Gonzalez keeps Pendleton but not as hitting coach (UPDATED)

War Eagle

October 13th, 2010
11:33 am

First?

Ted Striker

October 13th, 2010
11:33 am

I’m hopeful that the organization would have enough confidence in their new manager so as not to second guess him. Although that’s not a given.

Rich T

October 13th, 2010
11:34 am

I think both have done things to show proof why they should remain in place, but I doubt the staff will remain fully intact. I would bet Pendleton is most likely to go before McDowell, based on the fact that offense is the bigger issue right now. However, just as Cox did his best managing in 2010, it could be argued Pendleton did his best coaching job this year as well.

Dawggie

October 13th, 2010
11:37 am

I am SICK AND TIRED of watching our players go up there, and pretty much lay the bat down on the first pitch. It became a major part of the opposition’s scouting report, without a doubt. WAY too often, the opposing pitcher would throw a nice, juicy, 91 mph fast ball, straight down the middle, while we just watch it. All of a sudden we are behind in the count, and could not lay off the slider in the dirt or the outside curve ball, out of desperation as a resultof hitting from behind. Heyward was the WORST.

I hope to god either Terry changes his philosophy on first pitch aggression, or goes and finds a job in the minors somewhere.

YOU MUST SWING IN ORDER TO WIN!!!!!

Last

October 13th, 2010
11:37 am

Ditch everyone but Eddie Perez, you need his levity and ability to catch in the bullpen

I’d hire Leo back and ask Chipper if he would be a player/hitting coach. I think chipper should play some 3rd against righties and 1st against lefties, but make Prado and Freeman the everyday players (unless Freeman flops)

War Eagle

October 13th, 2010
11:37 am

Let Fredi do what we hired him to do, coach a baseball team with the goal of winning. However he sees fit to do that is how it should be done.

5150 P.O.A.D

October 13th, 2010
11:37 am

Terry needs to go just because he needs to go. If Bobby was still there Terry still needed to be replaced.

joe

October 13th, 2010
11:39 am

Keep McD, Leo is past his prime…ax Pendelton. Bring in the TX Rangers hitting coach if possible. He straightened out Andrew Jone and Francour when nobody else could.

War Eagle

October 13th, 2010
11:39 am

Hire Chipper in some regard as well, that is if he decides not to play next year.

Chopper

October 13th, 2010
11:39 am

Atlanta Braves: Where mediocre offensive players leave to become GREAT, and great offensive players come to be MEDIOCRE.

And how is this not a direct relationtothe offensive coaching??

Benjamin

October 13th, 2010
11:43 am

Don Baylor’s been the only hitting coach in Atlanta history that was revered for his work, and he was here for one year. lol

I’m TP neutral.

Dawggie

October 13th, 2010
11:45 am

Dear Jason Heyward,

The goal of a MLB batter is not to go up to seek a walk in every career at bat. I know your hitting coach has told you if you swing at any of the first 3 pitches you see, you will be sent back to Single A ball, but you will have more success being aggressive early in the count. Trust me, your next hitting coach, hopefully in 2011, will get the potential you possess to explode out on the scene.

And one more thing, stand a little bit closer to the plate. You make a ball that paints the outside corner look like it’s 3 feet outside, yet it’s truly a strike. Maybe thats one reason you don’t swing, because where you are standing, it does indeed look like a ball. Your next hitting coach, hopefully in 2011, will explain this to you further.

GOOD RIDDANCE TP!!!! You were done to me in 93′

lilhomer

October 13th, 2010
11:45 am

TP has to go…no offense for years…i think the stats show a mediocre .250-.270 hitting team during his tenure…granted the pitching is better in the ML, but every one of the braves prospect’s average his declined once exposed to TP’s coaching…mccann has his dad..francouer had the texas coach….and chipper…had his dad…the others had nowhere to go but TP and look what he’s done…or NOT done for them…there doesnt seem to be a ‘hitting strategy’ on the braves…swing for the fence and get lucky…TP has to go…..

cooper3271

October 13th, 2010
11:46 am

Last
I’ll second what you said. Good start.If the Braves led the national league in home runs I could understand how nobody except a few of the pitchers can bunt.

washedup

October 13th, 2010
11:47 am

I’d love to see Leo coaching again just so he’d quit screwing up morning talk radio. .what an irritating laugh. .followed by nothing of note to contribute.

Michael

October 13th, 2010
11:49 am

How can you say Pendelton is solid? The Braves haven’t hit at all the entire time he’s been there. How many Braves pitchers has Sutton or Simpson said time and time again “IF” they could only get run support. He is TERRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If Chipper retires – hire Chipper, he and his dad would make a great team.

John

October 13th, 2010
11:49 am

You cannot use Heyward as an argument for the acumen of TP. Heyward had a nice season, sure, but who out there really thinks that he’s not capable of so much more. Also, what is the sense of basing your opinion off of the success of 3 players on a roster of 14 that swing the bat? And of those that you mentioned McCann gets his coaching from his dad while Prado hit .316 his last year in AAA. There are many more cases of hitters regressing the longer they are under TP’s tutelage. TP needs to go! I’d be ok with hiring McCann’s dad, but I think that seat should be warm for Chipper when he hangs ‘em up.

Reid Adair

October 13th, 2010
11:51 am

It wouldn’t surprise me to see Fredi Gonzalez keep Terry Pendleton and Roger McDowell; it also wouldn’t surprise me to see him replace one or both of them.

If he chooses to go a different direction with one or both spots, it will be interesting to see who he chooses. Personally, I would hope it would not be either the hitting coach or the pitching coach from Florida.

godawgs678

October 13th, 2010
11:51 am

PLEASE for the love of all things Holy don’t let TP be the batting coach anymore! Am I crazy or was he just a little above average at the plate in his career? Never a ton of power and his career average is below .275. Oh and can the Braves please start spending a little more on some big name players? I know that they cost more money, but if they would get past that and realize that if they would spend some money on a big name player they would make up for it with more people coming to the Ted to see them play, jersey sales, etc. I am tired of having to rely on players like Conrad. I’m not saying we need a roster full of 10-20 million dollar a year players…BUT it would be nice to not have to rely on B-Mac and Chipper for EVERYTHING! Ok, I am done now

Captain Lou Albano

October 13th, 2010
11:52 am

After the job McDowell did with Lowe turning his season around, you got to keep him around. I mean if Lowe pitches like this next season, that 16 million dollars he’s getting paid doesn’t hurt so much. TP has got to go. We need a more experienced and reliable hitting coach. We got some young players who need better direction than what TP can provide.

John

October 13th, 2010
11:54 am

TP wasn’t even great when he played. He struck out twice as many times as walked and hit very well in only two seasons. The Braves didn’t bring him in for his offensive prowess, he was a gold glove 3B. I’d be cool with him being a fielding coach along with Hubbard.

mountain_jim

October 13th, 2010
11:54 am

Another vote to keep McD, axe Pendelton. I also am tired of seeing all the hitters take the first and best (fastball down the middle) pitch they will see for a strike, then swing at the next 2 in the dirt.

Gene

October 13th, 2010
11:54 am

Last,
Your philosophy on Chipper makes absolutely no sense. I’m not even going to try and comprehend that. Why he would play a different position against different pitchers is beyond me. Plus, he’s not a first baseman. And Leo? He’s a radio guy now. He’s done. Roger does a fantastic job. That’s crazy. You must be a Mets fan.

Observer

October 13th, 2010
11:55 am

Pendleton has done a solid job?

Maybe when he was a third baseman. His performance as a hitting coach has been underwhelming at best. Almost everybody in the lineup underperformed this year. In the midst of his hitting woes, Jeff Francoeur went so far as to seek the advice of another team’s hitting coach. Enough said. TP needs to go.

Mike Smith

October 13th, 2010
11:58 am

McDowell needs to stay for sure. The offense has struggled most of the last two years though. Pendleton hasnt done a bad job. Its not like he has had a top flight lineup to work with. While the Phillies and other teams stock up on hitters, the Braves have been relegated to rookies and journeymen. The question is, if you get rid of him, is there someone truly better out there?

I would say probably not.

Hooters Girl

October 13th, 2010
11:58 am

You know my wittle Chippy Wippy would make a good hitting coach.

Supes

October 13th, 2010
11:58 am

Terry P. must go. Roger McDowell needs to be retained. The work he did with Tommy Hanson, Kris Medlen and esp. Derek Lowe was spectacular this year.

Simple as that. Also Eddie Perez needs to be kept in some capacity. Wouldn’t mind seeing him as our 3B coach from now on.

Fredi Gonzalez also needs to name Chipper Jones a player/coach in spring training, have him be a hitting instructor after he retires. Chipper knows the art of hitting a baseball better than Terry P, for sure.

The Bream Team

October 13th, 2010
11:59 am

Terry P. has parlayed that 91 season into more than anyone could have possibly imagined.

perk

October 13th, 2010
12:00 pm

who was on his staff in Miami?

Keith

October 13th, 2010
12:01 pm

I know, Jeff, I was surprised when I read that from Bowman without him giving any sources that substantiated that speculation. Of course, that is the nature of speculation…it’s just that. Maybe he knows more that he’s not telling. Maybe he doesn’t.

McDowell did a fine job with the most overt example in Derek Lowe. I think you must keep him. TP is an interesting quandry. I’m not sure why people have been so hard on him. Both Infante and Prado have pretty much come out of nowhere during the last 2 years….maybe that is a testament to him, who knows?

As far as not being aggressive in the count, this team for the most part of the season was patient. THey lead the league in walks for most of the year…I know our offense hasn’t been stellar, but I think that is mostly a problem that TP could not solve.

It will be interesting. I wonder if tomorrow Freddi will say who he’s keeping…

GO FALCONS!

SimpleDawg

October 13th, 2010
12:08 pm

Keep McDowell and Hubby for sure….Perez and Snitker also.

Chipper for hitting coach if he decides to not play….heck let him be the hitting coach either way.

Tweets that mention Does Gonzalez' hiring mean Pendleton is out of job? | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com

October 13th, 2010
12:11 pm

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jeff Gordon, Matthew Verden and Nathan Faulkner, Jeff Schultz. Jeff Schultz said: Does Gonzalez’ hiring mean Pendleton is out of job? http://bit.ly/9VH3fF [...]

eeebayou

October 13th, 2010
12:12 pm

I feel bad for TP, as word has it that he was PROMISED the managerial job and turned down other opportunities to leave the organization. That being said, why can’t the Braves hire Brook Jacoby from the Reds? The Reds’ hitters really blossomed under his instruction and Jacoby has ties to the team as a former player as well.

chrisk

October 13th, 2010
12:13 pm

tb is terrible.

Mike

October 13th, 2010
12:14 pm

Fredi should….

Replace TP as hitting coach (if he keeps him in another role, I dont mind)
Keep McDowell
Keep Perez
Keep Hubbard
Ditch Snikter

Vino Fino

October 13th, 2010
12:15 pm

I’ve never once read where a single player credited Pendleton for their improved hitting or for snapping out of a slump. In fact, you only read about players turning to their fathers, each other, or someone outside the organization (only to hurt TP’s feelings in that case). Seems pretty clear that TP does not have the player’s respect as an effective hitting coach. Loved what he did as a player here, but it’s time for him to go.

If nothing else, sometimes a different perspective is needed. Look what happend when the Phillies fired their hitting coach this year. And he was a guy who had the top offense in the league for at least the two previous seasons.

Phil

October 13th, 2010
12:21 pm

TP might be a good guy, but he’s a clown as a hitting coach.

Hunter the Umpire

October 13th, 2010
12:22 pm

Pendleton you are so out of here,keep eddie!

gcs

October 13th, 2010
12:24 pm

This Pendleton blame-game in unfair. There is only so much a hitting coach can do.
The Braves were third in MLB is on-base percentage and walks behind the Yankees & Twins and the Rays & Yanks. They were 7th in sacrifice bunts.
To me, these are the kinds of things a hitting coach can teach.

That said, I still think Freddi needs to come in and make this HIS team. He needs to reassign some of these guys.

.

Greg Norton

October 13th, 2010
12:26 pm

A season of me as your hitting coach and you’ll be begging TP to come back.

Milos

October 13th, 2010
12:29 pm

He is gone.

Theron Sapp

October 13th, 2010
12:29 pm

Perk (12:00) asks what would seem to be the relevant question. Who were Gonzalez’ hitting and pitching coaches in Florida, and are they available?

A new era of Braves baseball

October 13th, 2010
12:30 pm

http://pricezack.wordpress.com/2010/10/12/the-end-of-an-era/

Baker

October 13th, 2010
12:32 pm

I voted to keep TP but in another capacity only because I like him and want him to stay. Hitting coach is the worst spot to be in baseball as far I’m concerned. He’s done a great job there I think, but hitting coaches are inevitably always on the hot seat.

