ajcsportstalk

By Bill Heller

August 13, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this

My optimism exists for 2007. If the club can stay healthy and add speed to the lineup, we will field an exciting team next year. As long as the team plays hard I will remain a loyal fan.

By Knockahoma

August 13, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

The season has been over for weeks. This team has NO chance of making the wildcard. The Braves are playing for fun now which is probably why they won this series.

By Todd A

August 13, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this

Why doesn’t TBS put a microphone on Bobby when Yates,McBride,and Paranto are on the mound?See if he’s spitting out all those lame nicknames like he does for for his everyday players.Optimism?Only optimism I would have for this franchise is if the Braves would begin the fire-sale,starting with Tim “I can only give you 5-6 decent innings per start for 6 million $” Hudson.

By Ron Roberts

August 13, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

It should be noted that (minus Barry’s start Saturday) Smoltz, Hudson and Chuck James have pitched very well this past homestand. Finding somebody to take up HoRam’s spot and getting a healthy (and worthwhile) Kyle Davies in the rotation might make this an interesting team to watch the last seven weeks.

Hudson looked like Sosa circa 2005 today… getting in and out of trouble early on, but that’s an improvement over June and July when he just got in trouble and only got out via the Bobby Cox hook. Smoltz has been consistent, and I think Chuck James’ last two starts illustrate an improvement on his part over his bumpy stretch.

By Neo

August 13, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this

The Braves need a few African Americans on the roster. Just a suggestion people calm down.

By Neo

August 13, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

The Gwinnette Braves are boring and just plain, that’s all i’m saying. The Braves need some soul if you know what I mean. Wink, Wink!!!!

By sam

August 13, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this

What is wrong with ken ray? Is he hurt? I thought Bobby would bring in Ray today when he took out Hudson. Am I the only onr who thought this? It has to be a sinking feeling for a starter to leave the game in a do-or-die situation for most of the middle relievers.

By Randy Black

August 13, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE CLARIFY. in today’s ajc they said the longest homerun was 634 feet by Mickey Mantle in 1960. We always thought it was 564 and was hit in 1953. Please help us

By Jeremy

August 13, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

Hey Sam: Have u not seen Ray pitch lately? Since the Braves got Wickman and Baez, he’s been terrible like maybe his confidence was shot or something. His ERA is climbing nearly as fast as Tyler Yates’!

By Del

August 13, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this

We have been looking for a leadoff hitter all season. Do we already have one riding the pine? I’m talking about Matt Diaz. Stop and think a minute —-

He uses the whole field

He hits for average, not power

He has fair speed (as good as Giles)

He relishes taking the outside pitch to right field.

He hits right handers pretty well

His OBP is about the same as Furcal’s was

Moving him would allow Bobby to bat Giles in his preferred #2 spot and hit Renteria in his preferred #6/7 slot

What’s you think???

By NLCHAMPS

August 13, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

The buffalo braves won. It’s time to start that wild card talk again.

By Jeremy

August 13, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

I agree w/ giving Diaz a shot at leadoff and then just moving everybody else down 1 spot.

By Brian

August 13, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

The Game: Any win at this point is a good win. The Season: Craptacular so far. But it ain’t over yet…

By Jack the Knife

August 13, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

Is it the Buffalo Braves or Atlanta Bills? Honestly, I’m not sure which club is worse. The Bills never won a SB but the Braves squandered 13 years of class talent. Cox gets all the credit in this town- I say B.S. to that. Even a marginal manager could have won 2 titles in that stretch. Cox is the master of mediocrity and I wish that he and his loyalty wagon would head back to Adairsville and stay there for good.

By Spike

August 13, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

Note to Todd A…. Yates, Paronto,and Mc Bride may not be the best combination in baseball, but they have done the bulk of the work for the bullpen and have been as good as most bullpens in the national league. Yates has had three straight poor outings, but from June 1st to July 30 his ERA was .180 and opponents were batting .190…not bad for someone coming off shoulder surgery and I think he’ll get turned around pretty quick. Mc Bride and Paronto(.284 ERA) may not be pretty, but they have been very reliable when called on to bail out the starters. Its a team game so lets get off this blaming the bullpen crap…it gets old.

By JR

August 13, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

The Braves need fewer African-American players on the roster. That’s the problem.

By David Duncan

August 13, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

The Braves will not reach 500 winning percentage by the end of season. The Braves will finish 67-95. Well back of the Mets and wild card teams.

By Greg

August 13, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this

The Braves have a chance like any other team in their position. I think that the bad stretch in June of going 6-20 really hurt the Braves. It is very difficult to overcome something like that. They have to go on double digit win streak or win probably 80% of their remaining games and hope that the other wild card teams in front of them play each other out of contention. The Braves are so inconsitent. It is shame that they can’t put together a large string of victories at home!!!Unconsistencies of the bull-pen, pitching staff, and hitting along with a 6-20 stretch in June will keep the Braves out of the playoffs since 1990. It is also a shame that it appeared that nothing was tremendously adjusted during the 6-20 stretch like rotation of staff, aquiring bull-pen help, or re-structuring the line-up! I am a loyal Braves fan and will stick with them playoffs or no playoffs!!!

