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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
397 comments Add your comment
Popeye3311
October 7th, 2011
10:36 am
I responded to John’s letter, and we met at the Cheetah Lounge to discuss over a drink and a pole dance. He and I are good, and I will renew my season tickets. As an aside, Chipper, Hinske, and Prado were there, and Heyward was filling out an application for the mens room attendent position. Prado looked in every woman’s cooch and warned them that the moisture could be a staff infection.
JMF
October 7th, 2011
11:12 am
We lost some close games and our bats went dead. We blew some games because the reliable closer did not close. We lost most games because we could not hit with runners in scoring position. NO BODY on the team hit with runners in scoring position. We lost our No. 1 and No.2 starting pitchers. Beachey missed over a month. We lost pitchers in the bullpen. Centerfield was a bust most of the season, Right field was a bust, Left field was a bust, 3rd baseman could not stay healthy, shortstop had one of his worst hitting seasons, 2nd baseman cound not hit a barn during the first half, a catther who was on fire the first half only the do duplicate Uggla’s first half. We missed the playoffs by one game!!!
On the positive side we have the nucleus of a great team. Beachey, Tehran, Minor, Degardo, Medlin, Viscanio, Hanson and Jurgiens (sorry about the misspelled names in a hurry) what a nucleus. Not to mention Freeman, McCann, Uggla, Borne, Heyward (I think).
they will all learn from this experience and be better. The most important lesson is baseball is a long season. Plus nothing is guranteed. Just asked Philley or the Yankees.
JOD
October 7th, 2011
11:20 am
Why was none of this sent out during the Boobi Cox Donkey years??? … Years too late if you ask me.
Ozzie
October 7th, 2011
11:34 am
Because the FO was afraid Bobby, Fredi not so much. Bobby held too much sway with the players, much of the fan base and peers in MLB.
JS & Wren are both egomaniacs and Fredi is easy to kick to the curb. Wren displayed his massive ego in how he handled things in Baltimore with a baseball legend no less and he is doing that here in ATL.
Fredi is a puppet hire. Always was….
Bobby would threaten to quit and they would freak out. Fredi is going be passively aggressively beaten up by the FO at will. He better get use to it.
Ozzie
October 7th, 2011
11:35 am
PS – When was the last time any player even said Wren’s name in public never mind commented directly on what he was doing? At least when Bobby was here and JS was GM players did get feisty when it came to moves or lack thereof.
Now people quietly tip their cap and go home.
Rico Carty
October 7th, 2011
11:44 am
Braves lose, braves lose, braves lose!
Pete
October 7th, 2011
11:50 am
Just what the world needs, a lame letter from a lame franchise offering a lame excuse………….nothing really…………..in these days when many fans don’t know if they’ll have a job by next spring training.
The bloated, spoiled, out of touch world of professional sports may be in it’s last days.
Why will folks barely surviving support these spoiled millionaires who are not even satisfied with their “Disney” millionaire life, no, most demand to join the Billionaire club.
It just can’t get any loony-er.
Can it ??
Peter
October 7th, 2011
12:11 pm
When Wren is fired all will turn about.
Pete E. Tong
October 7th, 2011
12:14 pm
Release Derek Lowe, pay the penalty.
Do not resign Kawakami, McClouth, or Wilson.
Renegotiate Chipper down.
Sign Prince Fielder.
Move Freddie Freeman to the outfield along with Prado and Bourne.
You’re welcome Frank.
Old Jax Braves Fan
October 7th, 2011
12:16 pm
There’s always a silver lining or something that takes the remorse and hurt away and replace it with really good news. The @%#$%$^%#%^ Yankees were laid to rest last evening so all ain’t bad with the world after all.
anonymous
October 7th, 2011
12:22 pm
I’m sorry. These words mean nothing to me right now.
I invested time, emotion, and money for what?
I LOVE baseball, but I’m turning my attention to the whole game of baseball (MLB), minus what the Braves are doing or will do.
Maybe somebody should have done something BEFORE the WC lead vanished. This was not due to St. Louis’s getting hot. Rather, the Braves got inexpicably cold and acted like they didn’t care.
