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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,373 comments Add your comment
Mid Town Joe
September 24th, 2009
8:58 am
Should the Braves beat the Nats, they will be the 1st team to 100 losses this season.
DAP
September 24th, 2009
9:09 am
i know im not the only one, but as much as i try, i cant stop thinking about those handful of games we should have won that would put us in a very good position. this is why i could never be baseball player, because its hard for me to forget stuff like that.
CB
September 24th, 2009
9:15 am
DAP,did you think of all the games we probably shouldn’t have won? The game is what it is-162 games of ebb and flow and most players understand that.
Lew
September 24th, 2009
9:15 am
Buster Olney hates the Braves? Seriously, I’ve got to stick up for allow Vermonter from two miles down the road. The Dude constantly is one of the Braves’ biggest supporters in the ranks of non-Atlanta Journalists. He consistently predicts good things for the Braves (most of the time our disaffected masses disagree with his more positive assessments), so I can’t figure where all this is coming from.
Lew
September 24th, 2009
9:16 am
sorry-should have read-a fellow Vermonter.
DAP
September 24th, 2009
9:20 am
CB, no i dont think about those. they just go in the ol’ noggin’ as dubyas.
Frank Robinson (Rockmart)
September 24th, 2009
9:21 am
McFann,
Noah over at MLB.com is at it again at 1:15. Someon should really advise him to stop embarrassing himself this way.
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=6818597&c_id=phi
18 Wheels of Love
September 24th, 2009
9:24 am
4 games back
6 games against the Nats and 3 against the Marlins
Rockies get St. Louis, Milwaukee and LA.
It could happen. Not likely, but it could happen.
dmack2027
September 24th, 2009
9:26 am
And….
Rockies get Carpenter on Friday and then Wainwright on Saturday. Certainly tough matchups.
Braves just need to not let up against the Nationals.
Lew
September 24th, 2009
9:29 am
DAP-It doesn’t matter how good or bad a season any team puts up – There will always be games you should have won that you didn’t and those you won that you probably shouldn’t have . That’s baseball and is pretty much why they play the games.
In all likelihood, this just wasn’t our season. A slow start and poor performances from key players sunk the ship and pretty well did it early. It’s really easy to point to specific games that held us back, but like last year and Kelly’s Drop Up, those games are just convenient for us to point to when we analyze (sometimes WAY too much) a season’s results. Rarely are those couple of games truly the reason we finished where we did.
I prefer to look at this season as one where the Braves were six games under .500 early. They were pretty much doomed if they continued in that vein. Yet our front office went out and made changes (that they claimed they would). Some players like Prado and Diaz stepped up and raised the level of their play. Our pitching was excellent for the first time in several years and despite players like Chipper and Mac struggling down the stretch, they raised their overall level of play and came damned close( unless the improbable happens) to the playoffs.
Of course we always want to make the playoffs and to go as far into the post season as possible, but think how much better this season ended than it looked like it would on JUne 28. I’m damned pleased with the progress I’ve seen and have great hope that in 2010 we return to the playoffs. Not only return, but progress quite a ways into them..
Did any of us (besides KC) truly believe we were destined for more than this when we viewed the season from the front end? Deep inside, most of us knew we were close but not quite there. Next year? We WILL be there.
John
September 24th, 2009
9:38 am
Can i just say that I wish Tracy had never been hired by the Rockies??? If he had not been hired then they would not have turned things around like they did and we would be TIED for the wild card right now! UGHHHHHHHHHHHHh I HATE how baseball can work some times!
Shaun
September 24th, 2009
9:42 am
i know im not the only one, but as much as i try, i cant stop thinking about those handful of games we should have won that would put us in a very good position. this is why i could never be baseball player, because its hard for me to forget stuff like that.
I have an easy solution to get you over this: Think about the handful of games the Braves should have lost.
Another way to look at things: Baseball Prospectus projected 87 wins for the Braves before the start of the season. They aren’t going to be far off. “On paper” they are basically the team that they should be.
Soph
September 24th, 2009
9:44 am
Some quotes from managers around the league about Bobby -
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/10115934/Cox-to-retire-as-Braves-manager-after-next-season
McFann Ô
September 24th, 2009
9:44 am
Neight 5. McCann-C (It’s his best spot in the lineup, and he shouldn’t be forced to hit anywhere else because of being the “best option”. Find a cleanup hitter Wren).
AMEN!!!!
Frank Robinson–
Soph
September 24th, 2009
9:45 am
Go get that tootsie frootsie ice cream!
Jersey Gil
September 24th, 2009
9:47 am
Lew….Your 9:29 Post was excelent, that the way i see this season..Now that we see how this Kid Hanson progress we know the Future of this team is Bright.
Shaun
September 24th, 2009
9:48 am
Lew, good analysis. I think even the most pessimistic Braves fan has to like where the organization is headed next season, if they look at things objectively. They are coming off a solid season where they will either just miss the playoffs or pull off a miracle comeback, they got rid of some dead weight in the lineup (Francoeur and Schafer), they rebuilt the pitching staff around solid innings-eaters, the relievers have held up pretty well and perhaps most exciting of all the Braves have one of the best under-21 prospects in the history of the game.
Lew
September 24th, 2009
9:49 am
Hey Gil-How have you been? Is your wife well? Bet she’s thrilled with the Phillies looking like they’ll take their third Division Title in a row.
