Braves’ problem is they can’t afford even one bad week
This is umpire Bill Hohn, who doesn't seem to like Bobby Cox much (he ejected him again Wednesday) and doesn't care that the Braves have slipped in the wild-card race. (AP photo)
This is what happens when you dig a hole in June.
Over the last the seven days, the Braves have two wins, four losses and an off day. That doesn’t qualify as a major slide. But the results illustrate how difficult of a position they’ve put themselves in. Philadelphia has blown open an eight-game lead in the National League East. The Phillies also just added Cy Young winner Cliff Lee to the starting rotation in a trade with Cleveland.
I guess getting a Cy Young winner instead of Roy Halladay qualifies as a consolation prize. Folks, that ship has sailed.
The wild-card race is almost as daunting. The Braves are only four games back of wild-card leader San Francisco. That wouldn’t be a big problem if the Giants were in first and the Braves were in second. But it’s not that simple.
Before losing four of their last six — including the first two games of a series to Florida, one of the teams they’re chasing — the Braves were tied for third, three games back of then-leader Colorado. Now in dropping four games back of San Francisco, which in itself is no big deal, they’re tied for fifth (and sixth) place. Milwaukee is only a game behind them in seventh.
Actually, the Braves are closer in the wild-card standings to the eighth-place Mets (two games) than they are the Giants (four). We all thought the Mets were dead. So where does that put the Braves?
That’s the difficult thing about wild-card races — it’s often not the number of games behind in the standings that matters as much as the number of teams you’re battling. You can’t expect/project/hope every other team loses because they’re all playing each others. There’s no exact formula. But in a sense, a four-game deficit in a six-to-eight team pack seems almost as bad as an eight-game deficit in second place.
What this all means now is what it meant before: The Braves have to do something very unlikely to make the playoffs. They need to sweep some series. They also can’t afford to lose any ground — and actually need to gain — despite an upcoming stretch of the schedule, when they play Los Angeles and Philadelphia 10 times in 15 games. The Dodgers have the best record in baseball. The Phillies might be in that position before long — they’ve won 19 of their last 23.
The numbers are the numbers. But right now the National League wild-card winner is projected to win 88 games. The Braves are 51-50, which means they would need to go 37-24 the rest of the season. That’s .607 baseball. It’s not like that can’t be done, given the way they’ve mostly played over the past month. But have another 2-4 week and watch how harder things get.
Sorry. Didn’t mean to ruin your morning.
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157 comments Add your comment
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
July 30th, 2009
7:31 am
The curse of Mark Bradley strikes again. Made fun of the Mets and how bad their GM was compared to Wren. Since then they have been streaking and the Braves have been falling. I don’t see them overcomeing the number of wildcard teams in front of them. On top of that, a couple of those teams have made trades to improve.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
July 30th, 2009
7:32 am
over coming
Jeff Schultz
July 30th, 2009
7:36 am
Bank — I can only defend my own bad predictions. (Program note: Weekend Predictions just around the corner! We now resume commenting.)
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
July 30th, 2009
7:45 am
Bill Hohn makes my gaydar chart go from yellow (elevated) to orange (high).
rb
July 30th, 2009
7:48 am
i agree it is an uphill climb for the playoffs and games like last night don’t help. two things about that, what’s up with bobby cox sporting the catcher’s mit in the dugout the last two nights? also, that homplate umpire needs to be disciplined by the league. he clearly has it in for the braves and did anyone see the fist pump with the marlins catcher after the last pitch of the game? i was wondering why chipper was hanging out in the dugout with that look on his face after the game was over!!!
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
July 30th, 2009
7:50 am
Jeff, since it’s just me and you do you think the Braves should be sellers now. I think they should stockpile some young talent the next couple of days.
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
July 30th, 2009
8:01 am
What was up with the fist pump Bill Hohn gave the Marlins catcher last night?
ltdbrave
July 30th, 2009
8:08 am
Well the Braves are showing the type of team they really are. When push comes to shove and they must win games, they just fold. All of those wins since the All-Star break are going down the drain. The same players are doing the hitting and I am not talking about McCann, Jones or McLouth. Florida just took a 2 game lead over the Braves when the Braves could have really distinguished themselves as a contender.
Jeff Schultz
July 30th, 2009
8:11 am
RB — I’ll say this about the Braves-Hohn thing. If I were an umpire, I’d hate working Braves games because Cox is constantly complaining about ball-strike calls. Most know it’s coming and can deal with it. Hohn seemingly has an issue. And yeah, bad call last night.
The Grinch
July 30th, 2009
8:13 am
Despite proving himself one of the better GM’s in baseball right now, Wren is already under a firestorm from the ignorant portion of the Braves’ fan base (about 65%). If he started “selling” right now those morons would build a gallows in the blue lot of Turner Field. Besides, who would he sell? The fantastic rotation he’s built is under contract for further seasons when we can actually utilize their abilities. Chipper has a veto. Trading McCann or Escobar would be asinine. We raped the Pirates for McClouth; expecting to do the same to someone else with him again is unlikely. Nobody else outside the farm has any value. And for God’s sake stop with the “KJ, Jo-Jo and Norton” poo-poo platter for “other team’s superstar” nonsense.
Ever since Schaeffer, Francine and KJ torpedoed the first two months, this has already been a rebuilding season. Let’s see what happens with the wild card. If it doesn’t work, we can get a power bat in the offseason with Hudson’s option money (provided Wren’s smart enough not to pick it up, which I believe he is), put Medlen in Huddy’s spot, Heyward in RF and Campillo in the long relief role and VOILA! We have a much improved team, WORLDS above the last three of JS’ tenure. Give the man a chance. Nobody has done more with less.
Jeff Schultz
July 30th, 2009
8:14 am
Bank — I’d be surprised if Kelly Johnson isn’t dealt because I don’t see him back here next year. But the only thing that would qualify as a “sell” is Vasquez for a bat, and I don’t see it happening. I think front office will be content keeping this team for next year, with a few changes, but those can be made in winter. I say that unless some team really blows them away in the 24 hours with a trade offer.
FSUBrad
July 30th, 2009
8:14 am
If they lose today, they’ve got to send either Gonzo or Soriano to: a) save a little cash, b) get a prospect or two. They both are pending FA’s, only 1 likely will be back next season anyhow. I’d even like to see them go ahead & ship Javy at that point too. 4 games may not sound like a lot, but there are too many quality teams in the mix. Then again, they can wait a couple more weeks & see if they can get something for any of these 3 via the waiver process in August…
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
July 30th, 2009
8:22 am
I agree FSUBrad. Since guys like Gonzo, Soriano are FA, there is no way that they resign here. I’d say Gonzo is gone. Also, I think Javy has a little more than one year on his contract. Two things with Javy, we will not resign and he is pitching much better than his career numbers. I think we have to trade him. I make take a chance and keep Soriano and re-sign him. I think the Braves could get some quality for Javy & Gozo.
BravesAreDone
July 30th, 2009
8:30 am
I’ve been using my name on here for a long time…and nothing has changed…they’re done, and have been done for a long time for this season. Just isn’t going to happen once again this year.
FSUBrad
July 30th, 2009
8:40 am
Bank, yes Javy has another year left. The rotation is crowded once Hudson comes back, unless the Braves simply buyout Hudson & don’t bring him back at 12 mill next season. I honestly see that happening at this point. No offense to Hudson, but $12 mill is way too much for a guy coming off major surgery. The $1 mill buyout is a no-brainer, unless Hudson takes a major paycut.
Soriano’s expensive & has significant value. I’d love to see him get some postseason experience & then come back in 2010. I see Kelly being the other piece moved by tomorrow or during waiver process…
bali smith
July 30th, 2009
8:41 am
I think umpiresmight consider wearing earplugs whenever they have to call games involving the Atlanta Braves.I have never seen an umpire walk over to a dugout pull out the lineup card and wait to toss the first person out of the dugout.HopeFULLY the League office will consider earplugs as a part of an umpires official dress in the future.No place for Rabbit Ears in baseball. Nasty wabbit
Bama Aaron
July 30th, 2009
8:46 am
I’ve been saying package KJ and Gonzo for either prospects or middle relieve for a week now. It’s the only deal that really makes sense. I’d send Norton out the door and just eat whatever cash is owed him and bring back Conrad.
