOOOOOOOOO we had to keep hanging on all for the sake of that damnable, useless streak.

I would like to see them commit every resource available to young pitching. That means use damn-near EVERY draft pick on pitching. Trade every valuable player for promising young pitching from other teams. I don’t care if we’re left with pathetic teams for a few years. But what will happen is after a few years, we will be able to contend again with a dearth of pitching. And we can trade the extra pitching we have for needed position players at that time, when we are actually ready and able to compete…NOT like we do now, where we try to just put on a good showing of competitiveness. Nonsense. I don’t give two s** about what they do until they have the pitching to compete for real.

What these past few years have shown me is that you stand no chance without ample pitching. And I’m tired of spinning our wheels with the likes of John Thomson, Russ Ortiz, Buddy Carlysle, etc, while we pour valuable resources into guys like Tex (bless his heart), and we still have NO real shot of winning. Stop the insanity and start putting everything into pitching for a few years.

By Kenneth Simpson

September 3, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Stupid trades is one reason the braves are not contenders anymore. Trading 3-5 young players to rent a washed up player or a injured pitcher has not worked for the braves. I cannot remember when the braves actually made a good trade. Can anyone help? Again Tex is a good player but trading all those young players for him just for one complete season was crazy. Let Bobby retire and get rid of JS before he trades the entire farm system away for nothing like he has shown us he can and is willing to do.

By chipdip

September 3, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Bobby Cox is on his hands and knees right now…saggy butt cheeks spread..Chris Woodward approaching him with a MET’S logo pulsating vibrator in his hand.

By chipdip

September 3, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

BRING BACK MAZZONE AND FURCAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Raj

September 3, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

The organization is becoming almost as apathetic as the fans.

By chipdip

September 3, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

YOU SAID IT!!!

By wickman

September 3, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

I told you this wasn’t my fault. Pass the ribs..

By steve

September 3, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

This team has lost way too many close games because of either bad moves or simply waiting too long to make a move, Cox is not good at making quick decisions and sits and waits for the 3 run hr. which has not happened lately translating into losses; if he returns next season we will see the same problems again as I see him as the reason why this team cannot win the close games, the game has passed him by and Franco also; please retire with some dignity before things get ugly as my patience has been worn down.

By Gene

September 3, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

The Braves have played some pretty good baseball, but this team is an excellent example of why good pitching and defense is more important than home runs. It appears that the run is over, unless the new ownership drops a whole lot of money on established pitching in the off season. This is a shame for Bobby, Chipper, and Smoltz, as the three of them were hoping for another World Series Ring, and I think they deserve one.

By jimmartincpa

September 3, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

I still think there is hope…

By phil

September 3, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Paul A- It’s good to hear from someone with sense. This weekend is my 12 year in Atlanta and the baseball has been good. Braves fans just don’t know the game. The Braves didn’t want Glavine or Maddox and decide to flood their team with local talent. Going the “gool ol boy route” never seen a organization do that but it show Schurholts and co. arogance. Blame yourselves for being so “Rockerish” arogent. I’m loving being a MET FAN just like I endured baseball in Atlanta during one of the greatest NL runs in a long time. You could have been the Big Red machine ya turn out to be tomahawk chumps…………….

By Drew

September 3, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Mike Hampton meet Carl Pavano

By Drew

September 3, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Kenneth,

Bobby and John are both around 66 years old. they don’t have time to sit and watch our farm system develop and crank out more mccann and francoeurs. They made the trades to win it all this year or next and let someone else rebuild the farm system. Don’t dog the trades Tex has been outstanding. IF you wanna dog something, dog the trade they didn’t make for more starting pitching.

By rich

September 3, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Quit the b.s. This isn’t about pitching. This team has no heart or leadership. Chipper and Andruw did what they always do in big spots, which is nothing. Go find some players with heart! We already have enough talent.

By DG

September 3, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

To say there is no hope right now is simplistic. The Braves play 6 of their next 12 games against the Nationals—granted no walkover but it is possible that the Braves could win 5 of 6 or even all 6. Besides those 6 we have games against the Phillies and Mets—maybe now that there is a perception that they are out of it, the team may play a little looser.

