After 75 forgettable games, Braves have one to remember
When you’ve played 75 games and nothing much has happened, you’re looking for that one good night. You’re looking for a start, a spark, a reason to keep hoping when you’re a good week away from even nosing above .500. Maybe this was that night. Maybe this was the start of something, if not quite big, then at least bigger than what we’ve seen.
The Braves blew a game against the reigning world champs and won it anyway. They won it because Gregor Blanco, who was playing only because Bobby Cox decided after batting practice that Nate McLouth shouldn’t, and Martin Prado, playing only because Kelly Johnson has forgotten how, mustered seven hits between them.
They won it because they outpitched the Phillies, which everyone does, and also outhit them, which you wouldn’t figure these Braves could ever do. They won it despite two horrendous pitches from Mike Gonzalez that turned a 3-2 lead into a 4-3 deficit. They won it in the way the Braves used to win games all the time but this team hasn’t yet.
They won it in the bottom of the 10th, and after they did Matt Diaz, who touched off the winning rally with a tough two-strike single and scored the winning run, said this sort of winning is capable of being replicated on a more or less nightly basis. “That’s what has been so frustrating about this team,” Diaz said. “We should be able to play this way more often that not.”
What way is that? Diaz again: “We got great pitching [six big innings from a rejuvenated Derek Lowe and clutch relief from everyone save Gonzo]. We got great defense. [Chipper Jones authored a beautiful double play in the top of the 10th.] We got timely hitting.”
And what, having done all that for seemingly the first time this millennium, were the 2009 Braves left to think? “That we can do this,” Diaz said.
The Braves began the day in fourth place in a five-team division, five games below .500, and then they trotted out a lineup that didn’t include McLouth (hurt), Johnson (awful) or Yunel Escobar (hurt). They got no hits from Brian McCann or Diory Hernandez but 13 from everybody else. They trailed three times — and how often has it felt a one-run deficit was insurmountable for these hitless wonders? — and hit their way back in the bottom of every inning.
Loading ...Prado had four hits and four RBIs, and afterward Bobby Cox proclaimed him his starting second baseman. “Right now, yes,” Cox said. “He’s too hot to take out.”
And sometimes that’s what it takes to light a fuse: A utility guy is given a chance and renders himself indispensable. Three times Prado drove home a tying run, and in the 10th he hammered a two-strike pitch over the head of John Mayberry Jr. in left field to untie this one forever. Martin Prado, of all people, and he could have picked no better moment.
Diaz again: “We’re starting to play division games now, and someone has to win. We need that someone to be us.”
Just like that, the Braves are within four games of first place and within one of third. Just like that, a homestand that went flat against the Yankees and Red Sox has found a second wind. Just like that, a team that has had no reason to feel good about itself celebrated the best night of 2009.
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121 comments Add your comment
jdmac
June 30th, 2009
11:14 pm
You’re no T.J. Simers, Mark, but you slay me. This makes me feel good about the braves for what feels like the first time in months.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
June 30th, 2009
11:20 pm
Games like this are what baseball is all about….Hope.
Hope that the first 75 were just a mirage and tomorrow won’t be more of the same. Enjoy the glow, it will probably wear off real fast.
Hawk01
June 30th, 2009
11:21 pm
Good win. Please let Prado have a chance at being the everyday 2B. I still want the Bravos to trade Francouer. He iis not a big time run producer. I like an outfield of Diaz, Mclouth, Blanco.
Bill Heller
June 30th, 2009
11:28 pm
What’s it going to take for Prado to win the second base job? And will somebody teach Franceour how to throw a knuckleball? He’d be the best hitting pitcher in baseball!
Whopper Dawg
June 30th, 2009
11:29 pm
Man I hope so, good positive column. Go Braves!!!!
O'Brien
June 30th, 2009
11:29 pm
Mark,
I hope Bobby continues to play Prado as long as he continues to produce.
Mr C.
June 30th, 2009
11:31 pm
Great win. Can someone convince Bobby Cox to keep Prado at 2nd base. Watch him play Kelly in 2 days.
Mark u are doing a great job. First post at 6 am and the last one at 11 pm. Maybe u don’t have a life but we appreciate the hard work
Herschel Talker
June 30th, 2009
11:33 pm
MB – keep up the great work. The writing has been awesome lately. That being said, I put the chances at 50/50 that they lose the final two. That’s how this team is. They suck you back in only to clobber you over the head when you least expect it.
Mark Bradley
June 30th, 2009
11:37 pm
Thanks, folks. I do have a life, but today it seems to have been put on hold. (Sometimes duty calls.) But I’m taking Friday off.
And I understand you hesitation, HT. It’s weird, but baseball is a game almost devoid of momentum. You’d think it would be all about momentum since they play every day, but as Earl Weaver — I think it was Earl Weaver — said, “Momentum is tomorrow’s starting pitcher.”
For the Braves, Jair Jurrjens starts Wednesday against Cole Hamels.
choozer
June 30th, 2009
11:40 pm
Bill Heller, even if Francouer were a pitcher, the best-hitting pitcher might still be that Reds pitcher who beat us with a 3-run homer a week or so ago
Jerry McManus
June 30th, 2009
11:41 pm
Does anyone know why the Braves have mostly quit broadcasting the games in North Carolina. Everyone used to talk about the team. Now no one can tell when a game is going to be on. So lots of folks just don’t care anymore. Braves are falling from favor.
Bill
June 30th, 2009
11:45 pm
I hope you are right. Love games like tonight, never give up. You better get some rest, you’ll get old fast doing double duty.
Mark Bradley
June 30th, 2009
11:48 pm
Get old? Too late, Bill, I’m afraid.
Shadetree
June 30th, 2009
11:55 pm
Thanks for the effort Bradley.
Cox said Prado was his 2nd baseman.
Blanco
Prado
Hoss
McCann can
Escobar
McLouth
Anderson
Kotchman
That’s a great starting 8
Can anyone say when was the last time the Braves won 6 in a row.