SG10

October 13th, 2010
12:38 pm

It is hard to judge how much role hitting coach plays..Didn’t Phillies fire their hitting coach this season when they were in slump? Obviously, they didn’t cut him any slack for all the great offensive years that Phillies have had in past…

With McDowell, it is easy.. I mean several pitchers have openly credited him for their success.. Look at Lowe as the recent example. Our pitching has continued to get better and deliver..we were 2nd best in the league, despite some awful stats of J Reyes. I haven’t read too many comments from the hitters how much TP has helped so it is difficult to judge..

Jimmy Crack

October 13th, 2010
12:39 pm

Should we keep TP? No, no, and more emphatically, HECK NO!

His job title should have been changed years ago from “Hitting Coach” to “Season Ticket Holder With Great Seats Who Also Travels With The Team”.

Braves Fan Since "80

October 13th, 2010
12:40 pm

Supes …. You apparantly do not know about TP…… TP hit for better avg, better fielder, better situational hitter than Chipper……. Chipper does not have the makeup to be a hitting coach….. he was a great clutch hitter…. but is a double play machine…….. You do not make the bigs in need of a hitting coach…… If anything we need to fire minor leauge hitting instructors……. If chipper were a great batting instructor he would have had an influence on this team…..”hit it through the wall”

James

October 13th, 2010
12:43 pm

Did bad hitters tend to get better, or good hitters worse, under Pendleton? Anyone know off the top of their head? Seems like Martin and Omar are really good examples of career lower avg. guys improving under Pendleton.

J.T.

October 13th, 2010
12:44 pm

Keep T.P. he is not the blame get some players that can hit then judge him.

Dr. Phil

October 13th, 2010
12:45 pm

Fredi should pick his own staff. Next topic.

JeanE

October 13th, 2010
12:47 pm

I love the hire of Fredi, I am not of the belief the a change in a completely different direction was necessary. Yes, Cox drove me nuts sometimes with his stubborn beliefs (MattE Diaz can hit righties and is a hell of alot better fielder than Melk-Dud!) but I like the way Cox and the Braves go about their business, with integrity and loyalty. So, Fredi will continue that trend. I don’t blame TP for all the hitting woes but I feel a change in that area is needed. Too many players seem to have struggled here and gone on to better careers hitting wise. I would retain Roger McDowell, the pitching was excellent this year, why rock that boat? I’d keep Eddie, too. Snitker, bye bye.

Braves Fan Since "80

October 13th, 2010
12:47 pm

To all you TP haters….. I bet he would be great with the Yankees….. That being said I do not care who get’s the role………. Garbage in garbage out….. Get the next batting coach some power and some speed and everybody will become a better htter…… we saw MCann pitched around with runners on base…… it is about talent, not the coach

TP

October 13th, 2010
12:49 pm

You try and teach this bunch to hit.

the real Old Gold

October 13th, 2010
12:52 pm

Get rid of TP and while ypu’re at it..get rid of our Tech coach!!

NRBQ

October 13th, 2010
12:52 pm

One point of contention, Jeff:

Jason Heyward was a better hitter coming in than at season’s end, hands down.

NRBQ

October 13th, 2010
12:53 pm

And yes, he’s over his mid-season injury.

wayne

October 13th, 2010
12:55 pm

just as i thought. keep roger and get rid of terry. as for schultz thinking that terry has done so much for the braves hitting is about as ludicrous as him pretending to be a sports journalist. terry is the worst hitting coach this club has ever had. its not just this postseason or the end of the season woes but all the years he has been here. he is disastrous. the proof is in the pudding and the braves hitting pudding sucked.

The Grinch

October 13th, 2010
12:57 pm

McDowell, Perez, Hubbard, yes. Pendleton and Snitker no (Snitker’s a good guy, but I don’t think he has the ability to judge whether a runner can make it from third or not). Chino? Indifferent.

I really wish we could get Pat Corrales back. Our defense was always in the right position when he was here. Lately it just looks like they’re guessing and way too often guessing wrong.

collegeballfan

October 13th, 2010
1:00 pm

McDowell is a definite keeper. He has to many “works in progress” with the Braves double handful of young pitchers. And, as Jeff points out, has done a terrific job.

Pendleton? I do not have a clue or opinion.

wxwax

October 13th, 2010
1:01 pm

Let’s say Gonzalez keeps the entire staff intact.

Then let’s say the braves return to their pre-2010 form. Which is to say, let’s say they more or less stink.

Now let’s imagine you or Bradley writing a column that criticizes Gonzelez for letting the organization get stale and comfortable.

Of course, if he changes his staff and the under-funded team still loses, as is likely, both of you will be at pains to point it out.

This is what we like to call a “no win” situation for Gonzalez. The key isn’t his coaches. It’s the payroll.

Art

October 13th, 2010
1:01 pm

My problem with TP as hitting coach has been his philosopy. In the NLDS, it was obvious that several Giants pitchers were showing very good control. I know some didn’t, but the philosophy of taking the first pitch allowed the Giants to get the upper hand by throwing very hittable strikes on the first pitch because they knew the Braves wouldn’t swing. The Braves never changed their approach and it hurt them. This comes down to adjustments and TP’s philosophy of hitting and he didn’t make any changes when they were needed.

The Grinch

October 13th, 2010
1:04 pm

Wayne, the last line of your 12:55 is absolutely hilarious.

Wren isn’t a big TP fan because Wren is a good judge of talent. He made a few desperation moves that didn’t pan out, but long term we’re in good hands.

Russell

October 13th, 2010
1:05 pm

Hit the road Terry and don’t come back no more, no more. no more, no more. Hit the road Terry and don’t you come back no more. Same thing to that so call first baseman from Chicago and center field Rick what ever his name is.

Jimmy Crack

October 13th, 2010
1:07 pm

“To all you TP haters….. I bet he would be great with the Yankees…”

So would a ham sandwich, I mean Kevin Long. Here’s Kevin’s previous stellar job before being promoted, “Joined the Yankees at the Major League level after serving three years as the hitting coach with the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate in Columbus (2004-06).” I imagine that gets you all ready for teaching Texiera and A Rod how to REALLY hit the ball.

Just think of the difficulties of a hitting coach on the Yankees, using his minor league baseball wisdom to lead a billion dollar payroll of future HOF players. Makes you think they could just put a tarot card reader at the end of the bench.

Blackberry Cobbler

October 13th, 2010
1:09 pm

TP out of a job? I damn sure hope so!!!!!!

Hire Chipper as player/coach!!!!!!!!!!!!

Manpitt

October 13th, 2010
1:10 pm

McCann is my favorite story about TP. Two years ago before his eyesight screwed him he had a big slump and he credited his dad and chipper to helping him not TP.

PMC

October 13th, 2010
1:14 pm

So when Francouer was here everyone was upset they had no approach at the plate and the swung at anything.

Now they are more patient for the most part and people don’t like the coaching there either?

I don’t think Pendleton is an elite HC or something but come on…the problem with braves hitting right now… is talent or the lack therof.

The patience at the plate is the only reason they scored runs at all this year. They had almost non existant power. walks got ducks on the pond for those base hits when they did string them toegther.

jim bo

October 13th, 2010
1:14 pm

I have been a braves fan since ted turner put them on satellite. t.p. has to go, keep eddie,glen and maybe roger. the rest need to go.

PMC

October 13th, 2010
1:16 pm

Maybe they teach Snitker another sign other than Stop.

The Temporary Mascot formerly known as Russ

October 13th, 2010
1:17 pm

Shouldn’t Fredi be able to pick his own coaches . . . and maybe even select a new mascot? I think so.

Kyle

October 13th, 2010
1:19 pm

Please get rid of snitker. The only chance taken by sending the runner was when players ran through his stop sign.

Disbott 3000

October 13th, 2010
1:21 pm

McDowell seems a no-brainer: keep him. He’s done a solid job. TP’s a harder case, but I still think he should be kept around as hitting coach. You said it yourself. Everyone is very vocal about the one player here or there who is slumping and how that’s all TP’s fault, but he seems to never get any of the credit for the players who do well. I’ll admit there were times this season when I also thought it may be time to go, but when you look at the bigger picture, you see that there were some guys who hit well for the season and, let’s face it, it would have taken a Jedi Sorcerer to get some of the guys on our roster over the .250 mark due to some fairly mediocre talent. I think it’s a testament to he and the entire club that that over-achieved as much as they did.

SGC

October 13th, 2010
1:22 pm

TP needs to go……as a native Atlantian, I have been a Braves fan since the day they rolled into to the Big ‘A;. I’ve seen the ups and the downs. TP was great on 3rd base as a player but as a hitting coach…..dead end.

Ken Price

October 13th, 2010
1:23 pm

Put Terry Pendelton in charge of the defense. He could improve the defense and eliminate so many errors. Put Chipper Jones as hitting coach. Keep Roger as pitching coach. Do you think we could get Beltre as a free agent for third if Chipper is not coming back? Who is a free agent for left or centerfield?

Ernie-3

October 13th, 2010
1:24 pm

T.P. might be a nice guy,bad coach. if CHIPPER can’t come back he should be hitting coach. or how about McCanns father he is right up the road. T.P has been a disaster. Also Phillip Wellman should be on coaching staff see u tube Phillip Wellman

Disbott 3000

October 13th, 2010
1:25 pm

Russell, if you don’t know Ankiel’s last name after the game-winning homer he hit the other night, maybe you should consider that you’re not a Braves fan at all and just stay out of it. I’ll admit he’s definitely not the long-term answer for the Braves in CF, but Come On, Dude!

Chanticleer

October 13th, 2010
1:25 pm

Jeff – Will you, Mark or Dave be doing a look at what the 2011 Braves roster will look like? Got to imagine there will be a lot of turnover from the 25 man roster we saw on Monday.

Kyle

October 13th, 2010
1:27 pm

Also I think the animosity towards TP is the team RISP, and while the ERA may be low, we spend a great deal of payroll on pitching (which makes sense for a pitchers park). We seem to lose at least 3 pitchers a year to injury but maybe that’s standard. Our hitting always seems to come in large doses. Like every 5th game we would blow up for 7-10 runs, and then play a bunch of 1-2 run games in between. Even Texeria’s production was down when he was here.

extremus

October 13th, 2010
1:28 pm

I have no problem keeping McDowell after how the Braves’ young pitching staff has performed, but Terry pendleton needs to go. I loved him as a player and he gave fans some of our greatest memories in the early 90s, but this is now and he’s not the caliber of hitting coach that he was a player…by a long shot. For the Braves to truly take the next step toward a return to dominance, they have to eliminate the things that have been holding them back. Pendleton is one of those things, I believe.

Yellow Fuzz

October 13th, 2010
1:29 pm

“Dawggie
October 13th, 2010
11:37 am
I am SICK AND TIRED of watching our players go up there, and pretty much lay the bat down on the first pitch. It became a major part of the opposition’s scouting report, without a doubt. WAY too often, the opposing pitcher would throw a nice, juicy, 91 mph fast ball, straight down the middle, while we just watch it. All of a sudden we are behind in the count, and could not lay off the slider in the dirt or the outside curve ball, out of desperation as a resultof hitting from behind. Heyward was the WORST.
I hope to god either Terry changes his philosophy on first pitch aggression, or goes and finds a job in the minors somewhere.
YOU MUST SWING IN ORDER TO WIN!!!!!”

What an embarrassment it is to live in the same state with a stupid know it all like “dawggie”. Sure, you know more about MLB hitting than anyone even a proven MLB hitter and proven MLB hitting instructor. HAHAHAHAHA. You need to stick to the boards of Bill King, Tim Tucker and Chip Wannabee. You are WAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY out of your element here little man.

75years

October 13th, 2010
1:33 pm

TP would make a great 3rd base coach ( he has seen his whole career at that corner)and Eddie would be a big upgrade as the bench coach then go hire a hitting coach and bullpen coach

TommyJack

October 13th, 2010
1:34 pm

Getting some quality R.handed bats is more important than the coaching staff. Except for pitching and hitting coach, any stiff could do it.

Heisenberg

October 13th, 2010
1:45 pm

Somebody has to get through to Braves hitters to not swing so hard they are either twirling around, falling down, or both. A smooth, controlled, quiet swing is going to make solid contact more often than those having a seizure, dislocated shoulder, trying to hit it to Europe swings just about every hitter in Braves lineup seems to be doing. Many of these swings are at eyeball level fastballs we cannot hit and cannot resist.

I cannot speculate as to what has been instructed over the years by current coach, but it either is not being taught or not getting through. Either way a new voice is needed as far as hitting is concerned.

HAHAHAHAHAHA

October 13th, 2010
1:48 pm

Heisenberg
October 13th, 2010
1:45 pm
Somebody has to get through to Braves hitters to not swing so hard they are either twirling around, falling down, or both. A smooth, controlled, quiet swing is going to make solid contact more often than those having a seizure, dislocated shoulder, trying to hit it to Europe swings just about every hitter in Braves lineup seems to be doing. Many of these swings are at eyeball level fastballs we cannot hit and cannot resist.
I cannot speculate as to what has been instructed over the years by current coach, but it either is not being taught or not getting through. Either way a new voice is needed as far as hitting is concerned.

bob

October 13th, 2010
1:51 pm

Same people, maybe same results. One postseason in 5 years. McDowell seems to be pretty good though. The bats seem to be underachieving to me, but maybe it is the talent level.
In the end, it who the coach feels comfortable with. Although those above him may have dictated some prearranged personnel decisions before the hire.

