Braves’ losing skid reaches 8, and Monday record is 0-8
The Braves have an eight-game losing skid and an 0-8 record on Mondays after another ugly loss on Memorial Day, but it’s too early to say they are behind the eight ball in terms of their seasonal goals.
It is, however, fair to say they aren’t providing reason for confidence among their many followers.
Starting pitcher Tommy Hanson was knocked out early and the Braves’ patchwork offense stayed punchless in an 8-2 series-opening loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday afternoon at Turner Field.
“We’ve got to do something to get this monkey off our back,” Hanson said after giving up six runs and eight hits in 3-1/3 innings.
The Braves fell to 7-19 without Chipper Jones in the lineup, compared to 19-5 when he starts. He’ll be on the disabled list at least until June 8.
“We’ve got to turn this thing around soon,” said catcher Brian McCann, who went 0-for-4 in his return to the lineup after missing six starts due to sickness. “We’ve got to swing the bats a little bit better, and play all phases of the games a little better.”
There were a significant number of Cardinals fans in an announced crowd of 42,426, and they were the only ones with much to get excited about after the third inning.
St. Louis scored four runs in the third and pushed its lead to 6-0 in the fourth as the Braves stumbled to their eighth consecutive defeat, their longest losing streak since a nine-game slide in April 2010.
“I think starting pitching sets the tone,” said manager Fredi Gonzalez, whose pitchers have one quality start in eight games.
After collecting five hits Monday, the Braves have batted .178 and totaled 20 runs in their eight-game skid, while their pitchers have allowed seven or more runs in each of the past four games.
The last time Atlanta pitchers gave up seven or more runs in four consecutive games was July 2008, when they did it in five straight.
In one week Atlanta dropped from first place with a 1-1/2 game lead in the NL East to tied for last with Philadelphia, four games behind leader Washington. After a 22-9 surge from April 10 to May 13, the Braves have gone 4-11 while hitting .224 and posting a 4.28 ERA.
Despite some sloppy play, particularly the past few days, Gonzalez said his team remained committed and determined to right the ship. What will it take?
“Good pitching, timely hitting, scoring some runs like we had been doing early on in the season,” he said. “Right now we’re not doing either of those two things, but the one thing we’re doing, you see our team playing hard… But two runs a game ain’t cutting it and giving up four or five is not doing it either.”
Hanson (5-4) needed 92 pitches (56 strikes) to record 10 outs, and the last of six runs charged to him scored after reliever Kris Medlen entered and continued his recent rough stretch.
The Braves have lost nine of their past 12 games at Turner Field and allowed seven or more runs in seven of those games. Hanson was asked if there was any added pressure on pitchers lately with the offense sputtering.
“Not in my situation,” he said. “I wanted to go out and give us a quality start and give our team a chance to win. I think today was more of my fastball command and my inability to make pitches when I needed to. I made them at times, but I wasn’t consistently making the pitches I needed to make against a good offensive team like the Cardinals.”
Injuries and illness may have contributed to the Braves’ losing skid, but not the perplexing 0-8 record on Monday. While no one has suggested it’s anything but coincidence, the Braves have struggled mightily on Mondays, even when the team was otherwise playing well.
They have totaled a meager 14 runs in eight Monday games.
Cardinals pitcher Lance Lynn (8-1) had eight strikeouts in seven innings (five hits, two runs) to avenge his only loss, a May 13 defeat at the hands of the Braves and Hanson in St. Louis. Like Hanson, Lynn has done his best work in road games – he’s 5-0 with a 2.04 ERA in six road starts.
Hanson is 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA in four home starts, and 4-2 with a 2.41 ERA in seven road starts. He hasn’t made it out of the fourth inning of either of his two May starts at Turner Field.
He worked out of bases-loaded, no-out jam in a 30-pitch first inning, and used two strikeouts to get out of the second inning unscathed after Tyler Greene’s one-out triple.
But he couldn’t escape another mess in the fourth. With two on and one out, Hanson and backup first baseman Eric Hinske nearly collided going for a Matt Adams groundball. Hinske had to alter his throw to first base and Adams was safe.
With bases loaded, Hanson and McCann got their signals crossed on a passed ball to let in the first run. (McCann expected a fastball, Hanson threw a curve.) Yadier Molina’s two-out single pushed the lead to 2-0, and Daniel Descalso’s two-run homer made it 4-0.
Ex-Brave Rafael Furcal added a solo homer with one out in the fourth inning, and Hanson was replaced after walking the next two batters, with an errant pickoff throw also in the mix.
“Today was one of them days where we battled, but they beat us in every facet of the game,” center fielder Michael Bourn said. “So we’ve got to find a way to turn it around and try to play better tomorrow. We just need one game to really get us going back on track again.”
The Braves again played without first baseman Freddie Freeman, who’s dealing with blurry vision from a dry-eye condition that will no longer permit him to wear contacts, and Chipper Jones, who’s on the disabled list recovering from a severe lower-leg contusion.
“We need our guys to get healthy and to be out there, but there’s nothing we can do about it right now,” Hanson said. “We’ve got to work with what we’ve got. And we’ve got to compete. A lot of our loss today was my inability to go out there and compete and give us a chance to win. Giving up six runs in three innings when we’re not playing well isn’t going to get the job done. I took a lot of the blame today. We’ve got to do a better job of competing and trying to win these games.”
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160 comments Add your comment
Dan Struggla
May 28th, 2012
4:28 pm
We’re doomed!!!!
john1010
May 28th, 2012
4:32 pm
Yikes. We’ve fallen and can’t seem to get up. We will be sellers at the break. Go young, Atlanta. Bourne and Uggla are obvious trade bait, as much as I respect them both.
North Ga Braves Fan
May 28th, 2012
4:33 pm
The Braves, whether we like it or not, are a very bad team right now. can’t pitch, can’t hit, fielding is poor. Will it last? I don’t think so but you never know. all these people who keep saying these games aren’t important as the ones at the end of the year are only kidding themselves. Last time I looked they count em all. if this continues much longer it will be tough to dig out of this hole.
Ryan
May 28th, 2012
4:34 pm
Did anyone else see the horrible lazy playing of Jason Heyward? He not only slowly ran to the wall to get a grounder to the fence, but once he got there he lazily threw the ball over the cut-off man while allowing the Cardinals runner to score.
Fredi Will Screw It Up Somehow
May 28th, 2012
4:36 pm
Where are all the high school dropouts who said this team will be alright? The idiots who said thie staff is great and to stop being mean to Fredi the Dumbass? Should be blame Cincy’s ballpark for this one too?
LMAO
Ed
May 28th, 2012
4:36 pm
You know who we could actually use and wouldnt cost much? Jeffy. He’s actually hitting pretty well this year, his defense is outstanding, he never gets hurt and plays every day, and he already knows the team dynamic. Put him back in right, move Heyward to left, and make Prado the everyday 3rd baseman. Its a win-win.
BRING BACK JEFFY.
Stumpknocker
May 28th, 2012
4:37 pm
Hayward is a cancer to this team. Bundle him and a young pitcher for a good outfield replacement.