Atlanta4life
June 30th, 2009
11:58 pm
MB – any word on the deal with Escobar? I know he was supposed to play, then scratched himself, then pinch-hit. Should he be ready to go tomorrow? I hope his attitude is better when he comes back. Right now the team doesn’t need any crap out of him
Pal Joey
June 30th, 2009
11:59 pm
How many times have we heard that this may be the beginning of a turn around? We have been so hoodwinked by this ball club this year that I will only believe it when I see it. Unless these guys begin to hit consistently, all the pitching in the world will not do the trick. Lowe has been disappointing his last few outings and now Gonzo almost threw the game away tonight. I hope things will improve, but unless Bobby benches Kelly and lets Prado play, and gets Escobar under control, that won’t happen. And what is up with Chipper? He can’t seem to get out of his own way at the plate. Count me a skeptic until they prove themselves on the field.
Zach
July 1st, 2009
12:01 am
Mark, I like your article. The comments from Diaz hit the nail on the head. “Why can’t we play this way all the time?” Also, do you think that the potential change we might have a second base could possibly turn into a trade in these upcoming weeks?
Finally, I laughed out loud at the “Johnson (awful)” comment. thanks
Zach
July 1st, 2009
12:02 am
oh and Shadetree that is not a great starting lineup no matter who you ask.
hhmmm
July 1st, 2009
12:06 am
Cox said he’s too hot to take out? What is he looking for a reason or something … damn Bobby.
francoeuristheman
July 1st, 2009
12:14 am
are we lookin to trade for anyone?
Wayn-o
July 1st, 2009
12:17 am
Yep, Francoeur could be a great bullpen guy. fastball/changeup
francoeuristheman
July 1st, 2009
12:17 am
shadetree why would anyone in the mlb ever start blanco over francoeur or even blanco over any outfielder
Joe S
July 1st, 2009
12:18 am
I think we just need that one POWER BAT Wren. As long as we get that Power bat we can legitimize games like this and keep them more insurmountable and unsteady. If we play like this with a lot of hope and act like true winners consistently we can get a losing team to sell to us and we’ll be awarded as buyers.
Adam Dunn, Alex Rios should do just right but I hope we put a string of wins together over this Philly team first.
Hard work like tonight’s will pay off in the long run and send messages to upcoming teams not to F’ around with the Braves.
francoeuristheman
July 1st, 2009
12:18 am
why would he ever go to the bullpen when hes playing just fine in right you idiot
Adam
July 1st, 2009
12:50 am
Actually, Cox finally figured out that Diaz is better in LF than Anderson so making that defensive switch gets Bobby the coaching move of the night. He should’ve done it the other day against Boston as well…..
Best Braves win in several years because of the way they bounced back from late-inning adversity in a HUGE swing game. Blanco and Prado reminded me of Nixon and Blauser tonight. Total clutch performances.
bravesgirlnc
July 1st, 2009
12:55 am
it only took Cox a year give or take to finally say what many have been screaming for him to say. Prado is the 2nd baseman. Now if only Diaz was in there everyday…
Adam
July 1st, 2009
12:58 am
Oh, and Mark….
I would remember one other game — Kawakami’s 1-0 win over Roy Halladay.
But sometimes you need to strike the match more than once before it lights. Braves really need to seize this moment. Tomorrow might go down as the biggest game of the season because we will see if this has carryover.
Herschel Talker
July 1st, 2009
1:18 am
Booby Cocks will find some way to blow it tomorrow. Book it.
Herschel Talker
July 1st, 2009
1:18 am
Booby C0cks will find a way to blow it tomorrow. Book it.
UGA Student
July 1st, 2009
1:23 am
Jerry McManus:
The reason you are having trouble seeing some Braves games is because some of them are broadcast on Peachtree TV an ATL area only station. You can however see these games on CSS if you have cable. If you have satellite you can get it on DirecTV channel 651 or order MLB extra innings. The rest of the games are either on FS south or Sport south
vabrave
July 1st, 2009
1:26 am
Broadcaster Ernie Harwell wrote in 1955: “Baseball is a ballet without music. Drama without words. A carnival without kewpie dolls.”
I think tonight epitomizes that. It was a great game… up and down up and down… dragging us all through the mud and then elevating us to cloud nine. We all need to hope that this does carry over because it’s games like this which sparks off the powder keg.
I hope Diaz’s words and feelings is what everybody in the clubhouse was feeling (except maybe KJ since he’s odd man out after Prado’s night) because tonight for the first time in years… the Atlanta Braves looked like… the Atlanta Braves.
Will
July 1st, 2009
1:32 am
Anytime i need a REALISTIC take on the Braves, i read Mark Bradley and this column is exactly how I feel. I love the fact he is not afraid to say kelly johnson is horrible. Its so refreshing to get a real take on the braves on this website. Lets get a sweep, 2 out of 3 is not gonna cut it.
Jay
July 1st, 2009
1:32 am
Ugh. I don’t know what to say about this team, they are so frustrating. Great win tonight, tough to see Lowe not get a W, but, it appears Moylan is back to form.
The one thing that should have been drilled into Cox’s head tonight is that Kelly Johnson should never darken the left-hand batter’s box again. Maybe Wren will make that easier for Bobby by releasing him (come on, people, he’s got ZERO trade value). It’d be nice to see Blanco get more AB’s, but, unless the team can package perhaps Francoeur/Anderson and Kotchman in a trade for a power-hitting first baseman, I don’t see Blanco as anything other than a 4th/5th outfielder.
reminds me of hubbard and claudell
July 1st, 2009
1:39 am
but gonzalez is no bedrock!
