ajcsportstalk

By Young

August 22, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this

Do not worry, you are too impatient, all the Braves needed is getting on a 200 game winning streak and the Mets getting on a 1000 game losing streak this season and the Braves will win the Division for 2006 by a quarter of a game, just wait and see it will happen the Baseball God has said many times that it will happen by tomorrow. The magic number for the Braves to win the East in 5000 and it will happen because the Baseball God will make it happen. Stop being so impatient and be thankful that the Braves are still ahead of the Chicago Cubs, Richmond Braves, 2003 Detroit Tigers and the 2006-7 Atlanta Falcons. We will make the playoffs even if we are the worst team in the Major League becasuse the baseball God said it.

By Del

August 22, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

My thoughts are so obvious that I’m not going to post them!! Play the kids, let’s start preparing for 07.

By sam

August 22, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this

There is no way the braves make the playoffs this year. I hope that they can rise to .500 for the year but this may be out of reach. The bullpen is so weak and unpredictable. There are too many “never wases” for there to be a solid pen

By Andrew

August 22, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this

Always next year… this team just won’t get it done as Wickman is great, but too little too late. I hope we can resign him as I think he’d be great teacher for young guys like Devine who can hopefully come back and stabilize the bullpen. Keep running Prado out there and see if he’s the answer for 2007 because that is quickly becoming priority #1.

By sam

August 22, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this

We need pitching so we should be prepared to see some major deals during the off season to acquire some experience [and skill] for the 2007 bullpen. I feel for those guys that go out to the mound in crucial situations and fail time after time. Given the history of injuries to the existing starter, we should add at leasr one quality starter.

By Hold that Tiger

August 22, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

Priority number one is starting pitching. The Atlanta bullpen has always been hit or miss.

Are you ging to run this idiotic blog asking how we feel about the season after EVERY game.

No offense but isn’t it a tad lazy? Isn’t there anyone there who can write something?

By Greg

August 22, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this

When the Braves couldn’t score with the bases loaded earlier in the game and when they couldn’t get anymore run in the 7th, somehow I know they were going to get in trouble with a bad inning in the 8th or 9th inning. It’s like you could see it coming!! Yes the bullpen has been havoc and inconsistent, but I like the back end of the Braves bullpen with Baez and Wickman. I know Baez didn’t pitch well, but he is performing better than other relievers (Paronto is doing good)The Braves have now decided to stop hitting, stop hitting. In some cases the Braves’ offense may have to carry this team to the playoff. I don’t know what Andruw Jones’s problem is and Chipper acts like he forgot to hit after he hit those 3 homeruns against the Nationals. I can’t blame McCann because he has been the most consitent all season and guys are going to cool off in the clutch and in tight situations. Other guys need to step it. Right now, I don’t see the Braves in the playoffs because i think the Reds are going to pull away at the end of the month and in September. They are long overdue for a playoff berth. In perspective and as a Braves fan I shouldn’t be upset that they are having a bad season because it could be worse. This bad season was lurking around the corner the last couple of years. Final season record 78-84 20 games back of the Mets in third place 12 out of the Wild Card.

By Justin

August 22, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

The real reason the braves lost tonight is because they coudln’t hit a pitchure who has a ERA over 6, what the f***, i mean the f*** has had only 2 good starts this year and both of them have been against the braves, so much f*** b******. But the real reason this season has sucked so bad is because js stupid a* choose to go with stupid chris retsima as the closer. I hope we do not resign that f***. we also need to let go of todd pratt, john thomson, ryan langerhans and all of those stupid triple AAA pitchers in the bullpen besides wickman and baez, and maybe we will get back to the playoffs in 2007.

By Chris

August 22, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this

The Braves will not make the playoffs because they are too inconsistent. When the pitching is there the offense isn’t and vise versa. With games still left against the Mets and Phillies the Braves will never make to .500. The Braves hitters don’t make pitchers work deep in the count. I’m tired of every time they win again they keep thinking that they still have a chance. If that’s the case then why not make a claim on Livan Hernandez with the injures to the pitching staff? If they payroll isn’t increased for next season it won’t get any better with the way JS has the payroll structured. Too much money to a few players forced him to have to go with cheap guys like Pratt, Jordan and Remlinger. I’m not upset that the streak ended because eventually it will, I’m upset that 5 of the last six trips to the playoffs ended with first round losses. Time to start looking to 2007.

By Chris

August 22, 2006 11:41 PM | Link to this

The Braves won’t make the playoffs because they are too inconsistent. The hitters don’t make pitchers go deep in the count. Look at the Yankees hitters. With Giles, Rochy and Frenchy always swinging at the first pitch isn’t goin to get it done. I doubt they’ll even end the season at .500. I’m not upset about the streak ending, I’m upset about the streak ending with 5 or the last 6 playoff appearances ending in first round lossess. If JS felt they had a chance why not make a claim on Livan Hernandez to help the injured starting staff?