I don’t understand people wanting to trade Vazquez…he’s been arguably our most consistent pitcher all season. Keep him and find a way to dump Kawakami.
Whatever you do know that it’s for next season because this season is lost. May & June put the Braves in too big a hole to dig out of.
Bowser
July 30th, 2009
8:49 am
These last two games have been brutal. Besides playing in the worst venue in baseball, we’re not showing up, and Super Mario keeps ejecting our manager.
butchcat
July 30th, 2009
8:54 am
Cox’s act is wearing thin. He never complained when, for many years, Maddux and Glavine were getting strikes that were 6″ off the plate. Even worse is Joe Simpson, the biggest whiner and the WORST analyst I’ve ever heard. Umps are far from perfect but are usually consistent. Cox and Simpson treat every ump as Eric Gregg. Hahn did not cost them the game—KK did giving up a three run home run to a pitcher. Oh, and by the way, McCann is starting to imitate his manager. Maybe the pitch wasn’t a strike but the count was just 1-1. The next pitch was right down the middle and McCann hit into a DP. Take some responsibility for your own failures. It would be interesting to know how many of Cox’s 146 ejections were in losing games.
Jeff Schultz
July 30th, 2009
8:57 am
Bama-The KJ-Gonzo thing is a good call. On Vasquez, you have to look at it from a business standpoint. He has one year left on his contract and I not likely to be re-signed after that. He’s the only realistic member of the rotation that you would move. And don’t say Hudson because a starter coming off TJ surgery isn’t going to fetch a lot in trade. Same with Kawakami and that contract of his. Ditto: Lowe. Hanson and Jurrijens obviously aren’t going anywhere.
Bowser — the Super Mario reference made me laugh.
Jeff Schultz
July 30th, 2009
8:59 am
Butchcat — Cox has ALWAYS complained — and Glavine and Maddux would tell you his complaining helped them get strike calls. … I agree with you though that the umpire didn’t cost them the game. That’s just an easy thing to jump on.
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
July 30th, 2009
9:08 am
Sounds like Jeff Schultz isn’t a Cox fan. Bowser, I’m laughing over the Super Mario comment. Keep ‘em comin’. I think BC did the right thing coming out of the dugout when Hohn walked over to the dugout. He was trying to protect BMac. Even though old Mac took care of all that between innings…
ghostwriter
July 30th, 2009
9:09 am
MB – I think you mixed up this line:
“But in a sense, a four-game deficit against one team seems almost as bad as an eight-game deficit in a six-to-eight-team pack.”
We still have a chance… we just need to get hot again. Losing this series hurts, but it’s not over.
ghostwriter
July 30th, 2009
9:09 am
And by MB, I meant JS.
Bravo
July 30th, 2009
9:14 am
Stick a fork in them. It’s done.
Herschel Talker
July 30th, 2009
9:15 am
butchcat at 8:54 pretty much says it all. Let’s not misdirect from where the real culpability in this loss is.
RHR
July 30th, 2009
9:15 am
If only we hadn’t wasted the 1st two months waiting for KJ and Jeff to “turn it around” …
midnite
July 30th, 2009
9:15 am
That strike call on McCann last night reminded me of the NLCS strike zone of Eric Greg’s calls in favor of the Marlins Livan Hernandez. Uncalled for and utterly ridiculous. The game night before last the home plate ump sucked also. Hohn must have been reliving that game in his fantasy world. He does have a nice porn-stach though.
The Grinch
July 30th, 2009
9:15 am
Butchcat, how many managers would get thrown out of a game they’re winning? Of course most ejections occur during losing games; the point is to fire up an underperforming team.
Jeff, you really don’t think Vasquez would re-sign here? He’s obviously more comfortable playing here than anywhere else. He’s already said he wants to play as close to Puerto Rico as he can, and I doubt the Marlins would sign him. I bet he’d take a little less to stay here. He and Bobby seem to be a good fit.
Bravo
July 30th, 2009
9:18 am
Need to go ahead and move Lowe to the Angels for Brandon Wood and Will Smith (AA minors). Move Gonzalez, Soriano, Moylan and possibly KK and KJ. Lets reload, but not throw up the white flag on this year, we could pick up a lot of pieces if we strike now. There’s a lot of teams in search of playoff pieces. We make our moves now and come next year we’ll have the pieces in place to compete and come trade deadline time we’ll have the pieces available to better our team. NO TIME TO WASTE!! MAKE THE MOVES!!!
Space Monkey
July 30th, 2009
9:20 am
Two comments:
1. This is why I don’t like the way Cox manages this team in May and June. He stuck with KJ way too long when Infante and Prado were much better options. (BTW, it now looks like KJ was playing hurt and hurting the ballclub by insisting he was only in a “slump.” He needs a one-way ticket out of town.) Sometimes, it’s like Bobby doesn’t think the May and June games count. Well, they do. We will finish between one and 10 games out of the Wild Card and all those games starting three “instant outs,” namely KJ, Frenchy, and Schaefer will cost us,
2. I think we should sign Vazquez to a long-term contract. He likes playing in Atlanta. I think he’s finally found a home. Trading him would be madness. With some offensive backup, he could be on his way to 20 wins this year. He’s always been a great pitcher. Let’s show him that we appreciate him and extend his contract. I’d also love to keep Hudson but, of the two, I’ll take Vazquez.
Chris
July 30th, 2009
9:21 am
Barring something freakish, the Braves are through. Damn shame, too – it’s a fun team to watch.
ghostwriter
July 30th, 2009
9:26 am
Vazquez is a great pitcher and has been nothing short of great here in Atlanta. I think he likes it here and we definitely like him. He’s a perfect #2 or #3 pitcher for us.
curtis jones
July 30th, 2009
9:30 am
Jeff, if Bruce Froemming, Steve Palermo and the other “Umpire Evaluators” don’t call Billy Hohn into the office TODAY for an a$$-chewing, then the whole process is a joke.
Of course, his theatrics didn’t cost the Braves that game, or any game; they took care of that themselves with crappy pitching and chronic grounders to second.
But Hohn’s continued bizarre behavior is in direct contrast to the dozens of solid umpires who do their job silently and well. Sure, we’re also still stuck with morons like Joe West, Jeff Kellogg and Angel Hernandez, but the overwhelming majority are top-notch. How Hohn has kept a job is a mystery. This is nothing new for him. He’s been a hot-head for more than ten years, and has no business in the big leagues.
He’ll be at 3rd base tonight, and any close calls or checked-swings could be an adventure; not to mention the fact he’ll be a few yards away from the Braves dugout. MLB should remove him from this crew immediately after reviewing his “lineup card” fiasco, and Marlins fist-pump from last night.
jfreak
July 30th, 2009
9:31 am
The Braves are who they are and that’s about .500 but I’ll take that as long as they continue to improve. I really like this team and I think if they can add a player or two and keep the pitching staff in place they will be even better next year. I hope they aren’t BIG sellers this year. KJ and maybe Gonzo would be wise moves if you can get a need position in return.
By the way guys don’t forget how the team of the decade was built. Great starting young pitching. Hanson and Jurgens sure look great too me! Plus a couple of solid innings eating vets and we could be a power house next year??
Good job Wren!
jimmya
July 30th, 2009
9:33 am
how much farher do braves fall playing WREN BALL FIRE WREN bring on the kids and see how they play dont let WREN trade anymore talent off
varodrunner
July 30th, 2009
9:41 am
Seems to me that Hohm is our 2009 Eric Gregg. But the difference is that Gregg cost us a game whereas Hohm just had a chip on his shoulder and tossed a player and a manager.
Now to trades… Could we get anything for KJ now? Could we possibly trade Kawakami for something? He really doesn’t look like a winner.
I would keep Vazquez and as someone mentioned, sign him to an extension. He’s been great (IMHO).
My moves before the deadline would be: Trade Kawakami, KJ and Gonzo (sign Soriano to an new contract).
