AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > September > 03 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHistory says Braves still have a shot
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
With the season shrinking, the New York Mets refuse to lose, and every once in a while, the Braves actually win. That isn’t the best scenario for the choppers and the chanters, especially since mediocrity began taking the field with their heroes after the All-Star break.
It’s just that stuff happens in baseball. Even though the Braves trail the Mets in the National League East by 7 1/2 games and sit behind much of the Western Hemisphere for the wild card, well, you know …
Stuff happens in baseball. Said Bobby Cox, the astute manager, analyzing his Braves on Monday at Turner Field after a 5-1 romp over the Philadelphia Phillies, “So we’re just going to have to run a streak here and see what happens.”
Stuff may happen for the Braves, because it has happened before. During The Last Great Pennant Race, they trailed the San Francisco Giants by 10 games before finishing with 104 victories to the Giants’ 103.
“We were all in the outfield watching the big screen [at old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium] as the Giants lost,” said Braves president Terry McGuirk, his eyes sparkling with the memory.
Added McGuirk, “We just have to keep our dobber up, because from here to the end, it’s all about pressure. And we should be loose, because we sort of made a very tough road for ourselves. The other guys are going to be extremely tight. All you can hope for at this point is to apply pressure and see what happens.”
This time, the Braves threw a noose around the Phillies’ neck and kept yanking. In other words, the Braves did what they need to do. Which was what they used to do throughout their record streak of 14 consecutive division titles through 2005.
Timely hitting. Crisp fielding. Solid starting pitching, followed by the bullpen using more water than gasoline on fires. Said catcher Brian McCann, who poked a two-run double into the corner, “It’s a step. It’s another step toward getting us close to the playoffs.”
In contrast, the Braves took several steps backward last weekend after scoring just four runs during the Mets’ three-game sweep. But stuff happens in baseball. I mean, there was 1964, when the St. Louis Cardinals trailed the ancestors to these Phillies by 6 1/2 games with 12 games left to play.
Those Phillies didn’t win the pennant, by the way.
Remember 1969? Everybody likes to mention how the Chicago Cubs choked away a World Series trip in September, but there also was that surge for the ages (or at least for the latter part of the decade) by the Miracle Mets. “You also had the New York Giants back in the day, and that was the most exciting comeback I’ve ever heard about,” raves pitcher Tim Hudson, recalling Bobby Thomson’s 1951 dramatics, as in “The Giants win the pennant, the Giants win the pennant, the Giants win the pennant.”
From the other side of the Braves clubhouse, Mark Teixeira mentioned the 2002 Oakland A’s, “They won 20 games in a row, and they eventually made it to the playoffs,” said Teixeira, of a team that surged from 4 1/2 games behind in early August to an insurmountable lead of four ahead in early September.
Oh, and Teixeira’s father, John, played high school baseball with Bucky Dent, the Great Satan around Boston. It was Dent’s blast in 1978 that sealed the New York Yankees’ ridiculous sprint from a 14-game deficit to send the Red Sox home for the rest of October.
“We were Orioles fans living in Baltimore, so [Dad] sort of mentioned something about that [Dent] home run to me whenever the Red Sox or Yankees came to town,” Teixeira said, before returning to the present, where the Braves have just 24 games left to make stuff happen. “It’s not something that we talk about all day long, but we sit around and go, ‘You know what? We can do this. We can still do this.’”
Yes, they can.
Will they?
The problem for the Braves is, Dent is retired.
So is Thomson.
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By keb mo
September 4, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this
Gotta go 20-4 to finish up
By someone
September 4, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this
Once again, Terence Moore shows off his lack of intellegence.
By Invalid Comparison
September 4, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this
We all know, Terence, the Braves cannot possibly win with the shameful disadvantage of carrying only one African-American, Willie Harris, on their roster.