MALONE
July 1st, 2009
1:44 am
What about moving KJ to the OF? Maybe the onus of 2B is getting to him. From what I remember, he’s a fine defensive LF.
dizzy5dean
July 1st, 2009
2:07 am
Prado needs to start at 2nd base, without a doubt. I only hope Cox looks at the intensity Prado has and let the baseball Gods do their jobs and let him win the job, which it appears he has. Johnson is a good kid, however I think he needs to play the outfield, maybe RF if there is a Francoure trade.
scottbravesfan
July 1st, 2009
2:12 am
Jerry,
Where do you live in North Carolina? Western North Carolina is still in the Braves broadcasting territory. So if you live in Asheville you get every game. My friend Logan lives there and received every game. But if you live in Eastern North Carolina in Raleigh metro area you are no longer in the Braves broadcasting territory you are in the Washington Nationals broadcasting territory. I know it’s awful but technically Raleigh is closer to DC than it is to Atlanta. Your best bet is to get the MLB Extra Innings package it’s not that expensive about 130 for the rest of the year and it’s worth it if you are a huge baseball fan. You will get all of the baseball games except for the Nationals since you are in their broadcasting territory.
About the game, wow the best baseball game I have seen all year long not just the Braves but any game. Just an awesome, awesome game. I can’t wait to see Jurrjens carry the winning streak tomorrow against Hamels.
Larry
July 1st, 2009
2:16 am
Some call Bobby “stubborn” and too “loyal.” Well, I’d say they’re correct when it takes a pour soul to produce a homer, 4 hit performance, and the game winning hit to finally be named the starter over a guy who can’t hit or field and everyone but Bobby could see this months ago!
The question is, where would we be had this decision–and many others like it–been made many, many weeks back?
Coach (2010 or Bust)
July 1st, 2009
3:54 am
75, remember that number because it’s exactly how long it took Bobby Cox to pull his head out of his ass and remove KJ from the regular line up. Now, if we could only convince Cox to do the same with Francoeur……..when hell freezes over
hop
July 1st, 2009
5:00 am
bobby has a history of going with the hot player and that is why he is a great manager.
prado will be the starting second basement unless johnson goes on a hitting streak which he is very capable of doing.
braves are still very weak hitting team with holes at first base and the outfield.
frenchy had two hits last night,maybe he is ready to roll again.
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
July 1st, 2009
5:04 am
duaz in left is even more important then prado at second in mho i can just see ga going first to third on that blanco single /double (giggle)
Kevin
July 1st, 2009
5:37 am
are u kiddin frenchy had 2 hits that after he could not drive in a run…..with people on base its oh i not wearin any jock cup strike out…Oh no worrys bobby cox will fix prado they trade him away so KJ want get his feelins hurt.
Kevin
July 1st, 2009
5:40 am
See what they doin is showin that Prado can hit so can trade away for a box of rejects in GM’s Wren office.No worrys he have Kelly (no hit) Johnson back in line-up tonight u watch!And u all can say Go Braves n take B.Cox n wren to cubs for to un-clog there toilets at cubs games
deja vu
July 1st, 2009
6:13 am
Since when does Deangelo Escobar take HIMSELF out of a game. Wow, Bobby is too old.
Ward
July 1st, 2009
6:23 am
Great win…Prado HAS to play 2nd!!! Johnson may have the skipper’s heart because he worked so hard to learn a new position but Prado is better fielder, contact hitter and has “instincts” in the field.Diaz needs to play much more..despite Anderson’s recent hitting..career 290 hitter anyway…Diaz “excites” the crowd and is better fielder. Diaz is in the middle of many exciting moments!!Chemistry is what winning teams call the Prado/Diaz moments…the laboratory professor needs to keep the chemistry boiling….NO JOHNSON!!! Ward
Baba O'Riley
July 1st, 2009
6:46 am
deja vu- Players take themselves out of games all the time. McLouth did it last night as well.
eastbound and down
July 1st, 2009
6:59 am
Cox amazes me. Prado is too hot to take out..Johnson played himself onto the bench.. trade that dude for a case of cheap beer, give everyone one on the roster a brewski and tell KJ to hit the highway.
jacket3
July 1st, 2009
7:13 am
Last nights game was finally fun to watch. Lot’s of drama. For one brief moment it had 1991 written all over it.
Diaz and Prado are either being showcased for trades or maybe someone other than braves blogger fans are finally reading everyone’s posts. Either way the game was just a sterling moment in the 2009 season. Maybe, just maybe I hope the front office, and BC finally see the light!
Uncle Dave
July 1st, 2009
7:17 am
Remember Royster in 82? Maybe Prado can be that guy. The problem is that we still do not have legitimate power. Royster was a spark on that 82 team for sure, but they also had Murphy, Horner, Chambliss, and Claudell Washington knocking the ball out of the park…. we have McCann (catcher who gets fatigued), Chipper (gets hurt) and nobody else. It would be one thing if we were built for speed… but who exactly is going to bunt for a hit or take an extra base on this team? Nobody. That is why it is a shame that Jordan Shafer was not ready. So… what we have is a a terrific Catcher and a Hall of fame third baseman on the home stretch of his career teamed with good pitching and a cast of of slow guys who cannot hit for power or average. That said… they can win in this division of underachievers… but anything beyond that is a stretch.
Turlock Brave
July 1st, 2009
7:34 am
Please stop writing these “turning point of the season” pieces. Every time one is published, the Braves lose their next five to eight games. Thank you, and pass it on.
Allen
July 1st, 2009
7:44 am
a beer or cup of coffee or what ever your drink is says Bobby Cox will have KJ back at 2b before the end of the week! Cox just has no fire to win. Look at coaches in any sport at any level and the successful ones will all have the competative fire to win. Why would Cox ever retire when he makes a mil per year and loves coming to the ball park. For him winning is just a bonus. The Braves will never do anything as long as Cox is the manager – this did not just start recently, even when they werer winning divisions they still could not do anything in the post season. If Joe Torre had the talent Cox has had since 1996 there would be 4 or 5 world championships in Altnata – oh wait, those championships are in NY and may be headed to LA.
TRobb
July 1st, 2009
7:44 am
Mark, you said, “…a homestand that fell flat against the Yankees and Red Sox…”, and I’m thinking, what? But of course you’re right, they lost both series.
I just don’t feel like they played badly because the pitching has been so very good.