By gotigers72

August 13, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

There is optimism, but not as far as making the playoffs. Here is where the optimism lies. 1) Look at our young catcher and how good he is and only 22 years old. Almost never swings at a bad pitch, above average power, just an all around good catcher that will only get better. 2) Francoeur is only 22 also. Yeah he swings at a lot of bad pitches, but he’s gonna have 30 big flies and 100 RBIs, and has a hell of a hose for an arm. Murphy like potential. 3) If we can sign Wickman, the bullpen will be better from the get go next year 4) Chipper is due to have an injury free year. He is a .300 career hitter with power who drives in runs and has been an MVP 5)Andruw - only the best centerfielder in baseball and hits between 30 and 40 homers every year with 100 RBIs 6) Smoltz - Still throwing smoke at 39 and still one of the best in the business 7) Marcus - Only people that don’t know baseball don’t know how good a player this guy is 8) Renteria - A gem stolen from the Red Sox 9)Diaz - Improves every day. Not a gold glover in the outfield, but hits like a mother. 10) Thorman - A future star that busts his hump and runs out every ground ball with all he’s got. Heart and talent. The jury is still out on others including LaRoche, and then there are others that should be gone. You notice only 2 pitchers were mentioned. Nothing wrong with their position players, but the pitching needs rebuilt. I hope Hampton and Hudson can get get back to the pitchers they were in the past.

IMO, there are the reasons for optimism.

By Wilson

August 13, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this

We have a badd-a** offense. We have a great, senior citizen ace. And that is about it. I think if we had pitching we would have been in the race. The brave offense (excluding 2003) has never been THAT great. It has always been the pitching. Not in 06.

By Mills

August 13, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this

I was depressed this evening watching the Dodgers and the Giants go at it. Two pitchers that should be Braves pitched shutout ball through eight innings. Greg Maddux and Jason Schmidt. Not to mention seeing Furcal beating out a bunt single made me miss his speed in the lineup. Betemit and JD Drew also should be here. Darn.

By JamesP

August 14, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this

NEO & JR both of you are just idiots. Take your race card to your own private pms and go at it. As far are the Braves I will always be a fan but this just is not there year. If the last week of August comes here and the Braves are 7 or 8 games out and still have 8 or more teams ahead of them maybe JS will put a few players on waivers that has not been put up yet(Giles,Smoltz,Wickman,Baez) and maybe a team with a good chance might just claim and trade us some good prospects. Speed and Pitching. If we can’t get a AAA prospect pull them back off waivers.As for the Dodgers they have 5 ex-Braves in the starting lineup when Maddux pitches so if the Braves are not in it I will pull for the Dodgers for the NL. I did watch the Dodger game tonight and enjoy every minute of it.

By Head Coach

August 14, 2006 01:08 AM | Link to this

The game was a good one. It’s nice to win a series at home. The Season is a total wash. But , Ive known that for two and a half months. They have been a sub .500 team since June 4th and they will finish with a losing record for the first time since 1990. Hopefully they will realize(Schuerholz and Cox) that it would be more productive too call up the kids from triple and double A and start building for 2007. Ive noticed the reference too other ex-Braves by previous bloggers and I must add this sad fact: There are currently 32 ex-Braves who were drafted by Atlanta that are currently playing in triple A or the major leagues , and you thought the Washington(Montreal)Nationals were a major league farm team !

By Andy

August 14, 2006 01:36 AM | Link to this

The dodgers(I was at the maddox game tonight—8 innings 68 pitches—18 balls, VINTAGE MADDOX) were dead, dead, dead. Hey alittle run of 14 out of 15 games and they gained 10 plus games in the standings. The braves do that—they can if they beat the living crap out of the ball(no way their pitching throws 15 quality starts in a row)where would the braves be if they gain 10 games in 15 in the standings? 7 games out of first with 30 or so to go—still no chance to win the division—but the wild card…is possible. Very doubtful/very very doubtful.

By Rambo

August 14, 2006 01:56 AM | Link to this

The Braves should thank their lucky stars for Tony Crapinino being in the Brewers line-up today.

What a horrible fielder he is.

I’m not sure he could catch a cold.

By Ted

August 14, 2006 06:43 AM | Link to this

Optimism? Yes, but only if Bobby stops pitching Yates in close games and/or otherwise starts treating each game as a Game 7 - get to a core of relievers he trusts (and heaven forbid if Yates is one of them) and stick with them ONLY in close games and let the dregs pitch in the not so close games.