By the way, Homer, every example from history you reference is a team chasing down one other team. You ignore the fact that the Braves have to catch the Phillies before they can even think about chasing down the Mets. And in the wildcard, they have to hope to get hot while the Phillies… and the Dodgers… and the Diamondbacks… and the Padres… and the Rockies all collapse.
Goes without saying if the Braves were good enough to accomplish such a feat, they wouldn’t be in the position they’re in.
At least you managed one Braves column without calling Bobby Cox the greatest manager ever. It’s a babay step for you, but it’s a step.
By Invalid Comparison
September 4, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this
We all know, Terence, the Braves cannot possibly win with the shameful disadvantage of carrying only one African-American, Willie Harris, on their roster.
By the way, Homer, every example from history you reference is a team chasing down one other team. You ignore the fact that the Braves have to catch the Phillies before they can even think about chasing down the Mets. And in the wildcard, they have to hope to get hot while the Phillies… and the Dodgers… and the Diamondbacks… and the Padres… and the Rockies all collapse.
Goes without saying if the Braves were good enough to accomplish such a feat, they wouldn’t be in the position they’re in.
At least you managed one Braves column without calling Bobby Cox the greatest manager ever. It’s a baby step for you, but it’s a step.
By CG
September 4, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this
History says once again TM, you are an idiot.
By Robert S
September 4, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this
Pardon me for a brief moment.
Ummmm…….
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!
Ahem. Back to reality.
As sure as there is Santa Claus, the tooth fairy, flying pigs, and a Ford that lasts over 100,000 miles, the Braves will stride into the playoffs on the blessing of TM.
By ronp
September 4, 2007 1:05 AM | Link to this
Terence…give it up…you’re in ga ga land…the Braves is done!
By Lenny Randle
September 4, 2007 2:10 AM | Link to this
what gets me is that all summer long you heard how the braves own the mets blah blah blah. 8-4 record this year versus the mets. had won every series.
bobby even started smoltz on short rest last time to ensure him pitching this past weekend. he thought as well as all braves fans that the mets were ripe for the picking following the aboration which was the 4 games in philly. then in the most anticipated series in atlanta since last years 3 game july series SWEEP by the mets what did the braves do?
they got SWEPT again.
DING DONG the witch is dead.
see you in 2008 squaws
yes, yes, we met fans know. our pitching is awful and will be a year older. our hitters are crap and old or inexperienced….hampton will form the best 3 man rotation in baseball. chipper will be healthy,…….hey wait a minute thats what you guys said this year.
c’est la vie.
By Serbok
September 4, 2007 2:51 AM | Link to this
TM Youre such a joke! I doubt very seriously you will read this. Ya think maybe, your forte Might be writing about something other than what you write about? Just curious~
By A Jones 25
September 4, 2007 3:14 AM | Link to this
Finally my choking dog teammates came through. I can’t wait to see this team in the rear view mirror of one of my fabulous luxury/sports cars.
Note to TM: We’ve all given up a long time ago. Smoltz is thinking about golf. Chipper wants to go hunting on his ranch and I want to buy another luxury/sports car.
By George "Boston Brave"Spitz
September 4, 2007 3:55 AM | Link to this
Terrence Moore is a fine reporter and not a quitter. All these sarcastic remarks about only one Afro-American are ridiculous. If we had just one Afro American on the 1933 Braves,a Willie Harris talent, for example, Boston would have likely won the first National League Championship since 1914 when they defeated the Philadelphia Athletics in four straight games. Those Boston Braves were in last place on July 4th. We could have used a reporter like Terrence Moore in 1933.
By Plate Appearance
September 4, 2007 4:14 AM | Link to this
THANKS TERENCE
Thanks for the great column Terence!
It’s refreshing to hear a hopeful word.
Deep down inside most of us would like to see the Braves have a miracle finish, much like the aptly named Miracle Mets once did.
Sorry for the negative personal comments you’re getting. They’re certainly not deserved. And there are many other readers out there who don’t appreciate such remarks.
Keep up the good work Terrance. We do enjoy reading your column!