The key is to get a run going. Even bad teams have winning streaks. And the Braves really haven’t had one all year. So if the Gods smile and this happens this month, one never knows. A streak of 9 out of 10 will get the Braves back to 3 or so out and then one never knows. Bssically there is little room for error or bad luck now.

By Colin

September 3, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

I would just like to say…we wont win next year if we dont get a 3rd starter , 4th starter, 5th starter…a cf….a closer not named SORIANO….Hampton needs to leave wit his 1000000 million dollar contract…New manager….

By Rick Roberts

September 3, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Braves teams the past several years have been apathetic—absolutley no fire under them. Much blame, but the buck stops with Bobby—he has had a great career, but time has passed him by. JS really has tried—keep Tex, now, and it will look like a steal of a trade. We didn’t give up that much if we can keep him. AJ has been the underlying cancer—Bobby catered to him, too much, and JS was afraid to trade him. With him gone, the Braves will show improved chemistry. Not only do we need SP, but we need speed. In the off-season, get two SP’s if possible. Brandon Jones is about ready for CF, but we need speed in LF and at 2B. Renteria will be traded. For once, the Braves need some luck—Hampton to rebound as well as Gonzalez. Keep Willie Harris and Diaz for depth. Afraid ‘08 will be a re-building year.

By MetsRule

September 3, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Braves are trash. Face facts losers, get used to thrid place for a while

By Gary

September 3, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

ANDREW…..WHAT A SERIES AGAIN AND AGAIN WITH SIX WITH THE PHILLIES AND METS,….AND NOW 3 GAMES AGAIN WITH THE METS….andrew again did nothing!!!!!I THOUGHT THE OBJECT WAS TOO WIN!!!!!!COMPLAIN ABOUT THE 3 4 AND 5 PITCHERS..BUT ANDREW DID NOTHING!!!!!IF YOU NEED TO WIN..YOU SHOULD …PLAY YOUR BEST HITTERS..BENCH THE BUM NOW…HE THANKFULLY ISNT GOING TO BE THERE NEXT YEAR ANYWAY!!!!!

By Since 1966 One Less Title Than The Marlins

September 3, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Dear Drew at 10:46AM, Mike Hampton makes Carl Pavano look like one of those guys from the early 1900’s who would have 40 complete games in a season.

Mike Hampton should at least show up at Madison Square Garden for the Westminister Kennel Club extravaganza. You know what you really have to like about someone like Mike who has collected millions like Paris Hilton for doing nothing is I bet he has given 10,000 dollars———WOOOOOOOOOOO——to his high school and been labeled as a philanthropist.

If Mike Hampton ran a hedge fund and it went broke and cost its investors everything I would bet that somehow Mike would walk out of it with a healthy payoff.

Mike Hampton—Say That Name Over And Over—when you question the unwillingness of corporations who must answer to shareholders or individual entrepreneurs who became rich through their labors who are hesitant to lavish long term deals to mutts like Mike Hampton who has never seen an injury he couldn’t relate to.

In 1974 Al Kaline turned down 100,000 from the Detroit Tigers because he said he wasn’t worth it. Now that was rather silly, but in a better time wouldn’t you think that Mike Hampton would have the human and professional DECENCY to say “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, I’m not going to refuse this money but I’m going to donate 25 percent of it to charity because my upbringing and sense of pride tells me I’ve done nothing to earn it”—-Anybody holding his or her breath??

And now we move on to the Big Mac eating centerfielder who is in more rapid decline than a sub-prime investment fund, but many are encouraging the Braves to meet the price and if they do, this guy with a long term deal will balloon like Kirstie Alley on a two week European cruise specializing in 5 buffets a day. Yea, give a guy who has lost at least 2 steps and has no sense of the strike zone the money. After all it’s not your money, is it??