However, I am realistic to know that barring a streak of 10 out of 11, it isn’t happening, not with these starting pitchers, even if Hudson has leveled out and James stops giving up the long ball. Barry and Cormier mean the Braves have to score 10/game 40% of the time to have any chance, and that is not likely.

By Gil

August 14, 2006 07:01 AM | Link to this

Good game by the Braves Sunday, Tyler seem to forgret where the strike zone was located but now we remember why Tony G was let go. Always a liability with the glove. Did anyone else watch the Dodger’s (Atlanta West) game last night? I am a big Grady Little fan. And Maddox was absolutly vintage. I starting following the Dodgers because the line-up has so many former Braves. Lofton, Furcal, Drew and Betemit plus Maddox last night. On the Aybar injury, often Braves players will suffer an injury and the organization tries to keep it a secret, if the opposing teams knows they will attack that injury. Think they won’t throw the ball to Chipper where it is the most painful? My question is what is nagging Oscar R. Steady decline in numbers for a month now. We alredy know about Andrew’s back. It is why he can’t catch up to the high fastball. McCann is the real star of the Braves of the future. What a solid player he is. He will only get better as his ankle heals. Francoeur will get smater with age too and learn to wait for his pitch and stop swinging at pitcher’s pitches.

By Dave Knockahomer

August 14, 2006 07:16 AM | Link to this

To the guy who wants more African-Americans on the team? Why? It seems pretty even to me. A. Jones, E. Renteria, Aybar [he may not be africanamerican but he is not caucasian], D.Jordan [not a regular, thanks be to God but he wears the Brave uniform], Pena……. BUT if it just the starting lineup, YOU ARE RIGHT? They do need some help! Getting a little too bleached out!
just a suggestion, okay. I really thought there were more African Americans, but also why LIMIT yourself to just those. Andruw is not truly AfricanAmerican, is he? He is from , where, Dominican Republic? That is what we need…more players from those kind of places! Not Americans with darker colored skin than caucasians. In the meantime, how about some starters that can truly pitch some good innnings……whether they be white, black, yellow, orange or purple polka-dotted!???? by the by…..do you want MORE African Americans whether they have talent or not?

By Scott

August 14, 2006 08:20 AM | Link to this

Dave Knockahomer, are you kidding? Do you not know African Americans from Latinos? No one you mentioned other than Jordan is African American, and it is B. Jordan not D. Jordan.

By Rob

August 14, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this

THIS COMMENT IS STRICTLY FOR NLCHAMPS. Do you realize how pathetic you are that you aren’t even a braves fan yet you use your own time to come onto a braves fan forum and write negative posts. How pathetic is your life that you have nothing better to do with your time than that. It’s sad!

By Rob

August 14, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this

Hey JamesP. Why in the world would you root for the Dodgers, just bc they have ex-braves on their team? Think about it, the only reason Furcal and Drew are on their team are because they decided to take the money and run. So why would you root for them when they could have stayed with the Braves but it was more important to get paid than stay. Also for all of you who think the Braves shouldnt trade Andruw bc he keeps saying he wants to stay with the braves you are idiots. If you dont remember Furcal kept saying he wanted to stay and the Braves offered him 8 mill a year, pretty good chunk of change, but as soon as the dodger offered him more he bulted for LA so just bc Andruw says he wants to stay it might be true until the yanks offer him 18 mill and he bults for NY.

By Ron Roberts

August 14, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this

Bobby keeps going to Yates because,before his recent slide, Yates was about the most effective set-up guy we had onec Ken Ray started to falter… so now Yates is.

By Greg

August 14, 2006 08:41 AM | Link to this

We should consider this season a success if the team can get to 500. Too many injuries to contend and the Mets have finally started to spend their money wisely. Our Bravos coasted to their last few titles. They didn’t have great teams. They just played better than the also-rans in the division. This year, we’re the also-rans. Hopefully, we’ll have enough budget to field a better team next year. If not, we’ll be cellar dwellers again like we were in the ’70s and ’80s. Add some speed. Add some bullpen help. Add a power pitcher. And then we can contend with the Mets next year. Otherwise, say hello to the Atlanta Royals.

By Shaun

August 14, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this

There is room for optimism because the NL stinks and the Braves, with a little luck, would be in the race. We get our best hitter back in Chipper Jones. I think Cox needs to go with a four-man rotation and prays Hudson can regain some of his Oakland form, because we can’t win with the #3-#5 starters we have in place now.

By Bear

August 14, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this

Knockahomer, nice call on Andruw, Edgar, and Ayabar not being caucasian. You’re freaking genious!!! FYI…Andruw is from Curacao.