Who knows? Miracles can and do happen, as you so wonderfully point out from history. Thanks again!
By Coach ( Lets Go Braves in 2008)
September 4, 2007 4:42 AM | Link to this
Terence , your a funny guy. I didn’t know you had such a great sense of humor. The Braves have about as much a chance of making the playoffs as Barack Obama has of being President in 2008.
By Salt
September 4, 2007 6:48 AM | Link to this
I agree with you, Terry. The naysayers, even Mark Bradley, long to be “right” somehow if the Braves fail to make the playoffs again. The simple fact is that it ain’t over till it’s over. I remain perplexed that so many goofy and mean-spirited people can’t be satisfied with waiting to see what actually happens instead of making pretentious pronouncements.
By Joe
September 4, 2007 7:34 AM | Link to this
It’s over, Terry. Roll over, and play dead. These “Choppers” don’t have it what it takes to win.
Let’s go Mets!
By BILL G
September 4, 2007 7:37 AM | Link to this
I have been watching the Bravos since 91 (Yes, I jumped on the bandwagon back then, but I am still riding!), The Braves have not been consistant all year, I do not see how they can magically turn the switch and get jump started now. They only have themselves to blame this year, as they have had more than there share of opportunities to take this thing. At least Braves merchandise will be marked down early again for a 2nd season. Hey, don’t get me wrong, I would love nothing more than to see them make it, but I am from Boston and born a baseball pessimist!!!
By Saddened Reader
September 4, 2007 7:39 AM | Link to this
Sometimes I really wonder what you so-called “fans” actually want…
You blast poor Terry when he points out the faults of your team and blast him when he actually offers you a glimmer of hope.
I think you guys aren’t happy unless you can moan about something.
By the way—-those 14 dominating seasons you had?
The divisions they were in were weak at best—-they will have my respect if they can do it now, with talented competition for a change…
By Fire Cox
September 4, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this
Braves will s*ck until Booby is GONE! He is a terrible postseason manager and lately he can’t even get there anymore. Let’s call it what it is……Booby was in the right place at the right time with the Braves. He inherited talent that any manager could have won with. Problem is most managers would have collected 2-5 WS titles while Booby got 1. Time for you to go, old man.
By To Saddened Reader
September 4, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this
Yeah that division with Giants with 103 wins, that was a pretty weak one.. How many teams are gonna finish with 100 wins this year? Um none, and that year we had two in the same division
By mart
September 4, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this
Memorable history isn’t made by winning a game and then losing a game, winning a game, losing a game, winning, losing …
By Charlie
September 4, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this
The Braves have not had a long winning streak this season. I think that 4 in a row is their best. With 3 holes in their pitching staff (starters), a leaky bullpen, inconsistent hitting (with a lousy RISP numbers), the Braves are not capable of putting a meaningful run together. They have not been able to do that all season. At best they are a mediocre bunch, that lack “money” ballplayers that will step up, when games are on the line. Mr. Moore (along with Chip & Joe from TBS) are blowing smoke, and they know it. Reality is hell sometimes.
By Tater
September 4, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
What a dreamer you are Terrance! My problem is that I’ve shared this same dream with you for more than 40 years, from when I first started rooting for the Braves at age 10. The past two seasons have returned me to my childhood, back when our theme song was wait till next year. Next year came about 15 years ago and it was goooood! Can’t wait till next year gets here again. Until then, I still hold out hope for our Atlanta Braves until the math says the Braves will be hunting, fishing and lawyering in October.
By Kelley
September 4, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the optimistic article.
As for me, I’m going to watch the rest of the season and support my boys and not give up hope. It will take a miraculous finish, but won’t it make for a much more exciting one than years past when the Braves were so far ahead in the division?
All the Braves can do now is win and see what happens. If they don’t make the play-offs then Braves fans will know what most other fans have had to deal w/ those 14 years we all had it so good and most took it for granted.
More than anything, never count out a Bobby Cox team.