For a team with a pitching staff this good to be under .500, the offense has had to be absolutely dismal. Like, historically dismal.
mowreck
July 1st, 2009
7:53 am
Mark, the reason Kelly Johnson has forgotten how to play is because he is jerked in and out of games too often. His confidence has got to be shot.
One nite he was 2 hits, the next one 3 hits … then he sits just so Cox can give WHOEVER some playing time.
mowreck
July 1st, 2009
7:55 am
P.S. I believe Prado was batting 139 before last nites 2 hits.
Jfreak
July 1st, 2009
7:59 am
If the Braves are depending on Prado or Blanco to get them to the playoffs they are in far worse shape than anyone had imagined. Don’t get me wrong Prado is playing much better than Johnson and should start but to suggest that because a utility player is the key to the Braves season is silly!
The key as it has been all year is three guys playing well: Chipper, Frenchy and Anderson?? Right now 1 (Anderson) of the three is playing well, although Frenchy seems to be playing better of late? Chipper you assume will come out of his slump but isn’t the POWER player he use to be. Frenchy I think will improve and have decent numbers by years end. By decent I mean .265 14 75?? Chipper on the other hand seems to have lost his consistant power stroke. Our best “hitter” is our catcher and he should hit 3rd to give him more at bats.
We need another bat in the line up?? Adam Dunn??
mowreck
July 1st, 2009
7:59 am
p.s. I believe Prado was batting 139 before the 2 hits last nite. Even if Cox started him over KJ and he had 4 hits the next day … Cox would probably sit him and play KJ … been that way all year.
JP Swain
July 1st, 2009
8:03 am
Why will Kelly Johnson get another chance down the line? He’s not a very good fielder, and he makes Jeff Francouer look like a reliable hitter.
Be-little, BeBOLD
July 1st, 2009
8:08 am
I think the turning point in KJ’s year came when he was on his hot streak hitting and Cox decided he needed a rest . . . this after everyone had been on his back for the dropped fly-ball that cost them a game. Mentally, he just caved in . . . fans on him and manager benches him. Also, many games Cox sat him because he was facing a lefty although he hit better against them than right-handers. Don’t lay all the blame for his bad season on his back . . . put part of it on his manager! Can you please give the guy a little respect?
Over and out
July 1st, 2009
8:19 am
Turlock Brave said exactly what I was thinking. Everytime this turning point article is written, we go on to lose 4-5 games in a row.
Tonight, Franceour needs to wear his Turkey underwear against Hamels.
bravesfanforever
July 1st, 2009
8:29 am
Yeah, okay, get the fans excited so they tune in for another blog session. The way the team is currently constructed, they are not winners. They will be lucky to finish the season at .500. Funny how newspapers constantly have to make stories out of nothing. I realize it was a great game, but that’s all it was. It was not a turning point because the Braves are no better than they were he day before because it takes a collective effort from an entire team to win, not just one guy having a great night.
This team needs several things to finish the season in a respectable manner. They are all achievable.
1. Prado stays in at 2B and has a season like 2008.(He could finish the season hitting much better being a regular)
2. Diaz needs to either share time with Anderson in left or he needs to take over completely. Like Prado, with regular ABs (2008 not withstanding) he should hit much better–most players do.
3. Kotchman needs to have a career year. Might be asking for too much but has anyone seen his minor league stats? He has it in him to hit .300 with 15-20 homers. I’m not sure why he hasn’t reached his full potential but most players do after 5 years in the big leagues. He should be in his prime at age 26. Maybe this is all we can expect?
4. McLouth needs to hit 5th, not 1st. This team needs power, not what little speed we would get out of one player. He is not a 60 SB guy so forget it and he doesn’t have the OBP anyway. Put him 5th since he could finish the season with 30 homers. Our “best” power hitter should not be leading off games! Hitting him behind two guys who get on base 40+% of the time (Chipper & McCann) should give him plenty of RBI opportunities.
5. Which leads me to Escobar. Lead off with Prado and hit Escobar second. Not an ideal situation, but we know Prado can hit which means he can get on base. He is at .360 and was at .377 last year in OBP (who else can bat lead off on this team!!). We all know Escobar does not like to lead off and besides he has more power than Prado and he is a pretty good hitter with runners on base.
Look at this line up:
1. Prado
2. Escobar
3. Chipper
4. McCann
5. McLouth
6. Diaz
7. Kotchman
8. Francoeur
9. Pitcher
Not a bad line up. Not great, but not bad, and I haven’t even gotten to any trades.
I still believe this team needs at least one big trade because we do not know if Chipper is going to make it or even hit like he used to and this team needs POWER. If they can trade away Vasquez and include Francoeur in that trade, that will free up $15 million. You can get a heck of a player for $15 million (and I don’t mean Matt Holiday). LF is logically the best place to put that player since we have Heyward coming in a year or two. In the meantime, if Schafer comes back in one month (great timing with the trade deadline), put McLouth in RF, Schafer in CF and our new power hitting LF in the line up, we’ll be sitting pretty. I’m not holding my breath on Schafer so don’t get me wrong. He does not need to come back this season but it would be nice.
1. Schafer CF
2. Escobar SS
3. Chipper 3B
4. McCann C
5. New LF
6. McLouth RF
7. Kotchman 1B
8. Prado 2B
9. Pitcher
We can survive trading away a starter since Hudson is coming back. It is taking a risk but isn’t that baseball? If it does not work out this season, we always have next year right? No big deal. Hudson will be back, maybe good in August and September or maybe not. Doesn’t matter. Either way we get our power hitting LF for next year. Lowe, Jurrjens, Hanson, Hudson, & KK. That’s not bad! if Hudson doesn’t come back we can always move KK to the fourth position and try Medlen in the fifth. Honestly, the fifth starter does not need to be lights out. How many teams have great fifth starters anyway?