By dean

August 22, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this

I agree they suck and they probably will for a while. they only have 1 good starter and he is 39 years old. chipper has not put together a full season in 2 years. andruw is too streaky and francour will never hit for more than .260.

By GoBraves

August 22, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

Is it just me or is the writer of this blog change his mind everyday.Today we are fading yesterday we had done everything except won the world series.

By Kentavo

August 22, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this

Can’t win the Wildcard with a sub .500 record. Can’t get past .500 if you can’t win games you have in the bag. Bobby, wake up, it’s not April. Don’t send non-trustworthy relievers in for crucial situations. Baez needs to get his head out of his A$$

By bobbo

August 23, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this

wow once again the braves show that heart and desire of a team against the ropes. And tonite we were let down by the good guys,

Mccann’s double play with bases loaded one out on the first pitch, looks like something frenchy would do

Great defense renteria

and baez , wow that was awful it was like reitsma and yates had a child and let it pitch.

Turn the lights out folks, im a die hard braves fan have been for twenty years, and I will never give up on them, but I just cant take the way they are losing must win games, this doesn’t lok like a team that understands what they are up against

By Canuckbravesfan

August 23, 2006 12:44 AM | Link to this

This game was lost in the 5th inning. Chacon was on the ropes with the bases loaded, couldn’t throw strikes to anyone and McCann swings at the first pitch, when any seasoned hitter would have tried to work the count. Everyone was quick to jump on LaRoche for his bunt in Florida, but what was McCann thinking ??? Sorry, it was just as stupid.

By kevin

August 23, 2006 12:55 AM | Link to this

@#$%^&*()!!!!

By gotigers72

August 23, 2006 01:11 AM | Link to this

The bullpen continues to be horrible. BC needs to give Baez the Rocker treatment. When he comes in and is as wild as he was, the first man he walks, take him out. He’s not gonna get any better. It worked with Rocker. I saw Bobby do that more than once with him.

What’s with the hitting at Turner Field? Scored 3 last night. Luckily Smoltz was brilliant. Score 1 tonight off of a guy with an ERA of 7. I don’t understand why they hit so much better on the road. I agree with whoever said in an earlier post that it’s time to look at the kids. Also time to start working on getting a freakin’ bullpen. Some of those guys couldn’t get my mother out [she’s 81]. They’d probably walk her.

Possible call ups on Sept. 1st. Brayan Pena, Anthony Lerew, Thorman, someone with some speed, maybe Blanco or Onil Joseph. Let ‘em pinch run, or play regularly when eliminated which won’t be long. Davies, keep Prado and T.Pena up. Anybody else?

By gotigers72

August 23, 2006 01:24 AM | Link to this

I also hope they bring Jordan back on Sept. 1st. I don’t think he’s gonna play after this year and he deserves to go out with some dignity. He was a good player and a good teammate for the Braves.

If the Braves aren’t gonna make the playoffs, and they’re not, I hope they finish below .500 so the owners [whoever they may be] and JS will realize how much help this team needs. In the past few years, since Ted sold the team, they have been going downhill, but nobody could see it because they continued to win their division. Maybe finishing with their 1st losing record since 1990 will open some eyes and make them make some changes, especially in the pitching department. Hopefully Hudson will return to the form he had previously. Same for Hampton. But that bullpen, good God, they better do something about them!

By burt

August 23, 2006 01:50 AM | Link to this

the braves are a great ORG. that had a lot of bad luck in 06. a few breaks here and a few breaks there and number 15 would have been ours.it didn’t happen. i can’t wait of 07 to start. WE WILL BE BACK.

By Head Coach

August 23, 2006 02:15 AM | Link to this

Turn out the lights , the party’s over. That ladies and germs was the final nail in the proverbial coffin. Call up the kids and start spring training early.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 23, 2006 07:45 AM | Link to this

They aren’t quite done yet, but they have littel wiggle room. I do get tired of seeing them get base loaded and never scoring a run. They don’t play fundamental baseball.

By Cdaddy

August 23, 2006 07:53 AM | Link to this

It is not going to happen so let’s put it to bed and start anew. Let folks audition for jobs next year, everybody including veterans. The Braves are a fair team and no more. I do wonder what in the h*ll John Schuerholz was thinking when he traded away Betemit for an error prone rookie and a soon to be free agent former closer.

By alan from Atlanta GA.

August 23, 2006 07:56 AM | Link to this

Well there goes another loss by another cast off from another team that got in return Wilson Betemit. One cast off has a broken something in his hand and the other can’t pitch his way out of a paper bag. Giles still can’t hit leadoff and his contract is up. LaRoche doesn’t quite get it yet, when to bunt or not to bunt. Renteria looks tired and is fielding like is. Bobby Cox still supports Roger McDowell, who for some reason has a pitching staff with many injuries this year. Lets just BOYCOTT THE BRAVES until they show us what they have next years. The mets get Shaun Green and we get T. Aybar. Says something?

