When will the Atlanta Braves post a series win again?
Now that the Braves have lost six of eight games and all three series on the homestand, we’re asking you, Atlanta, when will the Tomahawks actually post a series win again? The team last won a series in Cincinnati on April 24-26. They next face NL East rivals Florida, Philadelphia and New York on a week-long road swing.
You tell us: What will it take for the Braves to mount a turnaround?
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112 comments Add your comment
Dave
May 6th, 2009
1:45 pm
The Braves have no bat at LF or CF, no production at all. They were too cheap to trade for or sign a FA outfielder who can hit. So they have what they paid for, not to mention wasting 20 M on a washed up Japan picher.
Jerry
May 6th, 2009
1:47 pm
They’ve been living off the resumes of Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddux for years and have been unable to rebuild. Watching them is exhausting as they exhibit no energy on the field or sitting in the dugout. Altho the manager can’t play for them, it seems that a change is in order. Bobby Cox just seems to cheer them on (the crowds are so small you can hear him yelling). They need a manager who can kick butt (like Lou Piniella). Given their offense for the last couple of years, while Terry Pendleton was a great hitter and probably a nice enough guy, the Braves hitting record speaks for itself. He needs to be replaced. As far as this season, I would say they’ll finish ahead of Washington-and that’s all.
Kevrock/Smarty Jones
May 6th, 2009
1:47 pm
We need to be able to play small ball. We do not have
any sluggers. Bobby also has to understand this. I still can’t believe a lot of clubs still do not play small ball. Whitey Herzog
was a disciple of small ball.
Some sacrificing would be nice once in a while. AT least our pitching is holding together somewhat. BUT the good news it’s still early.
Randall Pierce
May 6th, 2009
1:53 pm
I’m afraid McCann is going to be another medical Esasky … right after we give up Saltalamacchia and Flowers.
Kawakami is a $20 million bust.
Middle relief stinks.
If they are going to start doing anything, the time is now.
Randall Pierce
May 6th, 2009
1:55 pm
I think Kotchman will come around … his mother just died … and be a productive player.
Fire Terry Pendelton!!!!
May 6th, 2009
1:58 pm
As much as I like Pendelton, it’s time to fire him!!!!
john boy walton
May 6th, 2009
1:58 pm
it’s over people, get a grip , they is not one player on this team that would make a decent pimple own my butt,.
TN Jeff
May 6th, 2009
1:59 pm
Kotchman’s mother died? When?? If so, he’ll be out of the line-up for a while.
What are the rules for these guys regarding time off? I mean Loaf Garrett took most of Spring Training to report to the team and then promptly got hurt. Hurt is one thing, but how much time are they given simply show up in the Spring or to deal with family problems. I think IF I got paid millions of bucks, I’d feel compelled to miss as few games as possible. As it is, I make less than 50K a year and I get no paid time off for bereavement.
These guys are Divas
Same ole S***,Different Year
May 6th, 2009
2:04 pm
Let me tell you what is really wrong with this club. NO MATTER how much WE THE FANS/baseball analysts,the media, or anyone else bitches about this club…you know what happens…… NOT A GODD*** thing!!!!!!!!! The Braves Management top to bottom don’t care and none of them are DISGUSTED with this effort.
Its only THE FANS WHO GET SCREWED by watching this DRIVEL!!!!!!!!!
ITS SOME PAINFUL S***
Craig
May 6th, 2009
2:06 pm
The Braves have three reoccurring problems.
-1st is pitching. The Braves have either had to start a game behind due to poor pitching in the early innings, their bullpen has blown leads(surprise surprise), or like with Vazquez in the Mets opener have ruined early run support.
-2nd is batting. The Braves do not have the power to play the way they are capable of with all these bats on the DL. They need role players right now. Solid lead off hitters, good base runners, and patience at plate is needed… No more first pitch captain caveman stuff please.
-3rd is attitude. We came out of the gate at the start of the season with our swag on. What happened to that? Now it seems that once we are down in a game we can’t make a comback unless the other team makes a stupid mistake. C’mon Braves lets get some late inning runs for cryin’ out loud!
