Bloggers demand a Braves’ change, and Bennett obliges!
Never think for one moment the ol’ blog is lacking in power. On the live chat from Game 2 of the Yankee series, Jeff Bennett was a source of much conversation/consternation. I’m quoting here:
Varodrunner, 8:53 p.m.: You cannot put Bennett into that situation and expect anything different outcome – Bobby is INSANE.
Ross, 8:54: Why the FREAKING HELL is Bennett in the game??????? What is WRONG WITH COX???
Kris in NC, 8:56: Time to go watch something else. Why in the world do you bring in Bennett? Medlen was doing fine. Bennett was the same guy who came in and gave up the walk off HR to none other Nick Green on Sunday. Now he gave up a 2 run RBI to A-’roid.
Greg, 8:56: Seriously…why haven’t they demoted Bennett yet? there’s got to be SOMEONE else…
Norris, 9 p.m.: How can we put our worst pitcher in the game to pitch against AROD with the bases loaded. Bobby Cox is an absolute idiot for that move. Bennett has no business in the majors much less coming in the game in that situation. Amazing …
Mark l, 9:05: Why the hell does Jeff Bennett keep getting the ball
Ross, 9:05: Bennett – pitching from the stretch with no one on board – fat pitch – in the stands. What a miserable chump. GONE! GONE! GONE! GET RID OF HIM!!!!
Ecooper, 9:05: Why is Jeff Bennett still in the majors? He is the new Dan Kolb. He’s more than proven his incompetence and inability to pitch in the majors.
Faraway Brave, 9:06: Can we please get rid of Jeff Bennett. I’m tired of seeing him pitch like crap!
Sean, 9:09: Why is Jeff Bennett still on the team? When was the last time he pitched without giving up an earned run and/ or an inherited run. There has to be someone better in Gwinnett.
As we now know, Jeff Bennett is no longer on the active roster. He broke the little finger of his left (non-throwing) hand by punching a door Wednesday night in frustration. He’s on the disabled list. And — this is just me speculating — he might not ever pitch for the Braves again.
Ballclubs hate it when a player isn’t available, and they hate it a thousand times more when he has been rendered unavailable by doing something silly. As Bobby Cox told Dave O’Brien: “It’s good that he cares; it’s not good when you break something.”
And it isn’t as if Bennett was on track to win Fireman of the Year. By the time he heals — he’ll require surgery — the Braves could well have moved on. And I’ll say it once more:
You disappoint readers of this blog at your immediate peril.
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121 comments Add your comment
NO MORE BOBBY
June 26th, 2009
12:41 pm
Thank you God!! Why did it take this long to make a move? Answer is…..
BOBBY COX!!
You know that if he did not break his finger he would still be called on by Bobby to blow more games. Never thought I would say this but THANK YOU Jeff Bennett. You are as dumb as you look.
mitch
June 26th, 2009
12:43 pm
Dear Mr. MB–the most shameful part of these disrespectful, vicious, cretinous comments on this blog is that AJC and you, too, Mr. MB (sorry to say that, Mark) are pandering to it. Even so, still your pal, Mitch
hal
June 26th, 2009
12:46 pm
funny how nick green looks better noW and NATE looked better BEFORE huh? wonder if any of that might be TP’s doing?lol
dude
June 26th, 2009
12:46 pm
Let me say that I was at game last night. The people who cost us that game are Derek Lowe, Chipper Jones, and Brian McCann. Lowe has suddenly lost it. Chipper and McCann wiff and then they pout all the way to the dugout AND ON THE FIELD!!!!!!(Did anybody watch how MAC had a chance w/bases loaded and choked and then he goes yard at the end when it doesnt count or Chipper not making defensive plays?)
Poor effort and the Braves give up mentally when they dont have a lead or give up a lead.
Somebody blogged earlier that this team has no fire because of COX. Well, you need to look at the ball players who r SUPPOSED to be OUR LEADERS. These guys only know how to pout and get down on themselves.
When Hoss and Heap do something bad or they watch others do something bad…they pout like children and become sullen.
Dont blame Bobby for BAD PLAY AND DEFEATED ATTITUDES blame your ‘leaders’.
Coach ( 2010 or Bust)
June 26th, 2009
12:46 pm
Bennett was misused, period. That is the fault of Bobby Cox. Bennett is a long man or fifth starter. He never had any business being brought into critical game situations.
It’s my hope that Bennett goes somewhere else and some enterprising manager sticks him into the back of his rotation and makes Cox look like the idiot that he really is.