And to the person who posted Fire Cox and explains Bobby’s success to the talent he has; can you explain the year’s he has won without that talent?
Remember the year without Glavine and Maddux and 14 rookies were called up and yet Bobby still won the division?????
I believe he was voted Manager of the Year that year also, the reason why? Because people actually IN baseball who actually KNOW what they’re talking about know he is the best. (wasn’t his first manager of year either by the way).
It honestly makes me laugh out loud to hear people bash Bobby, it’s so absurd.
By GE
September 4, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this
Why prolong the agony? The Braves cannot win with the pitching staff as it presently exists. We have no pitcher who is capable of stopping a losing streak or starting a winning streak(that includes Hudson and Smoltz). I don’t care how many runs they score. We need an infusion of young arms which means we may have to give up some of the offense to get them. Does anyone know what we have in the minors? I have not seen any new faces, so I guess we have already given all the young arms away in an attempt to win now.
By Corey
September 4, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Mets on pace for 91 wins
D’Backs on pace for 89 wins
That puts the Braves having to win 22 of the remaining 24 games to surpass what the Mets are on pace for. They’ll have to win 20 of 24 to surpass the D’Backs.
For a team that is 10 games under 500 since May 13, that is impossible. Hear someone singing? Its the fat lady.
By bobby
September 4, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
The biggest bunch of crap since your last column.
By iwalterp
September 4, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
Moore’s futile optimism aside, any team that is just 2 games over .500 with 26 games to go does not deserve to be in playoffs. This year is over for playoff dreams. So lets look at next year. I think the trade for Teixera was the right move by JS, eventhough the Braves needed pitching more. It filled too many holes for the coming years to pass up. Thats why he got fleeced by Daniels on minor leaguers we gave up. I know the B. Cox loyalist don’t want to hear this but it really is time for him to retire. The Braves are not retooling for another playoff run next year with there offensive anchor (Chipper) being a fragile 36+ years old 120 game a year player and their pitching anchor(Smoltz) being a 41+ years old with a fragile arm and body. This is a time to transition to the next generation of Brave stars McCann, Francour and Escobar as offensive anchors and Hudson, Reyes and James as pitching anchors. The pitching will take some time to establish themselves so we are talking 2-3 years of mediocricy. Cox, whether you love or hate, him does not deserve to go out like that. He should quit after this year, and let JS make some trades this off season to get young talent for the future, then announce his on retirement at end of the next year. I am a Braves fan and will be one when these young players mature into stars like Chipper ,Andruw, Smoltz and Glavine did 15 years ago.
By h_charles
September 4, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
iwalterp —
YOu are contradicting yourself.
First you say the TEx trade, in which we lost FIVE of our top prospects (including starting pitchers), was the right move.
Then you say we need to make trade in the offseason for young talent for the future.
That makes ZERO sense. If you want to build for the future, the LAST thing you do is trade 5 of your top prospects!
The Tex trade was a good move, but only if this team plans on making moves in the off-season to win NEXT YEAR, not for the future.
We just gave away much of the future for Tex and a 36 year old reliever. We did it to win this year or the next (despite what Moore thinks, it will have to be next year).
Since we did make that trade, we must build for next year and the immediate years following. That means trading for at least one pitcher who can serve as a solid #3 now, not in 4 years.
This team still has a chance to win. Next year’s lineup will be the best in the NL. Smoltz has another year left, and Hudson is still in his prime.
If we can add at least one solid pitcher, we can hope that between Hampton, Cormier, and James we get 2 more.
By steve
September 4, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
I won’t try to bury the Braves anymore than my NY Mets just did. All I can say is that for the next two games I am the biggest Atlanta Brave fan out there. Nothing would make me happier than to see the Mets sweep the Reds and the Braves sweep the Phillies. Go Chipper, Frenchy, Hudson, Andruw and the rest. Beat those Phillies!!!