Brian
May 6th, 2009
2:08 pm
Bobby has no clue anymore. Kotchman batting cleanup and Kelly batting leadoff are two prime examples. Both of these guys are 6, 7, 8 hitters. Actually that is the problem with the whole team, they are all 6, 7, 8 spot hitters. No power, no speed. David Ross, our backup catcher, has the most power on the team but he is stuck in the 8 hole. Can anyone make any sense out of this mess?
Same ole S***,Different Year
May 6th, 2009
2:09 pm
Judge Judy provides better entertainment.
At least SHE calls someone out……..maybe….. she could be our hitting coach?
Jeff
May 6th, 2009
2:11 pm
I can sum it up in two words….who cares !!! I’m ready for the Falcons.
sammy
May 6th, 2009
2:11 pm
Two words can sum it up…………BRAVES SUCK!!!!
gene garbage
May 6th, 2009
2:13 pm
absolutely hate the make-up of this team. TP has got to go. people say its not his fault that schafer strikes out all the time, francouer pops up on the infield all the time,kotchman can’t hit the inside pitch, kj is the streakiest hitter all time,pablo escobar hits into way too many dp’s, or we don’t have a left fielder who can hit a lick, then who’s fault is it? some may say its wren’s doings, but just because these guys make millions doesn’t mean they no longer need coaching.
if this is the product they are going to put on the field, then i can assure you, i will NOT be going to my 20-25 games this year. i would rather be going to see a lineup that looks like this…
1-Blanco-cf
2-Infante-lf
3-Jones-3b
4-Freeman-1b
5-Prado-2b
6-Escobar-ss
7-B.Jones/Heyward-rf
8-Ross-c (if mcann is going to be an esasky)
what do ya think??
David
May 6th, 2009
2:14 pm
It is still early but the signs are bad. McCann being out kills them, KJ is batting terrible, Chipper hasn’t really gotten on fire yet (BMAC out hurts Chipper too) and Bobby Cox is not working top produce runs. He has done it a few times, but we leave too many people on base without trying to move them over.
Schafer is hurt and it shows in his swing (how many times does Joe Simpson have to say it). I actually think the pitching has been decent.
Get BMAC back and if he doesn’t show his old self, it is OVA.
Rick Caffery
May 6th, 2009
2:17 pm
I agree with John Kincaid on 680 The Fan. Why is Terry Pendleton still our hitting coach? Andruw Jones and Jeff Francouer both had to go to the Rangers hitting coach to get their problems fixed. And now it’s Chipper who has spotted a problem with Jordan Schafer’s swing? He still hasn’t ironed out Kelly Johnson’s streakiness either.
Peter
May 6th, 2009
2:19 pm
Why Worry……..they will finish 3rd or 4th…at BEST !
This team stinks Period !
Justin
May 6th, 2009
2:23 pm
Yeah I’m not understanding why we can’t spend money wising. I’m tired of the seeing the braves rely on the farm system. We really need to rebuild with experience. Guys that have been in the league for a few years. But the thing about it is. Braves fans in general don’t care about the team as much anymore and unlike teams with bigger salaries. We are not going to get the revenue to build a bigger budget for bringing in bigger names. I still can’t believe we got rid of Texiera.
Trey
May 6th, 2009
2:24 pm
The Braves just need to replace Kawakami, as Kawakmi is the reason why we are under 500, since he is already 1-4, and not improving.
Leo
May 6th, 2009
2:24 pm
Is anyone else worried that McCann’s eye blurriness apparently came about from lasik surgery?
Sometimes that works and sometimes you do have problems. What if this wrecks his eyes for good???
Otherwise the braves are doomed. The only reason they were so great for so long was the amazing run of Glavine, Maddux and Smoltz. Name another team with 3 hall of fame starters on it for 10 years. There might be a couple, but there aren’t five in the history of baseball.
It’s gonna be years before they come back.
Justin
May 6th, 2009
2:27 pm
Chipper Jones is the best ever though. Taking pay cuts to still be on the team. Thanks John “now injuried and not playing” Smoltz.
