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
Brad in Jasper
July 2nd, 2009
10:57 pm
Lot o’ season left. Anything can happen.
buckhead benny
July 2nd, 2009
11:09 pm
Finally Martin Prado and Diaz in the lineup- I think they have one of the better teams in baseball if kelly johnson is sitting the bench- i mean you can’t have 3 sure outs in your lineup and expect to win every night- K.johnson, j.francoeur, and pitcher- now at least you have only two- maybe now even though jeff has been hitting better they can start winning some of these close games- I still would like to see Bobby platoon Jeff- I think he is shot out- and doesn’t work the pitch count enough like a Diaz would- They have arguably the best pithing in baseball- now with a lineup- of Mclouth, prado, Escobar, Chipper, McCann, Anderson-Diaz, Francouer (last in lineup) this team can play with anybody with this type of pitching- Just have to hope Bobby doesn’t get any crazy ideas and start feeling sorry for K.Johnson and Francouer- There professionals- Team should come first from here on out- How about Diaz batting 300? Bobby care to explain why he doesn’t split more time with Francouer when you need runs?
JM
July 2nd, 2009
11:10 pm
That’s easily the biggest series win for us since 2005.
cornfuzed
July 2nd, 2009
11:14 pm
Great series and good to get back within striking distance. Wren still needs another outfield bat (RF especially). WIth Hudson coming back, could they afford to trade Francour and a reliever for a bat and let Hudson work relief?
MikeInValdosta
July 2nd, 2009
11:21 pm
Well if they are not going to win it, please keep it interesting until September 5!
Mark Bradley
July 2nd, 2009
11:23 pm
I’d say it just got a bit more interesting. And I’ve been saying for two months that if they could just hang in until Hudson gets back … well, that could prove even more interesting.
Buckman
July 2nd, 2009
11:28 pm
Gotta sit Francouer don’t you? Runners 1 and 3 nobody out early in the game.. all you have to do is make contact and we’ve got a run on the board (and maybe we get Vazquez a win for a change). Nope. Anybody else get depressed when he’s walking to the plate?
Mark Bradley
July 2nd, 2009
11:29 pm
There’s a nice touch. The Braves sweep the Phillies, but let’s rip Francoeur!
bigjohnchopfan
July 2nd, 2009
11:31 pm
Now THAT’S how you put a team away!!
Find a way to keep Diaz in the lineup NIGHTLY!!!
GO BRAVES!!!
Buckman
July 2nd, 2009
11:31 pm
Only because he deserves it.
JM
July 2nd, 2009
11:31 pm
Do we even know what they’re going to do with Hudson when he comes back? I know he’s said he’s open to pitching out of the bullpen, but how do you not have your best pitcher (assuming he’s close to the pitcher he was pre-Tommy John Surgery) in rotation? My guess is Kawakami goes to the bullpen. I’d hate that for him, but you gotta do what you gotta do.
Jeff
July 2nd, 2009
11:35 pm
Sorry Mark, but there is no avoiding the fact that Frenchy is painful to watch. Not really a major leaguer.
RW
July 2nd, 2009
11:36 pm
Have we found some mo jo?
Reid Adair
July 2nd, 2009
11:38 pm
The last three nights have been fun to watch. Like Bobby Cox said, “Timely hitting…” Who knows what will happen if the offense can have some sort of consistency.
Mark, you may have written about this before (if so, forgive me), but what wouuld you do when Hudson returns? Put him in the rotation or the pen? If in the rotation, whose spot – Kawakami’s?
TF
July 2nd, 2009
11:40 pm
2008: 9th inning, 2 outs, KJ drops popup against Phils, lose 11 in a row, season over.
