Braves need at least 2 wins (and don’t expect Phillies to fold)
If the Braves don't want to turn this Phillies fan into a prophet, they'll have to show it on the field. (AP photo)
It would be beneficial for the Braves if the Philadelphia Phillies came to town with all of their starters wrapped in bubble wrap and treated the next three games as spring training. But don’t expect it.
Realistically, the fizzling Braves need to win at least two out of three against the Phillies — and maybe sweep – to advance to the postseason. St. Louis, which trails them in the wild card race by only one game, ends the season against the 104-loss Houston Astros.
The Phillies may have everything wrapped up, but they shouldn’t be lacking in motivation. They lost eight straight games until defeating the New York Mets on Sunday and they don’t want to head into the divisional playoffs on a downturn. Eliminating an East Division rival also could be motivating. So while Phillies manager Charlie Manuel isn’t going to do anything to endanger his team’s postseason success, he’s certainly not going to lay down.
Manuel pretty much reaffirmed this to the Philadelphia Daily News’ Paul Hagen when addressing the likelihood of starter Cole Hamels not pitching in Wednesday’s regular season finale (it would leave Hamels on short rest for game three of the playoffs).
“We do have to think about that, but that’s tough to handle,” Manuel said. “We’ve got to get ready for ourselves. We’ve got to make sure we’re ready. And we want to play better than we’ve been playing and we want to be ready going in. And we’re not going to be able to use Hamels in that game for quite a long ways because he’s going to pitch that third [NLDS] game for us.”
Don’t forget a year ago. When the Phillies closed last season at Turner Field, they had no clear motivation to win other than to spread misery in Atlanta. But they won the first two games anyway by lopsided scores of 11-5 and 7-0, before the Braves took the finale 8-7 to reach the postseason.
The Braves will have to earn their way into the playoffs the next three nights. In other words, they can’t look anything like the team that is coming off series losses to the Mets, Marlins and Nationals.
By Jeff Schultz
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227 comments Add your comment
Ramblinwreck83
September 26th, 2011
12:12 pm
First! Their done!
Section 119
September 26th, 2011
12:13 pm
When does Thrashers season start? Oh wait … nevermind.
jack
September 26th, 2011
12:14 pm
The post season starts today for the Braves. Its do or die time.
dtanner
September 26th, 2011
12:18 pm
even if the braves do make it who cares,they will go out quickly in three games anyway
Jamaaliver
September 26th, 2011
12:20 pm
This has been a pretty miserable month for ATL sports. (GT and ATL Dream aside.)
Not sure which would be worse, having one of the all-time worst collapses in MLB history to miss the playoffs. Or making it and being swept in most dismaying, embarassing fashion.
Things look bleak. At least we didn’t pull an SF and trade away our future for a run at the post-season. So, indeed, there is always next year.
rich
September 26th, 2011
12:20 pm
2 out of 3 from the Phils???- not a chance
Jamaaliver
September 26th, 2011
12:21 pm
Never thought I’d say this, but TP needs to return as the hitting coach next season.
southerndawg
September 26th, 2011
12:21 pm
Great, we have the team with the best record and the cardinals have the team with the worst. Come on guys, you have to take care of your own business. You can’t expect help from the astros.
justin
September 26th, 2011
12:21 pm
they will be fine just need to calm down and play ball FREDI has to manage every game like it is the postseason. need to be smart if someone struggles early then those ohrer four starters BETTER BE READY!!!!
Mr. Phil
September 26th, 2011
12:22 pm
Why is this even a story. It is obvious the Braves are going to end the season by GETTING swept by Philly. they are not going to the playoffs, and frankly don’t deserve to. this season has been a waste of time start to ugly finish.
brian
September 26th, 2011
12:25 pm
Philly will fold not because they don’t care beating braves, but they care not facing St. Louis.
Monarch
September 26th, 2011
12:26 pm
need positive vibes – GO BRAVES – its a new day
TN Jeff
September 26th, 2011
12:26 pm
So is Chipper guaranteeing a series win? Love it when the team leader makes such promises and then whiffs with runners in scoring position time after time. No, this team is ready for hunting, fishing, and golfing. They don’t give a rip.
oh brother!
September 26th, 2011
12:28 pm
It’s ok.. Chipper said we will take the phillies in the playoffs. lol
Mick McMurtry
September 26th, 2011
12:29 pm
Talk about a game of inches — if Pujols’ hold-the-bat-out, down-the-line double against Kimbrel in Game 1 at St. Louis is a hair closer to Freeman, we’re up three games with three left.
To say nothing of the chopper to Chipper…
Coach (sic) Marcht Richt
September 26th, 2011
12:31 pm
No fight, no determination, no motivation…no WC. They’re done by Tuesday night.
Ted M
September 26th, 2011
12:32 pm
Wandy Rodriguez pitches great against the Cards.
Cards lose tonight.
jazzward10
September 26th, 2011
12:32 pm
Braves most definately will need to win 2 out of 3.Astros have a shot at winning 1 game cause they have Wandy Rodriguez pitching tonight and Brett Myers pitching Wednseday.Once you get to postseason,anything can happen.
meh
September 26th, 2011
12:34 pm
hey Schultz, don’t forget that the Phillies are coming off serires losses to the Mets and Nats
bravesfanforever
September 26th, 2011
12:35 pm
As much as I am a die hard braves fan this team doesn’t deserve to make the playoffs.Fredi g TP LP d lowe linebrink all need to go.We need a manager that will call the players out for there layed back approach.I actually think the team has turned GAY.We have got more hugs than runs in the past month.There is no telling what goes on in the locker room that we can’t see.Way to much talent on this team to be were we are.No leadership in mangement or veteran players and not much complaing coming out of the booth either.They are all a bunch wimps.Chipper said balls to the wall.That is hard to do when you don’t have any balls to begin with.
Ted M
September 26th, 2011
12:35 pm
I would like to see tonight lineup. That should be interesting.
LoweBlows
September 26th, 2011
12:36 pm
I thought we were a major league team. Then why should we look for other teams to lose, instead of us winning? The Braves have given up, as well as the fans.
Ted M
September 26th, 2011
12:37 pm
Sonny Clusters has had some hilarious posts about all hugging and fanny patting.
bravesworstever?
September 26th, 2011
12:38 pm
I love the quotes every day from the players and management talking about “We just need to go out and win some games.” There is ZERO detectable intensity on the part of this team, year in and year out. It’s why they’ll always be a disappointment.
Omnipotent One
September 26th, 2011
12:39 pm
I will be at Turner field tonight….Cliff Lee will be held to around 70 pitches or less….which equates to around 6 or 7 innings. Phillies would much rather see ATL in the playoffs than STL…..so, I’m guessing Phillies play below subpar this series. Braves get the sweep and the Wild Card….and it starts tonight. Go Braves!
Ted M
September 26th, 2011
12:39 pm
Chipper looks really old. His face seemed to go from looking 35 to 55 years old in one year.
Smoltzie
September 26th, 2011
12:40 pm
no COMMENT….See ya next year.
Mike
September 26th, 2011
12:41 pm
The lack of offense is finally killing this team. The pitching staff is banged up with an overworked bullpen, so they can’t bail out a team that has hit under .250 all season. There have just been too many close games this year. The offense has not given them leads which the starters can make last longer than 6 innings. The bullpen has constantly had to close 1-2 run ballgames.
it might be for the best if this team collapses. Maybe then, the ownership will realize they must spend money for a big bat. Fielder is on the market, and this Braves team could use him in the worst way. With Fielder sitting in the middle of this order, you have yourself a legit playoff/World Series team.
Roadsterron
September 26th, 2011
12:42 pm
As I said last week—-every starter should be benched. they have had their chance and have done nothing but CHOKE!!!! What a friggin joke these Braves are!!!
Orange Brave f/k/a Billy jacks BBQ & Shrimp
September 26th, 2011
12:42 pm
I eating sushi for lunch today with chopsticks as my fork is down at The Ted. We are done.
