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
Jerome
May 6th, 2009
12:23 pm
The bats have gone away. We need to get healthy and build depth on the bench.
brandon
May 6th, 2009
12:27 pm
it is definitely not too early to worry. There is just flat out no offense. The only thing that can possibly be said to give any hope is that there has been no Brian McCann. If Brian McCann could get back in the lineup and play like the all-star he is, a whole heck of a lot would change. People could no longer walk Chipper at every plate appearance. Unfortunately, McCann’s eye problems prevent Brian from being any thing close to what the team needs him to be. With Brain McCann, there is not a hope for this team.
brandon
May 6th, 2009
12:28 pm
that last line was supposed to read “without Brian McCann” not with him. apologies.
Same ole S***,Different Year
May 6th, 2009
12:29 pm
Fire Pendelton! Bring up anybody hitting .350+. We can pitch but we cant hit. Forget blaming on injuries…we did that last year.
DO SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We ARE DYING!!!!!!
The Soldier
May 6th, 2009
12:30 pm
I was time to worry when the Braves made no moves to bolster the offense on the off-season. Garret Anderson will only be a stop gap and a serviceable outfielder. When will management wake up. The farm system is depleted and we traded away people who at least could put the ball in play. We are a slow punch and judy team.. What a mess!!!!!!!
Wayne
May 6th, 2009
12:32 pm
The Braves spent way to much money on pitching. They have pictures just as good if not better than K Kawakamie in Gwinnett. The money would have been better spent on a number 4 power hitter such as Adam Dunn. Also, the great minds traded the only true lead off hitter the had-Josh Anderson. Brains are not in gear. In past trades they gave up way to much for Tex and Vasquez. Look at all the young pitchers on the other teams. Don’t trade just to fill a spot–get something of value in return. Garrett Anderson is just an old bench player and will not help protect Chipper. GET A POWER HITTER TO BAT CLEAN-up Frank.
Herschel Talker
May 6th, 2009
12:33 pm
Nothing. They are done. They won’t be horrible, but they won’t be good either. Probably about .500 for the year. Not enough to get the job done.
STUCK IN SC
May 6th, 2009
12:34 pm
Stick a fork in em…….their done. Is it Football season yet?
Wayne
May 6th, 2009
12:36 pm
I can’t spell and the pitchers can’t pitch. Guess we are even. Also, a third catch that can play at least first base and pinch-hit would solve a lot of problems and keep the braves from playing short. Wake up Bobby-it hurts the team to play short and to play someone with an injured wrist that can not swing the bat. It puts the play in a bad situation and makes him look bad. Protect your players Bobby, especially the rookies. You of all people should know this fact.
Mitch
May 6th, 2009
12:36 pm
The Braves are a poorly constructed team… no speed, no power, and beyond Lowe the pitching is marginal, at best. This is another example about why you never, EVER in sports allow someone to hire his-or-her successor. John Schuerholz promoting Frank Wren is no different than the hiring of Ray Goff, Bud Carson, or any number of other prime examples. Wren is badly, badly overmatch.
Tommy
May 6th, 2009
12:37 pm
Um we didn’t sweep the Reds we lost the third game in which Kawakami exploded in.
tim
May 6th, 2009
12:37 pm
Enter your comments here
Casey Stinkle
May 6th, 2009
12:41 pm
This team will be lucky to win 80 games. 80-82 will not win anything. Starting pitching doesn’t look too bad, but everything else is below par. No power, no speed, and inconsistent defense?? Hope I am wrong, but this team making the playoffs ain’t happening.
Terry
May 6th, 2009
12:42 pm
What’s to worry about. The Braves have been a 500 club and they still are.
Tonto
May 6th, 2009
12:43 pm
Season over. They will lose 90 games again this year. I agree with the fire Pendleton comment. Loved him as a player but he has not impressed as a batting coach. In fact, the bats have gotten worse every year he’s been here… And he can take Cox with him, he checked out a long time ago.
corkylikesbeer
May 6th, 2009
12:46 pm
I think the Braves should start taking offers for Soriano and Gonzo…since they will both be free agents next year. Due to the trend of not resigning bullpen players we should try to get something for them.
TN Jeff
May 6th, 2009
12:47 pm
Mitch 2:36 pm
Do I know you?