2009: 9th inning, 2 outs, Prado (KJ’s replacement) makes great catch on infield popup after getting the Braves offense going the whole series…suddenly the season is resurrected.
bulldog bubba
July 2nd, 2009
11:43 pm
I like the platoon system Bobby is using right now.Look at the last out Prado made.He is so in the “zone” right now that he needs to keep playing . I don’t think Kotchman would have gone after ball as agressively.Matt Diaz came through big tonight and Garrett Anderson also. We are finally getting help off the bench.I say play anybody that will get you results even if you have to sit the starters down every 4-5 days. GO BRAVES!!!
jon
July 2nd, 2009
11:44 pm
Braves are showing some life, which winning a little will do. I think they were embarrased by their play against Baltimore.
The team has shown they can play with the best the ML has, but hey have to learn to beat the dregs.
Just a Customer
July 2nd, 2009
11:44 pm
Great win tonight and I’m excited about baseball in the city again. However, I went to the park tonight and left wondering if anyone from the Braves front office ever actually experiences a game as the average fan does.
Took over an hour to negotiate the traffic into an out of the park…..parking lot attendants and people in charge of people movement are inept to say the least.
Got conflicting directions from numerous stadium attendants, making getting into and out of the park, getting concessions, etc. a real nightmare.
The best….on a hot July night, the park actually ran out of beer in the 6th inning. Last I checked, beer is the highest gross margin product they serve…go figure.
When out of town sports journalists wonder why seats are empty, you can add the EXPERIENCE of actually attending a game as part of the cause.
Provide a quality experience and people will come…..and lose the room-temperature IQ employees that make the experience frustrating….or keep playing to empty stadiums……or do they really care.
Go Braves, but front office take note. Improve the game experience by doing the little things right….and the fans will come.
MJ
July 2nd, 2009
11:46 pm
Yes they are in it but the Braves need to get back to .500 before anyone can say anything. But they are on the right track and this was a huge sweep. Now, lets try and stand prosperity and take care of the crummy Nationals!
cornfuzed
July 2nd, 2009
11:47 pm
I think we’re all happy they swept, but the reality is that this is still a sub-.500 team at the moment. The Phils will right their ship. The Mets have $79M in payroll on the DL and at some point most of those players will get healthy. The wildcard will not come from the NL East, so the Braves need to win the division. This is still a flawed team, and the biggest flaw (and easiest to fix) is the gaping hole in RF. Another 0 for 3 night with 2 strikeouts from Frenchy is another hurdle that they can’t leap over every night.
Joe S
July 2nd, 2009
11:52 pm
Great series for the past three days. The really tough and rough June schedule has prepared our Braves for this upcoming 4 months left of the season and wait until Tim Hudson comes back he’ll do us a fine job in giving Kawakami a start or two off. Prado should have a fan club called “Martin’s Martini’s.” That would give Martin some extra spirit there. Gregor Blanco’s winter league team the Tiburones de la Guaira, should be a fan club called Gregor’s Sharks (Tiburones means “Sharks”) so I think there should be more fan enthusiasm now that we are winning now.
house divided
July 2nd, 2009
11:52 pm
I know most aren’t going to say it, but what happens with Omar Infante? He and Martin Prado play virtually the same role of being able to play Mark Derosa and give guys days off. Based on everything, would sending Kelly to triple-A be an option? He just needs a little luck and confidence because he can hit. The whole Glavine thing looks different now that Hanson is pitching well but can you rely on a rookie to pitch well for an entire rookie season. He is good, but I don’t think he is Justin Verlander. I see the braves only making minor moves hoping that what core they have can produce unless someone overwhelms them with some kind of francouer-medlen trade. Finally what the braves need is more trust in the players that are getting the job done. Why on earth was Gregor Blanco the forgotten man with us watching the humiliation that was jordan shaffer? I find the true strength of this team to be its pitching, but also its bench when full: Diaz(he platoons but counts), Blanco, Infante, Ross, and Prado. Hernandez also has potential. What other team has a back-up catcher with six home-runs and bats over .290? I rest my case. If the braves had production from kelly and jeff, this offense would not be a problem based on the depth.
raindawg722
July 2nd, 2009
11:58 pm
Criminy! Look at the medallion on McCann. That must have cost quite a few doubloons.
bali
July 2nd, 2009
11:59 pm
what a great win and homestand for the braves.. glad to see Escobar playing tonight 2 games out and who knows what is going to happen.. gotta love it ……… sick of atlant so called fans who are ready to sit players or trade players ….go braves
NO MORE BOBBY
July 3rd, 2009
12:01 am
No one wants to win this division. Its ours to take.