By Mark

August 14, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this

Its going to be tough for fans because at this time the Braves do not have a owner who loves them, and the rumored buyer(s) are looking at tax breaks more than they are the team . Its a Shame what TRime Warner has done to America s Team in the past 3 years or so, it now shows the damage. Yes they have had really alot og injuries to the starters and a bull pen that would have strugled with a lot of high school competition.It boiled down to the team not having the funds to keep solid pitching, lets not mention names we all know. How will The Braves ever compete with The Mets , Yankees , Red Sox and a few others. Maybe 80 million payroll seems like alot but this day and time you dont get a complete team for that kind of money. Time Warner has even ruined the Braves Visabilty on TV, They find that showingf same movie 5-6 times aweek is more profit than the Braves.I think team has a good core of players, but Pitching is what winsand They do not have near enough and the budget doesnt call for it.Their is 1 ageing John Smoltz, and after that its gets messy. Well anyway Im sure some of you see where I’m going with this..Good Day!

By Meg Stiles

August 14, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this

I want to know what is up with Edgar?? His bat is just about dead, although his fielding is holding its own. Has he lost faith? Or is this his typical seasonal pattern?

By JamesP

August 14, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

ROBWhy I would root for the Dodgers if the Braves are out of it?I will give you my top Ten reasons 10)Braves are out of it 9)I always like LA Teams 8)5 Ex-Braves 7)I enjoy watching Furcal play. 6)I Enjoy and watching pulling for Betimit 5)I Enjoy watching Nomar 4)The Dogers walk the walk 3)I like their uniforms and ballpark 2)I will enjoy them beating the Mets in the playoffs 1) I enjoy watching future Hall of Famer and my favorite pitcher of all time Greg Maddux!

By JamesP

August 14, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this

Also it depends on the situation but I would most likely leave a team for more money also. That is not turning my back on a team that is just smart business decision for the future.

By The Truth

August 14, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

Just go ahead and put this dog down. It is long overdue. This team will suck for many years to come. Good Home Losers ….

By Brent

August 14, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this

No more Yates. He’s got the Yips.

By Dave

August 14, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

The Braves need to put it all together: pitching, hitting, defense, for a 3-week period where they win at least 19 of 21. Such a winning streak will put them back into contention for the wild-card spot. They have five weeks to put that winning streak together. If they don’t do it, they will not be in the playoffs this year. It’s THAT simple!

For next year, the Braves are pretty much set for the starting eight, even if they trade Giles and/or Andruw Jones (more on Andruw below). Aybar can play second base, and the Braves have the depth either on the bench or in the minors to cover the srating eight.

However, they need to get another solid starting pitcher. Right now, the starting rotation would be Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, Ramirez and Davies, with Chucky James ready to step in. Yet the injury bug has bitten the Braves BIG TIME the last few years, so we need another proven starter. I suspect that John Schurholz realizes this, and will pursue a #3 starter in the off-season, using Giles as trade bait. He’s gone after next year, anyway, because 1) the Braves cannot afford to pay him the $8M per year he will draw as a free agent and 2) the Braves have the depth to replace him.

The Braves will also try their very best to sign Andruw Jones to a 5-year (or more) contract, probably in the $12-$14M per year range. He could probably get more from the Yankees/Red Sox/Dodgers/Angels, but he loves playing for the Braves and Bobby Cox, and he’s proven that he’s WORTH THE MONEY!! It will be hard, but I think the Braves will make it happen. If not, they should go ahead and trade him in the off-season for a front-line pitcher (starter or reliever) and maybe a speedy defensive outfielder like Coco Crisp or Juan Pierre to serve as the lead-off hitter.

As for the bullpen, they need to sign Wickman or Baez, preferably both. I think Wickman can be signed a two-year deal in the $10M-$12M range. Yes, the Braves would be overpaying, but had the Braves overpaid this past winter and had Wickman on the roster on Opening Day, they would be eight games OVER .500 rather than 8 games UNDER .500, LEADING the wild card race and possibly still challenging the NY Mets for the NL East title. If Wickman cannot be signed, then the Braves have to bite the bullet and overpay Baez, who has proven he can close in the past.

The rest of the bullpen will shake itself out when the Braves get Foster, Devine, Boyer and Reitsma back from the IR next year.

Next year promises to be a great year, but only if the Braves can nail down an established closer!!

Just my humble opinion!

By Shaun

August 14, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

Payroll Excuse

It’s obviously difficult to compete with a lower payroll, and it’s becoming more difficult as the rich teams become more wise, but we should be able to compete with an average-sized payroll budget.

Baseball has always been this way (haves and have-nots). Some will have you believe this is a recent phenomenon. Sure, the teams sometimes switch roles, but there are always going to be haves and have-nots. And sure the “haves” have an advantage, but often times it doesn’t matter.

We’re probably going to have to take the mind-set of the Red Sox now: assume New York is going to win 90-100 games every year and try to get close.