Nate33
May 6th, 2009
12:49 pm
Its only going to get worse. This is how they started last year and they are doing it again. I think Bobby has been a great coach but he needs to retire. This is a team that needs to play small ball and smart ball instead of this lets get on and wait for someone to hit a homer. Oh and Josh Anderson being traded how is that working out in center field for us. He sure would be nice right now.
TN Jeff
May 6th, 2009
12:52 pm
Should we Worry? Why should we worry – the braves players, manager, hitting coach, & general manager aren’t worried, so why should we. Does this season look like a mirror image of the past several 4th place teams – YES.
SO, maintain the mantra – It’s still early in the season! We’ll turn it around on the road against division rivals. After 3 (or is it 4) years of preparing, these braves will really amp it up and play with heart despite having had no transplant or “infusion” (as DOB put it)
Bill Mc.
May 6th, 2009
12:53 pm
I have to agree with Tonto. This team and the managers are not a good combination. This team could perform well under some small ball guidance but not under the wait for the three-run homer strategy that Cox and Pendleton choose. Our starting pitching has not been bad to this point. The only runs we seem to score are gifts from the other team or gy solo homers. The worst thing about it all is that this type of baseball is the worst to watch.
pat
May 6th, 2009
12:53 pm
They need to win. And I aggree with Nate, Bobby does not seem capable of small ball. We aren’t aggressive at the plate or the bases. We do not have sluggers, we have hitters. They do hit, but never at the right time. They sure know how to find the short stop too. To many double plays. I can’t remember when they have strung more than 2 hits together. They don’t need to press, they just need to do it. About the 7th inning last night the Braves had 6 hits and no runs…That to me, is worse than not hitting.
sean
May 6th, 2009
12:54 pm
Actually, they didnt sweep Cincy…they won the first 2 games, and lost game 3.. so it was a series win, but not sweep–get your facts right…dont give the Braves more credit..they suck…
hal
May 6th, 2009
12:55 pm
i am worried. been a fan since mid 70’s. ( oh the tough years) we have great starting pitching. horrible middle relief, and ok on closers. but if they walk chipper everytime, we don’t have anyone getting big hits, or a big threat. mccann, will help, but other than that, it ain’t looking good. go Braves!!
AJC Sports
May 6th, 2009
12:57 pm
Tommy & Sean – You’re right. No sweep in Cincy. We’ve fixed that and apologies for the initial error. Thanks, guys.
Givemeabreak
May 6th, 2009
12:59 pm
This may be the most boring baseball team in the history of sports…..If they are down a RUN in the 5th or 6th inning you can cut off the TV they aint coming back game over…….Bobby Cox is no longer a good manager in fact he may be losing his mind quite frankly….anybody that has Kasey Kotchman as a cleanup hitter as he did earlier in the year is as close to senile as you can get…..The problem is there is absolutely nothing to get excited about maybe McCann comes back but I dont think that will even be enough…..We need another Fred McGriff or someone that is sure enough a homerun hitter….We all said it in the offseason….and all we got was Garrett DL Anderson…..It appears any players in the league now over 35 since the steroid era is over are pretty much done for their career….my guess is 70 wins 92 losses and hopefully Bobby leaves great guy Icon in Atlanta just time to go…..The Braves like Bobby Cox are stale….
Ben
May 6th, 2009
1:00 pm
Not a very good home stand at 2-6 and things don’t look any better for this road trip. Same ole story.
TN Jeff
May 6th, 2009
1:00 pm
Only a few of us like this movie but to quote Gene Hackman in “The Replacements” when asked “what does this team need?” -
HEART, a whole lot of HEART
I’ll take an infusion of HEART over Power. Be nice to have some intellegience too, though.
Born2Buzz
May 6th, 2009
1:05 pm
At the end of this string of games against our division rivals we will be sitting in 4th place and will remain there the rest of the season. It’s going to be a long, long summer folks.
Someone tell me how long Pendleton has been the hitting coach? The same time frame that this team has been a lower tier team in batting?
And Bobby just sounds like the old Grandpa that is not really in touch with reality. “Oh, we’re playing fine, just haven’t been getting any breaks.” I swear I heard him say the team is hitting fine, just not putting the hits together to get runs. Huh???
It’s over. And the Hawks will be over shortly as well. September and football cannot get her quick enough.