By Aficianado
September 4, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
Everyone in this column has gone astray. Too much optimism. Or too much pessimism. I find myself in the middle.
Hoping sure, but not expecting.
By warren
September 4, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
When does spring training begin?
By r1U
September 4, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
When you are a fan, you are a fan to the very end. There is no end yet. Granted, the task is daunting, but it ain’t over til it’s over!!!
By Bentos
September 4, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
Crazy things happen, true, but it would take a miracle to transform this Braves team to even win the Wild Card this year. In looking over the stats since the Tex deal was made (and is the real critical time period for this season) it is very clear what has let this team down: Pitching and to a lesser extent the bench. People should not let the weak hitting in the Mets series fool them. The hitting has been good enough to win, even Andruw has hit over an .800 ops for most of August. Here are the real culprits since Aug 15 (James -9.35 Era; Carlyle- 8.40; Villareal- 9.95; Reyes- 7.27 and even Hudson 5.40); and the bench with a 1-15 Thorman, 0-12 Corky Miller and a 2-21 Woodward)
By Young
September 4, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
First, in 1993, the team could win more than ten in a row. Second, in 1993, that team did not blow leads. Third, in 1993, that team had 5 great pitchers. In 2007, the team cannot win more than one in a row, the team is blowing leads left and right, top and bottom, the currently, the team has 1/2 excellent pitchers, John cannot do much at 50%. Hudson is a damaged good and continuing to be and will never be as good as he was in Oakland and the rest of the staff is trash. The thing like 1993 can only happen once in a life time and unless you can live twice, it may happen again in 3993. Got moore picture.
By Jake Bogartis
September 4, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
The Big Chicken has turned into a pumpkin. This season is over.
By Young
September 4, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Moore is asking a two weeks infant to run cover Calvin Johnson.
By Young
September 4, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
First, in 1993, the team could win more than ten in a row. Second, in 1993, that team did not blow leads. Third, in 1993, that team had 5 great pitchers. In 2007, the team cannot win more than one in a row, the team is blowing leads left and right, top and bottom, the currently, the team has 1/2 excellent pitchers, John cannot do much at 50%. Hudson is a damaged good and continuing to be and will never be as good as he was in Oakland and the rest of the staff is trash. The things like 1993 can only happen once in a life time and unless you can live twice, it may happen again in 3993. Got moore picture.
By Young
September 4, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
Moore is asking a two weeks infant to cover Calvin Johnson.
By Deb
September 4, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
I’ve lived in ATL for almost 20 years now, for years Braves fans discounted the NY Mets. Mr. Moore lead that bandwagon, fact is the NY Mets have one of the best orginizations in baseball & for sometime now, see D. Wright & J. Reyes.
Everytime they need to plug a hole they find a bag of spit and transform it into something productive, ala J. Sosa.
Braves’ couminst & their fans are fooling themselves badly (ala T. Moore) if they think these Mets are going away anytime soon.
By Leandre
September 4, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
Does the National Enquirer have a sports section? If so, Mr. Moore please apply you will fit right in.
By Bob
September 4, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
Well, time to look forward to next year.
Here are my thoughts.
Lillibridge. CF and leadoff. He played CF during college ball. He has some moderate speed and a good K/BB ratio. I like his youth and he can lay down a bunt and steal a base. And, inexpensive.
Prado. Second base and bats second. Again a good K/BB ratio. Will move the leadoff hitter along and will make the pitcher use up pitches going deep into the count.
Escobar. Short and bats third. I like the fire in this guy. Will lead the team in doubles and will be a team leader in the future.
Tex. Even if we have him for just a year give him the cleanup spot and let him excel in his free agent year. (better than AJ did this year.)
Frenchy. I like him batting fifth. Some good power and he is still learning his bat potential.
McCann. What can I say. Good in almost any spot. Will give some protection to the five hole.
CJ. I would like to bat him higher but his injuries throw us off too much of the time. When he is in the lineup it will cause the pitcher to have a real headache facing him in the seven hole.