By Stuart

September 3, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

It has been a long year. The team needs to find an innings eater 3rd starter and a CF. There is hope though. Brandon Jones is going to be good. Diaz has proven he is not a fluke. Willie Harris is a decent utility man. B-Mac, Frenchy, KJ, Escobar have been really good. We have Tex next year. Chipper, when healthy, is still a great hitter. Huddy and Smoltz are a good 1-2 punch. Moylan has been a revelation. Soriano, when his mechanics are right is awesome. They have found 3 potential arms in the minors, plus Boyer is back healthy in the minors, so the bully is in good shape for the future.

The braves had their chance and the rotation bit them. The other thing that just killed this team was losing Edgar. I know there is rumors of trading him for a SP next year and keeping Escobar. To those I say be careful what you wish for. Edgar is an incredible player and he makes this lineup go. I love Escobar, but I dont think he is unique. Edgar is. If someone wants Escobar and has pitching to offer, I make that trade and pay Edgar.

If the payroll goes up. In a perfect world. I go after Rowland (or T. Hunter). for CF. Call up B. Jones and platoon him with Diaz in LF. Keep Harris as the uber utility guy if the price is right. Keep Prado, Willie, the other LF not playing that day, a vet TBD, and Pena. That makes a versitle, athletic young bench. Devine, Acosta, and the guy from Mississippi with the funny name, Mahay, Moylan, Soraino, and a long reliver TBD. I have no idea who to get for the 3 hole, but Chuck is okay in the 4 and I think Cormier will do okay in the five. Hampton is the wild card, if he is healthy, and Gonzalez comes back, look out.

I say goodbye to Villareal, Orr (hate to do it, but we would have 3 LH second basemen), Paronto, Woodward, Yates, Miller, even though he has not stunk.

That is just me. Anyone else, feel free to call me an idiot or whatever.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

September 3, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Agreed ! But I could have told you this two months ago. Wait , I did. The Loss of Hampton , Cormier being out for four months , Mike Gonzalez lost till next season. It finally caught up to the Braves. Not enough pitching in the rotation and Bullpen. Cox has been less than brilliant as a manager without a great rotation and defense. Hopefully , Glavine opts for free agency and Schuerholz will swallow his pride and sign the one pitcher who can put the Braves back into the playoffs in 2008.

By humbug

September 3, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

This will prove to be the end of the trail for a lot of our Braves. Next season will be without Bobby Cox, Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, and Andrew Jones. A body and mind can only take so much abuse. There are a few more who won’t be here because there was no reason for them to be here for the past couple of years. We won’t be without hope, however, because we have some fantastic young talent who will step up. STILL A BRAVES FAN.

By John

September 3, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Well for once i agree with Larry =P, (lets just squash this beef, shall we), Bob u did nail it, except at 6, the deal wasn’t that bad. Salty was being blocked by McCann, and the other pitcher were below Jo-Jo in the dept charts. Elvis andrus is at least 4-6 years away from the bigs, Yunel will be in his prime by then so he also would be blocked.

Chipper just missed a rbi double XD, this has been atlanta story all year long.

By Glavine's a TRADER!

September 3, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

I just want to see some emotion from these Braves - they have NO EXPRESSION! It’s indeed over!

By beki

September 3, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

Some of you are forgetting that we got Gonzalez despite knowing that he had a history of elbow and other arm problems;indeed, he had to have a checkup prior to the deal and was given an ok by the doctor. I, personally, don’t see Gonzalez being of much assistance with the rotation;as a matter of fact, I don’t think he’ll be here after next season.

By Since 1966 One Less Title Than The Marlins

September 3, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Mike Hampton just pulled a groin muscle reaching for a magazine.

By Nutty Bobby

September 3, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Hearing Cox continue to say really dumb crap like our pitching has basically been good all season is only more the reason I’m sick of this guy!

If it’s like Andruw says and he only fills out the lineup card….. then it’s time to find someone else to fill out the lineup card!

Please Bobby!!!! Retire!

By h_charles

September 3, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Very well said!

There is hope for next year though. Another year under the belt of McCan, Frenchy, Johnson, and Escobar.

The bullpen looks like it will be stellar. Acosta looks dominant, and finally we have enough arms to keep guys like Paronto off the squad.

This team needs to do two things. First, trade Renteria for a solid #3 or 4 starter. I love Edgar, but this team needs an arm much more so than a bat.