Fredi Will Screw It Up Somehow
May 28th, 2012
4:40 pm
“McCann went 0-for-4, flying out just in front of the left-field warning track in his third at-bat and grounding into an inning-ending double play in his final at-bat in the eighth inning.”
Isn’t this the guy you all said would save the day? Overpaid, over rated sack of…
rc35
May 28th, 2012
4:40 pm
I have nothing to contribute, but I just have to say, AAAARRRRGGGGHHH!
Thanks. I don’t really feel better, but at least I don’t feel any worse.
Bravissimo
May 28th, 2012
4:44 pm
Dear DOB…alas the Braves arent playin so hot right now(tell me something new).
Have u listened to the latest John Mayer cd and do u have any thoughts on your ajc’s food guys article on cooking spare ribs?
smallmouth6
May 28th, 2012
4:45 pm
Bring up Constanza and a couple of others performing well at AAA. Time to let some of the bench guys go. Not naming names like some of the third graders on this site, but there is hungry talent down one level that deserves a shot at the big leagues. 0-8 after beating some of the best teams in the game while on the road now this. It is time to panic.
double
May 28th, 2012
4:45 pm
Jason Wayward and a week full of mondays.This player moves like dead lice(Heyward).Errors & Excuses & Doubt.Waste of time to watch.Fork time.
TP
May 28th, 2012
4:45 pm
How many years ago did the Braves say Furcal was washed up or was it, he’s too expensive. He’s batting 340 and who plays SS for the braves….
shorty
May 28th, 2012
4:47 pm
It’s either so long Fredi or byebye2012…Fredi G. is no more than a base coach at best….he does not belong in the Atlanta dugout! Give him his walking papers or the downward spiral continues.
Mark in ATL
May 28th, 2012
4:47 pm
Just got home from the game…there were as many Cards fans there as Braves fans….Cards red everywhere in the stadium…at least a soldier got to surprise his family on the field by coming home without them knowing until he ran into their arms…that was by and away the best thing that happened today
SRF
May 28th, 2012
4:48 pm
I cannot believe that this is a Major League roster…
Sadden Braves Fan
May 28th, 2012
4:51 pm
There is no one in our lineup that should scare any opponents. Mediocre team at best.
KingSlayer2012
May 28th, 2012
4:52 pm
Screw it, let’s go for the losing streak record. Then at least SOMETHING will be memorable about this year. The modern record is 23 — can we do it, guys? Keep Cheddar in as skipper and we’ll find out!
JWOOD
May 28th, 2012
4:54 pm
This is beginning to look like that worst case scenario that Fredi needed to avoid to keep his job. He was on thin ice and a first to worst stretch doesn’t help ease fears. The players are languishing right now.
WTF
May 28th, 2012
4:54 pm
It isn’t a major league roster. It isn’t a major league manager. It isn’t a major league GM. It isn’t a major league owner.
This isn’t a major league anything. They all s-u-c-k. And what’s the franchise record for consecutive losses? If they we’re the only thing on TV today, who would watch? And going down there to over pay for beer and really bad food? No way.
Na na na na…na na na na na…hey ay ay….GOODBYE!
Myke hawk
May 28th, 2012
4:55 pm
Call up simmons
clowns are wearing braves uniforms
May 28th, 2012
4:56 pm
time to fire Fredi “retarded” Gonzalez he always look like scared with diarrea include….
CHIPPER FOR PLAYER-MANAGER
time to call up Constanza and recall Jurrjens
time do release Francisco, Wilson, Durbin and search 2 good IF back ups and a RH reliever who have a brain in his head
RealTalk
May 28th, 2012
4:56 pm
Thinking it might be time for Fredi to hit the road.
wallypip
May 28th, 2012
4:57 pm
I’m trying to find glimmer of hope in this slow-motion train wreck. One thing is clear to me now, and that’s that Fredi lacks the skill or cajones to snap this team out of a funk. He couldn’t do it in September and he’s not doing it now. The Braves need a manager with some edge and Fredi is a marshallow.
I’m also generally fed up with McCann’s lameness. Even before he got his tummy ache he was playing marginal baseball. Now that teams are employing the shift, he’s a nonfactor. I’d trade him and bring up the youngster. I know this is heresy to Georgiaphiles, but he’s peaked, and this team needs some real intensity, not marshmallows who’ve taken on the personality of their manager.
Heywood is also not worth investing much more in. He has a major league body but he’ll never have a major league swing. The only Braves who are playing with any grit are Prado and Bourne. Uggla ain’t seeing any pitches because the guys behind him are soft. Freeman might not be able to see for a while. Time to blow this team up. They’re done for this year, and the silver lining is that this pathetic capitulation will rid us of Fredi and he can go live in a van down by the river.
thomas smith
May 28th, 2012
4:58 pm
freddi needs to go.when they start loosing he cannot motivate them to win.when our pitchers throw a obvious strike and the ump calls it a ball fredi looks dumbfounded in the dugout.at least bobby would scream at the umps on bad calls.he looks like he dont care.i would get teheran up and send minor down.he could not do worse.
Is It OK To Boo Now, Mr. Moylan?
May 28th, 2012
4:59 pm
DOB – you say it’s far too early for the Braves to give up on their goals. What exactly were their goals? From the looks of the lack of intesnity and leadership, it certainly wasn’t to win a championship.
But if it was just to show up and get paid to play mediocre baseball – then they are well on their way to achieving their goals!
Brandon
May 28th, 2012
4:59 pm
I’m not going to bash or defend Fredi, but if you really look at it, no manager could win with the team that Fredi is playing with right now. No offense, no rotation, no defense, and no bullpen.
I still expect things to turn around, but hard to win when the team is playing like this
Ranger
May 28th, 2012
5:04 pm
This team still has no heart.
The only good thing about not getting any hits and striking out a lot is that it cuts down on the GIDP.
Every other team deals with injuries—I believe the Nats are witour two thirds of their outfield, their starting catcher, their closer, but they play day to day hard baseball, they do what needs to be done.First to Worst in a week
KingSlayer2012
May 28th, 2012
5:05 pm
Let’s sign Vladimir Guerrero and put him in left field. We need a BAT.
KingSlayer2012
May 28th, 2012
5:07 pm
Someone mentioned bringing JJ back up but I heard he’s doing horribly in the minor leagues. I think they should sign Oswalt and hope to get at least half a season out of him.
NickB
May 28th, 2012
5:08 pm
I think it’s funny how quickly you idiots turn on your team. you aren’t fans, you are spoiled children who cry when you don’t get your way. it’s pathetic and you should all be ashamed of yourselves.
I think many of you are racists too as i don’t see you blaming everyone else who isn’t hitting, nope just heyward…..pitiful angry little hillbillies
fire fredi though
Ranger
May 28th, 2012
5:09 pm
What is the scoop with the Aussie–Moyern? Heard JJ had a decent outting
Tommy
May 28th, 2012
5:10 pm
When is starting pitchers going to realize that they are paid to throw strikes?
Larry
May 28th, 2012
5:13 pm
Leave it to an idiot to bring out the race card when clearly everyone is on McCann, Gonzalez, Hanson, Uggla, Hinske, Diaz, Pastornicky, ect,…not just heyward.
NickB, lof off, idiot.
