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
Capt Caveman
September 30th, 2009
11:12 pm
Tough way to lose, but that’s the sad beauty of baseball. It can all change in a hurry.
Sid Bream
September 30th, 2009
11:12 pm
First!
BRAVES LOSE!!!
BRAVES LOSE!!!
Sid Bream
September 30th, 2009
11:13 pm
Ok…Second!
BRAVES LOSE!!!
BRAVES LOSE!!!
Bob Horner
September 30th, 2009
11:14 pm
Our Season…By Bob Horner…Lil Matty Diaz stood at the hot corner waiting to make a play. Along came a pitch, that flew past the dish and Matt broke for home and a big payday. But halfway there, he caught a lil scare and changed his mind from going home. He got thrown out, I am going to pout , and spend the rest of my days watching the Falcons at the dome !!!
The end
Ilya Kovalchuk
September 30th, 2009
11:15 pm
Donny and I had a deal that I’d sign for 10 years if the Braves made the playoffs.
Well, Atlanta, I guess this is goodbye!!
Mike Lum
September 30th, 2009
11:17 pm
I still say that in March most of us didn’t expect the Braves to be so close to the playoffs on October first. Hey, it could still happen!
Dave Justice
September 30th, 2009
11:18 pm
Just imagine where this team would be with the me from the 1990’s.
On second thought, I’m sure Wren would have traded me to get Hampton back.
Suckers.
wild deer
September 30th, 2009
11:19 pm
Looks like Chipper’s one day closer to wearing his camo. We’re SO screwed.
The_Future
September 30th, 2009
11:20 pm
Fitting that one of the worst baserunning teams in the majors loses like this. Great job coaching em up, Bobby. October 2010 can’t come fast enough.
Betty Diaz
September 30th, 2009
11:20 pm
I wish Bob wouldn’t make up poems about my son like that……….but…….OMG, that was hilarious !
a nice, firm ass
September 30th, 2009
11:21 pm
Kim Hudson has it.
John Smoltz
September 30th, 2009
11:23 pm
AHAHAHAHAHA!
Losers.
falling hard and fast
September 30th, 2009
11:24 pm
Prediction: Braves get swept by the Nationals.
crap man
September 30th, 2009
11:24 pm
Man……..Matty D. was smokin’ tonight. The question is… “What?….?
barkeep
September 30th, 2009
11:25 pm
Smoltzie, is that you? You old carpetbagger!!
Bobby Cox's Brilliant Managerial Stretegy
September 30th, 2009
11:29 pm
Norton, you’re up!
*thinks he’s outsmarted the competition*
MarlinsForever
September 30th, 2009
11:29 pm
Attention all units….a waaaahmbulance is needed at Turner Field.
PMC
September 30th, 2009
11:30 pm
So far they’ve overachieved record wise anyway. It’s disapointing…. until you look at the difference between this team and opening day and realize that they totally and completely lowballed the spending for the lineup. No power…no average….no speed. It’s like trying to win a race with no engine. It’s incredible they were able to go 15-2.
Chipper was totally and completely awful. His error cost them the game…. and he did
nothing at the plate to redeem himself.
Oh well. It’d be nice to end with a sweep of the Nats if they both don’t just mail it in.
Bat Masterson
September 30th, 2009
11:30 pm
It was Satchel Paige, Jeff, you know he pitched down there for the Miami Marlins AAA club from 1956 thru 1960.
Poor Matt, he should have run like something was gaining on him.
PMC
September 30th, 2009
11:31 pm
Also…. at least the end was fun but…. SERIOUSLY GREG NORTON? Can’t someone burn his uniform or steal his cleats?
HOW THE HELL DOES GREG NORTON BAT IN THIS GAME?????
NEWS FLASH
September 30th, 2009
11:34 pm
Marlins aren’t going to the playoffs either!
Now go celebrate this meaningless victory!
crap man
September 30th, 2009
11:35 pm
Why didn’t Matty D. disguise himself as a baserunner? If nothing changes, nothing changes.