RHR
September 24th, 2009
9:51 am
The Rockies are considering themselves in the post season, as they should be I suppose. Pondering who their starters will be, etc. Man I wish our boys could rain on that parade but there’s always next year!
RC
September 24th, 2009
9:51 am
Lew, I agree with everyone else that your post was excellent. I especially appreciate you pointing out the job the front office has done this year to address issues, both in the offseason and during the season. There were a few controversial decisions, and a few deals that never materialized, but I hope now people can recognize just how diligent and hard working our front office has been this year. Without the key moves they made, the future would be a lot less bright for the Braves.
Shaun
September 24th, 2009
9:52 am
Neyer on Bobby Cox’s legacy:
Upon the news that Bobby Cox will retire after next season, I was moved to compare him to all the other managers.
Conclusion? Cox’s place in history is essentially set. He currently ranks fourth in wins, and won’t catch Tony La Russa or be caught by Joe Torre (probably). In fact, Cox’s spot should be safe for a long, long time unless Joe Girardi spends the next few decades managing the Yankees.
Cox currently owns the record with 15 postseason appearances, but Torre will tie him this fall and La Russa will be just two behind. Speaking of La Russa, he and Cox are the only current managers who have won more than two league championships; each boasts five.
Really, the only thing missing from Cox’s resumè is World Championships (plural). He’s won just one of them, fewer than non-Hall of Famers Danny Murtaugh, Billy Martin, Tom Kelly, Ralph Houk, and Cito Gaston.
Which won’t keep Cox out of the Hall of Fame. It’s a lot harder to win the World Series than it used to be, and winning just one World Series certainly didn’t keep Earl Weaver out of the Coop.
Next year, let’s be sure and appreciate Cox as his career finally winds down. And let’s hope he adds a few more ejections to his lifetime record, just for old times’ sake.
McFann Ô
September 24th, 2009
9:52 am
Soph Go get that tootsie frootsie ice cream!
Hmm! Hopefully we’ll get some tomorrow!
Cheer up.
Eh…I’m getting there. Still happy they swept the Mets, but
…BMac has 13 multi-K games this year (if I counted correctly), and 3 3-K games. And he didn’t hit any doubles for me in that HUGE ballpark. I gotta check–I think he only has a couple doubles in that place…like, way back when the Braves first played there…
But why does he do this? He goes 16 for 31 with only 4 K’s over 9 games (8 starts), and then he goes 1-9 with 5 K’s in…technically 3 games against the Mets? He kills the Mets! Or at least I thought he did…
I know he’s killed Pelfrey in his career…
You all are Cox apologists
September 24th, 2009
9:53 am
TOP 10 REASONS COX SHOULD’VE RETIRED OR RESIGNED AFTER THIS SEASON:
1. 2009 Braves have UNDERACHIEVED
2. We will miss the post for the 4TH CONSECUTIVE SEASON
3. Gross pitching mismanagement
4. The inability to adjust to today’s game
5. Pinch hitting Greg Norton in crucial situations
6. We haven’t made it past the 1st round since 1999, that’s 10 YEARS
7. Staleness in the clubhouse
8. Too loyal
9. His teams always have a tendency to fail when it matters
10. 3 HOF’s, only one World Series out of 14
WHAT HAS THIS GUY DONE THAT IS SO GREAT?
PEOPLE, we haven’t made it past the 1st round in 10 years! 10 YEARS PEOPLE! 10 FREAKING YEARS!
YOU’RE DUMB, if you think having Cox back for 2010 is a GREAT thing.
Dummies on thE blog-nj braves, steve from OH, Roman Gal, etc. Nothing but a bunch of IDIOT HOMERS who know nothing about the passion and attitude it takes to win. Winning in sports is ALL about ATTITUDE and SWAGGER, something Cox is knows nothing about. A paper bag could’ve won 1 out of 14, SERIOUSLY!
Name 1 great thing Cox has done recently that warrants him coming back in 2010. Just 1. And please stop it with the 14 straight division titles, WHAT ABOUT THE 4th straight season out of the playoffs?
DON’T SAY I TOLD YOU SO, when we FAIL AGaIN IN 2010. History repeats itself, IDIOTS!
Jersey Gil
September 24th, 2009
9:55 am
Since July i been take care of my wife…In july she has a procedure done…She is lossing Bone in her Hip Ball..so the Doctor did a “Core Decompresor” Procedure..a week after, she broke her Hip Femur Bone, another emergency Surgery to put a Roth in her …i been in Family leave since them.But she is mush better now..walking with A CANE now.
But i been reading the Blog and keep updated with the Bravos…i miss the last Visit of the Braves here…
RHR
September 24th, 2009
9:56 am
Hey wheres that White Blood Cells guy? I just read that Jeff Francoeur a Met for 2 months, is lobbying for the Mets to sign his buddy Jason Marquis. How dare he!
Lew
September 24th, 2009
9:56 am
Shaun-There’s so much to look forward to next year, for sure. No matter who gets traded from the staff (or options not picked up), we will have one of the best rotations in the game.
Frank Wren has proven that he’s capable of going after (and acquiring) what he feels we need and has gone and done some deals no one even saw on the radar. For crying out loud-his main criticism is he got TOO MUCH pitching and paid too much (despite the fact he paid what was necessary for it). There is no such thing as too much pitching.