Michael Price
May 6th, 2009
1:06 pm
Moved from Atlanta to Palm Springs Ca 18 years ago — watch or listen to almost every game. I love the Braves but am amazed how they just don’t know how to play the game. No speed, no fundamentals ( move runners, sac bunts, hit and run etc }. We went from one of the worst teams in any sport to a great run. Pitching and defense wins a large percentage of the time. Strike outs and double plays are at an alarming rate this year and there appears no end in sight. Escobar doesn’t need to bat 2nd if he’s going to con’t hitting ground balls ( one of the highest percentages in baseball . However,I feel he will be the next Davey Concepcion (spelling ?). He will be great if he wants to. We have to figure a way to put some pressure on other teams. They certainly know how to do it to us. Just look at how many games we have two hits and a walk in an inning but don’t score. Double plays and strike outs. Our field is large,build the team around it. Two of the best true baseball players aren’t even starters — Prado & Infante. Give me a team of these guys and I’ll take my chances.
DAN C
May 6th, 2009
1:07 pm
Are the Brave’s done? No. It’s only May 6th. Way to early to give. They do have to start showing signs of getting better. Hiiting has to come around. a healthy lineup would help. Talk to me in august.
Kenny Gannon
May 6th, 2009
1:08 pm
5-1 was the high water mark. It’s over.
Corliss
May 6th, 2009
1:10 pm
Gutless. Simply gutless baseball the Braves are playing. Sadly, these Braves are looking more & more like the Braves of the 80s. Chipper reminds me of Murph in his twilight yrs(trying to carry the team but will get injured if the wind changes directions), Franceour reminds me of Kommisk & Garret Anderson reminds me of Claudell Washington(mercurial, injury-prone). Bobby Cox is looking/acting more & more like Chuck Tanner/Eddie Haas. Casey Kotchman(Rico Brogna, anyone?). Middle relief can’t hold down leads & the gutless ABs W/RISP is nothing short of pathetic. I realize that 1991-1997 is a time capsule that will never be repeated again but the Braves have to do SOMETHING because they’re looking more & more minor league every game. Sad; just sad to watch.
Jamall=Bust
May 6th, 2009
1:10 pm
This is so reminding me of last season. It used to be the old Braves would start off slow, then catch fire a few weeks before the All-Star break, not so anymore. Now they start of slow and stay that way. Their offense is almost non-existent and their Starting Pitching is really failing after the 5th. It’s sad because it’s really been about 1 inning each game where they just fall apart, and we don’t have the fire power anymore to make up for those mistakes. The relievers have done a bang up job recently, but without runs being scored, we won’t even win 75 games. We pieced together our team with a band-aide basically, Lowe has done great, Jurrjens is doing fine, but Javier has one inning a game where he melts down. Kawasaki can’t get run support and the same with whoever is the 5th starter at the time. It’s really become a dull game to watch because we just can’t manufacture anything. Without fire power, you need speed, and speed is not something we have. Looks like another long season of watching the Phills, Mets and Marlins beat up on us.
Shooter
May 6th, 2009
1:11 pm
Last year all we heard was “its too early to be worried”. To me, a game won in April is one that you dont have to make up for in August. Bobby led us through 14 years of greatness. But just like pitchers adapt to get out batters, you have to adapt as a manager and that is not being done. At some point you have to stop managing “by the book” and manage the ballgame you are in. A .330 hitter sitting on the bench while a .122 hitter is on the field? No stealing, no hit and run, nothing aggresive at all. Having a “professional” attitude is getting us left in the dust. Someone has got to light a fire under some a$$e$$ and get them going. Look what happened with the Nats and the Mets. Managers stood up and said better performance or you will be gone, back to the minors. And what happened? both of those teams rose to the occasion and beat the crap out of Atlanta. Bobby was great in his time, but he needs to step down and allow someone like Pinella, Guillen, or Bowa to step in and save this franchise!
chad
May 6th, 2009
1:16 pm
The braves cannot and I repeat cannot get a hit when it matters most. I would bet that they lead the league in not being able to get a runner home from third with one out. Same old Bobby ball, waiting for the big homerun, but now there are no players that can deliver that homerun like in years past. Sad to watch this team keep blowing games that could and should be easily won. The NL east is ripe for the picking, but all the braves do is pick their noses.
Necromancer
May 6th, 2009
1:16 pm
I agree with someone earlier who said that we should have concentrated more on hitting than pitching. It is looking like Kawakami is not the mega pitcher that he was in Japan. IMO, just a waste of money.