KJ. Move him back to LF and bat him in the eight hole. He will hit 20 homers and steal 15 bases.
Bench: Diaz, Harris, etc…forget the others.
Pitching. Spend the money to relieve the pressure on Smoltz and Hudson. Two front line starting pitches.
Bottom Line: BC ball is dead. It only works when you have an outstanding pitching corps. Otherwise, we lose too many multi run games and we get shut down by great pitching. How many time did we throw a shutout this year versus how many against us? How many times did we let the opposing pitcher finish with less than 100 pitches vresus how many times did our pitchers go over 100 pitches? The list could go on and on.
By Deb
September 4, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
I’ve lived in ATL for almost 20 years now, for years Braves fans discounted the NY Mets. Mr. Moore lead that bandwagon, fact is the NY Mets have one of the best orginizations in baseball & for sometime now, see D. Wright & J. Reyes.
Everytime they need to plug a hole they find a bag of spit and transform it into something productive, ala J. Sosa.
Braves’ couminst & their fans are fooling themselves badly (ala T. Moore) if they think these Mets are going away anytime soon.
By P Dub Braves fan
September 4, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
Bob, you really think we should bat three rookies (essentially) one, two, and three in the order next year. No chance. You can’t bat Chipper in the 7 hole, he’s too good of a hitter and needs to be getting at bats in the three hole. Not only is he a run producer, but he’s on base on the all the time. He needs to bat in front of tex and company so they can drive him, rather than in front of the pitcher to be stranded more often. Also, KJ won’t bat eighth next year in that proposed lineup. Guaranteed. He’ll be a much better hitter than Prado and Lillibridge next year. He should be batting 1st or 2nd.
By Mikey
September 4, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
Face facts Moore, the Mets are the Braves better. Try and hold onto 3rd place, that will be a nice win and make sure you have comfy seats while watching the playoffs.
By whynot
September 4, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
As a Met fan, I’m just thankful that Cox still thinks Francoeur is a special player while relegating a much much much better player in Kelly Johnson to the 8 hole. Keep it up Bobby. Nothing spells victory like a .315 OBP for your ‘superstar’.
By Joe Canuck
September 4, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
To the naysayers. Bobby Cox has won more than twice as many Manager Of The Year awards, as voted on by his peers, than any other manager since 1933(TSN awards). Let’s put the doubts about him to rest, because he is a good manager. As Billy Ball says, the playoffs are a “crap shoot”. The Yankees have had the best team in baseball and the most expensive the last five years and have looked awefull in the post season. Why are all you people bashing a sports writer? Far as I know, he doesn’t get on the field to underachieve as so many of the recent Brave players seem to do, especially when the chips are on the line. Get a life!!! Go Braves Go!!!!
By Stuart
September 4, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
16-8 might be good enough to get it done. That would give Atlanta a 86-76 record. The west is beating up each other again. We also have an extra day off over everyone else too, so that should help the pitching staff. I think Arizona is due for a market correction, and SD is hot. SD is going to win that division. I think the Rockies are better than the Dodgers, but again, the 4 of them will beat each other silly. The only question is St. Louis. They may be getting hot at the right time in a BAD division.
If the braves can beat up on the Phils, who are not as good as most think they are, the braves schedule works out pretty good for a run.
One other positive, I think no other team in baseball will be more positively affected with the Sept. callups than the braves. Any help on the bench is better than none. It is a long shot, but this thing ain’t over yet.
By Stuart
September 4, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
In my above comments, I am refering to winning the Wild Card, not the division. All you have to do is get in the tournament and let the chips fall where they may. Now that we have the benefit of a couple of extras arms in the pen, BC can give the 3-5 guys a shorter leash and the bench is improved ever so slightly. I thought at the first of the year and still think 86-88 wins gets a WC.
By JoHungLo
September 4, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
I always raise an eyebrow when an African-American uses “noose” analogies. This “columnist” has no clue whatsoever - typical of anything coming out of ATL.