I’ve loved the Braves, for years. But I’m out!
I’ll watch OTHER teams. Plenty others.
brio2003
October 7th, 2011
12:45 pm
Atlanta has the worst fans in any sport. Look at ST Louis, Philadelphia, Detroit, and others not even in playoffs, their stadiums are full and loud. Maybe we should look at ourselves before we throw off on our Braves. It is embarassing to have other teams’ fans nearly out number our own at home.
Chris
October 7th, 2011
12:51 pm
Those of you saying Moneyball doesn’t work are wrong. It’s just that the rest of the league has figured it out and are now spending big money on those type of players.
Dwayne C
October 7th, 2011
1:14 pm
This letter means nothing. The Atlanta Braves will not be winning the NL East anytime soon nor will they make the postseason again anytime soon. Ownership must change with the Braves first. As long as Liberty Media Group owns the Braves fans of this team can expect more mediocre seasons and seasons where Braves teams flirt with the postseason only to fail at the end.
Chipper is a Redneck
October 7th, 2011
1:19 pm
To win a championship, you’re gonna have to spend more money and get better players. Period.
KK
October 7th, 2011
1:31 pm
Chipper should become the hitting coach!
KK
October 7th, 2011
1:33 pm
staph
Old Jax Braves Fan
October 7th, 2011
1:38 pm
@brio2003, 12.45p;
have you ever lived in St. Louis, Philly or Detroit? Try it some times and see why the locals flock to the sports stadia. Ain’t nothing else to cheer for.
brio2003
October 7th, 2011
1:46 pm
Old Jax Braves Fan– what is your point
brio2003
October 7th, 2011
1:48 pm
You ever live in Atlanta?? city proper doesn’t have much to cheer for either. everyone lives in the ‘burbs.
An A’s Mea Culpa « The Todd Van Poppel Rookie Card Retirement Plan
October 7th, 2011
2:25 pm
[...] organizations wrote a letter to their fans apologizing for their performance this past season. The Braves letter from President John Schuerholz contained some of their successes while also expressing that their [...]
Robert
October 7th, 2011
3:02 pm
Here’s what would have been a little better
Dear Fan
Enclosed is a refund of the payment you made for playoff tickets, including the $48 handling fee
Please be ensured that in 2012 Chipper Jones will be required to keep his mouth shut and will bat wherever in the order Fredi see fit to have him bat.
We would also like all fans to know that a restraining order has been issued against Bobby Cox. He will not be allowed any contact with the players or their extended families whatsoever and will be required to remain at least 5 miles away from anywhere the Braves are playing
We anticipate that these measures will result in significant improvements in the team’s attitude and performance in 2012 and beyond
Yours truly
The Atlanta Braves
David O'Brien
October 7th, 2011
3:09 pm
Does anyone else find Robert’s continued anti-Cox diatribes not just painfully unfunny and irrelevant, but pathetic and, well, sad?
Summer of George
October 7th, 2011
3:45 pm
If nothing else, the Braves are a classy organization top to bottom.
Summer of George
October 7th, 2011
3:46 pm
DOB, his comments are boorish.
The Larry King-ish Stream of Consciousness Column for October 7, 2011 | : : Lonely Tailgater : :
October 7th, 2011
3:49 pm
[...] John Schuerholz President Atlanta Braves (AJC.com) [...]
Myers
October 7th, 2011
3:59 pm
The biggest problem with the Braves is that they don’t know how to hit, other than trying to hit every pitch out of the park, ie: Uggla, Heyward. Sometime you have to give yourself up and hit the ball where it is pitched. You can’t stand in the box waiting for a pitch and when it comes you watch it go by for a strike and then you start swinging at any and all the pitches, in the dirt, over you head and behind your back!
Old Jax Braves Fan
October 7th, 2011
4:02 pm
@brio2003, 13.46; Point? I can’t put it in another language for you. Thought it was pretty self-explanatory, and, concerning your comment
two minutes later: Born, reared, lived in Atlanta for I will imagine many, many more years than you (if you do) and Atlanta is more than just Braves baseball.