RufinoLinares
July 1st, 2009
8:30 am
I have said since Prado first came up that I felt that Atlanta should give him a shot to play every day. The Braves labeled him as a “utility” player when he’s a good contributor. Prado is a player who will do whatever he’s asked to do and needed to do for the team to win. Last night he had a hot stick. He provides spark to an otherwise listless lineup. The timing of Bobby Cox putting him in the lineup is pretty awkward. Kelly Johnson had a decent game Sunday as I recall. I would have expected Cox to put him in the lineup Wednesday against Cole Hamels. Still, Prado had a better game last night than KJ has had all season.
siskel_god
July 1st, 2009
8:30 am
Great win last night, I’m glad to see Prado get the nod at 2nd it’s well overdue. I’m not getting too excited because I did that after we won 2 in a row against the Cubs and Yanks, and after all it is just 1 game. Garrett has been heating up and hitting the ball pretty good and Jeff has been much better this month, with Prado starting at second if we move Yunel down to 5th where he hit the other day against Boston that might be the impact bat we been needing. I would like 1 more guy still but prbably not gonna get it so we better win with what we got.
MiltonDawg
July 1st, 2009
8:31 am
can we finally just get a lineup that works and stick with it? aside from injuries, we need to stick with something like this:
McLouth/Blanco
Prado
Chipper
Mac
Anderson
Kotchman
Escobar/Hernandez
Francouer/Diaz/Blanco
SP
This could easily work and very flexible- no since of putting Escobar in the top with his hip flexor issue and until Francouer can take his turkey briefs and bat (consistently) over .300, then maybe you can move him to the 5/6 spot.
Uncle Dave
July 1st, 2009
8:31 am
You guys are missing the boat on Johnson. He has had plenty of opportunity to produce. How many at bats does he need to mend his fragile psyche? Has mean old Bobby Cox been too tough on him? Give me a break. Johnson is a good guy and he will snap out of it. You sell him short when you make it sound like he cannot handle playing for a manager who is universally praised by former players as the best guy to work for in the majors. That list of players spans a period of time longer than many of you have been alive. While no manager is perfect, you guys lose credibility when you blame Cox exclusively for the lack of production. He is only playing the hand he was dealt by a penny pinching out of town “ownership group” who never viewed this team as anything more than a convenient tax break because of Stock Options. Cox is trying to win with some young talent and a group of line drive hitters who “will not break the bank.” Johnson is a big boy and I think he can take it.
Hoosier Aaron
July 1st, 2009
8:34 am
Just for the record – Kelly Johnson has not had a 2 hit game since June 3 – in fact, he’s had 1 hit (period) since June 16.
Since June 21, Prado has had a 2, 3 & 4 hit game. In 64 AB in June, Martin is hitting .359.
Plus – in the months of May & June (169 AB) Garrett Anderson is hitting .296…..honestly, we knew he was not going to hit for power. He was called a “professional hitter”…and for the last two months he’s beeen exactly that.
One more comment, Medlen needs to get some innings – if not in Atlanta at Gwinnett….a seat next to Eddie P is not doing him any good.
RufinoLinares
July 1st, 2009
8:37 am
To the lineup prognosticators, Prado is not a leadoff hitter. He seems to be a pretty good #2 hitter. Here’s what I would do with what you have:
CF Nate McLouth
2B Martin Prado
3B Chipper Jones
C Brian McCann
SS Yunel Escobar
LF Garret Anderson
1B Casey Kotchman
RF Jeff Franceour
I think the Braves need a bat if they’re going to stay in it like everybody else. The reality of it is that most GM’s have said there aren’t many out there. If getting a bat is going to involve any further talent from the farm, I’m not for it. In reality, this team would make a quick exit if they even made the playoffs so why trade away your future when it won’t even fix the present?
Ripped Again
July 1st, 2009
8:43 am
That was a good win ,but they have to show me more before im going start drinking the kool-ade .
The Grinch
July 1st, 2009
8:46 am
Best hitting pitcher ever? I’m pretty sure that was Babe Ruth. Besides, Mike Hampton’s a better hitter than Francouer.
ALL Righty then
July 1st, 2009
8:48 am
Prado needs to be the starting 2nd baseman. Keeping Kelly Johnson there is not a good move for the team. Johnson is a utility man and its not fair to the team to keep playing him when they need hitting so bad. Also when Infante gets back they should find a place in the lineup for him. Prado and Infante are what this team needs for a run.
I really feel sorry for our pitchers. They deserve better.
Luke
July 1st, 2009
8:53 am
Prado is a baseball player, in every sense of the word. He gives it 100% everytime out there. He needs to be in the starting lineup. I think we need to better our team and dump Kelly, along with one of our capable starting pitchers in the organization for a bat, it just makes to much sense!!
tralfaz
July 1st, 2009
8:55 am
Don’t give up on the hitters until you try a new hitting coach
Mark P.
July 1st, 2009
9:00 am
No doubt it was a fantastic win, and we all hope that it leads to something more. But Prado and Diaz, the two offensive heros, will probably be on the bench for tonight’s game. Bobby Cox has, in the past, stayed with players in a slump, even if the slump has lasted most of the year. He is the only person that believes that Kelly Johnson can play his way out of his slump. And when the Braves score no runs the next two games to undo this one-game lift, don’t be surprised. Cox has become the Cooler. Batting averages mean nothing. Go with the cold hitter. Unbelievable.