Trey
May 6th, 2009
2:28 pm
Bobby leaves pitchers in too long if they are doing horrible, but takes them out if they are pitching a great shut out, like Lowe did on the first game of the season.
dude
May 6th, 2009
2:31 pm
B MAC did not help this team out of 4th place last year. Does everybody not see that from a hitting stand point we are the same as last years team? Did u all really think a rookie and a old digruntled free agent would make us better?
Jordan was hitting the fire out of ball till MLB snagged him for steroids! Since then he hasn’t been outstanding.
And MR. Anderson—well get ready for a year of Mike Hamptonesque behavior. This dudes just cashin his check from the highest bidder. He would have played for the Antartic Buzzards if they woulda payed 1 more dollar than the Braves did.
I hope for Big Macs sake he can work with these damn glasses. If they cant fix his eye problem…his career could be over.
Bill Dent
May 6th, 2009
2:37 pm
I dont think we will see the Braves contend for a long time. This team is held together bt baling wire and Duct tape. There is absolutely no offense and watching them is like watching grass grow. They are a bad ball club and show no sign of immediate improvement. I subscribe to MLB extra innings and have been watching other low budget clubs play. They All play with much more fire than the Braves.I can put up with losing but they just appear to not give a damn night after night. Im through watching this team until I see some sign of winning or at least act like they care about losing. They remind me of the 70’s teams.If they dont care why should we!!
Jerry Holcombe
May 6th, 2009
2:41 pm
Any team worth it’s weight has at least 2 players in the middle of it’s lineup that can get you 30+ homers in a season. We only have 1 and that is Chipper and I’ll bet you dollars to donuts that he doesn’t get more than 30 this year because of his affinity for injuries and because when he is in the lineup, he is walked relentlessly. We have no cleanup hitter and if you think McCann is a cleanup hitter, then you are fooling yourself. I like McCann, but he should be in the #6 hole, but that just shows you how bad this lineup is. We have a good young player in center that cannot leadoff because he strikes out like it’s going outta style. We have a good hitting shortstop in Escobar who needs an attitude adjustment and absolutely sucks on the basepaths. We have Kelly Johnson who is way too streaky for my taste. Kotchman is great defensively, but no way should he be hitting anywhere earlier than 7th in the order. Diaz is one of the only clutch hitters we have, but with Anderson back, that means we have another 0 for 4 or 1 for 4 in the lineup. That means we really only have Francoeur to lean on and you should be very scared of that. Kawakami blows the big one, but the Braves made that stupid purchase, so now they are stuck with him and have to play him while we have a future ace in Gwinnett. While Wren was so busy spending millions on some of these pitchers, he should have at least thought about signing Manny Ramirez. At least then we wouldn’t be wondering who to pencil into the cleanup slot each night. But the original question was, should the Braves be worried this early? Why worry about it? This team has glaring weaknesses and they aren’t gonna be dealt with this season. Mark my words people, this is the team we will see for the rest of the season, for the most part. We have no choice but to battle Washington just to stay out of the cellar. I’m not being pessimistic, just a realist. Oh, and Bobby Cox doesn’t have a clue and his coaching staff other than Glenn Hubbard is also clueless. As a fan who has watched this franchise since they arrived in 1966, this isn’t far from being one of the worst Braves teams we have seen. Take Lowe and Jurrjens outta the mix and you have a team that strangely resembles the team Bobby had when he was fired back in the late 70s.
Bill
May 6th, 2009
2:43 pm
It’s time for Bobby Cox to go. He’s doing a bad job of leading the team. He lost his touch six or seven years ago. There’s a lot of talent on the current Braves but no enthusiasm or intensity!
Don
May 6th, 2009
2:50 pm
Yes, worry! This team is done!
Robbie Robinson
May 6th, 2009
2:52 pm
My boy is getting tired of me referring to the Braves as “The Little League team”.
I’ve always contended that even Lum Harris could have won all those pennants with the players Bobby was supplied over the years.
Jerry Holcombe
May 6th, 2009
2:53 pm
When will the Braves see another series win? Don’t count on it any time soon. After the Marlins, Philthies, and Mets are through with the Braves on the road trip, Arizona comes to town and then the Rockies float in. I bet the Braves won’t even beat the Rockies on our own turf.
