Braves blow early lead, fall to 0-4 with loss to Astros

Impressive post speed

• Link
• Report this comment

Yes Bobb, its really happening. that is what happens when you put the virtually the same team on the field from the previous season.

• Link
• Report this comment

Flat, lackluster, unenthusiastic. I am glad skip chose to ’see what a bench player had’ when theteam was0-3. Really brilliant stuff there. Lord…

• Link
• Report this comment

this seems easy, dump francisco, livan and durbin and move on, they never should have made the squad anyway

• Link
• Report this comment

gotta tip your cap to em

• Link
• Report this comment

At this rate, Fredi will have carpal-tunnel syndrome by May from all his hat-tipping.

• Link
• Report this comment

This.team’s.in.trouble.

• Link
• Report this comment

Cant hit, pitch, catch, throw. Can’t win with all those released players. No enthusiasm. Have been terrible since getting Bourne last year. Leave this loser in Houston. Manager seat is heating up.

• Link
• Report this comment

if they dump him then they got nothing for Hoover. that hurts.

• Link
• Report this comment

Breakin Down Heyward Benching: http://bravedecisions.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/breaking-down-heywards-first-benching/

• Link
• Report this comment

I want chief nocahoma back and $1 tickets. Nothing else will draw me to see these pathetic losers. At least uggla will avoid hitting poorly to start the season lol lol lol wait too late lol

• Link
• Report this comment

What a game. Can’t believe I wasted 3 hours watching it.

• Link
• Report this comment

Not sure if anyone noticed this, but I pulled up Francisco’s minor league stats. The guy made 39 errors in 2009 at 3B for the Reds AA/AAA teams.

Also, what in the world is Fredi doing putting in Livon in a high leverage situation like a 1-run deficit in a game that the Braves badly need from a confidence perspective. Seriously??

• Link
• Report this comment

9 straight losses dating back to last year WOW

• Link
• Report this comment

FG is stupid….again horrible decisions with the line-up and no clue handling the bullpen.

• Link
• Report this comment

Last September was no fluke … 0-4 against 2 teams that most have picked to finish last in their respective divisions. It’s going to be a looooooooong season

• Link
• Report this comment

“Tip your cap to the Astros, they will make the playoffs.”

• Link
• Report this comment

Hey Peter – couldn’t agree more but then again, he started Diaz in right instead of Hayward. What the heck was that about? Diaz looked lost up there, especially late in the game.

Hey knotheads – nothing is working!! you got til the end of the week to notch 1 win, just 1. Then you come home for a few, how do you think that crowd is going to warm up to an 0 and 6 team???

• Link
• Report this comment

Pretty much every move made in March sucked big time. DFA Durbin IMMEDIATELY. Keep Fat Livan for mop-up duty (explain to Frediot what that is) and put FranCrisco on a treadmill until he weighs less than, well, Fat Livan.

• Link
• Report this comment

We needed to improve offensive production so we went out and signed Livan Hernandez. Wait, it’s our offensive production that needs improvement. Oh well. A team that has two holes in the outfield as well as a hole at third and short is NOT a good baseball team.

• Link
• Report this comment

Bring ; f;lande and Gearin up immediately. Fire the F boys, Frank and Fredi.

• Link
• Report this comment

All relax about Francisco the 40 year savior returns tomorrow!!!! HA HA HA HA

• Link
• Report this comment

LOL the wheels have pretty much fallen of the FG head-coaching fiasco. OMG. Can this guy do ANYthing right?

• Link
• Report this comment

That was painful. Recap/Vent here: http://braveslog.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/astros-embarrass-braves-8-3/

• Link
• Report this comment

Frank missed badly with these purchases he made urbin,LIVAN and the dude @ 3rd. I m not sure what he was thinking.
I dont know how any executive could say that last years team was good enough to compete again.
The Braves are going to force me to have to buy MLB extra innings on Directv because the home team is so bad. The Mets look great compare to our guys.
I’m sorry and I am not a fair weather fan, but this club is not good and Fredi has not distinguished himself at all.
3rd,short and ABSOLUTELY NO PRODUCTION FROM THE OUTFIELD IS GOING TO DOOM US.

PS. Tell the boys @680 The Fan that you can only blow smoke so long. If your radio shows with your talk personalities cant tell the truth about an 0-4 baseball team then we will turn u off and you can go back to being CNN.

• Link
• Report this comment

Hanley Ramirez deserves an apology

• Link
• Report this comment

Let’s just cut to the chase here, folks. If the Braves want Fredi to manage this team after the All-Star break, they’d better start playing that way. Because, right now, this is one uninspired bunch that is doing nothing more than going through the motions. I know it’s a long season….but my goodness. FG is well on his way to being the first manager in MLB to be fired this year.

• Link
• Report this comment

There is a difference between being competitive & losing. If they had a chance I’d want to watch, the fans should protest and walk out or not show up for opening day.

• Link
• Report this comment

I’m having trouble believing someone actually just said, “the Braves are not a bad team”. Everything Frank Wrenn and FG does turns to mud. Anyone notice even another ex-Brave, Schafer, hurt them tonight? When Hernandez is on the mound I feel like I’m watching a coach pitch batting practice. The Braves brass always goes on the theory that just because the Braves can’t hit a pitcher that nobody else can. How dumb can one front office be? This Braves organization has lost all credibility and is taking its proper spot right here in “Losersville”.

• Link
• Report this comment

I am actually excited to hear what fredi says about this one!

• Link
• Report this comment

GREAT PICKUPS at the end of ST by Frankie Boy Wren. Any wonder the Orioles handed him a pink slip? He insists on picking up old ragarm pitchers rather than giving the younger guys in the olrganization chances. Then he gives up a really promising youngster in J.J. hoover for a fat, out of shape third baseman that can’t field, or hit, except for a few homers.

Mr. Scheurholz, it’s time to deep six those two albatrosses Gonzalez and Wren. Fredi’s thinking tonight of starting Francisco to see how he looks batting against lefties. So he ends up with three boots. Wonderful thinking there Fredo, you dim wit.

• Link
• Report this comment

Apology accepted. I think I just screwed Ozzie’s wife — how was I to know?

• Link
• Report this comment

Sure would like to know Chipper’s real thoughts about these managerial moves!

• Link
• Report this comment

To anyone who may want to actually get involved,

Anger over one’s favorite sporting team and their performance or lack thereof is a direct correlation to expectations. It’s why nobody in Kansas City would panic over an opening weekend sweep. And expectations, in turn, are a direct correlation with two things: coverage consumed and first hand knowledge. And since few of us get a glimpse behind the curtain at the latter, we are left with what we are told from the franchise an what is covered by it’s media.

So, with that in mind, can you ask John Schuerholz himself about the following statement that he made, released to fans in an open letter shortly after the Sept. collapse, and if he feels that his orgainization has “repaired its weaknesses?” This way, I can have proper expectations and keep proper perspective. Thanks.

From John Schuerholz, Oct. 6:

“However, our performance in the month of September was unacceptable to all in the organization, and we will evaluate and analyze our missteps to do all we can to prevent this from happening again. Our General Manager, Frank Wren, and his staff have already begun to evaluate our team and will be focusing throughout the off-season on building upon the strengths of this team and repairing our weaknesses to achieve our goal.”

LinkReport this comment

• Link
• Report this comment

Was Hernandez pitching batting practice for the Astros? Is that as hard as he can throw? New 3rd base Juan Francisco aint going to make it either! 2012 BRAVES are a JOKE!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Too early to break out the paper bags with eye-holes for Friday?

• Link
• Report this comment

http://www.firefredi.com/

This site would have been good if not for it’s promotion of the awful hopefully-jettisoned-tomorrow Constanza.

• Link
• Report this comment

You ready to admit that you were wrong yet??????????????????

• Link
• Report this comment

Heyward was our leading hitter coming into tonight and he was benched. Albeit it was a 200 avg…

• Link
• Report this comment

I saw we need to make a big splash like the Astros did when they got Beltran from the Royals. So I would call up the Angels GM or the Marlins Gm and say how much for Trumbo and Bonifacio. I say send Juan Fransisco Matt Lipka and Joe Terdoslavich to the Angels for Trumbo and Cantu.then I would trade Christian Marrero Jose Lugo and Mycal Jones to Miami for Bonifacio.

• Link
• Report this comment

This team sucks.

Pitchers cant manage innings and blow out in five. Bullpen is overrated!

Heyward sucks. He is the most worthless piece of shyt. Bourn is a McCloth all over. This team and Frank Wren need to be flushed down the toilet.

Way to go losers.

HEYWARD SUCKS

• Link
• Report this comment

Nice job Braves picking up where they left off last season. Even looking through my rose colored glasses they appear to be no better than a 4th place team. It is time for everyone to stop drinking the Kool-Aid that Wren & Gonzalez are serving. Did we really need another season of Matt Diaz? Are Livan Hernandez & Chad Durbin the types of additions that a World Series contender would make? Please don’t think that Chipper’s return will make a material difference because those days are over. Jason Heyward appears so lost at the plate that it has become obvious he can’t be counted on either. The return of Tim Hudson will help. However, the inability to generate any consistent offense will often negate the proficiencies of Hudson, Hanson, & Jurrjens.