Dzjenn
July 1st, 2009
9:01 am
If the cards can turn a pitcher into an outfield (Ankiel) maybe we can turn an outfield into a pitcher (Francoeur). I like it!
braveshoo
July 1st, 2009
9:04 am
Great Win. One disagreement-we need to stop demanding trades and manage in a way that puts the players that we have in the best position to win.I saw some of it last night and I hope it continues.First, Prado starts-hits,fields,bunts to get RISP,has great baseball instincts and is clutch. Should have happened a year ago.Second,I liked the way we bunted runners to 2b and 3b with only one out even though the pitcher was coming up. All the pitcher has to do in that situation is hit a ground ball, a fly ball, or a squeeze bunt. Cox tryed the squeeze and it would have worked if Lowe had gotten the bunt down. Right strategy-bad execution, but I expect if we practiced it more, and did it more in games, our execution would be better.This team has good pitching.Its the little things that they need to do better to score more runs. Third-dont trade Kelly. Put him on the bench, let him work on his hitting with the pressure off, and let him earn his way on the field like Prado did. Before the end of the year, he will help us with a pinch hit or if someone gets hurt. Fourth, play Diaz more. He hussles, and this is something this team needs-press the defense by going 1st to third on a hit to LF,etc. In addition, it gives Anderson and Frenchy a needed night off on a regular basis. Last, play Infante and Prado when Infante gets off the DL.If Infante is at 2b, play Prado at 1b or 3b and give Casey or Chipper a night off,but keep prado and Infante in the game. We need their hitting,defense,speed,bunting,and hustle.McClouth,Prado,Chipper,McCann,Escobar,Anderson/Diaz,Infante,Francour/Diaz is a pretty good lineup if you dont play for HRs, and instead hit and run,sacrifice, squeeze, and play aggresive baseball.
Ben
July 1st, 2009
9:05 am
Mark P., I hope you’re wrong but I can’t say that I’m not on board with your pessimistic take. Moments like these are what have made this season so frustrating. We’ve been in this position before where we were only 2-3 games back, win a big game, then go on a 5 game losing streak. It’s all here in front of us, 4 games back, 2 with the Phils, but we’ve done nothing but wilt in these moments so far. I still say that without another big stick this is still nothing but a .500 team. Nothing I’ve seen tells me otherwise so far.
TRobb
July 1st, 2009
9:07 am
I did a little looking last night at the defensive metrics (zone rating, UZR) on Fanalytics. The Braves were way below average in LF and CF (McLouth was horrible, which doesn’t comport with what my eyes were telling me), as well as 3B and SS (Escobar and CJones have been lousy, Chipper last night notwithstanding). Kelly was above average at 2B, and Kotchman, McCann and Ross all well above average at 1B and C.
Prado was well above average at first and third and average at 2B. Not that I’m in favor of “average” as a benchmark for 2B play, but it was a big improvement over Prado’s last two years at 2B and to get a clutch RH bat in the lineup every day, I think you have to go with Prado.
And make no mistake. Kelly is not being benched because of his defense, which is above average. He’s being benched because he hasn’t had a hit in a month.
Mike
July 1st, 2009
9:07 am
I keep seeing everyone put these “dream” lineups in their blogs. Exactly what does one expect to accomplish with a lineup littered with .250 hitters?
TRobb
July 1st, 2009
9:08 am
Oh, and Francoeur was average.
Silly Atlanta Fans
July 1st, 2009
9:14 am
Face it folks. In a couple of days everyone will be lamenting how bad this team is and how DONE they are.
The team isn’t a contender and that won’t change due to one game. Reality stinks sometimes and that is reality.
You have a writer who is looking for something to write about and gullible fans who are wishin’ and hopin’ for a miracle.
This article is like a snake oil salesman telling you his product offers hope for your ailment.
It just ain’t gonna happen!
Helluva Engineer
July 1st, 2009
9:20 am
Kelly Johnson needs to continue to stay on the bench. As long as that happens we have a chance to win.
Charles
July 1st, 2009
9:29 am
Bill, no way Frenchy would be the best hitting pitcher in the bigs. That honor would still undeniably be Micah Owings’. Hell, Owings would be the third best bat in the Braves everyday lineup as it is.
Braves73
July 1st, 2009
9:33 am
I was impressed with the Braves win last night, but moreso how they won the game. They play with some passion & more to the point, they played with urgency. It’s the little things that they haven’t done well…like bunting runners over into scoring position (Prado bunting Blanco into scoring position in the 6th), hitting a weak grounder to the right side of the infield that scores a run in the 5th-Frenchy) and just putting pressure on the oppossing team. If you look at the Phillies, their pitching is horrible, their batting average as a team is just a few points higher than the Braves, but they do two things that the Braves don’t/can’t. They hit home-runs (lead the NL) and they RUN. They are not overly fast, but they are always putting pressure on and creating offense…The Braves would be well served adopting this mentality.
Mangum
July 1st, 2009
9:33 am
Why is it every time the Braves have a win like this or beat a good team, the writers for the AJC say that this “is the start of something.” Until the Braves get above .500 and start winning on a consistent basis, I’m not getting my hopes up. The same was said when we started 5-1, when we swept Toronto, and when we beat the Yankees to open the series. Look at where we have ended up.
jay
July 1st, 2009
9:37 am
I think a lot of posters on this blog should really start thinking about eating some crow on Frenchy… He’s starting to come around and after supplying material for the local columnists for a year, suddenly nothing is being said about him. Funny how that works
elliot
July 1st, 2009
9:37 am
guys, lets slow it down a bit (agreeing with Mangum)…. keep in mind what happened against the Sox twice and the Yankees. We still have a terrible offense and no speed. The Mets are going to buy themselves back into the playoffs while the Phillies wake up and start winning “some” games at home. We do not have a playoff team. Sorry.
VaBravesfan
July 1st, 2009
9:41 am
The Braves should retire Kelly Johnson’s uniform jersey, with him in it.
The Grinch
July 1st, 2009
9:49 am
Trobb, any “metrics” that tell you McLouth is horrible defensively and KJ is above average defensively are “metrics” you ought not pay much attention to. Use the good ol’ eyeball test.
jay
July 1st, 2009
9:50 am
Moreck – Prado was hitting .280 before last night’s game. Maybe you were confusing him with Blanco (I know, all those Latin players look alike).
KJ’s average hasn’t been over .256 since April 18th. He has 11 multi-hti games (in 61 starts), and none in his last 18 starts. Blanco’s now hitting .219 (in only 32 AB’s) versus KJ’s .216. Prado is hitting .299 and has 9 multi-hit games in 32 starts and is much better second baseman.
This isn’t rocket science.
Blackberry Cobbler
July 1st, 2009
9:50 am
No, this is NOT the start of something. It’s just another Braves tease.