Any possibility Jeff?
ROARK84
July 30th, 2009
9:42 am
600 ball is doable. Braves’ pitching is too solid to discuss conceding the playoff spot with two months to go. They can get hot just as quickly as the Phillies can go cold again.
Glad to see JS is involved today.
Phil
July 30th, 2009
9:45 am
Moron Cox left KK in the game too long once again. Should have pulled him after the home run to the pitcher. He was done at that point. I know you don’t want to go the bullpen that early in the game, but you HAVE to do whatever it takes to keep the game within reach. He left KK in the game and he gave 2 more bombs to Ramirez and Uggla. Game out of reach.
This has always been the problem with Cox since day one. He doesn’t know when to pull a pitcher. Never has, never will. He waits until the game is out of reach to make a move.
Just like this past Saturday night. He let the relief pitcher(can’t remember who it was) walk 3 batters to load the bases in the 8th inning I think it was. Then FINALLY he came out and makes a change. Acosta comes in with the bases loaded and 1 out and got the first batter out but then gave up a single and 2 runs scored. Too much to ask of Acosta to hold them.
Typical Moron Cox, doesn’t know when to take a picher out.
Forget the playoffs people.
BBrown
July 30th, 2009
9:48 am
I contend that the success of Smoltz, Maddux and Glavine is partly (if not significantly) the result of Cox working the umpires to get that outer half of the plate call. Yes, umpires are human and accordingly inconsistent. However, Bobby makes it a point of it to protect his pitchers. If I’m pitching, I want a manager like Cox working the umps to get that call. Did you see Soriano on Tuesday night, he was not getting the call at all. Bobby was furious. You saw the result, a walk and homer in the bottom of the ninth.
JP Swain
July 30th, 2009
9:50 am
Why in the world would we want to trade Vasquez? I don’t understand that at all. And why couldn’t we re-sign him and Gonzo?
If we could unload KK, KJ, and Jeff Bennett for anything other than a dog catcher, I would call that a win.
When does Bobby just say “Prado is the starter” not the “starter for a while.” He’s better defensively, hits better and is a great 2 hole guy.
Can’t wait to get Infante back to spell Chipper and turn in those quality AB’s that have been his hall mark since arriving in Atlanta.
jimmya
July 30th, 2009
9:51 am
if braves keep the same pitchers next year and keep KJ kawakami church norton kotch prado they will be in thev same place again FIRE WREN
SeanT
July 30th, 2009
9:51 am
Two things…
1. Where are all the folks last week that were praising the Braves for not making any moves. Ohhh…we don’t need Matt Holiday, he’s another bust. Yeah, he looks like one now, doesn’t he. Meanwhile the Phillies are picking up Cy Young award winners and their offense is outstanding. Don’t expect the same results against the Phillies next time around. Besides if we can’t get past the Marlins or the Nationals it really doesn’t matter. Come on folks…at least man up and say we probably should have went after someone.
2. I have not seen one comment about the fist bump between Hohn and the Marlins catcher. Am I the only one that thinks this is a big deal. That guy should be suspended…no question. Will someone in the Atlanta media please stand up. The only comment I saw was on Fox 5 Sports.
Blackberry Cobbler
July 30th, 2009
9:52 am
Every time the Braves begin to get things together and look like a decent team, they then proceed to crap in their own nest.
Despite their recent winning ways, they’ve fallen further behind the Phils. They are NOT going to catch the Phillies.
The Fish are a team contending with the Braves for the WC. Here’s a chance to make up some ground………… yet what do the Braves do, lose the first 2 games.
Forget it. The Braves are toast.
matt r
July 30th, 2009
10:02 am
As much fun as it is to see Bobby argue with umpires, has anyone stopped to think that his constant arguing of balls and strikes is trickling down to the rest of the team, and they are able to use it as sort of an excuse when things aren’t going their way? McCann feeling the need to come out and bring it back up again after the inning was already over with kind of leads me to think that he feels like this is something he should be able to do, even though we constantly hear “you can’t argue balls and strikes”. I just worry the Cox attitude might be a problem here that gets in the head of the rest of the team. Even if you want to complain about an umpire costing you a game, they don’t give you points for that… it still shows up in the L column, not the W.
P
July 30th, 2009
10:03 am
If you really look at the body language in the dugout (on TV), in the field, and at the plate this team is a reflection of COX. He has really done nothing but complain and whine all year and act like a child. The whole team is pretty much doing the same. You just don’t see the energy and the “go kill something” attitude that is needed. They play out Cox’s script every day instead of taking matters into their hands and acting like a team that really knows they can do it. Too tentative..too reserved. They need new, young leadership. Tired of looking at all the overweight, curmudgeon coaches in the dugout.
Swaga1
July 30th, 2009
10:05 am
What was the justification of signing Kawakami again?? We could have spent that money on some additional offense than spend it on some worthless rubber armed pitcher. I am so through with this team not performing when it counts. once again, this team has no heart and no fire. u can see it in the way they play Just like when they went to washington and had to win those games after sweeping philly and they lost them and now u see it again in florida. I guess they don’t want it.
PMC
July 30th, 2009
10:12 am
The braves still have to be patient. Wren has shown in his tenure he’s not afraid to pull the trigger on a deal he thinks will help the team… but they have a very slim chance of fielding a winning postseason team this year and a very large chance in the next couple of years of having a much better shot. The players that are available aren’t worth what the prospects are worth to this team in the future.
The Braves got hosed by that crew last night. They were incredibly awful. Just get back to winning series. Bad luck two nights in a row essentially. KK is just not of the caliber they expected.
Phil
July 30th, 2009
10:12 am
Good points “P”,
The team is a reflection of that Moron. Until he retires, I’m afraid it’s going to be that way. One day we will be free of the Moron. It can’t come fast enough.
PMC
July 30th, 2009
10:13 am
I really hope a few Marlins players catch some balls in the ribs tonight. I want to see that and I want to see some spikes up on DP’s… maybe a stray ball catching an umpire in the short hairs.
Pete Orr
July 30th, 2009
10:13 am
I would say 80-90% of all of Cox’s ejections he’s been correct.
Have to be careful typing that sentence…
Don
July 30th, 2009
10:22 am
It is absolutely amazing that the Baseball Writers either do not themselves understand or at least to not make an issue with Bobby Cox’s unbelievable continueous failer to understand and teach/emphasize/demand the absolute necessity for hitters to work the count and make the opposing pitcher throw a lot of pitches if you are to have consistantly good run production. The Braves are next to last in all of baseball in average number of pitches seen per at bat – which guarantees that their run production will not be consistant. This ignores the most important element in offenisve managemet. Teams that do this enable the hitters to see what the pitcher has, adjust to the pitcher, get better pitches to hit, makes him make misntakes, wears the pitcher down both within innings and for the game, gets you into the team’s weak middle relief, creats more walks and more improtantly significantly better hitting opportunities. It is absurd that a manager could manage for 20 plus years and not understand and implement this – and even more absurd that Baseball Writers either do not understand the neceissity for this or refuse to make any kind of point or challenge about Bobby Cox’s complete failure in this and as an offensive manager.
Mac
July 30th, 2009
10:23 am
The Braves probably aren’t going to make the playoffs, but I hope the players will continue to fight for the wildcard. I think they will. This seems like a pretty good team right now. Add a few pieces in the offseason and they contend next season.
That Hohn guy needs a boot as far as it will go, if you know what I mean. And, I think you do.
doc bailey
July 30th, 2009
10:23 am
it is very interesting, last week, when the Braves were winning a few more games than loosing, the ” bandwagoners” were jumping on board and saying lets go with this team, they have finally put it together and will make a run. This team does have the “groundwork” of players to develop into a future contender . You look at this team and must realize, it is a 500 ball club and adding one or two players would not make us very much better to contend for either the division or wild card this year. my opinion is to bring up players the Braves think will be ready next year and let them play the remainder of the season. This is the time to reevaluate for the future and see what needs to be filled in the off-season. If anything, Wren needs to look at the farm system,and see what it will take to bring it back to where it used to be.