Monarch
September 26th, 2011
12:42 pm
We can beat Blanton for the sweep
Ted M
September 26th, 2011
12:42 pm
The lack of offense has been killing this team all year.
chopper71
September 26th, 2011
12:42 pm
I for one am tired of Fredi always saying the same ole positive stuff over and over. Fredi tell it like it is and call your veterans out. You have rookie pitchers doing a great job and veteran players not doing their share. Honestly you have a 3-0 count with the bases loaded and you fly out weakly. He just walked two batters in a row and your swinging 3 -0, at least take a pitch!
LoweBlows
September 26th, 2011
12:44 pm
Justin- FREDI has to manage every game like it is the postseason. Are you kidding me? The man does not have a clue. He is more lost than the players. He is the defination of spineless.
Roadsterron
September 26th, 2011
12:45 pm
Chopper71—man did you hit the nail on the ehad. The Braves are such undisciplined hitters—–or should I say NON-HITTERS!!!!! Bases loaded yesterdaywith nobody out—-I rest my case!!
Ted M
September 26th, 2011
12:45 pm
The Braves are gonna limp into the playoffs and likely get pounded by the Brewers.
But, hey, anything can happen once in. Maybe one of our Rooks throws a no hitter in the playoffs. Wouldn’t that be great.
Orange Brave f/k/a Billy jacks BBQ & Shrimp
September 26th, 2011
12:46 pm
Monarch, please re-read your comment. Don’t you mean we can beat Blanton to avoid the sweep?
Roadsterron
September 26th, 2011
12:46 pm
Ted M—–you live in a Fantasy World man—-this is the Chokin Braves we are talking about.
bulldogbubba
September 26th, 2011
12:49 pm
I believe Phillies have been waiting for this series.I say they embarass the Braves as a tune-up for the playoffs.I know everyone says they would rather it be us in the playoffs but wouldn’t they look better beating a hot team like the Cards are right now?I need to hear from my Hero Sunny Clusters!! Will there be any hugging when they make the last out or will Chipper be patting the backside of a deer this time next week? GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!
Phatty
September 26th, 2011
12:50 pm
The way the Braves are playing now, it doesn’t even matter if they scrape thru into the playoffs – they will be humiliated. Unless they can step it several notches, don’t bother qualifying…
mountain_jim
September 26th, 2011
12:51 pm
At least we have the Falcons and Hawks to follow once the Braves complete this collapse.
Oh wait…
Ted M
September 26th, 2011
12:51 pm
well ya but St Louis is gonna do some chokin too.
The Braves limp in.
Paul H
September 26th, 2011
12:53 pm
Haven’t shown a lot of reason that winning a series against the Phils can be done based on tanking it against bottom dwellers the last 3 weeks.
Mike
September 26th, 2011
12:54 pm
The Phillies might actually want the Braves in vs the Cards. The Cards took the season sereis on the Phillies, including a recent series a couple of weeks ago.
And again, where is the hitting? Pendleton got demoted because the team hit so poorly last year, and it has gotten no better. In comes a new hitting coach, and then Heyward and Gonzales completely disappear. Uggla took 3 months to decide to hit the ball. I think another hitting coach change is needed.
Ted M
September 26th, 2011
12:54 pm
I’ve got “issues” w/Fredi’s managing like everybody I suppose. But I would like to see how he manages in the playoffs. Cox sucked as post season manager I wanna see if Fredi is any better.
joe
September 26th, 2011
12:55 pm
Ask Freddy G if he plans to sit Lowe on Tuesday and start Medlin instead? Medlin looked great yesterday…Lowe is done.
Mick McMurtry
September 26th, 2011
12:55 pm
Prado, stop the soft-serve attempts to the opposite field everytime. See ball, hit ball.
Uggla, stop chatting with every opposing player you can during the game. Isn’t that what pre-game/BP is for?
Beachy, why do your 0-2 pitches find the meat part of the plate?
Do we reinsert Constanza and play every inning like its tied in the 8th?
Bama Mike
September 26th, 2011
12:56 pm
If Chipper is ever going to be known as a leader these next 3 games will define him. Cant excuse yourself everytime one of the kids needs a dental cleaning or your just not up to it. Earn something for a change.
Abnerish
September 26th, 2011
12:57 pm
They can’t keep hitting this poorly, can they? (Wait…don’t answer that one!)
It’s sad when they get the bases loaded and nobody out and your first thought as a fan is “how are they going to blow this?”. Their inability to get the runner in from 3rd with less than 2 outs has become the trademark of this team.
All that said, but all it takes is a win tonight by the Braves (as far-fetched as that seems right now) and a loss by the Cards and we’ve guaranteed a tie. Point is – the Braves still have the upper hand. At least for one more day…
NO MORE PARRISH
September 26th, 2011
12:57 pm
My gut tells me Parrish won’t be back in 2012. Hope they go out of the buddy system for his replacement. Cough Cough! Milt Thompson!
monarch
September 26th, 2011
12:58 pm
why do I feel confident
NO MORE PARRISH
September 26th, 2011
12:59 pm
I like that people who post under Schultz talk baseball and not old movies and music like the kiss ups that post on the DOB blog.
BBrown
September 26th, 2011
1:00 pm
This is surely a fine mess they have gotten themselves into – i.e. needing to take at least two of three from the Phillies, not the Marlins, Nats, or Mets, but the Phillies. The proverbial wheels are officially on the verge of falling off baring resurgence this week.
Bill Campbell
September 26th, 2011
1:02 pm
Hope this is Chipper’s last year! The team can’t afford to pay so much for a part-time player!
DawgFanInDC
September 26th, 2011
1:03 pm
The braves are toast..should have closed it out 2 weeks ago…not gonna happen…seems like the philles would rather face the braves than the red hot cards in the playoffs…
LoweBlows
September 26th, 2011
1:04 pm
I don’t know if I can stomach another year of fredi or lowe. We are all beating a dead horse in this blog anyway. The fans have no say; Liberty Media doesn’t give a crap, so why are we even entertaining this? The same thing has been repeated over and over by a lot of folks. Not going to change a thing.
Ted M
September 26th, 2011
1:06 pm
Chipper has already declared he is returning next year.
Philly Phanatic
September 26th, 2011
1:06 pm
Omnipotent One – Do you understand that the Phillies can’t play the Braves in the first round. You’re saying the Phils will fold so they get Atlanta in the playoffs and not the Cards. the Phillies would only play the Braves if they win the wildcard and beat either Arizona or Milwaukee and the Phils do the same. If you’re implying the Braves will be wildcard and then win in the first round you haven’t been watching your own team very closely. You’re either uneducated on the rules or overly optimistic about your team.
On a different note I’m dying to see attendance tonight.
Ted M
September 26th, 2011
1:09 pm
I think he is saying the Phillies my not try hard so the don’t have to play the Cards in the opening round of the POs.
steve brown
September 26th, 2011
1:09 pm
I miss Omar Infante, Jeff Francouer and I wonder why the #1 minor league pitcher, Julio Teheran, in all of baseball hasn’t started a game. By the way, Jeff has a higher average than anyone but Bourne and more RBI’s than anyone on the team. Perhaps our front office isn’t that brilliant after all.
Born2Buzz
September 26th, 2011
1:10 pm
Is it hard to hit with one hand clutching your throat. I guess so.
Sonny Clusters
September 26th, 2011
1:10 pm
Deer Jeff, what makes you think the Braves are fizzling? We are trying our best. If we was to fizzle, we’d just have a group hug, do some serious fanny patting, and sing uh, kumbaya. Your pal, Chipper Jones
JEB
September 26th, 2011
1:11 pm
Braves started the year not being able to hit with runners in scoring position
and end year with the same problem!
I do not suddenly see that being corrected in the next 3 days.
For the Phillies – if you knock the Braves out – it is one less team to face in the playoffs!
steve brown
September 26th, 2011
1:12 pm
monarch-you’ve got to stop having those martini lunches.
Ted M
September 26th, 2011
1:13 pm
Jeff – Since the Braves season will be over before your weekend predictions.
