Don’t look now, but the Bravos are back in this thing!
They’re back in it. We can’t know if they’re going to win it, but they’re in it. The Braves went 6-4 on their loudest homestand in years, and if 6-4 doesn’t sound all that hot, let’s recall they were 2-4 as of Sunday morning. Let’s also recall that only five days ago a lot of us figured they’d wind up 2-8.
But they didn’t. They roused themselves and played at a higher level than we had seen since Memorial Day, which not coincidentally marked the last time they had won a series. Back then they swept the Blue Jays, who were leading the AL East. This time they swept the reigning World Series champs, who arrived leading the NL East but who depart in a first-place tie.
The Florida Marlins are now co-leaders, and the Braves, while still in fourth place, are only two games back. Talk about exquisite timing. Lose three to the Phils and they would have been eight games out and surely looking to dump salary at month’s end. They’re not dumping anything now. They figure with their pitching and the expected return of Tim Hudson, they’ve as good a shot as anybody. They might be right.
Good things are happening now, the sort of things that didn’t happen for nearly three months. Martin Prado turned into Joe Morgan. (Slight hyperbole there, but you get the point.) Matt Diaz turned into Joe Rudi. (Again, you get the drift.) Derek Lowe found himself. Yunel Escobar finally played a game and made it a beauty. And the Braves began to get a little lucky, which never hurts.
Thursday night, top of the eighth, tie game. Mike Gonzalez, who nearly blew Tuesday’s game, walks Jayson Werth, who steals second and moves to third on Brian McCann’s throwing error. Then Gonzalez make an even worse delivery, sailing a pitch over McCann’s mitt to the backstop. (”I lost it in the scoreboard,” McCann will say afterward.) But the catcher pivots and pounces and whirls and throws, and Gonzalez tags Werth and the inning is done, the tie still in place.
Loading ...And then the Braves, who to hear their critics know nothing of fundamentals, play a lovely half-inning. McCann singles to left. Escobar bunts Jair Jurrjens, in to pinch-run, to second. Diaz doubles him home. And then Garret Anderson hoists the first pinch-hit homer of his career — the first pinch-hit homer any Brave has struck this season — into the home bullpen. Three-run lead. Three-game sweep
“Winning this series is huge, huge for the year,” Gonzalez said. “It could be a changing series for us. We played as a team.”
And when the Braves do that, they’re not half-bad. Their pitching could scarcely have been better over the concluding two series — the Red Sox and the Phils mustered 13 runs between them — and the Braves begin to hit a bit. “Timely hitting,” Bobby Cox said. “That’s what does it.”
In the aftermath of the bitter 1-0 loss to Boston on Saturday, the Braves’ season seemed down to its final throes, realistically if not mathematically. But Tommy Hanson got out of bed and threw a big game, and here his team sits, resuscitated and perhaps reborn.
“Two games out,” said a buoyant Frank Wren, making his way to clubhouse. Two games out, and the Men of Wren suddenly wear the look of a contender.
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132 comments Add your comment
Dave SEGA
July 3rd, 2009
2:04 am
The Braves have one of the greatest gameday experiences in all of sports. A small amount of pre-planning would have worked out your traffic issue. The Braves have accurate traffic flow maps on their website. I never spend more than 15 minutes leaving a game…even last week against the Yankees and BoSox. I’m not a beer fan, but the ice cream stand was having issues once last week. Maybe its just me, but I don’t see the ballpark as a restaurant. Its a ballpark. They play a game and I’m fortunate enough to watch. I’ve been to several Major League and Minor League stadiums. I’ve been to most NFL stadiums. From a fan’s perspective, I wouldn’t trade the “Turner Field Experience” for any of them. Its nice to visit the other parks, especially the old ones for the sake of being there and their tradition, but on a night to night basis. I’ll take the Ted over any of them. The production quality on video elements is supurb. The scoreboards are numerous and easy to read. There are two out of town scoreboards. Scouts Alley, the Plaza, Tooner Field are all special “Gameday Experiences” that the Braves do, and do quite well.
Traffic in Atlanta sucks…period. You had to stop drinking in the sixth instead of the seventh. C’mon…that’s what keeps people from the games? I seriously doubt that.
jed
July 3rd, 2009
2:09 am
francoeur is hitting .315 against LHP. all the braves need to do to win the division is turn RF into a platoon. sign a vet who can hit RHP and play RF.