If Schuerholz is wise, we should be able to compete. This offseason should be telling.

By Jace

August 14, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

Our next 15 games are against teams in last place in their division with the exception of Florida. They can still get the job done, but its got to start now. Its time to start winning.

By Rodger

August 14, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

Rob, you can’t blame Furcal for leaving-the Dodgers threw a ridiculous pile of money his way. I can see staying for a little less (Glavine?), but the Braves weren’t going to come close to that money! Drew had no intention of staying-especially with Boras.

By Alex

August 14, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

The one mets fan that comes out of his mother’s basement to post every once in a while…keep it up, we need a good laugh every once in a while! BTW…enjoy your short stay on top of the NL East.

As far as WC talk…Come on, the seson ended in June. Had the Braves been able to go .500 for June who knows…but they had a terrible month, a 10 game losing streak…the worst bullpen in the majors. The only, and only way the Braves will get back in the WC chase…is they need to do what the LA Dodgers just did. Win 8,9,10 games in a row. That is the only way. However, with the injuries to the starting rotation, we don’t have the pitchers to compete with. Every time the Braves are forced to start a Kevin Barry, or Jason Sniell, or anyone else from the ragtag triple A bunch, might as well forfeit the game right there and then. Save the bullpen arms from coming in the game around the 4th of 5th inning and throwing a bunch of pitches.

However, there is plenty of reasons to believe the Braves will be back to .500 and above baseball next season. Look to the future, but I’m definitely not going to be one of those fans to tell everyone who believes there is still hope to give it up. And I definitely want to see the Braves put forth the effort like there is a chance for them to win the WC.

By Knockahoma

August 14, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

Rambo- you said that Cox should treat each game as a game 7. That is the last thing he should do. Have you seen his record in game 7’s? It’s abysmal- and even worse at home!

By KC

August 14, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

Unbelievable! The way this year has gone to this point, I can’t believe we’re still in a post-season race… but we are. We are 6 games back, but only 5 back in the loss column. That’s the most important column of course if you’re planning on winning more games than you lose. The Braves will obviously have to win quite a few more than they lose the rest of the way. Anyway, there’s good news and there’s bad news… We’ll get the bad news out of the way first.

The bad news is that we only have 3 starters. Ouch. We just have to hope and pray that we can get a few quality starts out of our AAA call-ups, and that Kyle Davies can come back strong later this month.

The good news is that we’ve finally got a couple of starters not named John Smoltz throwing well (Hudson and James). Also, Chipper Jones is back, and with him in the lineup Atlanta’s offense is quite possibly the best in the league. And again, we’re only 5 games out in the loss column.

It’s important to understand that gaining ground on .500 teams like Philadelphia, Colorado, Arizona, San Diego, and Cincinnati, is considerably easier than gaining ground on a team like the Mets, or the Tigers. When you’re chasing good teams, you can go on a lengthy winning streak and barely gain any ground. But in this case, the Braves are one 7-8 game win streak or one 10 out of 13 winning stretch away from finding themselves only a game or two out of the wild card lead.

A five game deficit behind the Tigers is actually more like an 8-9 game deficit, because they’re probably not going to cooperate by losing to let you catch up. But a 5 game deficit behind the Padres or the Reds, is really more like a 3 game deficit.

When HoRam went down, I felt all of the Brave’s hopes went with him. That may have been a bit premature. The Braves definitely still have a shot. Again, with Chipper in the fold (let’s hope he can stay healthy!), the Braves are a much better offensive team than any in the Wild Card race. With Wickman and Baez, Atlanta’s bullpen is as solid as any in this particular race. And if Smoltz, Hudson, and James are all going right… this team’s in pretty good shape. There’s still a chance of HoRam coming back this season. It’s not over yet folks.

By KC

August 14, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

DAVE:

Good thoughts… but why would JS pursue another starter in the off-season?? And more specifically, I’m puzzled why you thing JS will pursue a 3rd starter.

The Braves already have 3 or 4 top-of-the-rotation type of starters and Kyle Davies as their 5th starter. And as you said, they’ve got Chuck James waiting in the wings should anything happen to one of the starters. Sounds like their pretty well set to me.

By KC

August 14, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

CORRECTION: meant to say “why you think JS will pursue…”

By Knockahoma

August 14, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this

KC- I applaud your optimism, but a 6 game deficit with 7-8 teams ahead of you is the equivalent of being 11 games behind one team. It is mathematically possible but would take a miracle and the Braves ran out of miracles after Francisco Cabrera drove Sid Bream home.

By Kelley

August 14, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

I’ll never give up hope until the Braves are eliminated from making post season for one reason and one reason and one reason alone: NEVER, EVER COUNT OUT A BOBBY COX TEAM!!

NOBODY DOES IT BETTER.

So, if they do make it, I’ll be posting an “I told you so” to all the ignorant Bobby haters out there.