Lets hear your prediction…Do the Braves make the playoffs?
I say they limp in… looking and playing like crap!
1eyedJack
September 26th, 2011
1:13 pm
After this series Larry Parrish needs to turn either right or left onto I-75, put the petal to the metal and never come back.
Dozer
September 26th, 2011
1:14 pm
If I’m the Phillies I tank the series – getting the Braves in means one less team they have to worry about. Right now, there’s no one in their right mind that would rather play the Cardinals than the Tin-Men Braves….
Dozer
September 26th, 2011
1:15 pm
Gotta tip my cap to you for the column, Jeff……
Ted M
September 26th, 2011
1:17 pm
Steve Brown – Melky Cabrera, too, would have the highest ave & RBI if he were a Brave.
.304 & 87..why did he suck w/us?
Abnerish
September 26th, 2011
1:17 pm
The Phils aren’t going to let the Braves win, period. While I’m sure everyone in that clubhouse has opinions on who they’d rather face, they would never give a game away on purpose. Now, they will definitely have Lee on a pitch count and they may sit a few regulars to rest nagging injuries, but I don’t expect to see anything but the Phillies best (unfortunately). Oh, and don’t think the Astros are just going to roll over. There’s a lot of younger players that are trying to impress their coaches and I’m sure they hear all this talk about being the worst team in the league and that the Cards are going to sweep them.
freddi leo cox
September 26th, 2011
1:20 pm
to all the fair weather brave fans: we are ready. the long relievers (starters) are well rested for the playoffs. our hitters are well rested (no offense) for the playoffs. our short relievers are burned out but the long relievers (our well rested). we are in good shape. no need to panic. this is just another series in a long year. freddi knows what he is doing. he has been there before (marlins and braves). he knows how to make a good team average like his idol bobby knew how to take a great team to a good team. we cant put any pressure on high priced professional athletes.
Sonny Clusters
September 26th, 2011
1:21 pm
We was wondering if anybody ever lost a deer in the lights? Imagine if we was up in a tree stand and was getting ready to take a shot and suddenly there was some bright lights and we started hopping around like we was going to get hit by the deer and ended up missing the shot altogether, falling out of the tree stand, and the deer runs on past us and pats us on the fanny on the way by. That was probably just a dream but it could happen. And the sad thing is we’re going to have the same dream all over again next year.
steve brown
September 26th, 2011
1:21 pm
Chipper Jones our team leader-announces that he should not be batting second, schedules his son’s sinus surgery on a game day instead of the next day which happens to be an off day, leading off he does not attempt to slide into first to avoid a very high throw. Am I missing something-oh yeah-I forget the sacrifices he is making by showing up for a game versus goin’ huntin’. My bad.
Dawg4Life
September 26th, 2011
1:23 pm
Painful, but gotta say it. This edition of the Braves is done………….
Monarch
September 26th, 2011
1:26 pm
A Braves game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings
Bravefan for life
September 26th, 2011
1:27 pm
Braves need two wins? Good luck with that one. No matter how good the pitching is, the hitting went home the beginning of this month. Dont forget that Lowe pitches game two. That my friends is a guaranted loss.
Richard Dawson
September 26th, 2011
1:30 pm
Yes, DOB’s blog is for kiss-ups. It’s incredible the fanboyism in that blog by the readers. Get the music/movie crap outta there and talk baseball. Well, baseball is a subject DOB is not very adept in, so maybe he should be moved to Access Atlanta.
bulldogbubba
September 26th, 2011
1:31 pm
Who takes Parrish’s job as hitting coach, Terry Pendleton? No way! What about Dale Murphy.Just wondering.
Dr. Warren
September 26th, 2011
1:33 pm
This could be the biggest, latest collapse ever. (Along with the Red Sox, of course, unbelievably).
Sonny Clusters
September 26th, 2011
1:33 pm
Habit: Losing the big games. Losing the games that are must win. Failing at the end of the season. Not coming up big. Not getting the hits. Not making the plays. Speaking wisdom without a portfolio. Experiencing flu-like symptons against Halladay, Lincecum, and others.
Getting ready for deer season before baseball season is over. Coming back again next year for more of the same. This is boring. Let’s hope Fredi will want to shake things up before Fredi is invited to leave. Playing with a BobbyBall lineup isn’t going to cut it for the long term and two years may be all the term Fredi is going to get. Somebody embodies team mediocrity on this team. We are having flu like symptoms so we may miss posting anymore today.
Monarch
September 26th, 2011
1:35 pm
swing hard, in case you hit the ball
Dr. Warren
September 26th, 2011
1:38 pm
The syntax, voice, tone, and style police have determined you are a fake Sonny Clusters, sir.
Help, I Can't Breathe...
September 26th, 2011
1:38 pm
GAG!!!!! SPUTTER!!!!!! AARGHHHH!!!!
Ted M
September 26th, 2011
1:39 pm
I don’t have problem w/Chipper attending his son’s surgery but I do have a big problem his complete uninspiring play this past month. He’s been like lump on log. On that chopper he lost in lights, holy crap, he backed away from that weak grounder like sissy little leaguer whose being forced to play.
Doug
September 26th, 2011
1:40 pm
MLB scheduling is broken. It is UNFAIR to award the wild card to the 2nd place team with the best record when teams play an unbalanced schedule. Atlanta had to play the Phillies 18 times. The weaker Central Division teams get to play the Cubs and Astros 18 times each. Plus, is anyone else getting tired of seeing Braves/Mets, Braves/Phillies/ NY Yankees/Boston matchups every other week? 18 times against teams in your division is too many. Play a balanced scheudle and I guarantee you the Braves would not be sweating out making the playoffs right now.
Sonny Clusters
September 26th, 2011
1:42 pm
Spitting is part of baseball. Scratching is, too. Nose picking is snot, but Bobby made it so. Hugging and fanny patting is not for baseball just like there’s no cying in baseball. Somewhere along the line this team got to be huggers and fanny patters and forgot how to hit and field and throw and win. Having pet names for the players has always been a Braves thing. That borders on soft. Instead of Duke, or Rock, or something tough like that the Braves have had sissy nicknames. What we’re saying is that this team could use Stinky Wintes, a non-bather nobody would want to hug. Stinky Wintes would fix a lot of what’s broken on this team.
taxman
September 26th, 2011
1:48 pm
I don’t think the braves will make the playoffs. The Phillies will sweep them and the Cardinals will sweep the Astros. The Cardinals are playing like they want to win the WC and the Braves are not. This team cannot do the little things needed to win. With the bases loaded and no outs there is no excuse for not scoring at least one run. They had the bases loaded with no outs and 2nd & 3rd with one out and did not score and that is unacceptable as far as I am concerned. Prado needs to be benched for the remainder of the season. He is not performing at all and neither is McCann. I am not going to watch any more games because it makes me so mad the way they are playing. I agree with Monarch @ 1:26 PM. He hit it on the head. Chipper needs to retire, Lowe needs to retire, and use some of that money and try to acquire a good power hitter but if they do the Atlanta hitting coach will ruin him. The whole team stinks. I will glad when they are swept by the Phillies and fall out of the WC race and maybe, just maybe somebody in the organization will see the light but I doubt it. They haven’t seen the light for years. I think the braves should have kept Ankiel. The catch he made in Washington against the braves off the bat of Bourn took the sap out of the braves and it was all downhill from there. I wish I knew the answer but I don’t. I will watch something else on tv rather than waste my time looking at a bunch of losers.
bulldogbubba
September 26th, 2011
1:49 pm
Stinky is what the Braves season has turned into.No offense to the deer huggers.
Sonny Clusters
September 26th, 2011
1:51 pm
There’s a statue of Henry Grady downtown and that statue is being under-utilized. We think Jeff ought to offer the Braves, on behalf of the Cox entities, free use of the Henry Grady statue at third base. That would free the guy who plays third like a statue now to take some more time off. Henry Grady could stand there and miss grounders as well as Chipper and cost a lot less. A bonus is that a real statue will never miss a game from flu-like symproms. Another bonus is that the statue can probably give a better interview.