Randy J.
July 3rd, 2009
3:01 am
Lets Go Braves!! NICE SWEEP!!!!
GeorgiaYankeesFan
July 3rd, 2009
3:17 am
Hey Bobby Cox, next time there is a runner on first and Prado is up at bat please please please let him hit. He’s the hottest hitter on the team. This team doesn’t need to be giving away outs especially with the way Prado is driving the ball. PS Give Frenchy an ultimatum – the next time you swing at the first pitch, I’m yanking you out of the game.
GeorgiaYankeesFan
July 3rd, 2009
3:21 am
I agree with Just a Customer’s comments above, I went to Yankees series last week, and the lack of respect shown to customers who decided to park and walk to the stadium was ridiculous. Parking attendants and cops were more interested in getting cars into lot, then letting people who had the good sense not to park near the stadium get to the game. I spent 7 minutes standing at one intersection (I counted) and 5 minutes standing at the entrance of Green parking lot. Employees care more about drivers and it is sad.
Kris in NC
July 3rd, 2009
4:07 am
When I saw that play with the pass ball going to back stop, my heart sank. I just knew Werth was going to score but McCann hustled and Gonzo got to the plate and basically did something that you hardly see a pitcher do, gave up the body to make the tag on Werth at the plate. Gonzo blocked the plate with Werth coming down the line at full speed.
That play seem to spark the team at the bottom of the inning. Mac seem to redeem himself by getting on base. It fueled the 3 run inning. To sweep the division leading Phillies at home gives us alot of confidence going on the road before the ASB. We need to remember going into Washington, not to take these guy lightly, just because they have a losing record, overconfidence will hurt us.
I do like the move by Bobby to sit Frenchy when he went 0 for 2 and bring in Anderson to pinch hit for him. All Anderson did was blast a 2 run HR to the bullpen to give us a little bit of cushion for Soriano in the top of the 9th. If you ain’t performing, someone else is going to do the job for ya. You will find yourself sitting on the pines.
In some other news, this is according to Bill Shanks’ site, Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward and Palica has been promoted to Double A Mississippi. Folks, I don’t believe it will be long before we see those two guys, Freeman and Heyward up with the big club. Within a yr, those two have made the jump from Low A ball to Double A. Heyward is playing in the Future’s game.
Can’t wait to see these two in Atlanta soon.
jj
July 3rd, 2009
4:32 am
Bobby did a good job this series and I hope he coaches Team and not Bobby’s favs.What I mean is put the best players on the field and don’t worry about being loyal.Chipper needs to catch on to what this TEAM is putting down and stop thinking HOF.Trust his teammates and lead by action and not by mouth.This TEAM is capable of winning this thing and if BC plays his cards right we should be ok.Oh yeah,That Fla team is for real and they believe they can win this thing because of their HISTORY.Wren,if you make a move,please be careful because with Infante and Hudson on the mend,we might be ok.Bobby,you’re the key,make it happen.
Mitch C
July 3rd, 2009
4:53 am
Mark, I agree with you. This sweep against the Phillies was huge. The sweep magnified it even more. If we had won two out of three, we would have been four games out, which is decent, but ground to make up, still. Two games out is very close indeed.
Two things, though. One, we still have to keep plugging, because we are really in a four team race. It’s not like in previous years when we had been behind, where we were chasing, the Dodgers, or the Giants. You have three teams, and maybe a fourth, in the Mets, Marlins, Phils and Braves who could win this thing. If the Mets get all their people back, they could be downright scary as well.
Hopefully, we can continue to make hay, to also get closer in the wild card race, where we are four games out now. I know we always like to think, “Division”, but, quite frankly, after not having been to the playoffs in four years, I dont care which route we take.
One final point: Dont you agree that we need to avoid “letdown”? Look how many times this year we stood up to the “big boys” in the Mets and Phillies, and then turned right around, and lost a series, against a much lesser team? Our schedule until the break brings us to this point. We have the woeful Nats for three this weekend, and then three at Chicago, a team comparble to us in record, and then we go to always fun Colorado, where some truly freaky things have happened.