Smoltzy
July 30th, 2009
10:23 am
For those who love Soriano his future is not too bright. He will get a nice fat 3 year contract from the Yankees and take it. Within 1 month he go on the dl and never be heard from again. Anyone remember, Chris hammond, Steve Karsay, and Kyle Farnsworth. I would love for them to keep Soriano but I just think he will test the market.
Phil
July 30th, 2009
10:24 am
Don,
I’m as sick of Moron Cox as anybody. But can you come up with something besides that same post every time? With Moron Cox, it’s easy to get some new material.
NC Braves Fan
July 30th, 2009
10:27 am
The past couple of nights are a great reminder of how the baseball season is a real marathon and over the course of that marathon, quality emerges. But on any given night, your team may look pathetic depending on a variety of factors – including the opposing starting pitcher.
Josh Johnson & Ricky Nolasco did a really good job of clamping down on the Braves offense the past couple of nights. It happens, and it’s not like those guys are a couple of schlubs.
Heck, the Phillies got shut out by Yusmeiro Petit last night (whoever the hell that is).
Odds are the matchup today is a little more in our favor pitching-wise.
Finally, it’s not that going 37-24 is in itself such a challenge. It’s compiling that kind of record against pitching in our division that includes Johan Santana, Cole Hamels, just about any of FLA’s starters … and now Cliff Lee. And THAT’S one big reason why the math is so daunting for the Braves going down the stretch.
Mac
July 30th, 2009
10:27 am
Question: “What was the justification of signing Kawakami again??”
Answer: Tazawa rejected the Braves offer and signed with Boston.
Mac
July 30th, 2009
10:27 am
Didn’t say it was a good reason.
midnite
July 30th, 2009
10:32 am
A sure HOF manager respected by everyone in the game and you Fantasy League GM’s say he does not know what he’s doing. He does blow a few decisions, but tell me who doesn’t? Y’all stick to your Fantasy ball and you can make all the right decisions and ridiculous trades.
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 30th, 2009
10:34 am
super mario….damn, thats funny.
brave-in-nyc
July 30th, 2009
10:35 am
Cut Norton and call up Heyward NOW, put him in RF he’s only hitting .438 at AA.
JH has scouts comparing him to no less than Willie McCovey.
50 years ago to the day: In his Major League debut on July 30, 1959, McCovey went four-for-four against Hall-of-Famer Robin Roberts en route to a .354 batting average that year, in which he won National League Rookie of the Year honors while playing in just 52 games.
Dawgdad
July 30th, 2009
10:49 am
The next time Bill Hohn is behind the plate, Mccann needs to tell Hohn his eyes are watering a bit tonight and then proceed to completely miss a few belt high fastballs over his shoulder. “Damn Bill, my eyes watered up on that one, sorry”.
tnbrave
July 30th, 2009
10:50 am
I like the idea of calling up Heyward in September but I don’t want to rush him. I believe he is the real deal and I think we could see him next year on a regular basis. I really like what Garrett is doing in RF after the slow start but Church has been somewhat of a disappointment although I liked the trade. We have really started hitting the ball since the AS break…so I am liking our team right now!
Loyal Homer
July 30th, 2009
10:55 am
Jeff,
Enjoyed the article today. We definitely don’t need a bad week. Almost a must win today!
I referenced you on my sports blog debate yesterday! You and your colleagues! Check it out!
http://thesportsdebates.com/category/tsd/the-espn-dedicated-local-coverage-debate/
Lou Vales
July 30th, 2009
10:59 am
Jeff, I’ll try this with you. Tell me what i’m missing:
McCann>Baker/Paulino
Prado>Uggla
Jones>Let’s Get Serious
Anderson>Coghlin
Church/Diaz>Hermida
Ross and McClouth A Wash
Cantu Slightly Better than Kochman
Ramirez>Escobar–However his offensive skills make differential not that bad.
Braves Starters 1-5>Marlin Starters 1-5.
Braves Closer>Marlins Closer
Set Up Men are even
Benches are pretty close to even.
Won’t even get into payroll, fan support, TV Revenue, Quality of ownership, stadium quality.
Why are the Marlins ahead of the Braves?
Harpie
July 30th, 2009
10:59 am
Too late – they’ve already slud….
Harpie
July 30th, 2009
10:59 am
Enter your comments here
Ray
July 30th, 2009
11:00 am
Has there any mention of the umpire’s fist bump to the marlin’s catcher after the last out anywhere on the espn or anything?? I have NEVER seen that before….someone in the Atlanta media needs to take that clip and send it to the national stations…
Loyal Homer
July 30th, 2009
11:01 am
Yea, Ray, I hope the commissioner’s office sees the footage from last night!
Phil
July 30th, 2009
11:06 am
Lou Vales,
I will tell you why the Marlins are ahead of the Braves:
Gonzalez > Cox
CW
July 30th, 2009
11:20 am
At least we still have the Bark in the Park!
Bravo
July 30th, 2009
11:25 am
Time to trade Lowe, KK, Gonzo, Moylan and Soriano. Lets stock up some great prospects. Then lets look at possibly moving Kotchman for some power. Time to make the moves, what do you have to loss? oh yeah, they could walk at the end of the year or get hurt and we get nothing. Great concept, lets hang on to them and continue our .500 ways.
GaPnt
July 30th, 2009
11:27 am
The Braves will not get into the playoffs with Cox as a manager. He needs to retire at the end of the year so there is a chance to make the playoff next year.
Rufus
July 30th, 2009
11:28 am
The Braves, do not have a motor strong enough to overcome the climb, nor do they want it bad enough.
The climb takes mental determination, for which the Braves are not known for.
To be fair, the umpires this year have been the worse, I’ve seen watching baseball, they want confrontation with players, as well as manager, I guess Bobby reminds them how bad they are and they don’t like it.
The thing about the Braves team, is that no one knows which Braves team will show-up tonight?
Swaga1
July 30th, 2009
11:28 am
Thanks Mac,
And No, it wasn’t a good reason to sign him.
Necromancer
July 30th, 2009
11:29 am
Jeff Schultz
Any chance the Braves will bring back Conrad in the next couple of days and cut Norton?
I think that Conrad has proven himself over Norton and Norton needs to go.
To heck with “having a veteran pinch hitter” on the bench!
Norton sux and that’s all there is to it. Let people who can produce come in. If you can’t grow, then it’s time to go.
Marc from FL
July 30th, 2009
11:30 am
The Marlins had a hot start versus the Braves sorry start. Our line up may look better on paper, but not by much, the Marlins have a lot of power and extra-base threats than the Braves do. And calling up Heyward now is far from a sure thing. He’ll either A) succeed or B) fail and need at least 6 more months longer in the minors than he needs now to turn it around. Not worth the risk in my opinion.
CW
July 30th, 2009
11:36 am
Why did they send Conrad down? It seems to me that Conrad was a real boost for the team! He played with heart and determination and it seemed to be positive for the entire team. They had a great record while Conrad was in the line-up. Maybe there is some hope if the bring him back up! KJ needs to go
dawg22
July 30th, 2009
11:36 am
Turd Ferguson u r an idiiot!!
dawg22
July 30th, 2009
11:37 am
Enter your comments here
Jeff Schultz
July 30th, 2009
11:38 am
Ghost – Fixed. Thanks.
The Grinch – I don’t know Vasquez well enough to know what he would do, but I know other pitchers you are going to be paying over the next few years and not sure that he fits into the budget, particularly if your top 3 are Lowe-Hanson-JJ (in whatever order).
EVERYBODY – That was a bad call by Hohn but the Braves did not lose the game because of that call or even the resulting ejections.
BBrown – You are one smart man.
Pete Orr – I’m sure Bobby would agree with you.
Loyal Homer – Thanks, I’ll check it out.
Turd – I need to take this opportunity to tell you that you’ve been banned from further commenting, not because of this relatively tame ones but others you’ve posted on blogs pertaining to Michael Vick. If you want to take it up with us, send me an email.