Kentavo
September 26th, 2011
1:53 pm
I’m liking the prediction of 1-game Wildcard playoff against the Cards. That is very likely – Braves will go 1-2 against Phils and play Cards on Thursday – losing, of course.
what of it?
September 26th, 2011
1:53 pm
What potential second round opponent would you rather face Jeff, the Cards or the Braves? I can’t imagine the phillies will approach this series with anything more than casual indifference.
hesalive
September 26th, 2011
2:00 pm
Keep fighting Braves! Sweep this series and roar into the playoffs with renewed enthusiasm!
markie mark
September 26th, 2011
2:00 pm
I agree with the guy with the sign….stick a fork in em, their done.
Ted M
September 26th, 2011
2:02 pm
too funny Sonny. The Henry Grady statue may keep some balls in the infield too – that bounce off his chest. The current statue only moves to get out of the way of balls.
Larvell Blanks
September 26th, 2011
2:04 pm
For the Phillies – if you knock the Braves out – it is one less team to face in the playoffs!
That’s right — due to a quirk in the rules, if the Braves are knocked out, only three teams will make the playoffs, and the Phillies will get a first-round bye.
crackbaby
September 26th, 2011
2:06 pm
Braves still lead the wild card race. Rather be 1 game up than where the Cards are.
Need some pitching tonight and we’ll be fine. Go Braves.
tristan
September 26th, 2011
2:10 pm
Knock the Braves out and you have to face the surging extra hot Cardinals and their much more potent offense. Pick your poison Manuel, pick your poison.
bulldogbubba
September 26th, 2011
2:10 pm
Sonny, if you rub some deer scent on your chest it will take care of the flu-like symptons you are having.There is no 15 day disable list for you.
ijonathan
September 26th, 2011
2:12 pm
Chipper has been dreaming of deer urine and buckshot for weeks now.
tristan
September 26th, 2011
2:13 pm
By the way for those of you who think not, the Phillies will play the wild card team if it is not from their division. Seems some folks are confused. If the Braves make it, the Phils play the worst division winner.
skeptomaniac
September 26th, 2011
2:13 pm
We couldn’t hit AAA pitchers against the nats. Cliff Lee will carve us up. Braves need to check Lowe’s meds. I don’t think he has kept up with his adderall regimen.
rich
September 26th, 2011
2:16 pm
The fact is, Charlie M could rest his regulars and the Phillies 2nd stringers would still beat the Braves 2 out of 3.
Sonny Clusters
September 26th, 2011
2:17 pm
Deerskin may be what this team needs. Rememember Chino Cadahia? We always thought he was wearing deerskin pants. Say they put Uggla in deerskin and let him hug everybody before each at bat. That could be what it takes to turn this team around.
JEB
September 26th, 2011
2:18 pm
If the Phillies knock the Braves out
they will face Cards in 1st round.
Do they want to face Cards in a short series???
Help, I Can't Breathe...
September 26th, 2011
2:20 pm
Why are Atlanta fans so down on Chipper? Why are they so down on the Braves in general? Because of years of excuse-making, of having the ability but lacking the mental toughness to get it done.
chief pitchanono
September 26th, 2011
2:20 pm
Hey its not over till the fat lady sings. However she may be warming up. The Braves have managed to take a talented bunch of hitters and turn their lineup into an ineffective disaster. All u can do is scratch you head. I believe these guys are giveing 100%, but fact is the offense hasn’t clicked all year and its finally catching up to them in the form of the cardinals. The talent is there, this offense can and should be effective and it could start tonight and lead right in too a great playoff run. The problem is we’ve been saying this all year and we have played 158 games. You can blame Frank and Freddy and the tired pullpen and the injured starters the list goes on and on, but I think its just been a bad offensive season. Epic slumps by several guys, Uglla first half McCann the second half. A down year for Prado, Gonzo and Heyward. That leaves you with Chip, Bourn and Uglla giveing the only consistent bats that they have had the whole second half. Players have down years that is normal, unfortunatly for us allot of our guys are haveing them in the same year. I really believe you put the same guys on the field next year and you will get a completely different result. Go Braves!!
Sonny Clusters
September 26th, 2011
2:22 pm
Where’s ol’ Jeff? We have some good ideas for him and he’s nowhere to be found. Maybe he’s calling Anne Cox Chambers to ask if he can borrow the Henry Grady statue for the next 3 games. As far as interviewing, instead of interviewing Chipper and getting the same bunch of cliches time after time mixed in with word of the day from the internet . . . how about interviewing a deer? Could get better copy that way. We’re not saying the deer is smarter but it could be. Mr Ed was smarter than Wilbur.
Dadgummit
September 26th, 2011
2:22 pm
We don’t need Fielder when we already have Freddie Freeman.
Ted M
September 26th, 2011
2:24 pm
I hope Prado is not a one year wonder (as a starter).
Ted M
September 26th, 2011
2:25 pm
The Braves could use Kemp but he’ll stay a Dodger.
Ted M
September 26th, 2011
2:27 pm
Jeff chime in anytime.
Chokinandagaggin
September 26th, 2011
2:30 pm
Atlanta sports teams traditionally disappoint and rarely hold true to optimistic forecasts.
The computer model recently(this September) showed the Braves were over 90 percent sure to make the playoffs. That’s the problem-making the playoffs is acceptable. If getting there and then three and out is all-I’d rather they not make it. Braves starting pitching to be strong and hold up. In reality all it did was “hold up” through most of the season before it folded. And what’s with all the arm injuries experienced by the starters? Jurrgens, Hanson, Medlen. Three at one time is a lot. Training? Conditioning?
Lowe is awful and Beachy is suddenly clueless at the worst possible time. Phillies are about to put a hush on all the advertising puffery about playoff tickets for sale.
And the Falcons are going to be in the Super bowl? Really? And all of that early puffery about how each of four preseason sucker-chump losses will mean nothing once the real season begins-was bull. The Falcons suck, and flip a coin over who sucks worse, Falcons or Braves.
Sonny Clusters
September 26th, 2011
2:33 pm
Prado has been hurt most of the season. He was an All-Star 2B that was forced to give up his position. He was moved to the OF and has played third on a moments notice and even has played 1B this year. Prado could probably benefit from a day off here and there but he is too versatile and valuable. Instead, the Braves give Constanza a month off because as DOP or whatever his name is reports, he slumped and then hurt his ankle. We must have missed the slump. He was still far more productive than most of the position players. We think the problem with Constanza is that he won’t hug. Not hugging and fanny patting has probably cost him playing time.
skeptomaniac
September 26th, 2011
2:33 pm
In the quick arriving off season I have a trade for Wren. Heyward for Stanton with the Marlins and we will even throw in Lowe and pay his salary?
Shakey
September 26th, 2011
2:33 pm
I want a competitive team that gives a good effort without a lot of clubhouse drama. The Braves have given that. I’m proud to be a Braves fan, and I would take the existing roster and coaching staff into next season and have a good time with it.
Stinger2
September 26th, 2011
2:35 pm
so bad and sad….I refuse to say anything else about the Braves until this disaster is over.
Sonny Clusters
September 26th, 2011
2:35 pm
New television show: Is your 3rd Baseman smarter than a deer?
DCBrave33
September 26th, 2011
2:35 pm
Schultz,
The best hope is for the Astros to be able to steal 1 of the 3 games from the Cardinals in Houston. They have Wandy Rodriguez tonight and a much-better-of-late Brett Myers on Wednesday. Maybe one of the two will be able to get it done. Then it is up to the Braves to do their part. Winning 2 out of 3 would be the optimum thing, but if not, then you just have to accept that the one-game playoff is a product of how poorly we have played and just accept the fate of whatever that toss-up game brings.
I hope like heck that the local 9 can get it done, but we can’t do it ourselves anymore (we won’t sweep).
Go Braves! Go Astros!
freddi leo cox
September 26th, 2011
2:37 pm
news flash: derek lowe retired when he signed with the braves. he is just a body to fill a spot. but dont worry he will snap out of it. he isnt any worse now than he has been. ask freddie leo cox.