The players will obviously be playing to win one more for Bobby, so I expect we will have a damnedgood season after Wren gets the extra power we need this winter-and I truly believe he will get that power. No reason that with a slightly better balance between our offense and defense that we will be more than capable of playing to the level of the Yankees, Red Sox and other elite teams in MLB. The question may be if we can play better against the dregs. THAT may well be what doomed us in 09.
McFann Ô
September 24th, 2009
9:57 am
Yeah…as far as Division Rivals go, BMac was his best against the Mets…although he had more homers and RBI against the Fillies.
Vazquez is pitching tomorrow? Boo-yah! I like our chances, there…course, we all know how that goes.
RC
September 24th, 2009
9:58 am
You all are Cox apologists,
Bzzzzzzz bzzzzzzzzz bzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. That’s what I see when I read your posts.
DAP
September 24th, 2009
9:59 am
lew, yeah i know all that…i just cant help but think about those games and get frusterated.
i was saying on this blog from the beginning of the year that i wanted to see every game played like a must-win. every game we lost in april and may is coming back to haunt us now, and i just think a big emphasis needs to be put on all the games. but, obviously, the players and coaches need to able to move on, which i have a hard time doing.
Lew
September 24th, 2009
9:59 am
Top reason that YAACA should leave and not return. He (or not) is an insufferable douchebag.
RHR
September 24th, 2009
9:59 am
At the bottom of a long article about how the Rockies plan to use their starters in the post season:
Rockies hope it all adds up
It doesn’t come with a black hat, a rabbit or a wand. But baseball has illusion in a magic number. In truth, it sounds a lot cooler than it is. It is simple math.
The Rockies’ magic number against the Braves and Giants is seven. If they win seven of their final 10 games, they clinch the wild-card spot. With every victory, the number goes down by one. But they can get help. Each time the nearest foe loses, the Rockies’ magic number also goes down by one.
If the Rockies’ magic number reaches zero, they will have sealed a playoff spot. The earliest the Rockies could clinch is Sunday if they won their next four games and all their rivals dropped four straight.
McFann Ô
September 24th, 2009
9:59 am
Hmm…Vazquez hasn’t pitched against the Nats this year.…odd.
Mid Town Joe
September 24th, 2009
10:02 am
It’s not early yet anymore!
Jersey Gil
September 24th, 2009
10:02 am
It going to be a Good off season in this blog follow what the Braves going to do with, Hudson…Closer…Left Field…
You all are Cox apologists
September 24th, 2009
10:03 am
How is that SWEEP by the REDS looking now?
How is losing 2 of 3 at home to the Padres, one of the worst teams in baseball, looking NOW?
How is those back-to-back loses to Florida when the IDIOT Cox put Medlin in on consecutive nights looking now?
How is that loss to the Mets looking now when we blew a 4-0 lead and he allowed Lowe to give up 8 runs in one inning?
How is that Saturday afternoon loss to the Mets looking when he put Norton up to bat with the bases loaded?
What about the loss to the Phillies in the 3rd game of the season?
What about that loss to Colorado just before the AS break when Cox puts in Valdez, a rookie, instead of one of his starters when they had the break to rest?
How about the loss to the Nationals when Hanson was dealing? Or the Astros?
All of these losses can be attributed directly to COX.
Look forward to 2011, I’ve seen 2010 before, it’s the same movie OVER AND OVER AGAIN. You already know how it ends!
You all are Cox apologists
September 24th, 2009
10:05 am
APPARENTLY,
You guys are the IDIOTS. The MAJORITY of responders to the poll DON’T want Cox back in 2010. IDIOTS!
DAP
September 24th, 2009
10:06 am
shaun Think about the handful of games the Braves should have lost.
yeah, ive tried that. it doesnt work! heh, i appreciate the help, guys. im sure ill get over it eventually.
indianabravesfan
September 24th, 2009
10:09 am
Cox Apologist,
are you ever happy? cant you just enjoy how the team is playing!!!
DAP
September 24th, 2009
10:09 am
and cox apologists isnt helping.
Danga
September 24th, 2009
10:10 am
My day just wouldn’t be complete without YAACA telling me how dumb I am.
indianabravesfan
September 24th, 2009
10:13 am
i guess per Cox Apolgist that BC is the only manager that has ever made a mistake. i guess since Bobby is the only manager that does and per Cox Apologist that he sould be let go since he makes them every day.
and for the people who want Leo Mazzone as manager, keep dreaming. that would be a huge mistake.
McFann Ô
September 24th, 2009
10:13 am
DAP–
I know exactly how you feel. There are quite a few games that haunt me, too.
There are quite a few plays that still haunt me…
You all are Cox apologists
September 24th, 2009
10:13 am
TO ALL YOU COX APOLOGISTS,
In your mind, Cox is perfect, right? He doesn’t deserve an ounce of criticism right?
I guess the Braves not making the post-season had nothing to do with Cox, right?
None of this is his fault, right?
NOT! You all are delusional IDIOTS!
Shaun
September 24th, 2009
10:13 am
You all are Cox apologists,
How are all of those losses attributed directly to Cox? Since you are obviously so sure of yourself on this matter and much smarter than everyone, it will be a breeze for you to tell us. So why don’t you go ahead and provide the obvious evidence that all these losses were directly because of Bobby Cox?