I sound like a broken record, but this team still looks like a bunch of defeated people; always hanging their heads, a manager who stubbornly sticks to the status quo, and owners who do not care.
The Braves are reeling. Period. The End. Amen!!!
rico
May 6th, 2009
1:19 pm
yes, we should be worried but not overly so. there are a few things that need to be be done, & if we are still sub-.500 after that – we’re done.
* put Hanson in the rotation immediately. why wait? clearly he’s ready, & Braves do not have a young, power arm.
* trade for a real 1st baseman. CK is a nice guy & has a great avg. but 0 hr’s & 4 RBI? Unacceptable for a starting MLB 1st baseman. wasn’t Swisher available at 1 pt? He currently has 7 bombs & 19 rbi. Pull the trigger now…do not wait until July or even June.
* more stolen bases. KJ, Esco, B. Jones are all capable of 20+ steals, so why not use them? there are no 40 hr, 125 RBI guys on this team, so we need to create runs.
* make the bullpen more accountable. if they can’t get it done w/Moylan, Bennett, Gonzo & Soriano, etc, then find guys who can.
After these & a few options are tried, then we can truly determine what kind of team we’re dealing with.
also – it would be great if Mac, CJ & Garrett could stay healthy.
larry lawson
May 6th, 2009
1:21 pm
The Braves are gone again this year, I feel sorry ffor Lowe and Vasquez because they could help a contending team. Not sorry for their money just as an competitor.
Greg
May 6th, 2009
1:24 pm
Poor trading for years + won’t spend the necessary money in free agency + a farm system that has become dead average at best = what we have seen the last couple years. Like the current recession, this ain’t gonna get better in a hurry. The Braves are average at best. BTW, at the end of next season, that’s what we’ll be saying about the Falcons, too—you read it here first.
jimmy
May 6th, 2009
1:24 pm
needs:a first or thrid baseman who hits and drives runs in.a sreedy leadoff hitter.thats cures every thing
Fan since '66
May 6th, 2009
1:25 pm
Don’t count on finishing 4th–the Nationals are better than you think, and the Braves seem to lose 13-14 times each year to them. I think we’re looking at dead last. Maybe we can get a good draft pick next June. Bring up the young guys (can anyone @ AA or AAA play first base?) and let’s find out what the next generation can do under fire. It worked for Glavine, Smoltz, Avery, Justice, Gant, etc.
Bill
May 6th, 2009
1:26 pm
Ownership.As long as Liberty Media owns this team expect this kind of result.People it starts at the top.
I swore as long as this ownership was in place I would not set foot in Turner Field or buy any Braves merchandise.
Knuckle Sandwich
May 6th, 2009
1:26 pm
This team is fundamentally flawed. First, you should never rely on your catcher as a cleanup hitter, if you ever want to have stability in the lineup. McCann is going to have to sit once a week, even if he is healthy. Garrett Anderson might end up being worse than Raul Mondesi. He shows no passion, and his decision to not take a rehab start in Gwinnett shows that he is not a team player. He could have gone 0-4 with a double play in Gwinnett just as easily as he could have done it in Atlanta. No excuse.
PHIL
May 6th, 2009
1:27 pm
Finding a place to play Martin Prado would help the offense. Infante over Kelly at second. Send Shaefer down to let his wrist heal or remember how to hit the ball with the bat, which ever is the problem. Why is Garret Anderson suddenly so bad? Can’t hit can’t catch. Figure out why Vasquez is dominating for all but one inning a game. I honestly believe that we don’t have the money to be a great team anymore. There is a team or two that is playing well with a smaller payroll, but they are few and far between. During the Braves dominating years, where they really pounded teams was the 3, 4 and 5 pitchers dominated the other teams 3, 4, and 5 pitchers. Not happening anymore. We used to have 3 number one’s and two number two’s. Can’t afford that now.
Kawakami was excellent last night, but I don’t understand how Japan has great pitchers in the WB deal and when we get one of their best, he’s not that good.
Kirkwood Kenny
May 6th, 2009
1:28 pm
Agreed with the above posters. Yeah the pitching has improved, but the hitting is downright fugly. The results so far have been about the same as last year – a sub . 500 record with no ability to put together a winning streak. Instead of losing games by four or five runs last year, now we lose by one or two. I don’t see it getting drastically better even with McCann inserted back into the lineup. Yuck!