NickB
May 28th, 2012
5:14 pm
Just to show some of you know nothings what a silly idea getting rid of Heyward is, right now he is the 3rd most productive player on the team with 1.5 WAR. His fielding and baserunning are as valuable as his bat. The only players with more value at this point are Bourn and Prado.
But since most of you either think WAR is made by the devil or are too ignorant to understand it, I’m sure you will just spout loud retarded redneck anthems about how “them tharr stats ain’t worht a crap , themz madeup by nerdy people and I don’t understand it so I wanna shoot eet in the face”
This is why you people are the laughing stock of braves country. Ignorance, learn baseball, learn the new stats, learn what the crap you are talking about. you sound like flat earthers
Bama Mike
May 28th, 2012
5:16 pm
Team just looks like they are pressing and not having fun.. How did that 42 million 3 year deal work out with Chipper Frank? Brings back memories of Baltimore. I admit I am just mad and throwing things hoping they will stick. Fire Fredi Frank and McGirk release Chipper as well.
alanfalcon
May 28th, 2012
5:16 pm
Freddie is still trying to cover up bad play, pitching, fielding and hitting, is there anyway for some one in this organization to stand up and take charge or is it a loss cause ????????????????????
74bravesjersey
May 28th, 2012
5:17 pm
I guess there is more to life than hoping for a team to turn it around. Kinda gettin’ use to this I guess. A lithargic countenance has overwhelmed me, like can’t worry about somethin’ I can’t change. I believe alot of us get on here postin’ to say somethin’ that might, just might get others to respond, or think about somethin’ that might ignite Braves Country, but then who am i kiddin’? Only myself & I’ve done that most of my life. Many others get on here & things said helps me through the day, Thanks DOB, Carroll,beat staff.
Bill M.
May 28th, 2012
5:18 pm
I’m for trading Bourn, McCann & Uggla if possible and anyone else. It’s time for Fredi G. to hit the road. He’s a good guy but he’s completely lost. This team is dead, no life at all. Needs a complete shakeup. Get rid of McDowell while they are doing it. Before McCann got sick he was worthless. I hope the Braves aren’t stupid and give him 15m. I don’t know what’s wrong with Heyard but hate to give up on him at a young age.
john
May 28th, 2012
5:20 pm
don/t give up . chipper will return some day then you can cry for sure
Tommy
May 28th, 2012
5:21 pm
@Larry It is not just Heyward. It is mainly the starting pitching. They cannot throw a strike. The offense is constucted for Mccann, Freeman and Uggla to do it. What are they doing? Answer:NOTHING. If Heyward had more opportunity he might do better.
Let's Go
May 28th, 2012
5:22 pm
Come tomorrow, next week,next month, & next year I’ll still be pulling for the Braves to win no matter what but today they looked like a beaten bunch of guys who may have given up. If Fredi Gonzalez still has control of this team then he better get the matches out and start lighting a fire because this could get late 80’s ugly real quick. If Fredi has lost the team then Frank Wren better get hot and get another manager in place while there is still hope.
KingSlayer2012
May 28th, 2012
5:22 pm
No way, can’t trade Bourne, he’s one of the few decent base runners and a solid center fielder. I think the current roster can actually win, it’s the coaching staff that needs to go. Cheddar Gonzalez and that redneck McDowell need to go work at a sewage treatment plant, and let’s entice LaRussa out of retirement …. how’s $64 million for 3/4 of a season sound, Tony? I’m 100% serious.
Tommy
May 28th, 2012
5:24 pm
@74bravesjersey Relax my friend. I think alot of their problem is they are trying too hard to come out of this. Why dont you come over and have some Saki with me?
74bravesjersey
May 28th, 2012
5:25 pm
I feel like in Forrest Gump w/ a crowd of followers running behind him tryin’ to find purpose in life, & they were hoping he would lead them to that place. Yet out of the blue, he was tired, said he’s going home, yet the crowd was astonished, hearin’ the one guy sayin’ what we do now? The Braves was our forrest gump, & he’s tired already.
74bravesjersey
May 28th, 2012
5:26 pm
Love some Saki Tommy, Love some.
Tomglavine
May 28th, 2012
5:28 pm
Amazes me the number of folks blaming Heyward and calling him lazy. I am disappointed in his batting avg but the kid isnt lazy and people who watch braves games can clearly watch the effort this kid gives running the base to dispel that notion. Also, he has 3 of the best defensive plays of the year for the braves.
74bravesjersey
May 28th, 2012
5:29 pm
Tommy, excuse my ignorance my friend, educate me on saki & is it of the asian culture that you abode you’re background from?
Tommy
May 28th, 2012
5:30 pm
@74bravesjersey Got sushi, Saki. and go get Geisha girl. Would that make you calm down and relax?
usnavyvolfaninva
May 28th, 2012
5:34 pm
What a bunch of whiny, petulant children… Where the hell were you 10 days ago when this team was in first place and up by 2 games? Yeah, I’m just as p!$$ed off as everyone else here that this team’s lost 8 in a row, but they still have a winning record, they’re still at worst 3 games out, and May’s not even over yet. I never see a single post from any of you losers when things are going well, but when a losing streak comes along, you come out of the woodworks ready to pounce on everybody, fire this guy, fire that guy, trade that guy, blah, blah, blah…. and of all the days to b!tch about a baseball team! REally, some of you all need to get some perspective. Either follow this team, or don’t, I really don’t care. But don’t you sit there, hiding under your keyboard, waiting for this team to falter, and THEN and ONLY THEN type out your childish rants! GEEZZZ!!!!
Tommy
May 28th, 2012
5:35 pm
@74brave jersey Saki is Asian wine. It is served hot . Like tea. Sushi is cold fish.If you are asking if I am asian> The answer is Yes. I was born in Pousan,South Korea. My father is Korean. My mother is French. I speak all 3 languages fluently. Does that answer your question?
Snake Doc
May 28th, 2012
5:36 pm
Can’t say I’m surprised, cant say I’m shocked. Will say that on one hand this sucks, and on the other hand its not surprising.
But don’t fret yet. as soon as Chipper gets back the Braves will be on the way to the world series.
Let's Go
May 28th, 2012
5:38 pm
As far as Jason Heyward goes, people need to just lay off and let him play baseball. It’s not his fault that the media, particularly the Atlanta media, made him the second coming of Henry Aaron before he had ever played a game. He has never asked to be put on a pedestal but from day 1 when some idiot had the idea to have Aaron throw the first pitch to him the media has pretended he is more than he is. Just let him play and you know what he may never be a superstar but he could be a decent player that contributes and sticks around for many years kinda like the player Jeff Francoeur has become.
PMC
May 28th, 2012
5:39 pm
I’ve heard of Christmas in July but never a September June.
Seriously, if they would just do little things, like JC Boscan not swinging at an 0-2 ball from Stephen Strasburg with runners on, that would help.