Also, if you are going to point out losses to bad teams, don’t you also have to point out that the Braves have the 7th best record in the majors against teams with a better than .500 overall winning percentage?
It’s funny how the Cox haters don’t first ask the question, is Cox a good, bad or mediocre manager. Instead they firmly believe because of their own biases that Cox is a bad manager then look for reasons to back up their own biases. For example, last season everyone blamed the Braves’ record in 1-run games on Bobby Cox. Now that the Braves have the 9th-best record in the majors in 1-run games, we haven’t heard about 1-run games any more.
Soph
September 24th, 2009
10:15 am
NOT! You all are delusional IDIOTS!
That I am. Thank you.
indianabravesfan
September 24th, 2009
10:17 am
YAACA:
i am a delusional idiot then since you said so!!! go braves!!!
wjones
September 24th, 2009
10:17 am
“Wayne,
In 20 years, when (else) did Bobby ever stick with a player the caliber of Greg Norton for a full season?”
Yes, in 1991. Look at Tommy Gregg’s season. Although Tommy was a bit more versatile, or at least was used in more versatile ways, than Norton was this year. There might be other examples, but that one sticks out. We did ok, though, in spite of Tommy’s numbers.
YAACA, wrong on the 10 years, but not by much. In 2001, we lost in the NLCS to the Dbacks, who went on to upset the Yankees in the post-911 World Series. One of the few times I was actually rooting for the Yanks in the WS, unless they were playing LaSorda. You know, that team might have overachieved to get to the NLCS that year, looking at numbers, and we were beaten by our own strategy–dominant pitching.
Neyer was wrong on Billy Martin. He only won one World Series. 1977. Bobby was on his coaching staff. Also with only one WS win we have Weaver, Durocher, Leyland, Herzog, Davey Johnson, Piniella, just off the top of my head. And LaRussa was in that list until 2006. Either he or Leyland was going to get off that list that year.
You all are Cox apologists
September 24th, 2009
10:25 am
WHY,
Should I be happy after we will likely miss the post-season for the 4TH consecutive season?
Why should I be happy when a guy is returning to MIS-MANAGE a team that has won only 1 championship in two decades of his existence?
Many of you have this NOTION that if you’re a TRUE FAN , you should support the Braves no matter what.
I LOVE THE BRAVES, that being said, it doesn’t excuse the fact that the game has PASSED COX BY.
Cox has FAILED the Braves for the past two decades because our teams ALWAYS seem to fail when it counts, plus, if this was Philly, Boston, or New York, Cox would’ve been fired 11 years ago when we lost the NLCS to San Diego, a team we should’ve never LOST TO.
McFann Ô
September 24th, 2009
10:26 am
Soph That I am. Thank you.
Ah, me, too! It’s not so bad…
Space Monkey
September 24th, 2009
10:28 am
Congratulations to Bobby, really. But here’s an example of what’s so infuriating about the man: Today in the paper he’s saying how great Hudson pitched last night. Did he watch the game? The Mets had men on base all night. One well placed line drive and they could have tied or won that game on several occasions. If that’s an example of Hudson having a good night, I don’t want to see a bad one. Last night’s win was entirely about infield defense. Hudson was throwing batting practice.
Jersey Gil
September 24th, 2009
10:29 am
Lew…i will keep you updated this Winter on what’s going in on in Winter Ball…I going to my Lovely island in December and also we planning to have a trip to the Dominican republic for a few Games.
Shaun
September 24th, 2009
10:30 am
In your mind, Cox is perfect, right? He doesn’t deserve an ounce of criticism right?
No one has said that. Can you point to any post at all this season where anyone said Cox is perfect or doesn’t deserve criticism?
I guess the Braves not making the post-season had nothing to do with Cox, right?
First of all there is still a slim chance they could make it. Second of all no one said Cox has nothing to do with the Braves (probably) not making the postseason. But it’s hard for me and probably many others to believe any manager has a very significant impact on his team not making the postseason.
If managers had a significant impact on a team’s fortunes, I think we would see a lot more consistency in managers’ records from year-to-year. Look at Tony Larussa, for example, since he’s been managing the Cardinals. In 1996 the finished 1st. From 1997 to 1999 they didn’t finish higher than 3rd and finished 4th twice. From 2000 to 2002, they finished 1st or 2nd every season. In 2003 they finished 3rd. From 2004 to 2006 they finished 1st every year and won a World Series. In 2007 and 2008 they finished 3rd and 4th respectively. And this season they will finish 1st. LaRussa is regarded as a great manager, and he probably is a fine one. But his tenure with the Cardinals has been a lot more up-and-down than people realize. I think this goes to show the type of impact a manager does NOT have on the fortunes of a team. The players and the GM (because he acquires the players) have a lot bigger impact than any manager.
If the Braves’ down seasons were sprinkled in among their best seasons during Cox’s tenure, would anyone be criticizing Cox as much as they do? I think in some ways he’s been a victim of the Braves’ remarkable success of the 1990s and early 2000s, insofar as criticism from illogical people on a blog is victimization.
None of this is his fault, right?
See above. Sure it’s fair to lay some of the blame on Bobby Cox for the Braves not making the playoffs. But evidence throughout the history of the game seems to suggest a manager’s impact is extremely minimal.
