Suddenly, Braves see everything go wrong
What's that thing about a picture telling a story? Matt Diaz gets picked off third, and the Braves' playoff hopes probably go down the drain. (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)
The sudden wake-up call in July, the mind-numbing 15-2 run in September, the otherworldly creature that seemingly once inhabited the body of Martin Prado — this is what happens when everything catches up to a team in one night.
The Braves didn’t lose a game Wednesday night. They suffered the mother of all market corrections. You figured maybe this would happen in December. You know, like maybe Yunel Escobar turns an ankle while hanging Christmas lights. Instead it hit during the final spasms of a playoff race.
What’s more unpredictable? That the Braves extended their postseason hopes this long, or that they probably were ended by Ricky Nolasco and a bizarre base-running mistake by maybe their best base runner, Matt Diaz?
The Braves’ wild-card hopes were badly bruised Tuesday night when they lost to the Marlins and Colorado won in extra innings. This one dropped them to the canvas. They lost again to Florida on Wednesday, 5-4, dropping them four games behind the Rockies in the wild-card race with four games to go. Their postseason extinction number: one. It will be a short countdown.
“We know we’re in real need of some serious help,” said Diaz, “not necessarily from the Rockies but maybe from above — maybe a miracle or something like that. It’s a sinking feeling.”
Do you believe … how it ended?
A three-run Marlins' third buried Javier Vazquez and the Braves early. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
After five innings, the Braves trailed 5-0 and had struck out 12 times (including nine straight). They managed a final gasp for those few fans who 1) showed up and 2) stayed. They scored two unearned runs in the seventh and added two more in the ninth to close to 5-4. A walk to Nate McLouth loaded the bases with two outs, bringing up Prado. The first pitch was in the dirt. Diaz, who was on third, began to dart home, then stopped, then started back toward third, then hesitated and considering coming home when he saw Marlins catcher Ronny Paulino turn the wrong way looking for the ball.
“I thought, ‘Oh, maybe I can make it,’” Diaz said. “When you think, you’re done.”
Paulino found the ball quickly. He threw to third. Diaz was done. So, probably, are the Braves.
Everything that went so right during a 15-2 run went so wrong for the second night in a row.
Question: Ricky Nolasco?
We can’t be certain if he was channeling Cy Young, Sandy Koufax or Walter Johnson. We just know he wasn’t channeling Ricky Nolasco. He struck out 16 in 7-2/3 innings. One more, and the Braves would’ve been eligible for aid from FEMA.
This is the same Nolasco who entered the game with a 5.32 ERA. Houston dented him for 10 runs in just over three innings last month. He picks now to get serious and ruin a party.
Mathematics says it’s not over. Javier Vazquez, who had one of his worst outings, said, “Obviously, we have an uphill climb.”
Fact is, it would’ve been an uphill climb if the Braves had 14 games left, not four. Diaz accurately pegged it when he called for divine intervention.
Maybe it figured to end. It just didn’t figure to end like this.
Nolasco struck out the first two Braves of the game, McLouth and Prado. Then he struck out Brian McCann in the second. Then things just got stupid. He struck out everybody in the third, the fourth and the fifth. When Adam LaRoche doubled to lead off the sixth, fans didn’t know whether to applaud or run onto the field and hug him.
Meanwhile, Vazquez, was getting rocked. He allowed five runs (three earned), eight hits, a home run, a wild pitch and hit a batter in six innings. In five previous September starts, Vazquez was a 4-0 with a 1.93 ERA. He has been the Braves’ best starter this season, leading general manager Frank Wren to marvel before the game, “He’s as solid as a rock.”
But on this night, Vazquez, Diaz and the Braves got sideways. Everybody was due.
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145 comments Add your comment
submariner
October 1st, 2009
9:50 am
Mistakes like this are only amplified ten fold this time of year. Diaz, although this was a bone headed play, has been pretty good. His hustle has been admireable. I give him a pass on this one. Bottom Line: If the Braves had played this hard in late August into September, they wouldn’t be in this predicament of must win situations every night. I got sucked back in by the recent surge only to be heart broken yet again by one bad play. And for those of you jumping back on the Bobby Cox band wagon, I say, there’s more to running this team right now connected to Chipper Jones that what we all realize. The texting going on back and forth between him and Frank Wren is probably deeper than we could imagine.
gcs
October 1st, 2009
9:51 am
I have yet to hear of any reporter cornering Cox and asking him why he stubbornly insists on using Norton. Is there some kind of unwritten rule that Bobby is a nice guy and we don’t want to hurt his feelings?