By Shaun

August 14, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this

They need a 13 out of 14 streak, plus they need to win every series. I think that’s the only way, but I don’t think it’s going to happen. Unless we go with a four-man rotation and Hudson pitches like a Cy Young contender. Even if that happens, it’s unlikely we can do anything.

By horacio

August 14, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

I heard a lot of bad feelings. I think these team has a shot to the playoffs now, I would be difficult but possible. I think we have a great lineup, next year we need a leadoff man (first time I listen the Diaz idea and I like it). If we can putt a run of 10 victories over 15 games twice will have a legitime chance at the final two week. Come on your Braves fans, we have McCann and Francouer, Giles is better batting second and Smoltz is probably among the five best pitcher in the NL. The Jones are back, we still have hope. Let’s go!!!

By KC

August 14, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this

Knockahoma:

Your point is valid, but I see it differently. First of all… again, the Braves are five games out in the loss column (not 6), and that’s the column that matters most here. And I STILL don’t buy into the “too many teams ahead of them” argument in this instance. In general, yes that would be a tremendous concern. But not when we’re talking about passing a collection of utterly mediocre baseball teams with 46 games left to play.

There is absolutely no risk… none whatsoever, of more than a 2-3 of the teams in this race playing much better than .500 ball the rest of the way. IF Atlanta plays as they are capable… I look at most of those teams in the Wild Card race as flies that must be swatted out of the way. Nothing more. The difference between the Braves and all of the other teams in this Wild Card race is that the Braves are a .500 team only by record, not by nature. The Braves are in this position they’re in because they have grossly underachieved this season (and because of injuries). All of the other .500-or-so teams are where they are in the standings because they have in fact played up to their potential. They’re all .500 teams both by record and by nature, plain and simple.

The Padres and Reds currently own the 2 best records in the Wild Card race at 61-47 (.517 win%) and 60-47 (.513 win%) respectively.

At their current winning percentages, they would finish:

The Reds: 84-78

The Padres: 83-79

If those winning percentages hold, the Braves will have to go 29-15 to tie the Reds or 30-14 to beat them outright. This team is very capable of that if Chipper remains healthy and Hudson & James continue to come through.

Let me qualify what I am saying. All of this is only applicable IF the Braves play as they are capable of playing. One of the Braves’ announcers pointed out the other night that this Braves team has only been hitting on half its cylinders all year. That has to change. If the Braves continue to play .500 ball, then the 5-6 deficit is almost literally insurmountable.

But if the Braves can win 29-30 of the remaining 44 games… they might still be battling it out with one or two teams at the end of September, but the other 6-9 teams will be distance figures in the rearview mirror. That’s why I say I’m not concerned about how many teams effectively tied or ahead of the Braves in this race. If the Braves play Braves baseball, we’ll leap frog over most of those teams in a week or two.

By KC

August 14, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

CORRECTION: The Reds and Padres both have 57 losses… not 47. Sorry.

By Vince

August 14, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

Neo..while I do agree with you, you have to look at ALL the teams in baseball. Do you realize that in the entire Major Leagues there are less than 10% African-American players?

Look at each team, no team has more than 2-3 African-American players. It’s been like that for several years now. I heard Mark Lemke make reference to this after someone called in on the pre-game radio show saying something about the Braves not having enough “black” players.

Mark pointed out that there aren’t anymore inner-city baseball programs, but perhaps that would change sometime in the future. I’ve seen this come up on this blog way too many times and I fell this needed to be addressed..let’s keep race out of it..fair enough?

By P'Cola Michael

August 14, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

We’re done for the year…look to 2007! Sorry, we’ve had ample opportunities to make runs, but, our pitching is entirely too inconsistent to put together a streak that would get us there…I’m not being a pessimist, just a realist at this point.

By Jally7

August 14, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

It is now over. The rest of the division has caught up just as the Braves have stepped back. Ted Turner, where are you????????

By Dirty Dawg

August 14, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this

There aren’t as many black guys playing in the majors these days because for the past 15-20 years baseball in the U.S. has been the ‘white kids’ sport with basketball, football and track, where black kids’ superior strength and speed has made them dominant, and where most of the black kids concentrate their efforts.

Sorry if this offends, don’t mean anything by it but that’s just the way it’s been for years. It’s not just that there aren’t enough ‘inner-city’ programs, it’s all across the school systems. Baseball puts a premium on hand-eye coordination and there isn’t as much of a disparity in the in those skill levels, whereas in the other sports size, speed and strength make all the diffenence.

By Reality

August 14, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

This team does not have run in them unless it is the one in their shorts. Good Luck Losers.