Generally pros make the game look easy, right now the Braves are making it look really really really difficult.
wallypip
May 28th, 2012
5:40 pm
Don’t trade Bourne. Sign him longterm. He’s going to be good for a long time. They won’t have Chipper on the books next year, nor Lowe’s $7 million. They can get some players. But I wouldn’t resign McCann and I’d trade Diaz for an othalmologist to treat Freeman and a proctologist to help Fredi get his head out of his hiney.
tired of the Atl
May 28th, 2012
5:41 pm
Nick B,
C’mon man, WAR? In year three he should be a middle of the lineup hitter, hitting for power and driving in runs. He’s regularly hitting seventh. He has 6 homeruns and 23 RBI in 185 plate appearances. Full season: 18HR and 70RBI. Below avg. for a power position. Worse, he’s hitting .202 in May. He has a decent avg with runners in scoring position but a terrible avg. RISPw/ 2outs (3 for 19)
PMC
May 28th, 2012
5:41 pm
It’s the Braves fault that Jason Heyward was so lauded, because honestly who else do they sell?
They had to do something to sell tickets, for about 2 months Jason Heyward was box office gold. What do you do, they are trying, but seriously, people just aren’t that into going to the games here.
74bravesjersey
May 28th, 2012
5:43 pm
I’m just a simple minded man trodding in this adventure of life, wanderin’ what lies around the next corner that I may trod to(no this doesn’t make since) not a whole lot. Just basically tryin’ to live. But I know this is for the Braves. I think I’ve toned down the hopes I had cause’ I ain’t got a clue. Tommy shed some of you’re wisdom my way bud, anyone else feel free as well. Always open for learnin’.
PMC
May 28th, 2012
5:43 pm
This is really not that big a deal. The team is built to be streaky without everyone healthy. We all knew this before the season. They will get hot again and then cool again and then get hot again. That’s just the team we have, it’s the baseball that we have now.
Tommy
May 28th, 2012
5:50 pm
@74bravesjersey I dont know what to say to help you? Did you understand everything in my answer? What else do you want to know? Mili Cu Tiki so ye. Does that help?
Rico can hit
May 28th, 2012
5:50 pm
Let’s go Braves!!
blairjoyfulsound
May 28th, 2012
5:57 pm
We’re better than this. I like our team. However, they need to cut this out right now!
74bravesjersey
May 28th, 2012
5:59 pm
See, my ignorance tells on me as usual, but when you first mentioned saki, I remember the doseki’s beer commercial w/ the worlds most interesting man at the end sayin’ stay thirsty my friends. Bud, Thanks for exhorting me to ease up, take it(life) all as it comes. Very good wisdom my friend. I’m really composed right now, at ease but tired. I’m at work right now pullin’ 13hr. shift, getting in 40hrs. or so in 3 days on weekend crew. but off Tuesday – Friday. No computer @ home,so just bein’ able to catch the blog while when i can at work(breaks,lunch & stuff).
Ron Roberts
May 28th, 2012
6:00 pm
The $7.5 million Roy Oswalt asking price fits pretty nicely with what the Braves have squirreled away “if needed” this season, I think.
Hanson’s been nothing more than an enigma the past two seasons, though; maybe too much was expected of him (he WAS lights-out in the minors and AFL campaigns); but remember, we’d heard scouts say, all along, that his unorthodox delivery was going to cost him in longevity, and we might (doubt it, but might) be looking at it already. Personally, any change he made IN that unorthodox delivery, I don’t see it anymore.
I know Medlen’s been rocked around a bit, but let’s also remember when John Smoltz came back from Tommy John surgery, he lobbied to be a starter instead of going back to the bullpen, because he said it was better for his recovery and effectiveness, too. Why Minor or Delgado over Medlen, at this point?
Fredi doesn’t use the bullpen correctly, and yeah, that’s easy for us to say, but it seems so patently obvious this year. Trotting out Durbin early in the year when he clearly hadn’t his sea legs under him, now doesn’t use him except in mop-up duty, and he’s run off, what, seven appearances in a row without giving up a run? Livan looked CLEARLY uninterested in being on the bump last night, and got shelled as a result. McDowell doesn’t seem to realize the league’s adjusted to O’Flaherty and Venters and needs to get THEM, in turn, to adjust TO that adjustment.
The McCann flu, the Chipper DL stint, even Freeman’s eye issues … would be worrisome in an of themselves, but our pitching has let us down BIG time. No reason, on paper, this squad should be dropping eight straight, ever, and that falls on coaching.
Fredi can’t even stick to his own word about where he’s going to play Prado. He said he wasn’t going to bounce him back and forth, and what’s he done since saying that? Bounced Martin from LF to 3B and back and forth. Matt Diaz is a capable fill-in starter and usually puts the ball in play. Juan Francisco’s on a bit of a tear, but doesn’t get consistent play. STICK WITH ONE OF THEM, Fredi, and put Martin in the other spot. Sheesh. Doing that DEEPENS the bench we hear so “woefully” about.
Time for our two-headed batting coach to spend some extra time with Jason Heyward, too. It’s his third season; time for him to step up and be “the man” when the McCann’s, Freeman’s and C. Jones’ go down. Andru Jones took this team upon his heaping shoulders when we needed him; where’s ‘”the next Willie Mays” now?
Tommy
May 28th, 2012
6:07 pm
@74bravesjersey Have no idea where you are? But when you get off come on over and have a saki. I will even introduce you to Geisha girl. Maybe you relax then. I get the impression that you are older than me. So why should I be giving you wisdom? I am a college sophomore. That should tell you my age.What else do you want to know about me. THere is really nothing to tell.
74bravesjersey
May 28th, 2012
6:08 pm
Hey Tommy, it did, Thanks man. I gotta long way to go, short time to get there. Sounds good. This crazy ScottIrishman hails from here, probably have relatives in Ireland that I don’t even know.
Glenn
May 28th, 2012
6:08 pm
Starting to look very similer to last Sep. No communication, every one trying to do too much and not getting anything done. Pasternicky scares me to death every time the ball is hit his way. He wants it to be a highlight on ESPN. The whole team seems very flat rt now.
Larry
May 28th, 2012
6:08 pm
LOL at NickB bragging about Heyward’s 1.5 WAR!
Most regular position players will accumulate 3-5 WAR over a season. A legitimate All-Star-caliber player may have over 7 WAR. Over 10 WAR is a strong MVP candidate, while over 15 WAR is a “one-for-the-ages” season. On the flip side, a player with -1 WARP or less is probably in danger of disappearing from baseball.
NorCal Brave
May 28th, 2012
6:10 pm
The Braves’ offense is just the same one we’ve come to know and loathe for years, magnified by a pitching staff that is no longer intimidating.
74bravesjersey
May 28th, 2012
6:12 pm
You hit the nail on the head, I’m quite older than you, have a wife, 4 kids,one young adult, 2 teens, one elementary 8yr. old. But they are the love of my life, & a Die-Hard Braves fan to boot.
64 year Braves fan
May 28th, 2012
6:13 pm
Just completed the worst week of baseball in Braves history. Drastic action required. Fire Gonzalez
(he is in over his head. Release: Hernandez, Durbin, Hinske, & Wilson. Send to Minors: Heyward & Minor.
From Minors: Simmons, Gearin, Redmond, Teheran,Durango. Might as well lose with youngsters.
At the trade deadline: Trade Hudson, McCann, Bourne, & Uggla if possible. Get as much “young,fast”
talent as you can from trading partners. Promote Pendelton to interim manager.