BTW, I live ITP and in the city limits. Any other inane comments from you?
Mike H.
October 7th, 2011
4:11 pm
I among many have had my doubts about Bobby Cox from time to time throughout his career with the Braves. Who hasn’t? BUT, I’m not possessed with the necessary skills to try to manage a major league ball club; and for what it’s worth: There are far too many professional baseball people who have had nothing but the best words and highest regard for Bobby Cox through the years. When your own players give everything for you and your competitors have the utmost respect for you then that tells me I may the the one who doesn’t realize what a great person and manager he was (and still is).
Hit A Single
October 7th, 2011
4:12 pm
Need to concentrate on offense in the farm system and not just pitching.
william in pasadena
October 7th, 2011
4:23 pm
Just as I figured, wimpy and soft Braves fans. I can’t believe some of you (oh, yes I can). Chase and bvillebaron, you guys slay me. How long has management been selling this crap, and too many of you guys buy it. It will be the same until JS, FW, and FG are gone. The GM had enough money to operate, just stupid decisions. As long as there is no fire and Chipper hangs around, you can expect more of the same. When JS and FW make some bold decisions, I will believe them That letter was BS to get the fans back next year. I don’t want apologies, just action. Why is it Heyward is the only one with a starting job on the line next year?
brio2003
October 7th, 2011
4:48 pm
Old Jax Braves fan; sorry fans like you are exactly what we don’t need go over to your UGA message board and talk about the dawgs you do not know baseball.
Kathy
October 7th, 2011
7:13 pm
I didn’t get a letter from Frank Wren, and while I don’t have Braves season tickets because I live in FL, I buy the Extra Innings package every year just to see the Braves game. My butt’s been on the couch every night between March 31st and September 28th, only to have my heart not just broken, but shattered by the collapse. At this point, I don’t think a letter from Frank Wren would help anyway. I’m thinking more along the lines of a nice steak dinner, drinks, and dessert with Chipper, Freddie Freeman, and Tommy Hanson (their treat, of course).
And @fauxfrankwren – your letter might be one of the funniest things I’ve read in a long time! Thanks for making me laugh and smile, when it’s been hard to do that lately!
Old Dawg Fan
October 7th, 2011
8:53 pm
How about-P.S. attached you will find the reimbursement of your season tickets.
We really stunk up the field and basically wasted electricity during the month of September.
Glad I quit years ago spending money on these losers!!!!!
steve gimlin
October 7th, 2011
9:13 pm
The braves need to do some thinking this off season do they want to win or lose come on its been 15 years since you won the world series so do what ever you have to do to start winning.
losing a 8.5 game lead in the wild card race is just don’t make since.
from your number one fan
Braves Fan Since 1966
October 7th, 2011
9:54 pm
Very good and honest letter from the right man.
Earl Weaver
October 7th, 2011
10:28 pm
G@$ Da%%!+ son of a *&(^!%^ b!+(* F&%(!^$ m@+^&*%#&@%!s How can you guys be that f*#^&@^ G@^ D@^* f*^&%$^ terrible?
Spud
October 7th, 2011
10:56 pm
Hey DOB, agree with you on Robert! Would like to see the Braves go after Reyes or Pujols. Will Lowe’s and KK’s contracts have to fall off before the Braves can do anything with free agents? Can Pujols still play outfield?
Brave New World
October 7th, 2011
11:44 pm
Schuerholz needs to send a copy of his letter to the Phils’ president so he can change a few names and send it to the happy Philly fans.
Powder Blue
October 8th, 2011
1:04 am
championships > lip service. Shut up, go spend some money, cut the dead weight, and win, damnit!
Heyward gets on base now
October 8th, 2011
1:25 am
Nice of John. Let’s turn this around and get going. We were doing great up until September. The pieces are there, we’ve just got to execute down the stretch and stay healthy. If we can have a healthy Hanson, JJ, we make a move for say Carolos Quentin, Lowe is benched or sent to mop up role in bullpen or traded, those super young pitchers in the bullpen getting better, our young starting rotation gets better, our line up plays up to their potential, we’ll have a good chance to make some noise this coming year.