BravesFaninMD
September 30th, 2009
11:37 pm
Why the Braves won’t make the playoffs… and it isn’t because of Matty’s honest base-running blunder:
1) Chipper should’ve been moved down the order;
2) Church should’ve played more… for awhile he led off and did great;
3) Laroche should’ve hit in Chipper’s spot
4) NORTON was still on the team as of 30 Sept and allowed to actually pinch-hit;
5) Their pitching was fantastic and last few weeks and they got LUCKY enough to move up the standings, but just don’t have the big bats to win it
BETTER LUCK NEXT YEAR, I’LL BE WATCHING AGAIN!!!
American Dream
September 30th, 2009
11:37 pm
All you fans need to get off of Norton’s back. He is trying as hard as he can. Cox has faith in him and I for one hope the Braves bring him back for another season.
MarlinsForever
September 30th, 2009
11:41 pm
Well, our victory obviously isn’t meaningless to the Bwaves! Oh, and here’s a NEWS FLASH–Rockies lead the Brews 10-5 in the top of the 8th!
turkey
September 30th, 2009
11:50 pm
In June nobody thought the Braves would make it this far. I picked them to be a fourth place team and they proved me wrong. Frank Wren made some good decisions to get the team this far and hopefully make some better ones in 2010. The Braves have some tough decisions to make in the offseason to shore up some holes that have to be filled. Playoff or not this team made progress and I have high hopes for 2010.
wxwax
September 30th, 2009
11:53 pm
Schultz, was that you in the press box, red-faced and squinting at your computer screen without glasses?
Joe
September 30th, 2009
11:57 pm
I’m not surprised about the Braves they choke every year the only year they didn’t choke was 1995. 91,92,93,96,97,98,99,00,01,02,03,04,05,06,07,08.09. 10?
wawel78
September 30th, 2009
11:58 pm
am i the only one who has more confidence in the 5-8 hitters in the lineup than the first 4?
Jack
October 1st, 2009
12:01 am
American dream: Are you insane? “Cox had faith in Greg Norton.” Thats your reasoning for believing in a 36 year old pinch hitter who couldn’t manage to hit .135? cmon… no 36 year old hitting .133 should be playing in the mlb, let alone the braves. get real
Jack
October 1st, 2009
12:02 am
o and wawel78, your not the only one. I totally agree
Joe
October 1st, 2009
12:02 am
Whenever I hear the name Greg Norton mentioned I always laugh you guys make it seem like the guy is just a waste of space on the team. He barely gets playing time and when he do he looks rusty that’s because he’s hardly ever in the game.
bill
October 1st, 2009
12:06 am
So much for 2009. 2010 will be the same unless Booby is either fired or dies.
hill
October 1st, 2009
12:07 am
Here’s hoping for a fatal infarto for Booby before Jan 2009.
Joe
October 1st, 2009
12:11 am
Atlanta is the worst sports town in America.
gcs
October 1st, 2009
12:18 am
How appropriate that they get us excited again only to go out with a whimper. Call me when 2010 rolls around.
.
gayle
October 1st, 2009
12:18 am
According to ESPN, in 130 years of baseball, only 4 pitchers have recorded 9 consecutive strikeouts – only four!
And one of them was Ricky Nolasco tonight against the choking Braves.
This team is just pathetic in must-win games – look at the record.
And Greg Norton pinchhitting? How did that work out Booby?
Oh yes, I remember – strikeout with 2 on base.
What a bunch of choking losers!
alsim
October 1st, 2009
12:21 am
Please Bobby, change your mind and retire NOW!
Legend of Len Barker
October 1st, 2009
12:31 am
Did Norton play any games in the field this year? If he’s an defensive liability, why use him at all? He’s taking up valuable bench space.
I also thought it was error that we sent Kawakami to the bullpen but kept Lowe in the rotation. Kawakami had finally found a rhythm. Lowe struggled for most of the second half.