Derrick Keeter
September 26th, 2011
2:37 pm
When Bobby Cox was manager, we continually saw the sickening decision to stick with overpaid babies who couldn’t get the job done on the field. And now, with Fredi as manager, management continues to hand the ball over to Derek Lowe every five days. Am I the only one to notice his 9-16 record and an ERA hovering near 5.00? If our third starter were 13-12 with an ERA around 4.00, this whole wild card issue would be over and we would be only six games behind the best team in the major leagues. I say next year’s rotation should be Hudson, Hanson, Jurrjens, Beachy and Medlin. Let Delgado, Vizcaino, Minor and the others mature another season at Gwinnett.
JoeFan
September 26th, 2011
2:38 pm
The Braves may need to win two but they would need at least 10 more games in order to accomplish that feat.
freddi leo cox
September 26th, 2011
2:39 pm
i want a manager that kick butt and takes names. tired of the bobby cox, leo and freddi stroking and patting and spouting non sense to everyone. the talent is there. but someone needs to light a fire under them. i want ozzie from the white soxs. that would be a fun time.
taxman
September 26th, 2011
2:42 pm
I agree with Dadgummit @ 2:22 PM. Why do the braves need Fielder when they have Freeman. Fielder can only place first base and I don’t think he does very well at times and Freddie is much younger and I think a better defensive first baseman. He does not possess the power numbers that Fielder has but on the other hand he will not be making 25-30 million a year either. They don’t need Fielder or Pujols. Pujols has played a little 3rd base but his position is first base. I am not sure what crazy team will give him the 30 or so million he wants. The Yankees and Red Sox already have first covered so they are out of the picture.Maybe the Cubs will dish out what he wants but I doubt it. It will be interesting on where either Fielder or Pujols will end up.
Bravehomey
September 26th, 2011
2:43 pm
I can hear the old Braves jingle on WSB-AM from the 1960s and early ’70s: Ernie Johnson was the lead broadcaster of Braves baseball from the Atlanta Stadium:
“COME ON….LET’S GO, PITCHER’S STARTING TO THROW…..WE’RE ALL SO GLAD THAT WE CAME: ‘CAUSE IT’S A BRAND NEW GAME!!”
JSS
September 26th, 2011
2:44 pm
F-e-a-r-l-e-s-s L-e-a-d-e-r!
Ben
September 26th, 2011
2:52 pm
Jeff,
If these bums blow this, PLEASE eviscerate them in your column. No more kid gloves. It’ll be the worst collapse I’ve ever witnessed.
Show no mercy.
I'm with Braves (Always)
September 26th, 2011
3:01 pm
Can we somehow add propane booster to Braves wagon??????????
DHD
September 26th, 2011
3:12 pm
The Braves don’t NEED 2 wins. They NEED to be one game up after these next 3 games. Maybe the Cards an Braves lose all of their games. That works for us.
MikeR
September 26th, 2011
3:14 pm
Doesn’t matter who the Phils play tonight. A high school LH pitcher throwing in the upper 80’s shuts down these Braves. They are dead and I wonder if they even care.
Jeff Schultz
September 26th, 2011
3:15 pm
Jamaaliver — “Never thought I’d say this, but TP needs to return as the hitting coach next season.”
Now what did I do with my told-you-so button?
Jeff Schultz
September 26th, 2011
3:17 pm
Sonny Clusters — I do believe Chipper Jones would use words other than fizzling.
Jeff Schultz
September 26th, 2011
3:17 pm
Ted M — Yes. They’ll make the playoffs. (I say that only because that was my answer when somebody asked me two days ago. I’d rather be consistent than correct.)
Jeff Schultz
September 26th, 2011
3:18 pm
Dozer — Thanks.
Jeff Schultz
September 26th, 2011
3:19 pm
Monarch — “swing hard, in case you hit the ball”
That comment gave me Little League flashbacks.
DawgDad
September 26th, 2011
3:19 pm
“That leaves you with Chip, Bourn and Uglla giveing the only consistent bats that they have had the whole second half.”
Not quite. Don’t look now, but Bourn’s average is on the downslide and Uggla is hitting .233 – right about what he was hitting a month ago, and the same with Chipper. Uggla has been – Troy Glaus. He got hot and carried the team for a month and a half, and the rest of the year he’s been worse than a minor league replacement player. He does have those homers, but he doesn’t have the RBIs to go with them and he’s stringing horrible at-bats together at a breathtaking clip down the stretch in crunch-time.
I’d like to see where the Braves would be right now if they had Infante and Vasquez all year instead of Uggla and Vizcaino. I venture to say, no worse, and Vasquez would look REAL good in the rotation right now, huh?
Prado’s lack of production has hurt all second-half, and the McCann slump is VERY worrisome given his eyesight history.
Jeff Schultz
September 26th, 2011
3:20 pm
Sonny Clusters — Actually, I was thinking the Henry Grady statue could be the Braves’ No. 3 starter. Not much of an arm but he’s pretty intimidating.
Jeff Schultz
September 26th, 2011
3:21 pm
TedM — “Jeff chime in anytime.”
Ding.
rudy
September 26th, 2011
3:22 pm
of course, philly will not lay down….they have a world series to win,but GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!
DawgDad
September 26th, 2011
3:22 pm
. . . and so here we are, in crunch time, hoping Jordan Schafer can help us bring it home. Funny how life is, huh?
Bravehomey
September 26th, 2011
3:24 pm
C’mon, Braves!!! At least play your best to honor Ernie Johnson for these last 3 games!!
Jeff Schultz
September 26th, 2011
3:24 pm
DCBrave33 — I could see Cardinals dropping 1 to Astros, but that’s it. Even then, Braves would have to win 2 of 3 to avoid a 1-game playoff, which would be in St. Louis.
Jeff Schultz
September 26th, 2011
3:25 pm
Ben — I’ve never been shy about eviscerating when I felt it was appropriate. And we’re about at that point.
Boyz From North Ave
September 26th, 2011
3:26 pm
Braves will get swept and stay home…..where they belong.
Pauls Johnson
September 26th, 2011
3:27 pm
prepare for some serious Cap Tipping and see ya next year!
UGAFAN13
September 26th, 2011
3:27 pm
Right now the team the Braves are playing could field a team of Little Leaguers and the Bravo’s would have a hard time hitting against them. Go back and look at the season and you will see the Braves almost never play well against a pitcher they are seeing for the first time. Come to think of it they don’t do well against others either of late.
JeanE
September 26th, 2011
3:27 pm
I say that Phillies fan hit the nail on the proverbial head. But if I were the Phils, I’d rather face us than the Cards. Just Sayin’. This team has no intensity, no fighting spririt. And I’m sick of the hugs, too! Enough with the nice, get mean and nasty!!!! Uggly looks that way but sure doesn’t play that way. Just helicopters that dam* bat over his head, never hits when it counts EVER.
Pauls Johnson
September 26th, 2011
3:29 pm
GO BRAVES! AND TAKE THE FALCONS WITH YOU!,,, sorry i was having a flashback to 1985
Hope It is Over Soon
September 26th, 2011
3:29 pm
Well all the IFs we have heard since Spring Training have caught up with us……ready for it to be over for the Bravos and let a real team play for the division and league…….
MitchC
September 26th, 2011
3:29 pm
Jeff, I agree that the Braves need to win at least two out of three to make the playoffs. However, with the competition the Cardinals are playing, all that may earn us is a one game playoff in St Louie on Thursday.
The way this season has gone: What will probably end up happening is: The Braves will win two of three from the Phillies, and the Cards will sweep the Astros, creating the one game playoff, which the Braves will then lose.
I hope I’m wrong, but I dont have confidence in this team now.