Mike
September 24th, 2009
10:32 am
DOB, I appreciate your candid thoughts and response about the whole Bobby spring training thing. You are a great writer, and given the nature of what you do, you remain objective. I respect your work, it’s enjoyable. Keep it going!!!
RC
September 24th, 2009
10:32 am
Anyone else realize that both Soriano AND Gonzalez project to be type A free agents after the season? While I’d obviously have one or both of them back to help anchor the bullpen next year, it’s nice to know that we should be able to get 2 first round and 2 supplemental round picks should they both leave.
Efrim
September 24th, 2009
10:33 am
All of these losses can be attributed directly to COX.
Couldn’t you do that with every manager in the sport’s history? And even so, how do we know all of those losses were a direct result of Bobby Cox’ managerial decisions? Just pointless to go back through everything like that.
Lew
September 24th, 2009
10:34 am
YAACA-Better to be a delusional idiot that to be an insufferable douchebag such as yourself.
Lew
September 24th, 2009
10:34 am
Gil-That sounds like a great trip. Bet you’ll have a great time and see some great baseball. Enjoy yourselves.
Bravedawg
September 24th, 2009
10:35 am
Is anyone else concerned that now that the Cardinals have clinched, they will go on cruise control (and perhaps skip a start for either (or both) Carpenter and Wainwright)? I hope they play all out this weekend and sweep the Rockies.
Oh, and YAACA – how is the 3rd game of the season attributable as a loss to BC? As far as I know, he’s never thrown a pitch in MLB. He wasn’t the one that gave up 173 runs in one inning, that was the bullpen. Any manager would take their starter out after pitching 6-7 innings, with close to 100 pitches, in a blowout game. Not Cox’s fault. Sure, some of those losses are 100% his fault. How many wins are 100% attributable to him? Hard to tell. Of course he deserves some blame. But does he not deserve any credit??
Bravedawg
September 24th, 2009
10:36 am
YAACA – and nice current reference with the “…NOT!!!” joke. Here’s my also-current-reference response: That was so funny I forgot to laugh.
Efrim
September 24th, 2009
10:36 am
Anyone else realize that both Soriano AND Gonzalez project to be type A free agents after the season? While I’d obviously have one or both of them back to help anchor the bullpen next year, it’s nice to know that we should be able to get 2 first round and 2 supplemental round picks should they both leave.
amen to that, RC. I hope they offer arbitration to Soriano. He would most likely get a raise of a couple million after his season, so they would have to be comfortable paying him 8 million for one season next year. I don’t think that should be a problem though. Gonzalez should be offered arb., because he’ll most likely get an annual average that’s worth what he would get through one year of arbitration next year. Soriano……certainly not a given. But with his injury history, don’t you have to take a multi year deal?
Shaun
September 24th, 2009
10:37 am
Congratulations to Bobby, really. But here’s an example of what’s so infuriating about the man: Today in the paper he’s saying how great Hudson pitched last night. Did he watch the game? The Mets had men on base all night. One well placed line drive and they could have tied or won that game on several occasions. If that’s an example of Hudson having a good night, I don’t want to see a bad one. Last night’s win was entirely about infield defense. Hudson was throwing batting practice.
Lunacy on the blog continues.
First of all, what do you expect Cox to say? “Hudson pitched horrible. We were lucky to win that game. What a dope!”
Second, do you think Hudson had nothing to do with inducing ground balls? Yes, ideally you want every pitcher to be like Pedro in his prime. But not every pitcher is going to be that. Hudson is not really a strikeout pitcher (5.5 SO/9 since he’s been a Brave). The fact that the win was “entirely about infield defense” is a plus for Hudson, not a negative.
I’m amazed by the lack of critical thinking on this blog. And some of these folks are likely teaching our children, running companies, protecting citizens and voting in elections. Very scary.
cvbraves
September 24th, 2009
10:37 am
Great job, Bobby Cox, and Braves. It has been a good year.
We’re in the “playoffs” for the Playoffs as far as I’m concerned. What an amazing September run…win or lose the rest of the way, it has been fun!
Efrim
September 24th, 2009
10:38 am
Is anyone else concerned that now that the Cardinals have clinched, they will go on cruise control (and perhaps skip a start for either (or both) Carpenter and Wainwright)? I hope they play all out this weekend and sweep the Rockies.
I think we should just concern ourselves with winning 9 out of the next 10 games, or something like that. Rockies have as tough a schedule as we could of hoped for. And we basically have the easiest. We’ll see what happens.
JeanE
September 24th, 2009
10:39 am
Ok, I’m a “little” late with the comments on the last blog but: Thanks DOB for the Matty D pic of his kids (even if someone said it’s from last year) and the info on him! He deserves it, I’m so happy for him this year, what a great guy, funny, too! When he was being interviewed on FSS the other day & said something about David Ross having the biggest backside around (paraphrasing), I laughed myself silly! I know he’ll be considered the 4th outfield option next year but I’m confident he’ll work his way into the lineup again, just like he did this year, through hard work & determination with fighting spirit! I haven’t given up on these Braves, I can’t (yet). Keep winning, keep fighting & good things may happen! Go Braves!!!!!