Cox also mismanaged Garret Anderson. I like Anderson as a hitter. He’s always been pretty solid, but never spectacular. Anderson played more games in the field this year than he had in several seasons. If anyone should have platooned, it should have been with Anderson.
Dr. Henry/Augusta
October 1st, 2009
12:46 am
OK Amer. Dream so we’re too hard on Norton….Well he came into the game in a key spot in the sixth facing a pitcher who had struck out 13 at that time and he was batting a lofty 100…Yes, one hundred. 6 for sixty…We had nobody out and runners on trailing 5 – 0 at the time…A couple of runs then may have led to a better ending….Well he promptly, on 4 pitches became number 14 swinging at a pitch 3 inches off the ground….The look on his face was one of bewilderment, such as “what am I doing here”…I don’t know if Cox knew it or not but most of our pitchers have batting averages higher than 100…
JT
October 1st, 2009
12:47 am
At least the game didnt end with a Norton strike out. That would have been much worse – and you know he wouldve gotten the chance instead of Infante if he had been available. I feel bad for Matty D. Hes played great all year. I hope this doesnt affect his confidence in the future. Bad end to a very exciting season. Oh well.
Mitchell
October 1st, 2009
1:22 am
This game wasn’t nearly as important as the one the night before.
They officially lost me last night (Tuesday) and thank God because if I really still believed and actually thought we would win and that it still mattered, I would have a) had a heart attack even before the play happened, b) thrown my computer monitor into the wall, c) thrown my chair through the back door or d) killed the cat.
They got three damn hits on Monday. We saw it comin’.
If they really feel like they can’t win at home because of the fan attendance then they need to do something about it. I personally would like to see a new manager. I think that would solve a lot of problems.
I do not believe Bobby Cox deserves to return as manager. What has he accomplished? This is possibly one of the most disappointing finishes to a Hall of Fame career by any manager in baseball history.
The Braves are putting loyalty above winning. You know if it wasn’t for Frank Wren, Bobby would have been throwing Smoltz and Glavine out there every fifth day this year.
The Braves wouldn’t even be at this point if it wasn’t for Frank Wren. We still don’t have a complete team but I have a hard time believing that if we had a manager who didn’t kiss his players @$$es, who did think outside the box and wasn’t afraid to be creative, we could have at least won the wild card.
Mitchell
October 1st, 2009
1:26 am
Also, for those interested in a retrospective since this is the end of a decade:
The Braves under Bobby Cox have won one playoff series in ten years. Their record in seven playoff series this decade? 11 and 18.
Here we go again
October 1st, 2009
2:02 am
where the heck is sonny clusters? give us some plain-language perspective, please. we’re hurting.
kauai dawg
October 1st, 2009
2:36 am
non ah non ah non ah non ah non ah non ah hey hey hey good bye!
scottbravesfan
October 1st, 2009
3:52 am
Well at least Atlanta is sparred the embarrassment of not being able to sell out a playoff game this year.
Please move the team to Charlotte, Raleigh, Norfolk, Portland, any other city that does not have a team and would actually support the damn thing.
paw paw
October 1st, 2009
5:15 am
ME AND GRANDSON (MADDEX) NAMED AFTER GREG WAS IN DUGOUT AND HE SAW THE UMPIRE CALL SO MANY STRIKEOUTS HIS ARM HAS TO BE SORE TODAY WAS SAYING TO ME THE BRAVES NEED A BIG HIT BAD.. BY THE WAY HE IS JUST 3 1/2 YRS OLD.. DOESN’T TAKE LONG TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WE NEED. A STICK OR TWO… SEND GREG NORON PACKING TODAY AT THE EARLIEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kyle
October 1st, 2009
5:27 am
I really am not surprised and neither should you. the braves have done this at lest three other times this season in the second half alone. What’s that you say? Play great and battle to get within striking distance of the lead be it the division of Wild card and then fall apart. 2 times the braves got to within 4 games of the Phillies going into a 3 game set with them only to get swept and/or go on a 5 game skid. This season, when the games have mattered the most the Braves have lost.