JUST WIN.
Pete Nose
July 3rd, 2009
12:04 am
Phillies are still the team to beat.the Braves need to make a trade for a power hitter if they want to stay close in the second half of the season.Pitching seems to be the strenth of the team and with Hutson coming back will be even stronger.The braves with the right moves could be in this thing all the way.And hats of to bobby cox for holding this team togather and only 2 games out of first place.
Herschel Talker
July 3rd, 2009
12:05 am
Nope. They’re done. Not gonna happen. Stick a fork in ‘em. Number 1 reason: Booby Cox
Ted Striker
July 3rd, 2009
12:16 am
I don’t believe I’ve ever heard “I lost it in the scoreboard” before tonight.
I have, however used the phrase — “I was distracted by the allure of your deep blue eyes and your dreamy soft rose petal lips” — after accidentally spilling a glass of wine while on a date.
esco
July 3rd, 2009
12:17 am
are only 4 games, but we still need to get one more bat ( right field) and that’s it…..
we have pitching
we have bullpen
we have no power, but with mclouth and escobar we can hit more clutch.
i don’t think we can win the world series, but we are close from being contenders, GOOD JOB WREN. he still looking medium-long term. if we win now great, but he is looking long term succes.
hanson= cheap for 5 years
JJ = cheap for 4 years
lowe= 2 more years
KK= showing me something and 2 more years ( understanding american game)
medlen would be (winning the lottery)
HUDSON = 1 more year at least
5th we can go and get a (john tomson, paul byrd and so many other 5th starters)
you trade vasques and don’t sign hudson and you have 25 mill to spend again and 4 good starters,!!!!!!!!!!!
wren is GREAT
esco
July 3rd, 2009
12:19 am
thomson and byrd was an example of what we use to do (mullholland as well)
slow roller
July 3rd, 2009
12:20 am
Really really really fun to watch lately!!! Almost like 1991 again….staying up late because you know they got a chance to win no matter what. Now, I will tell you why Vasquez can’t win……he can’t hit a run scoring groundout. Does anyone remember how Kerry Wood single-handedly beat the Braves with his bat in the playoffs several years ago? A good pitcher that can sacrifice, move runners, get on base is a deadly weapon. Terry Pendleton, do your job with pitchers, get them play golf, whatever. They need to swing the bat in order to win a championship!!!
esco
July 3rd, 2009
12:23 am
go wren
Bravos33
July 3rd, 2009
12:24 am
Say what you want, the Braves are playing better, and whether many of you want to admit it or not, Frenchy is improving. The results may not always be there yet (today’s AB with 1st and 3rd an example), but he IS having better AB’s and working counts. If he is patient with his approach the results will come. It looks like some of his hard word is going to start to pay off soon
GO Braves!!! and Mark, thanks for keeping the pulse of this team for us! While it may seem like your predictions and statments are fairly volitile, they are actually on point! That WAS a huge series. This season HAS been on the ropes a few times already. But they keep hanging around…maybe that means we can make something happen. Lets hope so.
Jackie Moon
July 3rd, 2009
12:25 am
A sleeping giant has been awoken…………….
The Handsome Pierogi
July 3rd, 2009
12:42 am
This pitching staff is the best in the division by far (don’t tell me about Florida). Please, Frank W., keep us in this thing with a smart move that gives the offense a few more runs each week!!!
Matt the Brave
July 3rd, 2009
12:43 am
Mark, do you think that with the offense picking it up that they may move Francouer into a position that he might see better pitches? I think that he’s finally making the adjustments to be a better hitter. Good to see that he’s above .250…gotta take baby steps to walk!
esco
July 3rd, 2009
12:43 am
k
esco
July 3rd, 2009
12:45 am
frenchy may be 2nd mcclouth could be on base often and chipper after him.