The way the season ended was unacceptable. But our future is bright. Let’s get it done, John and co.
Preston Thompson
October 8th, 2011
6:43 am
These form letters are sickening. They are so bland and meaningless. This bunch of flops will look the same next year and have the same results. FG will not get it done here regardless of Shurholtz’s letters. Sucker job is what I’m thinking. The Cards are showing why they are the better team. Carpenter last night a three hitter. Wow. Phillies out. I’m just saying all you Go Braves fans don’t get to excited about next years. Freddie is a waste of money, time, attention and air.
Later.
Fan who watns a World Championship
October 8th, 2011
7:10 am
Listen to the commnet above mine, Braves have shown a tradition of knowing how to lose under any scenarios, injuries or not.
Yuck
October 8th, 2011
7:56 am
Wow…a form letter…classy..
Yuck
October 8th, 2011
7:58 am
No need to “evaluate” and “investigate” what happened in September…the Braves quit…they nutted up under a little pressure and quit…they played scared and quit…this team is so unlike the teams of the early 1990s…it’s like a different franchise….one with no heart.
Yuck
October 8th, 2011
8:01 am
Where’s that d-bag poster “Phillies, Class of the NL East.” Glad to know that he’s probably on a ledge right now.
Yuck
October 8th, 2011
8:04 am
I wondered why Philly trotted out their full roster in the last game of the reg season, pitched Hamels, and basically went balls out to try to beat us, when they had been resting up and playing a bunch of call-ups for the previous two weeks. Kind of poor-form. Guess they really wanted to play St Louis in the first round…glad they got what they wished for…hahahahahahahahahaha
Yuck
October 8th, 2011
8:05 am
All you Phillies fans can suck it…you tried to buy a championship and failed…you city is a toilet.
Weary Braves Fan
October 8th, 2011
10:17 am
I wish John would have written this letter.
Dear Fan,
This year we watched in horror as our team collapsed in front of our eyes. The weaknesses in the makeup of our squad we had hoped to ignore were exposed to all. We will fix this during the offseason and only then ask you to continue supporting us.
Already Frank Wren is negotiating with Chipper Jones to either renegotiate his contract dramatically or to retire. Chipper should make no more than half what he is making. This has been true for each of the last two seasons, it will be a reality this season.
Next season Kenshin Kawakami & Nate McClouth will not be allowed to wear braves uniforms unless they purchase them at the Atlanta Braves clubhouse store. Martin Prado will be returned to the role of a utility man where he thrives and will only see time in left field in an emergency. Derek Lowe will also find employment elsewhere.
They Jason Heyward experiment will continue but it will do so in Gwinnett. He will only play with the big boys when he gets straightened out and when he toughens up. We realize that many of these moves will force us to “eat” some of the salary we owe players who Mr Wren signed and payed way too much. At this point we understand that it would be worth it to pay some of these guys NOT to play for us and take the rest of their salaries and direct it towards players who are still capable of performing at a level consistent with their salaries.
We will sign legitimate options in left field, right field, 3rd base, and ss. Please watch what we do and make your decision concerning season tickets based on what we are doing now and not what we did in the 90’s.
John
Robert
October 8th, 2011
1:39 pm
Frank Wren now seems anxious to hold certain people accountable…from overruling Gonzalez’s decision to bring Parrish back, to his comments about Lowe and Heyward.
My question is…who holds Frank Wren accountable?
I cannot understand why at least one AJC writer doesn’t sit down and do a serious analysis of Wren’s decisions and ask the hard question…is he fit to remain in that position?
First of all, let’s take a look at the hiring of Fredi Gonzalez. Some think that Gonzalez can’t do the job. I think the jury is still out. But I do find serious fault with the way Wren hired him. Does anyone really believe that Wren conducted a serious search for Bobby Cox’s replacement? Everyone knew it was Gonzalez’s job. That I most certainly do have issues with. If Fredi Gonzalez ends up being a bad hire, can anyone honestly expect Wren to do better the next time?