ML Scout(retired)

October 13th, 2010
1:51 pm

The role and impact of coaches such as hitting, pitching is way over rated by most of you here. They don’t spend every day tinkering and making changes in pitchers, hitters. This is not little league, folks. A problem can develop with young hitters (Francouer as example)when they start to get conflicting advice from people such as managers, hitting coaches, and especially other players (such as Chipper who may be a good hitter but not a good teacher). Historically, most of the highly rated hitting coaches weren’t necessarily the best hitters, but did understand the swing and how to teach it to different people. With the truly great hitters the worst thing anyone can do is tamper with their swing or hitting approach.

Heisenberg

October 13th, 2010
1:57 pm

ML Scout, how many successful hitting coaches do you know teach it is ok to swing so hard you fall down when you swing?

Felix Millan

October 13th, 2010
2:02 pm

ML Scout- If you’d ever heard Chipper talk about hitting, you’d know how wrong you are. McDowell does a good job, TP not so much, in my opinion. Nobody is tampering with the truly great hitters, but we had far too many .250 or less hitters than needed help.

The Red

October 13th, 2010
2:03 pm

Freddi’s hitting coach in Miami was Jim Presley, a former Brave third baseman who was replaced by Pendelton in 1991.
He also was hitting coach for Buck Showalter’s Arizona Diamondbacks.

Keith

October 13th, 2010
2:03 pm

Jeff, thanks for the response. I wondered if it was maybe Wren or the Pres. Bowman is good. And so are you.

How about that coffee now?

Najeh Davenpoop

October 13th, 2010
2:07 pm

“Dear Jason Heyward,

The goal of a MLB batter is not to go up to seek a walk in every career at bat.”

The goal of a #2 hitter is to get on base. I strongly believe that putting Heyward in the #2 hole contributed positively to his on-base percentage and walk rate but contributed negatively to his slugging and his batting average.

Keith

October 13th, 2010
2:07 pm

It’s official now. Freddi, the Braves’ manager.

Larvell Blanks

October 13th, 2010
2:09 pm

Braves Fan Since ‘80 12:40 -”TP hit for better avg, better fielder, better situational hitter than Chipper”

Well, if you consider .270 “better” than .306, I suppose that’s true. Most people prefer higher averages, particularly when they are accompanied by enormously more power. But to each his own.

Blue Fox

October 13th, 2010
2:12 pm

Who did Chipper and Francouer turn to when their bats went sour?? The Dad and the Texas hitting instructor, not TP, enough said!

Heisenberg

October 13th, 2010
2:14 pm

I will give TP credit for his glove. Wonder if there is any need for a fielding coach?

Hit A Single

October 13th, 2010
2:15 pm

If Fredi is qualified to be manager he will be able to decide on a hitting coach. He has seen TP work close up and he knows what kind of job he does. Everybody blames TP, I wonder if some of these guys may not do as well if they didn’t have TP. If a hitting coach could make great hitters out of people then there wouldn’t be any 190 or 210 hitters.

Hit A Single

October 13th, 2010
2:17 pm

Blue Fox – Franceour still can’t hit consistantly. Enought said!

Hit A Single

October 13th, 2010
2:18 pm

Take the t off enough. I went to my spelling coach in Texas.

Najeh Davenpoop

October 13th, 2010
2:21 pm

I didn’t like Roger McDowell for a long time, but you can’t deny that pitching is a strength of this team; there were some transition pains in the beginning when he replaced Leo Mazzone, but at least this year he showed the ability to get the most out of the pitching staff, particularly in the bullpen. I’d like to see him stick around.

As for Pendleton, you can’t turn turds into diamonds. Frank Wren brought him a bunch of mediocrity; expecting Pendleton to turn scrubs like Melky Cabrera and Rick Ankiel into productive players is unreasonable. The Braves posted two of the three highest team OPS seasons under Pendleton, in 2003 and 2006. And even this year, you can’t criticize him for Melky, Ankiel, Glaus, McLouth, etc. sucking while pretending like it’s just coincidence that Derrek Lee had a 100-point improvement in OPS after coming to Atlanta, Omar Infante had a career year, Brooks Conrad of all people posted an OPS over .800, or Jason Heyward had the year that he did. Either Pendleton is responsible for the good AND the bad, or he’s responsible for neither. You can’t have it both ways.

I have a hard time seeing how a baseball coach can make or break a player the way they do in football, though… it’s not like you can put a good player in a bad scheme in baseball and make him ineffective like you can in football. In baseball, it seems like it really just comes down to acquiring good players.

Heisenberg

October 13th, 2010
2:22 pm

I stand by my Frenchy prognosis of the past 3 years……career journey man defensive specialist with occasional power if you by accident throw a fastball where he swings his bat.

JASon

October 13th, 2010
2:25 pm

Jeff, with all that this city has been through in the past 19 years, we all, understandably, worry that we are going to end up with an administration like the previous one. However, we shouldn’t worry: Fredi is going to do what he does. He is not Bobby, even though he worked for bobby before. Its protocol for a new manager to bring his entourage with him.

Look, its fantastic news that we got rid of bobby and got fredi. Lets not nitpick and try to find problems with it, where there are none.

Larvell Blanks

October 13th, 2010
2:25 pm

Breaking News – TP out as hitting coach, stays as 1B and infield coach.

nelson

October 13th, 2010
2:25 pm

BYE BYE PENDLETON , FINALLY !! OUT PENDLETON OUT !!

Terry

October 13th, 2010
2:26 pm

Nice comments, Hit A Single! Franceour & Andruw Jones were too hard-headed to listen to TP & they’re both gone while TP remains. A hitting coach is like a teacher & it’s up to the players to listen, make adjustments & execute. He can’t bat for them!

Najeh Davenpoop

October 13th, 2010
2:29 pm

“I stand by my Frenchy prognosis of the past 3 years……career journey man defensive specialist with occasional power if you by accident throw a fastball where he swings his bat.”

Totally agree. And to be honest, I can’t help but think that part of the fan discontent with TP as a hitting coach has to do with an irrationally high opinion of Francoeur’s ability and potential as a player.

Greg Norton

October 13th, 2010
2:29 pm

The press conference is on live on 680 the FAN. Perndleton has been moved to first base coach, Chino and Glen Hubbard are out. His bench coach from Florida is joining the staff and they are now officially looking for a hitting coach.

Leon "Pooch-Kick" Trotsky

October 13th, 2010
2:29 pm

Comrade Schultz:

Q: Where would you find a one legged waiter?

A: IHOP

Si

October 13th, 2010
2:30 pm

“Does Gonzalez’ hiring mean Pendleton is out of job?”

We can only hope.

nelson

October 13th, 2010
2:30 pm

Pendleton is not batting coach , freddi gonzales is doing what it attributable to have done cox , in truth very well by gonzales.

Heisenberg

October 13th, 2010
2:30 pm

Hey I just suggested him as a fielding coach. If this is true, what becomes of Glenn Hubbard?

Larry

October 13th, 2010
2:30 pm

Bye TP,Bye TP. Time for you to go.

T.P.

October 13th, 2010
2:31 pm

Come on guys. I might not be a very good hitting coach but i sure would make a good 3rd base cooach. Fire Snitker and let me show my true talent as a 3rd base coach.

Caleb King

October 13th, 2010
2:32 pm

WE ROB THIS STATE!

balismith

October 13th, 2010
2:37 pm

wish tp had been named manager of the braves…tp has done alot as a player and coach over the time he has been with the braves as aplayer and coach…really was naot that impressed by freddi when he was with the braves or marlins

I love Chino

October 13th, 2010
2:39 pm

Does it really matter if he gets rid of Pendleton, so long as Chino is still on the bench to give everyone a big hug after a big hit?

Rowsdower

October 13th, 2010
2:41 pm

Hitting is a lot like playing poker. You can’t use the same style all of the time and be successful. You have to vary your game in order to be successful. If everyone knows you’re gonna take the first pitch, they’re gonna pump in a strike without fear of you swinging. Just like if you only bet/raise when you have a monster hand, people are going to get out of the way and you’re not gonna capitalize. Sometimes you have to swing a bad pitch to give the pitcher the false sense that you will do so when it matters. Of course, we swung at a ton of bad pitches when it mattered during the Giants series…

TP doesn’t seem to grasp this concept as a coach as well as he did when he was a player. Either that or something is being lost in the translation. Either way, it’s not condusive to good coaching.

Choppinmama

October 13th, 2010
2:43 pm

For Fredi’s peace of mind, and so Fredi won’t feel the presence of TP looming over his shoulder with every move – maybe with a non-managerial chip on his shoulder – it’s time for Terry to move on.

I thought he had only taken the hitting coach position as a “favor” to the Braves, and that he wasn’t interesed in moving into a/the head manager’s position. Just wanted to go home to less stress and travel when it was time to go.

Jeff, is that how you remember his hire? Did he seem anxious to take over the job? Was it really promised to him in the past by people who could make it happen?

The TP backstory, please.

James

October 13th, 2010
2:43 pm

I think Fredi Gonzalez should hire his own guys he’s the new coach so he should get who he feels comfortable having in those positions.

Stephen

October 13th, 2010
2:52 pm

Terry Pendleton should have been replaced several years ago. I enjoyed him as a Braves’ player but as a batting/hitting coach….NO WAY!!!! Hopefully the new coach will bring in new blood for the coaching staff.

The Lemmer

October 13th, 2010
3:02 pm

Chipper please retire & take batting coach job, we need your money to sign some guys that can actually play everyday, thanks for 20 years but its time, put Prado 3rd & get rid of Alex G. crappy attitude, & sign all new outfielders except Heyward & Hinske

Captain Herb

October 13th, 2010
3:03 pm

If TP wants to manage one day, shouldn’t he be paying his dues as manager of one of the Braves’ farm teams.

Terry

October 13th, 2010
3:03 pm

I’m still here dummies!!!!HAHAHAH I’m your new 1st base coach! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aristotle

October 13th, 2010
3:05 pm

The only thing TP could hit is the buffet table!

edward

October 13th, 2010
3:12 pm

The guys mentioned as good hitters were good hitters BEFORE Pendleton got near them. That’s why they were good hitters. I just don’t see the smart thinking at the plate that the Braves are known for. A new hitting coach would be nice. How about the guy in AA mississippi? He seems to have done a good job with some players brought up from there to the majors.
As to McDowell..KEEP HIM. He has done an excellent job. Yes, I was upset when Leo left but he took the bullpen and turned it around. The staff looks pretty sharp with a few exceptions. They have some mental breakdowns but Hanson is still a kid and Lowe got a huge check.

I'm Gumby, Dammit!!

October 13th, 2010
3:12 pm

Nothing against T.P., but he was a much better hitter than hitting instructor. The extended funks that the Braves go into as a team lead me to believe there has to be a better candidate out there.

Dawg Man

October 13th, 2010
3:12 pm

McDowell does pretty well, but Terry has already wasted Francoeur. Don’t let him stick around to blow it with Heyward.

gray goat

October 13th, 2010
3:17 pm

Hire B. McCann’s father as hitting coach. McCann is the only real hitter on the team and his dad is his hitting coach and has been for life.

It's hard to be an eagle when you are surrounded by a bunch of turkeys

October 13th, 2010
3:19 pm

I keep hearing how the Texas hitting coach helped Andrue Jones and Francouer.

REALLY???

They BOTH still are at best less than mediocre hitters. Francouer is barely hanging on to the last of his major league career and Jones is a bench player. Exactly how did this coach improve either of them?

The bottom line is the Braves’ lack of talent not the coaching. If it was that simple you could take anyone off the street, coach them up and put them in a major league line-up.

Linda

October 13th, 2010
3:20 pm

I believe Pendleton should go elsewhere. Year after year, the braves players take the first pitch. This has to come from their batting coach. You also see where they come up from the minors and are hitting until Terry Pendleton gets hold of them. Most of the time when they are traded to different teams their averages go up. To me this is a reflection on the batting coach. I think they need a new batting coach.

Mike

October 13th, 2010
3:21 pm

What happened to Glenn Hubbard .. ?

Les W. Moore

October 13th, 2010
3:21 pm

What do I know and who would care, anyway?

Ready for Fredi

October 13th, 2010
3:22 pm

“If TP wants to manage one day, shouldn’t he be paying his dues as manager of one of the Braves’ farm teams.”

Like Snitker has done – glad that he is staying. TP has personality / PR issues that he’s never going to overcome. TP has been his own worst enemy.

jojo

October 13th, 2010
3:23 pm

CARLOS TOSCIA WILL BE THE NEXT BENCH COACH

Terry

October 13th, 2010
3:30 pm

Mike

Don’t think Hubbard did the best job, helping the runner at 1st get a good jump on the pitch.