Roscoe P. Coltrain
October 1st, 2009
6:39 am
To Management: Now that it’s too late to trade Chipper, good luck rebuilding for the next 3 or 4 years. At least after 2010, Cox won’t be in the dugout promoting mediocrity.
To The Fans: Stop with the Chopping. It is embarrassing. Yeah, it was fun in 91-92, young baseball team, worst to first, yada-yada…GROW UP! There is no Chopping in baseball, it brings NOTHING to the game, so stop already.
Oh…one more thing: I like turtles!
Preston Hannatized
October 1st, 2009
6:59 am
Matty Diaz didn’t lose the game – he made the last out. Chipper’s ole-E5 got the Marlins rolling. And Bobby’s gob-smackingly incomprehensible decision to send the rally-killing Greg Norton up to pinch hit with 2-on, none-out. There is no explanation to validate that move. I would rather have seen Huddy up there with a bat. Did anyone from the AJC or other media in the post-game ask Bobby WTF?
ManOfTeal
October 1st, 2009
7:05 am
Mwahahahahahaha…..Braves why is there a fork stuck in your side? Oh because YOU’RE DONE!!! Go Marlins!!!!
Kevin
October 1st, 2009
7:09 am
Yes folks bobby cox loves Craig Norton they lovers see….why not send a 136 hitter to strike out…and here cox say Thataboy good eye haha and why should fans come out they knew we done after losin to marlins night before…if chipper wants call us out lets call out chipper non hittin bad fieldin plays this season 22 errors..I guess his dad not teach him to field either!well folks its 2011 for Us maybe then we be in playoffs….Unless cox is still pickin his nose are beatin his wife still!
bull-gator
October 1st, 2009
7:27 am
F Troop…
Jim
October 1st, 2009
7:27 am
The biggest difference between the Marlins and the Braves is that the Brave HOPE they can beat the Marlins while the Marlins KNOW they can beat the Braves.
elmer fudd
October 1st, 2009
7:28 am
I huntin Braves……heh heh heh heh heh….
deja vu
October 1st, 2009
7:31 am
GREG F@#%&$G NORTON??????????
Down 5 with nobody out and two on??????????
Hitting .100??????????
Bobby?????
WTF?
Nativebird
October 1st, 2009
7:32 am
Braves? are the Braves still playing?
Bobby Cox
October 1st, 2009
7:32 am
Show me some love i enjoy chokin two marlins n Pardes n Yankees (twice) so they be the team of the 90’s…i be back in 2010 so u see me in action again to blow games n have norton PH….My players love me the press is stupid never question me for bad ideas like 91 92 lost n 93 when we let the phillies in WS. I so glad be here n play losers out in field.
victors valient
October 1st, 2009
7:43 am
Enter your comments here
Jeff- enjoy your work. Strictly speaking, this isn’t on topic, but here goes: what’s the deal with Leo Mazzone? He’s the best pitching coach of his time, and one of the best of all time. He says that he wants to work, and that money is no object or barrier, but there he sits. I can’t help feeling that there is some sort of untold story here. I mean, on the face of it, he should have been scooped up as soon as the Orioles cut him loose. I hate to use the word “blackballed”, but this doesn’t add up. Any insights?
GREG NORTON
October 1st, 2009
7:46 am
Hey, back off guys. I tried…oh yeah. Anyone want to help me spend my $800,000 I stole from the braves this year. Bobby, I love you man, thanks for NEVER losing faith in me although I NEVER came through.