Sonny Clusters
September 26th, 2011
3:30 pm
For about a hundred or so dollars counting tickets, parking, and concessions we could go with a friend and see Derek Lowe tomorrow. Last time we did, Lowe stunk up the place. Like somebody said, when Lowe pitches so does Linebrink because when Lowe comes out the game is pretty much already lost. Lowe and Linebrink is a pretty tempting ticket, wouldn’t you say? Linebrink is the poor man’s Proctor. Could be the smallest crowd of the season. On the bright side, it will be Lowe’s last start as a Brave. Surely, they will dump him now.
bravo bravos
September 26th, 2011
3:32 pm
Ever since the hurricane the Braves spiral has continued downward. This series will be no different. Afraid it’s time to turn on the music, “Goodnight Irene.”
Sonny Clusters
September 26th, 2011
3:33 pm
Jeff, is there hugging in the clubhouse? Have you been hugged yet? Do you think all the hugging has anything to do with the lights? Do you think the hitting has been effected by the lights like the fielding has? Could this team be better in the dark? We was thinking so.
Jeff Schultz
September 26th, 2011
3:35 pm
DawgDad — Good call. Forgot about the Jordan Schafer connection.
George Washington
September 26th, 2011
3:35 pm
Bravesworstever: AMEN – If the players would get half as angry as Braves fans have deservedly done, or show a little bit of blue collar grit and determination, they’d be okay. If they don’t give a crap, then I don’t.
bruce
September 26th, 2011
3:36 pm
haven’t read the article yet, but did you pick the photo? You don’t need to be a homer but you also do not have to root for failure either.
bruce
September 26th, 2011
3:38 pm
almost as bad as the braves home page photo last Friday of chipper face down on the ground
David C
September 26th, 2011
3:42 pm
Will 680 the Fan stop talking Baseball for at least 3 months if Braves don’t make the post season??
Really wish they would talk more football and less baseball.
The Braves
September 26th, 2011
3:42 pm
Why should we care? We make a lot of money and guess what? If we don’t play in the postseason we get to go golfing and hunting or fishing sooner and we will still make a ton of money. Besides, getting hits and having to run the bases takes up a lot of energy.
DetroitBraves
September 26th, 2011
3:45 pm
Sonny Clusters at 1:21 pm is the best thing I’ve ever read out here. Maybe they should be the manager next year.
Mitchell
September 26th, 2011
3:50 pm
Cliff Lee being held to 70 pitches tonight?
That’s probably all he’s going to need against this offense to wrap up another complete game.
gadawgs
September 26th, 2011
3:51 pm
Not a chance…It’s over!
George Washington
September 26th, 2011
3:51 pm
Chipper will use his Power Nipples to go 3-3 tonight, with 1 HR, 1 Double, a Single and a BB and a total of four RBIs! Braves win 5-3. Mark my word!
Mitchell
September 26th, 2011
3:51 pm
Good call David C.
Great column Mr. Schultz.
Bob
September 26th, 2011
3:52 pm
And Chipper gave Phillies bulletin board material two or three months ago, saying the Braves could beat the Phillies and to bring ‘em on. Braves will get swept.
Charles
September 26th, 2011
3:52 pm
It’s over. The Braves have zero desire and the schedule is not favorable, so start thinking about next year: a) do you bring Gonzalez and his staff back to manage after overseeing one of the biggest chokes in major league history with a team with a rather predictable model — good success through August and then failing in September for 2 consecutive years.. b) goodbye Chipper – replace him with 2-3 sold 260-270 hitters who give us some depth (I saw Moneyball yesterday and this sure looked like a good plan); c) hire a manager and pitching coach who knows now to maintain the condition of and evaluate pitchers instead of being Dr. Andrews’ best source of new business. d) hire some ex-Navy Seals as security to keep Braves away from the Pink Pony and other local watering holes – the entire injured reserve is littered with Pony regulars like Hanson who don’t seem to want to take care of themselves. Hanson can’t finish a bullpen but he can still show up to pound down the shots. Even Freeman has been slumping of late now that he is a Pony regular. It’s no wonder they have no gas left in September.
Oscar D
September 26th, 2011
3:56 pm
Will the Braves put another pennant up when they blow the wild card slot?
superiorblogman
September 26th, 2011
3:57 pm
Will not get a win tonight but the good news is Wandy is on the mound for Houston and is underrated which we had tried to get him during waiver season.
superiorblogman
September 26th, 2011
3:58 pm
Matt Diaz really lit it up against that lefty yesterday. LMAO at Freddie G’s dumb arse. So ready for him to create his own history of being the leader of one of the biggest folds in sports history, and I will never let anyone forget about it either
George Washington
September 26th, 2011
3:58 pm
How do you know about all the players going to the Pony? Man, you really trumped my Power Nipples post with that one.
Ghostrider
September 26th, 2011
4:02 pm
@Omnipotent One
So what your saying is Cliff Lee is going to throw only 10 Pitches per inning to get to the 6th. or 7th. inning if their holding him to 60-70 pitches…What in God’s Name are you smoking…I may want some of it.
jim
September 26th, 2011
4:17 pm
Fork. All done.
Brave Hokie
September 26th, 2011
4:18 pm
I am in my 20th year of residence in the WORSE professional sports town in America… & it doesn’t seem like anything will change soon.
Other than the Thrashers…
Oregon Brave
September 26th, 2011
4:27 pm
Got nothing to add to this most impassioned conversation except “get ‘er done.” GO BRAVES!
Prado's NOT a 3rd baseman
September 26th, 2011
4:44 pm
They cant win 1 of 3 in either Philly or St. louis, & also lose series to Mutts, Knats, & Fish??? So why exactly do they deserve to go to the playoffs? Playoffs? Playoffs? uhh……………… NOT!
PMC
September 26th, 2011
4:45 pm
Brian McCann told SI he didn’t feel what they’ve done in September is choking because, well if they had a poor may they could recover.
Um, Brian, that’s why it’s called a choke. When the team needs it’s best baseball to win, it plays it’s worst.
Blowing an 8.5 game lead would be one of the most epic chokes of all time.
Better win these last 3 so we can ignore that.
JeanE
September 26th, 2011
4:45 pm
Shut up about Diaz, he had exactly 2 ab’s, not like the 4 those other regular’s got and went Ofer!!! I’d still start him against Ciffie, he’s better against lefties than any of those other yahoos.
Geno
September 26th, 2011
4:46 pm
I wish the Braves would read these comments and see just how much they’re letting everyone down, themselves included. Of course I know they don’t. How’s the mood in the clubhouse? Are they sticking with, “We just gotta go out there and play well and win some games.” Well you’re not winning any games and the Cardinals are. That’s not my opinion, that’s fact. And there’s no quote that’s going to change that.
PMC
September 26th, 2011
4:46 pm
So much for all this Team CHemistry discussed ad nauseum in the spring.
Lots of hugs, not enough hits.
Prado's NOT a 3rd baseman
September 26th, 2011
4:51 pm
David C, 680 will be talking who we need to get rid of after Wed.after we miss the wild card, Matt Chernoff will say Gonzalez has got to go(Alex not Fredi), stuck with Chipper, but other than SS everyone else is set. Soon as JJ gets healthy again need to trade him before he goes down again(you know its coming) Lowe nobody will take may be next years KK pay but no play, so long McOut, Bourn is a keeper we still have him 1 more year
stingembuzz
September 26th, 2011
4:51 pm
You have no marbles
BLK09GT
September 26th, 2011
4:57 pm
Just wanted to comment to say Clusters is hilarious. If you were not blending comedy with your criticisms directed at my favorite player I would be a little irrate. This is coming from a fellow deer hunter also. Just a little FYI: Hunting with spotlights as far as I know is against the law. I am sure you have heard the saying “Deer in the headlights” It’s because the sight of a bright light causes them to freeze. Many hunt in this manner after dark. You may want to work in a similar line directed at Chipper. Something like: “We was thinking, Larry had the eyes of a deer and the grace of Henry Grady when making the play in the lights at the Sun Shark stadium and its “reconfigured” football lights.”