Tommy
May 28th, 2012
6:14 pm
@74bravesjersey I am not in Korea now.
74bravesjersey
May 28th, 2012
6:14 pm
Hey gotta run’ everybody, happy Memorial, best to everyone here.
MR
May 28th, 2012
6:15 pm
McCann should be traded, A team that relies so much on a catcher to drive in runs is a luxury the Braves/Liberty cannot afford. Oh yeah, dump Frank and Fedi. Dump Frank on a side street in East Point.
Larry
May 28th, 2012
6:20 pm
Tommy and 74bravesjersey,
Could you guys go get a room?
Geez!
74bravesjersey
May 28th, 2012
6:21 pm
Real quick, soon as Gattis gets well call him up, flande(LH reliever)as well, & vavarroe(reliever that was up last year). I thought he did ok. Selah. Somebody tell DOB, jj,ralph I’m sorry, help me to repair the Bridge back again. Selah!Happy Memorial.
Tommy
May 28th, 2012
6:21 pm
I have to go, Have company. May God be with you! Have peace!! Sayonara everyone!! Go Braves!!!!
No. 1 Braves Fan
May 28th, 2012
6:22 pm
To all who are upset with the Braves: Nothing you say on these blogs will help them win a single game. Take a break. Go on time out for a week then check the standings. The streak will be over. You will feel a lot better.
74bravesjersey
May 28th, 2012
6:22 pm
Dang! my bad Larry, have a good one.
Tommy
May 28th, 2012
6:22 pm
Shi Hu Larry!!
74bravesjersey
May 28th, 2012
6:25 pm
Oh, still see if there’s a shot at Terry francona, if not, TP will have to do. Just a thought.
wallypip
May 28th, 2012
6:31 pm
It’s sake, not saki, for Pete’s sake.
Tommy
May 28th, 2012
6:36 pm
@wally pip Thats the american pronounciation. Not asian. Miki lao su.
bob
May 28th, 2012
6:38 pm
For what it is worth:
Players should win games.
Managers should stop losing streaks.
Freddi is too much like Cox with his belief that in the long run all will be OK.
No Braves team should have an 8 game losing streak.
alex
May 28th, 2012
6:42 pm
Francona or Larusso (sp?), Fg isn’t MLB, Many injuries for a ,at best, pretty good team. Cannot compete with current lineup… Well, cheap tickets are an excellent benefit, thanks FW !!
lee
May 28th, 2012
6:43 pm
hey schultz/bradley, yes you 2 are interchangable. remember when you were both laughing at the Miami Marlins for spending all that money on free agents while the wise Atlanta Braves were standing pat? who’s laughing now?
Mike
May 28th, 2012
6:50 pm
Is it September already?!
Thadsdad
May 28th, 2012
6:56 pm
Somene explain this to me – what the heck has Fredi ever done as a manager? His first managerial job in Miami was a disaster and his desire to emulate Cox and refuse to rip anyone and maintain this nonsensical posture of patience is more than annoying. He has to go, especially after allowing players like Heyward to lollygag in right field without being disciplined. While he’s leaving town he absolutely has to drag McDowell along with him. The sign of a braindead coach is one who is incapable of pulling a player out of a funk. The Braves pitching staff has become a pitching machine for the past two weeks, and McDowell is completely at a loss for straightening even one of them out. I’ll bet he can show them how to administer a mean hot foot, though.
baseball nut
May 28th, 2012
6:58 pm
What a difference 21 years makes.
Now it’s “FIRST TO WORST”
fordcobra
May 28th, 2012
6:58 pm
Somebody needs a lightning bolt up their butt. It is going to take a major kick in the keester to jump start this team. Their heads are hanging they have no direction or leadership. Time for major shake-up that should of happened after the end of last season’s debacle.
JWOOD
May 28th, 2012
7:08 pm
The reason I don’t buy the injuries argument is the fact that the Nationals have experienced some injuries to key players and they haven’t faltered. They kept playing like nothing was wrong. If we need Chipper on the field to win (that is, if he is the de facto leader that gets the players’ energy up), then why do we need Fredi?
blackdog
May 28th, 2012
7:10 pm
PITIFULL-stick a fork in ‘em
baseball nut
May 28th, 2012
7:35 pm
Wow, who is calling the pitches?
Don’t we know anything about the opposing hitters weakness.
The TV announcers know more that the manager or coaches on the bench.
Please tell someone!
Robert ( chi-town)
May 28th, 2012
7:37 pm
Boy who os worse the hometown Cubs or the Braves? Will we ever see Kimbrel pitch again?
cornjolio
May 28th, 2012
7:38 pm
Jason Heyward is another over-hyped Braves’ prospect that is a BUST or unable to blossom in Atlanta!
Brad Komminsk. Andres Thomas. Mike Kelly. Tony Tarasco. Andy Marte. Bruce Chen. Kyle Davies. Jeff Francouer. Yunel Escobar. Jared Saltalamacchia.
cornjolio
May 28th, 2012
7:40 pm
If McCann is signed to a longterm deal, his contract & Uggla’s will doom the Braves to another decade of mediocrity.
TOMY FOURNIER
May 28th, 2012
7:41 pm
HELL TO ALL….ATLANTA STINK….NOT PITCHER,NOT HITTER,NOT MANAGER…AND OTHER LOST AND COUNTING…NOT WAY…CLAP,CLAP,CLAP YOUR HAND…TIP,TIP,TIP YOUR HAT..AYLANTAS TEAM IS A TRASHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! YES.
Nerdville
May 28th, 2012
7:46 pm
I tried to tell ya’ll not to get sucked in by the early success and that this team had major issues which were never addressed by Wren and company. Now those problems have surfaced. The result; the Braves are once again (as in Sept.) completely exposed.
least of the east
May 28th, 2012
8:09 pm
this is predictable. 3rd or 4th palce is likely ene result.
pitching, the supposed strong point, is quite bad.
Hudson, Beachy and hanson all didn’t do well.
only guy who might help soon is Todd Cunningham at AA.
what happened to the great scouting and player development ?
he’s probably still a career minor leaguer, but Cody Johnson has improved since yanks signed him. he’s hitting much higher wiht power , and cut down some on strikeouts at AA Trenton. why can’t Braves do anything for their prospects ? Milligan failed at AA and was sent back to A ball, but he’s 24 already !
what a mess all over !
Batter up
May 28th, 2012
8:18 pm
So where’s the guy on here that was calling me a ‘tard’ because I said that Heyward, Uggly and Freeman are minor league players at BEST. I also said the Braves would be in LAST PLACE where they belong. Any questions now?
Who Me?
May 28th, 2012
8:38 pm
Heyward is young and playing with zero integrity right now, which is a shame. His rookie season was a lot like Bryce Harper’s – a happy picture of a motivated baseball player. So – is Heyward just reflecting out what he feels about the team or is this what we should expect to see for the rest of the season??
Who Me?
May 28th, 2012
8:39 pm
BTW —- The Rev ain’t it. Something’s gotta give at the 6 hole….
Largo
May 28th, 2012
8:53 pm
What was it JS promised after last September’s melt down? I see no difference between then and now with regard to this team.