Please JEFF or DOB or anyone, ask the tough questions!
.
Phil
October 1st, 2009
9:52 am
Not blaming Diaz, it was just a fluke play. In all reality, it just saves us from being eliminated from the first round of the playoffs if we did somehow make it. With Cox(the worst postseason manager in baseball history), it just saves us the agony of being swept out of the playoffs yet again.
And next year is already down the toilet with Cox coming back. We can look ahead to 2011 when that buffoon is finally gone. That is the only silver lining in all of this.
Mitch C
October 1st, 2009
9:53 am
Jeff, last night was one of the worst endings to a game that I’ve ever seen. Getting picked off third base for the last out of the game, inexcusable. It should never happen. It especially shouldn’t happen in a game where a loss would likely mean the end of the road for a playoff spot.
The Braves are done for 2009. Four more games, and then see you in April. Their run until Tuesday was incredible. The last two nights, were an illustration of all that went wrong for them, before the last three weeks.
midnite
October 1st, 2009
9:53 am
Get over it clowns. Bobby Cox will be here again for ALL of 2010. Too bad there is not a damn thing y’all can do about it but cry. Who was our manager thru that 15-2 run? Oh, so you wont be going to anymore games? We don’t care, you are not supporting the Braves anyhow.
Phil
October 1st, 2009
9:58 am
Cox was the manager through the 15-2 run. He was also the manager when he cost us 15 or more games throughout the season with his boneheaded decisions like the Hanson debacle in Houston and the Lowe debacle against the Mets. Eliminate that buffoon throughout the season and we would be winning the division right now.
PMC
October 1st, 2009
10:02 am
On a positive note it was pretty cool seeing B Mac fake bunt and then deke out the 2nd baseman on his way to 3rd. That was fun to see.
All in all… really exciting game last night!
webhead
October 1st, 2009
10:03 am
The Braves are not a team that goe 15-2. This is the way the Braves really play. Don’t think it will be any better next year. All this did was give reason not to make any moves this off-season. We have alot to look forward to this winter,LOL.
Coach (2010- Mr. Overrated retires)
October 1st, 2009
10:05 am
Right Chief, Nate McLouth is a fine player but he is not a lead off hitter and never was. McLouth plays fine defense in CF but simply doesn’t draw enough walks, steal enough bases or carry the type of batting average expected from a lead off type hitter.
The answer to the Braves lead off question resides in San Diego and his name is Luis Durango, but does Frank Wren know this? I doubt it.
gcs
October 1st, 2009
10:06 am
Cox is also the manager who went 3-3 vs. the Padres, 3-3 vs. Pirates, 1-2 vs Orioles, 3-3 vs. Astros.
Jerry
October 1st, 2009
10:07 am
They lost because Diaz was not trying to win but trying not to lose.
When you do that you usually lose.
Nativebird
October 1st, 2009
10:07 am
“Suddenly, Braves see everything go wrong”…Suddenly? Where have you been this year? You can COUNT on this team losing ANY game that really matters. Time for new manager, new players, new everything is WAY overdue.
Pete
October 1st, 2009
10:08 am
Enter your comments here
Wed. nite’s game was a microcosm of the Brave’s pathetic season.
Chance to win a really big important game, then look like little league.
Beyond pathetic !!!
Navin Johnson
October 1st, 2009
10:09 am
I just wanted to say thanks to the fans that showed up and stayed. I was there the last three nights in a row cheering as loud as I could all 9 innings. And for those of you that watched last night and wanted to scream at Bobby Cox & ask why in the world Norton was up late in the game with 2 on……we got the chance to do that sitting right next to the Braves dugout. I kept looking in that dugout the last two nights and everyone was so uptight. No one was relaxed. No one was smiling. I know the odds were against us. So to the fans that tried so hard to rally the team last night, I can say it was an honor to sit next to you and make as much noise as we could and never give up on our team. I agree with someone earlier that said Tuesday’s game meant much more……..it did and to my disbelief there were a number of people that left after the 7th inning on Tuesday when we trailed by ONE run. Who are these people (and no, not all had kids with them)? Not last night though. The Braves came close to almost pulling off an amazing run. Maybe the law of averages caught up with us here, but we’ll be back. Not many gave us a shot to make it to post-season this year from the start of the season (not just Sept). I admit that I’m guilty too because when I bought my advance tickets for the season I purposely did not buy any after the Reds series at the start of Sept. Thanks for the run Braves and finish strong this weekend! We’ll be back! Those of you that are bummed this morning do realize this, it could have been worse this season…….you could have been a Mets fan.