Benjamin
June 26th, 2009
12:47 pm
For all the people rejoicing in Bennett’s loss — and I’m one of them myself — Boone Logan is his replacement. Boone Logan…
Paul W
June 26th, 2009
12:48 pm
I wish Garrett Andersen cared enough to punch a door.
hal
June 26th, 2009
12:48 pm
dude its easier to blame cox as hoss is the blogs hero and mac a local icon none of these bloggers would know how to manage there kids ll team lol so pretend by managing the bravos
Adam
June 26th, 2009
12:49 pm
Some of you are starting to get it… the front end of our bullpen sucks. We have Moylanta (sometimes), Gonzalez (most of the time) and Soriano.
Ask yourself this question — with Bennett, O’Flaherty, Acosta, etc… How many of you are surprised when they have a 1-2-3 inning? Be honest.
Paul W
June 26th, 2009
12:50 pm
And yes, blindog’s post was HILARIOUS.
What did Garret Anderson in LF and Michael Jackson have in common?
Both wore a glove on one hand for no apparent reason-
hal
June 26th, 2009
12:53 pm
i wish anderson cared enough to run out what few hits he gets but thats not going to happen the worst sighn ever by wren and raul ibanez was available my gawd has he never seen anderson play i watched him lots as i have him in a fantasy league hes sucked for a few years now ,cannot play the outfield never histles and from what i read in california not very popular with anyone with the exception of kotchman who now that i think of it couldent be bothered to run 10 steps to the bag the other day lol twos company
aswingruber
June 26th, 2009
12:55 pm
Funny that it’s not Bennett’s clear incompetence as a major league pitcher that takes him off our roster, but rather a bone headed outburst in which he breaks his hand. Doesn’t say too much about Braves management that the only way our worst players won’t be in key situations in close ball games is if they inflict physical harm upon themselves and break their own bones.
Curtis Jones
June 26th, 2009
12:58 pm
Oh well, as long as “ace” Derek Lowe pitches like he did last night, the spirit of Jeff Bennett will live on.
hal
June 26th, 2009
12:58 pm
btw boone logan only has trouble getting out rh batters ohh yea also left handed ones
Travis
June 26th, 2009
1:00 pm
It’s hard to believe that this team might just be finished already. They seem to always find a way to lose. Far cry from the teams of the 90,s. No fire!
dude
June 26th, 2009
1:02 pm
I wish Cox and Pendelton would do that scene from Bull Durham where they go in and throw the bats at the players in the showers. Maybe Cox could do a Mike Singletary and drop his drawers and smack some azz.
Im for anything at this point.
I think I would have paid Smoltz 10 mill just to be on the team to show these guys what it means to be a COMPETITOR.
Adam
June 26th, 2009
1:02 pm
Maybe Bennett can become our new hitting coach?
Bill
June 26th, 2009
1:03 pm
Why does everyone in the world know the Braves problems (for3 yrs) except the ones running the show.
Bobby must go.
Joe Schmoe
June 26th, 2009
1:05 pm
I think I said it best a couple of weeks ago, Jeff Bennet is a Braves Terrorist. He is committing Jihad on the bullpen status, and the late inning games.
im not so sure chippers regretting sighng it but im sure as hell regretting him sighning means 3 more years of watching slow rollers head into left field to be viwed with distain my anderson who will then slowly walk over and throw it in the vicinity of a
June 26th, 2009
1:08 pm
i dont know if chippers regretting sighing it but i sure as hell am that means another 3 years of watching slow rollers head un challenged into left field where a starytled from deep slumber GA will slowly walk over and throw the ball in the general vicinity of an equally startled ESCO who will watch helplessly as still another runner crosses the plate lol
Adam
June 26th, 2009
1:11 pm
If this propels us to a division title maybe we can say that Bennett had the biggest clutch hit this season!
Mark Bradley
June 26th, 2009
1:16 pm
Yes, I guess those 14 consecutive division titles bought Bobby Cox a shot of blog immunization.
And Mrs. Bong, you’ll find this hard to imagine — but I don’t have that particular athlete’s phone number.
Kris in NC
June 26th, 2009
1:17 pm
If Bennett keeps his job after coming off the DL, I will be one shocked fan. You know Bobby can not be thrilled and neither is Frank that one of their players goes and punches a freakin’ door then doesn’t bother to tell anyone for 30 minutes. Total lack of responsibility by Jeff Bennett.
Jeff, you are a man and a professional athlete, yet you lost your cool when you couldn’t pitch worth a dang.
Time for the Braves to cut their losses and get rid of a hot temper person like Bennett. We need guys on this team who are going to keep their tempers and attitudes in check and be responsible if they screw up. If he was having a difficult time with what he was doing, then talk it out with your club house leaders or your coaches, not punching a door and breaking a bone in your non pitching hand.
What an idiot!!!!!