Bravedawg
September 24th, 2009
10:42 am
Efrim – we do have an easy schedule on paper, but I’m concerned with the way we’ve played the Nationals and Marlins all year–the Nationals, especially, considering they have been basement dwellers all season. We should beat them like a drum, but we don’t come close to doing that. And I’m figuring the Marlins take 2 out of 3 against us, since that’s what it’s seemed like they’ve done all year.
David O'Brien
September 24th, 2009
10:43 am
Someone mentioned Lannan being tough matchup. While he’s very good, he’s struggling a bit lately and also getting no run support. He’s 1-4 with a 6.39 ERA in his past eight starts, and they scored two runs or fewer while he was in six of those games. (sound familiar?)
Shaun
September 24th, 2009
10:44 am
Is anyone else concerned that now that the Cardinals have clinched, they will go on cruise control (and perhaps skip a start for either (or both) Carpenter and Wainwright)? I hope they play all out this weekend and sweep the Rockies.
I’m not too concerned about this. I think LaRussa has as much respect for the game as anyone. He’ll likely give regulars some rest but I doubt he’ll bench every starter he can.
Also, if either the Cardinals, Phillies or Dodgers relax they are in danger of finishing with the “third seed.” If the Cardinals are the third-worst division winner, they could very well open the playoffs at LA or at Philly. They would likely prefer to avoid those teams and have homefield advantage no matter which team they are playing.
Who cares about draft picks?
September 24th, 2009
10:45 am
We need to keep both, Soriano and Gonzo. How will we replace them? With Medlen, Moylan and O’Flarhety? Sign them both to three year deals. NOW!!!
Robert
September 24th, 2009
10:45 am
Great to hear that Cox will retire after 2010. Wish it would be today but will take it. Twenty years of pain – I can waitone more year
Braves will win it all in 2011.Take it to the bank
RC
September 24th, 2009
10:46 am
“Is anyone else concerned that now that the Cardinals have clinched, they will go on cruise control (and perhaps skip a start for either (or both) Carpenter and Wainwright)? I hope they play all out this weekend and sweep the Rockies.”
I also think that LaRussa will try to give Wainwright an opportunity to get 20 wins, meaning he can’t hold him out of that many games since he has 2 to go.
Robert
September 24th, 2009
10:48 am
“The wise counsel of our blog experts-you know who you are- or the thousands of players,managers and others who spoke out for Bobby”
Well. the blog experts here are all Braves fans, while 29 out of 30 of the thousands you mention root for other teams. Ponder that, and then decide
I know this – If I rooted for another team, I;d certainly want Bobby Cox to manage the Braves. Heck, I’d want him to manage the other 29
Efrim
September 24th, 2009
10:48 am
We need to keep both, Soriano and Gonzo. How will we replace them? With Medlen, Moylan and O’Flarhety? Sign them both to three year deals. NOW!!!
Do you really think they will sign both of them? I doubt it, and I don;t want them too. I’m not saying I want the Braves to go cheap with the bullpen next year, but multi year deals for relief pitching is a pretty risky move with how volatile bullpens can be.
ernesto
September 24th, 2009
10:48 am
Two things: 1. I think it’s going to be very interesting when Bobby retires and all the Bobby Bashers will have this epiphany – they’re never going to agree with every decision a manager makes. And Bobby hasn’t been right 100% of the time, but nearly 100% of the players he’s coached say they loved playing for him and he made them want to do their best. Anyone who manages any kind of team: sales, advertising, whatever…knows if you can get your people in that mindset, you’ve done more than half your job.
The second thing: played softball for the first time in ages last night (went 2/3) and swung at the first pitch every damn time. Awful hard to layoff when you’re geeked up. Don’t think I”m going to get so angry at our guys for doing it anymore.
Lou Vales
September 24th, 2009
10:51 am
“Excoriated”–Very Nice!!
I don’t have to read what anyone else is writing to reevaluate what I’ve said. When I’m wrong I admit it.
As far as DOB, always remember that I’m the only one on this Blog who CONSISTENTLY and PERSISTENTLY said the AJC should have the backs of its writers who are only doing their jobs and yet get harangued by pro athletes who should worry more about staying off of the DL for a year and less about a Blog writer who provides info.
If Hermida was a species of canine what breed would be most representative? I’m trying to think of a breed that would allow tennis balls to bounce off of its head while playing “fetch”.
Shaun
September 24th, 2009
10:51 am
We’re in the “playoffs” for the Playoffs as far as I’m concerned. What an amazing September run…win or lose the rest of the way, it has been fun!
That’s a good point. Not much seperates the Braves from the teams most likely to make the playoffs (when you look at run differential, third-order wins and things like that). Of course you want to make the actual playoffs so that you have a chance to win the World Series; third-order wins and run differentially don’t count in the standings. But essentially the Braves are a “playoff team” in a loose sense. What does this all mean in the grand scheme of things? Well, I think it means the Braves are very much on the right track for next season.
Luke
September 24th, 2009
10:52 am
I can see the Braves finishing 8-2..that means a 4-6 record out of Colorado gets us a one game playoff…Rockies have 1 with SD (W), 3 with Stl (1w), 3 with Milw. (huge series, need them to lose 2) and 3 with LAD need Dodgers to win 2…that would make them 4-6…it can definitely happen, now the Braves have there opportunity 8-2 and i think we’ll see game #163!!!!