Second, there is absolutely nothing wrong with eth Braves’ payroll budget.. Sure, it would be nice to have more money, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with Atlanta’s payroll. But one thing is for certain…unless you have the deep pockets of the New York Yankees, you can’t foolishly toss around money like you’re printing it in the basement at Turner Field. The signing of Derek Lowe to a 4 year, $60,000,000 contract, was an absolutely horrible decision, as was the signing of Kenshin Kawakami to a 3 year, $23,000,000 contract.
And if anyone believes more payroll is the answer…would you really entrust that additional payroll to the man who decided to pay Kenshin Kawakami and Derek Lowe nearly a combined $22,000,000 this year? I certainly wouldn’t.
Does Frank Wren really not grasp how foolish he makes himself look when he says that a guy he agreed to pay $15,000,000 shouldn’t be expected to be in the starting rotation? Does he not grasp the fact that the entire baseball world is asking him, “Then why in the hell did you ever agree to pay him so much money?”
But those aren’t the only Wren blunders. The trading of Jeff Francoeur was another colossal failure. Don’t misunderstand…I’m not criticizing the trading of Francoeur. Sometimes players need a fresh start. What I am criticizing is the fact that Wren got ABSOLUTELY NOTHING for him. Ryan Church was completely out of baseball this year, while Francoeur had an outstanding year for the Royals.
And who else had an outstanding year for the Royals? Melky Cabrera. 658 ABs, .305 BA, 18 HRs, 87 RBIs, 20 steals. That’s right…Francoeur and Cabrera combined for 38 HRs, 174 RBIs, and 42 SBs.
Know what Cabrera’s salary was this year for Kansas City? $1,250,000. That’s right…for a measly 1.5 mil, the Braves could have had him back.
Is Frank Wren telling us that (a) Francoeur and Cabrera have no talent, or (b) the Braves coaching staff isn’t competent to coach and develop hitters?
And the jury is most definitely still out on the Uggla trade. Which Dan Uggla wlll we see in April and May? The same one we saw in April and May this year?
It’s time for someone to start holding Frank Wren accountable.
Letter
October 8th, 2011
2:33 pm
Not bad for a first attempt. NOW FIX THE PROBLEM!
bowilly
October 8th, 2011
2:53 pm
John and Frank, you can’t be serious on keeping Fredi as manager. I have never seen any enthusiasm or excitement coming from him. Most of the time he was zombie like in dugout. It trickled down to the entire team. Starting Lowe in need to win was laughable, after his past perfomances. I also, would have sent (the future Aaron) Laughing now, down to AAA middle of season to revamp his approach to plate. If he was to stubborn to change than next AA. Seems the route another player took last season and we paid 6 mil + to someone who couldn’t get
Gulf Coast players out. Well, that is water under bridge and blame that goof on scouting. Let me say, I wouldn’t give up on Heyward, he’s very young and has a lot to learn. I am rooting for him to be the future star predicted he could be. Major needs are LF,SS and RF (if JH still in transition stage with change in batting stance) Well, hunkering down now for Western NC winter. I know Frank and John will make necessary changes for good of the Braves. See ya’ll in Spring.
HAHAHAHHAHAHA
October 8th, 2011
3:35 pm
What happened to the mighty yanks and Phillies……….Braves got a cold beer for ya….NOT
Where are all the phillies fans that were constantly in these blogs harrassing Braves fans this year?
BACK IN THEIR CLOSET.
don't even go there
October 8th, 2011
3:40 pm
Milwaukee-Detroit series would be nice…..kinda like if a tree fell in the woods and nobody………
Ain’t nobody here predicted this final 4…..and don’t be lying that you did.
Go Milwaukee Braves, err Brewers……at least they have a connection to Braves!
Does winning city between Milwaukee and St. Louis get to keep all the beer from the others city?!
102 wins and nothing to show 4 it!!!!