Oh and by the way———LET’S GO METS
By Jay
September 4, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
Terence, this is stupid stuff
By Dan
September 4, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
Keep dreaming if you think the Braves are winning anything this year. You had your run…it’s over. Buddy Carlyle, Lance Cormier? Are you kidding???
By Overlord
September 4, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
There is no hope ever again for this team until cox is gone.
Since it will happen sooner or later ill be here to tell you “see, we are winners again just because cox is not here anymore”.
By Mark
September 4, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
Terence please shut up. Write another Vick article or something.
By Tim
September 4, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
You know what I’m sick of? All of the terrible fans in Georgia who hate the braves when they lose, and don’t show up when they win. Man you guys are pathetic! You guys are infamous for not showing up for playoff games. Now that the braves aren’t winning as much I’m guessing the attendance will reach about 5,000 a game. You guys are some of the worst fans in sports and the WHOLE WORLD KNOWS IT. move them to california!
By Tim
September 4, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
You know what I’m sick of? All of the terrible fans in Georgia who hate the braves when they lose, and don’t show up when they win. Man you guys are pathetic! You guys are infamous for not showing up for playoff games. Now that the braves aren’t winning as much I’m guessing the attendance will reach about 5,000 a game. You guys are some of the worst fans in sports and the WHOLE WORLD KNOWS IT. move them to california!
By Joey
September 4, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
Hey, is this the only blog today? what happened to DOB’s blog. Can’t find it anywhere.
By Robert
September 4, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
Dont give up yet braves fans. I understand the braves need massive help and have 4 teams to jump for the wild card but if the braves could some how find a way to finish off a sweep of the phillies and sweep the nationals it would put them at a 75-68 record which means that if they could just win there reamining six series (not sweep) just win 2 of 3 each series and 3 of 4 from the brewers they would put themselves in a position to have a chance at the playoffs with 88 wins. The key series we should be watching is the padres diamondbacks series. If the padres could finish off a 3 games sweep of the diamondback and if the braves could finish off a 3 game sweep of the phillies it would put the braves only 3 and a half games out of the wild card and only 3 behind in the loss column. I understand the braves havent had a 19 win month in over 2 years but you never what could happen in this greeat game of baseball. Dont give up yet my fellow braves fans.
By RK
September 4, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
That’s so cute, you think the Braves still have a shot. That is just adorable. Will you be celebrating that playoff spot with your friends, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny??
By Braves chances
September 4, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
Let’s get real, there is no way the Braves are doing 20-4, which is the least it will take to get them into the playoffs. Case in point, it will take 90 wins and Braves, even if they make one hell of a push are not that good.
On the other hand, there’s always next year.
P.S. Terrence, you’re right miracles do happen, but what you’re asking here is for them to happen in bunches - not only do the Braves need to play exceptionally well, but all the other teams need to do incredibly poorly, which quite frankly is too much to hope for. Besides, Braves are up for 5 more vs. Phils, 3 vs. Mets, and 4 vs. Brewers. What record do you predict in these 12 games? 12-0?
By iwalterp
September 4, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
b_charles What I meant by the Teixera trade being good was that at 27 yrs old he was a power hitting 1st baseman that they could build a team around with Francour,McCann, and Escobar as the other anchors. He fills the positons of power hitter and cleanup hitter. Whether the braves retain Andruw or not, he never was a hitter (except for the 50 homer year)who would provide protection for the 3rd place hitter (Chipper now or McCann or Escobar in the future). He(Tex) is also an rbi guy because of his high batting average. He is also a potential gold glover at 1st that enhances your defense. He also has the All American look that you can use to market your team locally(Georgia Tech wife) and nationaly. The guy just had too much of what the Braves needed then and in the future for JS to pass up. Only A-Rod would be comparable in a like trade and Tex comes a lot cheaper than A-Rod. You are right the Braves brain trust think they have one omore good run next year in them, but I say not with the Cox style of managing(treating everyone like they are professionals and expecting them to do their job). If the Braves are going to make a run next year with all this young talent they need a manager that will be a risk taker and make the bold moves to win a game that will be critisized if it doesn’t work, but all the pressure will be on him rather than the players so they are able to play loosy-goosy and let it all hang out talent wise.