If Kelly Johnson ever starts at 2B again, I swear I’ll never watch another Braves game this season. Prado is just flat out a much better ball player and deserves to play.
Of course, Cox is a moron so we’ll see.
bravesfanforever
July 1st, 2009
9:54 am
Anyone read DOB’s article???
“Afterward, Braves manager Bobby Cox said Prado would be the starting second baseman over slumping Kelly Johnson, at least for a while.
“He’s too hot to take out,” Cox said of Prado, who hit a two-out, eighth-inning RBI double to tie the score, and a one-out single after falling behind in the count 0-2 against Chan Ho Park in the 10th.”
I think that kinda means that Prado will be the starting second baseman does it not?
By the way Brave’s fans… My line up is way better than anyone else’s here.
You can’t bat your biggest power hitter in the one slot. Makes no sense at all. McLouth would get a ton of RBIs behind Chipper and McCann. We have trouble getting the runners home people.
Apparently since we are forgoing power and this team can’t steal anyway, wouldn’t Chipper or McCann be a better lead off hitter since they get on base 40% of the time?? McLouth is not a big base stealer, is not a great OBP guy, therefore, hit him 5th. What logical reason would anyone have for not putting Prado first This team can’t steal bases anyway so forget it!
Does anyone here think that 20 SBs is more important than 200 RBI opportunities during an entire season? Geez, the team had Johnson leading off and it’s not like he was a speed burner. Put Prado first.
Lazy Dawg
July 1st, 2009
9:55 am
Braves just need to have some fun in the dugout and baseball will take care of it’s self.
BT
July 1st, 2009
9:56 am
Even though it was short, this was the best column of the season! Funny they go better after a win.
On another note a few years ago we were 10 games back at the end of July and still made the playoffs. If their were bloggers back then I wonder what they would have been saying at the time. Were they trying to run our HOF Manager out of town, was Chipper a bum, did we have the worst starting nine in baseball?
TRobb
July 1st, 2009
9:57 am
Grinch, I kind of take them with a grain of salt, you’re right. McLouth catches everything he gets to and plays smart. I haven’t seen any glaring deficiencies there. He might have less range than, say, Torii Hunter, but I have no problem with Nate McLouth as my CF.
On Johnson, I disagree with you there. He has turned a nice pivot since he started (thanks to Glenn Hubbard). He does have good range – had a problem going to his right last year, I agree, but he smoothed that out this year – and his hands, while not Ozzian, are pretty good. I was in favor of KJ at 2B for the foreseeable future at the beginning of the season because I considered him a good 2B and expected him to keep developing with the bat – say, .290/.370/20HR/80RBI/100R. That’s a nice player.
Unfortunately, he’s more like .190/.270. And I get warm, fuzzy feelings when Prado comes to the plate. As a bonus, Prado makes us less lefthanded.
Doug
July 1st, 2009
10:01 am
Why is Braves management so blind? Somebody labeled Prado and Infante as “utility” and that’s the end of that. These guys play with more heart and effect than most of the “starters”. Both show steady improvement when played regularly and seem to have the grit and ability to provide better performance than the guys they replace. They are not flashy or have big egos, they just know how to play solid ball and do what’s required to win. Maybe they have weaknesses that will show over the long run, but we never let them settle in long enough to find out.
TRobb
July 1st, 2009
10:03 am
BFF (heh), yeah, I saw Bobby’s quote. That’s about as effusive as he gets when he’s decided to make a change, I suppose. I’d've rather he said, “Wow. Prado was awesome tonight, and come to think of it, for the last year-and-a-half. All the guy does is hit. Kelly will be designated for assignment tomorrow.”
Also, there are a lot of those statistical ubermeisters who say that the way to structure your lineup is by OBP – so McCann first, Chipper second, etc, which produces more runs. I’m not sure the purist in me is ready for that.
Although, McCann might lead the team in steals right now….hmmm…..
Ralph
July 1st, 2009
10:24 am
Best possible lineup:
1. McCloth-CF
2. Prodo-2b
3. McCann-1b
4. Jones-3b
5. Ross-C
6. Escobar-ss
7. Infante-rf
8. Diaz/Anderson-lf
john
July 1st, 2009
10:25 am
Enter your comments here
john
July 1st, 2009
10:26 am
trade prado to phils for utley and howard
john
July 1st, 2009
10:27 am
trade prado for utley and howard
Ralph
July 1st, 2009
10:29 am
Bobby says “Prodo’s got the job” as long as he goes 4-5 with a homer every nite.
Jim Ed
July 1st, 2009
10:34 am
Look…nice win. But Prado and Blanco delivering 7 hits is an aberration. Last night’s lineup had two sub .200 hitters. That’s not gona win ballgames…regardless of the pitching. Braves need to make a deal for some consistent hitting and a little bit of power. Now is the time to move Kelly Johnson and Francoer for a consistent hitting (and fielding) 2B (Infante when he gets back is to valuable as a swing man) and power hitting OF. Would even consider moving Escobar (seems like a head case) to somewhere like Pitt for Jack Wilson (a little maturity).
The Grinch
July 1st, 2009
10:34 am
True, Kelly doesn’t mess up that often, but when he does it’s usually a doozy.
I somehow doubt we’d score more runs with Chipper or McCann leading off; who would drive them in? Plus it’s not exactly like they’d make the opposing pitcher uncomfortable once they were on. Not to mention they’re both only 3/4 time players; the constant lineup shifts would be disruptive.
It IS rather interesting that all our players who hustle and have good fundamentals are “bench” guys. Something tells me they’d be starting on other, smarter teams.
Ramblinwreck83
July 1st, 2009
10:56 am
Silly Atlanta Fans, you are a silly atlanta fan. You sound very much like the fans that came and cheered for the Yanks or Sox this past week. We’ve got to show a little faith as true fans. Otherwise we’re no different that National fans.