October 8th, 2011
3:42 pm
hey phillies, kinda like when we won 103 games…….hahahhahaha
Gordon
October 8th, 2011
4:31 pm
I found this on another Braves website
I am just telling myself that if he doesn’t he is playing with fire and fire is Ticket Sales and TV sponsorships, not to mention Corporate Suites. If I am going to buy television commercial time I want to make sure there is a viewership watching the games the Braves play so my product gets a look and lots of eyeball time.
JUST One or two key players coming to the Braves could provide some magic, especially if some certain players perform to talent and not perform to 2011 levels. Everyone on this board knows that the Braves have the pieces to make an Earth shattering trade or two. At some point Wren needs to cut loose some of those desirable potential players and turn them into producing players from another organization.
The clock is ticking and as they say “The Braves are Now on the Clock”
I think most of us here know what Wren needs to do. It is more of will he do it this year or wait another year or two?? Also Wren and staff know what they need to do. They certainly don’t need me telling them.
carney johnson
October 8th, 2011
4:49 pm
the one thing the braves could do to show their commitment to winning would be to hire terry francona. instead we get a letter?
Jim K
October 8th, 2011
6:22 pm
A nice gesture indeed, but given the shambles that was September, it was the least that could be done.
What happens next – with regards to the playing staff – is up to the organization.
Oh for the days when Uncle Ted was at the helm…With Liberty Media calling the shots…well put it this way…
Both Boston and Atlanta crumbled in Sept…who do you think will be the most active in the offseason?
Jack
October 8th, 2011
6:30 pm
I heard a rumor that the braves might be able to sign otis nixon and ron gant to next years team ? Is this a rumor of real ? Otis nixon is fast he could really help the team get base runs and support also gant could bring some good bat into the lineup .
Jack
October 8th, 2011
6:31 pm
Also I would fire the braves hitting coach and hire Johnny bench
Jack
October 8th, 2011
6:32 pm
My friend just called me and told me the rumor may not be real about otis nixon . But they should really ask him to come back to the field and workout a 2 to 4 year deal . WE NEED SPEED ON BASES
Jack
October 8th, 2011
6:39 pm
WE DO not WANT the braves to go back to the 1970s …….But it may be to late ……Chipper will retire after next year and then the team should bring back a the chop …AND also …Hire new camra men with HD camra work . I also would ask bon jovi to buy the team and pump some cha ching into the dealings
alexcox
October 8th, 2011
7:56 pm
JSyFW si tienen la cpasidad de ser un buen equipo vamos aver si tienen los pantalones d crear omejoral esta alineacion para 2012. bourn , mickeal yuong chiper,uggla freeman, carlos queinti,macannan,heward,AQUI esta el reto para USTEDES.
alexcox
October 8th, 2011
8:25 pm
a
alexcox
October 8th, 2011
8:37 pm
JSy wren estan asustado q estan hablando d cartas y mejoramiento para los bravos bueno si ellos van haserlo cre q los dmas fans le gustaria ver una alineasion humilde como esta aver si tienen los pantalones o las hagallas buorn mickeal yuong chiper uggla freman carlos queintin macanan heward quisiera q la mejoren
alexcox
October 8th, 2011
8:44 pm
fuera lowe kk wilson linebranic nate martines sherill conrad
alexcox
October 8th, 2011
8:51 pm
posibilidad banco dave ross prado alex henscki dias constansa pastornicki
alexcox
October 8th, 2011
8:54 pm
bulpen con algunos puesto ganado y en busca medlen tejeran venters flanery kimbrel
alexcox
October 8th, 2011
8:56 pm
pichers stars hudson minor beachi randall delgado
alexcox
October 8th, 2011
9:02 pm
jj x carlos queintin y hanson x jason vargas este domina los filis adiferensia d hanson ademas hase falta otro lansador lf en la rotasion mda pena por estos lansadores pero tienen en comun estar en dl
alexcox
October 8th, 2011
9:02 pm
jj x carlos queintin y hanson x jason vargas este domina los filis adiferensia d hanson ademas hase falta otro lansador lf en la rotasion mda pena por estos lansadores pero tienen en comun estar en dl
fonzischeme
October 9th, 2011
7:30 pm
Clearly Schurholz is bs’ing or he’s in a huge state of denial. Just disgusting.