Wes Jorga
May 28th, 2012
8:55 pm
Bring up Simmons
Ricky
May 28th, 2012
9:02 pm
I think Liberty Media should sell the team to someone that is willing to put more of an effort towards winning a world series. We will not win with a mediocre squad like this one.
Rozeman13
May 28th, 2012
9:17 pm
As long as we have the Dogs, Jackets and the Falcons I really think the Braves and Hawks are just blog fodder. We know their owners could care less about winning, only tax breaks
95' Dreamin
May 28th, 2012
9:18 pm
Can somebody and I mean anybody tell me where Jordan Parraz might be right now. You know the guy who had a killer spring training but was forced to give way to goofy Matt Diaz. Wasn’t Diaz cut last year by the Pirates?? On what planet does a player released by the Pirates become good enough to play for the braves? Parraz is the better option and could possibly provide a spark (he couldn’t possibly be a worse MLB atbat than say a Juan Francisco, or Rev). I don’t even know if Parraz is still in our organization but I know who is and it’s a stable of yet again overrated young arms who in basic terms aren’t very good or nearly as good as advertised. Stop forcing the strong pitching angle down our throats cause it’s not true and quit with the “try hard” “god willing” attitude because just trying hard doesn’t win games better yet championships.
Player development in the braves org is THE most overrated single thing in sports. What exactly have the braves produced besides McCan and Kimbrel since Chip? I could go on forever but the fact of the matter is the ship could be righted and we could get back into this race. But a couple injuries down the road and we see how this club reacts to any adversity an that’s by sinking really really fast. The braves for years made Dan Fuggla look like Zeus but now he doesn’t have us to eat up on. Follow me for more braves bashing until the streak discontinues. @westonvarian #firefrediG
TOMY FOURNIER
May 28th, 2012
9:21 pm
NO BATTER UP…..YOU ARE UP!!!!
The Scout
May 28th, 2012
9:28 pm
The vaunted Braves’ scouting system was gutted years ago when Time Warner took over from Ted, and sold on to Liberty.
Its no wonder everyone from Schuerholz to Wren to the spin of Jim Powell & Chip Caray are trying to milk the success of the 1990s into something that it isn’t.
This is 2012 people. 1995 was 17 long years ago and the days of glory won’t be returning any time soon.The minor league system has over-hyped prospects at best. A team built around Heyward, McCann & Uggly is a team going nowhere.
Washington & St Louis & Tampa are teams to emulate.
cornjolio
May 28th, 2012
9:32 pm
Matt Diaz has photos of Fredi in the shower ! How else could a marginal player be starting in the major leagues?
95' Dreamin
May 28th, 2012
9:39 pm
@the scout well said. Jim Powell can eat one too. Dude just for here but acts as if he was along for the 90’s ride. And someone tell Lemke, Mazzone and crew that the 90’s braves vastly underachieved as well.
ACE
May 28th, 2012
9:40 pm
FG’s arm is tired from all the cap tipping he has been doing.
ACE
May 28th, 2012
9:43 pm
Time to do something. You can lose a season in May and the braves are well on their way to doing so.
tired of the Atl
May 28th, 2012
9:52 pm
I think the reality is this: Heyward is the Greg Oden of MLB. Too overhyped as a man-child playing inferior competition, then we find out his body cannot endure a full baseball season. I thought “Cliff Floyd” when he started, but he’s not going to last 10 seasons. Heyward’s body will break down and he will be out of baseball before he’s 30.
Uggla needs to be the man, that’s what hes getting paid for, but he’s too worried about tape measure homers and not making contact with the baseball. It’s what happens when a guy that should be a 20-homer second baseman bulks up trying to hit 40 homers.
stoky
May 28th, 2012
10:04 pm
Some times you just have to tip your hat to the opponent..
Jch
May 28th, 2012
10:09 pm
Tough stretch and tough set of circumstances…
Let’s see how they do in the first 10-15 games with everyone back before “going young” as someone suggested. You’ll have to admit, they were going pretty good until this stretch of bad luck…
Get ‘em all back and then see how they do.
However, pitching and Heyward are worrisome…
P.T. Barnum
May 28th, 2012
10:54 pm
It’s like I’ve always said “there’s one born every minute”. It’s good to know that you will all be coming back to the ballpark to watch another performance. It’s also good to know that both FG and FW have plenty of confidence in the ability of the pitching coach mcdowell. Job security is a great thing, depite the pitching staff. Haven’t heard a word yet from the writers about the failure of the pitching coach. After watching hanson, hinsky and mccann all mess up that dribble of a hit, you really got to wonder where moe, larry and curly got their material. Will someone please teach hanson to go either after a ball or cover a base and not stand there twirling around trying to figure out what to do. Has he ever covered firstbase, made a throw properly or fielded a grounder? The guy stands there like a stick figure. I coiuld use him in one of my shows. I know it’s only been 8 straight and the fans will figure that the funk has to end sometime..
reality
May 28th, 2012
11:19 pm
0-8 sucks, 22-9 was great. This team is somewhere in the middle. I don’t understand why the posters on here are so dramatic. This WILL even out, but the team will lose 60-70 games. That’s the way they are built – to compete, not to dominate. Doesn’t matter when the losses come, if its all in May or all in September.
fordcobra
May 28th, 2012
11:32 pm
Stoky@
8 straight times??????????
Brickhead OKelly
May 29th, 2012
12:13 am
Over 100 games left. As long as they can stay within 5 games of the lead going into Sept……Dont worry about it. This is Memorial Day. This stupid losing streak means NOTHING right now.
not a pitfching coach
May 29th, 2012
12:48 am
Meanwhile, something really good–spectacular, really–happened at Cool Ray Field. The Gwinnett Braves, after trailing the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs by a score of 8-0, staged a rally in the 7th inning to close the gap to 8-3.
Then in the bottom of the 9th, they scored six runs, with a walk-off 3-run homer by Lance Zawadzki, who only recently joined the team. Fireworks everywhere!
ren
May 29th, 2012
2:19 am
We have a good core foundation.
IowaBravesFan
May 29th, 2012
2:49 am
Here are the facts….Team is playing like crap. There are no excuses for the pitching, there are some excuses for batting. Something needs to be changed, I feel J-hey has been showing a lack of hustle and that Fredi makes very questionable calls. Fredi seems to have a crush on Durbin and Livian and he needs to get over it. If a relief pitcher is gonna come in and throw garbage I’d rather it be a young player with promise, than Either one of those losers. Team needs a leader beside Chipper. Cause he’s leavin. They need a boost, something to get their heads and hearts back in the game. Cause 8 losses in a row is not Atlanta Braves baseball. Overall team is in a good place, but flirting with disaster.
Keith
May 29th, 2012
6:14 am
And so the goes the ebb and flow of a 162-game season. This is a team that just swept the Cards and took 2/3 from the Rays.
I expect them to bounce back. Injuries have killed us.
GO BRAVES!
PA Brave
May 29th, 2012
6:45 am
FIRE FG NOW!
Charlie
May 29th, 2012
6:55 am
The Braves, before June 1st, are done. Toast. Finished. They can’t help it. They are who they are. This team has no clutch players. Their manager is a figurehead, who has no clue what to do…ever. Frank Wren is a laughing stock among baseball GM’s.