John Rocker

October 13th, 2010
3:31 pm

Can I come back?

PMC

October 13th, 2010
3:31 pm

must all Braves Hitting Instructors wear Oakley’s with Fire lenses????

DNice

October 13th, 2010
3:32 pm

Thanks people because Francouer still cant hit even with Chipper helping him and everyone else. Hell Chipper didnt exactly light up the scoreboard his last 2 years unless now you go back to assigning the blame to TP. With that being said then who takes the blame for KK?????? Coaching can be so overrated when talent will make most of the difference except in fundamentals. Yes I played the game in college so I know a lot and can judge. Coaches for the most part are for moral and get you feeling better because your skills are your skills. Remember when Andruw hit 1000 homeruns those 2 years but then reverted back. That was not a hitting coach issue its just how things crumble with players.

Rest it already

October 13th, 2010
3:32 pm

First off, I am really getting tired of hearing how great Leo was. Leo was not, but Maddux, Glavine and Smotz were. What did Leo do when he got a rookie not good like Maddux, Glavine or Smoltz? Well he traded them off. He bombed big time when he left here and the sports world knows it. Leo was lucky and thats it. He is not great, not evey really good. Thats why hes not coaching someplace else. Hes done.

As far as Roger, well he is good. Very good. He has held this pitching staff together with rookies and vets and fixed Lowe too. Its not Rogers place to fix Lowes staminia but he sure got his pitching fixed now didnt he.

Pendleton is not a hitting coach. He does not have the ability to pick apart the hitter and fix the swing. If he were that good then we would not have so many hitters doing the rut thing all thoughout the season. One dry spell is normal but several thoughout the season means doom for the team that has these players. Pendleton is not good and needs to be replaced this year. Pendleton would be a good manager though, just someplace else. Not Atlanta.

I like Gonzalez for the pick. Yes hes a Bobby clone but how many champtionships did Cox send us to. Cox was not a playoff manager but Gonzalez proves he might be. I think things will be good in Atlanta as long as they get us players not utility material. We still need those hitters. Cant wait to see what the off season holds.

Innocent Bystander

October 13th, 2010
3:33 pm

Glad they decided to keep McDowell. He’s done wonders with the pitching staff, particularly his work with D Lowe the past month. Also glad they’re moving TP out of the hitting coach role.

The Temporary Mascot formerly known as Russ

October 13th, 2010
3:34 pm

Those are some big chinos to fill.

bascogcjs

October 13th, 2010
3:37 pm

Glad Hubbard is gone. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile.
Beside that, he used to smoke as a player. He still might smoke: I don’t know.

R. Pitino

October 13th, 2010
3:37 pm

Why do MLB teams have a hitting “instructor” to begin with? Seems rather unnecesary. Do NBA teams have a “here’s how to shoot a free throw” coach? Do NFL teams have a “here’s how to make a tackle” coach? Do NHL teams have a “here’s how to make a slap shot” coach? Of course not. So why does each MLB team have a “here’s how to swing a bat” coach? If you are are playing at the MLB level, doesn’t that imply that you already have the skills to swing a pretty good bat??? Does MLB give out awards for “Best Hitting Instructor” in the league? No, because they are all the same and have no value to their respective teams in my opinion. “Wow, that NY Yankess hitting coach sure is great” (no idea who he is).

The Producer

October 13th, 2010
3:38 pm

Give Gerald Perry a shot as hitting coach. He’s a former Brave and he’s got a pretty good record as an instructor……..

bascogcjs

October 13th, 2010
3:38 pm

And Leo was nothing more than a loud mouth politican, good riddance.
Ask anyone around baseball and they will tell you the same.

Nate McLouth

October 13th, 2010
3:39 pm

Terry Pendleton is horrible. He ruins every player he comes in contact with. Look how bad I have become – it is all because of TP!!!!! FIRE TP NOW, bring back Glenn Hubbard!

gordonguy

October 13th, 2010
3:40 pm

Hey Dawggie…before you manage perhaps you should do some research. One of the reasons scouts had problems with Heywood was that he walked so much in high school. The man has a Ted Williams-eye, and I’m pretty sure he’s knows just a tad bit more about baseball than you do. I’m sure that about this time next year you’ll be criticizing Gonzalez and whoever he hires as hitting coach, no matter what they do. If the Braves win 120 games and sweep the NLDS, NLCS, and World Series I’m sure you’ll find some problem. Some people just like to complain, even when they don’t know what they’re talking about.

Mitchell

October 13th, 2010
3:40 pm

This is pathetic.

He should be fired. His performance as hitting coach is indefensible.

And now he’s the first base coach? Why?

What is the point of that?

This is just a slap in the face to Braves fans. People should be held accountable for poor performance.

First base coach? Nobody fires first base coaches. Nobody sure as hell hires a first base coach to be a manager.

He’s here forever.

It’s amazing. Smoltz and Glavine were unceremoniously shown the door and all these losers just get to hang around for life.

A new era of Braves baseball

October 13th, 2010
3:41 pm

http://pricezack.wordpress.com/2010/10/13/instant-replay-in-baseball-what-is-it-going-to-take/ very interesting read, great article for baseball fans

extremus

October 13th, 2010
3:41 pm

I am very glad that at least the Braves will be trying a different approach with a new hitting coach in place next season. I sincerely hope that whoever they get has the right package of skills and teaching ability to improve this team offensively.

Carolina Gent

October 13th, 2010
3:43 pm

Just thought I’d get this over with now, and be the first, so we won’t have to wait until next season to begin with what is certain to occur with this blog….. FIRE FREDI G!!! Oops, think maybe I jumped the gun a bit??

It's a chopper to Chipper.

October 13th, 2010
3:44 pm

Nothing against TP, but I think it is time to move in another direction. They say that coaches are hired to be fired. It seems to me that you are hired to be fired unless your in Atlanta. I honestly believe that if this were any other organization, TP would have been shown the door some time back.

It's a chopper to Chipper.

October 13th, 2010
3:44 pm

Welcome back to the Braves, Freddi!

75years

October 13th, 2010
3:49 pm

Jeff, Please do an article on Snitker and what he brings to the table – He just seems like such a weak sister at 3rd base – Also would like to know as to why Hubbard is not coming back

Kimbrel4Closer

October 13th, 2010
3:51 pm

How awesome it would be if Wren could offer Chipper the hitting coach job so he can retire and save money so the Braves could REALLY improve!

The Other David O'Brien

October 13th, 2010
3:52 pm

REGARDLESS of who the hitting coach is this year, he’s just keeping the seat warm for CHIPPER JONES upon his retirement.

Steve

October 13th, 2010
3:53 pm

TP is not the problem. The problem is Bobby Cox and his old regime (Fredi). It is a fact that Cox only wanted players to go along with what he says which hasn’t produced anything. You need someone the fire up the clubhouse and be a leader. They need some DIVERSITY otherwise they are going to have the same ol losing season. Remember when they won the World Series, what was the common factor? They had a more diverse team. Now all the players are from Dominican Republic and Cobb County….As for Chipper, im glad he is gone!!!

HELP

October 13th, 2010
3:53 pm

Does anyone know where on the web I can watch the Freddi Gonzalez press conference, can’t seem to find it anywhere and mlb network only aired the Bobby Cox portion and cut off

atl65

October 13th, 2010
3:55 pm

Not pleased that Gonzalez is not retaining Hubbard. Strong infielder coach, the players seemed to respect him. I am sure he will make a great manager if given the opportunity. The organization should do everything it can to keep him in the family.

Mitchell

October 13th, 2010
3:57 pm

Terry Pendleton is worthless.

We may not have an Adam Dunn but these guys are still professional hitters and routinely make fools out of themselves up there.

Only in the playoffs would the Braves lose a game like that on Monday.

They blew countless chances to put the game out of reach and had terrible at-bats throughout the series.

Of course, they also were quite good at squandering scoring opportunities during the regular season but with regards to Game 4, Bobby would have figured out how to lose it even if they had added on.

I just can’t believe.

I keep hearing people say it was Bobby’s greatest season.

Great seasons don’t end with Bobby crying in the post-game press conference.

If the season ends with you feeling like your dog just got shot by your girlfriend who just dumped you, and you don’t even have a dog and have never been dumped, it might not be a great season.

Great seasons don’t conclude with another team celebrating on your field.

Oh, but what a classy move by the Giants.

Well what the hell?! They won!

If they lost and still tipped their caps to Bobby, that would be classy.

He’s the reason they’re celebrating.

Chipper's ACL

October 13th, 2010
4:02 pm

So if TP is coaching first there goes all hopes of small ball and stealing bases. I don’t recall Terry being fleet of foot. I had hoped for Collins at first. Guess we’re staying loyal to the Braves family.

I’ll stay neutral on the McDowell deal. If Hanson doesn’t step up in ‘11 and become the next Josh Johnson then I say he gets the axe. The kids too good not be aggressive on the hill. First pitch fastball please. No lollypop curve to fall behind 1-0. That’s a pitching coach issue.

Borodawg

October 13th, 2010
4:05 pm

Obviously not that strong of an infield coach as evidenced by the Braves since the All-star break. That is the single biggest issue I see with the Braves going forward. Braves led the majors in errors since the All-star break, Phillies had the fewest. I think I see a pattern….. Defense must be fixed first then again if you can’t hit worth a crud you can’t make up for errors…

bascogcjs

October 13th, 2010
4:13 pm

Chipper is not going to be the hitting coach when he retires.
He’ll want to spend time with family and hunt.
He’s made too much money to hang around coaching at a much smaller salary.
I’d say he would want to wait at least three years before he would want to commit to a 162 game schedule again.
I would say he would more likely be a spring training instructor for the younger guys for a month or two.

hornblowermg

October 13th, 2010
4:13 pm

somebody needs to teach these professional baseball players the fundamentals of catching the ball and other catchy defensive ideas. several braves come to mind; even McCann needs to learn to slide in front of an errant pitch instead of backhanding it. someone please tell Heyward that if you catch the ball before it hits the ground then it’s an “out”. are professional baseball coaches afraid to mention lack of fundamental expertise to players who should already know better?

Peter

October 13th, 2010
4:13 pm

Fredi did great…………new hitting approach was needed…….If TP moves on then so be it…….keeping Roger was a great idea, and Eddie Perez as well !

Can we find some speed now PLEASE !

NORRIS

October 13th, 2010
4:13 pm

Any word on who that new batting coach is going to be????

Chipper's ACL

October 13th, 2010
4:14 pm

By the way McDowell didn’t help Lowe the past month. Drugs did. Makes a difference when your arm doesn’t hurt. Lowe has also had two of the worst years of his career here. Elbow related? Maybe. When everyone was calling for him to be traded in July, was anyone saying how great McDowell was then? Conditioning is something this pitching staff lacks. Leo may be loose between the ears but pitchers didn’t get hurt when he was coaching. Count how many pitchers have gone on the DL the past three years. I can’t count them all. The common factor? Enough said.

Braves Fan Since "80

October 13th, 2010
4:15 pm

Larvell Blanks …….. I should have been more clear and said in Atlanta about TP’s batting avg….. And for all of you that think the TEXAS hitting coach now in Baltimore is so great? What happened in Baltimore?????? Players do make a Difference!!!!! Who cares about staff…. cry for talent!

WinSomething

October 13th, 2010
4:15 pm

The Cards have Mac, maybe the Braves can get Barry Bonds to be a hitting coach.

Really though, I’m not someone that is screaming for TP to go, but if he does I wont be shocked. If it was up to me, Id give him another year to see what he can do with a healthy team, hopefully. Heyward and Freeman should be studs net year, and Prado, Mac, a healthy Chipper (fingers crossed while knocking on wood…), that could be a pretty solid foundation. When people were healthy this season, they hit well. TP cant be blamed for half of the lineup going down. Other things in years past, maybe he can…

John Galt

October 13th, 2010
4:17 pm

He kept the wrong former Braves infielder- (Hubbard should stay).

Chipper should hang it up and be the hitting coach.

Braves Fan Since "80

October 13th, 2010
4:22 pm

Ned Yost was a first base coach before he was a third base coach and a bull pen coach before that….

Hubbard was the infield coach…..bad defense was worse than pitching

Najeh Davenpoop

October 13th, 2010
4:22 pm

“First off, I am really getting tired of hearing how great Leo was. Leo was not, but Maddux, Glavine and Smotz were. What did Leo do when he got a rookie not good like Maddux, Glavine or Smoltz? Well he traded them off. He bombed big time when he left here and the sports world knows it. Leo was lucky and thats it. ”

It’s not Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz that make Leo Mazzone great. It’s Denny Neagle, Damian Moss, John Burkett, Kent Mercker, Mike Remlinger, and the countless other pitchers who either had the best years of their career as a Brave, revived their careers as a Brave, or both.