No one, NO ONE with half a baseball brain would say Fredi “Let’s Pitch ot Kemp with a base open” Gonzalez has the smarts to manage. He was given another no brainer team – just as BC was year after year – and if you think Cox choked in the big games let Fredi have a few whacks at them.
Wren was fired in Baltimore when he had the chartered team plane leave without their star payer who phoned and told them he was stuck in traffic – he showed up a couple minutes late. Whe fiored one reraosn given was that Wren was authoritaian. He’s a power hungry egotists who thignks his popp doenslt stink – blames everyone else and thign JUST LIKE FREDI! Wren is a an arrogant sort – the kind I have seen many times – he is happy to tell you how good everything he has ever done is. His current claim to fame is that he wasn’t involved in one of the stupidest movers in baseball history, the Texeira deal. Yet, he was there and undoubtedly didn’t object very loud.
Prado is afraid of the dam ball.
Steve
October 10th, 2011
1:23 am
People are ragging on Chipper? What about Prado? He really stunk up the joint, especially in September when it mattered most, but also year-round. Get a real left fielder!
Oleo in South Ga.
October 10th, 2011
10:58 am
First and foremost, we need an outfield. If it means canning Heyward then fine. Prado is an infielder and always will be. Gonzalez is right when he said, “the offense never clicked”. It did not. In the past couple of years when the offense had a little hot streak the Braves were unbeatable. As poor as our outfield production was, it was better than 2010’s putrid results, especially centerfield. How in the world can we expect to compete with Ibanez, Victorino, and Pence with Prado, Bourne, and Heyward? It will never happen. How can this be so obvious to me and a baseball man like Frank Wren not see it. I have been an avid fan since 1980 and I am at my wit’s end. Firing Parrish is not the answer. I live in deep South Georgia and am considering changing allegiance to Tampa Bay. It’s closer anyway. good luck Braves but you need some decision makers that earn their keep.
Oleo in South Ga.
October 10th, 2011
11:10 am
I agree with Robert 100%. Great post. We did not have the coaching to get the potential out of Melky and Frenchy. It’s right in front of your face Frank.
Lobosolo
October 10th, 2011
1:28 pm
alexis, what is up with the Espanol? idiots is an idiot in any language… just ask your buddy phil, who keeps stomping and threatening but just can’t pull the trigger… get lost already, for CRYING out loud…
#1… Bravos need to retire the idiotic chop thingy… bad karma since unoriginal fans started it yeaqrs ago….
#2… Bravos desperately need KNOWLEDGABLE fans on the blogs, not 20-20 hindsight armchairs that incessantly cry like they do… maybe DOB could institute a ban on dumb crackuh reactionaries, like Robert, alexis, phil, Larry, Moe, and Curly…
hahaha
October 10th, 2011
6:17 pm
In other words – Dear Steve, please don’t stop giving us money!
mark zuckerburg
October 11th, 2011
9:14 am
i invented facebook
jrod
October 11th, 2011
9:14 am
you know what it do baby booooooo!!!
bad dawg
October 11th, 2011
9:46 am
After this winter, Atlanta will be more than ready for the baseball season to begin. Winnipeg will probably be out of it by then. Learn from your mistakes? Braves may be ready to take it all. Lets hope, maybe.
bad dawg
October 11th, 2011
9:51 am
After this winter, Atlanta will be more than ready for Braves baseball. Winnipeg will be eliminated from the postseason by then. If they learn from their mistakes, they should be ready to win it all.
Randal Patrick McMurphy
October 12th, 2011
9:26 am
[transmission]
Liberty Media© := An open festering sore on the Atlanta Braves organization;
Until things change at the ownership level, NOTHING else can and/or will be done about the issue(s) at hand. That is all…
[/end transmission]
E
October 12th, 2011
12:50 pm
I gotta say, I was really mad when Fredi came out and said there would be no coaching changes. But Wren’s response combined with this letter are somewhat impressive.