Supes
July 3rd, 2009
12:55 am
Bench Jeff and Kelly, use them as subs (when needed).
Start Diaz in RF, Anderson in LF and Prado at 2B (at least until Infante returns), at which time Prado can play LF if need be.
Bobby Cox has finally “awaken” from his slumber and benched Kelly and even decided to “bench” his son Jeff after seeing him go 0 for 3 with 2 beautiful stirkeouts, it’s evident that Jeff can NO LONGER drive a fastball even! (that last at bat was enough apperantly for Bobby Cox).
LOAF is still “Loaf” in the field, but the guy can hit and can turn on a mistake pitch.
Diaz has turned into a servicable outfielder and takes some ugly swings, but he can TURN on a pitch and hit. He’s a career .300 hitter (lifetime average).
Prado will “come back to earth” a bit, but he makes contact, hits a LOT OF line drives (unlike Kelly with that uppercut swing hitting pop ups) and plays with a chip on his shoulder. Ultimate team player.
When Omar gets back…it’ll be a shot in the arm.
Also getting Huddy back is like adding an all-star pitcher via trade, b/c he’s already said he’ll do whatever the team needs him to do…bullpen, start, whatever.
There is definitely a chance for the Braves. NL East is weak top to bottom. Braves have as good as shot as any of the top 4 teams right now.
Mets – Chokers
Fish – Scare me
Phillies – Horrible pitching and the addition of 1 SP isn’t going to fix anything. They need 2-3 quality starters!
So Braves are very much in it.
Mark Bradley
July 3rd, 2009
12:57 am
Back under .250 now, Francoeur is.
I’d never heard “I lost in the scoreboard” either, Ted. But wasn’t it Bob Veale who said he lost a grounder in the sun?
Just a Braves Season Ticket Holder
July 3rd, 2009
12:59 am
Just a Customer @ 11:44 pm -
You are DEAD ON about the Turner Field “Experience.”
Going to a Braves game truly is that bad on a typical night, and the Braves have the nerve to wonder why so many of us season ticket holders would rather let the money we have already spent on our tickets go to waste rather than going to the ballpark for such inept service.
intellibird
July 3rd, 2009
1:01 am
If Blanco, Prado, and Escobar are going to be our new stars then the Braves might as well start having various Hispanic days. Maybe this would help our poor attendance.
These guys have a lot of heart and I believe that they would make a good core group of guys to build our team around. Chipper and McCann ain’t leadership guys.
Soriano and Gonzales can probably help, too. We need to have some attitude at the plate. Get some confidence and forget the bland duo of Cox and Pendelton.
If Francouer swings at a bad (shoulder high) first pitch, then jump up on the stairs and yell at him. Stop sitting in the dugout bouncing your knees.
Jurrjens4NLCY
July 3rd, 2009
1:11 am
Hmm, well I wouldn’t worry about the Fish, they will most likely go down in August/September because thats when school starts up again (Youth joke….little youth joke). Seriously though, I don’t see them carrying this into the late season. No veterans. Phillies and Mets stand as the only threat. In that order too. Mets are injured, weak, and hopeless, for now. Have to get ahead of them as soon as possible.Braves are playing well against the east. Thats the most important thing. How well you do against your own division. And I still believe the WC comes from the East.
Jurrjens4NLCY
July 3rd, 2009
1:20 am
“Chipper and McCann ain’t leadership guys.” What!?! Are you kidding. Chipper is. And Blanco and Prado will never be the leaders of this team…maybe Escobar, Maybe.
Knock-a-homerun
July 3rd, 2009
1:22 am
Oooooooo- a-ooooo-a-oooooo!
Aoooooo-aoooo-a-oooooo!