Kirkwood Kenny
May 6th, 2009
1:29 pm
Agreed with the above posters. Yeah the pitching has improved, but the hitting is downright fugly. The results so far have been about the same as last year – a sub . 500 record with no ability to put together a winning streak. Instead of losing games by four or five runs, now we lose by one or two. I don’t see it getting drastically better even with McCann inserted back into the lineup. Yuck!
Dean
May 6th, 2009
1:31 pm
Once I heard that Chipper was the team Captain I should have known that they would stink. For all the talent he has this guy has never shown a heart beat other than when that Nationals player spiked him in the groin. Gonzalez is the only one who plays like he cares. The rest of ‘em play like bums!
Dean
May 6th, 2009
1:33 pm
Trade it all away at the deadline and get alot in return. Build up the farm system so that we can compete in the future like we did in the 90’s. I’ll take a few last place finishes to become a long term powerhouse again
RHAIZ UR BLAIDE
May 6th, 2009
1:33 pm
You have to be concerned about the lack of production from the 1st baseman….That’s an offensive position….Starting pitching has been ok but the bullpen being inconsistent is worrisome…’THEY’ always say that the hitters will hit eventually…I hope so…Our best hope now is that the Mets, Phils, and Marlins keep playing .500 among themselves…Yes, it is much too early to write the season off.
Bill Mc.
May 6th, 2009
1:37 pm
It would at least be nice to see some managers come in with some fire and emotion. Bobby’s “everything is all right, we’re just unlucky routine” is way past it’s prime. I agree that it’s a little to early to give up this year, but the problem is that I don’t see it changing. Don’t we have some previous players out there that can manage this team. How about stealing Tony Gwynn ??? He could be the manager/hitting coach. Or I would trust anyone he recommended for the hitting coach position. The worst thing is that I think some other managers could win the division with this team, but not ours.
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!
Tim
May 6th, 2009
5:49 pm
Unfortunately, the Braves have turned back to the Braves of the 70’s and 80’s and away from the Braves of the 90’s. There really is no all star on the team. Escobar has no brain. Chipper and Anderson are breaking down. Francoeur was a flash in the pan. Schafer, Johnson, and the rest are middle of the pack talent. Same for the pitchers. Lowe is quality, but the rest are no where near the Smoltz/Glavine/Maddux/Avery/etc. pitchers of the 90’s. Kotchman for Tex, which was basically a trade of Kotchman for Salty and Andrus? Give me a Break!! It may take a return to the attendance figures of the 70’s and 80’s before the front office gets a clue and builds a team. Then again, Frank Wren couldn’t build an outhouse.
Charlie
May 6th, 2009
5:49 pm
The Braves’ team is full of holes. NO POWER…None…12 RBI from the cleanup spot in the order. NO LEADOFF MAN…none…NO SPEED…(Schafer…he can’t steal 1st base. Talk about a player NOT READY to play at this level, it’s Schafer.)…defense is average at best, and their errors almost always give up runs. NO clutch hitter… NONE Bullpen…CHOKE ARTISTS…that includes Mike the rockin’ savior. Bobby has no clue. He just wants everyone to be happy,and to like him. This is a team so flawed, it will be lucky to stay a head of the Nats. The group has, with their 3rd grade knowledge of base running, ended more innings than the opposing pitchers. It’s early, yes, but this group of chokers and clowns, and no-talent has beens is through. When management decides to bring a power outfielder to Atlanta, and they sign Garret Anderson, I knew we were screwed for 2009. Did they bother to look at his age OR his statistics? This group is simply PAINFUL to watch their ATTEMPT to play baseball at a major league level.
Johnny Bravo
May 6th, 2009
6:32 pm
I love my Braves, and I will always be behind ‘em 100%. But let’s face it. Between injuries, poor pitching and waiting on young guys to come around for a few years, the Braves just are not very good.
I think the world of Kelly Johnson and want so bad for him to be consistently successful, but he has had 3 years now to come around and he still gets into these extended batting slumps that kill the team. Infante needs to stay in the lineup every day.
Francoeur has had a good year and I have faith his pro career will be strong, but his plate discipline is still a good year off.
Watching Schafer struggle at the plate is brutal and questionable. This kid needs to be in AAA or AA working on his craft not striking out in the big leagues. Not only do Schafer’s struggles hurt his own psyche, his struggles deflate the team and the fans.