Steve in mid-town
May 6th, 2009
2:59 pm
There a just handful of teams which are either great or poor. The vast majority of teams are mediocre. The Braves are in the mediocre category. But the vast majority of mediocre teams are still potentially in the running for at least the wild card. Whether they make it or not comes down to tactical managing. A mediocre team with a manager capable of great tactical decision making will be the team from the mediocre category that rises above the other mediocre teams. And herein lies the problem for the Braves. Bobby Cox is among the worst tactical managers in baseball. Personally, I think he’s the worst tactical manager I’ve ever seen. If his IQ is much above 80, I’d be surprised. Regardless, there is no way a *mediocre* Braves team will ever end up being the cream of the crop among the mediocre category with Bobby Cox managing. And due to the finances of baseball, there is little chance the Braves will ever again be able to field a roster better than the mediocre category. Thus the only way for the Braves to have a true chance of winning would be to have a great tactical manager.
Jerry Holcombe
May 6th, 2009
3:00 pm
Robbie, it’s not hard to win with the pitching staffs we had for 14 years. Even during the playoffs in those years, we had the better rotations until the 2000s. Once the pitching began to wane a bit, we lost because Bobby wasn’t able to outcoach his counterparts. Same in the World Series. During those 14 years, it was widely believed that the Braves had the best team in baseball for a good portion of that time, and all we had to show for it was 1995. And coaching didn’t win that World Series either.
Nativebird
May 6th, 2009
3:05 pm
Two words: Casey Kotchman.
Puuulease.
Robbie
May 6th, 2009
3:14 pm
I will always cherish that October evening in 1995 and my son’s gift of seats in left-center.
David Justice game winning homer and Tommy’s masterful one-hitter.
I really hope that Glavin gets well enough to pitch a few more gems. regardless of his faults off the field, he deserves Brave fans admiration.
Mike
May 6th, 2009
3:18 pm
SPEED, SPEED, SPEED….until the idiots in the front office understand the game has changed (post ‘roid rage era), they aren’t going to win while waiting forever on a 3 run HR. They have to get some speed. Remember the days of Otis Nixon, Ron Gant, Deion Sanders, ect… before everyone went crazy on steroids?
Die Aria Breath
May 6th, 2009
3:48 pm
I have the runs.
I have the runs.
I wish the Braves had the runs like me.
Catcher- how could anyone see what was going to happen with McCann.
1st Base-Kotchman is as much an enigma as LaRoche was. Great glove though.
2nd Base-Seriously, how much longer with the experiment that never worked.
3rd Base-I love Hoss but if you’re the Captain its time to call some people out.
Shortstop-has the fire and the skill, he just does something stupid every game.
Left Field-Are we still talking about this. Diaz is a bench palyer and can’t play everyday or even platoon. Heyward can do what Diaz and Anderson are doing.
Center Field-rookie is lost but then again everyones lost.
Right Field-We have ask for Frenchy to bounce back and it appears he’s right at the edge to break out.
Starters-Our only salvation.
Middle relivers-can we take these guys, move them to Gwinnett and bring up some others. What would we lose.
Closer- If its not a save situation why do we put Gonzo out there. Statistics show what happens and it happens every time.
Coaching-zero, zero zero. nuf said
Manager-My momma kept telling me to stop picking my nose because someday my brains would be gone.
Final thoughts. we need a 2nd baseman and left fielder. Weren’t we right here last year answering these same dang questions.
If you can’t play with fire then go home. That goes for coaching and managing too.
Commenter
May 6th, 2009
4:11 pm
Should the braves consider bringing back Andruw Jones. His swing is back. He’s hitting .341 and has like a .500 obp although he is only in a part-time role with the Rangers. They have a crowded outfield so they will be willing to deal an outfielder possibly when Hamilton comes off the DL.
al
May 6th, 2009
4:18 pm
I believe Ned Yost is available. Cox and all his coaches need to go, way past time to get new blood, this team is stale and lifeless. get a hitting coach, maybe dale murphy, and spend some money, everybody the braves traded elsewhere are blossoming..elvis, marquis, wainwright, salty, hell, even davies….its been alot of len barker tyrades lately, surely no doyle alexander ones…
GT Falcon
May 6th, 2009
4:29 pm
going to be a long summer…so how many days till football season?