By Ed Bowers

August 14, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this

At the beginning of the season, with all the changes that were made, I said that it the Braves made 500 they’d have had a good season. Obviously, nothing has changed to alter my guess. They need pitching more now than ever. But they’re still “My Braves”

By Ed Bowers

August 14, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this

At the beginning of the season, with all the changes that were made, I said that it the Braves made 500 they’d have had a good season. Obviously, nothing has changed to alter my guess. They need pitching more now than ever. But they’re still “My Braves”

By Chica

August 14, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

I apparently lack the superior strength and speed of other black people, Dirty Dawg. I feel so cheated! :-(

By BigDawg

August 14, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this

This team is awful and has been all year. The fact that anyone would think that they still have hope just proves that the fans are morons also. The Braves have given up long ago and so should the fans. The fact that you can beat up on Pittsburg and get your a*s handed to you by the Mets should illustrate that this team will not be competitive any time soon. It is time to write off Baseball for the year and get ready for some Football.

By KC

August 14, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

Jally7:

What’s over?

The division race this year? Yup. That’s been over for a while.

The Wild Card race this year? Nope. Not yet. The Braves are still very much alive and kicking. They’ll have to make a run soon, but despite everything that’s happened this season, they’re still within striking distance.

The Braves Run as a perennial contender? You’re crazy if you’re saying that.

By Shaun

August 14, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

What does it mean to be African-American? And should we make a distinction between players from latin American countries with dark brown skin and people from the U.S. with dark brown skin? I would think you were an idiot if you called me a European-American. I wouldn’t be offended, but I would think you are either playing some sort of political game or you are just an idiot or both. And I understand it was horrible for Europeans to take away lands from American Indians and to enslave Africans. And I understand that there are people who descriminate on the basis of skin color (commonly called racism, if you believe that there is such a thing as race). Just don’t group me with those people. I had nothing to do with that. Can we talk about baseball players as individuals now?

By oasisbraves

August 14, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this

MLB definetly should do more to promote baseball to inner cities.. However look at Basketball. What is the black to white ratio there? If we said there should be more WHITE players in the NBA people would be upset about that.

I think African Americans generally would rather play basketball than baseball. That is probly the real reason.

By michael

August 14, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

The Braves need an individual owner rather than a TWX. TWX could care less about the Braves. JS has made some moves that reallly hurt the pitching staff. Letting Capellan and Colon get away for Kolb and Farnworth was a mistake. The deal that sent Estrada to the Snakes for Cormier and Villarreal has not worked out.Not signing Furcal hurts also. I don’t know that Cox thinks but Yates, Paronto, and McBride has no business in the majors. Baez will become a free agent after the season is over. The Braves will not be able to sign him. But Wilson is helping the Dodgers win the west. Bobby need to sit Frenchy down until he learns the strike zone. He took a swing a pitches Saturday night he could not hit with a tennis racket. Lat but not least get rid of McDowell after the season is over.

Michael

By New York Joe

August 14, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

Trade Salty and get some pitching. Salty is not going to unseat Mcann at any time, use his and is infalted can’t miss label to get your self some pitching.

By KC

August 14, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

Michael, I’m not trying to insult your point of view in any way, but based on your comments, I question how much you really understand about major league baseball. In response to your criticisms of JS’s moves…

Before John Shuerholz makes a trade, he meets with key members of his scouting and coaching staffs, goes over the pros and cons, weighs circumstances both present and future, and then makes the best decision he can to help the Braves win now, while protecting the team’s future. He is a quite accomplished General Manager, but he’s not $#%$#^%#$ Ms. Cleo.

The Dan Kolb trade was a very good trade. Yes, you heard me right. No, I’m not saying it worked out well, but I am saying that it was the right decision at the time based on the facts in hand. We needed a closer. We did not have the money to go out a sign a big-name free agent to fill that role, so JS looked at who might be available via trade. In 2003/2004 combined, Dan Kolb converted 60 of 67 save opportunities, with an ERA of 2.55. JS saw a need, and he filled it with a guy who had been one of the most effective closers in baseball the previous 2 years. Additionally, he was able to work things out so that we would have been able to keep Kolb for more than just one season if things had worked out. While Cappellan has a lot of talent, and has a chance to be a very good pitcher… Kolb had already proven himself a top-tier closer. It was good move. They don’t all work out… for any GM, but it was the right decision at the time.

As to Kyle Farnsworth… we were desperate for a closer, and JS knew that Farnsworth could probably handle that job better than any other pitcher available on the trade market at the time. Also, with Farnsworth being from this area, and with some closer-money set aside, JS felt the Braves would likely be able to re-sign Farnsworth. It was a pretty big surprise to the entire organization that Farnsworth didn’t give more consideration to remaining in ATL for comparable money to what he accepted from the Yanks. Again, good move.

And while both Colon and Capellan have a chance to become solid major league pitchers, it’s worth noting that both have ERA’s of well over 4.00 this season.