• Link
• Report this comment

The apologists are going to be REAL QUIET after this one.

• Link
• Report this comment

I dont know how any self respecting executive on this team can go to sleep tonight. They need to work the phones and do some deals.

• Link
• Report this comment

Remember were 0-4 against not the Brewers and Phillies or Cardnials……..But the Mets and Astros……….Take time to think about that. We should be 4-0. This is unacceptable.

WE DEMAND BETTER!!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Why does Ugla always look like he is Straining to take a Crap when he comes to the plate?

• Link
• Report this comment

I am Dan Ugla in Disguise.

• Link
• Report this comment

Well DOB I deserve an apology?

• Link
• Report this comment

I can wait to be in the that guy in the stands like the drunk in Major League. Of course I’ll get thrown out of the ted for it. O well..

• Link
• Report this comment

im done … no more …. good luck … – 0 -4 .. no more … boycott !!

• Link
• Report this comment

Wren may make it through the season, but I doubt Gonzales will. Won’t sell too many tickets with his decisions, i.e. Prado not at third tonite and Hinsky in outfield.

• Link
• Report this comment

The team is not ready to play that is the manager….. the team is weak that is the GM……ALL the above !

• Link
• Report this comment

One good thing about 0-4, no need to overwork bullpen. Real easy even for Fredi.
Now that the bullpen is fully rested, will you please let your best pitchers start? Hanson, JJ, Medlen, Hudson, and Beachy/Minor would be solid enough to carry us to the #2 wild card. Please Fredi before you get fired!

• Link
• Report this comment

What is the jinx of right field? Will we always have to get the hired gun?
Francouer burned up,now Heyward. What is it a curse?
Our home grown talent has severely dried up. Even Freddie looks woeful.

• Link
• Report this comment

In keeping with the theory that ‘a watched pot never boils’, I hereby promise, since I’ve seen all or most of every game so far this season, to not tune into any more of this crappy excuse for a baseball team effort until they win again…in fact I’m up for not subjecting myself, and whatever jinx I may be responsible for, to ‘em until they get to .500. Point being, I guess I’m out of he baseball-viewing business for the foreseeable future. Hell, I may even resort to ‘Dancing With The Stars’…at least I can see some coordinated athletes there.

• Link
• Report this comment

Can’t wait to see how many show up for the home opener. Wow this cancer is growing out of control.

• Link
• Report this comment

Last time Braves opened 0-4 was in 1988…. final standings that year.

Season standings 1988

NL West W L GB Pct.
Los Angeles Dodgers 94 67 – .584
Cincinnati Reds 87 74 7.0 .540
San Diego Padres 83 78 11.0 .516
San Francisco Giants 83 79 11.5 .512
Houston Astros 82 80 12.5 .506
Atlanta Braves 54 106 39.5 .338

• Link
• Report this comment

Fredi has no idea how to manage. Braves have part that need to stick in limited role but Fredi misuses everything. One of the worst managers in the game.

• Link
• Report this comment

Frank Wren does the best he can with his one year of jr college education. He does “look the part” if only that counted for something. Unfortunately, it doesn’t.

• Link
• Report this comment

There will be no bounce in this team whatsoever unless you bring in new blood.

• Link
• Report this comment

This BRAVES TEAM is the WORST TEAM in Baseball……………..WORST! Bobby Lite is the WORST Manager In Baseball. Fire FW, FG, JS and That McQuirk GUY. This is a TERRIBLE Baseball Organization. CLEAN HOUSE NOW. CHIPPER WILL NOT STOP THIS BLEEDING. Bourne is trying to hit home runs instead of using his speed to change ball games. He doesn’t bunt to get on base…..so why have all that speed at the top of the order and not take advantage of his speed.

• Link
• Report this comment

@ Steve are you the same steve that spews out that positive crap. About its only 1 game? Well its now 4 games and tomorrow will be 5 games

• Link
• Report this comment

Fredi didn’t hire himself. Give credit where credit is due.

• Link
• Report this comment

this team is a travesty .. management is a crap, they mock us, but I decided not to follow a poor mgr, a gm mediocre, until I see that this team does something for us fans is that I will return

• Link
• Report this comment

Terry Fracona will be in the Braves dugout next season.

• Link
• Report this comment

I agreewith Jman
Every reporter ,talk radio,(in this town) and the AJC in particular are giving this organization a pass. Just filling your column with 500 statistics on what a player has done isn’t the same as going after some tough dog questions. Lets quit kissing azz on this paper(and Atlanta media) and call the Braves out. Fredi,Frank,Mcguirk,and most importantly to the fans John Scherholtz need to answer for what is going on …on the field.
This is pathetic baseball.

• Link
• Report this comment

Come on DOB please give me a logical reason as to why Fredi Gonzalez shuld be the Manager and why this team is better without making any moves

• Link
• Report this comment

Really sad to watch this lackluster team. Braves have no bonafide hitter that’s.consistent. My son said that he doesn’t want to go to a Braves game this year. They look like the Bad News Bears!

• Link
• Report this comment

Bobby use to play the crap JS pulled from the dumpster early in the season all the time. FG is a mini me of Bobby.

If felt like Bobby did it for spite. “Ok, John you gave me this crap let me show you what it will do..”

I doubt Fredi was doing that but clearly he was testing JF to see if he should be cut next week and replaced with one of the guys FG sent down in favor of keeping Constanza and Wilson (who blows nine ways to Sunday).

• Link
• Report this comment

During his pregame comments Bourn all but said he’d give his right arm to still be with Houston. He’s a dead fish.

I think Pastornickys got it, he just needs to settle the F down but that will come (hopefully). Also, Chipper would have made the play that Prado couldn’t get and as for Fransisco DE, forget about it.

Any FG supporter needs a labotomy.

• Link
• Report this comment

I have supported the Braves my whole life and thankfully don’t remember the 80s. However, seeing these four games make me want to go to the game Friday, let the players know what I really think about them, and then leave. It would be worth the $20 bucks don’t ya think?

• Link
• Report this comment

Cant they replay the Bobby Cox Jersey Retirement Ceremony or Tom Glavines to make us feel a little better

• Link
• Report this comment

Well folks if you want to walk the Dog you have my permission but please come back during the commercials to patrionize our sponsors

• Link
• Report this comment

ITS THE 80′S ALL OVER AGAIN

• Link
• Report this comment

I want to believe that the Braves are not this bad. But, when you consider how last season ended and how this one is beginning, maybe Wren should pull a quick trigger.

• Link
• Report this comment

Agree completely, I’m currently counting down the days til Fredi Gonzalez gets fired. I’ll treat that day like a national holiday.

• Link
• Report this comment

This season is on the brink already.

• Link
• Report this comment

The 2010 Braves lost 9 games in a row. They won the Wildcard with a scrub team (seriously, look at the starting lineup from Game 1 against San Francisco). It’s the first week of the season and we are missing one of our best hitters and our number one pitcher. Calm down.

• Link
• Report this comment

I said one of our best hitters. Uggla is our biggest power threat, but that doesn’t make him our best hitter. Prado is probably the best pure hitter that we have. He just knows how to hit a baseball.

• Link
• Report this comment

Fatcisco makes Conrad look like Brooks Robinson.

• Link
• Report this comment

Uggla you juiced up freak..071 again.

• Link
• Report this comment

Over 100 losses this season easy!

• Link
• Report this comment

I don’t know how much impact a manager really has on a baseball team, but they hired Fredi on the premise that he would more or less be a continuation of Bobby Cox. As much as I respect what Cox accomplished, maybe it is a better idea to go in a completely different direction and forge a new identity.

• Link
• Report this comment

Ahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahaha

What now, bishes?

• Link
• Report this comment

Say, has anybody heard how Jeff Francoeur and Kelly Johnson are doing?

• Link
• Report this comment

Fredi G makes Bobby Cox look like a god.

• Link
• Report this comment

Well the Errors are high,the Excuses are flowing.Fredi says we gonna get it going.Mac say they just found the holes.I say we just digging a deep hole we can’t climb out.Cellar dwellers from start to finish.Think it’s Marlin time.

• Link
• Report this comment

WOW! The pitching has been just horrible. Combined with the usual suspects of the “hitless wonders” and the conclusion is foregone – WE SUCK!!!! The continuation of The September Nightmare! This is truly awful and absolutely no fun.. Somehow we always seem to end up with the weakest players. When it comes to time to perform, we’re “major league” and “talented”, just not as talented as the guys in the other dugout, no matter who we play. Every rookie pitcher looks like a Cy Young candidate against our boys…

It never seems to get any better, only worse since 2005. No fun to watch. Have great seats for Friday’s home opener. Can you say “Craigslist”, anyone??

