Killer loss for the Bravos, wasn’t it? Er, not exactly
JJ pitched great, as per usual. That man Prado had another RBI. Chipper hit a homer. Esky made a heads-up play afield. Glidin’ Garret looked to have won it. Then Soriano entered and it all fell to pieces, and now the Braves are not just way behind the Phillies but also a game in arrears of the Fish.
Killer loss. Wasn’t it?
Nah. It’s baseball. This stuff happens. Even Mariano Rivera blows the occasional save. (He blew one in Game 7 of a World Series on a weird night when it rained in the desert.) The Braves are playing well. More to the point, they’re pitching beautifully. Keep doing that and they’ll have a realistic chance to win the wild card, which is all they can ask at this late date.
Back to Rivera and that blown save. It came in a World Series the Arizona Diamondbacks looked to have blown. Two nights in a row they’d carried a lead into the ninth inning in Yankee Stadium, and both times Byung-Hyun Kim yielded two-out tying home runs. (The first to Tino, the second to Brosius.) Headed back to Phoenix that team was down 3-2 and all but dead.
But this is baseball, and in baseball — I believe the saying originated with Earl Weaver, though it might have come from Eddie Haas — momentum is tomorrow’s starting pitcher. That’s why the work Frank Wren did over the winter was so important. On Wednesday the Braves will start Kenshin Kawakami, who’s pretty good. And then on Thursday they’ll have Javier Vazquez, who’s really good. And then Tommy Hanson and Derek Lowe and Jurrjens against L.A., and on and on the rotation spins.
A bad loss? Sure. But nothing that figures to leave a scar. So long as you can pitch, you have life. The Braves can pitch. They don’t need to panic. They don’t even need to make a trade. They just need to keep pitching.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
127 comments Add your comment
beachbrave
July 28th, 2009
11:10 pm
Bummer, bummer, bummer!!! We really need to gear up for the stretch drive and tonight’s game may be illustrative of our needs. We obviously need offensive help. Say what you will, but we aren’t really legit yet! Sorry Mark, but you just are absolutely wrong- we will not go anywhere with a defensive, conservative, stand-pat, hunker-down philosophy (even you can understand the last comment)since we don’t have the necessary parts to maintain the illusion of the last several weeks.
Really depressing! Understand the realities of the situation but still depressing. Finally in contention, at least in the standings, entering August and everyone is happy to stand pat. We have played the best ball of the season in the last few weeks, avoided serious injuries and still barely within striking distance. We know we have weaknesses and decide to hope for the best and wait for next year. Next year we may never be this close with all the better teams in the division having off years- at least thus far. We should seize the day and do everything within our power to at least get into the playoffs within whatever middle of the road budget we must work within. Understand that even if we should defy all logic and squeak into the playoffs, we can’t go anywhere with the team as currently structured. However, it appears we have truly accepted mediocrity when we agree that the Braves should do nothing. No, I don’t have any idea what specifically we should do, or could do, but guarantee that with the knowledge that our leadership possess about the league possibilities, an individual should be able to manage a little risk and try to do something to improve the team’s chances. Just so depressing. And I haven’t even had a single beer! Oh well, I’ll be cheering them on and hoping for the best just like the rest of you. Come on real Braves fans, let the braintrust hear from you- get us some help before its too late.
Hillbilly Deluxe
July 28th, 2009
11:11 pm
No single win or loss in July is that big of a deal. September is a different story though.
beachbrave
July 28th, 2009
11:14 pm
No single loss is that important unless it illustrates critical needs that the Atlanta press, and much of the lemming following, chooses to ignore. Wake up- the trading deadline is 72 hours away. Get off your duff and get the job done. We aren’t going anywhere with the current configuration.