I dont know if you agree, but I think we need to go.. five and four on this trip to hold our own. Two of three against Washington this weekend, and then split the six games with the Cubs and Rockies, either way, so we get to the break, on a winning note.
I’m happy with how we played this week, but you have to admit, the 2009 Braves have been a tease so far. Just when you think we’re in it,bam, we lose four or five in a row, to hurt ourselves. We need continue to play over 500 ball now, and hope we can stay close until Tim gets back. If that can happen, I like our chances.
For the first time in a while, I’m hopeful. I’ll say cautiously optimistic. I hope my cautious optimism turns into real optimism, if we continue to play well these next nine days into the break.
Mitch
jimmy a
July 3rd, 2009
6:08 am
braves still two games under 500 FIRE WREN
Baba O'Riley
July 3rd, 2009
6:19 am
GeorgiaYankeesfan- your screen name disgusts me.
Sonny Clusters
July 3rd, 2009
7:50 am
When we was playing ball together I never seen anybody pinch hit for Jeff. Now I’ve seen it all.
Collin
July 3rd, 2009
7:52 am
OK lets root for the Pirates to somehow sweep the marlins, and the mets to take 2 of 3 from the Phils! Then of course we have to sweep the nationals which may be harder than it sounds lol
HAL
July 3rd, 2009
8:12 am
wren has done an excellent job i know its still popular tocrdeit js for all and sundry sucess but if he had not traded for tex this team would be poised for another 13/14 year run with all those kids texas robbed him of plus salty still here to provided some power and back up to mcclout
TommyP
July 3rd, 2009
8:16 am
Hang in there ’til Hudson gets back? Is he an OF now?
C’mon, Mark. Hudson isn’t what the team needs. The Hudson of old won’t be back this year…way too early from that surgery to be at peak.
Besides, pitching is the LEAST of our needs.
o-me
July 3rd, 2009
8:17 am
One winning home stand and everything is all roses…lets remember this is the Braves and Bobby is still Bobby.
Chattoogatrion
July 3rd, 2009
8:17 am
Good things happen when you play fundamental baseball. Lead off hitter getting on base, sacrifice bunts, hitting the ball to the right side to advance the runner, stolen bases, that wins games. Put the pressure on the defense to make the plays. Looks like the Braves are FINALLY remembering how to play BASEBALL.
sad brotha
July 3rd, 2009
8:22 am
Brought a Yankee fan to last night’s game. He is a real fan and was shocked at the stadium’s “tude.” The vendor had no ice for his drink (Yes July in the ATL) and Francouer was in right field (pulled finally after 0-3 and two Ks). Well we won, but can’t they just get it done right? The Braves are a lost cause. You will NEVER win with McGuirk at the helm… at ANYTHING!
TheTruth
July 3rd, 2009
8:26 am
Nate McLouth??? What has he added to the organization? Touted as our new “power hitter” and base stealing threat has as yet to be seen. Blanco is as good or better leading off and defensively too. McLouth’s batting average is comparable to Francoeur’s and yet he is our saviour and Jeff is our “kick me” target. Until he proves otherwise he should keep sitting by Bobby with his “injury” . . . funny how certain guys get injured and can’t play except against lesser competition!!
Bama Aaron
July 3rd, 2009
8:31 am
Great to see the Braves playing better. Prado is playing lights out Anderson is hitting better as well.
Diaz in right field would be a better option than Franceour. I hate it Bradley but earlier posters were right…1st & 3rd with no outs and all he has to do is make contact to score a run and he can’t do it…he needs to sit.
Also a question…my season seats don’t give me the best vantage for the strike zone, but was that ump squeezing the pitchers as bad as it looked?
Ashley
July 3rd, 2009
8:31 am
What I liked in the Phillies series is that the Braves were laughing, hugging, showing excitement in the dugout after a earned run or a particularly good play (thanks Prado!). I remarked to my husband that it was like the 1990s all over again: that type of energy and enthusiasm!
They seemed to have fun playing again.
Sonny Clusters
July 3rd, 2009
8:41 am
We always had fun when we was playing ball together. We’d cut up in the dugout and turn our caps sideways and backwards when we needed a rally or when Jeff wasnt hitting. Somebody asked me why we didnt take no pitches and why we dont take no pitches now and that is because we dont want to waste none. It dont matter what underpants your wearing if you dont get nothing to hit.