• Link
• Report this comment

at this rate Kimbrel’s arm will be fresh all season. No need to ever pitch down 8-3.

• Link
• Report this comment

I agree with the boycott strategy. Not because we don’t want to support the players on this team, but because I don’t want to give a penny to Liberty. If they lose enough money on the Braves they’ll have to either sell them or put more money into the payroll to field a competitive team.

I wish baseball adopted a policy that corporations can’t own teams. Stockholders and boardrooms don’t make good sports decisions. Historically they don’t take risks either. They only want to milk the fan base long enough to see the team appreciate in value. It’s sad to see the team you love become first a “tax write off and then an asset on the books”

LET’S MAKE LIBERTY’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS INSIST THAT THEY SELL THIS TEAM BECAUSE IT’S LOOSING TOO MUCH MONEY TO KEEP THEM.

• Link
• Report this comment

The Braves won’t increase payroll and they’re doomed to longterm failure because of the stupid, stupid 25 year TV contract. It may be the single worst move in MLB history.

• Link
• Report this comment

Liberty will go away only if and when it wants to.

Worst ownership in all of sports.

• Link
• Report this comment

Wait a minute I’m not gonna call Franscisco the Worst player in history……yet
But I do believe that Liberity Media is the worst ownership Group in Atlanta,,,,,,And yes they are worse that the Atlanta Spirit Group, because at least the Hawks can make the Play-offs. But for some reason noone in pro sports wants to come here and play or the ownerships here dont want to spend money. It looks like we are gonna be the Forbs most miserable sports city for many years to come.

• Link
• Report this comment

1 or 2 games back?????????????? Are you delusional. No way this team wins 70 games as currently constructed

• Link
• Report this comment

Enter your comments here

• Link
• Report this comment

I know people are going to say that it is only the first four games and we should not panic, but how many do we wait on before we start? Our infield defense is horrible. I felt like I was watching one of my son’s little league games, not a professional baseball team. These guys get paid more money than most to perform at a major league level. If they cannot, including the manager, live up to these expectations, then they do not need to be there. There is no fire or passion on this team; no intensity; and no sense of urgency. They just seem to be going through the motions and hoping that things will work out. People, you cannot win ballgames that way. I am not disputing that we have talent on this team, but that talent is for @#$$ if there is no passion and will to win. FG is not the man to lead this team. Bad management decisions and no fire.

• Link
• Report this comment

Getting ready to hear quite a bit of another Caray saying, “plenty of seats still available if you’re driving around tonight.”

• Link
• Report this comment

This no intensity attitude of this Manager started last year when we started losing the Wild Card lead and players and Gonzo were saying don’t worry about it – same stuff they said after dropping opening 3 games, same stuff they said in pre-season when they were 1-10 – he needs to be fired – Bobby Cox was a horrible manager who destroyed starting pitchers by leaving them in too long and won 1 WS when he should have won 5. This clown is his pick to succeed him and he SUCKS AS A MANAGER!

• Link
• Report this comment

Ive got tickets to the game on friday and Im thinking about not even going. That’s sad

• Link
• Report this comment

Plain and simple, the Braves suck big time!!

• Link
• Report this comment

My Man Woody

April 9th, 2012
11:01 pm
this seems easy, dump francisco, livan and durbin and move on, they never should have made the squad anyway

Great idea, then dump Fruti and Wren for putting them on the team.

• Link
• Report this comment

PLEASE EVERONE, Force Liberty Media tlo sell the Braves, HOW, stay home until they get the message. Empty seats and we will have a new owner next year.

• Link
• Report this comment

It’s early I know….But so far I’ve seen Francisco throw the ball three times and he’s made two errors and the third one pulled Freeman way off the bag but was ruled an infield hit. I’m not impressed with him at this point. I’m not as concerned with Hernandez as I am with Durbin simply because Hernandez has proven himself over his career. The jury is still out on Pastornicky. I’ll be glad when Chipper is back in the lineup. But someone HAS to step up. Beachy pitched great until his defense let him down and then it seemed like he lost his aggressiveness.

• Link
• Report this comment

looks like the braves of 80’s no hitting, pitching, or fielding. This a sad bunch, but you could see it coming. The bad news Braves lost 30 games in spring training. It has no manager and no GM. I knew we would miss Bobby Cox and Ted Turner. Liberty will totally ruin this franchise then sell it off to the highest bidder at the end of the day. Enjoy the past the future will be very very very bad.

• Link
• Report this comment

Get rid of fat fredi.com

• Link
• Report this comment

Wren’s 3 big offseason moves: Hernandez, Francisco, Durbin. Right now I’d give those guys : C-, F, F.

• Link
• Report this comment

Well, if it makes anybody feel better, if you erased the three unearned runs we still would have lost.

• Link
• Report this comment

Let’s face it. The Braves management set the stage for a losing season during the off-season. I believe Liberty wants to sell the team and won’t fund more expensive players. Now the Braves are losing games and have let good players slip away. This is a formula for financial disaster as well as continued poor playing performance. Dumping managers now will only add to the impending woes. Too bad, it used to be fun.

• Link
• Report this comment

Livan & Durbin, this years version of the Linbrink & Sherrill show. New faces but the same sad comedy. Come out to the Ted this weekend and watch Livan Hernandez throw batting practice in the 7th inning.

But hey at this rate they don’t have to worry about over using the back end of the bullpen this year.

• Link
• Report this comment

Fredi will not last the season.

• Link
• Report this comment

Fire the F boys NOW!!!! Start unloading some dead weight and bring up some youngsters and begin a true rebuilding. Unload Mcdowell and bring Leo back to tudor these young arms,let CJ be player manager the rest of the year. Yes the sky is falling

• Link
• Report this comment

Pre-game talk last night by the ATL TV crew incuded joking about the Houston roster of unknowns. Struck me as odd since our own roster–however recognizable the names–is very suspect and joking about another team’s roster is not very smart at this point. The good newsis that starting tonight we have Chipper back on 3rd for the next 158 games.

• Link
• Report this comment

Oops. I meant WITHOUT Albert

• Link
• Report this comment

“Didn’t hit or for that matter play well in spring training, really look bad and uninterested. Long season ahead!!!”

Matt Turnoff 680 reminded everyone durin spring training that it doesn’t matter and nobody should be concerned…….as he stated one of the top pitching staffs in baseball [by the way, where does this perception come from] and a killer lineup with Chipper,McCann,and Heywood.

Oh boy, geniuses aplenty!

• Link
• Report this comment

This just in aruther blank is buying the braves……. wow that would be great

• Link
• Report this comment

Can we admit a mistake and cut Francisco? And Durbin? And Hernandez? Maybe we can pick up 3 more castoffs. The Braves are starting to resemble the Island of Misfit Toys!

• Link
• Report this comment

Simple observation…No desire to win (no intensity). a “hope” attitude… walking up to the plate hoping I get a hit. No confidence (falls on the manager) These kids should realize they are professional ball players and get paid good money to produce. The bar has been lowered and the results are what they are. Mediocre. Here’s HOPING the Astro’s let us win tonight.

• Link
• Report this comment

WOW what a game, the sad thing is we already can tell how many fans have jumped ship….I remember over the years when these blogs would have 40 or 50 pages, now there are only 3? 3?! : (

• Link
• Report this comment

The over and under in attendance when this bunch gets to Turner Field is 8,000. Who is going to spend the money and wast 4 hours of their lives to see AA baseball.

• Link
• Report this comment

Hire Gregg Williams as manager….he can’t coach football until his suspension is lifted….his approach to MLB would definitely draw the fans and perhaps create a hybrid with NHL – - I went to a fight last night and a baseball game broke out.

• Link
• Report this comment

nope…the home opener is a sellout.

• Link
• Report this comment

How can you people actually say Gonzalez shouldnt be fired for going 0-4…Have you all forgotten his team is now 10-24 since last August, they have lost NINE in a row now, and they committed the ultimate choke last year? Thats not enough to Fire him?? Are you Nuts??
He would not have made it out of Sept if he was managing elsewhere, like in NY.
Wren and Gonzalez have torn apart everything that Cox and Shuelhorlz built.
I hope the TED has about 13,000 fans in it on Friday night for the opener….and all 13,000 fans sit on their hands the whole game (like braves fans usually do anyway)

• Link
• Report this comment

Bourn had a career year in 2011. In 2010 he hit .265.

• Link
• Report this comment

The Braves sorry state is the fault of Wren and Liberty. The Braves were in a great position going in to an offseason. They had plenty of prospects and only two needs, an outfielder and a SS. Wren got neither.

The Braves are flat (Freddie) and they have too much average talent.

Stick a fork in them, at best they can rebound to be a .500 team.

• Link
• Report this comment

FG, let’s see you are 0-3 and down 4-3 and you put in 2 washed up pitchers,castoffs from theoretically inferior teams, WHAT am I missing? Whomever scouted that imbecile at 3rd last night-fired,Whomever played that imbecile at 3rd last night -fired.Bring back Conrad….