Bill
June 26th, 2009
1:17 pm
Coach 12:46, I agreed 100%
Dude, The buck stop with the manager. Bobby has lost control of his team. You don’t expect players to do what they’re not taught to do. Spring training is a joke, fun time. Everyone knows Bobby will play his favorites no matter what they do,example KJ, JF, Bennett,and GA. etc. The Braves need new life. Wake up JS and Wrens get some balls and do whats needed…retire Cox.
Mark Bradley
June 26th, 2009
1:25 pm
I knew Randy Johnson very well, Mac. Indeed, I have a Randy Johnson story.
In 1985 Bob Horner got hurt in the middle of the season and Johnson was going to move over to play third base full-time. I was assigned to do a long Randy Johnson feature to run in the Saturday AJC. The thing was written, but the Braves traded for Ken Oberkfell on Friday afternoon. The Johnson story never saw print. But I did give him a printout of it for his scrapbook.
Mark Bradley
June 26th, 2009
1:27 pm
Blindog’s comments is indeed a winner. I guess I can’t steal that one without anyone noticing, can I?
Adam
June 26th, 2009
1:28 pm
Mark — it’s not blog immunization. Cox is a Hall of Fame manager and seriously, who out there has more experience?
You like Oquendo etc… but seriously what have these guys done? Fresh blood does not always work.
A guy like Hillman in KC would be great but he’s not out there right now.
Cox is “immune” because most of us know the club will NEVER do to him what they did to Glavine.
Paddy
June 26th, 2009
1:31 pm
Rick in Dallas….I am about the same. I didn’t read a Hawks article but I almost wanted to. Going to have to get back to therapy soon it looks like. What do I now have to look forward to, WNBA small talk with the guys? Geez…
Jfreak
June 26th, 2009
1:31 pm
The talk is about Bennett but the story continues to be Cox. I’m sad to say he and most of his staff are a contributing factor in the Braves failures. The players do have to make plays but the manager has to put the team in position to be successful and over the past few years Cox and his staff have not done that enough.
When does Wren decide that this team as it is currently constructed isn’t going to win and maybe, just maybe what this TEAM needs is a kick in the butt not a players “friend” in Cox? At some point Wren better decide what he values more, Cox or his job because I’m not sure both can co-exist??
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
June 26th, 2009
1:36 pm
That Garret Anderson comparison to Michael Jackson was totally inappropriate, but I laughed anyway. Although I do now try to keep in mind that MD has told us that’s… just… how… Garret… is…
Larvell Blanks
June 26th, 2009
1:36 pm
Crash Davis: Did you hit me with your right hand or did you hit me with your left? Huh? Did you hit me with your right hand or did you hit me with your LEFT?
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh: My left.
Crash Davis: Good! That’s good; when you get in a fight with a drunk you don’t hit him with your pitching hand. God, I can’t keep giving you these free lessons so quit screwin’ around and help me up.
Jeff R
June 26th, 2009
1:37 pm
Boone Logan… a more interesting name than Jeff Bennett. Let’s give the more interesting name a chance.
lagnamor
June 26th, 2009
1:39 pm
Adam, Bull Sh!t
Hillbilly Deluxe
June 26th, 2009
1:41 pm
Face it, what the Braves need is more talented players.
Pete
June 26th, 2009
1:42 pm
Mark Bradley: “I knew Randy Johnson very well, Mac. Indeed, I have a Randy Johnson story.”
A much better story is when Johnson (I think it was him) hurt his back one day pulling on his socks.
JEZ
June 26th, 2009
1:43 pm
They prob kept Bennett around cause he cut everyone’s hair for cheap!
Adam
June 26th, 2009
1:48 pm
I’m not saying Cox shouldn’t go, but what’s to say you bring someone else in here and we’re any better!
Alright langnamor, name one guy out there WHO’S AVAILABLE that could come in here RIGHT NOW — pre-Heyward, Freeman, etc… — who could GUARANTEED turn this thing around?
And if you’re talking aboyut guys like Yost, etc… those are disciples of Cox who would manage almost EXACTLY the same way.
Handing this thing over is not as easy as some of you think.
lagnamor
June 26th, 2009
1:57 pm
Brad Mills, John Farrell, Jose Oquendo are three Adam.
Big B CH 99
June 26th, 2009
1:57 pm
At least w/ him on the DL, Bobby can’t bring him in in clutch situations. I never did understand why Bobby kept bringing in his WORST reliever in clutch situations, but Bobby has his favorites and will play them to the detriment of the team, & not play those that he doesn’t like (Prado, Diaz).