By Pete

August 23, 2006 07:59 AM | Link to this

I love the excuses. Baez was sweating too much; even McCann fell into it saying “all I know is that the ball came in wet”.

Give us a break. Who doesn’t sweat on a hot night? What, maybe Baez should pitch when the thermometer is below 85 degrees? What, the Pirate pitchers don’t sweat?

Baez is just another bullpen flop, a major league nonentity. And Ray, another AAA pitcher on a pitching staff of AAA hurlers.

By Louis Vales

August 23, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this

The Braves should have ONLY ONE GOAL to hold off the TEAM that makes less money than Larry—Refuse to call a 35 year old man the assinine name CHIPPER(What is that about by the way??)—Jones!!!! You don’t want to finish lower in the standings than a team with 4!!!!!rookie starters.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 08:35 AM | Link to this

I think many fans forget that it’s difficult to acquire or develop pitchers. We were spoiled here for a long time because it seemed like more than half of our pitching prospects turned to gold. But most pitching prospects become nothing. I think Schuerholz was banking on Hudson pitching like he did in 2002-03, Davies becoming one of the better pitchers in the league, Joey Devine developing into a solid set-up man and Reitsma holding down the closer’s job. None of that happened and it’s time to re-group. I’m not defending Schuerholz, but with pitching a lot of times the plans don’t work out. The positives are we have a good offense and a decent quantity of pitching prospects.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this

Louis Vales,

I wouldn’t want to finish lower in the standings than a team with 25 veterans. What’s your point?

By Jeff

August 23, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

“It ain’t over ‘til it’s over,” according to the nearly forgotten Yogi Berra. Well, Yogi, it’s definitely over for the Bravos. Time to think about ‘07.

By NLCHAMPS

August 23, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this

The Mets magic number is now 25. Are any of you brave fans gonna root for them when they represent the National League in the World Series?

By Ted

August 23, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

Agree with canuck - McCann swinging at the first pitch was complete lack of fundamentals, and is something this team has been guilty of all year. When a pitcher walks Chipper and Andruw back-to-back to load the bases you MUST make him throw a strike. If you can’t hit with one strike in the major leagues against a pitcher of Chacon’s caliber, you don’t deserve to be in the majors. And don’t even get me started on Francouer’s complete unwillingness to take a pitch.

From getting thrown out on the basepaths (which is a function of bad decisions and bad 3rd base coaching) to missing cutoff men (and allowing other baserunners to advance) this team is so fundamentally unsound, it is a joke. Maybe this is a function of having so much youth, but you’d like to think that, at some point, Bobby would get through to them.

Very frustrating to watch, though, that’s for sure.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

Ted and Canuck,

This team has lacked quality pitching and that’s what’s frustrating to watch. We’ve scored plenty of runs. We’ve allowed too many. I agree with your assessment of Francouer. I’m sure you can find a handful of plays from every team that weren’t “fundamentally sound” including the Tigers. Things that cost teams wins are usually not that hard to find.

By Nola

August 23, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

Cox Classic. I knew every play before it happened. I almost thought the game was scripted. Baez comes in and can’t get one over the plate. But Cox won’t take him out until he gives up 5 runs. While the Braves are still ahead, why not bring in Wickman to pitch an inning and a half ? Classic Cox sits down Wickman, and gets two failed relievers up in the pen.

I’m so tired of hearing about Cox being the very best manager in baseball. When Cox was winning all those games through the years, his mismanaged games were covered up and overlooked with superior talent. Now, when a well managed game is a must to win, we are blameing the players.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

Ted and Canuck,

Maybe Brian McCann could have done some things differently throughout the year, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. He’s been our MVP. He’s one of the main reasons we are close to .500.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this

Nola,

Cox is just going with the players he has available. I guess you can blame Cox insofar as he has some input on the roster moves. If you want to blame anyone, blame Schuerholz for not making some creative moves for pitching help. But even then, pitching is not easy to come by.

By Kenneth Simpson

August 23, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

THE BRAVES NEED A MAJOR OVERALL STARTING WITH GETTING RID OF GILES WHO IS HURT ALL THE TIME AND ALSO CHIPPER WHO FINDS WAYS TO STAY OUT OF THE LINEUP. GET A NEW MANAGER AND LET THE KIDS PLAY BECAUSE THEY COULDN’T DO ANY WORSE. FRANCOUR NEEDS TO KNOW THAT A PITCH NEAR THE ANKLES IS NOT A STRIKE AND THE KIDS DON’T HAVE TO SWING AT THE FIRST PITCH THEY SEE EITHER. ANYWAY THE METS WHO HAVE UNLIMITED FUNDS HAVE ALREADY “BOUGHT” THE PENNANT.

By NLCHAMPS

August 23, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this

What is atlanta’s payroll? As for the Mets “buying” the pennant I never heard a single brave fan complain about all the money Ted Turner was spending during the 90’s. I beleive the braves had one of the highest payrolls during that time. Again, I never heard any brave fan say they were buying their pennants.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

Kenneth Simpson,

It could be worse. The Braves could be as bad as the Pirates or Royals.