5150 P.O.A.D

October 13th, 2010
4:23 pm

Off subject
the new Uga VIII’s real name is Big Bad Bruce! Hahahahahahaaha
What a Gay Porn Star name they gave this dawg.

rico

October 13th, 2010
4:23 pm

I think that Fredi made a good decision moving TP to first base coach and it is hard to argue with him keeping Mcdowell as pitching coach but I was hoping he would bring back rockin LEO!!

chrismc44

October 13th, 2010
4:24 pm

Why was Hubbard let go?? didnt think he did a bad job at all and has been a loyal member of the team and player….

Braves Fan Since "80

October 13th, 2010
4:24 pm

What does eddie Perez do besides interpet…. really now? Remember the guy before him……..

MM

October 13th, 2010
4:30 pm

I cannot fully evaluate Terry Pendleton as a good hitting coach because I’m not around in BP, in the clubhouse, or on the road to watch his interaction with the players.

All the loudmouths who pretend to be experts on TP’s relationship with the players aren’t there either, and their opinions are as uninformed as mine would be.

And the results on the field, especially given the Braves limited payroll/offensive talent in the last few years, have actually been quite good.

I don’t know how so many people can be so angry at someone they’ve never met. You should all move to Philadelphia or New York, where such ignorance and lack of class is the norm.

Jay

October 13th, 2010
4:31 pm

TP in his tenure as batting coach has average 12th in the league in team batting average over ten years. His worst was 20th his first year and best was 2nd in his third year. This year he is 14th and only 2 points behind the Phillies in team avg. who may very well win the world series. The comments here condemning TP are insane. There are 30 teams in the MLB averaging 12th in your tenure is above average to say the least. Its not like we are stacked with batting title contenders year in and year out.

Joe Tess Fish House

October 13th, 2010
4:33 pm

BOOOOOOO!!!!! Hiring a guy with a loosing record is dum!

Taylor Hanson

October 13th, 2010
4:34 pm

Losing has one “o”. Why can’t people retain that?

Sorry to see Hubbard go. Been with the club a long time. Always a good soldier.

Brooklyn Braves Brawler

October 13th, 2010
4:35 pm

Looking at the available FA talent, I realize that the Bravos will have to get more athletic in the infield and OF. the Bravos have a lot of haeavy-legged players that can’t bunt or go 1st to 3rd. They also have error prone players up the middle with shot arms.

To that end a combo of Bartlett or Punto and Cantu would be great. Bartlett plays the OF, SS, 2B and is contact/but guy that you can plug into any part of the lineup.

Punto is light hitting but can pick it as well as anybody and runs really well.

Cantu plays both corner spots and hits well, he could play againt lefties for Freddie and spell Chipper on his injured knee, plus he has RH power.

I would move Brooksy to OF and ask him to play winter ball in the D.R. or Mexico to learn the position and get rid of Diaz. Brooksy is a switchy and that makes him more valuable than Matt in my opinion.

I would not keep Glaus, Mclouth, Diaz, Gonzo,. For a cash strapped organization, I think you have to let go of swing and miss guys and Gonzo and Nate are those guys. They have options and you let them go.

Resign Hinske and keep Ankiel. Allow a better hitting coach to work with him.

jim bo

October 13th, 2010
4:36 pm

Freddie Made His First Bad Decion By Not Firing Terry Pendleton

Joe Tess Fish House

October 13th, 2010
4:38 pm

Why did they let Hubbard go?

Brooklyn Braves Brawler

October 13th, 2010
4:41 pm

Bartlett is contact/bunt

BravesAllTheWay

October 13th, 2010
4:41 pm

Brawler, I think they should keep Ankiel too. I’d like to see what he can do if he can stay healthy and have a chance to play all year.

Matt

October 13th, 2010
4:42 pm

Two Words: Derek Shelton

He is the Rays’ hitting coach currently. With the mass exodus that could easily be occuring in Tampa this winter, Derek might be looking to make a move. A baseball publication (forgot which one) labled him the “Top Offensive Specialist You’ve Never Heard Of.”

richbrave

October 13th, 2010
4:44 pm

Using HEYWARD as a barometer, I can’t say for sure. But the overall hitting has been poor the past few years so maybe a change is in order there.

HEYWARD’s strength was supposed to be recognizing pitches and knowing the strike zone. A bit too patient early on, BOBBY got on him and he started hitting a ton. Then he got hurt, and hasn’t really been good since. The last game, BC took the monkey off his back by batting him sixth, and he responded very well. So, not knowing the individual or seeing him everyday, I really am torn as to the coaching of the young man. I mean, was his poor performance at the plate a product of faulty coaching, or pressure he put on himself to succeed once he healed somewhat? I can’t say without first-hand knowledge. In fact, you MR. SCHULTZ probably have a far better idea than I.

jfreak13713

October 13th, 2010
4:45 pm

McDowell yes but Pendelton No. Nothing aginst Pendelton because it wouldn’t break my heart if he remained but I think some new blood is in order if this team wants to get better. Its not that Pendelton did a bad job its just that some of the players need to get to the next level and MAYBE another approach will help? Of course, maybe not?

chas

October 13th, 2010
4:46 pm

tp is an egotistical type that thinks he knows it all. if he stays with the braves, he will interfere with any hitting coach.

chas

October 13th, 2010
4:46 pm

Enter your comments here

Drez

October 13th, 2010
4:47 pm

There are some dumb SOB’s on this blog!! If the Braves don’t hit with a lineup of career .250 hitters, it’s TP’s fault. Now that he’s the 1st base coach, I’m sure it’ll be his fault every time someone gets thrown out trying to steal 2nd base. If a Brave is called out at 1st base on a close call, that will be TP’s fault too. I’m amazed that people expects TP to turn Conrad, Gonzalez, McLouth, Ankiel into batting title contenders. Look at the Braves hitters batting average throughout their career, and compare it to their averages as Braves. You can’t get blood from a turnip.Garbage in garbage out!!! One has to wonder why so much hate is directed at the only coach of color in this organization.

DrewDawg

October 13th, 2010
4:49 pm

Hopefully he’ll make some coaching changes in the farm system, too…

Joe Tess Fish House

October 13th, 2010
4:51 pm

I agree. TP need 2 go. the hitting was aweful

Brooklyn Braves Brawler

October 13th, 2010
4:51 pm

I like TP and Hubby both, but I am willing to let Fredi do what he needs to do. Fact of the matter is Chino and Hubby were Bobby’s guys and they probably want to spend more time with their families. If they want to stay with the club, Wren will find a place for them.

Chino is a heck of a coach and manipulates the lineup better than Bobby does sometimes. Pat Corrales maybe coming back as well. Freddy and Pat are really close!

Chip Shot

October 13th, 2010
4:52 pm

Whos ready to see Murph back?

Matt

October 13th, 2010
4:53 pm

To Drez: Sweet Lord, Drez. Race Card, Race Card, Race Card. Thats all you ever hear anymore! It has NOTHING to do with race! It has to do with the fact that the Braves haven’t hit in years. Its the fact that Bobby was loyal to his old players and wasn’t going to reccomend a firing. TP is not an instructor. He’s a showboat. You need a guy who can work with young kid’s fundamentals. TP never did this. Get off your race card soapbox and think logically. Stop blaming race everytime someone of color gets fired. Thats ridiculous.

Drez

October 13th, 2010
4:54 pm

CHAS…”tp is an egotistical type that thinks he knows it all. if he stays with the braves, he will interfere with any hitting coach.”

Chas, have you met Terry Pendleton? Have you spent time in the dugout to make this assumption? Or are you just talking out of your A**?

Resign or Resign?

October 13th, 2010
4:55 pm

Drez;

Duh! You wouldn’t call Eddie Perez a “coach of color”?

Vino Fino

October 13th, 2010
4:55 pm

Brooklyn Braves-

Nice of you to be willing to let Fredi do what he needs to do.

Also, Chino has never manipulated the line-up on his own. Everyone knows that a manager being ejected is nothing more than a symbolic gesture. He’s usually right down the tunnel and he’s always still calling the shots.

richbrave

October 13th, 2010
4:55 pm

“………..I would not keep Glaus, Mclouth, Diaz, Gonzo,. For a cash strapped organization, I think you have to let go of swing and miss guys and Gonzo and Nate are those guys. They have options and you let them go.

Resign Hinske and keep Ankiel……….” BROOKLYN BRAWLER

I would love to have MATT D, but I just think his contract prohibitive of that possibility.

I think you have too many pressing line-up and infield stability issues to let GONZO go in 2011. After, O.K.

I would absolutely love HINSKE back, four pinch hit HR’s this season and a 310+ average off the bench is too good.

McLOUTH is under contract for 2011 so we will have to keep him. No one will want him at 7 mill this season unless FRANK WREN walks on water.

I would like ANKIEL as a fifth outfielder, but I think you’ve got to give MATT YOUNG (GWINNETT) or WILLIE CABRERA (MISSISSIPPI) a chance here, and/or SCHAFER IF he gets anything going at the plate.

DawgDad

October 13th, 2010
4:55 pm

Ankiel’s upside would appear to be .230 – .240 with 10-15 home runs, very low OBP and lots of strikeouts. To stay in the lineup with those stats you either need to be a budding prospect or a Braves outfielder, so as long as he’s a Brave he has a chance.

All the TP negativity and focus on a hitting coach is mind-boggling. In 50 years of following MLB I’ve never seen anything like this. People – it HARDLY MATTERS. Keep in mind Pendleton played for years under Whitey Herzog and then Bobby Cox – I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if he turned out to be a great manager somewhere down the line.

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper

October 13th, 2010
4:55 pm

I liked the Hub in the 80’s…and I still like him as our 1st base coach..TP will miss leaning against the railing the 1st base coach has nothing to lean on….

Matt

October 13th, 2010
4:56 pm

To Drez: Sweet Mother, Drez. Race Card, Race Card, Race Card. Thats all you ever hear anymore! It has NOTHING to do with race! It has to do with the fact that the Braves haven’t hit in years. Its the fact that Bobby was loyal to his old players and wasn’t going to reccomend a firing. TP is not an instructor. He’s a showboat. You need a guy who can work with young kid’s fundamentals. TP never did this. Get off your race card soapbox and think logically. Stop blaming race everytime someone of color gets fired. Thats ridiculous.

kirkinga

October 13th, 2010
4:56 pm

That Bobby Cox and now Fredi Gonzalez both wanted TP on their staffs should tell you people something.

You can’t say you love Bobby and Fredi, but then at the same time act as if they were both bamboozled by TP. If he his hired to manage another club, are you going to say that they too have been fooled by him as well?

People seem to have forgotten the days of Clarence Jones, and Merv Rettenmund. I have been far more impressed by the team’s approach at the plate since TP took over. The numbers don’t lie. Just as sure as there were high profile failures, there have been record setting success stories (both on an individual and team level) since the guy took over as hitting instructor.

It is good for the team to hear a new voice, and so it will.

Buh Bye Drez

October 13th, 2010
4:59 pm

Drez plays THE card with … “One has to wonder why so much hate is directed at the only coach of color in this organization.”

richbrave

October 13th, 2010
4:59 pm

Wouldn’t surprise me to see TP as manager somewhere else now that he’s been made first base coach. Wait HUBBY, all is not lost.

Mark's for the Braves

October 13th, 2010
5:00 pm

Talk Chipper into retirement and then make him hitting coach. Go get a young stud at 3B who can hit some dingers!

DawgDad

October 13th, 2010
5:03 pm

richbrave: McLouth and Ankiel are redundant. Since McLouth may be untradeable and has more versatility and upside I’d say he has the best shot to win a job next year. Best scenario would be for McLouth to clear his head, get healthy, and have a good spring.

I don’t dislike Ankiel, I just don’t think he has much value left when your other center fielder is also left handed and the lineup is overstocked with lefty hitters.

It's a chopper to Chipper.

October 13th, 2010
5:04 pm

I believe the hiring of FG has been done for some time now. As soon as he was fired by the Marlins, I think Frank Wren called him and made this happen. They just waited until the end of the season to break the news.

Vino Fino

October 13th, 2010
5:04 pm

Happy Days! Happy Days! The Braves made all the right moves today. Fredi will do an excellent job leading this team for years to come. I won’t (continue to) bash TP, but maybe Frank Wren said it best in that it is time for a different voice. Let’s find a true hitting coach who can win the ears and respect of the players.

Now let’s go get a serious right handed bat and a true lead-off hitter! Do that, and I think Fredi will take the Braves deep into the post-season in his first year.

Obama

October 13th, 2010
5:04 pm

Hate to tell you Drez but Perez and Chino are of color. Funny how some people want to turn everything into a racial issue. Grow up dude. This ain’t the 60’s.

Drez

October 13th, 2010
5:10 pm

Buh Bye Drez….

I haven’t played the card yet, but it’s definitely in my hand. I simply was trying to figure out why so much hate towards this one coach. How conveniently everyone ignores the numbers of these mediocre at best Braves hitters, excluding McCann, Heyward, Prado, and Infante. Somehow, he’s the blame for the lack of talent from mediocre hitters.