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
11:21 pm
Always get a kick out of the “it’s a marathon and not a sprint” crap. Have you ever noticed how most races are decided by no more than 5 games. Therefore games like this are horrific. And have you ever noticed the guy who wins the marathon is not down 4 miles at the 18 mile mark. Yet we will continue to hear that killer losses in April should just be brushed off–It’s baseball. It was also baseball in 1967, 1951,1948 and 2007 and so many other years when it came down to one game. Don’t ever buy into shrugging this crap off.
todd
July 28th, 2009
11:24 pm
Stand pat with this team? If you do it will be a long winter. They need a big bat and badly. Getting rid of the choker Kotchman would be a start. Ryan Garko would have been a perfect solution. Garret Anderson looks as though he is bored and would rather be somewhere else every time the camera is on him. His defense is terrible! I say make his wish come true and ship him to another team. ADAM DUNN MR. WREN!!!
Mark Bradley
July 28th, 2009
11:25 pm
I remember taking the subway back from Yankee Stadium and seeing the Diamondbacks waiting by their buses outside the Grand Hyatt to head for the airport after losing Game 5. I remember thinking, “Those poor guys have no chance now.” They won the World Series.
It’s baseball. Baseball’s about pitching. And the D-Backs started Randy Johnson in Game 6 and Curt Schilling in Game 7.
Mark Bradley
July 28th, 2009
11:26 pm
Garret Anderson is playing very well, in case you hadn’t noticed. And if you think his defense is lacking … check out Mr. Dunn’s.
Robards
July 28th, 2009
11:30 pm
Well said. Tough loss, but Soriano was due to blow one. Braves can still win the series and pull ahead of the Marlins. Could be catching the Dodgers at a good time as well.
Daybed Wagmoe
July 28th, 2009
11:32 pm
Several things:
a) Mark — good point about this loss not being a huge deal. We narrowly lost it, and it came on a blown save from Soriano, which is a freak thing this year. It sucks, but not as bad as if it kept happening time and time again.
b) Yeah, Kawakami’s been pretty good, but his opponent, Josh Johnson, is much better. I wouldn’t be surprised in the least to see Kawakami’s trend of very little run support continue tomorrow night.
c) Hanson, Lowe, and Jurrjens will be pitching in Atlanta against L.A., not in L.A. as you said above.
Thanks for talking us down from the ledge!
beachbrave
July 28th, 2009
11:33 pm
Bark Maddley,
We don’t have the parts to even get into the playoffs, much less win 2 series to get to the WS, or to have the opportunity to win the last two games to win the WS. Don’t really understand your point. Stand pat and hope for the best? Yes we have some pitching and that is important and is something we haven’t had in the last few years. However, no serious baseball observer could possibly think the Braves have the other parts to make a deep run into the season, much less the playoffs. Unless you are a homer, or really, really do believe in miracles. I acknowledge that the unbelievable occasionally occurs, but would much rather rely on strength and abilities. What exactly are you selling?
Mark Bradley
July 28th, 2009
11:37 pm
Thanks for serving as my editor, Daybed. I’m much obliged.
Dawga4Life
July 28th, 2009
11:45 pm
I do question why we pinch hit for JJ with Norton who is hitting just over a buck. Why is he still in the majors? His ONLY job is to hit. (And not into double plays.) Now granted we still should have won but…
Dawg19
July 28th, 2009
11:52 pm
I truly do get a kick out of all the negativity that comes after a close loss like tonight. Just in case you didn’t know, Nolasco is a VERY good pitcher and did his job tonight.
It is also amusing how everybody clammers for a big bat when the Braves only score 3 runs in a game and don’t put up a 10 spot. My question is what kind of moves do you “fans” expect? Dunn? Washington is NOT trading him. They have said so already. Plus, do you really want a .250 hitter in the lineup? The Braves have started to play so much better since our automatic outs, Francoeur, KJ and Schafer have been traded, replaced in the linup or demoted.
2 more points:
1. What kind of difference maker is available on the market right now?
2. What would the Braves have to give up in order to get that person?
Here are your answers. There are no impact bats avaialble right now. Too many teams are so close in their division races or the wild card race to be sellers. The teams that have given up aren’t offering anybody that would make a difference. If there were a substantial offensive piece that was available the Braves would have to once again empty their farm system to get it. Is that what you want to see again? A repeat of what happened with Tex?