By NLCHAMPS

August 23, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

One more thing…..Don’t blame Met fans if your team is in a “Small Market”. That’s just tuff sh%@#it. If you had your hands on the wheel and you had the funds you’d go out and get the players needed to win….Don’t me you wouldn’t.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

NLChamps,

Yeah, the payroll excuse only goes so far. More money gives you an advantage, but you can contend with a low payroll. Look at Oakland and Minnesota. You can say “but they haven’t won a World Series in 15 years” but neither have the Dodgers or Orioles.

By willy

August 23, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this

I cannot understand this obsession with making the playoffs. If making the playoffs meant another red flag (the championship one) that’s one thing. For this team for the last several years, making the playoffs means a first round exit usually in front of a “home” crowd of more opposition fans than Braves fans. Is this what all you people are yearning for? Frankly, I prefer they crash bad enough so that there might be some motivation to field a team capable of getting another red flag. Making the playoffs means nothing unless you win it all. During this “spectacular” run of 14 straight division titles, the Florida Marlins have won TWICE as many World Championships as the Braves.

By NLCHAMPS

August 23, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

Shaun, That’s exactley my point. The Mets have spent boat loads of cash over the years and it’s gotten them nothing. But as I’ve said before, if you were able to aquire a player or players and you had the money, you and every fan on this blog would do it. Remember we have the Yankees in our market. I am not a Yankee fan but I always admired Steinbrenner for putting the profits into the team rather than in his procket like most owners do.

By Edward

August 23, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this

I thought I was watching Dan Kolb in the 8th inning of last night game.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

Willy,

Obviously you want World Series titles, but post-season success really tells you little about the quality of a team. Anything can happen in a short series. Still, I can understand some criticism with concern to the Braves’ post-season record.

As far as crowds, the Braves crowds have been fine. You have to remember Atlanta doesn’t have as many people as New York or Boston or Chicago. I haven’t looked at the numbers, but I would bet as far as percentage of the population going to baseball games, Atlanta is in line with most cities.

Also, if you want to go down the bandwagon path, most people stop going to games when the home team isn’t winning. When the Yankees weren’t good in the early-mid 1970’s and mid-late 1980’s, they didn’t draw many fans. Only Fenway and Wrigley draw fans with losing teams, and you could probably attribute that to the ballparks. And maybe the fact that the Red Sox are to New England what a college football team is to the south.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this

NLCHAMPS,

I know that was your point and I was agreeing. If I were the owner of the Yankees I would run things similarly to the way Steinbrenner does, I would like to think.

The economic system could use some tweaking, but it’s not as bad as people make it seem.

By Savannah Guy

August 23, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

The “Country Club” Boys

The Braves have been run like a “Country Club” since 1989. That worked (for pennants and one world series) until now because we had great starting pitching and a few…very few… clutch guys on each years team that could drive in a run or two. For the most part, the Braves players have always had trouble “getting up” for the games, getting clutch hits and having the heart to do the tough little things to win close games (kind of like Renteria and A Jones lately). Cox has always had a hard time substituting favorite starters that are in a two-month slump, even when the sub is on fire with the bat.

If we want to win more pennants and perhaps get back to the big dance, the leadership has to change. In a few years, the team will hopefully be owned by an individual or group that like baseball, are committed to building a winning team and will have a manager that will change this Country Club to a gritty, determined, working class baseball team. The new manager will be strategic and not always play by the book. The scouts will look at players that always seem to make the big play or get the clutch hit…regardless of the score or how clean-cut they are.

The “Country Club Boys” era is over…hopefully. PLAY THE KIDS.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

Savannah Guy,

What’s the Braves record in close games over the last 15 years? If you can provide some evidence, maybe someone will actually believe your “country club” theory.

Based on what I’ve looked at, the Braves didn’t win in the playoffs because they didn’t score enough in the post-season (except for last year when they didn’t pitch well enough). Also they played in a few series that could have gone their way with a little luck.

I love these people with all the answers, but no validity.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this

Savannah Guy,

The Yankees seem to be doing fine and they’ve always been “clean-cut.” And the Red Sox and White Sox seem to be doing fine with the not-so-clean-cut players.

It’s about run differential, not haircuts or whatever. Run differential is about getting and giving up baserunners/avoiding and getting outs.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this

Baseball Mysticism

Why do people want to complicate things so much? They think a team doesn’t win because they aren’t gritty enough or don’t have chemistry or they aren’t hustling or they don’t get “fire up” enough. Teams lose because they give up too many walks or don’t hit enough homers or give up too many homers, etc. It’s usually not a mystery as to why a team doesn’t play well. It has nothing to do with some abstract, spiritual, mystical thing.

If you believe in things like grit and team chemistry, you might as well believe in curses.