Lou Vales
July 30th, 2009
11:47 am
Dear Phil, Actually Fredo makes Bobby Cox look like a combination of Joe McCarthy, Gene Mauch, Walter Alston, Tommy Lasorda and John McGraw.
curtis jones
July 30th, 2009
11:51 am
Jeff, I agree with your take on the game and Hohn (see 9:30 post). But again….is Hohn in somebody’s office today? If not, why not? And how can he possibly be allowed to participate in tonight’s game?
Win,lose, or tie bravos til i die
July 30th, 2009
11:55 am
next guy that says that we must get rid of prado or vasquez, i hope you fall down a flight of stairs and be paralyzed forever. what we do need to do is get rid of norton who is not only struggling at the plate but struggling to be a baseball player in general. KK is a joke pitcher who we gave to much money( I dont even watch braves games when he pitches). KJ is probably the biggest waste of time and why we sent down Conrad for this guy, god only knows. we have to find a way to lock up gonzo and soriano because of there lights out pitching. And Hanson is destined to have a great carrer is he doesnt get sick before every start. But the season isnt over till its over( remember in 2007 that team that won about 20 some odd games and swept its way to the world series)
tnbrave
July 30th, 2009
11:57 am
Reports now say that Padres are open to trading Gonzalez and Bell. Any thoughts we can get them? Who would we send? KJ, Kotchman, Reyes, and another prospect? Not sure but really like Gonzalez. Not sure we can out bid Red Sox!!!
stupup74
July 30th, 2009
12:05 pm
I gotta ask, what have the braves done since the break that they haven’t done all year?
They are doing same thing they have done all year, which is to look really good for a stretch, albeit for a tad longer than normal during the last homestand, and then stink for a stretch.
This is what they do, they are a mediocre ball club. They do not have enough offense or PITCHING to contend. I don’t care what you say Lowe and KK have been BUSTS Vasquez is having a career year, but we can’t seem to win but half his starts. (That’s not on him.], but still)
This team should have started selling in June. They have to get a replacement in the organization for Chipper Jones one day. He ain’t going to play and hit until he is 50. They have some pieces to build around, but they need some more. Sell and eat it this year and then set yourself up for a runs in 2011 and beyond. Notice I did not say 2010. It would be STUPID to rush Heyward or Freeman to the majors.
PS: No one should be off the table other than McCann, JJ, and Hanson. Instead of signing Chipper long term they should have moved him for prospects, 10 and 5 status be darned.
PMC
July 30th, 2009
12:10 pm
Jeff… we know they lost the game because KK is overmatched and hell… gave up a home run to the pitvher. He’s awful…and expensive and minor leaguers across the US are screaming… that they can also pitch 4.2 innings per start and walk half the lineup.
That said… the quality of the umpiring in the major leagues is disgraceful. It’s the worst of any sport and they are the most arrogant while having the least amout of oversite or encouragement to get the calls right.
The first run last night came after an absolute missed call at 1st… and it progressed after that.
If they are going to suck at thier jobs…. let them run for office.
Lou Vales
July 30th, 2009
12:12 pm
Jeff, Never asked your opinion. I have NEVER bought into the 14 in a row division thing as that awe inspiring. Let me tell you why. For the great majority of that run the Braves were in a division with two teams that did not have ANY money–Well, the Marlins spent money for one year and you saw what happened–the Marlins and the Expos. Another in that division was the Mets who I think baseball people would agree by acclamation was a horribly run franchise. Therefore as I see it if the Braves dominated the Phillies they were in the Playoffs. That they did and they parlayed 14 consecutive Playoff appearances into 1!!! less World Series Championship than the Florida Marlins. I would equate it to the University of Florida being in a division that contained Vandy and Kentucky, and a Tennessee team that was as woeful as they were last year for 14 years and Georgia. Let’s say Florida dominates Georgia 14 years in a row to win the East BUT instead of winning National Championship a couple of times along with frequent appearances in Title game instead they go on to win only one Title in 14 years with numerous poor performances when they obviously had better talent. As a Florida grad, i would not be that impressed and I bet Georgia fans would not be that inspired with the same results for them. I know that if the Yankees or Red Sox won 14 Division titles in a row and only produced 1 World Series Championship that they would not be lionizing the manager. Agreed??
stupup74
July 30th, 2009
12:13 pm
Addendum to my other posts, Heyward is on the list of untouchables. Freeman is not.
I am not speaking to anyone on here perosnally, but I love it when people get on here and say lets trade KJ, Kotchman, and JoJo for Gonzalez in SD or Holiday, etc. That stuff cracks me up.
Jo Jo is not worth anything on the market, KJ is not far behind, and Kotchman is worth even less than those. You might get a middle reliever for them at best. OUR Gonzo has some value, but nothing more than a middle prospect. Teams are tight with prosepcts right now.
It would take a Heyward/Hanson type prospect in the center of the deal for the Padres to give up their Gonzo, who would look GREAT in a braves uni, but we don’t have them to give away right now.
Ed
July 30th, 2009
12:14 pm
I just want to comment on the person who thinks Joe Simpson is awful. I am a transplanted Atlantan now living in Kansas. Thanks to MLB Extra Innings I can watch most Braves games along with all other MLB games. We get to see and compare all announcers. We think that the combination of Joe and Boog is by far the best in the league. They are objective, fair, and downright amusing to hear. They both know so much about the game and players. And, they bring up information that is really what listeners want to know rather than the same stuff you hear every day. We watch the Braves with Joe and Boog as much to be entertained by them as well as the game.
Now to the many comments made here today:
We are stuck with KK for three years. Just maybe, he will become aclimated to life in Atlanta and MLB baseball and do much better next year.
JV is our BEST pitcher and should be retained.
Greg Norton must go immediately.
The tobacco stuffed mouth pitcher now on the DL should have gone before Norton.He is a disgrace as a role model for our kids.
KJ should be kept as a pinch hitter.
David Ross should play more.
Bobby Cox should be offered a golden parachute.
Give Church a chance. He really looks good.
Lou Vales
July 30th, 2009
12:19 pm
Ed, Boog and Simpson are good. I watch the Marlins announcers. Two miscreants who spend majority of telecast joking about sweater vests they are wearing and other inane subjects. After EVERY meaningless SOLO home run by Dan Uggla they scream out orgasmically “His name is Dan Uggla”–After last year’s 3 error All Star appearance–which sent him on an abyssmal slide—I believe every baseball fan in America knew his name.
gene garbage
July 30th, 2009
12:21 pm
too much to overcome. but they don’t need to move anyone. nor do i think they will. i’m telling ya, they’re looking to next year. and have been for some time. and they’re gonna have to move KK to the pen when huddy gets back.. but that does look like a VERY STRONG rotation for next year..
Jeff Schultz
July 30th, 2009
12:27 pm
Curtis – Can’t answer if he’s in somebody’s office or not, and unless it becomes a huge story, that kind of thing seldom becomes public. But I wouldn’t be surprised if Frank Wren or somebody spoke to somebody by phone. (That’s pure conjecture on my part. I haven’t asked Frank.)
Lou Vales – My answer is yes, but no. Translation: 1 World Series is not enough. I completely agree with anybody else who shares that belief, particularly the Series the team blew to the Yankees. But 14 straight divisions is a remarkable run, given free agency, players change, etc. Probably not answer you wanted.
AppalachiaBrave
July 30th, 2009
12:32 pm
Trade KJ, Hudson, and Kotchman for a power bat at first. Bring Conrad back up too! Heck he was only hitting like .350!! We had good chemistry with those young players in there….Maybe you can put Chipper in that deal too! Yes, I said it! Trade him to a contender and let him have a shot at another World Series. He deserves it, this team is not going to do it.
tnbrave
July 30th, 2009
12:36 pm
stupup74—Glad to hear I made you laugh. Most of what you said though is incorrect but your opinion. I believe that Kotchman is a decent player much more than you are giving him credit for. His defense at 1st base is better than most out there. I think his hitting has been a result of TP but is starting to coming around.