The Braves pitching is its strong point right now. Giving up any of them would be disasterous for this year and next year. The most attractive of the starters we have right now is arguably the top performer on the team this year, Javier Vazquez. Our farm system has two top ten rated (one is the #1 prospect) prospects that will be major league ready by sometime next year or 2011 if their development continues like it has.
The Braves do NOT need to make a big move. This team is good as it is.
GatlinburgBrave
July 29th, 2009
12:12 am
The Ump didn’t give Soriano the low strike twice…game over. The Braves will be fine. As for Florida, they’re a fluke.
beachbrave
July 29th, 2009
12:14 am
Dawg19,
Truly hope you are right but seriously don’t think you are. Any negativity I have is not the result of a close loss tonight- I’m not a Johnny come lately, but a long time Braves fan (even from the Milwaukee days). I don’t even recognize it as negativity, rather as realism. If you have watched baseball long enough, you should know that the current structure of the Braves roster will not, barring a bizarre run of good luck, get it into the playoffs or past the first part of it at the very best. The need for a bat or bats, as I see it, isn’t the result of a one night stand, but the result of a serious pattern that has lasted for the entire season. Yes, we have hit and pitched well the last few weeks. Unfortunately, that isn’t the pattern that has been established thus far this year. While we can all hope that it continues, I would rather go out there and make some changes that will improve our odds. We are close this year, against all odds, so lets seize the day and give it our best shot. Playing for next year is safe, but we may not have a better opportunity than now. I thought the Braves were set for at least a decade after 1956-59, and we all know what happened after that. (Maybe you can look it up.) No, I don’t know what opportunities are out there and neither do you or Mark. However, I can guarantee you that there are opportunities out there and all it takes is the willingness to manage a little risk and go for it. No, don’t mortgage the future, but make a sound trade even it is “little”. For goodness sakes, lets go get it and not be afraid of failing. The Braves have been there and done that enough over the years.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
July 29th, 2009
12:26 am
Tomorrow’s starting pitcher for the Marlins………..Josh Johnson. We will be lucky if the fish don’t sweep this series.
O yea, the fish are not flukes and Fredi Gonzalez can manage circles around Bobby Cox.
Will
July 29th, 2009
12:30 am
Im sorry folks, i do agree that losses like this do happen, that is the game of baseball for you, but this loss was a big deal. What people forget on these message boards the last couple of years is that the Bravos used to play from ahead in the playoff race. When you are atop the division or the wild card its okay to have a setback like this, but when you look at the wild card standings and there are 4 teams between you and first place and its basically august, that is alot of scoreboard watching for 2 months.
Stanco
July 29th, 2009
12:41 am
I hope management is not thinking this is a team that can go deep into the playoffs (see 2007) and give up the farm for a false hope. Build something strong from this year……a team that can truly take up to the promised land.
Next year add some offense…..move Chipper to 1st…and move Kotchman for a bag of balls, and close the nightmare of that quick fix in f.ing 2007!!!!!
Mitchell
July 29th, 2009
12:42 am
Yankees suck.
That series should have been 5 games. The Diamondbacks lost game 3 and almost blew game 7 but if not for their closer they should have wrapped it up before going back to the desert.
Of course in the three other games they destroyed them.
Yankees suck.
Bad loss tonight. Not a good time to have a game winning homerun on the other side and KK doesn’t really inspire a lot of confidence in me after his last two starts.
He was going really good there for a while and then he got hit in the neck and he’s kind of lost a little something since then. I just hope we score some runs.
Amazing play by Yunel. That kid is somethin’. You betcha!
Benjamin
July 29th, 2009
1:01 am
Kenny K. is just as good as Josh Johnson. We’re still winning this series.
For God’s sake, they play in LAND SHARK STADIUM!
THWG
July 29th, 2009
1:04 am
Thanks, Mark, for “talking us down from the ledge” as Daybed stated earlier. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
We, as sports fans, often times forget that this is baseball. 162 games. This isn’t the 12 or 13 games of college football, where each loss is brutal and each win glorious. The season does not hinge on one game, win or loss. Sure, we may look back to a game like this one if the Braves miss the playoffs by one game, but we can look at many other games that should’ve been won (vs. Philly early on, the Nats right before the break, etc).