By Savannah Guy

August 23, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

Shaun (the true and valid fan),

I’m not a chart/stat guy like you, so I’ll leave it to you to spend your valuable time looking backwards through the record books. I just watch the games.

So, we played in a few series that we could have won with a little luck.Thank you Shaun for stating the obvious.

By ebineezer

August 23, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this

Cox leaves Baez in after walking 2 IN A ROW, WHY WHY WHY??? It is the 8th inning, one out and 2 runners on with the Braves up one run. There is no question that this is the deciding point of the game. What did the Braves get Wickman for if not for this very moment?? EVERYBODY and I do mean EVERYBODY knew Baez did not have it and there was no way he was getting out of that situation. The TurnerSouth announcers said it, the fans at Turner Field new it, the viewers watching on TV new it, the radio listeners new it. Why didn’t Bobby Cox? Even if it wasn’t Wickman, bring in somebody, anybody, it is obvious Baez did not have a chance of success. Cox has no sense of urgency and it permeates throughout the team.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this

Savannah Guy,

I’m not a “chart/stat guy.” I’m a trust-the-evidence guy.

My point was, you say the Braves don’t have guys that do what needs to be done to win close games. Where did you get that? Have you looked at their record in close games?

From 1991-2005 the Braves have the best record in runs decided by 3 runs or less. So, it looks like they have been able to win close games just fine.

By noel malone

August 23, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

Justin must be a UGag fan and must work at a 7-11. What great command of the english language!!

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

From 1991-2005 the Braves have the best record in baseball in games decided by 3 runs or less. It looks like they have been able to win close games just fine.

By Savannah Guy

August 23, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this

Shaun (the obvious),

So, let me get this…the teams that scores the most runs win? Clean cut teams AND gritty teams both win games? Go figger. Quite profound.

Abstract, spiritual, mystical, curses? Shaun, we probably don’t watch the same games…so…nevermind. Have a nice day sports fan.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

Savannah Guy,

Thanks for the patronization. You’re the one that said the Braves aren’t winning because the aren’t a “gritty, determined, working class baseball team.” I’m just revealing that that has nothing to do with it.

By Louis Vales

August 23, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

Shaun, The Braves are not going to win the Wild Card and you’re right you don’t want to finish behind any team regardless of composition of the roster, BUT wouldn’t you think it to be particularly galling to finish behind a team that sold off its players and through sheer good scouting have put themselves in a position to have gone from 11-31 to 57-66 while using 4 rookie starters, basically not having a center fielder and all the while having accumulated enough young pitching to be by consensus of baseball people the Next Big Deal. This is also the woebegone franchise that has won more World Championships since 1997 than Braves have won since 1966. And spare me the banners draped across the facade crap—you play any pro sport to win the ultimate prize and not to make the equivalent of the quarterfinals. No big prize for having been better than New York, Phillies, Marlins, and Expos/Nats for last 10 years. taken in that context do those divisional titles really mean that much?/ Expos/Nats, Marlins—No Money; Mets—bungled franchise—-so Atlanta’s crowning achievement has been owning the Phillies. Wow!!!!

By ugadawg

August 23, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

Nola,

Wickman hasn’t pitched more than an inning of relief in over 5 years, so that wasn’t an option.

But Bobby marching the struggling Baez out there was just ridiculous. He likes to have his “7th inning guy”, his “8th inning guy”, his closer, and his “double play guy”, and won’t deviate from that pattern no matter how much that person is struggling. Always has. 3 years ago, he kept insisting on sending Reitsma out there in the 8th inning, even though he was pitching horribly. There is no role in that bullpen that should be sacred. Go with whoever has the hot hand, don’t just put a guy in because he’s your 8th inning guy.

Right now that guy with the hot hand is Paronto, which is why I wish Bobby would have held him out until the 8th inning.

By Realistic Ricky

August 23, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

Ebineezer…

Sorry to have tell you this, but I have been asking the same thing about Bobby Cox for 15 seasons. He did the exact same thing last week with Ken Ray in Washington (two walks, then a three run homer). I am convinced he has a “book” he manages from, and he never waivers from the book, no matter what he sees happening with his own eyes. His biggest problem is that his “book” only works in the regular season, and he has been unable to find a postseason edition.

By sam

August 23, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

One problem wih the braves over the years is they have become satisfied, at least publicly, with division championships. This has led to lower goals or standards and complacency. We now have lost the “intimidation factor” that the rest of the division felt in the past. It is time to rebuild, beginning with a new mentality and approach on how to win. Cox has been excellent over the years in the way he managed the players, many very talented, by not “over managing.”

Now we need a more hands-on manager with more strategic skills, including situational hitting and pitching. With that said, Cox had too many AAA players to work with this year so JS has to take the major responsibility for this year’s debacle.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

Louis Vales,

I would rather have a team full of talented rookies than a team full of veterans with no talent. The Marlins won the World Series because they were lucky enough to make the playoffs and had the right ingredients for post-season succes. The Marlins weren’t the best team in the NL in 1997 or 2003. But, that’s fine because a lot of teams have won without being the best team.