Don
October 1st, 2009
10:10 am
Lanst night, once again Chipper is in the 3rd spot in the batting order (hitless, and once agian Norton is a pinch hitter, and once again the Braves lose a one run game. – And remember, Bobby Cox is our manager again for next year. And these two examples are just two very small samples of his incompetence.
Phil
October 1st, 2009
10:19 am
Don,
It’s going to take a heck of a lineup next year to overcome his incompetence. You know he’s going to bring Norton back. Plus the same old idiotic decisions night after night. Could be even worse next year as he’s going to be even more senile from being a year older. Next year could be real ugly.
envoybass
October 1st, 2009
10:21 am
This game was not lost by Matt Diaz. This game was given away early when the Braves who had been shut down unbelieveably by Nolasco actually put the first two runners on base in the 5th or 6th inning. No outs! Key situation. Who does the “manager” put up to bat? Greg Norton. What other quality team would put up a .140 hitter in that spot? OF COURSE HE STRUCK OUT! Cox has lost this season – bottom line! I am 62 and a lifetime Braves fan. Baseball is the only sport that allows OLD, almost 70 year old men manage or coach teams. Cox is SO out of touch and stubborn that I can’t tolerate him. I will grit my teeth thru one more season – BUT only because I know the worst manager I have ever seen Will BE GONE! Go Braves in 2010 and Go Cox ASAP!
Doug
October 1st, 2009
10:28 am
Assuming that the Braves were capable of playing close to the level they did down the stretch, they didn’t do so enough during the course of a season. Just when they start playing at high levels they regress to sloppy play. A season shouldn’t hinge on one running mistake for the last out of a game unless two good teams who played well all year meet up and that one mistake is a rarity. They Braves teased the fans and themselves with playing well, and then playing poorly. Consistency! Consistency! Consistency! The lack of awareness that the team could play well consistently is unsettling. Sloppy play needs to be kept at a minimum, consistent execution is the only way towards having a chance at post season play. Even miracles occur for teams that play their best.
Phil
October 1st, 2009
10:30 am
If Wren already knows who he wants as Cox replacement, I say bring him in now. Let Cox stay in the dugout and pick his nose and cheerlead. He can even get credit for the wins. But let the manager in waiting make all the decisions. Let Cox be a figure head, much like Bowden and Paterno are. Just take the keys away from him, please Wren???
Brian
October 1st, 2009
10:38 am
I’ll defend the use of Greg Norton. It’s really more simple than you think:
1. It was the sixth inning. The pitcher’s spot in the order came up two more times, in situations where a clutch hit would probably be needed even more. You’re not going to use your best option that early. Aren’t you glad Infante was available in the 9th inning?
2. Runners on first and second with nobody out is different from runner on second with two outs. You’re looking to get on base in that situation…a walk loads the bases with none out. Greg Norton, despite his low batting average, has a .315 OBP, which is higher than Kelly Johnson, Reid Gorecki, and Brooks Conrad.
Dave
October 1st, 2009
10:38 am
I will NOT blame Diaz for the base-running mistake. The Braves were lucky to be in the position to win the game, as all four of the runs they scored were the direct results of the Marlins fumbling the ball around.
Further, according to an interview with Joe Simpson, Martin Prado put up his hand when the wild pitch was made, telling Diaz that Prado did NOT think the ball had gotten away far enough, which caused Diaz to hesitate.
However, let’s suppose for argument’s sake that Diaz had NOT hesitated and he had scored. There was NO guarantee that the Braves would have gone on to win the game.
Further, had they won on BOTH Tuesday and Wednesday, they would STILL be two games behind with four games to play, because the Rockies will NOT lose.
Can the Braves STILL make it to the playoffs? Possible, but unlikely, which was their situation going into this home stand. They have played magnificently in September, but the hole they dug was just TOO DEEP!
Looking to the future, the Braves WILL be a contender next year. They have possibly the BEST starting pitching in baseball with a very good bullpen, provided that Moylan returns and at least one of the two closers (Soriano or Gonzales) are signed in the off-season.
As for the everyday lineup, the Braves must:
1) Sign Adam LaRoche to a 2-3 year contract. He provides much needed power at first base, and he WANTS to be here.