At the same time, we can look at games that should’ve been lost (5 runs down in the 8th vs. Cubs, some dude named Francoeur hit a game-tying HR in the 9th). Point is, tonight is merely 1/162 of our entire season. Not enough to be a microcosm, especially with the pitching we’ve got. Tough loss, but not the end of our season.
Island Dawg
July 29th, 2009
1:16 am
That one really hurt. Thought Anderson had it won and that was so non-Soriano. I think Church’s and Yunel’s plays to the plates were sick though. Braves are looking good. We have plenty more head to heads vs. the cheesesteaks and refuse to rule out a pennant at this point.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
July 29th, 2009
1:30 am
Love is blind and so are the fans. In about 72 hours, Frank Wren is going to prove me right when I say the man is way in over his head.
DirtyDawg
July 29th, 2009
1:43 am
Would somebody please be honest about the play where the long fly ball actually hit the warning track and the Marlin’s two runs scored. It wasn’t that GA ‘lost’ the ball in the lights, he simply thought it was probably going out…or going far enough toward left-center that the one guy that can run out there might, in fact, go get it…or he was just ‘doggin’ it ‘ like he usually does. Sure the can hit, and thank God for that cause if he couldn’t he wouldn’t be worth the powder it would take to blow him to hell. And what in blazes was he doing in the game in the bottom of the ninth. As it happened it didn’t figure into the outcome – that ’short people got no reason’ ump saw to that, and it wasn’t just the two low strikes he called balls, there was another pitch earlier in the count on one of those guys that had been called strikes all night by that little twerp, but not this time.
Tim
July 29th, 2009
2:09 am
The Braves are 2-3 since Kelly Johnson returned from the disabled list
Tsu Yuan Nieh
July 29th, 2009
3:11 am
I am very happy about the way Braves are playing but I am very worried about the way Phillies’ are playing. They are unstoppable. I though Braves could catch up by the end of first half but Phillies just flying and destroying anything stand in their way. They basically destroyed Dan Haren’s pitch count yesterday. It is so unbelievable both Marlins and Braves are playing so well but still keep fallen behind the Phillies.
I think Braves’ rotation is doing really well but still not Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz kind well. I remember Braves in the 90s consistently winning 1-0, 2-1 games. Today Braves showed some power but still Marlins managed to keep the game close enough to strike back. In addition, without the power of old Jones boys, Braves really need to get their work done to win games.
It is a struggle to play the season like this season. I am glad to see Jason Heyward is doing well though so he might be available next season. I hope Frank can firmly sacrifice some pitching to release some money this offseason so Braves can get a 40 home run guy in the outfield or at the first base. He had been ruthless last offseason; we need him to be ruthless again.
scottbravesfan
July 29th, 2009
3:20 am
BeachBrave,
The Braves clearly have the talent to win the wild card. In fact if they don’t win the wild card it would be considered somewhat of an upset. The Cubs are not a playoff team. The Astros are not a playoff team. The Giants offense is not very good, if they get a really good bat, which isn’t likely, they will be dangerous. The Rockies will continue to compete the rest of the year as well. It’s going to come down to the Rockies, Giants, and Braves to win the Wild Card. The Marlins pitching is good but I do not believe have enough to make a serious run at the wild card this year. Next year might be a different story.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
July 29th, 2009
3:22 am
The Phillies are running away with the division and there ain’t a damn thing we can do about it. Since being swept by our Braves they have reeled off 19 win in 22 games played since July 3rd.
It’s absurd. They are the defending World Champion, the hottest team in baseball and they know it. The NL East division race is over and everybody knows it.
Our Braves are a third place team trying to stay relevant in a seven team wild card race.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
July 29th, 2009
3:24 am
Hey Scott, you do know the Cubbies are 16-8 this month, right?