dark30
October 1st, 2009
7:50 am
Yet another choke job from the Buffalo Bills of baseball. Still wondering why Turner Field is nearly empty? Because we know they will find new ways to lose in the games that matter, against the big boys. This happened all year, and has happened consistently ever since ‘95. They wouldn’t have even made this run were it not for gorging on wins against two of the worst teams in baseball. There still is something fundamentally wrong with the DNA of this team, and I wish the answers were easy to see. Maybe with Cox gone and new players coming up, things will change. But for now, it’s the same old song.r
59bulldawg
October 1st, 2009
8:04 am
Forget about it Matt! Making the playoffs was going to be a near miracle anyway. Yes there have been some missed opportunities this season this is the best I’ve felt about the Braves in a long while. And even though I think they could possibly do some damage if they got there this year, I think they’re still a good hitter or two away from really contending. At 86 wins and 4 left to play let’s enjoy what the team’s accomplished, make some minor adjustments over the winter, and reclaim the east next year. This is a good scrappy team and you can bet that whenever they are officially eliminated in the next day or so, there’ll be more than a few sighs of relief in St. Louis, Los Angeles, Colorado and Philadelphia. With all its frustrations I’m proud to be Braves fan.
oldmactech
October 1st, 2009
8:06 am
They say Atlanta is a bad baseball town. All you have to do is read the moronic comments from the obvious carpetbaggin’ yankees on this blog that gleefully throw dirt on the Braves coffin to find out why. These are the same fans that will only go to a game if “their team” is in town to play the Braves. You know-Mets, Sox, Yankees and Cubs.
Go home.
But…I still want to know why Norton was even suited up for a big game. At least he didn’t ground into a DP.
Shug
October 1st, 2009
8:13 am
Maybe the biggest boneheaded play in Braves history. Easily the biggest this decade. Diaz should be playing in Duluth.
Shug
October 1st, 2009
8:14 am
One more thing: explain to me why the Braves are letting Bobby C. mismanage the team for one more year.
Call it like it is.
October 1st, 2009
8:24 am
Man, I love it, Atlanta is a bad sports town, Atlanta doesnt support their team, blah blah blah. It’s kind of like watching the movie Pearl Harbor hoping that the Japs don’t really get to catch America off guard and bomb our base. But you know what, it always does end the exact same way. Braves choke, Braves lose. Schultz and the rest of the AJC crew should just save these articles and reprint them next year, just change the names.
What time is kick off Saturday?
P Rose
October 1st, 2009
8:25 am
I BELIEVE the Atlanta Braves can still win it all
I BELIEVE the Rocks and Phils are headed for a fall
I BELIEVE the Braves can beat the Yankees or the Sox
I BELIEVE they’ll win it all once more for Bobby Cox
I BELIEVE we Braves fans have nothing left to fear
I BELIEVE we’ll win it all… NEXT YEAR!!
DD
October 1st, 2009
8:25 am
Okay, so I bought into all the guilt that was being heaped on Braves fans for not caring about the Braves enough to go to the games or watch on television. I was one of those who had mentally ‘checked out’ a month ago or so and was afraid to get my hopes up when the Braves started winningn more than 2 games in a row.
So with all the hoppla about the lack of Braves fans, I went to the game Tuesday night and walked away $50 poorer and feeling like I had been taken for a ride. Not wanting to fork out any more money, I watched the game on television last night, hoping that maybe I had somehow jinxed the team by actually showing up at the stadium. Didn’t seem to make a difference – as usual the Braves figured out a new way to lose and to once again crush any enthusiasm that I had been guilted into feeling.
Now you know why it’s so hard to support this team – it’s called false hope and true disappointment.
Sigh. Maybe next year…
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
October 1st, 2009
8:31 am
Norton is the anti-Brave. For those that say the Braves are choking in the biggest games. They have been playing do or die for a month and done great. And don’t be too hard on Diaz, yes the play was horrible, but the guy has carried the team the past 2 or 3 weeks. And lastly, I have always been a Cox fan but I have to agree, his love of Norton has been pathetic
Chief Nocapopup
October 1st, 2009
8:32 am
There’s plenty to go around here, but the bottom line is these guys can’t hit…..am i the only one who thinks McLouth is a total waste batting leadoff??? .258???? your leadoff hitter??? all i’ve seen him do the past two months is pop up or strike out………
bravofan
October 1st, 2009
8:33 am
The bottom line is the players didn’t hustle and didn’t act like they cared to be out there not running out close ground balls, yunel not even moving to when the baseball pases him and that E5 that Chipper made by trying to go down to one knee and field the groundball and he missed it completley and the next play what do ya know a base knock for two runs thats how the game went last night it was a great run! Matty we can’t blame it all on you but you can’t get flat footed no hesitation when the game is on the line!