Coach (2010 or Bust)
July 3rd, 2009
1:25 am
Um, excuse me. Those Marlins finished the month of June 17-11 with an inter-league result of 10-8. I wouldn’t make the mistake of overlooking the fish just yet.
Knock-a-homerun
July 3rd, 2009
1:35 am
Francouer doesn’t want to be here. It’s obvious since he turned down the contract offer 2 years ago even after McCann signed his. He greatly overestimated his own value and is now struggling to prove his “worth”, which is nothing or else he would already been traded.
His disloyalty by going outside the organization for batting instruction and unwillingness to change his way too aggrasive style shows his selfish mindset. A typical overly coddled athlete out of touch with reality.
It’s not all his fault though. Blame the “The Natural” cover story curse, the people who coddled him, possible earlier steroid use that boosted his early numbers(remember Jodrad Schafer), and a greedy manager. All that combined with his own ego has created this monster. And the Braves are stuck with him without making a radical move.
Cutler
July 3rd, 2009
1:36 am
Mark, is KJ out of options? If not, do you see him being sent down when Infante gets healthy. Or will it be Hernandez?
Jurrjens4NLCY
July 3rd, 2009
1:49 am
The Marlins were pretty good last year too… Look where that got ‘em.
Braves326
July 3rd, 2009
1:53 am
Keep your eyes on the Phils/Mets series, folks…
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.
Braves73
July 3rd, 2009
10:41 am
Tim – I really like the lineup you put together. Now, let’s hope that Bobby see’s what we see.
Drixie
July 3rd, 2009
10:56 am
The pitching is strong enough to win this division. McClouth, Escobar, McCann, and Chipper are The “A” team on offense and must be in the lineup as often as possible. Diaz, Anderson, Prado, and Kotchman are The “B” team and must play up to their abilities. Franceour and Kelly should be used to rest the starters. The problem with the offense is that we lack speed and power, so our margin of error is slim. That said, there’s enough talent here to win this division and the pitching is deep enough to make the playoffs interesting.
siskel_god
July 3rd, 2009
11:05 am
Please stop with the Francoeur bashing, the guy is doing much better and can still be an asset to the team in the future. If he gets hot in July like he was in April that could be huge. Prado needs to stay in the 2 hole and Yunel in the 5 spot with Nate coming back in the leadoff that lineup looks much better than the one at the beginning of the year. Hudson said he’d be open to pitching in the bullpen this year I hope that spells the end for Jeff Bennett.
Preston Hannatized
July 3rd, 2009
11:10 am
Mark … I don’t hit you often on here but when I have I’ve been ragging on Bobby Cox. Let me tip my cap to the old Skipper for last night’s game. Was it me or did Bobby pull out more than the usual rabbits? Pinch runners (for McCann, Kotchmo) sac bunts, even Mr. Loyalty lifting Frenchy for a PH – and how did that work out? Prado is rewarding Skip for the PT. Matty Diaz is a gamer – he doesn’t have the talent and can disappear for games at a time but he busted it last night. Great win. We are back in it. Though the Phillies are awful now … look at their RBI totals – they have three or four guys with 45+ and Howard with 60. We have too many guys on a pace to drive in 60 for the year. Getting Mclouth back will help but I don’t know if there’s enough O to go with the division’s best starters 1-thru-5 with Hudson in reserve.
cdog
July 3rd, 2009
11:14 am
IF BOBBY COX JUST DON’T DO ANYTHING STUPID LIKE PUT KELLY JOHNSON BACK IN THE STARTING LINEUP WE WILL WIN THE EAST. GOOD TIMES AND HAPPY DAYS WILL BE HERE AGAIN
Hillbilly Deluxe
July 3rd, 2009
11:24 am
Given the weakness of this division and their history of strong second half play, better keep your eye on the Fish.
Adam
July 3rd, 2009
11:31 am
Why is Jeff F. still in the lineup!?!?!?!!?
Drixie
July 3rd, 2009
11:33 am
Hillbilly D:
Good point.