Coach (2010 or Bust)
July 29th, 2009
3:31 am
And since our Braves are 15-8 in July and trailing the Cubbies by two games in the wild card race, they must not be a playoff team either, Right? Am I making sense or are you just jaded?
Braindawg
July 29th, 2009
3:50 am
No but you are making an A$$ out of yourself! You’ve shown two things coach, One, you have no idea what your talking about. Two, Your drunk, go to bed and sleep it off. I’ll give you this much, as I laugh my A$$ off at you, Your Funny, Your very Funny!!! Nite loser!
Coach (2010 or Bust)
July 29th, 2009
3:57 am
Wrong blog, dork. Personal attacks and foul language are appreciated over at O’Brian’s blog. Not here.
kevin
July 29th, 2009
3:57 am
And lets not forget the Mets and that fellow who we trade to 16rbi in 14 games since traded wonder why…Oh no change of team maybe coach um well hittin coach very good!Oh if u not want a automatic out be sure Bobby cox never plays AJ ever! Oh marlins are no fluke who won 3 world series as wild card oh wait the Fish who they beat to get there we know…that so called greatest team of the 90’s who lost that when yankees won 1999 world series…ha ha home kiss ass sportswriters here at AJC
Keith
July 29th, 2009
4:01 am
I saw on ESPN Insider mention that Braves are upping their efforts to grab a middle reliever. Any inside info, Bradley?
Rufus
July 29th, 2009
4:13 am
Anderson should be used in a pitch hitting role, he can’t get to half of the balls that are hit to him, when he’s in the outfield.
Glad it wasn’t Escobar, who miss play the fly ball, or we would never hear the end to it.
Anderson may be hitting, but he gives up more runs, than he drives in, he can’t run and looks like he need after silver hair vitamins, and now Soriano, he looks like he has taken a bottle of sleeping tables.
It’s not that they lost in the last inning tonight, it’s that Bobby gave the game away.
How long is it going to take before, they realize that no matter who the trade for it won’t matter, either Bobby or Pendleton will screw them up, one way or another.
It makes me laughs when the Brave hit and get a lot of runs, the T. V. cameras will focus on Pendleton and the Braves Announcers, will tell us, what a great hitting coach he is, like we’ll a bunch of idiots, and don’t know the opposite is true.
Winning is a pasting thing to the Braves, they can’t keep their head in the game long enough to win on a steady basis.
The late innings are a peril to the Braves, that’s when they fall apart, that when most of the Braves start falling asleep, especially Bobby.
Rick
July 29th, 2009
4:50 am
Fredi Gonzalez learned to manage from Bobby Cox . Does the student know more than the teacher – not likely .
Larry
July 29th, 2009
4:56 am
What’s the point of it all?
Should we win every remaining game and win the division by 20 we will still be managed in the postseason by the worst postseason manager in baseball history who sports a truly remarkable 1-14 last game record. That’s a 93% likelihood of us watching the opponent celebrate a victory in the final game. Who would enjoy watching this again?
Again, what’s the point of it all?
rickman
July 29th, 2009
5:54 am
Church is not the answer, he is just a lefty Frenchy….1st and 3rd with one out… What happens…grounds into a DP. Looked just like Frenchy, that was the ballgame. We need offense. Trade pitching for someone that can hit… Make Norton go away!!!! Blanco can get it done with.
stew
July 29th, 2009
6:51 am
Church is a band aid until Heyward arrives. Freeman should be the answer at first. Why isn’t everyone raving about Cody Johnson? Problem is we need right-handed power. One thing nobody ever mentions is our natural rival in interleague play. Why do we get to play the Red Sox 6 games every year? I don’t want to play the team with the second highest payroll consistently while other teams natural rivals are K.C., Baltimore, Oakland, etc. If the payroll rankings changed every year then maybe we would have a weak natural rival. Every year we play 6 games against a strong opponent while other teams play a weak opponent.
TommyP
July 29th, 2009
6:58 am
Not enough offense to win the wild card, Mark. And I’m saying that during our best offensive month, not when we’re struggling.