• Link
• Report this comment

I figured Freddie threw the towel in and and gave up when he brought in Hernanadez. I can not believe the Braves think he can pitch. 82 MPH fastball. I know hitters are shaking in their cleats when he enters the game. The bullpen use to be a strength. Good job front office. Do you really think I want to spent my hard earned money to see Hernanadez pitches. I’m 59 years old and I could hit a 82 MPH fastball.

• Link
• Report this comment

Meh… I’m not impressed at all, but still too early to panic. The Phillies are 1-3 thru the first 4 games. It’s a long season.

• Link
• Report this comment

What I don’t understand is this: What in Fredi’s past made him the right guy to take over a very successful franchise? He was ordained as the successor years ago and all he has ever done is managed one Marlin team that overachieved a little.

• Link
• Report this comment

Very fair and direct assessment, Dave.

Several questions that baffle me?

1. Why is McCann penciled in batting 3rd, regardless of his hitting right now or the pitcher?
2. Why was Hernandez put on a team with strong pitching? He’s the most hittable pitcher in baseball and makes marginal batters look better.
3. Why is Uggla batting 4th?
4. Why did we never see a visit from McDowell or Gonzalez to calm Beachy after the double error and BEFORE, the two run hit?

In both the Met’s and now the Astros, we are seeing more contact, situational “hitters” versus the Braves constant #3-#8 hitters what I call “swingers”–hard swinging, guess hitters prone to extreme hot or cold streaks (I can see Freeman soon being excluded from this group).

The greatest of balanced offences have more hitters and swingers, but the Braves under Cox and now Gonzalez have never gotten this thus the long hot or cold streaks that have always reared its ugly head somewhere in the playoffs when facing comparably good pitching.

• Link
• Report this comment

I had a chance this week to buy some discounted multi game packs for this year as I have done the past few years. I declined as I will not support this team with my hard earned money anymore. They have no heart and the GM and MGR are absolutely clueless. Our local major I mean minor league team is even boring when they do manage to win a game. Tired of hearing from the players that it is still early. This is a carryover from last Sept. and this Spring. This team is just not very good. By the way I am not a fair weather band wagon jumping fan. I am a Georgia native that has been going to Braves games since 72′. But I cannot stomach this anymore. Back in the 70’s and 80’s we expected this type of lousy play but no longer is that acceptable.

• Link
• Report this comment

Why should I get fired?

Frank Wren assembled this mess !

All winter I pleased with Frank that we needed an outfielder with pop in his bat, and a veteran shortstdp. We got neither !

• Link
• Report this comment

start taking offers for Bourn & Hudson !

Its Huddy’s final contract year & he’d love to play on a winner to end his career, not a team going in reverse.

Time to re-tool now that we know Chipper is retiring.

• Link
• Report this comment

The defense has caught up with the offense. It is going to be a long season! At the rate the Braves are going, they will out sorry last years Houston!

• Link
• Report this comment

EARLY IN THE SEASON…..BUT, BRAVES ARE THE ONLY WINLESS TEAM IN THE NATIONAL LEAGUE…

• Link
• Report this comment

Matt Diaz misjudjed the ball that hit at the base of the wall while he leaped over the wall. Error.
McCann tried to swipe tag and missed the ball, error on him not Pastornicky.

Braves will not win over 60 games.

• Link
• Report this comment

Somehow Tampa, with a smaller payroll than the Braves, continues to put a competitive product on the field. Their manager is also innovative, unlike Fredo.

Can’t blame Liberty for the mess in Atlanta. That’s Wren’s assembled disaster.

• Link
• Report this comment

Wasn’t September a fluke?

And a terrible spring training didn’t mean anything?

Right?

Steve?

• Link
• Report this comment

I think Francisco will be fine. He has offensive potential which you cant say about others on the bench. Give him a spot start for Chipper and hope he connects with the bat. Durbin needs to be released and I imagine Constanza will be demoted today with Chipper coming off the DL. I think the Braves have just been stuck facing all these lefties and we all know they cant hit a lefty.

• Link
• Report this comment

Fredi sits and does Nada. McDowell ruins young arms (Teheran,Delgado,Medlen,Vizcaino) and even veteran arms (Hanson & Hudson).

• Link
• Report this comment

I haven’t heard anybody described as “husky” in a long time.

How old ARE you DOB?

• Link
• Report this comment

The same – scrappy -.225 batting average – slow – no base stealing – no personality players every year. All the same.

• Link
• Report this comment

I don’t understand how a man can be a manager of a major league baseball team and not have a lick of understanding about high leverage situations, playing your best player (instead of wanting to see some peep show), not making your already weak defense weaker in two spots, or who to pinch hit in any situation. Fredi Gonzalez is easily the worst manager I have ever personally had a chance to witness manage a baseball game. I really have to question the Brave’s front office for hiring such a brainless buffoon. I hate being negative, but it’s been obvious since the beginning of last year.

• Link
• Report this comment

You can’t fire 30 players but you can fire 1 manager. Really retarded to sign Hernandez & Durbin. Ever who decided on that is an imbecile.

• Link
• Report this comment

It’s early in the season. I have no doubt that the Braves can win at least 60 games this year. Fredi has found a way to save Venters and Kimbrel. (There is no need for them, as Durbin, Martinez, and Hernandez will keep the Braves out of “save” situations.) In spite of last September, and an 0-4 start, Frank Wren has been brilliant with his moves, and the raves could win the World Series this year.
Go Braves!

• Link
• Report this comment

Please understand this…Fredi will NOT get fired! This team has a failed organizational structure which starts from Liberty Media, down through fat and happy Scheurholz and McGuirk and tip your hat Fredi. No fire, no accountability. No titles. Just like the Hawks this team will not win until it has a new owner who demands performing at the highest level.

• Link
• Report this comment

Signing Astros & Nats castoffs Hernadez & Durbin is like IBM hiring 2 workers McDonald’s layed off….

• Link
• Report this comment

Chipper, rest your aching knees. A managerial job will be opening up soon.
What an embarrasment Fredi is to a good organization. Anybody else would have been fired after last year. In fairness, give him April…

• Link
• Report this comment

I’m sick and tired of hearing the players, management and writers say, its early only game 1, 2, 3, 4. I don’t care what they say but its a carryover from last season. How many games have they lost going back to last season? As much as I respect Bobby Cox, this team has been going down hill the last four years. Cox’s couldn’t motivate this team and Fredi can’t either. If they come home 1-5 or 0-6, I’m waiting to see the reaction of the fans. Their attendence is going south. Changes has to be made, starting with ownership. They should replace Fredi now, he’s just not a good manager. Get rid of Diaz, Livan & Durbin. Lets not give up on Francisco. His best position is in OF. The Braves can be better than what they have shown.

• Link
• Report this comment

Yes sir…Mr Birdbrain Wren and his idea of claiming the waiver wire for potential All Stars….yeah like that really works Birdbrain…..this team is gonna be so far out it by the end of the month, that by the All Star game the Braves will be 25 games out!!!!!!! Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

I couldn’t tell where the 3 Stooges ad began and when the Braves were playing the game.

• Link
• Report this comment

Credit to DOB for not sugar coating this mess. His mentioning the 9 game losing streak shows honest evaluation of the job Fredi and the team are giving Atlanta fans. Fredi is a lovable bufoon who could not inspire 5 year olds to eat ice cream. Surely the recent moves show a lack of baseball insight. If Francisco had played well and hit well Fredi would get credit for a brillinat move but he did not and can not play at his current weight. Livan is a mop up guy used in 6-0 games to get us out of town fast. The Braves suck now but they may improve. I say that management should release those bums the picked up before the buzzards ate their carcasses and bring in the youngsters that they value so highly they would not trade them for a couple of hitters. If we are going down lets at least let the young guys get some experience. Fredi is pitiful and I think Bobby needs to realize his son is not going to inherit the family business and keep it afloat. I will watch tonight on MLBTV on my paid subscription so I can watch this mess. I love me a good train wreck.

• Link
• Report this comment

go hawks!

• Link
• Report this comment

Is it any wonder that 3 of the Braves “last minute” signings contributed to the lass last night? You go after bargain basement and you get bargain basement.

There are reasons that teams release players. You find places on your roster for quality and you release the…less qualified.

So the Braves think they can magically make someone better?

If they need roster spots filled up, go into the minors if you dont want to pay for the better players. At least those players will have excuses if they make boneheaded throws like 3d base did last night.

• Link
• Report this comment

The Braves are not relevant anymore. Look at all the articles about the teams staring badly this season very few if any mention the Braves. The ideology of relying solely on pitching is outdated…especially when your pitching is suspect. Sucks being a Braves fan…it really does

• Link
• Report this comment

Do the Atlanta Braves know that Spring Training has ended? The Season has started Gentlemen! It looks like it’s going to be a long season in A-town.