Ran Man
July 1st, 2009
11:00 am
Uh…slightly off topic but – how many more articles is the AJC going to run on Francour’s freak’n turkey underwear?? Two in two days is about two too many. Does anyone really think the Braves fortunes ride on Jeff’s skivvy’s? And why exactly is this news?
Blue Skies Belue
July 1st, 2009
11:06 am
Trade Francour’s turkey underwear for ARod’s toothbrush
http://dentistry.about.com/b/2009/05/24/post-game-dental-ritual-for-alex-rodriguez.htm
kevin mckillop
July 1st, 2009
11:09 am
How long do you think it will take MR WREN & Bobby cox to understand that Prado belongs at second base and when the backup SS comes back give him some right field experience.Frency will still not get it done.He gets a few hits and then his EGO will again take over.
benchwarmer
July 1st, 2009
11:20 am
I get the feeling that there are at least a few Braves who don’t always agree with Bobby Cox. I don’t always agree with him either. Play the hot bat. If no one is hot, play the better team player. Such things as good hard working at bats contribute mightly to a teams likely success in later innings. Stupid first pith free swingers had better be lights out hot to stay in my lineup. Prado has been a super baseball player who plays smart for quite a while. Bobby you are wrong. KJ sits , Prado plays!
AlabamaBrave
July 1st, 2009
11:21 am
A series win, and then we will talk about whether or not this is a turning point.
Hawk01
July 1st, 2009
11:21 am
We will not be able to win unless we have some power numbers. Punch and Judy hitters (Singles Hitters) will never produce alot of runs. We need the 3 run home run type of guys. Kotchman, and Francouer are putting up 2B and SS numbers……………Oh, I’m sorry……………even 2B and SS put up better numbers than those 2. It amazes me that some of the comments about Escobar when he will always be a better hitter than Francouer. But…………………….He is the Golden Child from Atlanta and he is the right color for so many racist fans in Atlanta,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,so we give him a break. Yet you pick on Escobar when he makes a mistake. Bobby Cox sucks !!!!!!!!!! When Francouer makes a mistake, no one says much to him, but let Escobar make a mistake and this blog jumps him big time. I would rather keep a 15 Hr 70 RBI SS than the same numbers for a corner outfielder. Francouer will never be but average. Escobar has an upside. Francouer seems to be falling and has seen his best days. CAN YOU SAY JOE CHARBONEAU. Trade him while he has some value for he will never produce here due to he is still upsett about being demoted last year and it appears that he would not mind a trade. He may produce for someone else. He has lost his power and will always for Atlanta be 15 Hr 70 RBI player.
AlabamaBrave
July 1st, 2009
11:23 am
Everyone is talking about trading Francouer for a power hitting OF. First of all, who would take Frenchy? Secondly, what OF is available that fits the bill? Dunn perhaps?
AlabamaBrave
July 1st, 2009
11:26 am
How about trading for a 3B an OF and moving Chipper to first?
benchwarmer
July 1st, 2009
11:26 am
Dunn, Dunn, Dunn! What’s up with that. Strikes out way to much. When and where has he shown that he can propel a team into the playoffs? And he fields below average.
AlabamaBrave
July 1st, 2009
11:27 am
Bench…..I am just throwing out names. Got anyone better, besides not Dunn?
Tomy Fournier
July 1st, 2009
11:27 am
LATIN POWER(UFFF…VENEZUELAN)
Mark Bradley
July 1st, 2009
11:34 am
Obviously we can’t know if this was a turning point until things actually turn (or don’t turn). But it seemed pretty big at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday night.
AlabamaBrave
July 1st, 2009
11:41 am
You are right about that MB. Many of us have been looking for a sign of something positive. Perhaps a trade for another bat would give us more hope. Does the front office have anyone in mind to fill that void?
The Dude
July 1st, 2009
11:58 am
I want to see line-ups that excite me. It appears that only happens once in a blue moon when players are healthy. I wonder how the weekend would have played out with Infante at SS. Diory Hernandez is like having another pitcher in the line-up. That’s not exciting.
elliot
July 1st, 2009
12:50 pm
BT – 10 years ago our lineup was juuuuuuust a tad better. We had 4 guys with 20+ HRs (not including Chipper’s 45) a team avg nearly 20 pts better and 6th in the league with steals. Then you have the pitching…well….
This does not even begin to speak to the competition in the NL East. The Phillies weren’t the Phillies of today and the Marlins were bottom feeders.
Being 10 back today is not the same as being 10 back in ‘99
Benjamin
July 1st, 2009
2:31 pm
One game does not a season make, fellas. This team has lost too many games in heart-breaking fashion this year for us to be prepared to believe that last night completely turned our fortunes around. We need to just win this series and build from there.
We’ve got the pitching. Our lineup could be better, but we’ve got guys who haven’t performed up to par for their projected abilities, also. It’s just a matter of learning to put everything together for this franchise. Once we do that — and once Bobby learns to manage the bullpen a little better than he has (here’s hoping old dogs truly can learn new tricks) — we’ll be better off. No one is going to run away with this division, most likely, so we’re in the thick of things, as is.
JEZ
July 1st, 2009
2:32 pm
Cox is dumb if he puts Kelly in there over Prado…why must he keep killing the braves chances of winning by keeping slumping hitters in there like KJ and JF? If there were no other options that would be one thing but Prado is solid all around!
Benjamin
July 1st, 2009
2:36 pm
Dunn, Dunn, Dunn! What’s up with that. Strikes out way to much. When and where has he shown that he can propel a team into the playoffs? And he fields below average.
–
Regarding Adam Dunn, he would be a godsend to this lineup, low batting average and all. His power and ability to get on base via walks would be helpful, and he’d provide the ample protection Chipper, Mac, and co. would need hitting above him.
Defensively he’s not a stud, but if we were ever able to land him, he’d be huge.
(Regarding his playoff record — or lack thereof — he hasn’t exactly had anything to “lead” to the playoffs, for the most part. Arizona’s the only solid team he’s ever been on, and he did his part there. Kind of hard to pull a cart to the top of the hill if you’re the only healthy horse pullin’ the wagon.)