2) Trade for or sign as a free agent a corner outfielder who can hit 30-40 home runs and drive in 100+ RBIs. They have an extra starting pitcher to offer, be it Hudson, Kawakami, Lowe or Vasquez. Of the four, I would trade Kawakami, then Lowe, Vasquez, and finally Hudson. I do not think anyone will be willing to assume Kawakami’s or Lowe’s contracts, but you never know.
3) MAYBE bring up Jason Heyward to replace Jeff Franceour. The Braves need to decide if Heyward is ready for the major leagues.
HOW this is done I leave to Frank Wren. He did a great job rebuilding this team last off-season; he just needs to finish the job this upcoming off-season.
Just my humble opinion…
GT Falcon
October 1st, 2009
10:38 am
Its because I actually started watching the games on TV again this week…….
Brian
October 1st, 2009
10:40 am
Goodness gracious, you fans are fickle! Two days ago everyone was setting up the playoff rotation, and now we’re back to wanting to run Cox out on a rail! Two days!
Some of you people might want to just skip baseball if it gets you that torn up.
Antonio Gramsci
October 1st, 2009
10:44 am
Bradley to pen “I Knew It All Along” shocker!
Phil
October 1st, 2009
10:45 am
Brian,
Cox needed running out of town 10 years ago, not in just 2 days. Since you love the clown, I guess you are happy with missing the playoffs again.
midnite
October 1st, 2009
10:47 am
@envoybass-[Baseball is the only sport that allows OLD, almost 70 year old men manage or coach teams].
You’re kidding right. These came to mind right off the top of my head.
NFL
George Halas
Dick Vermeil
Marv Levy
Joe Gibbs
College
Bear Bryant
Joe Paterno
Lou Holtz
DAVID
October 1st, 2009
10:51 am
The Braves made a good run, but I had a feeling they wouldn’t make the playoffs.. They have a good pitching staff and they are solid at catcher, 3rd base and shortstop..In order to become a better team they have to upgrade at some position, lets try to take it back to ‘95 before Bobby Cox retires….
Brian
October 1st, 2009
10:56 am
Phil, I am not happy with missing the playoffs. I’m not angry or upset about it. I am pleased that the team by far surpassed most people’s expectations this year (including mine), and am very pleased, as I always have been, with the managing of Bobby Cox.
white sox fan
October 1st, 2009
10:58 am
Take it from a White Sox fan – you absolutely do not want Vazquez on the mound in a pressure game. He will crumble.
Eddie Matthews
October 1st, 2009
11:03 am
Well, looks like Chipper won’t be breaking our record after all. Wish I could help the team out and bat clean-up again……but unfortunately I’m dead.
Dorothy Davis
October 1st, 2009
11:05 am
EI was looking forward to the last 4 games, but now I can go on vacation, because I will not miss a meaningful game…season over! And if Norton is back next year, I will find another team to root for. The end of an era for sure. your comments here
Braves Mom
October 1st, 2009
11:11 am
I saw Matty D.’s post game interview, I felt so bad for him. I’ll say this: at least he was man enough to stand up and be interviewed after the game, alot of people would have ran for the door.
Matty D. didn’t lose this game, neither did Bobby Cox, I don’t believe neither of them struck out 16 times, nor gave up the 5 runs. It was truly a group effort.
I’m a chick, but I have to ask: What business does Kim Hudson have being in the booth the night before???????
I’m sorry, but I want to a. hear the play by play, or b. if they bring in a guest, at least bring in a baseball person. Not that I have anything against charity work, but they could have promoted it before and after the game, not during.
It was a long shot for the Braves to get in anyway, it’s amazing they got as close as they did.
Wren needs to get ready to go to work, need a big bat in the outfield.
Do we keep Huddy or Lowe? Just curious.
Braves Mom
October 1st, 2009
11:12 am
And to Brian, very well said.
BB
October 1st, 2009
11:27 am
Ok, so we lost. The chances of the Braves making the playoffs were very small at best, but the excitement and hope that has been building for the past few weeks has been fun! Yes, it’s disappointing, heart-breaking, infuriating, etc, etc, but you have to admit that these Braves caught our interest in the second half this year. I, for one, think that bodes well for next season.