It’s fair to criticize the Braves for winning only one championship, but it’s not as horrible as a lot of people think.

By Head Coach

August 23, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this

I’ll be rooting for whoever plays against the muts in the playoffs.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

What’s the point?

A lot of people seem to want to blame Bobby Cox or John Schuerholz or management. Well, I agree that they aren’t perfect and have made some questionable decisions over the years, but it’s not that simple. Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz, like every other baseball exec or manager, have weaknesses and strengths. I can understand saying Cox shouldn’t have made this decision or that one or Schuerholz shouldn’t have made this trade or that one. I don’t understand people that say fire Cox or Schuerholz. The results are about as good as your going to get from a manager or a GM except in the post-season. But most baseball fans should know by now that luck plays a big role in the post-season and the best teams don’t always win.

By sam

August 23, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

I agree that luck plays a role in post season play but some people define luck as the place where opportunity meets preparation. We have had many opportunities but I guess each of us has to personally make the judgment call regarding our preparation.

By dustin

August 23, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this

To me sundays game summed up this season. Cormier was pitching great but bobby cox pitch hit for him in the bottom half of the 6th inning. Bobby should of used him to bunt the runner over and then hopefully the next batter gets a hit. Instead we hit into a double play, and the very next half inning give up back to back doubles and florida takes the lead back. When a pitcher is rolling like that…why take him out?? especually when we have such a weak bullpen except for the 8th/9th innings!! That game was a backbreaker….and why is todd pratt still starting games over Mccann??? hes hitting .180 or so…….PLEASE DONT bring him back next year!! does the righty/lefty matchup really matter when one guy is hitting .180 and the other .350?????

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

Sam,

I would define luck as anything unrelated to skill. The Braves probably lost several post-season games because a batted ball found a hole or something like that. Something that has nothing to do with player ability. Evidence seems to indicate that a team’s record in close games has to do mostly with luck. Generally there’s no consistency from year to year or even from one half of a season to another in a team’s record in close games.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

Dustin,

The problem is the Braves relying on Cormier to be basically their third starter. Cormier has done a fine job but he can’t go 7 or 8 innings.

And McCann can’t catch every day. Catching is not like playing centerfield.

By Kenneth Simpson

August 23, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this

THE METS HAVE ALREADY BOUGHT THE PENNANT FOR 2006 BECAUSE THEY HAVE UNLIMITED FUNDS AND LIKE THE YANKEES CAN PURCHASE ANY PLAYER THEY WANT TO SO NO ONE CAN SAY THEY WON THE PENNANT THIS YEAR, THEY JUST ARE BUYING IT. THE BRAVES ARE LOUSY WITH CHIPPER AND MARCUS ON THE DISABLED LIST ALL THE TIME AND THE BULLPEN IN SHAMBLES. BOBBY COX WILL PULL ANY PITCHER OUT AND USE THE BULLPEN KNOWING WHAT HE HAS DOWN THERE AND TO ME THAT MAKES NO SENSE. LAST NIGHT WAS A GOOD EXAMPLE TAKING THE STARTING PITCHER OUT WHEN HE WAS DOING GOOD AND SEE WHAT HAPPENED. THE BRANES NEED A NEW AGGRESSIVE MANAGER SOME DIFFERENT PLAYERS ESPECIALLY AT 3RD AND 2ND. I HOPE SOME UNDERDOG WILL WIN THIS YEAR AND NOT THE MONEY SPENDING METS AND YANKEES.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

Kenneth Simpson,

I agree. The Braves need an aggressive manager that will throw Smoltz out there every other day and let him go 9 innings.

And, yeah, why even play next season? The Mets have all the money and we see what having money has done for the Orioles and Dodgers.

By Mystic Man

August 23, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

Dear Shaun,

After reading your posts, I must let you know that mysticism does play a major role in sports. To prove it (since you seem to ask for proof), I’ll read your mind and tell you about yourself:

Here we go Shaun: You never played sports. You are a democrat (I knew this because you resort to negatively categorizing people or ideas that don’t jibe with your own narrow perceptions). You don’t have many friends (this blog is the height of your social life). You are a teenager. You fervently and repeatedly state the obvious, as others have said. You love to argue with yourself. You place blame and credit, wins and losses on…luck.

There. How did I do? Now, prove me wrong.

By Wolfman

August 23, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

Last night was blown in some ways by Cox, but not like Sunday’s game versus the Fish. Yates comes in 7th , are you kidding me !!………LeRoach bunting like he did,….give me a break. Last nights horror show put on by Baez , and “Booby” Cox leaves him in that long when he almost hit three batters in a row , after two walks in a row. This season was long in coming and last night was a typical Braves Blown game , no clutch hitting, stupid 1st swinging exebition I have been watching all season long!!!!………..can’t wait till the off season to see what these higher ups do, which better be a whole lot , or we will see the same record and people on this blog p** off and venting in 2007.