61 year Braves Fan
July 3rd, 2009
11:35 am
Trade Frenchy, K. Johnson, Jo Jo Reyes and Bennett for Corky Miller
Mark Bradley
July 3rd, 2009
11:38 am
It sounds weird, but the Phillies are in much worse shape than Atlanta. They can’t pitch. And you can’t win if you can’t pitch. They’ve got to go get two arms, and those arms have to be somewhat more impressive than Joe Blanton, who was last year’s fix. And I don’t think there are two available arms of that eminence.
Hawk01
July 3rd, 2009
11:40 am
Have to go with the following outfield:
LF………..G. Anderson …Last 10 games…….Avg. 342…….38 AB……….13 Hits……2 HR……6 RBI
RF………..Diaz……………Last 10 games…….Avg…500…….14 AB……….7 Hits…….1 HR……3 RBI
CF………..McLouth………Last 10 games…….Avg. 317……..41 AB………13 Hits……2 HR……9 RBI
Utility………..Francouer…….Last 10 games…….Avg…270……..37 AB……….10 Hits…..1 HR…3 RBI
Francouer can spell Garrett and Diaz for defense and play on occassions. Blanco can spell McLouth in center. Waive Norton and Carlyle when they come off DL, send Reyes to AAA when he comes off disabled list. Infante can spell Jones, Escobar, Prado, Kotchman, and the corner outfield positions when he comes off DL. In my opinion I thought Infante was a better player than Prado, so Cox will have decide if Prado or Infante stays at 2B.
The Colonel
July 3rd, 2009
11:45 am
On the issue of Francouer “bashing” . . .
The guy we bashers are really unhappy with here is Bobby Cox. Clearly, Francouer’s head isn’t right for starting every night, yet Cox keeps sticking him out there. Everyone will agree that Francouer is not as tough as a Smoltz or a Chipper mentally and these failures night after night aren’t doing him a lot of good. One of the other bloggers said this already, but the whole little soap opera is getting hard to watch. Cox makes a lot of really smart moves. But he has guessed wrong time and time again with Francouer. And, to be frank, now it’s like Cox just doesn’t want to admit it.
Francouer’s selfish approach to the game doesn’t really make us feel any better about him.
Somebody also said this before but it does bear worth repeating as well. Francouer really needs to be in the minor leagues working out his problems. Until then, his story is just a regrettable little melodrama that no one seems ready to take the blame for.
As for you, Bradley, you remain delusional on this whole issue.
eastbound and down
July 3rd, 2009
12:08 pm
the 2008 season seemed to go to hell in a handbasket because KJ dropped a pop up against the phillies. in 2009 prado catches one to end the game and sweep the phillies. maybe i will sprind for mlb ticket at the all-star break
eastbound and down
July 3rd, 2009
12:08 pm
of course that should have been spring..
Dr.R
July 3rd, 2009
12:12 pm
I hate to second guess Bobby (unlike many fair-weather, football-minded dunces, I think he’s a great manager), but I think the Prado move to second is long overdue. KJ had numerous chances and has shown to be too inconsistent with the bat and glove. I think the small bit of power he adds led Bobby to stick with him too long; he does love those power guys more than I do. The whole division is full of flawed teams in every way, but the Braves clearly have the best overall pitching staff and that could make a difference, especially in the dog days when everyone’s arms start to wear down. And once you get to the postseason with a bunch off good arms, anything can happen. I think the only addition at this point might be to add a middle reliever. Remember, Infante should be back after the break, which gives you another bat you can move around.
Dorothy Davis
July 3rd, 2009
12:20 pm
O.K. , so now that we have a winning line up, how long will it take Bobby to screw it up? I realize we need McLouth back in, but we do not need Frenchy (striking out) when we have Diaz getting clutch hits. And KJ needs to be a back up player, not a starter, as why would you take your hottest hitter (Prado) out of the line-up. But me thinks Bobby will find a way. Come on Wren, put your foot down.