HAL
October 1st, 2009
11:33 am
Enter your comments here maybe we should be asking how cox managed to win this many games with a team that strikes out 13 times against a very medicore pitcher instead of bashing the manager we better freakin pray that that heward kids all hes atoked up to be cause it seems like hes about all left in the farm system i spose thats bobbys fault too huh
BB
October 1st, 2009
11:40 am
And I agree 100% with Dave (10:38 am) about possible changes/adjustments to this team for next year! Go Braves!
willdave
October 1st, 2009
11:45 am
The Braves should remember this frustrating end to the 2009 season. Work hard and stay sharp during the offseason. Then open the 2010 season playing at a level to earn a post-season berth and keep playing that way the rest of the year. Don’t wait until September when it becomes even more of an uphill battle. With the knowledge that next season will be Bobby’s last, the Braves will have even more incentive to reach the postseason one last time for their beloved skipper.
By the way, in contention or not, go watch the Braves play one more time this weekend before their season ends. They need the love and support of their fans to keep them pumped during the offseason.
HAL
October 1st, 2009
11:54 am
Enter your comments here if people cared to rember one chipper jones has kind of a history of disapering at the worst possible time ive said all year when we lose look at the other teams stars performance and compare them to the chipper mcant combo we lose cause the other teams best players drarf our best players and always have
realistrod
October 1st, 2009
12:33 pm
envoybass – Jack Mackeon led the Marlins to a Championship at the age of 72. He was managing a bunch of young kids. Age is not that big a deal.
Phil
October 1st, 2009
1:00 pm
I agree age is not an issue if you are still competent and not senile. Can’t say that for Cox and Bowden however.
Drunkdawg
October 1st, 2009
2:54 pm
Bobby Cox has been in the game longer than most of you bashers have been alive. Shut-up unless you have done something in your life that compares to what he has done. Its always easy to get on a blog and spit out knowledge and B.S. I’m sure most people on here think they could do a better job than Bobby, but guess what, You will never have that chance because you are not and never will be a MLB manger, player, ump, bat boy or hot-dog seller. Crawl back in your hole, wish for death, die or whatever, just put yourself out of your pain and make all of us happy. Go Braves And Good Luck Bobby!
CJDawg
October 1st, 2009
9:43 pm
This BS coming down on Matt…look at the real deal. SOMEBODY has to let him know where the ball is….i.e. the man at the plate HAS TO WAVE HIM IN!!!!!!!!!!! Where is Snitker in that play? He has to have some way of letting Matt know where the ball is and whether to run or stay. Matt takes the blame like a standup player he is and I KNEW the I told ya so brave haters would show up in force. D*** it’s dissapointing to see the attitudes on the so called fans. Matty deserves to start the whole year and produce and play the passion he always plays with. I wish we could trade our fair weather fans…..
CJDawg
October 1st, 2009
9:47 pm
GREAT call drunk dawg. Cox does it year in and year out and still gets no respect from a lot of these bloggers. I NEVER got that. I will never get it….Atlanta could get a mixture of Connie Mack, Stengel, Sparky, Weaver, Martin, and (fill in the blank) and these guys would say he can’t handle the staff. Please fellas…go root for the Blue Jays. I beg you.
GumbyWilliams
October 6th, 2009
1:36 pm
Don: Youre right. Bobby Cox is much to blame for the season ending so abruptly with the Braves playing terrible like they did at the start of the season. I believe, as I should, that had the Braves made the post-season; they would have won the world series. I dont care if anyone agrees with me, I know I am right. The Braves overhauled 50% of the starting lineup that they had at the start of the year. They started out with Brian McCann, Chipper Jones, Yunel Escobar and Garrett Anderson and added along the way: Nate McClouth; Martin Pardo, Matt Diaz and Adam LaRoche. That starting eight in my opinion is as good as Philadelphias; the only difference is that Philly has more power than the Braves. The Braves starting eight is as clutch as ever and it will be interesting to see how the Braves fare next season with all of those guys in tact at the start of year, with the addition of Jayson Heyward. I believe the Braves will have a spectacular season next year in 2010 and I cant wait for the new season to begin.
ToothFairy
October 6th, 2009
1:41 pm
Had Bobby Cox had more luck during his managing career with the Braves, Cox would have had three more rings than he has. Cox would have won championships in ‘91 (Minnesota), 96 (Yankees) and this year, 2009. I believe the Braves SHOULD have won titles in each of these campaigns. The reason is that I felt they had the best teams in those three seasons. This year, the Braves had the best record in the major leagues after the all-star break, with the exception of those final six losses at the end of the season. Hopefully that momentum will carry into next year and the Braves can cruise all season.