Bob
September 26th, 2011
4:57 pm
Our Braves have already lost in their minds…bases loaded, no outs=no runs; runners on third and second, no outs=no runs; and Fredi doesn’t have a clue. Oh well. there’s always next season. Maybe time to clean house and change the culture/attitude.
Effin A, Cotton
September 26th, 2011
5:04 pm
Back in the day, the Braves always played hard for Bobby because they knew if they lost, he would go home and beat his wife.
Brave Hokie
September 26th, 2011
5:05 pm
Braves will never change until lemmings {like myself} cease going to the games… I went to too many this season, and now I feel ‘dirty.’
Heartless, Gutless, Losers.
Steve
September 26th, 2011
5:09 pm
Jeff — what frustrates you the most this year in Georgia sports? So much to pick from — Thrashers leave, Falcons struggle in key games, Braves play bad baseball down the stretch, Bulldogs seem to be in perpetual “average” mode, Hawks may not play this season?
Bob
September 26th, 2011
5:12 pm
@Brave Hokie…based on our declining attendance for the past few years, it appears that more than a few of your fellow lemmings have jumped ship. Of course with the high price for mediocrity, I can’t blame them.
lefty fielder
September 26th, 2011
5:12 pm
Sonny
Seems like the Braves could win the wildcard by envisioning that big group hug in the club house afterwards . . .
Bird Dawg Country
September 26th, 2011
5:20 pm
@Schultzie, …Dan Patrick said looking at Brian Van Gorder’s mustache reminded him of Uncle Rico in “Napolean Dynamite”! That’s hilarious!
Braves still playing?
Effin A, Cotton
September 26th, 2011
5:25 pm
Good call, Bird Dawg! I was just saying yesterday that it had some definite porn quality.
Robert
September 26th, 2011
5:37 pm
“If Chipper is ever going to be known as a leader these next 3 games will define him”
I hope he finds it in him to help the team and the franchise find it’s collective guts, desire and backbone
But I wouldnt hold my breath
I hope the Braves make it. I really do
My gut feeling is Chipper doesnt care. He loses no money and gets more time to hunt and play golf if they dont make it
If the Braves somehow find their collective desire, guts, and backbone, I’m afraid it might well have to be without Chipper Jones
I hope that turns out to be oh so wrong
Robert
September 26th, 2011
5:40 pm
“Chipper Jones our team leader-announces that he should not be batting second, schedules his son’s sinus surgery on a game day instead of the next day which happens to be an off day, leading off he does not attempt to slide into first to avoid a very high throw.”
DUDE. Next thing you know you’re gonna expect Chipper to like dive for a ball in the field.
Roger Dorn dont play that
Robert
September 26th, 2011
5:48 pm
“And Chipper gave Phillies bulletin board material two or three months ago, saying the Braves could beat the Phillies and to bring ‘em on. Braves will get swept.”
Chipper talks a LOT.
Jason Heyward gets hurt and misses time. Chipper Jones’ wife has a migraine and he flies home to Atlanta for a few days. Chipper calls out Heyward
Chipper misplays an easy ground ball and therefore loses it in the lights. It costs the Braves a game – maybe THE game that woulda been the cushion they needed. Chipper tells the fans to kiss his behind
I think if Chipper stayed as quiet as I bet he is when he is in his favorite deer stand (might not be long now!) the Braves would be much better off
Noholdsbarred
September 26th, 2011
5:53 pm
The only thing I’ll miss after Braves go home for the year is reading Sonny Clusters’ posts–funny, truthful and to the point. Should put them in a scrapbook for Chipper when he heads off to deer hunt for good. Will I miss baseball? Not the kind this team plays. Following an American Legion team would be more exciting than Freddi G’s cap tippers.
Craig
September 26th, 2011
5:57 pm
They scored 1 run in the last two against wash. Wash played like the team trying to make the playoffs. This team is full of losers with no emotion at all. I hope philly sweeps their pathetic butts
urban redneck
September 26th, 2011
10:05 pm
it’s no fun to watch or listen to these games. making my ulcer act up.
double
September 26th, 2011
10:47 pm
diconnect tubes,they are dead.Cards deserve to be in play offs,and possibly series.They have earned while Braves faltered.Be sure to bring LOWE back for 12.
MJ
September 27th, 2011
1:48 am
Chipper bashers – back off – he doing his job, just like always. What the Braves need is a right fielder hitting .285, with 20 HR’s, 87 RBI’s, a slugging % of .476, who can throw slow runners out at first base. If you want to see that guy – check out the KC Royals. He’s playing for Ned Youst- name is Frenchy – we had him locked up a long time ago and mishandles the kid. If you are dreaming about fixing shortstop, look at Texas. Andrus was ours a well. We traded him and kept Escobar, who we traded to Toronto for a .222 hitter. If we have either guy, this series would be done. Lets go get them tommorrow – Go Braves.
loserville!
September 27th, 2011
1:53 am
the ATL — another pro choke!!! loserville — well deserved.
M&M
September 27th, 2011
2:00 am
stronger…..
FL dawg
September 27th, 2011
7:52 am
So the Falcons season is a wash, I’ll buy that. But get used to it. Dimitroff threw ATL under the bus for the next 5 yrs. I hope I’m wrong, maybe he is some kind of genius. JJ gonna be a heck of a rcvr for somebody. I dont see Ryan throwing Bartkowskiesque bombs to him, or anybody else for that matter. ATL needs a QB!
TheAntiMe
September 27th, 2011
8:02 am
I will hold onto hope for the Braves until the bitter end but I must say, it ain’t looking good. It seems like years since the Braves have won on two nights in a row.
perk
September 27th, 2011
8:16 am
I loved Ernie Johnson……………but, ever since they put the microphone patch on their jersey, they have been in a tail spin. I’m just saying………..
Whiskey Breath
September 27th, 2011
8:45 am
I will ask it for everybody. ” How in the hell would you know how many wins the Braves will need?”
Did you get that idea from talking to some guy walking down the street? And by the way leave Bradley alone, he doesn’t need your career advice.
P Rose
September 27th, 2011
9:34 am
I’ll try to post this here, because it won’t post on Bradley’s blog.
Flipping between the Braves game and Monday Night Football, I was struck by the difference in the levels of excitement between the two games.
Now, I hate the Dallas Cowboys, and I never liked Tony Romo. But he was playing with a cracked rib, and he kept taking hit after vicious hit. I kept expecting him to get knocked out of the game. But he got up every time. After each hit, he’d get in the face of the blocker who missed his assignment, or the receiver who dropped the ball, and scream at him. I could read his lips: “COME ON! Let’s GO!”
Then I’d watch the Braves. Someone would strike out or pop up in a crucial situation, and just walk back to the dugout with his head down, and the team’s leader stood blank-faced.
The Cowboys fought back, came from behind and willed themselves to a win. The Braves didn’t.
Roadsterron
September 27th, 2011
9:45 am
Chipper Jones pretty well set the standard for the entire Braves pathetic season last night. he homered—GREAT——nobody on base. he doubled—-GREAT—-nobody on base. then with runners on first and second he hits into a rally killing double play. Put that along side all the lowlights for the year. Then where is MR. ALLSTAR McCann? What a loser!!! Let’s throw in Freddie Freeloader Freeman to boot. What a choke he has become. Fredi and Lowe—-MUST GO!!!!
GTJeff
September 27th, 2011
9:46 am
Hope they loose the rest of their games. Then maybe the AJC can start covering more College football instead of this dieing,boring, worthless sport they call baseball.
Chipper Jones
September 27th, 2011
10:47 am
Dang those Cardinals – If they dont get their act together, I’m gonna have to play baseball this weekend. And I had plans to go hunting.
Maybe I’ll just go hunting anyway, and if I get a deer early enough, I can makle it back to the stadium in time to pinch hit
Dr. Phil
September 27th, 2011
10:48 am
What about using the Hank Aaron statue batting third?
Reality Check
September 27th, 2011
10:56 am
It probably wasn’t mentioned on the Braves telecast but Chippers’ DP was the first DP thrown by Lidge all year. Also, how can you people in Atlanta call yourself fans. Fans come out and support their team. Last nights’ attendance was artificially inflated by all the Phillie fans that showed up. Shameful performance by the tomahawk choppers.