By Robert

August 23, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

Let’s look to the future. This team has a decent young base

McCann - check out that K/BB ratio - WOW! And he is only 22. Great hitter

Francoeur - so much natural ability - you’d think he’d become a better hitter if he learned selectivity and patience, but then again, any attempt to temper that aggressiveness at the plate might prove harmful to his production - he might end up a .260-.270 hitter either wey - Andru Jones light, if you will - still a solid long term big leaguer

LaRoche - think Eric Karros - should be a decent support producer until he gets to the far side of age 30 - probably a short career and a rapid ugly fade when it happens, but he should have a half dozen or so decent seasons in him

Aybar - will prove to be a better player than Betemit in the long run - mark my words

Villareal - not as good as the 9-1 record might suggest, but certainly far more to like than there was with last year’s mirage Sosa. He might make a decent second line starter

CJames - promising young pitcher

Chipper’s best days are behind him. Andru has had his career year; even if he is resigned, he is a great defender and a decent hitter/producer. Diaz is having a dream season. There’s a reason he’s never stuck with anyone before. Langerhans pretty much cant play

The team’s most pressing need is to find a competant manager

By At the game

August 23, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

About the game last night- Why not pull Baez after the second walk? Don’t we have to do absolutely everthing to get a win? Why not put Wickman in early or anyone to try to preserve the lead?

By Clyde

August 23, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this

Each day that goes by, the trade with the Dodgers get worse and worse. Betemit is on his way to a great career and what did the braves get for him? We will look at this year and wonder what went wrong. Maybe I am spoiled from all the division championships, but this has been one year to forget!

By kirnknjboro

August 23, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this

“…You are a democrat (I knew this because you resort to negatively categorizing people or ideas that don’t jibe with your own narrow perceptions)…

GIMME A BREAK!

It is the Republicans who make up names like “Dean Democrats” and who have made “liberal” a dirty word.

It is also the Republicans who have made a big mess of things as they were handed every branch of government.

Let’s leave the politics for other blogs please!

By Ken

August 23, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox is usually a good regular season manager. He is referred to as a “player’s manager” meaning he is easy to play for. However his game managing skills always come up short in post-season because the other teams in playoffs are equal in talent. Ditto this year. Without as much talent as previous years, he looks like a bad manager, when in truth a manager is only as good as the players he can run out there. I am not defending or criticizing him, just my take on the situation.

By Wolfman

August 23, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this

Ebeneezer,……….amen brother you are 100 % correct. Leaving Baez in that long, and why not use Wickman for 5 outs,Torre does it all the time with M. Rivera,…………Cox has blown more games this year than in the whole decade of the 90’s !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not blaming it on Cox, but his sticking with guys too long, and his by the book BS needs to GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!…….I can’t watch this crap anymore!!!!!!!!!P** me off every other night !!!!!!

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

Mystic Man,

If you make a claim, shouldn’t you provide the proof?

I played baseball through high school, I’m in my 20’s, I give credit when credit is due and blame when blame is due, I attribute wins and losses to runs scored/allowed for the most part and I’m probably pretty conservative on most issues…but maybe I don’t have a social life.

Actually I just hate speculation and can’t stand when people spout off something they learned from Joe Morgan or somebody else who feels threatened by people who actually seek out answers to baseball questions using emperical evidence (usually statistics, the best objective evidence available for judging player performance and ability).

By Mystic Man

August 23, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

As I gaze into my crystal ball, I also see that you are an ok guy. But you have to remember, if it were not for opinion and speculation, blogs would not exist. Neither would sports commentators either. My advice for you young man is…enjoy the game, enjoy the blog, get a social life going and don’t feel like you have to explain yourself.

Oh, and don’t get riled up by the “yeeeehawww” Dean democrats like kirnknjboro, who spew liberal 101 talking points then say…let’s not talk politics.

Let’s talk hardball.

By NLCHAMPS

August 23, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

No team buys a pennant. That’s the biggest bull$^%# out there. There are many many teams who spend but don’t win year after year. Players still have to perform and come together at a team. What you have are organizations who invest more money into the team in an effort to acheive the utltimate goal. Stop your frikken crying because you know that if your team had an owner who spent his cash on quality players you wouldn’t object to it. The Mets, Yankees, Dodgers all play within the rules so don’t fault them for not acting like a small market team when they’re not.

By ugadawg

August 23, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this

People, Wickman does NOT pitch more than 1 inning and hasn’t for several years. That was not an option last night. I agree Baez should have been lifted, but Wickman is a 1 inning guy.

There are two big differences in Rivera and Wickman….weight and age. Wickman is not going to be able to give us as many innings as a guy like Rivera.