Lou Vales
July 30th, 2009
12:40 pm
Jeff, I wanted the answer you believed. I’m hearing some sabre rattling about “balls in the ribs and high spikes” don’t peope realize that over last 15 years that the Braves have been the most passive team in baseball. I believe Cox doesn’t want his pitchers starting anything because more than others he fears the retaliation. Funny to read about people praising Chipper’s hard slide. I would suggest that a guy who was disabled by a batting cage and by a bed in a 5 Star hotel in NYC would probably be well sereved to not go around initiating contact of any type. If Jones had Mantle’s injuries, he would have been permanently DISABLED. More missed games from specious injuries than any guy in last 50 years. His nickname is “Hoss”, guarantee it is not “Iron Hoss”.
Chris
July 30th, 2009
12:45 pm
Last night, after the SS for the Marlins robbed Prado and Jones on consecutive ground balls up the middle I got a bad feeling.
Starksy
July 30th, 2009
12:48 pm
Hey Ed from Kansas,
Are you smoking some sort of mutated cornstalk? JOE SIMPSON..OBJECTIVE????
He is the biggest cheerleader of all the major league analysts, and yes I get the MLB package as well. There is a reason they call him HOMER SIMPSON.
The whiny voice and know it all attitude is the reason I have the volume down during the games while listening to my IPOD.
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
July 30th, 2009
12:49 pm
Has anybody check out the Umpires’ homepage at MLB.com? There’s a picture of Bill Hohn giving out teddy bears to sick children.
NO MORE BOBBY
July 30th, 2009
12:49 pm
I see two idiots in that picture.
This is NOT the Braves year but a nice preview of what is to come. If we can finally talk Bobby into walking away and get a new manager I see great things for Braves baseball. The fans and I really believe some of the players are ready to embrace change.
Just imagine the atmosphere of when Maddux was back at Turner but every night. 2010 could be a really exciting year for baseball in Atlanta. Walk away Bobby.
The Grinch
July 30th, 2009
12:59 pm
Let us not forget that had Minnesota not cheated both openly and behind the scenes, we would have won the ‘91 WS also. However, there was no excuse for not winning the ‘96. Moves like putting a washed up Jeff Reardon in (who the AL had been seeing for years) instead of a red hot Wohlers, then when he DOES put in Wohlers he puts him in too early and leaves him in too long and…$%#^ Leyritz…etc. are the reason we didn’t win more games that counted. Bobby is always a step behind what’s going on in big games. He’s a great manager for keeping a clubhouse happy over a long period, but it slays me when people laud him as a tactical genius when Maddux pitches a complete game. Bobby needs smart bench coaches to succeed beyond a certain point.
Phil
July 30th, 2009
1:00 pm
I keep hoping and praying that Cox will walk away after this year. Give him some nice job in the front office, but for heavens sake get him out of the dugout. We need an influx of new attitude that can promote excitement with both players and fans. We have some good talent that a new manager could run with and build upon. Cox needs to retire, that’s all there is to it.
Raleigh Dog
July 30th, 2009
1:13 pm
If Mets get healthy at all, Braves will finish in 4th place–15-20 games out of first. After 100 games, we know what kind of team they are. Average at best.
Marc from FL
July 30th, 2009
1:16 pm
Yeah, the solution to our problems is to bring in Greg Maddux as our manager, we’d be playing .700 ball if we would have started with him for sure… You people are… amazing.
mcgannfan
July 30th, 2009
1:19 pm
being a faint hearted optimist, I still think we could do the wild card but we got getting to taking names and kicking youknowwhat!
Hohn is a disaster and NO, he didn’t cause us the game but it helped to make those who may have doubts that he aint put together right!
NOW, MB, pulease tell us why Cox has been sporting a catchers mitt for the past two games? Is he planning on catching and give McGann and Ross a day off? ;0
He has to have some kind of reason for have that mitt…..
and thanks, MK, for your great blogs!
playmeortrademe
July 30th, 2009
1:26 pm
IF Heyward can be a reliable 4/5, Chipper can have one more productive year, and Hanson’s arm doesn’t fall off (worried Hanson=Mark Prior due to his mechanics), I like 2010 much better than chances this year. I’ll take a lineup of McLouth, Prado/Infante, Chipper, Bmac, Heyward, Escobar, Kotchman, Diaz/Church with a rotation of Hanson, Vazquez, Jurrjens, Lowe, Hudson with Soriano closing. That should be a 90-plus win team
Phil
July 30th, 2009
1:28 pm
The guy was not saying Maddux should be the manager. He was saying the excitement that night of the Maddux jersey retirement could be a routine event with a new manager and the team playing with some emotion and purpose.
Do you guys rememeber when Tom Landry was the coach of the Cowboys? He had been their coach forever and in the end the Cowboys were going through losing seasons, missing the playoffs, etc.. When Jerry Jones came in, he realized the Cowboys needed a new coach and that Landry was past him prime. Now I do not agree the way he went about it, he dumped Landry without a proper and respectful send off.
Just because Cox has been our manager forever doesn’t mean you need to keep him year after year when we are losing and it’s obvious he is way past his prime, as Landry was. Give Cox a front office job, have a nice send off on the field, but for the love of God, we have to move forward without him.
Skeezix
July 30th, 2009
1:31 pm
HUH? I’m glad Jeff’s a reporter and not a MLB coach. Can’t believe he’s defending a sleazy and unprofessional umpire like Hohn. Cox should have been raising hell about some of those calls. Has Jeff forgotten the Boston episode? What about Hohn celebrating with the Marlins catcher at the end of last night’s game? That okay too? It dosn’t matter that maybe it was a difference maker in last night’s game, his behavior was inappropriate. What was with pulling out the line up card? . Also, the crap he pulled in the Boston game did cost us a game.
AZBravoFan
July 30th, 2009
1:31 pm
The strike call certainly didn’t cost them the game. That game was on Kawakami. Major league hitters should be able to recognize when umps are calling an erratic strike zone and adjust their approach. Maybe BMac could have slapped one of those outside pitches down the third base line where nobody was playing, instead of pulling it to the right where 3 guys were playing.
Nick
July 30th, 2009
1:35 pm
Bobby usually wears a catchers mitt when there isn’t a screen in front of the dugout so he can attempt to protect himself from foul balls into the dugout.
Mitchell
July 30th, 2009
1:42 pm
Lou Vales
July 30th, 2009
12:19 pm
Ed, Boog and Simpson are good. I watch the Marlins announcers. Two miscreants who spend majority of telecast joking about sweater vests they are wearing and other inane subjects. After EVERY meaningless SOLO home run by Dan Uggla they scream out orgasmically “His name is Dan Uggla”–After last year’s 3 error All Star appearance–which sent him on an abyssmal slide—I believe every baseball fan in America knew his name.
I for one don’t get what everybody’s deal is with Joe Simpson. We’ve been lucky not to have to listen to baffoons who use the same catch phrase for every homerun they’ve seen in their entire broadcasting career.
Compared to that retard Singleton in Chicago who screamed “Yes, yes, yes, yes!” after Buerle’s perfect game or his homerun call “you can put it on the board… yes!” which he still does if the White Sox are losing 20 to 1, I don’t find Joe Simpson to be a homer.
Then of course you have the timeless appeal of “it’s an A-Bomb, from A-ROD!” by that Yankee jackass. Those guys I think would literally have sex with Derek Jeter if he asked them. “See ya!”, says Michael Kay who I literally want to see die.
But possibly even worse would be the Marlins guys who for some reason can be heard on the highlights on Braves.com. They sound like 12 year olds watching batting practice. Unfortunately, that’s what Kawakami’s games are turning into.
I didn’t like Chip or Boog at first and they do kind of annoy me. I mean, Jon Sciambi can make a game winning hit sound like a first inning single and I definitely don’t like “Ballgame!” but they’re okay. If some of our guys are a little homerish they are at least twenty times more professional than the vast majority of announcers in baseball.
playmeortrademe
July 30th, 2009
1:46 pm
Interesting, and not really surprising, that ESPN has said jack+squat about Hohn. If “Red Sox” were on the unforms, Peter Gammons would be on location at Hohn’s hotel calling for an immediate firing and lifetime ban and the story would be the first 30 minutes of every Sportscenter.
bvillebaron
July 30th, 2009
1:47 pm
AppalachiaBrave:
Trade Hudson? Why would you do that? He has much more value to the Braves than to any other team. Besides, inasmuch as he won’t return to the team until at least mid-August, he has no trade value any way. If Hudson returns then and pitches like the old Tim Hudson, the Braves will have acquired a better pitcher shortly after the trade deadline than any other team will be able to do so including Cliff Lee (unless someone empties their farm for Halladay). Stand pat or be buyers for a change (I agree with others that Heyward should not be rushed but what he has done so far in AA-admittedly not that many games–is impressive. The Braves have a shot to win the wild card with the addition of Hudson and Infante and shouldn’t mortgage any more of their future for “band aids”, particularly with what the team can be in the next several years.