Chief Nocapopup
October 1st, 2009
8:33 am
Hey P Rose, are you betting on that??
Kashi
October 1st, 2009
8:35 am
Oh well, what to say. I’m very dissapointed watching last night game. I couldn’t sleep last night asking question myself…why Greg Norton pinch hitting 0 out 2 on while we still have Conrad, Infante, Kelly, Church, Greckroi…why why I just couldn’t sleep. Is this at bad would have made a big difference if anyone but the Norton batting?
TN Jeff
October 1st, 2009
8:41 am
All the complaining about the fans not coming out to the games. The Braves SUCK at home. They are 3 games over 500 at home and 11 games over on the road. WHY? Been saying for years this team needs to see a sports pyschologist – bunch of head case, choking losers.
Matt Diaz “is our best baserunner” – now there’s an indictment on the crappy coaching by this staff. Nobody on this team knows how to run the bases and it bites us in the rear in crucial moments. Get thrown out being aggressive at home plate NOT being an idiot at 3rd base.
EVERYTIME Braves tease us fans into thinking they might do something special they pull the rug out from under us. Every crucial game it seems that Chipper has a monumentally costly error – last night no exception. And now we get to add his anemic bat (batting 3rd no less) to his CHOKING example as the team leader.
TN Jeff
October 1st, 2009
8:44 am
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
Braves been doing it on the road – NOT for the home fans! Choke at home in bigtime games. Dare say will continue that this meaningless long weekend.
Go Braves...and take Atlanta with you!
October 1st, 2009
8:56 am
Has anyone else noticed that when the Braves get a runner on, and they’re down by two, JOe will say “a homerun here sure would be nice.” A pitch or two later, the batter hits into a double play which is followed by a flyout. The only one that ever talks after the outs is John. If the Rockies win this afternoon (locking up the wild-card), Joe will be on and say “we can work on positives for next year, see who we need to work on keeping, play for pride, end the season on a high note and so forth. He still talks about the Braves of the 90s! Jeez! It’s pretty bad too that during the game about the only stadium noise you can hear is the guy hawking “hot dogs”. Listen for him!
Jeff Schultz
October 1st, 2009
8:59 am
Wxwax – could be.
Victors Valient – Thanks. On Mazzone, I wouldn’t agree with the statement that he’s the best pitching coach of his time. He had the best pitchers of any pitching coach in his time. I can tell you one knock on him was he was better with veteran pitchers than young guys. That said, I’m sure he could get a job if he wanted but maybe he’s particular at this stage or just doesn’t care enough about getting back in the game.
Steven Lemon
October 1st, 2009
9:07 am
I don’t BELIEVE this!!! Anyone who takes a look at Chipper’s, Martin, Brians’ and Nate’s at bats in this game and can still blame Matt Diaz for losing is either blind or mindless. Those great Braves hitters, who have been expected to step up in the face of pressure and crisis, all looked like MATT DIAZ at the plate all week long. Trouble is, only MATT DIAZ can hit like Matt Diaz, who has made more of a contribution to the team’s surge than Chipper Jones has all year. I think the miscarriage of justice will be that both Chipper AND Bobby Cox will return next year to do this all over again. Not all hope is lot, however, for this year. There is still a chance that MATT DIAZ will be able to put the Braves into the playoffs. Or we can wait for Chipper to become the new MR OCTOBER. holding my breath and turning blue.
Herschel Talker
October 1st, 2009
9:09 am
Schultzie – how about the fact that Cox batted Greg Norton YET AGAIN with a run in scoring position and fewer than 2 outs, and he promptly struck out. Mark Bradley had a column about this a few weeks back, but no one seems to be rehashing this. Obviously we don’t know how it would have turned out otherwise, but that run would have come in handy, as the result shows. How come no one is slamming Cox for taking his loyalty to such ridiculous extremes? Enough of this madness!