• Link
• Report this comment

Francisco made 34 errors in 104 games, is out of shape, and had attitude problems in Cincy.
And you like him why Frank?
And Chad Durbin and Livan Hernandez? Both were washed up long ago.This is what cash-strapped teams do to fill holes. Might better go with the kids.

• Link
• Report this comment

Time to blow this team up!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Might as well get used to this. This is a seriously bad team which can easily finish last in their division. Any team whose first option out of the bullpen is Livan H. is in serious trouble. The formula for losing is poor hitting, poor defense, and very average starting pitching. This describes this Braves team.

• Link
• Report this comment

This reminds me of the year we had Chris Woodward, that awful backup catcher, and the beyond awful.. scrap heap starter we gave about 15 starts to before kicking him off the roster. By the time we made roster moves the season was over. GREAT additions Wren!

• Link
• Report this comment

tell Juan Francisco he can start wearing his hat crooked when he makes his first all star roster. Until then, put your lid on straight.

• Link
• Report this comment

The Falcons did the EXACT same thing as the Braves. They changed coaches but brought back the same group of CHOKING losers that we saw in 2011. Same group, same result… or worse.

• Link
• Report this comment

check the record i told every body what would happen if they hired f.g. fish had good team no mang. we have weak team no mang. braves will keep him all year have to pay him any how. so sad for all our fans nationwide.

• Link
• Report this comment

Ok so they won’t go 54 – 106 (unless they face only left handers)

but seriously, this is the club we have when Chipper isn’t in the lineup. 3 runs is about all they can muster against any one. The starting pitching…. without Huddy, isn’t deep.

The SI article with the Braves taking a big step back to around 75-80 wins and finishing 3rd looks a lot more likely after seeing them play the Mets and Astros.

They cannot hit lefties for anything. Another year of the most boring outfield in the majors is looking likely.

• Link
• Report this comment

Larry is back today????? does anyone really think he can help out? we have a third baseman….he’s in left field. Come on freddie….atleast you could put out a line up card that looks like you are trying to win some games.

• Link
• Report this comment

Felix 17

April 9th, 2012
11:20 pm

Read the Cincinnati blogs on Francisco.
******
There’s no need to read any blogs on Fatsisco….Look at the guy. He has zero pride in himself, much like Hinske and McCann. That speaks volumes since almost no one who looks like that, except for a rare Prince Fielder, can actually play.

McCann has managed to this point while carrying around a huge fat gut, but those days are beginning to end as it catches up to him. It’s becoming clear that Hinske is nearly done as he’s gotten EVEN larger as he gets well into his 30s. You can’t play this game effectively and weight 350 pounds in most instances.

It drives me crazy to see these guys waste their talent like that.

• Link
• Report this comment

Sorry for the double….

• Link
• Report this comment

Thank you Atlanta for relieving us of Fredi Gonzalez & Dan Uggla.

We’ll be happy to send more riff raff your way. We have a great relationship with Frank Wren. He used to work for us as well. Not too bright.

• Link
• Report this comment

Brian McCann is not fat.

• Link
• Report this comment

PMC

April 10th, 2012
9:25 am

It may be a very long 20 years with this media budget and no designated hitter, perhaps we should light the torches, get the pitchforks and head on over to Turner.
******
STAY AWAY FROM TURNER….

The only thing management will understand is a vast sea of empty seats. It won’t hurt anyone to take a year off, especially since the team is.

Fire FG and FW!!

• Link
• Report this comment

The stand-pat, fanny-pat Braves made two key moves at the last minute, bringing in Juan Francisco and Livan Hernandez – not the most inspiring players a desperate team could have acquired, but they do both have extra-large fannies for pattin’.

• Link
• Report this comment

Bourn (sigh)
Prado
Chipper
Heyward
Uggla
McCann
FF
Pastornicky
Wretched pitcher

Heyward 4th is just a hunch….why would it matter anyway the way we’ve been going the last 2 years.

• Link
• Report this comment

lobosolo, I agree. This team is playing terribly right now, and they look awful. Judging from the fairweather fanatics we have, the current play and their fans match up pretty nicely. It’s painful to watch this team right now, really awful. I hope they get their act together. Somebody has to give a spark somewhere, but those of us not on the field have little to say to make that happen. Too many fantasy baseball fans, if you ask me. Tends to create fantasy expectations.

Real men rise up when the chips are down. Let’s see what these guys are made of over the next few weeks. They might finish last, FG might get fired, firesale may come. Won’t be the first time or the first team. Face it, we got spoiled.

• Link
• Report this comment

How many games will Cripper play before he’s hurt again, 3, 10, 20? I’m betting no more than 10.

• Link
• Report this comment

I did not know that Wren’s “make no changes” in the off season meant “do not change the losing attitude as well”.

• Link
• Report this comment

“jimniny”?, “puddies?”,”bimbidiots?”,”whinyassed?”,next up from lobo something about binkies….

• Link
• Report this comment

Turner Broadcasting, not Turner field.

• Link
• Report this comment

phil – Beachy has an RBI and he’s not doing anything today; maybe he could hit clean-up???

• Link
• Report this comment

Poor Fredi G . . . being blamed for all the struggles of a so-called major-league team. He is NOT responsible, he is ONLY a PUPPET on a string. Good guy, obeying FRANKIE AND BOBBY, taking heat . . . there’s no wonder he hides behind things in the dugout . . . afraid for his life . . . all the while being the patsie for a BRAVE organization that is inept . . . been that way for awhile . . . why did Stan Kasten leave? Did he know something . . . don’t expect any changes until COX and ALL his cronies are sent packing–and that won’t happen! This is YOUR ATLANTA BRAVES, love ‘em! A point I always wondered about, when they make their offensive BURST, like scoring, it’s all done n one inning and then you can change channels, it’s over as far as their run scoring goes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Glad to see it has only took 4 games before the famous Braves “We’ll get ‘em tomorrow, just gotta tip your cap tonight” mentality has set in. NEVER ANY URGENCY WITH THIS BUNCH!

• Link
• Report this comment

I’m not out to knock the Braves or anyone affiliated with them… though I’m sick & tired of constantly hearing Don & Jim from the broadcast booth dig up every excuse for their performance, whether it’s this season or last. It is what it is guys.

• Link
• Report this comment

Season is over. I called it. When will they start listening to Larry?

• Link
• Report this comment

Trying not to freak out given the season just started but because of the epic collapse that ended it, it feels like we haven’t won in years. We can’t execute all 3 phases of the game at one time. If pitching is good, no runs. If runs, no defense, etc etc etc. I’m really starting to question the management of this team. We just aren’t this bad, too much talent is here. Given that, it seems like we have to look to the leadership or lack thereof. Juan the chub is worse than advertised. We changed out Linebrink for Durbin. Last night’s game was still winnable ’til we put in Livan who is clearly done, something Houston recognized. With a win so crucial, would’ve like to have seen an actual pitcher out there to keep things in hand. I feel good about tonight with Tommy on the mound and Chipper back but boy, it really looks like a LONG season ahead. Go Braves.

• Link
• Report this comment

Mecca of consistency. Same team picks up season right where they left off the last.

• Link
• Report this comment

@J.P.

Would be nice to see Don step up and be like Bob Uecker playing Hary Doyle in the movie Major League.

Cause isnt this what the Braves have become. Sort of like this movie, where the women (or Liberty Media) who buys the club to see them fail to sale them for a huge profit. Interesting….

• Link
• Report this comment

BOYCOTT TURNER FIELD UNTIL THE FRANK & FREDI SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED !

• Link
• Report this comment

Seriously, you cannot blame that on Diaz. He was on base twice and scored a run, also did not make ANY errors so what’s your beef? People dumping all the blame on him are ridiculous, why don’t you turn your focus to everyday players who aren’t producing?????? Or pitchers who are young and can’t make it past the 5th inning. How come players leave here and all of a sudden, are awesome? I see a patten and it’s not Matty D. So shut the heck up about our reserve outfielder, people!!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Relax, it’s early. They only need to go 5-0 to go over .500.

Yes, it’s only April, but these games count. What’s disturbing is how they’re losing. If they can’t score runs in hitter-friendly ball parks like the ones in Houston and New York, how are they going to score at pitcher-friendly Turner Field?

If you can’t score, you must rely on pitching and defense. The pitching (Livan Hernandez??) hasn’t been good enough, and the defense (Juan Francisco??) has been awful.

What’s worse is the terrible trend that began in late August, carried over into spring training, and is now still painfully apparent. The team looks desperate to score, and when they do, they seem desperate to make perfect pitches and plays. They do not seem to be playing loose or having any fun at all.

Worst of all is the front office’s refusal to do anything at all except cut marquis failures at great expense (Lowe) and bring in bargain-basement veterans.