This team has no Jeter, Aaron, or even a 19999 version of Chipper Jones. It has no post-season Smoltz guy. These guys do choke. They press, and they panic. It’s who they are. That includes Brian McCann, Tim Hudson, all of them.
Fredi (for all his simple-minded good intentions) is not a leader of any sort. He can’t inspire. He doesn’t have it. He doesn’t have that sort of character. Fredi thinks that by saying positive things about the poor performances of his players, that that will turn things around. He takes “positives” to such an insane degree, that even the players know thai it’s “Fredi bullsh-t”. (Yesterday he praised Hudson’s last pitching performance, after Hudson gave up 7 earned runs. Hudson, and the rest of the world, knows that it was a spit-out performance. Even Fredi knows that. Say stuff like that, so completely idiotic, and your credibility goes right out the window. You hear Fredi’s voice, but after awhile it comes out “blah, blah, blah”. Fredi has zero credibility…none with fans, or even his even own players. It would be best for all, if he stepped down. He brings nothing to this team.
The players want to win, but they lack that clutch guy, who refuses to lose (like a Smoltz or Jeter). Martin wants to be that guy, but it takes more that work or will. Uggla wants to be that guy, but pressure to perform turns off his brain, a the plate and on the field.
This team couldn’t make the playoffs, with 10 wildcards available. They don’t have the mental make-up to do it.
They showed their worth in September of 2011. They have reverted back to that now.
They are who they are. They have no clutch leadership guys on he team. There is no leadership anywhere in this organization. From the top down, they cash their pay checks, and wait for September. Another September. It came a bit earlier this year.
BRAVES SUCK
May 29th, 2012
7:33 am
Braves are TRUELY. an EMARRESSMENT.
CRMAC300
May 29th, 2012
7:43 am
Tired of hearing about who is not in the line up. Tired of excuses. This really is the team that we saw last September. They fooled us for a couple of months! I live in the Tampa Bay, Florida area. The Rays have lost their two best players to injury and their closer has not pitched in a game yet. But, in the toughest division in the American League, they are in first place. Why? Because their manager will not allow them to make excuses. If there is a silver lining to this disaster, Fredi and Frank will soon be in the unemployment line.
Winchester
May 29th, 2012
7:43 am
It’s nice to be an eternal optimist, but being pragmatic in a world of realism better suites this situation. When an organization which is paid huge money to field a team of millionaires called professionals can’t get the job done, it is time to call a spade a spade.
Throw out health problems because other teams with health problems are winning. That being said, this team is a collective bunch of conspicuous players who do not pass the test of superior talent. It is put together by a conspicuous group of scouts, upper management, and field level management.
This team cannot even call home an advantage. This team gets beaten by opponenent’s pitchers hitting homeruns. This team gets beaten by traded players hitting homeruns. This team gets beaten by its own buy-back retreads. This team gets beaten by its own starting pitchers who don’t think that they pitched bad enough to lose. This team gets beaten by lack of heart.
This team picks up its millions after being swept in two consecutive series, provides slop for families to watch and pay for at Turner Field, wins a few but loses a lot, cannot manufacture runs on short ball even with the bases loaded but can load the bases on a consistent basis, and professes to “get after them tomorrow” in post game interviews.
This why the Atlanta Braves do not fill the stadium seats during important games and this is why we fans are not eternal optimists, but long suffering fans.
RBrave
May 29th, 2012
8:32 am
What do you mean Heyward isn’t lazy ? You play a ball in front of you and let a 19 year rookie take 2nd base and you can’t pick the damn thing up and throw it in ? Balls in the corner looks like he’s going for a Sunday walk, quit making excuses for him !! Freddi show have pulled him after Harper took second and sat his lazy A%& down !
Bobcat
May 29th, 2012
8:40 am
Does anyone know the HEIMLICH maneuver? If so, please administer to the Braves, THEY”RE CHOKING!!!!!!
Yogi
May 29th, 2012
8:48 am
What r the Braves going to do when Chipper retires next year? Seems to play better when he is in the line up.If the batters would try to go with the pitch rather than trying to pull everything. We could score some runs.Need to take some lessons from Borne and Prado..I thought the new batting coach was teaching he fundamentals of hitting.
Fredi needs to step it up if he wants to be coaching in Atlanta next year
Larry
May 29th, 2012
8:50 am
I blame the AJC. What kind of headline is “Another miserable Monday”? That’s just totally negative. Instead the headline should read “Braves Catch Phillies”!! It’s true AND it’s positive. Let’s lose all the negative waves around here and things will turn around.
Bobcat
May 29th, 2012
8:52 am
Much of what I see is the lack of “Heart” or emotion and that stems from Freddi G. I’ve watched FG during questionable calls and what few times he runs our to question a call (I use the term question, because there is no argument in FG) it appears he is more interested in the comfort of the umps instead of pleading his case. Chances are he will never win the argument, but he can protest the call and get the team motivated. Also, an early argument with the umps keeps them on their toes so they are not making calls while being out of position. And the latter is happening more frequently to the Braves.
The Alpha Male
May 29th, 2012
8:54 am
Batter Up….. calling you a ‘tard is an insult to ‘tards everywhere. The season is 162 games… far beyond your ability to count I know. Talk your moronic trash in September when it matters.
Wes
May 29th, 2012
8:55 am
Yeah, Fredi arguing with umpires is going to keep our pitchers from giving up bombs. Joe Torre never raised his voice and won how many championships? Lou Pinella went crazy all the time and he won how many?
Gene
May 29th, 2012
9:02 am
The present Braves’ team probably has more talent than the ‘ 91 team, that gave so much to the fans and the city. These guys are playing like they really want to be somewhere else. Fans should take that cue. As long as the team is making money, Liberty Media doesn’t care if they win or lose. Players have assumed the deer-in-the-headlights look of the manager. I spent $200 to attend two sorry performance, both of which were essentially over by the third inning.. I won’t be doing that again for a while. I am waiting for the Little League World Series to see some emotional baseball.
Bob Horner's Blonde Mullet
May 29th, 2012
9:06 am
The Heyward experiment has produced some conclusive results: he is a bust.
Tomahawk Chops: Daily Atlanta Braves News Clippings For Tuesday, May 29th | Augusta News | Augusta GA Local News
May 29th, 2012
9:10 am
[...] Braves’ losing skid reaches 8, and Monday record is 0-8 | Atlanta Braves"We’ve got to do something to get this monkey off our back," Hanson said after giving up six runs and eight hits in 3-1/3 innings. [...]
iopbrave
May 29th, 2012
9:36 am
Oh boy – the Bravos are painful to watch right now- this is like a bad Groundhog Day scenario- I hope they can turn it around quick- might be time to find some more help if Liberty will allow it- I’m afraid the crappy TV deal dooms us to 20 years of getting lucky occasionally and a good bit of mediocrity
NY-CITI
May 29th, 2012
9:43 am
Wow….The tone has changed here since I last visited a few weeks ago. Back then the braves were going to cruise to the playoffs and win it all. Now there’s nothing but darkness and despair. In the mean time my NY Mets are proving that all the so called experts who predicted them to be one of the worst teams in the NL really don’t know SH–IT……LETS GO METS!!!