Daybed Wagmoe
July 3rd, 2009
8:49 am
Mark — terrific write-up, and I love the “Men of Wren” epithet. Btw, the youtube video isn’t working for me…anyone else having problems?
Benjamin
July 3rd, 2009
8:55 am
IF we come out of this road trip with a continue surge, then I’ll allow myself to reconsider, but we cannot crap the bed against teams like the Nationals coming off that sweep. We’ve got to continue the momentum now and seize this thing by the throat while we’ve got something building. Hopefully we can get McLouth back healthy soon and continue building.
And if I’m Bobby, tonight I’m starting Garret in left and Diaz in right.
Colin
July 3rd, 2009
9:03 am
i was just wondering if anyone knew the attendance figures for last night’s game..im not going to lie i was watching the videos on Braves.com and the Ted looked packed!! it was great to see for once, usually the stands are spaced out but a decent number just not packed like last night..and i must say what a emotional win them are always best!! Lets SWEEP the Craps i mean Nats.
Drixie
July 3rd, 2009
9:05 am
If good pitching trumps good hitting, The Braves are the team to beat in The NL East. We need to average about 5 runs a game and we will win between 85 – 90 games which will be enough to take a weak division. If Hudson comes back healthy and effective, we may have the best starters in baseball. I’ll take Gonzales & Soriano over any closer tandem in our division (including the Mets whose tandem is K-Rod and nobody). Go Braves!
Charlie
July 3rd, 2009
9:07 am
Too bad they have Bobby Cox, with all this talent, a good coach would have them 20 games up.
"Chef" Tim Dix
July 3rd, 2009
9:08 am
I was at the game last night and for those Bobby haters, he managed the game as aggresively as any I can remember considering the players he has to work with. Anderson left in the game after the homerun? That’s rolling the dice!
As far as the TED, our gameday experience from a customer service angle it could not be finer, it even continues to excel in the casino level. That box is already checked when I evaluate re-upping our four season tickets.
We are all disappointed with Frenchy’s season but Chipper came to the plate twice with ducks on the pond and flew out on the the infield.
Mark is right, the Braves pitching will keep them hanging around and even if the Brave don’t make any moves, Infante’s return will change the dynamics greatly giving Bobby more OF flexibilty with KJ.
"Chef" Tim Dix
July 3rd, 2009
9:09 am
Never saw attendance last night, I figure 44, 45k.
Colin
July 3rd, 2009
9:11 am
thats really good..if i lived closer..IE not in NY i would be there all the time!!..see NY Braves fan grew up on TBS..but now there not on there soo i stick to mlb gameday…F the Skankees!!!
wjones
July 3rd, 2009
9:24 am
If Hudson isn’t due back until late August, you could do one of two things: Call him up then, and let him pitch some middle/long relief until September 1, or wait until September 1 to activate him, when the active rosters can be expanded. Either way, if he is able to start then, go to a six-man rotation. Think about it: Hudson, just coming back from injury, would get more time between starts, as would Kamakawi, who generally benefits from more rest. Hanson, a rookie not used to this long of a season, gets extra rest. Jurrjens and Vazquez, who will probably have logged a lot of innings by then, will get an additional day to bounce back after a start. Although Lowe seems to do better with less rest, by the time September rolls around maybe he could benefit as well. And will expanded rosters, you would have a bigger bullpen, so you aren’t spread thin. If Hudson is close to what he was by then, and the other five are pitching like they have been, this rotation could separate us from the pack.
chas
July 3rd, 2009
9:26 am
Last night’s game proves how valuable a few homers can be.
Yep, 5 runs a game should be the magic number to win on almost any given night with our rotation and pen. I’ll go ahead and beat the dead horse now… Frenchy is a clown at the plate no doubt, but he is our clown unfortunately so we have to work with what we got or send him down or away. I agree that getting a veteran lefty with some pop in right field would a very nice addition. But who? Let’s not forget that Frenchy was lousy all of last year…this is not a slump. Phils will not last with their rotation so it is us and the Fish and the Mets. I like our chances if Bobby continues to play to win instead of playing to not hurt anyone’s feelings.