By Braves chances
September 4, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
Robert,
You’re a bit off. It’s pretty clear that it will take 90 wins to win the wild card. Winning 88 games puts the Braves where they belong: on the golf course
By John
September 4, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
Once again you nearly nailed it. I’m not so sure of lilibridge in CF, but he should be in the line-up next year. I think he should be at second. I;ve been saying for quite along time that KJ should be moved back to LF. So the linup should look like this:
bench: diaz, harris and prado. Find a good pinch hitter or two. Get rid of woodward and orr. Thorman has power, so keep him for now.
We trade renteria, even though he’s been fantastic, for a SP and/or CF
Should be a great team next year.
By Paul LoDuca
September 4, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
Let’s go Mets —- hoooooo!
By Swoboda
September 4, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
Wow. I’m a Mets fan, and up here in NY we can get pretty worked up about baseball. But I’ve never read such an insulting barrage of comments directed at a sportswriter. Especially one who is urging fans to keep the faith in their team during a pennant race. Disagree sure, but several of the comments were ugly in a decidedly personal way. It didn’t make any sense.
Then I scrolled back up and looked at the photo. Black sportswriter, Atlanta. OK, I get it.
By bob
September 4, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
John:
I too think that KJ can improve. The only reason I am reluctant to put him in the leadoff spot is due to the high strikeout number…he has 101 so far this year…so he might reach 120 by the end of the year. Hence, I see him at the bottom of the order.
I tossed and turned over the CJ situation. It just reminds me so much of the Bob Horner days…great when you are in the lineup but the absence is almost more disruptive. Now, CJ might not respond to the number 7 spot. So be it.
Bottom Line: I think that we agree on more than we disagree.
By SCOTT
September 4, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
As a Met fan the Braves still scare me maybe it will not happen this year for you guys but next year your starting 8 overall will be better than ours and if you find a couple of back of the rotation starters and just an average closer the playoffs will be in sight. btw Cox is still one of the best managers in the game much better than Randolph or Manuel will ever be.
By D-Cider
September 4, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
Terence, Do you actually get paid to write this tripe and were you sober when you wrote it? History says, “you’re a lousy writer and an idiot.”
By cp
September 4, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this
I really don’t see the Braves having much of a chance but it’s just not true that the WC winner will have 90 wins.
It could happen but right now the D-backs are currently in the driver seat and they’re on pace for 88.6 wins.
The Mets have the best record in the NL and are only on pace for 91 wins.
Cubs 83.4 & Padres 89.9 wins.
By Mike
September 4, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this
Im sorry for these idiotic comments terrence, another great article. The Braves still have a chance, even if its not a good one. No matter what happense Im still going to be rooting for them every day. The last two years have been a struggle no doubt but I appreciate the effort by front office and the personel on the field
By hehehe
September 4, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this
C’mon now at least you got the Falcons to look foward to…oooh
By tony
September 4, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this
If the Bravos win the Division you could make a case for Chipper being MVP. But they won’t, so he’s not.
David Wright on the other hand…
By OldDawg55
September 4, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this
Terry, you must go home at night and laugh your head off reading the trash that passes for intelligent comment from these Brave “fans”…you write a decent column that holds out some hope for the real Brave fans and get trashed…and “they” drag out the race card of all things. It’s a sad condition of the human race when technology allows base ignorance to find its way into print from your detractors…keep up the good fight..ignorance will eventually be defeated and common sense will prevail.
By GE
September 4, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
Old Dawg,
From one old dawg to another, people will never change in our society. Racial conflict is alive and well. I have learned to live with it. Terrence has learned to do the same.