Skeezix
July 3rd, 2009
12:22 pm
I think Frenchy will be okay. He had two bad at bats last night (swinging for the fences again/bad situational hitting), but overall hit well over the last 3 series. He could still get his average to 275/280 by end of this season; which is not bad for a RF with his arm.
Meanwhile...Hanson induces amnesia
July 3rd, 2009
12:34 pm
4-0 in five starts with a 2.48 ERA. I guess that’s impressive, if you’re into arcane numbers like wins and losses, and ERA. But wasn’t there some prospect complaining about being released prematurely before the callup?
Paul "Bear" Bryant
July 3rd, 2009
12:56 pm
RE: Jeff Francoeur
Ever since Jeff Francoeur got married to that silly girl, all his good BASEBALL has been going out the end of his [Jeff Schultz] .
bravos 123
July 3rd, 2009
1:06 pm
Guys, it’s pretty simple:
JF and KJ in the lineup = automatic outs and no runs,
JF and KJ removed from lineup = big weight lifted off of team and lots of runs scored
I’m sure they are great people, but we have to win some ballgames now. They will be fine in life, but it’s time to win some games.
jwil4bravos
July 3rd, 2009
1:08 pm
We are currently in the best position (once we get beyond the .500 mark) of any other team in the NL East because we have trade bait, a good bench and pitching depth. Consider this MB the braves need a quality leadoff man. The Dodgers are going to bench Juan Pierre for Manny, granted the Dodgers are one of the better teams in baseball they still need to strengthen there bullpen if there going to make a run deep into the post season, and Pierre wont be content to sit the bench after hitting .318 w/ 10 – 15 steals. Package Frenchy and decent mid inning reliever for Pierre and we have a formidable line up. I think McClouth has the ability to be a great number 2 hitter similar to how the Phils use Utley. Not to Mentiono he would be hitting in front of Chipper you would have to pitch to him, better pitches = more hits = more rbi’s for Chipper and Big Mac. Pierre and McClouth at the top of the lineup would give us something we’ve lacked for years two guys with speed and a high OBP. What a lineup this would be:
Pierre
McClouth
Jones
McCan
Escobar
Anderson/Diaz
Prado
Kotchmen
wow. Get it done Wren and Company and we’re back to the good ole days of winning pennants and making deep post season runs. let me know what you think.
Sonny Clusters
July 3rd, 2009
1:49 pm
When we was playing ball together back in school I was always the one that did the strategy and what Jeff done was mostly by instink. He still plays that way like when we was playing together. I could have gone on to some bigger baseball too but I already had some pretty good benefits going at work and mostly was not wanting to mess that up. It dont seem like the state champions was all that long ago.
Wes
July 3rd, 2009
3:00 pm
Bat Francoeur 8th and he gets more strikes thrown to him. And he can actually hit with power when pitches are in the strike zone.. I’m just sayin.
Buckman
July 3rd, 2009
3:26 pm
Wes:
Your man has a homer every 60 at bats. Let it go. Please.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 3rd, 2009
5:48 pm
this is an absolutely awesome article…man I was so friggen pumped after last night’s game…so much fun to watch…and I seriously got chills when the Atlanta Faithful where chanting our war cry while Garret Anderson was at the plate and then the Ted exploded when he hit him out…It made me proud to be a Braves Fan.
And one more note…Mark I literally burst out laughing when I read your second post about “Nice touch…great game last night now lets rip Francoeur” lol…Hilarious.
What do you think of the hour long meeting between Wren and Cox yesterday Mark? Think something is going down?
Ross
July 3rd, 2009
6:03 pm
I like it, but i want to harp my favorite note – McCann should be at 1st base. He’s too good a hitter and too poor a defensive catcher. Putting Ross behind the plate is good for a run a game. Also Sarge (Diaz) NEEDS TO PLAY EVERY DAY. Make him the starting LF and forget about it. Having Anderson on bench is a great plus. GA is old and slow. Diaz is young and hungry.