As to Johnny Estrada… his trade value was not all that high as other teams were uncertain if he had recovered (or even if he ever would recover) 100% from the back injury he suffered last season. Additionally, Estrada only had one injury free season in which to prove himself. GM’s also had to wonder if he could duplicate his 2004 production. JS took the best offer on the table at the time in the form of what the Braves needed, which of course was relief pitching. We needed arms. With McCann in the fold, we did not need another catcher. JS did what he could, but again Estrada’s trade value wasn’t all that great.

The Braves made the Betemit for Baez/Aybar trade because the conclusion of the Braves scouting/coaching staff as a whole was that Aybar has every bit as much upside as Betemit, plus they got a bullpen arm to give the Braves a chance this year.

Sitting Frenchy won’t do anything to help his development, and we’d be missing his 30-homers / 100-RBI production (which is about what he’ll finish the season with), not to mention his glove/arm in right field.

And last but not least, the pitching coach works with players to help them with their approach and their mechanics. But he doesn’t hold their weiner when they pee, and he can’t make the pitches for them either. It all comes down to pitchers executing. Leo M. has been universally regarded as the best pitching coach in baseball, and look what his Orioles pitching staff has done this year. McDowell has drawn excellent reviews from everyone in the Braves organization. He has helped HoRam keep the ball in the ballpark this year, and he’s recently helped Tim Hudson to get things turned around as well.

By Shaun

August 14, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this

Wilson Betemit is doing a great job, but the trade did not hurt the Braves. We had to get pitching help and we got a player that is just as good with the bat. Sure, he got hurt, but Chipper’s back now and he’s a lot better than Betemit or Aybar. Chipper is one of the best hitters in the league, per game.

By NLCHAMPS

August 14, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this

What the matter ROB, it sounds like you don’t want me visiting the blog at AJC?? I didn’t know you were in charge of screening who can and who cannot post here. All I have to say to you is tuff shi&*^$#…..

By Hilble

August 14, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

Danny Baez family has said private to my sister who lives next door in Fla. that he wants to stay with Braves. Its close to home and he likes BC.

By KC

August 14, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

NLCHAMPS:

Congrats on your NL East victory. You’ve waiting a long time for it, and don’t begrudge you enjoying it in the slightest. Though, I will say that your screen name needs to be NLEASTCHAMPS for now. When/if you guys get past the Dodgers in October, you can change it back to NLCHAMPS.

By Cornholio

August 14, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

Aybar has an upside that is why he is riding the pine.

Hudson & his 5-6 inning performances aren’t worth his salary. Wait til he faces a good team & that ERA will be back over 5.00

By KC

August 14, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this

Cornholio:

When Hudson had his aweful 7 week stretch, his 5th and 6th innings were quite bad.

But before that 7 week stretch, and in his last two starts, he’s had no trouble pitching well into at least the 7th.

And FYI, Hudson shut down a pretty good offense in Phili last week.

By KC

August 14, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

Cornholio:

I feel stupid even responding to you Aybar comment, but I will anyway. First of all, Aybar is on the DL right now. Second, Aybar would be back on the bench anyway with Chipper back in the lineup. So would Betemit.

Also, I’m not the one that said Aybar has a great upside. I know very little about him. The Braves scouting staff told JS what they thought of his upside, and JS trusted his people. And why not? The Braves scouting staff is largely regarded as one of the best in baseball.

By Rocker

August 14, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this

“African-Americans” would rather play basketball because baseball requires some thought!

By Thurston Howell IV

August 14, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

This is for all of the people who think that A. Jones will once again take less money to stay with the Braves:

Assuming he gets a long-term (five-year) deal, and considering his age, this will more than likely be the last “big money” deal that A. Jones ever signs.

For that reason, I believe he will sign with the team that offers him he most money.

Considering all of the holes they have to fill, the Braves can sign two or three quality players for what it will cost them to re-sign A. Jones.

By sammy miller

August 14, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this

HEY JACK THE KNIFE, GO FLY A KITE AND GO BACK TO WHEREVER YOUR FROM! PROBABLY NEW YORK OR CALIFORNIA RIGHT KNIFE! PRETTY COOL NAME ALSO! THOSE REFERENCES TO THE BILLS ARE NOT EVEN COMPARABLE AND WAY OVERUSED BY MINDLESS FOOLS THAT PROBABLY NEVER PLAYED A SPORT IN THEIR LIFE!

By NLCHAMPS

August 14, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

KC, the Dodgers have been playing well of late but the Mets have been doing it all year. We’ll see how good they are when they visit Shea in early September. Only brave fans would deny that the Mets are the best team in the National League.

By oasisbraves

August 14, 2006 06:33 PM | Link to this

NLCHAMPS —

I’m a Braves fan and I agree that the Mets are the best team in the NL.

You have to spend money to make money, and the Mets are Spending Money.