Kudzu

October 13th, 2010
5:12 pm

KEEP THE STAFF, GET BETTER PLAYERS…

Drez

October 13th, 2010
5:16 pm

Obama…Hate to tell you Drez but Perez and Chino are of color. Funny how some people want to turn everything into a racial issue. Grow up dude. This ain’t the 60’s.”

Perez and Chino don’t have high profile positions on the Braves staff. You can’t blame Perez for anything, cause he’s simply warming up pitchers. Chino was bench coach, but Cox made all the final decisions.

Secondly, I didn’t turn it into a race issue, i just pondered a question. Like my grandmother used to say, “A HIT dawg will holla!”

Chipper Jones

October 13th, 2010
5:25 pm

Why would I want to coach when I retire…Gonna take my money and go to my ranch and shoot things.
Sign a few baseball cards, write a book, speak at some dinners and visit waffle houses.

5150 P.O.A.D

October 13th, 2010
5:41 pm

Uga VIII’s real name is Big Bad Bruce. People you can’t make this stuff up. Big Bad Bruce gets Collard on Saturday for Homecoming against Vandy. LOL Comedy writers can’t come up with stuff this good.
Will they say Big Bad Bruce with a lisp?

stew

October 13th, 2010
5:42 pm

Bring back Lox Eggs and Onions. His Braves pitchers were at the top in ERA let alone third.

Neil

October 13th, 2010
5:43 pm

Why do you need a bench coach?? These are grown men. A “bench coach”, really? Wonder how much $$ they make.

a fan

October 13th, 2010
5:45 pm

TP taking Hub’s place is bad news. TP needs to be gone!!!!! But thank God TP is no longer hitting Coach…..Need to hire Greg Walker from White Sox as hitting Coach.
WELCOME Fredi..play ball.

poorbrave

October 13th, 2010
5:51 pm

Agree with richbrave. TP probably moving on looking for mgr job..I hope so.

Derek

October 13th, 2010
6:02 pm

Terry Pendleton was a very good hitting coach. It’s not like the roster was loaded. Look at guys like Infante and Prado. Infante experienced his best seasons since coming to Atlanta versus how he did in Detroit. Martin Prado has progressed every season and became an All-Star, along with Infante. You people who rag on Terry are a bunch of idiots, honestly. You will rip him every chance you get and then gloss over the times players actually got better. How’d Francoeur work out in New York? He was terrible in his 2010 there. He will experience streaks at first with his new team but always tails off dramatically. So I guess that’s Terry’s fault too, how he played in New York in 2010. I mean it’s the same pitching coach he had in 2009 after he got traded. So, I guess it was all Terry’s fault Jeff sucks. You’ll see next season in Texas after he’s there for more than 15 games. The hitting coach is always the scapegoat. When the Braves went 37-19 in May and June, I didn’t here any praise for the staff. Always ripping on Bobby, Terry, and anybody but the damn players who under-perform. It’s always a coaches fault. Fact is, the Braves hit two points below the Phillies team AVG. A Phillies team stacked with talent. The Braves were first in OBP and 1st in doubles.

Reid Adair

October 13th, 2010
6:06 pm

I just wish for one thing — the media to stop interviewing and quoting Frank Wren as the definitive answer on anything.

Frank Wren caused Bobby Cox to have the “hardest working” team in his history. Frank Wren brought Nate McLouth and Kenshin Kawakami to Atlanta. He brought Melky Cabrera to the Braves. He brough Troy Glaus (excluding May and early June), Rick Ankiel (.210 average in Atlanta) and Derrek Lee to the Braves.

Frank Wren is as much, if not more, to blame for the Braves’ recent struggles as is Bobby Cox or anyone else.

Seeing people give Frank Wren all the credit – or even most of it – for the hiring of Fredi Gonzalez makes me sick.

Terry P.

October 13th, 2010
6:07 pm

well said, Derek.

scottc

October 13th, 2010
6:15 pm

I agree with JP that the TP critique was one-sided. His success stories were not credited to him sufficiently, if at all, and he took all the heat for any player’s slumps. that said, I also dont think he was a roaring success either, so I dont mind the change.

But why the Glenn Hubbard firing? is there more there than meets the eye?

scottc

October 13th, 2010
6:16 pm

sorry . . meant JS, not JP above

dawg4u

October 13th, 2010
6:18 pm

If you are not going to retain Pendleton as hitting coach then why let Hubbard go and replace him with Pendleton. I never heard anyone complain about the first base coach plus it’s like a slap in the face to Hubbard and a demotion for Pendleton (although I am glad he’s not hitting coach anymore). He is smart to retain McD because our pitching has been good the last couple of years. Whoever is hired at hitting coach needs to rent and not own unless he already lives in the Atlanta area because I can see a scenario of Chipper getting injured for the season in June and moving into that hitting coach’s job.

Patrick L

October 13th, 2010
6:39 pm

Any “Hitting Coach” that can’t help a natural hitter like Heyward keep from striking out seven (or was it eight?) times in a must-win series, or teach any hitter to run like hell to first base even if it is a grounder (RE: Game 4: Gonzalez hits grounder with man on first, starts to run and apparently has a cell phone call or his brain disappears, so he stops. He sees the SS bobble the ball then makes some half-ass attempt to run to first. Instead of having two on with one out, we had one on and two out. You know the rest. Pendleton needs to hire a real hitting coach and maybe he could learn how to be one.

ajc pariah

October 13th, 2010
6:41 pm

Uh, that there Rangers hitting coach moved to the Windy City I believe.And if he straightened out Andruw and Jeff,uh,I am unaware of it.

The Realist

October 13th, 2010
7:00 pm

What’s the deal with Hubbard ? Will he have a job in the organization ? I always thought he was loyal to the Braves. He worked his way up to the bigs after starting in Macon,when they had the class A team.

Barnacle Bill Bavasi

October 13th, 2010
7:03 pm

I hate to see Hubbard lose his job, but that’s only because I liked him as a player. I don’t really know how good of a coach he is.

Dean

October 13th, 2010
7:06 pm

Oh enough with the sudden problem with the Braves being patient. The outcry before was that they werent patient enough. You people are amazing! It’s a good policy to wait for the first strike. Make the pitcher work and wait for your pitch. Suddenly you people want them swinging away. Well, that leads to quick outs and easy outings for pitchers. Especially for great pitchers like Lincecum or Halladay. You make them work and try to fatigue them. Pendleton was a fine hitting coach. Honestly, the hitting coach has little to do with things. These are professional athletes that are supposed to have the skills to hit the ball. the hitting coach can only scout pitchers and make recommendations that will either be accepted (Prado) or ignored (Francouer). I think Pendleton probably wanted out of the position anyway. Ignorant fans that post on here,,, just ignorant!

Dean

October 13th, 2010
7:09 pm

Reid, what are you talking about. Wren is an excellent GM. He has brought in a good mix of organizational players and talent with a minimum of payroll. What do you people want? A world series every year with a moderate payroll! It ain’t happening! You don’t like him then go root for the Pirates or Royals. There you have some real issues.

E-6

October 13th, 2010
7:10 pm

Some surprises in the coaching shuffles. TP to first base smacks of the good old boy system at the expense of Hubbard. Also surprising Snitker keeps his job after numerous questionable decisions at third base this year. Tosca is obviously Fredi’s guy which is important for a bench coach. The real key is yet to come – who becomes the hitting coach.

TROTTINGHOME

October 13th, 2010
7:14 pm

Braves will win another 90+ games next year…make the playoffs…every team in the league wishes they could do what the Braves have done…may all you haters rest in peace.

Dr. Kenneth Noisewater

October 13th, 2010
7:25 pm

package mcclouth, ankiel, glaus, dlee and KK for a solid 3B & CF. i’d rather keep hinske/melky/diaz for LF/RF platoon.

tjhook

October 13th, 2010
7:26 pm

I would have thought that Terry Pendleton would have been better served as a third base coach because he could anticipate what the infield was planning to do and what kind of positioning the opposition would take when we had men on base. And with a knowledge of the batters from working as a batting instructor, he would know what hitting decisions would serve the team better. As a writer, you should ask why they decided on Pendleton at first instead of third when that would obviously seem to fit his strength better.

Hit A Single

October 13th, 2010
7:32 pm

As a longtime Braves fan I hate to see Hubbard let go. Even if Pendleton was given a managers job and I hope he is, if I were Hubbard I definitely would not come back. When Hubbard coached at Macon, my sons and I got to talk to him after a game one night. He was so passionate about his job and you could tell he loved the Atlanta Braves. I hate to see him not retained.

Jay

October 13th, 2010
7:35 pm

When the braves hitting sucks next year, what will all you TP haters say then. We need better hitters, the hitting coach by the numbers is top shelve. He took a team 20th in team batting average in his first year to second in the MLB by his third, and that is without the aid of a DH. Did he suck then? Women are emotional, men are logical. This board sounds like a bunch of girls…pathetic. Learn to hit a baseball and then hate on TP

Hit A Single

October 13th, 2010
7:37 pm

How many years did the Braves make the playoffs with Fredi as third base coach?

Hit A Single

October 13th, 2010
7:38 pm

Jay – great post!

Hit A Single

October 13th, 2010
7:39 pm

Pendleton = scapegoat Hubbard = screwed

rabiddawg

October 13th, 2010
7:40 pm

As I stated last night. FG was very well respected and liked among his players in FLA except mabye Hanley. Hmmm…. There seems to be a slugging, all star second baseman in FLA that happens to be a free agent now. wonder if he’d follow his former skipper to the ATL. Sure would be nice to see Uggla in the middle of our lineup.

CG

October 13th, 2010
7:40 pm

Agree with the whole waiting on the first pitch non-sense. Tony Gwynn made a hall of fame career by NEVER swinging until he got a strike and Chipper is not above taking pitches either. Everyone whined and complains about not being patient enough (ie Francour, Andruw Jones) but then you are going to whine on the flip side when a hitter is willing and able to work the count (which seeing more pitches increases the chances of getting to the other teams bullpen).

The bottom line with the offensive struggles is Braves lacked the overall offensive fire power. It was slim coming out of spring training and the margin got very tight after the injuries stacked up.

On another note, I am very interested to see what options come available for 2011 season. The pitching in pretty much locked up. So there is only one area to focus and that is increasing the lineup. We will see what Chipper has left in the tank, but bottom line will need to make an acquistion (which the Braves has resources in the form of pitching talent to work with).

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper

October 13th, 2010
7:42 pm

I’m mad that Hub got canned…..I’m 42yrs old and I can remember him turning a DP with NO FEAR…….I’ve never heard a bad word spoken about him…as my dad would say..He’s a “good ole boy”….I would have loved to drink beer w/ him and Bob Horner in 1982

Burgess

October 13th, 2010
7:43 pm

Jeff,

Any word on Hubbard….does he have a job in the organization ?

roja

October 13th, 2010
7:44 pm

And I stand by my prognosis that Frenchy will go farther in the 2010 postseason than McCann

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper @ Burgess

October 13th, 2010
7:47 pm

good question…..I’m thinking they do…but without the big league per diem…hopefully “the Hub” can make it off his MLB pension and a job in the minors…I love the guy…he’s a Brave..(I doubt he’s going to the Dept of Labor in the morning)

Jay

October 13th, 2010
7:48 pm

Thanks Hit A Single. I just hate to see mindless people dog a good coach. TP is a great guy and a great hitting coach. The mentality of these idiots is equal to those calling for Mack Browns head at Texas after they played in the national championship game 9 months ago. Fair weather fans make me sick. Bet ya none of these fools could hit a baseball, but they are experts on TP’s job.

Hit A Single

October 13th, 2010
7:49 pm

roja – Frenchy will be carried farther, but McCann is the man.

Hit A Single

October 13th, 2010
7:51 pm

I wonder if Frenchy blamed TP for his troubles in New York. TP gets blamed for everything else.

YOGI2

October 13th, 2010
7:54 pm

If T. Pendleton can see what is going on , he would move on. He is not a coach, he is a has been hitter that was uncoachable with his unorthdox stance etc. when he was a player. I sure hope the braves release Conrad and Mclouth and K.Kawakambi

hardball202

October 13th, 2010
7:56 pm

i hope they hire don baylor as hitting coach

Coach (2011 or Bust)

October 13th, 2010
8:01 pm

Funny, nobody was blaming Pendleton when the Braves were blasting HR’s, stealing bases and marching into the playoffs during his first five years as hitting coach (2001-2005).

Of course it’s all his fault that the Braves never did replace Rafael Furcal, or the shrinking payroll left no room for the Braves to keep Mark Teixeira after trading the farm. Yea, blame Terry.

FOR STUPID and so is Frank Wren for not giving the man a fair shot at replacing Bobby Cox.

Sid Bream's Leg

October 13th, 2010
8:02 pm

Bring back Fred McGriff. I don’t care in what role, just find something for him.