By Braves20

August 23, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

“Spouting off something they learned from Joe Morgan?” Who the hell ever learned anything from Joe Morgan. Talk about constantly stating the obvious and then saying it three (no one or two) but three times. But I digress. Last night’s ballgame was bound to happen. You are running out two guys you know can’t go more than 5 or 6. Somebody in the pen is going to have a bad night. Yates and Paronto did just fine. It’s a night when the offense had to strap it on and score more than two. Actually you knew the game was over when Cox pinch hit with Todd Pratt - at least he made one out instead of two. Why is that guy still here? Have we lost Brayan Pena’s cell phone number?

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this

Mystic Man,

I don’t mind opinion; I just like informed opinion. And part of the fun of this blog are the arguments. And if you spit out an opinion I disagree with, I’m going to try to discredit it and back it up with some evidence.

By beachcomber

August 23, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this

Lost Bryan Pena’s cell phone number? Good one! Must agree - we need to step it up when we have guys on the hill we know we can’t expect more than six out of. Has anybody noticed that our newest second sacker doesn’t exactly have Giles or Lemke-like range?

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this

Stating the obvious Sometimes it seems like I have to state the obvious because the obvious is what discredits some of the opinions I’ve seen. Example: the Braves aren’t winning because they aren’t gritty enough. No, the Braves aren’t winning because the pitching stinks.

By Nola

August 23, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

to ugadawg

who says Wickman is a one inning guy. I thought the manager made the calls. The fact is that it is Cox’s mentality that releivers should only pitch 1 inning. I’m a Stengel follower. He would bring in anybody including a starter just to get the job done for that game. Forget tommorrow. That’s a whole new game. You do what you have to do to win today. Cox has no urgency.

By Braves20

August 23, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

Shaun - “Stating the obvious.” Not you - Mr. Morgan. Sorry, did not mean to offend you - only him. Cheers!

By Brad

August 23, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

In a 162 game season, you kinda have to worry about tomorrow, you can’t just play for today. And yes, even with another month left, you still have to worry about tomorrow.

By ugadawg

August 23, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

Nola,

Wickman does. As he has done for the past 5 years. He simply doesn’t have the stamina to go more than that. His last save of more than one inning was quite some time ago, and I don’t think that will change as he hasn’t gotten any younger or thinner.

By Mystic Man

August 23, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

I Want Shaun’s Lineup

Shaun, you have shown yourself to be a passionate purveyor of Braves “blogsplanations”. I think you have also sufficiently explained your reasoning behind your reply to my previous observations.

You are a good baseball fan…and you obviously know a lot about the Braves. So, tell me…what is your Braves lineup for the game tonight. And you must tell me why you’ve selected each player. Will there be any surprises? My crystal ball sez yes.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this

SS Renteria He’s leading off simply because he has the highest OBP besides Chipper and McCann 2B Giles If healthy, Giles. If not, Prado. Giles is one of the more productive 2B in the game when healthy 3B Chipper Do I have to explain this one? CF Andrew See above. C McCann See above again. 1B LaRoche He’s been solid this season except at home. But the career numbers are better at home. RF Diaz Yes, Diaz instead of Francouer. Diaz has been solid all season, posting a .871 OPS in limited duty. LF Langerhans Langerhans is struggling now, but has posted a decent .341 OBP on the season. Really, I don’t think it matters too much whether you go with Thorman or Langerhans

So the most surprising change I would make is Francouer. As I’ve said many times, I think Francouer is going to be a fine player in the not too distant future, but he makes too many outs—an out in nearly 72 percent of his plate appearances.

By ugadawg

August 23, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

I like the idea of sitting Franceour for a game. He is the only player on the entire team that has played every game of the season. And a good portion of that was during a horrible slump. I don’t understand why Bobby sees him as above sitting every now and then. He’s messed up McCann’s opportunity to make a run at the batting title due to sitting him too much (McCann only had one stint on the DL and is ineligible, while Chipper has been on the DL twice, yet still qualifies).

By Mystic Man

August 23, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

Thanks Shaun. I like your reasoning on Frenchy. Unlike you, I would do something more drastic…I would also rest Renteria and both Jones boys. The spark is not there, they are tired and need a break. Let’s some scrappy kids in the lineup so they can get some experience. I would also continue to sit Giles (for another few games or until whomever is playing second hits a slump).

Also throw Baez into the game as a mid-reliever. take him out of the late game fear factor.

My crystal ball sez the kids would win the game and pump up the regulars. It also sez that Cox won’t budge from his book.

By laurance maney

August 23, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this

In the second season of the Fox series Millenium, just before getting wiped out by some horrible virus, a San Diego fan has a tirade about the Braves announcers: ‘no matter how far behind they are, its always if only Chipper can get a hold of one and Klesko can hit one out …’ Well isn’t it the truth. Let go off it, guys. Play the kids and just have some fun and get ready for next year. Trade Giles to anyone that will have him, and Andruw too if it has to be, but make it the American League, preferably the Red Sox so he can pick up some pointers from Manny Ramirez, or better yet, keep Andruw and get Manny Ramirez, but whatever happens, please stop flogging the dead horse. Lets look ahead to 07.