Second, say goodbye to Andruw, sign a mid-range CF who can run like the wind, and take that cash to purchase another 3 or 4 starter.

With that, we can finally treat Hampton like we should have — an extra arm that would be gravy if he actually throws a pitch.

Let he, Cormier James and Reyes fight for the 5 spot.

By Depressed Fan

September 3, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

The Braves were never in this race. The only reason they lasted as long as they did is because of the poor play of the Mets and Phillies recently. You cannot win divisional titles and playoff games without pitching, and the Braves never had that. When Smoltz and Hudson pitched, they seldom gave them any offensive support. When the offense came alive, the bullpen before the All Star break gave away more runs than the offense coould generate. With three of five starters so shaky it was a crap shoot when they started to know if they would last four innings, it was an exercise in futility. Unless some solid starters are procured over the winter to support Smoltz and Hudson, you can look for another flame out next year. Smoltz is in the twilight of his career and his replacement will have to materialize before long. The batting lineup (except for the Mets series) should be sufficient to support good pitching, but not even the Yankees 1920’s “Murderers Row” could salvage the atrocious starting pitching from the back end of this 2007 Braves starting pitching rotation.

By Fatigued Fan

September 3, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

We’re finally seeing the real Bobby Cox operate without the built in advantage of three Cy Young winners and likely Hall of Fame Pitchers on his staff. Too much credit is given to a manager as well as too much blame. Managers look like geniuses when they have great pitching and hitting, and like bums when they have only one or the other, or neither. The Braves won in the 1990s because of stellar pitching and enough hitting to get the job done, not because Cox was a genius. Today, he can’t pitch for the gofer ball hurlers who can’t get anyone out. That doesn’t make him a bum. It simply shows that talent is the ingredient that wins or loses games, not the brilliant minds of the managers. Get some good pitching and he will look like a genius again.

By daxxed

September 3, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

Sad thing is, one win…no advancement…that is the story for the Braves…So they won one…big whoop…The Mets just got even stronger with a win from the returning Pedro. While the Braves Aces can’t even keep them in the game…JS biggest mistake for the past few season is drawing a paycheck and not working for…and that is of course is Hampchump…..

By JAMES

September 3, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Going into today’s game with Philadelphia, the Braves had 25 games left. Win 20 of them, they’ve got a chance (89 wins). Look at the teams on this month’s schedule. It is possible.

Cormier is the real deal. James will be, too, provided he spends this off-season developing a third pitch instead of working at Lowe’s.

I think if the Carlyle-Reyes “experiment” gets us a win tomorrow night, we’ll sweep the Phils and the Nationals and head to Shea next week with one last chance to catch the Mets.

Also, San Diego is playing Arizona in a three-game series this week. If the Braves sweep the Phils, at WORST, they’ll be 4.5 out of the WC.

As for the stems fans, wait until you actually WIN a World Series before you gloat. Btw, that 1986 stems team of yours SHOULD have won 2 or 3 World Series in a row, so don’t talk about the Braves’ post-season misfortunes.

Go Braves!

By Davidc

September 3, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

all of you are wrong i still have hope and i have faith in the braves to get to the play offs and all of you that are braves fans should be ashamed of yourselves to say its over theres still another month left in the season anything can happen!

By Davidc

September 3, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

all of you are wrong i still have hope and i have faith in the braves to get to the play offs and all of you that are braves fans should be ashamed of yourselves to say its over theres still another month left in the season anything can happen!

By Davidc

September 3, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

all of you are wrong i still have hope and i have faith in the braves to get to the play offs and all of you that are braves fans should be ashamed of yourselves to say its over theres still another month left in the season anything can happen!