Oregon Brave

October 13th, 2010
8:05 pm

I like the defensive game the most. I kept telling myself that the infielders were screwing up because there was a new guy in the infield or playing a different position every week. I figured they just never had enough games to get used to each other, but the truth is they have very little knowledge of the basic fundamentals and footwork for the infield positions. They are all bad. Chipper ‘matadors’ every grounder he can, AGON is great at going left or right, but like Chipper, anything straight at him is an adventure. Best footwork man the Braves ever had was Mark Lemke. I don’t know if Hubbard’s duties included working with infielders or not. If so, he didn’t do a very good job. DLee displayed great defensive fundamentals and with a new hitting coach maybe he will get his eye back. TP played great defense in his day and hopefully he can do a better job with the footwork than he did around the batting cage. Can’t wait for ‘pitchers and catchers’ to report. Go Braves.

Hoping

October 13th, 2010
8:07 pm

Hoping this is not a NY, Minaya, et.al.trend that the only ball players are Latin. How did that work out for the Mets???

Coach (2011 or Bust)

October 13th, 2010
8:07 pm

O yea and one more thing, blame Pendleton for keeping an aging Hall of Fame third baseman around far past his expiration date. It’s also Terry’s fault that the entire outfield consists of a future star rookie and a bunch of bench players.

Harry

October 13th, 2010
8:09 pm

What was wrong with Glenn Hubbard and Chino Cadahia? Does anybody know?

Andy

October 13th, 2010
8:09 pm

Who do we get as Hitting Coach? Any Ideas

Homer Runs @ the mouth

October 13th, 2010
8:15 pm

The bench coach is like the managers asst. so it tends to change when the manager does. However Hubby got screwed so they wouldn’t look like real jerks when they fired TP after telling him he would take Bobby’s place. TP turned down manager offers to stay for that reason, so firing him now would just be wrong. I’m sure they are hoping he will move on though.

New Pitching Coach

October 13th, 2010
8:16 pm

Don Baylor? Milt Thompson? Chipper’s dad? Anyone?

OldTimer

October 13th, 2010
8:18 pm

Brilliant moves by Coach Gonzalez.
Let the games begin.

OldTimer

October 13th, 2010
8:20 pm

On another note, if Hubbie had been playing second base this series, the Braves would have been moving on to the next round.

Homer Runs @ the mouth

October 13th, 2010
8:23 pm

Maybe Old Timer, But Brooks gave up the winning run, not the tying run. You are assuming we would score again. Bobby blew it when he pulled Kimbral with two out after Sanchez got lucky dribbler up the middle. Kimbral was untouchable, Sanchez got lucky, Bobby made a poor decision.

OldTimer

October 13th, 2010
8:26 pm

Bobby made a lot of poor decisions that led to fourteen consecutive division titles. Would of, Could of, Should of is an easy game to play.

E-6

October 13th, 2010
8:26 pm

Old Timer – or Mark Lemke.

Homer Runs @ the mouth

October 13th, 2010
8:32 pm

Yea, but baseball isn’t. He over managed..period. Love the guy but if you saw the game you know I’m right. You gotta let a pitcher pitch a little. Its not like he didn’t have his stuff. Aubrey Huff wasn’t gonna touch it, Bobby did him a favor. And another thing after Diaz makes a awesome throw to home to save a run at the plate, Bobby benches him and bats Melky? WTF? Seriously?

THE CURSE OF DAVID JUSTICE WILL BE BROKEN THIS YEAR

October 13th, 2010
8:43 pm

THANK YOU BOOBY FOR NOTHING!

Hit A Single

October 13th, 2010
8:44 pm

Who helped Prado and Infante hit? Shouldn’t TP get alittle credit there. They sure have improved. Oh yea they are not a prima dona yet and probably listen and learn.

Jt

October 13th, 2010
8:47 pm

The thing about hitting is that there are so many different philosophies on hitting- some things are fundamental and some have to be adapted to the individual. The reason why Chipper and Bmc need heir fathers advice is because heir dads know their particular adjustments to make them successful. TP offers sound fundamental advice- but also having another voice is not a bad thing. Also, it does free him up to become a bigger part of the game and gives him more experience for future managerial job.

chris

October 13th, 2010
8:49 pm

Jeff, any word if Glenn Hubbard will be kept in another role with the organization?

George

October 13th, 2010
8:53 pm

Why in the hell is Hubbard the one to go over Pendelton…I have a good idea, but I would be called the R word. We’ve got to have racial balance.

Joe Tess Fish House

October 13th, 2010
8:59 pm

I dunnowhy u guys are complaing about TP. The real problem is the manager they hired. NEVER hire a manager with a loosing recrod that was fired just a few months ago.

Dum Braves Dum!

Choppinmama

October 13th, 2010
9:03 pm

From reading Mitchell at 3:40, I think we all can see who his whipping boy for the 2011 season will be.

Choppinmama

October 13th, 2010
9:09 pm

Hey Mitchie, can you give us a date certain past which you will stop bitchin’ about Bobby? Please do so I can scroll past all your complaining and maybe start reading some positive and/or interesting things you may have to say after that.

I mean, really……..the manager you love to hate is gone. For the love of the tomahawkin cow, or in your case – the braying donkey, quitcherbellyachin!!!

YOGI2

October 13th, 2010
9:10 pm

I think Glen Hubbard was Brooks Conrad’s infield coach

jharris

October 13th, 2010
9:10 pm

I loved Terry Pendleton as a player. He as my favorite player in the 1990’s for his leadership, glove,and clutch hitting. But the Braves need to be more aggressive at the plate. I watched too many games where the Braves are letting fast balls go by them and not hitting them. There is only so much a hitting coach can do, but guys are going to do what they want at the plate. The problem with the Braves is that they don’t have any speed at the top of their lineup. I wish they would have kept Furcal because he had speed. They need another power bat in the line up. McCann seems as if he will never reach 30 homeruns and 100 RBIS. Those 30 hr days and 100 RBI days are behind Chipper and will never return. I’d like the Braves to get Ryan Zimmerman at 3b and move Chipper to 1st base. If I were Pendleton, I’d get a managerial job somewhere in the MLB instead of staying with Atlanta. He could go to a team looking for leadership built around pitching and defense. I wouldn’t be a 1st base coach. Gonzales is try hard and win in Atlanta.

YOGI2

October 13th, 2010
9:16 pm

Fredi G. is a great choice. A lot of teams are trying to find experienced
managers. Quite a few managers are retiring or have been fired.
Fredi is the best available. He will be great. I liked Hubbard alot.
But a new coach needs to hire his own coaches. I hope he can find a real good hitting coach. The Marlins hav alot of good hitters. Who is
their pitching coach?

jharris

October 13th, 2010
9:16 pm

George,

You talked about being called the R word and racial balance. You are the one has a problem with race because you are talking about it. You are guilty it seems. Plenty of black players made Bobby Cox’s tenure look pretty damn good you forget. Terry Pendleton was one of them so was Fred McGriff, David Justice, Ronnie Gant, Deion Sanders, and Otis Nixon.

rugburn

October 13th, 2010
9:17 pm

i think bobby made his decisions based on the so called “book” of baseball.he brought in a lefty to face huff, the problem being huff hit better all year against lefties. cox supporters can say that he made the right moves, it just didn’t work out. he wore out the bullpen every year to the point of not knowing who he could count on. how many games did he lose because he wouldn’t use, for example, his 8th inning guy in the 7th.

Peter

October 13th, 2010
9:31 pm

Besides the first base coach …….Hubbard was the infield coach……. taking a look at 126 errors, plus 7 errors in a 4 game series……..it was time to change that coach !

Gatorbait

October 13th, 2010
9:41 pm

nobody is talking about Glenn Hubbard? why was he not retained? Where does he go now. Can’t believe this- huge glenn hubbard fan

bostonbravo

October 13th, 2010
9:42 pm

yeah..

hire Chipper as a “how to get past a hangover” coach..

Stumpknocker

October 13th, 2010
9:45 pm

From a prior post “Braves Fan since 80″ stated that TP was a better ballplayer than Chipper and had better stats including lifetime BA….. WRONG moron, TP’s lifetime BA was .263….at the start of 2010 season, Chipper’s BA was .310. I’ll take Chipper any day of the week over TP and I’ve been a Braves fan since 66.

VaBravesFan

October 13th, 2010
9:46 pm

Cant believe Hubbard will be gone. I was hoping too see Eddie Perez as the Bench Coach. Wonder who will be hitting coach?

VaBravesFan

October 13th, 2010
9:47 pm

I’m not a big fan of Snitker, Hubbard been here longer and he could have made the switchto 3rd base with TP at 1st.

Hoosier Aaron

October 13th, 2010
9:55 pm

Mickey Hatcher deserves to be a Big League Manager.
If that doesn’t happen – pay the price and get him as our Hitting Coach.

Angela

October 13th, 2010
9:55 pm

I cannot believe they let Hubbard go. He was always one of my favorite Braves when he was a player!!
I feel that Frank Wren is bound and determined to ruin this organization once and for all….

Sid Bream's Leg

October 13th, 2010
10:16 pm

1995 – Lopez, Klesko, C Jones, A Jones, Grissom, Justice. Any two of these guys could carry the team. This year we had McCann and old hangers-on/utility players trying to carry the team. The bag of tricks dried up in the playoffs. Wren needs to get us some major leaguers who can contribute, not drain the team. We deserve better as fans and the players deserve a better chance to win.

fish2774

October 13th, 2010
10:17 pm

Well everyone knows that the folks in Georgia aren’t real sports fans. We complain when the teams are good and complain when they are bad. I’ve read folks on this blog bad mouthing Jason Heyward for taking a first pitch. but how many people actually dogged Bobby for not playing small ball when we had runners of first or second with nobody out. Not Many……… but Heyward let the majors in base on balls and half the time we never moved the guy or guys over into scoring position because Bobby relied on the long ball to much. Whatever happened to hit and run, or bunt the next man over? Oops Bobby forgot about the fundamentals throughout the season. The why we only won 1 championship over the years. Fredi needs to go back to the fundamentals of small ball which equates to points.

Bill

October 13th, 2010
10:20 pm

Good selection for manager. Glad to see Pendleton at least change positions…..by the way, all the hitters mentioned (Prado, McCann, Infante and Heyward) were already super hitters when they came to the Braves, Heyward has taken a nose dive and Infante is struggling…..Pendleton was a great ball player, but a terrible hitting instructor, what’s so hard to understand about that ? I really hope Hubbard doesn’t get thrown under the bus. He’s been with the team many years and has been a valuable part of their winning…..I’m starting to get a little excited about next year…..Hope some of the dead weight gets dumped, and oh by the way ” Did anyone hear about Conrad attempting suicide earlier today ? Jumped in ront of a train ! Luckily it missed him and went right between his legs “…..Smile…..

Jere Hodges

October 13th, 2010
10:37 pm

I wonder if Terry’s options are a little more open since the triple-A club moved from Richmond to Gwinnett. If the manager’s position opened up there, would he be a likely candidate? If it happened that way, he’d have the opportunity to get first-chair experience that he could parlay into a major league job.

Braves Fan Since "80

October 13th, 2010
10:39 pm

Rod Carew is available, Tony Gwynn…… just because a guy can hit does not make a hitting coach….. we have all heard the stories about chippers attitude and work ethic…. I doubt he will come back in great shape….. remember this spring he lhad laid off weights….. how did that work?

Stumpknocker

October 13th, 2010
10:41 pm

Brooks Conrad has been a career minor leaguer……defence was probably a good reason why. You can’t blame Glenn Hubbard for that.

Braves Fan Since "80

October 13th, 2010
10:48 pm

From a prior post “Braves Fan since 80″ stated that TP was a better ballplayer than Chipper and had better stats including lifetime BA….. WRONG moron, TP’s lifetime BA was .263….at the start of 2010 season, Chipper’s BA was .310. I’ll take Chipper any day of the week over TP and I’ve been a Braves fan since 66……..
Stumpknocker Quote me correctly or not at all….. “At the same times in thier careers” I stand by my statement that other than batting and power Pendleton was a better ball player……. a better teammate….. he had a better feilding percentage and played on a rag in SL…. I will not call you names …… your logic tells the story

Braves Fan Since "80

October 13th, 2010
10:52 pm

Rugburn…. eever hear of a pitcher name devine out of NC State….. He was pitching lights out until he was left in a bases loaded situation…. never recovered, ever thought maybe cox was betting on his guy in the matchup

bravesfan

October 13th, 2010
10:55 pm

Thank Goodness we will be getting a new hitting coach, but i do not like getting rid of glen hubbard!! come on guys, if anybody, let the third base coach go

TruthSeeker

October 13th, 2010
11:04 pm

Pendleton may not have been the problem, but he wasn’t the solution either. I see this as a “can’t hurt” move. The fact is that our offense has been substandard for three years and has been wildly inconsistent for even longer than that. Certainly an overall lack of talent and injuries have contributed to our struggles, but if something’s not working you might as well at least TRY something different. I don’t expect dramatic improvement in our hitting if we don’t substantially upgrade the lineup this winter, but a fresh perspective may serve some of our holdovers well.