Mitchell
July 30th, 2009
1:47 pm
Raleigh Dog
July 30th, 2009
1:13 pm
If Mets get healthy at all, Braves will finish in 4th place–15-20 games out of first. After 100 games, we know what kind of team they are. Average at best.
Raliegh Dog, U R an idiot. We lose two games and suddenly you’re worried about the Mets?
You people are pathetic. We’re going to win tonight. We’re going to beat the Dodgers and we’re going to keep on winning so get over two damn games to the G damn Marlins.
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
July 30th, 2009
1:50 pm
I don’t think Hohn was responsible for our loss. We were. But you cannot discount Hohn’s actions last night and he fact that they were out of line and really inappropriate for an umpire. I know that all the players are professionals and should be able to block this stuff out and step up and play, but as a former athlete myself, it gets into your head when you’ve got an official you know is against you.
Ben
July 30th, 2009
1:51 pm
Get the brooms out because this team is done.
playmeortrademe
July 30th, 2009
1:54 pm
Oh, and ESPN has ruined baseball announcers. There is absolutely no subtlety the likes of Pete VW or Vin Scully or Kalas. They all have to sound like Stuart Scott or something. That includes Chip Caray, who=nails on chalkboard most of the time. I generally like Boog and like Joe…Joe is paid to be a homer, really, but a least he’s not intolerable like the White Sox announcers or, thank heavens, Tim McCarver (worst.broadcaster.ever.)
Ray
July 30th, 2009
1:55 pm
Not sure who said it, but really like the comparison of Cox with Landry..until this year, I’ve been a huge Bobby Cox supporter, still think he’s one of the greatest of all time…but it’s time for a change..it really is…but the only way we have a change is if Bobby himself steps down…there’s no Jerry Jones here to fire him…and one more thing….Is it a coincidence that the losing starting once Conrad was sent down and Norton was here? Not saying Conrad was the reason we were winning but I think this deflated the team, showing them, playing hard and producing doesn’t mean anything to cox..not if you’re not one of his boys…and I’ve seen that this year…I hate to say it, but I have a really bad feeling we’re going to see KJ in the starting lineup soon platooning with Prado…and that would be a HUGE mistake
Ray
July 30th, 2009
1:58 pm
Oh and one more thing..whoever said this team is done…they’re not…if this team is motivated and managed well, I still believe the pitching is there to keep us in the race til the end…and for some reason I got that black eyed peas song in my head….”i got a feeling…..that tonight’s gonna be a good night…that tonight’s gonna be a real good night”..lol
Hooter Girl
July 30th, 2009
2:11 pm
If Hohn makes the right call McCann is looking at a 3-0 count and does not have to swing at the next pitch, he can wait for his pitch. Now this would not necessarily lead to a big inning, but it sure took us out of one.
Phil
July 30th, 2009
2:14 pm
Ray,
You’re right, there is no Jerry Jones to remove Cox. Wren won’t do it,
he probably has less clout than Cox, even though he’s the GM. Any other owner would have fired Cox years ago. We will have to wait until Cox decides to leave on his own, and that could be years. It’s never easy to remove someone who was been around as long as Cox has, but it needs to be done. And my whole point was that it could be done respectfully, not the way Jones did it.
phily fanatic
July 30th, 2009
2:29 pm
ahh this is great up here in phily we are going to have a pitty party for you poor sothern boys. keep crying boys we get lee and your team can not afford anyone. oh thats right you made your big move early on nm he is the only guy on your team with speed and power the rest of your braves are turtles or snails. maybe next year braves fans or not.
Russell
July 30th, 2009
2:30 pm
Ray: Well said I couldn’t agree more! Demoting Conrad instead of Norton was a huge mistake.
danny
July 30th, 2009
2:31 pm
I am a lifelong braves fan but with everything that is happening it would make more since to go and trade the players they can and restock they lost alot in the 3 trades the last 2 years even as far back remember jd drew trade oh that was great how about jermaine dye to kc that was friggen great to anyway put a package together and either get a big bat like a-gon or just trade kj,kotchman,vasquez,jo jo reyes and just retool for when terry pendelton becomes manager
Russell
July 30th, 2009
2:36 pm
I keep going back to the idea that Frank Wren actually thought that the lineup he had assembled coming out of spring training was enough to make the playoffs! It was obvious that we had a team with zero speed, little power, and only Chipper & McCann who have consistantly hit over .300 for their careers. He was banking on EVERY player in the lineup having a career year!
Marc from FL
July 30th, 2009
2:38 pm
I just don’t think the manager really matters that much. Yeah there’s a few examples of Cox literally costing us a game, but there’s some examples of him making moves that won the game for us too. Most managers today more or less approach it the same way, and if a win or loss is coming down to whether or not Greg Norton pinch hits in the 8th on a regular basis, then there’s larger issues with the team than Bobby Cox.
Marc from FL
July 30th, 2009
2:39 pm
So Russell, are moving on to Wren now, or are you still all about Cox at the moment?
Russell
July 30th, 2009
2:46 pm
Has anyone noticed that our leadoff hitter (McCloth) has the lowest batting average (.261) of any Braves regular? The 2nd lowest OBP (.348) of any regular? Only ahead .001 of Kotchman in OBP (.347).
I like McCloth, but I don’t see how those numbers can justify using him in the leadoff postion.
Sonny Clusters
July 30th, 2009
2:48 pm
We was noticing that the AJC said Bobby Cox and McCann was both dejected during the game last night. We’d be dejected, too, if we was getting beat two in a row by the Marlins. In fact it would make us mad enough to get throwed out. We was also noticing that Bobby Cox was wearing a glove in the dugout and was thinking that’s a good way to keep his fingers out of his nose.
Phil
July 30th, 2009
2:48 pm
If the manager doesn’t matter, then what are they there for? To fill out the lineup card? Chipper could do that. There is a lot of in game decisions that have to be made. When to bunt, when to hit and run, when to steal, when to take out the pitcher, when to pinch hit, and on and on. There are lots of things a manager does and Cox is bad at all of them.
curtis jones
July 30th, 2009
2:49 pm
playmeortrademe at 1:46: nail on the head. on the money. bingo. couldn’t have said it better.
Ray
July 30th, 2009
2:53 pm
Russell, you know I was just thinking that the other day..yes, mclouth is fast, but he’s not a leadoff hitter….but he’s the best we got in that spot, so I don’t think he’ll be moving anywhere else in the lineup this year..
Russell
July 30th, 2009
2:57 pm
Marc from FL – I don’t agree with every move Cox makes, but he does the best he can with the team that was given to him by Wren. Like you said: “I just don’t think the manager really matters that much”
Coach (2010 or Bust)
July 30th, 2009
2:58 pm
Nobody wants to trade pitching. That said, we are about to have six starters and two closers who are pending free agents.
Sadly, I’m in agreement that the playoff’s are a pipe dream right now. Doing nothing at the trade dead line is a mistake and selling pitching would empty the turnstiles at Turner Field.
Frank Wren can’t win for losing while winning. The old catch-22 has us by the balls and we are running out of games to play.
Russell
July 30th, 2009
3:00 pm
Ray- I don’t think he will be moving anywhere in the lineup, and on this team, leadoff is probably the best place for him. I was using that as an example of how pityful an offensive lineup we have. They have been hot in July, but I would bet they won’t continue to hit .290+ the rest of the year.