The vast majority of fans are venting loudly but the players act unconcerned (saying they have forgotten the collapse is a load of bunk); the blog masters are saying all will be fine; and a few little-miss-sunshine fans try to tell those of us who dare to complain that we aren’t real fans. WE ARE real fans and we demand better. This sucks!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Fredi(”you know what”) is in way over his head. No leader at all.
And what has happened to the Braves young pitching phenoms? Teheran, Delgado and Vizc. with TJ surgery?
So we get Durbin and Livan. What a waste.

• Link
• Report this comment

9 losses in a row…

Same hitting problems…

Same short-winded starting pitching…

Same bad coaching…

Yes, it is time to panic.

• Link
• Report this comment

Wren and Freddie both need to be fired and the Braves need to start over.

• Link
• Report this comment

Enter your comments here

• Link
• Report this comment

Hey Frank Wren, the sky is falling.

• Link
• Report this comment

Let’s not put all of this on Frank Wren. The Braves lost their focus while John Schuerholz was the GM. He bankrupted the Braves with the trade for Teixeira, and promoted himself.

Frank has been trying to restock the farm system, and put a team on the field that can compete, while dealing with a limited budget, due in part to a bad TV contract that last for the next 20+ years.

Frank has made some bad moves with KK, D-Lowe, and the bargin basement players that he’s brought in the past 2 – 3 seasons.

Although a large portion of the blog wants Fredi out, as soon as Cox made it known that he was retiring, everyone wanted Fredi, and couldn’t see why Florida would can him mid-season.

So you asked, and you have received.

• Link
• Report this comment

Atlanta, the National League’s only winless team, is already four games out, behind the undefeated Mets. We already need to win, and win big, just to get back in it – after only four games! But there’s no need to panic. The team that is currently on a 10-24 streak (not even counting the horrific spring) added Livan Hernandez, Chad Durbin and Juan Francisco to right the ship.

Poor Michael Bourn. His home-town Astros (3-1) look infinitely better than his new team.

• Link
• Report this comment

Saw that game coming. Was at Disney for the last ST game when Francisco arrived. Before the game, noticed he never raises the ball above his shoulder when he throws it. You cannot have those mechanics playing 3B. If he is not G Braves new first basemen, you wasted a pitching prospect. Trade him to American league team for something.

• Link
• Report this comment

Juan Francisco: Sorry to go stat happy but…in the minors Juan had a .917 fielding rate compared to Chipper’s .954 in the majors (he had no 3B stats in the minors) compared to Vinny Castilla’s .972 in the minors. At bat, even worse. In the minors, strikeout to walk ratios: Chipper 1.3 to 1, Vinny 2.4 to 1, JF 6.0 to 1. That’s one walk for every six strikeouts. Typically a ratio over 3 to 1 means there is no successful major league career in your future.

I’m sorry, but the answer you seek (a third baseman) is not currently on the roster.

• Link
• Report this comment

What’s wrong with the Braves? Let’s start at the top, no not with Wren, with the highest paid players. Chipper, Lowe, Hudson, Uggla. Do we really need to look any farther? This, folks, is the face of a collapse.

For that sad situation, yes we can at least partially blame Wren. Point is, it might get better in time this year, but these guys are less likely to carry the Braves into the playoffs this year than they were last year. It was obvious to most of us.

• Link
• Report this comment

While Fredi deserves some of the credit for pitching Durbin in 2 of the 4 games and not starting Heyward over Diaz, some of the BLAME goes to FRANK WREN who did nothing to improve our ballclub in the offseason while division foes were getting stronger…Also, Diaz is a SPOT OF not a 4th OF….They should’ve gotten Marlon Byrd

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB is an utter hack. He won’t publish quotes because of how bad they make his friend look. A “reporter” that lacks integrity to even ask the proper questions. What a hack

• Link
• Report this comment

Frank Wren has stocked a team with lefty bats in a division with dominant left handed pitching. He’s got right handed pitching in a division with lefty bats taht can change games. His track record hiring coaches is questionable. His additions: McClouth, DLowe, KK, etc. have been flat out busts.

His run with the O’s doesn’t fill you with hope.

Looking at Wren is totally fair.

• Link
• Report this comment

Panic helps nothing.

The ones with sense knew this was coming back in October when the previous book was closed.

Nothing changed on the field other than getting rid of Gonzo and his pathetic bat. We miss his glove, but it made little difference then, so by definition would make little difference now.

With the same wild, free-swinging hackers on the field, why WOULD it get better? The law of averages argument certainly isn’t applying to the economy, the housing market and so forth this time, so why should it automatically appply to our hitting?

Exactly. We’re getting what we didn’t pay for.

Stay home.

Fire FG and FW!!

• Link
• Report this comment

BTW, Hinske should be starting in the OF over Diaz….

Offensively, the 2 BIGGEST problems are BOURN (not getting on base) and UGGLA (not being a clean up hitter)

• Link
• Report this comment

Sam

April 10th, 2012
10:25 am

DOB is an utter hack.He won’t publish quotes because of how bad they make his friend look. A “reporter” that lacks integrity to even ask the proper questions. What a hack

*******
Sam, your mind is misfiring this morning. Try getting some exercise and eating something other than doritos for breakfast.

He stopped the quotes on Sunday because the tide of opinion here was that they’re a waste of time. Which they were because the folks being quoted have nothing new or original to say. Who wants to keep reading “we’ll get em tomorrow” and other such empty bull?

Apparently you do, so go read the main write up on the game and get your fill.

What a doof…

• Link
• Report this comment

I like Hinske and have from day one with the team….

That said, he has put on another 20 pounds, and all that weight on a 30 something body isn’t going to work.

The guy has become a disaster and frankly should’ve been vut for showing up like that.

Livan and Fatsisco should be shown the door immediately too. All three are disgraces to the game looking like they do.

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB said on Sunday that he wouldn’t do the quote since a bunch of idiots were hassling him about it being the same thing day after day. Well, at least it takes that part of his very busy plate.

• Link
• Report this comment

I record the away games with my DVR and fast-forward through the commercials. After last nights disastrous 3-error inning in which we lost the lead, I began to fast forward through the rest of the game. Apparently I didn’t miss much.

• Link
• Report this comment

Now you know why Bobby retired. He and FW didn’t see eye to eye on which players to get and how and when to play them and FG just hasn’t got the stones to do what he wants, so FW is running the team at the field level as well as stinking up the front office.
Oh by the way, the Braves losing trend started when the traded for Jack Wilson, who has never been in a playoff game. He probably couldn’t even get in to one if he bought tickets….

• Link
• Report this comment

If it bothers you this bad. STOP go to the Ted and STOP watching the games. I was done watching them after game 2 of this year. Time to panic over something you can’t control. LOL.

BTW… Saying stuff like “dinrking the Kool Aid and Rose colored glasses” is just LAME.

• Link
• Report this comment

I’m lucky to still have this job.

If this were a real sports town with critical media, like Boston, NY or Philly, my a** would have been fired a long time ago.

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB – Something is very wrong with this team internally. Most of us here know it. Obviously you know it. At the same time, you can’t possibly throw it all out there for obvious reasons.

I don’t envy your position. Thanks for your efforts though. You do an outstanding job that the vast majority appreciate.

• Link
• Report this comment

Fire Fredi Gonzalez, release Livan H., Durbin, Francisco, Diaz, Wilson, Heyward, Bourne, Uggla,
McCann, Costanza . Freeman, Prado, Ross and most of their pitchers are the only major leagurers on this team.

• Link
• Report this comment

“It’s early. No need to panic. It’s a long season.”

“You’ve just got to tip your cap to them.”

“We hit the ball hard but right at people.”

“Our pitcher pitched great; he just made that one mistake…”

“Collapse? What collapse? We’ve forgotten all about it.”

“We’ve just got to bounce back tomorrow and be ready to play.”

COME ON GUYS! Snap out of it. Get mad. Show some fire. Let’s kick some @$$!

• Link
• Report this comment

Braves salaries for 2012…Huddy & Chipper not listed. The 10 million that they are paying D-Lowe to play for Cleveland, makes him the 4th highest paid Brave.

RK PLAYER Salary (US$)
1 Dan Uggla 13,146,942
2 Brian McCann 11,500,000
3 Michael Bourn 6,845,000
4 Jair Jurrjens 5,500,000
5 Martin Prado 4,750,000
6 Eric O’Flaherty 2,490,000
7 Matt Diaz 2,125,000
8 David Ross 1,625,000
9 Eric Hinske 1,600,000
10 Jack Wilson 1,000,000
11 Livan Hernandez 750,000
12 Craig Kimbrel 590,000
13 Jason Heyward 565,000
14 Tommy Hanson 535,000
Freddie Freeman 535,000
16 Jonny Venters 533,000
17 Brandon Beachy 495,000
18 Cristhian Martinez 491,250
19 Kris Medlen 490,000
20 Mike Minor 482,500
21 Jose Constanza 480,000
Juan Francisco 480,000
Tyler Pastornicky 480,000
Randall Delgado 480,000
25 Chad Durbin 0

• Link
• Report this comment

Well when we get down and dirty in the fox holes it’s good to know that no-one has given up after 4 games in a 162 game year.