The Colonel
July 3rd, 2009
9:29 am
Mark
I agree in some sense that after sweeping the Phils, maybe it isn’t cool to gripe about problems. But you are delusional, a total homer, when it comes to Francouer. I know he’s a good Christian and a swell guy and the lord, I’m sure, will look out for him. But I’d rather have Beyonce at the plate with runners in scoring position. At least she is easy on the eyes.
I find it amusing when other bloggers talk about Jeff improving his pitch selection and so forth.
Hey, dumbbells, that’s what the minor leagues are for. You don’t do that on the major league’s team nickel.
Braves Mom
July 3rd, 2009
9:32 am
I think the Braves have as good a shot as anyone in the NL East. Pitching needs to stay as good as it’s been.
I would be a happy camper if Prado played everyday for Johnson and Diaz played everyday for Franceour. I think everyone has been patient long enough w/ Frenchy. No, Diaz is not as good on defense, but we need a bat in the outfield. Diaz proved this series he deserves to play every day.
Or maybe continue to platoon Diaz w/ Anderson, and the days Anderson plays let Matt play for Frenchy.
I was at the game Tuesday, and it was fun again. Hopefully, they are finally putting it all together.
I miss post season baseball, here’s to hoping the Braves make it this year.
joel
July 3rd, 2009
9:32 am
This is the kind of series Cox loves – great pitching and timely hitting. Seriously Mark it is hard to defend J.F. I love the guy. Literally teary eyed when he hit his first MLB homerun. It felt like the Murp reborn. But did you see him swing at those fastballs last night??? Happ wasn’t getting him out with the junk. He threw multiple 91 mph fastballs right by him. Yikes. It was ugly. I want to keep J.F. I think he is going to be very good some day. Trade him away and in a few years he becomes another Jermaine Dye. But, he needs to go back to the minors and learn to hit .300 there.
Rico Carty
July 3rd, 2009
9:49 am
Is there a quote function on this blog?
Go Braves!!!
Keeping It Real
July 3rd, 2009
9:59 am
I must admit that I watched the game last night and got excited. Then I remembered that anything is better than what the Braves had done previously. If GA had not hit the dinger, everyone would still have him in the dog house even though he has been hitting the ball lately. If Gonzalez had not made that play at the plate then he would be in the dog house. If Bobby Cox had not made the moves he did(Prado, Blanco,Yunel, speed on the base paths, aggrssiveness,swagger, etc.) he would be in the dog house. The fact is the players came through in the clutch for once. This does not make them a contender as all the teams in this division are very weak. If the Braves handle the Nats, then I will become more of a believer. This is their biggest series of the year.
Also, the biggest mistake that Wren can make is to assume that Hudson can come back and to even consider trading Yunel and Frenchy. You think the Phillies are considering trading Jimmy Rollins? McCann and Chipper have not looked good lately either. I guess that they are trade bait also. Get a grip Braves fans.
Jeff F
July 3rd, 2009
9:59 am
Sonny:
Great to read your comments. It’s been quite a few years since you used to watch those Parkview High baseball games. I remember how you used to love to lick the mud off of all the players’ spikes, and how your handler used to give you a treat from the pocket of his blazer when you’d sit, roll over, or give your paw on command. If you have the money to buy a standing room admission to a Braves game, please feel free to stop by the clubhouse after the game – we get mud on our spikes in the majors also.
Your friend, Jeffy
bigcooterb
July 3rd, 2009
10:04 am
If the Braves had a few more players like Matt Diaz, they would be a team.
Zane Smith's Teeth
July 3rd, 2009
10:04 am
Wow..has there ever been a professional athlete the quality of Mcann that looks like that without his shirt?? He looks like he hasn’t seen the inside of a gym in 5 years.
Mac
July 3rd, 2009
10:05 am
I’m encouraged to see a little life in the bats and the players swinging them. But, I’m not going to get too excited just yet. Keeping my fingers crossed, just as I have done all season.
Tim
July 3rd, 2009
10:11 am
This team has pitching and a good bench, use it. Platoon LF & RF.
Lineup:
Blanco CF
Escobar SS
Chipper 3B
McCann C
Diaz/Anderson LF
McClouth/Frenchy RF
Kotchman 1B
Prado 2B
Pitcher
GO Braves!