Gene
October 1st, 2009
9:10 am
The Braves made a good run, and Diaz was an important part of it. Since we are placing blame this morning, mine goes to Chumper, who is always in a hurry to get to his ranch. Maybe it’s time for him to stay there.
GSU Eagle 91
October 1st, 2009
9:10 am
I’ve got to believe we’ll throw this base running blunder in with Wohler’s split finger pitch to J Leyritz,
and Lonnie’s base running mistake in 91. I couldn’t believe it…Prado was the perfect batter with the situation we had…Greg Norton must be Cobby Box’s illegitimate son…..
Cudos to Wren for letting Smoltz go. What a head case….
Chris Chambliss
October 1st, 2009
9:12 am
The Braves hitters looked like idiots. 9 whiffs in a row? They came dangerously close to letting some nobody hang the major league record on them. 16 Ks in all – what an embarassing performance. Calm down in the box and stop flailing at garbage. Remember my sweet swing back in 86? That’s how it’s done…
The Braves need a true cleanup hitter – and I don’t mean a couple of upper-30s professional hitters with no power. I’m talking about a guy who can bash 40 homers and provide a real threat in the middle of the lineup. That’s the only thing that was missing at the end of this season. I tip my cap to the team for making it interesting at the end – next season is going to be great.
Just rest Chipper once a week, no matter what. He was tired in the 2nd half and playing with nagging injuries. Think Larry Walker – at the end of his career, you could still pencil him in for .300, but he just couldn’t play every day. Infante/Prado twice a week, Chipper 4 times. Easy formula.
GO BRAVES!
PMC
October 1st, 2009
9:14 am
But the Fans were loud and proud last night Mitchell. It was plenty loud and plenty alive. Nolasco just owned them last night. They looked beaten and defeated until the ninth… and it took Diaz busting it to first and a timely error for him to even have a chance to be thrown out at third. There is just a major shortage of hitting talent on this team compared to the others even in our division. I don’t know the actual numbers but they have to be one of the worst batting teams in baseball. Even the things they did well this year (2 out RISP) they failed in this series.
The Marlins have decent pitching and they hit VASTLY VASTLY better than this team.
They had a budget and this year they spent it all on pitching…. i’m interested to see what happens in the offseason. Not too many 30 HR guys just laying there in the weeds.
I still think they need a legit clean up hitter and a true lead off man
Herschel Talker
October 1st, 2009
9:15 am
STEVEN LENNON @ 9:07 –
I agree 100%. Excellent post, especially about Booby coming back.
www.FireBobbyCox.com
October 1st, 2009
9:16 am
I’m not saying last night was Bobby Cox fault but we’ve been down this road before and I don’t understand why we continue to reward him with a contract when we haven’t got out of the NLDS since 2001.
That’s a long time ago folks. 8 seasons now.
We have won 1 of our last 7 series appearances. I guess that’s still acceptable to Braves management who can clearly see when it’s time to move on from Glavine and Smoltz but obvious cloudy judgement on Cox.
http://www.FireBobbyCox.com
Drunkdawg
October 1st, 2009
9:16 am
I will be watching the Braves on Sunday just to see them in their new uniforms, hunting camo with buck commander logos on them. At least they will look different and it will save time getting to the tree stand after their last game since they will already be dressed for hunting season.
Joey
October 1st, 2009
9:18 am
The three most compelling questions of the day: 1) Will Bobby bring back his Nortie for his farewell tour next season? 2) Will Mark bring back his Willie next season? If so, will clearer minds (GM Wren, AD Evans) prevail and rid us of these hapless friends of Bobby and Mark?