Casey Stinkle
May 29th, 2012
9:54 am
How can someone like Jonny Ventors look so dominant in years past, and all of a sudden can’t get anyone out? Very frustrating!
Paul Blais
May 29th, 2012
10:37 am
Been a Braves fan since 1953. This is certainly a bad team, a team with no gumption being led by a low profile mgr and gm. Can we fly our ‘give up now’ flag and get ready for the hype for next year. Please do something like get rid of management, no deals in spring when it was evident to everyone that something was needed.
Don
May 29th, 2012
10:38 am
What could possibly go wrong?
First of all – with Pitching the name of the game – We have a Pitching Coach (whethr his conditioning program is at fault or not) who in his 6 or 7 years of service (since Leo left) has seen almost EVERY Starting Pitcher in the rotation end up being injured. The Starting Rotation with the great young talent which should have had the Braves set for yers – is NOW IN SHAMBLES.
Secondly – after many of us waiting for years, and years, and years for Bobby Cox with his incompetent management procedures to be gone – We hire a BOBBY COX CLONE as the new manager.
When you do not have the best at the top — the results are not going to be the best.
zane smith's teeth
May 29th, 2012
10:39 am
Has anyone looked at Jeff Francoeur’s career stats lately? He’s 28 and should finish the season with 1200+ hits, 625+ RBI’s and a .271 career average. If he plays another 10-11 years until he is 38-39, he could finish with 3000+ hits, 1500 RBI’s, 300+ home runs etc… That’s HOF numbers.
Any current Atlanta players not named Chipper look HOF material????
Don
May 29th, 2012
10:52 am
It all starts with and depends on Pitching.
And since Leo left as Pitching Coach 6 or 7 years ago, almost EVERY one of the large number of different Starting Pitchers that the Braves have had – have ended up being INJURED —— UNBELIEVABLE.
FOUR of our FIVE Starters from last season – comming off Injuries.
As long as this continues – FORGET EVERYTHING ELSE – FORGET IT ALL
Longtimefan
May 29th, 2012
11:10 am
It’s interesting(or a little moronic) that just 8games after being one of the hottest teams in baseball the doomsayers are out in force calling for the dismantling of the team. It’s the same team that was leading in the standings a little over a week ago except they have not had the services of most of their offensive firepower. Clearly the pitching has been of concern, but it was a little optimistic to expect a group of young pitchers to not stumble sometime during the season. I still expect Heyward to come around and produce-he has the tools. And none of you have a clue what FG has or hasn’t said to Heyward behind closed doors. Do you? No manager that’s worth a crap is going to toast his players in the media.
The losing streak will end, we will get our starters back on the field and we will play the remaining 100 plus games in the season. I’ll bet we have a few winning streaks along the way. One thing I am sure of- when the Braves are going good the # of posters declines and when they are going thru a tough time the haters come out to kick them and call for all sorts of stupidly based on EIGHT GAMES! FIRE FG, FIRE FW! DEMOTE HALF THE PITCHING STAFF! TRADE BOURN! BLOW UP THE TEAM! All this over 8 games. Eight games constitutes less than 1/20 th of the season. Get some perspective guys.
DogTheMan
May 29th, 2012
11:23 am
I don’t think its all on Jason Heyward. We knew going in the Braves had no depth. Management did nothing to upgrade the team. We are a middle of the road team who played above our heads for a month. Injuries and reality has set in. Until the Braces decide to go and get players who can sustain we rae what we are. I guess depending ona 40 year old 3rd baseman to carry you is the recipe for success. And for those who want to compare Heyward to Andruw Jones and critisize. Remember Andruw Jones won 10 Gold Gloves and hot over 400 homers!!!!!
Tommy
May 29th, 2012
11:40 am
Hello all you defeatist people. Always coming out when things go wrong. Where will you be when team turns it around? Answer: Nowhere in sight. Get a life and have confidence in your team. We are all Brave fans here. Love our team and go with the flow. It will get better. Be patient.
Bo Duke
May 29th, 2012
11:40 am
I guess all of us who said the Braves are going to suck, and got blasted by the ones here who already were waving the East Div title flag, can be redeemed. The team does indeed suck. I can now plan my summer without having to waste any money coming to watch this bunch of losers lose. There is not one player on this team that I would BUILD my team around. NONE! A bunch of overpaid, under developed, over hiped, bums. Period.
Tommy
May 29th, 2012
11:52 am
Typical, If you dont love our Braves, find another team. If you do love them, then give them some love. When they start winning you will be out of site. Moga Moga Chi Chi Miki Lau so
Rick in Macon
May 29th, 2012
12:04 pm
Out with McDowell…bring Leo Mazzone back!!!
Jim99
May 29th, 2012
12:07 pm
Let’s end the Gonzalez/McDowell era NOW! It’s time to move on.
Tommy
May 29th, 2012
12:13 pm
Its time for you defeatists to move on. Shi Hu.
Lefty
May 29th, 2012
12:48 pm
Don thinks Bobby Cox used “incompetent management procedures”. Don, what’s it like to be so stupid? If anything, you would think that not winning a division title for a few years would help you understand and appreciate the genius of Bobby Cox. Guess you always ride the short bus, huh?
Still#1Fan
May 29th, 2012
12:55 pm
Hey Batter Up, I did not call you a tard but whoever did was spot on! You “so called fans” run when the heat is on us. You thought I would just quit being a fan because we stink right now? NOPE!!!! Still a fan 41 years in the making passed down from generation to generation. REAL FAN BIG GUY!!!!! As for the Braves we need some fixing no doubt! How about we hire Mazzone back and stick him in AAA and let him groom our picthers there! It would be a smart move I think! LongtimeFan, keep telling these bandwagon fans what it is like to be a real fan…………maybe, just maybe they will pick up a few pointers on what it is like to be a fan!? We ahve not even got to the All Star Break and you guys are jumping ship and we still only 4 games out of first in the BEST division in baseball. YEP I SAID BEST Division in baseball. Like I said last week, we will be ok! And for all you bashers who bash our home teams please find another team to bash. Only real fans can talk about the Braves the rest of you wagonners dont deserve the right!
Tommy
May 29th, 2012
1:01 pm
@Still#1Fan.Hello my friend. Finally a true fan. I am on you band wagon. Where do I sign up for a seat?
TOMY FOURNIER
May 29th, 2012
3:15 pm
LASTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT…HELLO!!!
hank57
May 29th, 2012
3:17 pm
This team almost reminds me of the 1962 Mets. I was in the Navy then, and our ship was in dry dock in New York for complete overhaul. I went to as many games as I could. They were 40-120 that year. Pop-ups in the infield hit them in the head and things like that. The only difference is, the fans still loved them and came out to the games. I don’t get that sense of forgiveness here, and with this economy who can blame them?
Series Preview #25: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Atlanta Braves | MLB.Fans-Talk.com
June 26th, 2012
7:57 pm
[...] also bring out a certain “segment” of the fanbase, as evidenced by the comments on this article from the Atlanta Journal [...]