The Garret Anderson project is also strange. Terrific player in his prime, and yes, I know, he has not had many at bats this year, but his swings and plate effort remind me of an old bear lazily taking swats at a troublesome mosquito. Just ain’t gettin’ it done.
The ever-running saga of waiting on some old pitcher’s arm, thigh or buttocks injury to maybe heal or the hope that he can somehow bring back some of his old magic (replace Hampton with Glavine this year) is an old an tiresome plot.
Escobar can hit and field but his base running prowess is little league at best. He has cost us a few games already. He was so impressive on the base paths his rookie season…what happened?
Bullpen? Bullpen? What bullpen?
The last thing anybody expected was that our 3 time All Star would have an eye issue. Jeez…let’s hope he clear’s that hurdle ASAP. His bat will help but only if he can see.
But that’s enough negative vibe for one blog…
Chipper Jones is easily my favorite player ever. He stands shoulders above most of the MLB because his numbers are real, not inflated by steroid/hormone abuse. The whole steroid era has been unfair for the fans but it has been really unfair to players like Jones who played by the rules. Chipper alone is worth watching the Braves play, even in defeat.
So, C’MON BRAVES! LET’S TURN THIS THING AROUND, BABY!
varoadrunner
May 6th, 2009
6:33 pm
The question of “when” should be will they win another series this year and the answer is yes. There are some lowly teams out there that the Braves can manage to win 2 of 3, but we had the opportunity to sweep the short series with the Mets and blew it. The Braves just are not that good. Starting pitching has been ok, although as long as we have to rely on Kawakami, we are destined for failure. I’d bring up Hanson and let him learn up here. That is unless McDowell would be a detriment to development.
As long as Terry Pendleton is the Braves hitting coach, we will dwell in mediocrity. I’m not holding my breath – the Marlins are down right now, but something tells me the Braves will find a way to lose. Sorry for my doom and gloom, I think I’m just telling it like it is and sorry for it.
MK
May 6th, 2009
6:36 pm
Tony La Russa plays those hitters that are hot not waiting two months to see if they get hot! This is a remake of last year. Why do we not run more? Why do we not see Blanco, Infante and Prado in the line-up? While we wait for Schaffer, and Kelly to get hot we will be 15 games back. It is time for a new manager, but I don’t understand why the media here at home will not question BC?
Bravissimo
May 6th, 2009
6:45 pm
I wont comment on the way theyre playing right now, its obvious, and most of the comments reflect that.
But Im getting really tired of hearing the comments of Bobby after we lose, ” Oh he pitched a great game , except those 3 hrs he gave up” “Hes just not in the groove right now”.. Bobby needs to get out of charachter and let these overpaid babys have it one time…then maybe theyll start playing a little.
Lee
May 6th, 2009
7:53 pm
I’m not aware of any “personality conflicts,” if any, on this team. It definitely seems “out of sync.” It’s not too early; however, the team simply cannot fall behind seriously in such a competitive situation as National League Baseball and hope to make up a 15 game deficit in order to make the playoffs. The team really needs to “find” much more offense.
chump Change
May 6th, 2009
8:20 pm
We braves fans are spoiled.We think we can win every year.who do we think we are, the Yankees?
Five Players For One
May 6th, 2009
8:25 pm
As much as I hate to say it, I wonder if we could find someone stupid
enough to give us 5 players for one of ours?
No, I bet we end up trading Lowe & Anderson after the All Star break. We
will get a couple of Lillibridge’s and a couple of soft tossers.
BraveCat
May 6th, 2009
9:21 pm
I guess us fans are spoiled but watching this hapless team makes me puke. They want to play golf much more than play baseball. If all the homeboys played like Prado and Infinate, we might not be crying and whining. But nooo, go to a game and all the goofy, fair weather fans cheer for are Frenchy and Chipper. So sad. And they are going to kill Escobar’s passion for the game with the no flair professionalism of the dreaded Braves. This is just the 70s Braves all over again. It was fun while it lasted.
BraveCat
May 6th, 2009
9:23 pm
Infante….sorry for the misspellings. This cat is nervous watching the Braves
JEFF
May 6th, 2009
9:25 pm
wow i just i just turned the game on and here we go.. gonna blow this game as well. were winning by 5 now its 2 soon to be 1.. way to shut down the offense guys..