We will have to fight for a few weeks to get our heads right but with Chipper back we will have some talent and leadership to right the ship.

Be positive y’all and go Braves

• Link
• Report this comment

What strikes me as odd is that as soon as Uggla, Fransciso, Hernandez, et Al. start having decent games and producing, the same people who are crying for Freddi to be removed from office will be singing his praises.

I think part of the problem was the overuse of many of the “younger” ball players during spring training when the “team” should have been on the field from the start in order to get things working.

The pitching is there. The defense is there. The bats are somewhere. I think the team just needs a little time to adjust and get back in the swing of things. Wasn’t it something like two or three years ago that they had a 16 game loosing streak in April and they finished second in the division?

What certainly doesn’t help is fans crying every time the team looses and saying that its last season all over again. If we the fans believe that, the team will believe that.

• Link
• Report this comment

Why in the Sam Hill is Livan Hernandez on the Braves roster? Is there no minor leaguer in the pipeline that can throw harder than 80? The dude couldnt get out a good high school team. Geez.

• Link
• Report this comment

I’m SHOCKED that Frank Wren has not signed Brian McCann to an EXTENSION or offerred Bourn an extension judging on those 2012 salaries…

• Link
• Report this comment

Francisco is a minor league DH……good pick up Wren…and the Hernandez grab is without question an absolute BUST….keep it up Wren….dang, I thought I’d never say this, I can’t wait to see old Achy Breaky Jones back at 3rd

• Link
• Report this comment

Realistically I think the Braves can go .500 this year or better, no doubt it’ll require a few changes along the way but it’s doable. Don’t count on playoffs or anything crazy like that but I can foresee a winning season.

• Link
• Report this comment

Please release Durbin and Hernandez both these losers were cut for a reason.Who cares if they are veterens,we have much better pitchers in the minors.

• Link
• Report this comment

Look on the bright side.
People had been saying not to get too optomistic early in the season when they were playing the worst teams in baseball — that things would get worse when they started playing the good teams.
Cheer up – AT LEAST, NOW THINGS WON’T GET ANY WORSE WHEN THEY START PLAYING GOOD TEAMS.

• Link
• Report this comment

I will take JS letter with me to my deployment to sandbox again in June. I may need some tp.

• Link
• Report this comment

Braves Blow. Thats all you had to say.

• Link
• Report this comment

Dumbo: “I thought I’d never say this, I can’t wait to see old Achy Breaky Jones back at 3rd.”

Well said. Never thought ol’ Chip would be seen as a saviour at this point in his career.

• Link
• Report this comment

Freddy is forcing me to reconsider my fandom and support for the Braves.

• Link
• Report this comment

Fire Fredi Gonzalez, release Livan H., Durbin, Francisco, Diaz, Wilson, Heyward, Bourne, Uggla— 64 year Braves fan

Well at least now I know to ignore all your posts!!! I think it’s time to pull the plug old man!!

• Link
• Report this comment

BREAK WITH TRADITION

Come on John and Frank, break with the Braves tradition of not making a staff change until the end of the season.

You know it needs to be done. Deep in your hearts you DO KNOW that it needs to be done.

Make a well needed managerial change NOW!

In this way take a step toward saving the rest of the Braves season!

• Link
• Report this comment

mcangeli @10:43am……”the same people”….”will be singing his praises”
No mcangeli, they will not be here singing his praises, when the Braves start winning, THEY will not be here.
This blog now has 446 hits, if the Braves would have won the first four games, there would be around maybe 50 or 60 hits on this blog right now.
It’s pathetic, but that’s the way it is.
Everyone has a right to their opinion, though.
GO BRAVES! Get some hits!!

• Link
• Report this comment

i feel that soon the braves are going to dump salary and look at this season as a rebuilding year. chippers swan song wont be very fun, and alot of guys on the current roster wont be there in 3 months. this team cant hit a lick, other teams are gonna run out a ton of lefties and kill them every night. this team cannot hit well with runners in scoring position. the plus side is the starting pitchers are going to do well, but if you cant score runs, its gonna be a very long season for braves fans. the only way to right the ship is to go on a 9 game winning streak! this would take care of most of there problems. i just know this team is not capable of doing that!!! i have been a braves fan for over 20 years and i have to say this is the first team i have seen that has the potential to lose 100 games. its a shame because they have decent team….just no heart and a manager and general manager who make excuses.

• Link
• Report this comment

Braves need a drmatic shakeup starting with the front office. Both JS and Wren are responsible for the state of the Braves and should be the first to go with Fredi following them out the door.

• Link
• Report this comment

Joe Braves fan – this is luxury compared to our teams in the 1980s

• Link
• Report this comment

Chipper…hurry up and get back!!! We finally get some timely hitting and our stand-in third baseman (which I will never understand why we got him) blows the game along with our reliever. Where is Kimbrel, Ventors, O’Flare??? Guys, you get a lead…PROTECT IT! Go for the win with the best you have. Forget this guy at third. Bring in Prado and send Constanza to the outfield. Where is the coaching. BASICS…BASICS…BASICS!!!! Can you tell I am frustrated???

• Link
• Report this comment

Its early in a 162 game season so the Braves can bounce back but what worries me is they have played like this the last month of last year and all spring training.The washed up players they added are no help.I hope the Braves can turn it around and its not back to the days of the season is over at the all star break.Braves fans complain about all the missed chances in the 90s and early 2000s but at least they were in the running.I have got a feeling the braves are about to go through a bad down cycle.And in 5 years us Braves fans will look to those years and say I wish we were in first and in the running for the playoffs.I hope i am wrong but the writing is on the wall back to the late 80s no matter i supported the braves then and i will support the braves know.Go Braves!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

What strikes me as odd is that as soon as Uggla, Fransciso, Hernandez, et Al. start having decent games and producing, the same people who are crying for Freddi to be removed from office will be singing his praises.

No, they won’t be singing FG’s praises anytime before the Bravos win the World Series. My comment is not necessarily restricted to the folks on this blog but that just seems to be a very widely held belief by certain baseball fans regardless of the manager or the team. Generally speaking, it seems that when the home team wins the credit goes to the players. When the home team loses it’s all on the manager.

Personally, while I do believe that Fredi Gonzalez is far from blameless in this hapless play dating back to last September, the players have just as much blame to share in this as the manager. Just an observation as it is far from hopeless after only four games in but it would be nice to see some offense and/or defense from the Braves befitting of a MLB team. And soon, please?

• Link
• Report this comment

Some of you need to stop looking over the edge…. you need to jump off the freaking clif already.

• Link
• Report this comment

Not trying to defend the relievers in last night’s game, but the Braves did not have the lead, when the 1st reliever entered the game.

• Link
• Report this comment

Hernandez and Durbin look real good. The real Braves were the last 30 games last yr.

• Link
• Report this comment

0-5 after tonight…braves with 5 hits, 1 run- 2 of those hits come from Chipper.

• Link
• Report this comment

Last night was tough but I still think this is a good team I agree Fransisco does have defensive issues but the braves will prove all of us wrong and will right the ship on the Positive Pastornicky is playing well it was good to see him get his first RBI last night.
GO BRAVES!

• Link
• Report this comment

Maybe it’s just me…but at times I feel like we’d be better off with Scott Proctor over Durbin or Hernandez…they all can’t work a scoreless inning to save their lives but at least Proctor can score some runs for you..

• Link
• Report this comment

I am going to hope this is another worst to first season.

Might be fun if it is.

• Link
• Report this comment

Next year Prado moves to third and the Braves use Chipper’s $15 million to get a big outfield bat. Can’t wait…

• Link
• Report this comment

Isn’t it amazing guys , we heard all winter long that Jason Heyward lost like 20lbs, reported to camp slim, lean, powerful, etc
and has worked so heard with his new batting instructor that this was going to be the J-HEY we all come to expect…
Well, he hit .200 in spring training against minor league pitching and he hasn’t hit to start the season either…
Lets face it, this guy is as over-hyped as the Braves made the signing of Fredi Gonzalez so over-hyped as the “perfect fit to
replace Cox, …” ” a seamless transition”….”an all around great guy and SMART baseball man”…..et patati et patata……blah
blah,blah…

• Link
• Report this comment

Got to give Beachy major props for not even mentioning the defense in the post game interview. In particular when he said something like “I just need to make my pitches.” Dude, you did, we all saw it but Juan Francisco decided to play hot potato with the baseball.

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB @10:30am……A small contingent that has taken over the comments on this blog is gaining infamy around the Braves Nation”
I have to agree(and have said many times), most of these people here, do not represent the vast majority of the Brave’s fans.

• Link
• Report this comment

Mike,

Beachy should have been out of that inning with zero runs allowed but too the blame. He’s going to really be good, I predict. If given the option to pick between he, Hanson and Jurrrjens, I’d take Beachy in a New York second!