RC
September 24th, 2009
10:52 am
What do you guys think the price on Xaiver Nady will be this offseason? He seems to be one of the few “big bat” corner outfielders the Braves could actually afford.
N8 (is it 2011 yet?)
September 24th, 2009
10:54 am
I will add this in about Hudson and inducing ground balls. I’m on record stating I’d keep Hudson over Vazquez if a choice has to be made.
That being said, as long as Chipper is going to be the 3B and Prado likely the 2B, perhaps Vazquez should be kept over Hudson.
If we go into next year, with KK, JJJ, Hudson and Lowe on the staff, that’s 4 out of five guys that pitch to contact (with KK racking up a few K’s along the way). In other words, the infield defense needs to be shored up if that’s the way Wren chooses to go.
You can’t have your rotation be filled with sinkerballer/contact guys and have shoddy defense. Recipe for occasional disaster, imo. Escobar and LaRoche (if he’s re-signed), are obviously both well above average defensively. And Chipper can probably get away with some declining defense at 3B with Escobar’s range and arm covering the hole over there.
But as much as I like Prado and his bat (and I do), and he has occasionally made some nice plays over there, I don’t think his defense is up to snuff for what I would prefer with all these sinkerballers. And I know that KJ’s isn’t. In fact, in general, the outfield defense needs to improve as well, but with Schafer and Heyward likely on on the way, I’m less worried about that. Church (if he’s back) and McLouth are both fine defensively. Diaz? Just not a fluid outfielder in my book.
Even if Vazquez is kept over Hudson, that still leaves 3 of the 5 rotation spots needing excellent defense behind them.
When you look at the 90’s, that’s one thing you can say is that Maddux and Glavine always had excellent defense up the middle (until Javy became the regular catcher – but even there, Maddux rarely used Javy), and more than adequate defense at the corners.
How would Greg’s and Tom’s fortunes have changed slightly with a guy like KJ at 2B? Or Garret Anderson in LF (not that Klesko was better – but he was at least younger, and quicker)?
Mid Town Joe
September 24th, 2009
10:57 am
I’m picturing Bobby managing against himself. Who’d get thrown out 1st?
ASPCA
September 24th, 2009
10:57 am
I’m sure dog lovers all over America are insulted by your comparison of Jeremy Hermida to Man’s Best Friend. I see about 60 Braves games a year and I must admit that I too have wondered what Hermida is doing on a Major League roster. If I was a Fish Fan I would feel your pain. When he was in high school wasn’t he regarded as a “Sure Thing”? What happened? He looks like an oaf with no power and not one good skill.
Efrim
September 24th, 2009
10:58 am
That being said, as long as Chipper is going to be the 3B and Prado likely the 2B, perhaps Vazquez should be kept over Hudson.
Excellent point, N8. Vazquez and Hanson are the only strikeout pitchers on this starting staff. Hudson and Lowe depend on their defense, and while the Braves defense isn’t awful, they certainly weren’t very good this year.
Shaun
September 24th, 2009
10:59 am
I know this – If I rooted for another team, I;d certainly want Bobby Cox to manage the Braves. Heck, I’d want him to manage the other 29
Thanks for that pointless insight. I know this: I’d care a lot more who my GM, my firstbaseman, my secondbaseman, etc. was than I would my manager. I’d just want a manager who stands up for his players, who is highly regarded by everyone in the game, who doesn’t get overly aggressive with sac bunts and steal attempts, who isn’t afraid to use his best relievers in key situations and not just when his team has the lead in the 9th, etc.
RC
September 24th, 2009
10:59 am
“If we go into next year, with KK, JJJ, Hudson and Lowe on the staff, that’s 4 out of five guys that pitch to contact (with KK racking up a few K’s along the way). In other words, the infield defense needs to be shored up if that’s the way Wren chooses to go.”
I think you can also include JJ as a pitcher who “racks up a few K’s”. To me it seems that JJ likes to pitch to contact with nobody on or a runner on 1st, but when he gets in a jam is able to dial it up and go for the strikeout.
I also have to disagree that KJ’s defense is not “up to snuff”. He’s not great, but he better than average. Below are how I rank our potential 2b and 3b defensively:
2b defense:
1. Infante
2. KJ
3. Prado
3b defense:
1. Prado
2. Chipper
3. Infante
brent a.
September 24th, 2009
10:59 am
Did baseball prospectus project that the Braves would add LaRoche and McLouth to its line-up and Hanson to its rotation, when it predicted 87 wins?
Pre-season predictions don’t mean a heck of a lot. Teams are often considerably different in October, than they were even on July 1. (Case in point, the 2003 Cubs).
RC
September 24th, 2009
11:01 am
“Did baseball prospectus project that the Braves would add LaRoche and McLouth to its line-up and Hanson to its rotation, when it predicted 87 wins?”
Actually, they did. Rather they adjusted their projections for the Braves once those moves were made (although they did project PT for Hanson at the beginning of the year).
RC
September 24th, 2009
11:02 am
Baseball Prospectus also adjusted their projections once it became clear that Prado would be the starter at 2b instead of KJ.
brent a.
September 24th, 2009
11:04 am
shaun, that’s a good point at 10:44 about play-off seeding. it’s often forgotten in baseball, due to the history of 2-divison (and even one-league) play seared in fans’ collective conscience.
but, in Atlanta, we’ll never forget Chipper’s bad throw on the last day of the season that resulted in the Braves getting on a plane for St. Louis, rather than hosting the opening round.