Javy Lopez/Vazquez
July 3rd, 2009
10:13 am
Sweeping da Phils was great but Im tellin you right now, we still gotta have some righty power in righty field or we not gonna win in the end. & please dont trade me away, Im tired of movin, if we could score I would have 10 wins by now. I love to pitch for Booby Cocks, he just sit there & picka his nose, he dont know nuttin but he lets me pitch da baseball. I not gonna wear no turkey drawers, I dont care how many we win in a row, I gonna stick with my thong, Im too sexy for my self LMAO
Bob Horner
July 3rd, 2009
10:18 am
Can we lay off Frenchy already? The dud had a good homestand, got some big hits, and hard-hit outs. Last night, he has a bad game and everyone’s all over him again. Listen, he raised his batting average 30 points over the last few weeks, so he has been swinging te bat a lot better. Yes, I would like to see Diaz and Frenchy platooned more, so Matt can pretty much play every game, but Jeff has been showing signs. He’s hitting .250, so it’s not like he’s killing you. GEEZ people!
Bob Horner
July 3rd, 2009
10:19 am
and I called him a ‘dud’ – type-o of Freudian slip? hmmm
Jack G.
July 3rd, 2009
10:32 am
The Braves have hit a lucky streak. The Phillies are playing lousy ball right now.The entire division is Little league this year. Also the Nationals should be a pushover in the next series, but sooner or later things will return to normal.
The Braves aint a good team and just because they win a few in a row dont mean very much.
coach k
July 3rd, 2009
10:33 am
your lineup for the rest of the year
1)mcclouth cf
2)Prado 2nd
3)chipper 3rd
4)McCann catcher
5)Escobar ss
6)anderson lf
7)Kotchman 1st
8)Diaz rf
No go get me our swagger back. Picked them in spring and still think we will ake it all. Small ball and an attitude, lets bus roll the Nats!!
The Casual Fan
July 3rd, 2009
10:35 am
Nice article Jeff – I agree w/ many of the comments here -
Game Day Experience – Parking/People Movement serious issue. Keeps me away but for several games per season. Marta can get you to the transfer bus in … but serious issues to / out of the game from there. To date, too tough for Braves/Marta/Atl to solve.
Wren – Do be believe that he has put together a contending product on the field. What more can you ask of the GM? Made tough decision on Glavine after meandering comeback. Question why signed in first place. Hanson has been sweet. But, still don’t see solve for outfield offensive production.
Cox – Are you kidding. Easily one of the best ever in the game. Had players earlier that fit his style (pitch first) – one of the most intune mgrs w/ the game. Perhaps overly loyal – but that’s why he’s able to get the most from players … most of the time, which brings us to JF …
JF – definitely playing as a liability not an asset. As the big tuna says – you are what your stats say you are … and he is. So far, have seen no solve for the outfield. Would definitely look for someone who can hit the right handed pitching and platoon. By the way – guess who has the most at bats … more than 25 over any other Bravo … but lowest slugging % of top ten braves (in terms of at bats) – again, Bobby’s loyalty Achilles … or he just has been unable to find any other options.
Escobar – Man, I do love Escobar when he’s dialed into the games. Again, I think if anyone has the patience to continue to work w/ him it would be Bobby (unless Bravos decide to go Latino on next mgr).
selah …
Braves73
July 3rd, 2009
10:39 am
Ok, it was great to sweep the Phillies but let’s not get carried away…yet. The impressive part was not that they won, but HOW they won. They played solid, fundamentally sound baseball (which has been sorely lacking). The biggest reason/change has been the Blanco/Prado tandem. It’s clear the value that Prado brings to this team. He single-handedly won game one with his bat and continued his hot play throughout the series. It’s clear that Bobby needs to leave him in the lineup (batting 2nd) and somehow figure a way to get Blanco in the game from time to time (for his speed & defense).
I just hope that Bobby doesn’t revert back to his old ways and has KJ back in the game…he should be let go or demoted.
jerry
July 3rd, 2009
10:39 am
Bobby Cox is good enough for the Braves, who in 40+years have one World Series ring. His ass would have been gone long ago if this were the Yankees. Who’s goals are higher? The evidence is clear.
Tim
July 3rd, 2009
10:40 am
Blanco at leadoff makes more sense to me, he works the count and gives you quality ab’s. McClouth is not a leadoff hitter, too aggresive on the first pitch, move him down so he can drive in runners.