Chipper Jones
September 27th, 2011
11:10 am
“It probably wasn’t mentioned on the Braves telecast but Chippers’ DP was the first DP thrown by Lidge all year”
What does that have to do with deer hunting?
J
September 27th, 2011
11:36 am
once again, negative nancies around here … Braves got lucky last night but let’s hope they pull some magic out of the hat.
Chipper Jones
September 27th, 2011
11:48 am
Negative nancies? No way baby. My stat line from last night looks great and I’m on track to go hunting this weekend with my boy. Kiss my behind with that negative nancies stuff
swimdawg68
September 27th, 2011
11:50 am
Hopefully, this is the last game I will have to endure with Lowe on the mound. If we are lucky enough to get to the playoffs, Lowe does not need to make an appearance. As a matter of a fact he does not need to be on the roster next year, we have too many young pitchers that ahv passed Lowe by.
swimdawg68
September 27th, 2011
11:50 am
Enter your comments here
Slip Sliding Braves.
September 27th, 2011
12:04 pm
You can say that again dtanner
Jim Moron..
September 27th, 2011
12:18 pm
Toast! Done! Nada!
Time warp?
September 27th, 2011
12:19 pm
its 2011 not 1911
BooBoo
September 27th, 2011
12:25 pm
Face it. This series with the Phillies IS the Braves’ playoff series. So they get swept out of the real playoffs? It saves Joe Fan about $20 per ticket to see a sweep later. Go Braves! ….. into the offseason.
BooBoo
September 27th, 2011
12:42 pm
swimdawg68,
If Lowe is such a bad pitcher, then the whole staff is a collection of bad pitchers. Do you suggest they get rid of their pitchers and go with beefed up outfielders as pitchers?
If the Braves could hit better than the pantywaist batters they have turned into, and if they could score 4-5 runs a game, then Lowe would have as many wins as Hudson.
Find me a team with no offense (like the Braves), and it better be pitching Seaver, Nolan Ryan, and Koosman, or Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddox in order to get into a playoff with a chance to win the World Series.
Uggly – bust this year – take away 35 games and he is a .170 hitter
McCannt – off the roids he needs to work on growing hair again because his oblique and his hitting abilities have evaporated
Hayward – Suffering from a pronounced case of Sophmore Joke
Gonzales (ss) – Now we see why the visiting Bluejays waited until getting to Atlanta to sign Escobar to a long-term contract – they were glad to get rid of an underachiever
Jones – The only player resembling a professional baseball player the Braves have, but at 39 the roids have reduced him to a shell of himself
Bourne – If he is looking around the clubhouse, he will shop himself around the league to a winner – maybe be a Philly next year?
Freeman – A rookie bearing too much weight on his young shoulders. He might be looking at that Sophmore Joke disease his shadow in right field has
Conrad – Are you kidding me? This guy singlehandedly sunk the Braves in the playoffs against the Giants last year and they keep him and let Infante leave?
The Braves have many more problems than Lowe pitching his heart out for no respect
George Washington
September 27th, 2011
1:24 pm
Relax everyone! I’m sure that now the Braves are home and rested, that tonight it will all be different! I’m not worried a bit! This time for sure! Oh, gotta go. Lucy is holding the football and I’m going to kick it to Kingdom Come!
Jonny
September 27th, 2011
1:43 pm
BooBoo – take your phily-delphia annoying as* on to a filhty-industrial-elphia newspaper site and chat it up with the ugly pig women and guidos all you want… GET A LIFE AND PETITION YOUR CITY TO CLEAN UP THE WASTE IN THE RIVER RUNNING UNDER THE WALT WHITMAN BRIDGE…
Robert
September 27th, 2011
2:10 pm
Newsflash – Braves Issue Restraining Order Against Bobby Cox
In a move calculated to dramatically improve their odds of reaching, and having success in, the postseason, the Atlanta Braves have filed with Fulton County officials to have a restraining order sworn out against former Braves manager Bobby Cox
Under the conditions of the order, Cox would not be allowed to have any contact with the team until after baseball’s playoffs end. In addition to not be allowed to visit or phone the team’s front offices, he would be allowed no contact with any present or past Braves players, would be prohibited from reading or posting on any Braves blogs or websites, and would have remain at least two miles away from any stadium where the Braves were playing.
Club officials would not give out any information regarding Cox’s whereabouts, but this reporter was able to track him to a small cruise vessel currently sailing circles in the middle of the Pacific ocean. The cruise ship had apparently been hired by a contingent of Braves fans who feel that two miles is not nearly a safe enough distance and would rather that Cox be kept more isolated from the team. According to the ship’s captain, his instructions are to keep sailing in circles while until he receives further notice, which he said he was told to expect sometime around Halloween. In the meantime, ship staff will ensure that Cox is kept heavily sedated and that his diaper is changed regularly
Robert
September 27th, 2011
2:16 pm
This reporter managed to board the cruise ship in question but was stopped outside the door to Cox’s potty room by a contingent of strong armed guards who bore a stiking resemblence to ex-Braves late season heroes Dan Kolb and Greg Norton
Kolb and Norton vehemently denied access to Cox. From inside the curtained off barnyard stall, a frantic deranged heehawing could be heard, while a calm voice reminiscent of ex-Braves hitting instructor Terry Pendleton was heard cooing softly “I’m sorry Donk but we cant watch the game. You’re not allowed. Now be a good retarded donkey and have a sugar cube. I promise there’s no medicine in it.” A few seconds after the sound of slurping, a new frenzy of hee-hawing emenated from behind the door. As a stable boy resembling former Brave Rafael Belliard rushed inside with two bales of fresh hay, Pendleton;s voice could be heard “Sorry Donk. I know I fibbed. You have to get your medicine Donk. Now lay your ears on the straw and close your eyes and go to sleep. I promise you’ll dream of Chipper and Glavey if you’re a good boy for me”
Kelvin
September 27th, 2011
3:18 pm
What’s the title of tomorrow’s article? “Braves need one win”, the bottom line is if the Braves can’t beat the Mets, Marlins, and Nats, how are they going to beat the Phillies? I say the Braves get swept at home and the only way we make the playoffs is the Cardinals get swept as well.
Robert
September 27th, 2011
4:00 pm
Here’s a humdinger quote from Chipper Jones – “It’s all hands on deck from now until the end of the season, so no excuses. Just go out and do your job.”
Uh huh. All hands on deck. Now.
But not last week. Last week it was ok to take a game day off to be with family for a nonemergent situation.
And he liked the effort last night. How wonderful. Anyone wanna ruin his day and risk being told to kiss his butt by telling him that effort alone isnt gonna cut it at this point? That what the team needs is RESULTS?
I’m glad Chipper is happy. See, it’s all about him. It’s not about the team’s success. It’s about whether Chipper is happy. It didnt matter when the Braves were cruising along and winning and building an almost double digit lead in the wild card race. No. What mattered was that Chipper was not happy hitting second because he wanted to be in a run-producing slot in the order
Of course – given a golden opportunity to produce some much-needed runs at a critical juncture last night, Chipper instead produced two outs with one swing. Not his fault. Those slacker teammates of his shouldve been on base when he doubled earlier. That hit shouldve shown everybody that the Braves were still boss
Chipper Jones – a truly gifted switch hitter who compiled some very nice personal stats but whose presence does help turn a team into a champion. Never has. Never will.
The Dominique Wilkins of baseball
Starting in 1999 I said that the Braves would never win another championship so long as Bobby Cox continued managing the team.
I had huge hope this year.
Sadly, I think Chipper needs to go too before the team can win. The distraction involved in making sure he is happy are too much (not to mention the $14 million that he pockets)
Mid Town Joe
September 27th, 2011
4:41 pm
We’ve got the Phils and the rest of the league right where we want them.
Parson Brownlow
September 27th, 2011
7:18 pm
I’d feel better with Venus de Milo pitching than Lowe.