Now…we BETTER go out and SPEND the 16 million that will be freed up with the expiration of the McLouth, Kawakami, and Gonzalez contracts. I know we need a short-term shortstop, so that will probably eat up 2-3 million of that. That still leaves 13-14 million to spend elsewhere. I do NOT want to hear any bs excuses about why the money wasn’t spent.
About Money
October 12th, 2011
1:19 pm
It was a nice gesture, but what I think is really happening here is they are seeing dollar signs, or lack thereof, since the Braves tanked. He is trying to give people that “it will be ok, just spend your money here,” feeling. But until monumental changes are made, IE freddi and lowe, people are not going to be led around by the nose anymore.
Johnboy
October 12th, 2011
1:36 pm
Two words…Spare Us. Two more words….Choke Artists.
Nick
October 12th, 2011
1:42 pm
“Here’s an idea…quit being cheapskates when you play in a division with the Yankees of the NL. Philly is willing to spend money to get key players. The Braves keep trying to scrape by on the cheap.”
This.
Mixer
October 12th, 2011
2:33 pm
Heres another idea: Fire Yourself John Shuerholz
and take Cox with you.
We need new fresher blood.
The baseball viagra that you keep using isn’t working.
Your old ideas worked in the ’90s but it just doesn’t anymore.
This franchise cant win a ring with country bumpkins and every born in Ga/Ala player you can get.
Keep whomever is in charge of signing pitching prospects and developing them.
And then RETIRE YOURSELVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
John and Bobby –You guys had your chance to win it MANY times. And U blew it!
Now go sit on the beach and let the Braves move on.
If you all wont do that then at least HIRE away the 2 or 3 dudes who are in charge of finding the Marlins hitters.
JeanV
October 12th, 2011
2:37 pm
I completely understand the Braves fans disappointment and anger but this was a classy letter. Phillies organization should send the same type letter to their fans, although most of us have already jumped off the Ben Franklin Bridge.
BettyBravo
October 12th, 2011
2:39 pm
What’s the matter with you gentlemen? It is just a ballgame, for Pete’s sake, not your mother’s funeral. Relax. The BRAVES cannot win every year. They have some great players but even they have bad days.
So tighten your belt and quit crying. You are not perfect either and never will be. The BRAVES tried hard this year. They missed it! Next year might be better. (I don’t need any namby pamby letters from Braves management. Just let them play.)
C from Marietta
October 12th, 2011
2:41 pm
There is one thing I have learned from this and other blogs. People in this country put too much stock or importance into pro sports. It is entertainment. By getting angry and letting a pro sports team effect your emotional state is not healthy in my opinion. Fan behavior is the main thing driving me away from pro sports. I am sick and tried of all the idiots and “know it alls”.
BravesAllTheWay
October 12th, 2011
4:36 pm
Well I don’t know about a letter…but this Braves fan is stil PO’d because she hasn’t gotten a refund on her post season tickets…despite contacting them four times…
Braves Fan
October 12th, 2011
10:59 pm
Boston Globe ran an expose. AJC, where is yours? Get with it.
Derek
October 14th, 2011
2:17 pm
Seeing all these “fire Wren” comments tell me exactly what’s wrong with the Braves fans. I can only assume if they’d stay sober enough at the 2 games they go to with their kid and not leave before the starter is done, they’d admit to themselves that a GM only can work with what he’s got. I know, I know…you just saw “Moneyball” & you’re wondering why the Braves can’t be the A’s, but remember, that team had the year’s Cy Young winner (Zito) and MVP (Tejada), not to mention the 2 other top SPs (Mulder & Hudson). We made some great strides, but we still have a lot of dead weight (Chipper, McLouth, Lowe) that is taking some time to shake off.
Derek Lowe
October 14th, 2011
10:52 pm
We just didn’t perform to the expectations during the month of September. I, a starting pitcher of the Atlanta Braves apologize for our atrocious play. I vow to play above and beyond of what is expected next year to get this baseball club back into the playoffs and win the City of Atlanta another World Championship. Please continue to support our team as we make the necessary changes to put a winning product on the field.
Sincerly,
Derek Lowe
Number#32 Atlanta Braves Starting Pitcher
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