Vermont-Braves fan
June 26th, 2009
2:02 pm
Seriously… Are these New Yorkers posting this crap? Bennett sucked out… so what? Are we really that harsh to revel in a guy possibly losing his career? I’ve read a lot of puff pieces on Bennett as a great clubhouse guy, a guy who lost a ton of weight, who works hard. I never thought he should have been on the roster to begin with, (see Spring Training 09 numbers).
I agree Bobby trusts guys for way too long sometimes. But why is he the most loved skipper if he sucks at his job!? This is a rough couple years but the future looks bright. Don’t act spoiled just because the Braves won 14 straight division titles… seriously.
Supes
June 26th, 2009
2:04 pm
Mark,
The following players need to gone from the 2010 Braves 25 player roster:
Jeff Bennett, Jeff FRANCINE, Kelly Johnson, Garret Anderson, Gregor Blanco, Greg Norton.
Adam
June 26th, 2009
2:07 pm
Are they proven? Do they have managerial experience?
MIlls has advanced because he is Francona’s buddy — both with the Phils and the Red Sox.
Farrell is another Francona buddy going back to their days with the Indians.
Just because he managed in the WBC does not make him a proven major league manager. Why don’t you throw Luis Sojo into the conversation as well?
When L.A. finally peeled Lasorda off the field in ‘96 how many managers did they go through before finally ending up where they are today?
When you replace a Hall of Fame coach it doesn’t usually work out right away — Lasorda, John Wooden, etc…
If the guy who replaces Cox doesn’t win — people will be missing Cox pretty quickly. It’s just not as easy as people think.
Canadaian braves fan
June 26th, 2009
2:16 pm
go to http://www.newblogofbraves.blogspot.com and vote, check out a new blog on the braves
CLE
June 26th, 2009
2:20 pm
Who cares about Bennett’s low ERA? It doesn’t mean much – most of the runs he’s given up this year have been charged to other pitchers, because Bobby keeps putting him in under the incorrect assumption that Bennett can actually clean up those pitchers’ messes. Instead, Bennett makes it worse and the other pitchers get the runs tacked on to their ERAs.
Larry
June 26th, 2009
2:39 pm
“But why is he the most loved skipper if he sucks at his job!?”
You’ve got to be kidding me?
Remember, the great majority of baseball players are goober looking, tobacco spitting, crotch scratching, poorly educated Latinos or dumb old farm boys. The only thing keeping these guys from either picking up your garbage or mowing your lawn this week is that the can throw a baseball harder or swing a bat faster than your average human being. I mean really, could you ever envision two people as stupid looking and stupid sounding as a Manny Ramirez or Sammy Sosa being Multimillionaires if they couldn’t hit a baseball? So, if you were handed millions to play a game you’d play for free, and you could have an old, fat, nose picking grandpa like fellow who’ll allow you to pitch or bat until the season is lost so you can have more fun you’d probably like playing for old Bobby Cox too!
I keep hearing people like these vanilla sportswriters keep justifying Bobby’s job by referencing surveys that most players would prefer playing for Bobby Cox. No kidding! I would too as regardless of my performance he’ll just sit there and let me keep playing as long as I want to!
A much better survey would be to ask all players with more than double digit IQ’s this question:
“If everyone had the identical players–clones, if you will–and the payoffs started today, what manager would you predict would most likely finish the playoffs winning the last game and thus the World Series?”
With a 1-14 record in the last game of the postseason, only an absolute idiot would pick Bobby Cox!
braves70
June 26th, 2009
2:41 pm
One plus for Brad Mills is that he, Francona, and Frank Wren were all team mates on the 1980 Memphis Chicks – Montreal AA team.
Adam
June 26th, 2009
2:48 pm
Now I am getting excited. Actually, Wren had a better average for that team (.222) as he has had in his dealings as a GM.
welikebaseball2
June 26th, 2009
2:49 pm
I’ve also been wondering what Cox’s fascination with Acosta is. I know his numbers aren’t necessarily the worst (not exactly stellar either) but it seems as though he has a knack for giving up a run or two or three when we’re only down down by a couple. He’s an official rally-killer.
Larry
June 26th, 2009
2:50 pm
Paraphrased, I do not want players that want to play for a manager; I want players that WILL play for a manager!
Braves73
June 26th, 2009
2:51 pm
The problem is and always will be…Bobby Cox. He consistently puts in the wrong guy in a clutch situation. He did it again last night. Boone’s farm did a decent job in the 6th, but WHY IN THE HE!! did Bobby blunder leave him in to pitch the 7th. Isn’t that Peter Moylan’s inning???? I am know completely done with watching this sh!!!!. I will not watch again until Bobby retires or they decide to hire another manager. My wife will especially like this, now she won’t have to worry about me screaming & breaking stuff and she will be able to watch some crap on TLC….it’s been real!