-drl
Ken Stallings
July 4th, 2009
9:48 am
I love how folks rip Bobby for not starting Martin Prado earlier. They apparently forget that Prado was playing a lot at the start of the season, but quickly injured his hamstring, which is an injury that needs a lot of time to heal up.
It seems to be OK now and quickly he comes in with a good bat and Bobby’s starting him.
Kelly Johnson was struggling worse I’ve seen him. So just one hot bat to replace a cold one can make so much difference. If Prado can continue to hit around .300 the Braves might have a chance to win what’s clearly the weakest division in baseball.
That’s a worthy goal! I hope the team can do it. Then in the playoffs, with quality pitching, anything is possible.
Rico Carty
July 4th, 2009
11:38 am
I guess my asking for whether there’s a quote function for this blog doesn’t rate a response.
Klaus
July 4th, 2009
11:53 am
Lowe is here for 3 more years not 2. He signed a 4 yr deal that the Braves will regret perhaps as earlier as next summer. Too much money and too long of a deal but that’s water under the bridge.
KK just reminded Wren (we can only hope) that trading Vaz would be a bad idea no matter how tempting the offers. Caveat: Unless Vaz lands you Pujols, Adrian Gonzo or a similar proven slugger under contract for a few more years.
Put KK in the pen when Hudson comes back or go with a 6 man rotation until the playoffs. If Lowe continues to be bipolar that would be reason enough to keep Vaz. You cannot expect JJ and Hanson to pitch winners every night with no veteran protection.
Jeff is a good guy and is really trying. I don’t get the hate or the comments that he is selfish. The guy is stressed out and cannot believe his 2008 struggles came right back on May 1st.
He looks like he is on something in the dugout or someone on the verge of a break down. He hair is all crazy like he is pulling at it between innings and the guy’s smiles are forced. He looks really alone in that dugout.
More specifically he looks like a man whose career is slipping through his fingers and he knows it.
I agree Bobby is trying to play him through this but the benchings and now being pinch hit for cannot be helping Jeff’s confidence.
For his mental well being Jeff should go to AAA for a month (no matter how well he hits on day one or week 3).
BJones can take his spot that or keep Conrad up here as he can play the OF (I believe).
Jeff needs to mentally reboot and not in the limelight. He needs to get away from all the people who are advising him and spend a month with one guy who will help him.
If he turns it around you can bring him back in August or put him on the waiver wire if he doesn’t
You won’t get anything for him now or by July 31st so why torture the poor guy in from of his friends and fans.
Hell if he were smart he should go play in Japan for a few years and come back when his confidence and skill set are up to the challenges of MLB.
Today they are not and no one is helping the guy with his biggest need – remove the spotlight from his recovery.
ABQ brave
July 4th, 2009
1:41 pm
i agree with you klaus…lets NOT get rid of one of the best SP (vazquez), who has the best K to 9IP ratio, real good era and excellent stuff. i like idea of 6 man rotation and how awesome would it be if it really worked and the braves took off in august and septembeer.
someone earlier said to move a 3 (soon to be 4) time all-star cathcer to 1st base cuz he lacks defensively…i’m sorry but did you see the pass ball the other night, i did, great play b-mac. oh and he is one of the best game callers in the league…and besides kotchman is real solid defensively at first.
wren, dont trade anyone unless major injuries occur…we dont need to get rid of our farm system (who knows, we may need them next year when someone is slumping)
for all of those who want a big trade and dont love how our team is set now than you are not a braves fan and are a disgrace to the club
Thomas P.
July 4th, 2009
3:34 pm
Someone please explain to me what Booby Cox could possibly be thinking by taking Hanson out of the game. He is such an idiot. It’s as if he is not even watching the game. Hanson has been breezing through the entire game. Cox has had nothing to do but sit back and pick his nose. I just don’t get it.
LSU
July 5th, 2009
10:05 pm
“Don’t look now, but the Bravos are back in this thing!”
Mark,
I looked, and the Bravos lost 2 of 3 against the mighty Nationals…Maybe I should’ve listened to you, and not looked.