• Link
• Report this comment

Law of average says Braves will win one soon..right Reckingballs and losoloso and bat0822994.
The fans that say shut and enjoy are idiots..the fans that care are the ones bitch for improvement. Bet those three agree with ozzie too!

• Link
• Report this comment

echo Larry on that New York second!

and poor ole reckingball….such a simpleton. would’ve gone down with the Titanic back in the day just because he thought it would be warmer to stay inside….

• Link
• Report this comment

Larry, I’m with you on Beachy; I think in time he will grow into a very good pitcher. He has the right demeanor and takes full accountability. He reminds me of Glavine in that he pitches as if ahead 5-0 or behind 5-0. He’ll never be flashy, but seems to be destined for a long aproductive career. Even at his age, he displays a lot of consistency.

• Link
• Report this comment

“We’re not real pretty to watch right now as a team, but we’ll get it going,” said manager Fredi Gonzalez. So, “cap tipper” Fredi, why is it that at the start of a new season, the team is not pretty to watch? Who’s fault is that? It’s YOUR FAULT Fredi. The team will only GET GOING once you are gone.

• Link
• Report this comment

“care” enough to so so here…

• Link
• Report this comment

Gearin should get a call-up soon. Durbin and Hernandez are not working right now. Will wait to see how chipper does if he plays tonight, but we all knew what we were getting with Francisco. Hope for an end to this stretch tonight, still have hope though.

• Link
• Report this comment

Apathy and indifference, not love or anger, are the hardest things to overcome in business…you have to actuallu care to like or dislike a product, service or form of entertainment like the Braves.
LARRY
***********
Yep. Exactly. True in communities too.

Fire FG and FW!!

• Link
• Report this comment

@ Reckingball and DOB maybe just maybe the fact that we choked up a 10 1/2 game lead and did nothing in the off-season and then start off to an 0-4 start to perhaps the 2 WORST TEAMS in the entire MLB. has caused the angry fans to become the MAJORITY. Maybe were tired of lackluster effort and poor situational hitting. Maybe we are tired of “Tipping our Cap” maybe we want a team that takes accountabliity and pushes themselves to get better instead of tipping their cap. But then again I guess that would put blame on your Buddy Fredi Gonzalez.

• Link
• Report this comment

Many questions linger after Monday’s game. WHY WHY WHY and they’re all directed to Fredi. Maybe Fredi wanted to see what Francisco has to offer….let’s hope he saw the answer to that question and sends him somewhere. Why use Hernandez again while not letting the big three even throw a pitch. Clearly they were overworked last year but a pitcher can be underworked too. If Heyward is our right-fielder, then let him play. Let him see lefties.

Today’s game might answer some questions – whether Fredi is a deer looking into the headlights or a real manager. Seems that being Bobby Cox’s “buddy” might not be enough of a resume to qualify. Time will tell……hopefully I’m praising Fredi as the season progresses but as of now, to me he’s looking like he’s making some poor decisions.

Jury is still out on Pastornicki (??)

A good combination of Rookies/young players and older players who no longer have IT. I’m not sure what Chipper has left in the tank. I’d love to see him go out with one of his best seasons. Go Chipper, at this point that’s all I have to root for. Tuesday’s going to be a WIN. (cautious optimism)

• Link
• Report this comment

“So tired of the “Its a long season” comments after early season losses”

I’ve always been amused by the mindset that believes early season losses are not as important as late season losses as a team fights to win a playoff spot. Somebody please explain why a bad run in April somehow has little bearing on a team fighting for its life in late September?

• Link
• Report this comment

I Hope Chipper is 100% if he plays tonight and doesn’t rush back. we will need him more later than now….

• Link
• Report this comment

If they go to 0-10 will they then be saying, “it’s just 10 games into the season”?

At what point do they stop acting like these losses are meaningless?

• Link
• Report this comment

Carl Farvman

April 10th, 2012
12:08 pm

“So tired of the “Its a long season” comments after early season losses”

I’ve always been amused by the mindset that believes early season losses are not as important as late season losses as a team fights to win a playoff spot. Somebody please explain why a bad run in April somehow has little bearing on a team fighting for its life in late September?
******************
They can’t since it does….

• Link
• Report this comment

This team started going down hill the day they let Omar Infante go.

• Link
• Report this comment

J-MAN @12:04…..”0-4 start to perhaps the 2 WORST TEAM in the entire MLB”
Hey man, the Mets are in 1st place in the NLEast, and the Astros are in 2nd in their div. haha

• Link
• Report this comment

David,

This team is not 0-4. It must go back to last season’s collapse where they went 9 and 18 in 27 games played in September to crater a 10.5 game lead in the wildcard. Throw that shameful performance into the mix and the brutal truth (pure facts) is that this team is 9 and 22 over their last 31 games. It is a fair point because relatively little of the team changed since last season.

The comments from the players reveal that the team is collectively tired of answering the “last year” questions. Well, there is a sure-fire cure for those blues — win some games! The obsessive and often brutally rude media in New York would be asking those questions repeatedly regardless of how the players acted, and some of those reporters would ask the same questions over and over merely to incite anger and and heartache. I’m glad the Atlanta media do not, but our players should appreciate the difference!

This is also why Skip Caray deserves to be in the hall of fame with the Ford Fricke award. All those hapless Braves teams of the 1980’s, Skip Caray’s wit and charm combined with blunt honesty to encourage Braves fans to tune in night after night to see the team play regardless. When the losing turned to big time winning, that same broadcast team (sans Ernie Johnson, Sr.) made it all the more enjoyable. Our broadcasters today don’t even have that working for us!

I’ve been a full on loyal Braves fan for well over 35 years now. I remember when you could literally buy a ticket day of the game, while being played, and have your choice of moving down to the bench seats and the ushers wouldn’t even stop you as it made the place look fuller, and the fans sound louder having whom was there closer to the TV mics! The prime difference now is that in our “rules are rules” obsessed society, there could be fewer than 5,000 total at a game and the ushers would still stiff arm anyone without the right ticket!

You walk a tightrope, David, of which I don’t envy. Tell the brutal truth about this situation and you risk alienating the team who need to retain access to. Hold back even the smallest elements of criticism and you have bloggers who call you a cheap hack. A tightrope indeed! The truth is we see what you see and your column herein told the brutal truth about as hard as you ever could. Those of us who love this team and love baseball are truly forlorn.

What our logical side told us has turned true. What our optimistic side tried to convince us could happen has already wilted long before the summer heat of August. The Braves of 2012 are frankly not a good team. Great individual pieces, but not a good team.

• Link
• Report this comment

That Guillen is a real piece of work….

What an idiot.

• Link
• Report this comment

No Trade, because we dont want to trade our future away and get some high priced player that we wont be able to sign in the off-season. if the current players arent producing by the end of this month, bring the young guys up and see what they can do. Cant hurt if we are still this bad…

• Link
• Report this comment

Back in the eighties again………………

I really, really don’t like the bumbling ‘cisco wearing his hat cockeyed the way he does.

• Link
• Report this comment

I really dig the communist party of Cuba!! Yeah man! Fidel Castro is my hero!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Both the Giants and Phillies are only 1-3 so what is the big deal? The season is so dm long, this wont matter in about a month. If FG goes 0-20, then I would fire him,but right now his hitters all look like 8 Pee Wee Hermans at bat. Not FG’s fault

• Link
• Report this comment

I see more hustle & enthusiasm from the Mississippi Braves !

• Link
• Report this comment

Last night Fredi and I sat down and did a complete evaluation of our team. We concluded, just like we did late last year, that there is no need to make any changes.

After diligently devoting a full 10 minutes on that exercise, we went our and partied all night in Houston town!! Yeeeee Hah Baby!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

@ stallings, good post, I disagree with “great” individual pieces. Frankly, this tem has some talent but some AAAA starters.

as for ozzie, read a little about batista and the regime before castro…but given the entire situation in s. Fla., he truly is an idiot.

• Link
• Report this comment

I have a question for everybody. Even if the Braves do manage to win a few games, do you HONESTLY think this group of players can step up and compete in ANY type of playoff chase? No, of course not. We all saw what happened last year when the PRESSURE was applied. Now the pressure is on again and they ARE responding in exactly the same way.

• Link
• Report this comment

I truly envy those fans who remain positive that the Braves can turn things around. I would imagine that you all are generally happier people than the rest of us. i simply cannot share much optimism at this point.

The Braves have been trending downward for many years. In the early to mid 90s, the Braves appeared in four World Series and won it all in 1995. From 1997-2001, the team had mixed results in the playoffs with one World Series appearance. From 2002-2005, the Braves reached the playoffs but could not even win one divisional series. From 2006-2009, the Braves failed to reach the playoffs. They made a brief resurgence in 2010-2011, but I fear that it was the final gasp from a decaying franchise. The Braves are like a sinking ship that has made its last attempt to stay afloat, and now it is headed straight for the bottom.

I hope I am wrong.

• Link
• Report this comment