The Cardinals should want to win this week-end , and hopefully, the Dodgers will still need some wins come next week-end.
PN
September 24th, 2009
11:05 am
So Chipper came out of the game last night with a stiff back? Is he that big of a p#sy? Are we not scratching and clawing to get into the playoffs? Suck it up, I am getting sick of his act. I don’t care if it really, really hurts. You get paid to play hurt. I have defended him for the longest time but this is inexcusable. What a princess.
brent a.
September 24th, 2009
11:05 am
Thanks RC.
PN
September 24th, 2009
11:08 am
Kelly Johnson is NOT better than average defensively. He is an average second basemen. And he should not be on the 25 man roster next year. Not ours at least.
P. W. Hjort
September 24th, 2009
11:12 am
Kelly Johnson is NOT better than average defensively. He is an average second basemen. And he should not be on the 25 man roster next year. Not ours at least.
Why not?
N8 (is it 2011 yet?)
September 24th, 2009
11:13 am
KJ does some nice things at 2B, but his overall game is just not very good. He does a good job on cutoff throws (his arm has always been above average for a 2B), but to me he botches the routine plays way too often for me to consider him anything more than average at best, and while he has improved going to his right (up the middle), it still makes me cringe everytime he has to do so.
Moving to his left, he’s above average, imo. He turns a fine DP. But overall, whether he’s below average or not could be debatable. But he’s below what I want defensively at 2B.
glord1
September 24th, 2009
11:14 am
As one of the resident non Bobby fans on the board I would like to say the Braves did the right thing yesterday. I believe both JS and FW know it was not one of Bobbys better years but this is not a manager that you can toss to the curb. I think he is extremely overated as a manager but it can not be debated how much he has meant to this franchise and city.
The immediate future of this team (starting next year) is very bright. I just want to see this team making the playoffs and back in the hunt. Bobby has proven he can accomplish that (14 times) and if they are a 92 win playoff team I will be happy next year.
richbrave
September 24th, 2009
11:15 am
Yo, no more BC to kick around after 2010. But the haters want a pink-slip right now saying its the only way for this team to make the play-offs this year. Folks, its way-y-y too late for that. And to my mind, relating to BOBBY’s generalship next year, its O.K. This gives COX the chance to get the heave-ho another 12 times so he can say he was ejected from one ENTIRE season’s games. Now there’s a record that’s going to be hard to beat, and one to envy. PHIL WELLMAN where are you?
rharling
September 24th, 2009
11:15 am
The Cubs/Giants game tonight is pretty big.
It really doesn’t matter in terms of the Braves/Giants. If the Braves do their 9-1 or 10-0, the Braves/Giants should take care of itself. The Cubs need to win that game so the Cards have the opportunity to earn the division on Friday. While I have no doubt STL will make every attempt to win each game, it would be nice if at least one of those games truly meant something to them in their season.
Shaun
September 24th, 2009
11:16 am
Did baseball prospectus project that the Braves would add LaRoche and McLouth to its line-up and Hanson to its rotation, when it predicted 87 wins?
Pre-season predictions don’t mean a heck of a lot. Teams are often considerably different in October, than they were even on July 1. (Case in point, the 2003 Cubs).
I’m not sure they could take into account the moves the Braves or any team made. But I suspect their projections were based on Francoeur, Johnson, Chipper, Lowe and possibly Kawakami performing better. In other words, for the most part I think the projections assume a team’s players under-performing and over-performing along with transactions will even out over the course of the season. I’m not sure about that, but I think that’s how those projections probably work. There may be some exceptions like when a team makes a huge trade for an exceptionally great player (like a Beltran or a Randy Johnson a few years back).
P. W. Hjort
September 24th, 2009
11:16 am
KJ does some nice things at 2B, but his overall game is just not very good. He does a good job on cutoff throws (his arm has always been above average for a 2B), but to me he botches the routine plays way too often for me to consider him anything more than average at best, and while he has improved going to his right (up the middle), it still makes me cringe everytime he has to do so.
Moving to his left, he’s above average, imo. He turns a fine DP. But overall, whether he’s below average or not could be debatable. But he’s below what I want defensively at 2B.
I agree (I think he’s average), but his bat plays too well there to just let him go. You’re talking about a potential 4-win player.
glord1
September 24th, 2009
11:17 am
N8 – I want a solid defensive second baseman that hit .300 with a very high OPS and is a doubles machine. Fortunately we have that for next year and he only costs just above the league minimum.
Johnny Schuerholz
September 24th, 2009
11:18 am
DOB…
ESPN…mlb…standings…far right…last column…POFF…(chances of making…)
Enjoy D.C. (especially if we could get some help…ahem…from the Padres today. Be nice to pick up a game on them…in the loss column…and not have to worry about giving it right back since we have a day off. Think a sweep of the Nats will make for an interesting time watching the Rockies – Cardinals this weekend…)
BELIEVE…
richbrave
September 24th, 2009
11:18 am
Last night someone said bring back JOE TORRE. I say here, here. But I think JT’s of a different mind. I wouldn’t let the BRAVES back in my house for all the tea and money in CHINA if I were he.