Herschel Talker
October 1st, 2009
9:19 am
Schultzie – how about the fact that Cox batted Greg Norton YET AGAIN with a run in scoring position and fewer than 2 outs, and he promptly struck out. Mark Bradley had a column about this a few weeks back, but no one seems to be rehashing this. Obviously we don’t know how it would have turned out otherwise, but that run would have come in handy, as the result shows. How come no one is slamming Cox for taking his loyalty to such ridiculous extremes? Enough of this madness!!
PMC
October 1st, 2009
9:19 am
Diaz made a mistake, it happens, he was a beat late getting back… he plays hard and he cares…that’s all I can ask really. The Chipper bending down and picking up the ball missed double play error in the second is what eventually cost them the game.
PMC
October 1st, 2009
9:20 am
I hope Chipper does at least hit 2 more home runs. Even with a down year this year. His consistancy at the plate is still remarkable.
Adam in Norcross
October 1st, 2009
9:22 am
Jeff: Where’s the Third Base coach interview? Did Snitker say, “Go” or “Stop” or just sit there with his hands on his knees? What should he have done? Was it Prado who held Diaz up? Why do I subscribe to the print edition?
Joey
October 1st, 2009
9:28 am
Chris, what in the world was Chipper tired of? You mean a 37 year old, world-class athlete gets tired of standing around at 3rd base 5 nights a week? Or of running to first base about 1.3 times per ten at bats the last two months? Or tired of luxury hotels, room service, and first-class travel? Probably that $10K he has to haul home after every game.
jaybob
October 1st, 2009
9:28 am
Wow. The comments on this string make me sad. Bob Horner? David Justice? Mrs. Hudson? Are you serious?? Where’s the creativity?
The Atlanta Braves are my favorite team…of ALL sports. I live in God’s Country, Montana, and I’m disheartened by the lack of support FROM THEIR OWN CITY! Chya, they make come up short this year but there a heck of a lot closer than they were in the ’80’s.
So, “Mr. Horner,” “Mr. Justice,” “Mrs. Hudson,” and all the other pseudonyms you use (I shall collectively refer to them as ‘you,’ as I am sure you are all the same choad), please keep up your disrespect. I know it makes you feel good.
After all, we should all feel good…even the uncreative.
GO BRAVES!
jaybob
Ken
October 1st, 2009
9:34 am
I am not one to complain but there is someting I just can’t understand about hall of fame manager Bobby Cox. Why continue to use a guy batting under .150 key situtions when you have better options on the bench. If I was on this team, I would be very disappointed because this is outright favortism by the manager. Another thing, if the Braves could play the kind of winning ball they have since this streak, what prevented this kind of passion earlier. I feel sorry for Diaz, but this season of not making the playoffs should never have come down to the last few games. I just don’t understand Cox’s decision making, it seems to me to have gotten worse this year. Greg Norton, Why?
Braves73
October 1st, 2009
9:40 am
Glad Bobby decided to manage one more year…that means another season of senilty, Greg Norton, Kelly Johnson, and possibly more….GREATTTTTT!
JB Wright
October 1st, 2009
9:40 am
Who in the H-E-double toothpicks wants to watch Cox manage in the post season? Talk about your self torture! Thank goodness it’s over!
midnite
October 1st, 2009
9:44 am
The last three weeks have been some fun baseball. That run was quite incredible. We had the Rockies and Philly scared last weekend. Too bad a handful of miserable wretches sit safely behind their computers and spew venom. “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain”.
bobby
October 1st, 2009
9:45 am
So Diaz made a mistake last night. If the Braves had seven other players that play like he does they would have had the pennant won long ago. They weren’t going to make the wild card anyway. Colorado is not losing..
Ralph
October 1st, 2009
9:46 am
Remember how earlier this month the statistical odds were said to be too great for the Braves to overcome 3 teams ahead of them in the wildcard race even if they went on a tear?
Jeff Schultz, meet mathematical reality.
Don
October 1st, 2009
9:48 am
The problem is not “suddenly everything going wrong – at the end” but rather the “averything going wrong was all the games lost during the season because of Bobby Cox’s incompetence – actions, lack of actions and blunder afte blunder.
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.