Russell
July 30th, 2009
3:11 pm
Brooks Conrad: 14 games, 32 AB, 11 hits, 1 double, 2 triples, 2 home runs, 22 total bases, 8 RBI, .344 Avg, .688 Slug, and 1.070 OPS – sent to the minors in favor of: Greg Norton: .160 average, zero home runs.
What genius made that decision? Cox or Wren?
BravesFAN885
July 30th, 2009
3:16 pm
YOU’RE WORTHLESS JEFF SCHULTZ
Coach (2010 or Bust)
July 30th, 2009
3:25 pm
Here is one little indicator of just how problematic this team’s offense really is.
This 2009 Braves squad is on pace to steal 58 bases.
So what’s the big deal, you ask? 58 will be the lowest team total since….and are ya’ll ready for this????????????
1975.
The game has gotten faster while our team is regressing when it comes to playing small ball. Bobby Cox and Frank Wren have to be held accountable for this discretion.
Marc from FL
July 30th, 2009
3:30 pm
I have mixed feelings about Wren, the Javy and JJJ trades were great, the other moves were decent. Overall though, I felt like our offense was weak starting the season, as did just about everyone if I remember right, and ultimately he didn’t address that before the bell rang. I really though we were going to get Dye and Javy from the White Sox, why we didn’t? Who knows.
To clarify earlier, what meant by my comments about the manager not mattering, was that most other managers wouldn’t be managing the team much differently than Cox is right now; not that we don’t need a manager at all, lol.
Ray
July 30th, 2009
4:01 pm
And I just saw that KJ is in the lineup tonigh in DOBs blog…just as I said I’d be afraid that Cox will start platooning him again…..his boys will always be his boys…bs…yes he’s hot since he’s been back, but I sure hope he doesn’t take prado’s ab’s away..
This Sorry Government NOT working for Americans
July 30th, 2009
4:20 pm
I was watching the video of the throw out last night. Umpire was at the plate and batter was in place and ready and the umpire called time out while Bobby and McCann were in their dougouts. THe umpire came over to the dougout. Now I am sorry but that Umpire was way out of line as he always is when it comes to the braves. Balls so far outside were being called strikes for Florida and this game was a joke.
I am calling on the Unpire union to view this entire tape of the game and fire this umpire. He is bias and he really has several teams he throws games for. Not just against the braves either. He calls bad games for several clubs. Guess the Florida Marlins are one of his favorite teams. Either way, he should never be able to be behind the plate when the braves play as he has a very open hatred of the braves. Its that noticable.
Bigmike
July 30th, 2009
4:24 pm
Get rid of cox and you’ll win. He’s a loser.
Hillbilly Deluxe
July 30th, 2009
4:44 pm
I’m all for a manager protecting his players but when you’ve been thrown out a bajillion times for arguing balls and strikes it gets a little old. It’s an automatic ejection and it kind of loses it punch after the first hundred times.
Win,lose, or tie bravos til i die
July 30th, 2009
4:44 pm
greg norton must go!
Win,lose, or tie bravos til i die
July 30th, 2009
4:48 pm
is greg norton even a baseball player
I Swear
July 30th, 2009
4:52 pm
I saw Bill Hohn in midtown around 1:00 this morning swapping spit with a dude-
Mitch C
July 30th, 2009
4:52 pm
Jeff, one would have to figure that if Vaquez goes, so does Hudson. Why would we pay a guy coming off surgery, who hasnt pitched in over a year, and let the one who may be our best pitcher this year go FA. My bet is they both go, and our rotation next year is Lowe, JJ, Hanson, KK, and whoever at fifth starter.
This team really needa another bat. I hope we make a trade over the winter to get that bat. If we get another bat, and the pitching is as good as it has been in 2009, the Braves have a legitimate shot for the WC in 2010.
As for the Phillies, this would be their third straight division title. Right now, they might be the next dynasty of the NL East. If the Mets get healthy, they have a chance to compete with Philly in 2010, maybe, but the way I see it, Philly might dominate the division for the next six or seven years.
I hope the Braves can make a push for the WC in 2009. Realistically, they have a tough road to go.
Mitch
Jay Cee
July 30th, 2009
5:27 pm
Why don’t we discuss some of the Braves announcers? All they do is critique umpires. I mean its almost every night. I am not too big of an umpire fan. However, all the comments is not going to change a thing. Besides, I get bored hearing it over and over. Expecially from Joe and John (Boog????)
Patrick
July 30th, 2009
5:45 pm
Wait Jeff!
You are saying that the Braves are to blame for Hohn being the worst umpire in the league?? He has had to throw out a total of 5 Braves to keep himself and that ridiculous looking moustache on the field the last two times he has called a game for ATL….not to mention the play where he called Hermedia safe and then changed it to an out mid-call. The guy is lousy! Plain and simple! He isn’t even worthy of calling my sons little league games.
He went to the dugout and picked a fight…..just like last time when he picked the fight with O’Flahererty. His job is to be un-biased and keep is fat butt behind the plate and try to call the game to the best of his ability. It seems he should focus more on that then whether Bobby is complaining or not….because Lord knows he has plenty of room for improvement.
Furthermore, if you are going to write about baseball, maybe you should learn a little about it first. Please respond.
Patrick
July 30th, 2009
5:47 pm
Wait Jeff! You are saying that the Braves are to blame for Hohn being the worst umpire in the league?? He has had to throw out a total of 5 Braves to keep himself and that ridiculous looking moustache on the field the last two times he has called a game for ATL….not to mention the play where he called Hermedia safe and then changed it to out mid-call. The guy is lousy! Plain and simple! He isn’t even worthy of calling my sons little league games.
He went to the dugout and picked a fight…..just like last time when he picked the fight with O’Flahererty. His job is to be un-biased and keep is fat butt behind the plate and try to call the game to the best of his ability. It seems he should focus more on that then whether Bobby is complaining or not….because Lord knows he has plenty of room for improvement.
Furthermore, if you are going to write about baseball, maybe you should learn a little about it first.
Antonio Gramsci
July 30th, 2009
5:50 pm
But Bradley said last week that everything was OK.!
Jeff Schultz
July 30th, 2009
5:54 pm
Skeezix – get over yourself. How exactly did I “defend” Hohn? I said Cox is hard on umps and that the Braves didn’t lose last night’s game because of the umpire. I’m not excusing some of the things he did.
Bravesfan885 – Really? Worthless. I mean, I can’t even get anything for major organs? Damn.
Ray – Either that or another team just wants to watch KJ play.
Mitch – Hudson has a year left on his contract, but no other team will take him (or that contract) right now coming off surgery. It’d be stupid for another team to do that. Vasquez – different circumstances.
Brad
July 30th, 2009
5:57 pm
Some of you people need to chill. Yeah, we lost the first two games to the Marlins. Big Deal. We still have 30 or so more games left to play in OUR own division. The Marlins can easily go on a four game losing streak just as the Braves can easily go on a four game winning streak. I mean, look at the Mets; everyone thought they were done and now they’re making a charge. It’s not over.
Mike Hutchison
July 30th, 2009
7:18 pm
One of the problems I’ve been bellyachin’ about all year – Bobby’s strength is also his weakness. He’s so loyal to the players on the roster (strength) that he sticks with them way too long (weakness). Johnson should have been replaced by Prado 2 months ago, Jordan S. will be a legit big leaguer but he ain’t done yet, Frenchy won’t listen to anybody but Daddy, who’s been telling him his stuff don’t stink since he was 5 (I think the deal for Church was good for the Braves, the only thing Frenchy had better was about 10% better arm). If those 3 players had been replaced in early June we might have 8-10 more wins and be in the thick of it.
Mike Hutchison
July 30th, 2009
8:47 pm
Yo, Bank, maybe “red”? That cookie-duster (and I don’t mean cookie) is just TOO cute! While he might not honk a bobo, he’ll probably hold it between his lips ’til someone comes along who will (not that there’s anything wrong with that).
scott annand
August 2nd, 2009
3:51 pm
I don’t understand why alot of people would want to trade
Javy he has been one of the most important pieces of this team this season and has made a huge contribution to the braves being a 500 team this year . I think trading KK would be the better solution , this team is close to being good , one more power bat and they are there