J-Man
May 6th, 2009
4:38 pm
Until Bobby Cox retires we can expect more of the same.
Pal Joey
May 6th, 2009
4:44 pm
When will they win a series again? When will they win a GAME again! Until they get some fire power in their batting order, they are headed for the bottom. Their pitching staff is not good enough to hold the opposition to one or two runs every night. And Bobby’s refusal to play small ball is only adding to the misery. We don’t have the big boppers to play for the homerun but he can’t seem to grasp that fact. So, we muddle along like we have the last four years, and 2009 looks like a repeat of a fourth or fifth place finish in the NL East.
Braves fan
May 6th, 2009
4:47 pm
There is no offense. G. Anderson in LF is a waste of time. – I predict the Nats will pass the Braves before ALL STAR break.
Why did Schaffer have to work with Chipper for 2 hrs to fix his flaw? Where is Terry Peddleton?
LivininAl
May 6th, 2009
4:49 pm
The recent play of the Braves remind me of those zombie horror movies, no emotion, no fire, no nothing, 9 innings of boredom. Guess they never get too high or too low, just seem to exist.
oldmike
May 6th, 2009
4:53 pm
Bring up Freeman and Heyward and Hanson and rebuild the team with youth and power and speed. You can live with losing when the games are compelling. These Braves are so boring it hurts. Other than the Phillies series to open the year they have done ABOLUTELY NOTHING! They are fooling themselves to think this team can contend. Where is a Beltran or Rollins or Howard or Wright or Reyes or HRamirez or Utley… Nowhere to be found.
Jfreak
May 6th, 2009
4:57 pm
WOW at all the negativity here! The Braves aren’t playing well right now but really, WHO IS? They are still in the hunt and their best hitter has been out of the line up. Take a deep breath it’s not even the All-star break yet. We have good starting pitching and the bullpen seems to be getting better?? We could use another bat in the line up for sure, but give Wren a chance to do that! Also, if young Mr. Jordan can’t cut down on the strikeouts Bobby will have to make a change. I think the Braves will be in the hunt for at least the Wild Card if not win the division?
Elmer
May 6th, 2009
5:02 pm
When we sink beneath the Nats, will Cox be fired?
Necromancer
May 6th, 2009
5:05 pm
I think Kotchman will come around … his mother just died … and be a productive player.–Randall Pierce
Casey Kotchman’s mom is very much alive as of a May 3rd report. She’s recovering from brain hemorrages.
kenneth phillips
May 6th, 2009
5:13 pm
as a first time bloger, it is clear to me that mr wren doesn’t have a clue. it is not just hitting but it seems to me that neither vazquez or kawakami are going to be much help. the braves should sen vazquez to the same sports psychologist that helped john smoltz, and they need a bat with power because garret anderson has done nothing along with kotchman and mccan can only do so much when he returns.
SMOLTZ
May 6th, 2009
5:25 pm
we should send kelly johnson,and parr for eric byrnes -he is expensive-
Ryan
May 6th, 2009
5:26 pm
First of all Garret Anderson is done. He may have been a consistent hitter in the past but there is a reason the Angels didn’t re-sign him. Secondly, Jordan Schaefer is not an everyday player, he’s just not ready. He strikes out at an alarming rate with that awful uppercut swing. If he is going to be a lead off hitter he better work on getting infield singles and doing what it takes to get on base, not trying to crush one every at bat. Thirdly, the bullpen is horrid. Regardless of where they may rank stat wise, lets face it…they stink. Lastly, Hey Wren….why did you not go out and get a power bat like ADAM DUNN! You fool, you blew an opportunity to have a 40+ HR guy in the lineup. What he lakes in fielding he makes up for at the plate. Until the issues are addressed this season will be sub .500 and another frustrating one at that. I used to love to watch the Braves on tv, but now I cannot even stomach a full game. As much as it PAINS me to say it, the Bobby Cox era is over. He needs to go, they must have a fresh start. He is managing like it’s 1995. They just don’t have the bench to play that way. Here’s hoping I’m wrong on all o this!