Robbie

October 13th, 2010
11:08 pm

I don’t think a Bobby clone will change the end results unless he has the where with all to play some “small ball”. Wren needs to provide some speed and a real shortstop that runs to be safe on a muffed grounder, Hell, Yunel could do that!

Gee

October 13th, 2010
11:12 pm

T.P. you were in WAY over your head buddy. I agree with the notion that we need more BIG bats put into the lineup. We have speed on the team… We just chose not to use it. Jason Heyward, Omar Infante, Nate McClouth,Rick Ankiel… All fast players. I think the batting order needs tweeking and we most definitely need to bring in a big bat or 2 to fix the lack of homerun issues. Next season we will be much better. We will be 5 deep in our pitching rotation. The young guys have a year under their belt. Bring in a couple big bats… Problem solved. Happy with the coaching change.. Was a long time coming for sure. Hope Gonzalez finds the weak links and weeds them out and puts his flavor into this team. We need a new identity on the offensive side of the ball.

Hillbilly Deluxe

October 13th, 2010
11:23 pm

After all the years he put in, you’d think they could have found a spot somewhere, for Glenn Hubbard. There’s a lot of talk by sports teams about loyalty but it’s a one-way street.

Chip Shot

October 13th, 2010
11:30 pm

DALE MURPHY IS AVAILABLE

Bruce Benedict's Wife

October 13th, 2010
11:53 pm

Before you hire Jim Pressley, make sure his mother doesn’t have a restraining order in place. This guy landed on my Alltime Worst Braves Team, more for whipping up on his mom than for his attrotius “D”.

aarh

October 14th, 2010
12:22 am

I don’t beleive the Braves normally have been known for having a good offense, but I do remember a time a while back when they did have a good offense. I remember one season when the pitching wasn’t as good as it had been, & the hitting was good. I’m thinking that might have been the year. I just know there were teams that talked to him about being their manager. Just bc the offense wasn’t that good doesn’t always mean it’s the hitting coaches fault. Sometimes it could mean the hitters aren’t that good. Remember, the newer Braves are a team that doesn’t want to go out & pay to get the players they need. They haven’t been that team since Ted Turner gave up ownership. don’t expect anybody to work miracles.

Rob

October 14th, 2010
12:29 am

I do hope there is a job somewhere in the organization for Hubbard.

qlb

October 14th, 2010
12:34 am

Everybody knows Heyward is hurt so that has nothing to do with TP as a hitting coach. Look at all the players that have done well under him Prado, Infante, McCann, Heywrad before the injury. TP cannot go up and hit the ball for them just like if Chipper is made the hitting coach can’t grab ab abt for them. The braves need a new infield coach because they defense was horrible TP could hit with the best but he had great defense while he was in the league as well. TP is one of the great Braves and sometimes change is good but the Braves need another OF bat with this is how I see their lineup next year Prado, Heyward, Jones, McCann, OF Bat, Freeman, Gonzo, OF, Pitcher. That should be a pretty good offensive lineup and if chipper cant play infante can take his place.

J-Hey

October 14th, 2010
12:59 am

“Terry’s really excited about having more influence in the game.”

the way I read that is that he’s going to be thrilled at having the opportunity to stop guys at first or have them round first and head to second. Ah, it’s the small things that brings joy to life!

Will

October 14th, 2010
3:37 am

This is a fantastic hire, and the fact he ran pendleton as hitting coach the first day makes me love love him even more

Will

October 14th, 2010
3:39 am

qlb,
sorry buddy you are are a jackass. you dont watch much baseball if you think tp is a good coach

RTW

October 14th, 2010
4:37 am

Tried to read all the comments re: TP but didn’t. Glad he wasn’t named Mgr. Liked him, but still remember when he walked off the field in the middle of an inning to show support of Deion Sanders who he thought was being treated badly. Deion was a great player (led the league in triples one year) and a hard worker, but he worked the Braves, and Falcons to his advantage. Totally a classless move when TP did that, actually crap, and an affront to the Bobby and the organization. The most unprofessional act that I’ve seen in sports. It was to the Braves credit that they took him back in the organization after his playing days were done. Don’t recall a valid explanation by him that explained this beyond his support for Deion. Anyone else remember this?

Notso Fast

October 14th, 2010
5:40 am

I LIKE THE MOVES EXCEPT I THINK TP SHOULD HAVE BEEN REMOVED ONLY BECAUSE HIS REMAINING COULD HINDER THE NEW HITTING COACH RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PLAYERS.

Arkie

October 14th, 2010
7:12 am

Most great hitters say that you maybe get one good pitch to hit in each at bat. Braves hitters seem to all take a first pitch – down the middle strike – foul off a few – then strike out on in the dirt pitches. Get an aggressive hitting coach – that can help correct this. FS – don’t wear out your pitchers as Bobby did. Remember – do not trade your youg players for old have beens. A lot of teams have young starters that we gave a way for ?? With the low Braves budget, develop more players. We have no speed – get it.

Steve

October 14th, 2010
8:37 am

They just saving that Hitting Coach slot for Larry Wayne!!!!!

UKUGA

October 14th, 2010
8:42 am

Jeff,

If you really think that Pendleton deserves credit for the performance of Brian McCann and Jason Heyward, then you are really stretching for evidence to support his work.

Everyone knows that McCann’s primary coach is his father, and Chipper Jones (a real hitting instructor) was publicly critical of the work TP was doing with Heyward during the season.

Give Pendleton credit for anything good he did, but please, don’t make things up.

AlternateReality

October 14th, 2010
8:59 am

Enter your comments here

Just Saying...

October 14th, 2010
9:14 am

Great summary, DOB

Space Monkey

October 14th, 2010
10:10 am

What does a Major League first base coach actually do? There must be more to it than most fans think.

ChillyMutt

October 14th, 2010
10:59 am

I will really miss Hubby. He was a great fielding 2nd baseman and I think did as much as you could hope for in converting Kelly Johnson to the position.

ChillyMutt

October 14th, 2010
11:01 am

Love Love Love how Fredi handled that loafing Marlins SS.

Always A Brave.

October 14th, 2010
11:16 am

I just hope that Fredi will be his own coach instead of trying to coach like Bobby. What We need is a better field coach instead of a Players Coach. Good excample When Bobby went to remove Lowe Tuesday night He let
Him talk Him in to staying in the game convincing Bobby He could get the next guy out. Well We see what happen and very well cost us the game. It been stuff like that all year long. I love Bobby but he should have been tougher on the players.

jeffro

October 14th, 2010
11:23 am

Just one question…..why was Hubby let go?

wballs

October 14th, 2010
11:34 am

Alot of folks clamoring about Pendleton and our offense. He can only do so much with the tools in place. One bloke earlier in the blog griped about us laying the bat down on the first pitch. Did you see where the Braves ranked this season with OBP? (first) The problem is more complicated than not swinging away on the first pitch. The problem this season was the fact that we had no power talent in our lineup NOR did we execute very well in clutch situations. Not sure I see how a hitting coach can effectively change something that does not exist in the first place.

Larry

October 14th, 2010
11:41 am

Why would you get rid of Hubbards. Makes no sense. At least let him coach in the minors. Bring Hubbard back.

Pacuvio

October 14th, 2010
12:03 pm

Jeff, you mentioned that TP and McDowell were friends of Gonzales. Can one assume that Hubbard and Gonzalez are not friends and that is why he got the axe? Any story line to this move?

Donna Attan

October 14th, 2010
12:06 pm

HUBBARD NEEDS TO STAY

Need Baylor

October 14th, 2010
12:18 pm

Wren & Fredi need to be on the phone with Don Baylor to get him back. The only reason that he left was to manage a team. He is the best hitting coach in baseball.
Short of Baylor, Chipper would be an option, if he’d retire and let the Braves free up some of the huge wod of money that he’s getting next year to get a CF or 3B.

WhyfireGlenn

October 14th, 2010
12:45 pm

I am so tired of people saying the hitting coach can’t hit for the players. Well, duh, no kidding. But, guess what, if he has no impact on hitting and it is all up to the players to get themselves out of a slump, then why in the name of all that’s holy do we even have a hitting coach? I guess Hubbard didn’t hold the pads right, so he had to go. And Chino, didn’t place the players right, so he had to go, but we had to find a reason to keep TP. For heaven’s sake how do you justify firing Glenn and Chino and keeping the sunflower- pitting, rail-leaning champion of all time.

supa

October 14th, 2010
12:49 pm

why were hubbard and cadahia let go? any major philosophical differences?

Bobby's Staff Again

October 14th, 2010
1:09 pm

I don’t remember Pendleton being a dominant base stealer so if he is at first then I suppose we won’t have an increase in steals.

HolyMoly

October 14th, 2010
1:11 pm

You’re saying that it’s not Pendleton’s fault that some players are not hitting, but he should be given credit for those who are. Makes no sense, and it’s not a valid evaluation. Remember the time that Andrew Jones couldn’t hit worth a damn and was cut? He went to Arizona (was it?) and offered to play for free if he could have the hitting coach there (forgot the name). That coach helped him to start hitting again. Now that is a hitting coach, not TP.

rme

October 14th, 2010
1:20 pm

I wonder if the hitting coach analyzes swings like the commentators do? They seem to know it all. Why have a hitting coach. Just ask them! Jason Heyward needs a lot of work. I hope he takes an aggressive winter improving his hitting ability. When he first came up he was good but remember the pitchers had not seen him. Now they know his weaknesses and thrive on them. All these guys need to work in the off season to make themselves better. They can’t expect to come to Spring Training and do it there. come back to camp with some new talents. The Braves did well this year. They had weak points which need to be addressed but the core of the team looks good. Remember, we lost chipper and Prado at the same time. Two strong bats the opposing pitchers did not have to pitch around. I look forward to next season. I hate it when everyone bashes the team when they have limited resources to use, limited funds and fault them when a good performer doesn’t perform. You know they will put another exciting team on the field next season and Gonzales will put his trademark on the club. Looking forward to it. Pitching is a no brainer. Go deep with the rookies and give them a chance. Let’s get some hitting and speed in the outfield.

Will Braves trade Jurrjens to strengthen outfield? | Jeff Schultz

October 14th, 2010
3:38 pm

[...] ♦ Gonzalez keeps Pendleton but not as hitting coach (UPDATED) [...]

Gapicks

October 14th, 2010
3:47 pm

Gonzalez? Well back to 500 ball again!

it's real butter

October 14th, 2010
3:59 pm

About time.
TP nice guy, – but the announcers had more answers than him.
1st base coach is a do nothing job.

Leah

October 14th, 2010
4:04 pm

I am not surprised they’re not keeping Pendleton. Players that aren’t hitting well here seem to thrive when they get put under a new coach. I lie Pendleton, so it’s good he’ll be in another capacity, but he just didn’t have what it takes to be a hitting coach, I guess. I am surprised they’re not keeping Hubbard. I thought he did a fine job, not just at first but in other capacities.

rufino linares future interim manager of the Atlanta Braves

October 14th, 2010
5:50 pm

Get the Gwinnet hitting coach.

Mr Team

October 14th, 2010
7:11 pm

Get rid of Glaus, Cabrera, Ankiel, McLouth, Conrad, Kawakami. If the best that Wren could do was trade 3 prospects for KO Lee we are in trouble. We trade away our best kids for over the hill stiffs. TP ruined Frenchy’s swing.

Faith

October 14th, 2010
8:16 pm

Keep Terry. I love him and think he is wonderful. He could help in a different managerial position My friend says he should have been the first black president..Do not get rid of him!

lukeapoke

October 14th, 2010
8:26 pm

We are Fans right? Just checking – so many seem to think they know more than the manager, coaches, etc.

When Bobby went to remove Lowe Tuesday night, he was left in the game because Bobby knew that Lowe was the best chance of getting Burrell out.

Did you forget that the call at second could have gone the Braves way on Uribe’s grounder to Gonzalez?

All the NLCS games was Baseball at its best and I like it this way.

You said it cost us the game. I’m a fan – I’m not happy that the Braves lost. But the US belongs to the PLAYERS not the fans.

Loved the throw Diaz made to get Burrell at the plate. McCann is the man!

Love the Braves when they win – Love the Braves when they lose.

Chief Knockahoma X

October 14th, 2010
10:50 pm

Our hitters were not agressive at all. Too many strike outs looking. TP is passive and didn’t get it done when it mattered most.

jonny boyy

October 15th, 2010
11:58 pm

i dont think gonzalez was a good choice, we should have tried to get joe torre, he nose how to build a team and manage unlike gozalein florida what did he do why he was there? nothing.

Gonzalez keeps Pendleton but not as hitting coach (UPDATED)

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Gonzalez keeps Pendleton but not as hitting coach (UPDATED)

Follow me on Twitter @JeffSchultzAJC and Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC

341 comments Add your comment

About Jeff Schultz

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