By JACK

September 3, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

BACK IN SPRING TRANING I REMEMBER J.S. AND COX SAYING THAT WITH HAMPTON COMING BACK IT WOULD BE LIKE HAVING A BRAND NEW #1 PITCHER,NEVER HAPPENED. SMOLTZE’S 12 OR 13 WIN’S GREAT BUT IF J.S. AND COX, WERE NOT SO CHICKEN S#&T OF LOSING HIM AND KEPT HIS BUTT IN THE BULLPEN, AND HE HAD JUST SAVED HALF OF THE BLOWN SAVES,OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, BRAVES WOULD HAVE WON DIVISION BOTH YEARS!J.S. PUT THE ROYALS TOGEATHER AND THEN PUT THEM ON THE BOTTOM,WHEN HE GOT TIRED OF THEM, AND FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS,HE HAS BEEN DOING THE SAME THING TO THE BRAVES.HIDDING BEHIND THE LACK OF OWNERSHIP NOT WILLING TO SPEND ENOUGH MONEY ON OVER THE HILL PLAYERS.AND MAKING SOME OF THE MOST STUPID TRADES IN M.L.B. HISTORY,TO KEEP CHIPPER,A.J.,SMOLTZE,AND A BUNCH OF OTHER CRY-BABY’S,HAPPY.TRADING AWAY YOUNGER PLAYERS FOR OFTEN INJURED OR PLAYERS WHO JUST WANT THE MONEY(REMEMBER LAST YEAR WHEN HUDSON SAID HE DID NOT EVEN MAKE ANY EFFORT)AND ON WHAT COACHES HE IS ONLY WILLING TO GIVE A 1 YEAR CONTRACT AT A TIME,WHO KNOW HOW TO COACH AND HELP DEVELOP AND MAKE ANY ADJUSTMENTS,AS NEEDED, WE HAVE A PITCHING COACH WHO HAS NO IDEA ON HOW TO DO ANY OF THIS.AND NOW COX IS JUST TRYING DISTANCE HIS SELF FROM THIS MESS THAT HE IS AT LEAST 50% RESPONCABILE FOR.HE SHOULD’VE STOOD UP FOR MAZZONE, BUT COX WAS BELIVING IN TO MUCH OF HIS OWN GREATNESS,HE HAS NEVER PUT THE SAME LINE-UP ON THE FIELD FOR 20 GAMES IN A ROW.AND HE HAS NO IDEA OF HOW TO BE A JUDGE OF TALENT.14 DIVISION TITLES BUT ONLY 1 CHAMPIONSHIP. HE HAS NO LEADERSHIP IN HIM HE JUST WANTS TO SEE HIS NAME IN THE PRESS FOR GETTING THROWEN OUT.REMEMBER THIS IS HIS SECOND TIME AS THE BRAVES MANAGER AND MUCH LIKE THE FIRST HE HELPED DRIVE THEM TO THE BOTTOM OF THE N.L.

By r1U

September 3, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this

Let me see…players don’t hit…pitchers don’t pitch well, and filelders miss the ball…yep, that’s right it’s all BC anh JH’s fault…what Bas**rds they are.

It ain’t over til it’s over…that comes from a real icon. You quit; you lose…

I hear a lot of quit talk on this page

By Howard Wright

September 3, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

Please don’t mention Hampton’s name again. Period.

By Arkie Fan

September 4, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

Crying time again. Should Have’s, Could Have’s Might Have’s, etc. Facing facts, our Braves are not a good team. Needs - # 1 starting pitcher and a # 4. a new pitching coach ( I call balls and strikes with about a 90 percent success ratio by watching all our pitchers throwing from the mound )new coaching, I would keep TP. Manager - Cox has been a very good manager, but, we need a fresh start. several good young managers are available. NEW OWNERS we need more money to win a Champion Ship. We also need to keep Renteria. Escobar can play second, short or third. KJ has needed time off for several weeks. This is his first year back and his dropping average shows. JS look at all the other teams, that you have made them better with our players. As much as I have enjoyed AJ, he is too old to learn to hit a baseball where it is pitched. We need youth. With the proper three or four new players, coaches and manager, 2008 could be a GREAT YEAR.

By ChampDawg

September 4, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Anybody that thinks Hampton’s return is the answer to next year is smoking something illegal. This is the problem with the Braves… thinking that recycled arms are the solution. An aging Smoltz, Huddy, and a arm that hasn’t tossed a pitch in 2 years is not the anwser. What morons. Go get some damn pitching!!!!!!!!

By Ralph

September 4, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

There are people out there who said this year Braves outcome, is not Bobby Cox fault. Who makes up the lineup and call the shots, you can’t blame the bat boy, who keeps changing a winning line-up for a losing one, because the pitcher is right handed or a lefty? who keeps putting in a center field who can’t even hit his weight? who keeps leaving pitchers in until they give up so many runs, that the Braves, which are not a come from behind team can’t caught up? who keep put in the same reliever that blew the game the night before in, so he can blow another one? Who keep managing in denial when he tells the medium, “He had good stuff tonight, he just let one get away from him and it just so happen that it when over the center field fence, and they just score 5 runs, and he blew the game, but again he had good stuff tonight “, What about last year, and the year before. What’s finally happing is not only that the Braves have become worse team, but the other teams have become better. It’s not that Bobby Cox wasn’t a great manager, all respect is due to the man, it’s that he has become predictable in the way he managers. It seems like second guessing him is easy. If the Braves not stop using their head for a door stopper, and start using common sense, next year they will be trying their best to stay out of the cellar, and when the fans stop going to the games they can start blaming the fans again. They have got to get rid of Woodward, Orr, and Thurman, and Willie Harris is not an everyday player, he an excellent substituted. Let’s see when bird brain excuse they come up with this year. Hope they don’t use the Chipper, Anduew, McCann, Smoltz and others where hurt this year, but we’ll get them next year. The next Braves manager should have a doctor in medicine degree. The Braves are the best at doing the Louisiana side step. People who make millions of dollars a years for playing a game for only eight months work, are not allow to be hurt, for more than 2 weeks for that period of time. The Braves disable report, reminds me of the old T.V. show “General Hospital”.

By Alf

September 4, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

*r1U and all the other Booby Cox sycophants: you say the same old retarded line over and over again—“Bobby doesn’t hit, pitch, field, run or throw, so it can’t possibly be his fault.” By your idiotic logic, no manager or coach would EVER be fired. The Falcons shouldn’t have fired Jim Mora because he wasn’t the one fumbling, overthrowing, missing tackles etc, right? Nor should they have fired Greg Knapp, right? In fact, Bobby wouldn’t even be the manager now because we shouldn’t have ever fired Russ Nixon or Chuck Tanner or Joe Torre, right?

Gimme a break. Grow up and learn how think originally and logically. If you think BC is a great and should continue to be the manager, then make your argument. But this nonsense about him not being the one to actually play the games is just ridiculous.

By Ralph

September 4, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Some people wouldn’t know don’t if it water or p—- that hit on the head unless they taste it. Yes, Bobby doesn’t hit, pitch, field, run or throw, but by now he knows who does or doesn’t on his team, if players don’t perform and he keeps put them in and the team keep look like a bunch of baboons , then it the manager job to do something. What’ s the manager job? to be one of the boy and plead with them to play better, Not in the real world. When players on a team, become compliance, and the manager is one of the boys, then it’s time to change the policy of the team or the manager. One can be both a manager and a friend, but not a friend and a manager, and that is what has been happing with the Braves. Again to all those who have a hard time understanding ENGLISH.. Bobby Cox was a GREAT MANAGER AND I’ am such, A GREAT PERSON, but like everything in life he has become predictable, and unless he chances his approached toward the game, the best the Braves can do is third place, or lower from here on out. If the owners decide to open their wallets and start getting quality pitching, things may be different, but it’s going to take a lot of money to get Braves pitching up to par. The Braves this year as well as in the past have not had timely hitting or quality pitching. No matter how a team does the hero or the fall guy is the manager, everything a team does reflects on the manager, THE MANAGER IS THE ESCAPE GOAT of a team and they know it, and when the team keeps repeating the same mistakes year after year, sadly but the true its the manager fault. When it come to a steady manager such as Bobby Cox, who has had so many successful season, but lately can’t do anything right, than it time to question his motivation and ability to continual, performing at the caliber he did in the past . But in reality, I don’t care what actions the Braves take as long as they win and perform like a competitive major league team and stop acting like a bunch of quitters.