Hooter Girl
July 29th, 2009
6:59 am
So Chipper hits a homerun last night, wow ain’t he great. But wait, how about the times he came to bat with runners on? What happened then? But he is our leader.
Marc
July 29th, 2009
7:00 am
Don’t forget we have a 7 position right handed bat coming back soon in Infante. As much as I like Norton, I think I’m gonna jump on the addition-by-subtraction bandwagon and call for his release. KJ would have been a better person in that pinch-hit situation last night, but because Norton is there he got used.
We can also call Conrad back if Bobby really wants a switch hitter on the bench. I don’t think we need a trade, I think we need to just get serious and follow Wren’s approach of tough love. I like Norton, but this isn’t his year.
mama's boy
July 29th, 2009
7:01 am
I’m not panicking but I almost started to cry last night when that ball went over the fence but Mama Cox put her arms around me and told me everything was going to be allright. I felt so much better. I love Mama and Mama loves me.
Baby Ruth
July 29th, 2009
7:03 am
Sure, it’s only one of 162 games. But when you’re seven games out of the division lead with 60-something remaining, and a couple games out of what promises to be a tight wildcard race, this is one of those games you hate to see slip away.
Isn’t baseball supposed to be a game of inches?
richbrave
July 29th, 2009
7:24 am
From this vantage point it appears the BRAVES consider the winner of last night’s game to be JERRY MEALS and his one-eyed strike zone. I think they felt it was just a matter of time before one club or the other got a fat pitch to hit, and both did in the ninth. No harm, no foul to the team psyche.
18 Wheels of Love
July 29th, 2009
7:43 am
My question about tonight’s game….who pitches the 7th, 8th, and 9th?
Greg
July 29th, 2009
7:52 am
Four teams that you are fighting with for the wild card berth won last night and you lost. This IS a tough loss I don’t care if it is July, the Braves can not afford to blow games such as this one.
raleighbravesfan
July 29th, 2009
8:13 am
I’m tired of giving up our future, and loosing great prospects for a MYTHICAL shot at it now with a rent-a-player. Let’s continue to build on what we have and add the young guys in the system as they become available. One expensive temporary player is not likely to put us over the top this year, and could cripple us in the future. TEX TRADE. Need I say more?
Mark Bradley
July 29th, 2009
8:17 am
Last night marked the Braves’ 100th game. They have 62 to go. Plenty of time to win the wild card.
Mark Bradley
July 29th, 2009
8:20 am
The NL East? Well, that’s another matter. Eight games behind the Fightin’ Phils as of this moment.
61 year Braves Fan
July 29th, 2009
8:20 am
Cox lost this game earlier. Why was Norton pinchhitting with a man on first and no outs late in the
game. Why not let Jair bat and sacrifice? The bum Norton hits into double play – expected. Didn’t we
get McLouth to add team speed? Then why don’t we steal and put pressure on their defense when
he gets on base to start an inning? Release Norton, Fire Cox.
matt_T
July 29th, 2009
8:23 am
Right on MB.
Tough tough loss, but one that happens occasionally. Still only 3 back in the WC and like Chipper said, with the pitching they have a good shot to win every game.
Bama Aaron
July 29th, 2009
8:28 am
While I do agree that one game should matter this late in the season it does. That one loss pretty much lets you know you’re not catching the Phils and increases the hurdles you have to jump over to have a chance at the Wild Card. I’m not saying the Braves can’t do it, but you can’t afford to give wins away at this late date.
That being said it wasn’t all the Braves fault. Soriano didn’t throw 4 balls to that 1st batter. What do MLB rules state about the size of their umps when the guy is physically too small to see over McCann and make the proper call. He was constantly missing the inside strike call as well because he couldn’t see it.
brian
July 29th, 2009
8:29 am
stop yall whinning about the strike zone…. marlin pitchers got the same crappy strike zone as well… better team won plain and simple… with JJ pitching tonight for the fish , braves will lose again
varodrunner
July 29th, 2009
8:32 am
The Braves are playing well. Last night was a shame and as Mark points out, “it’s baseball”. However, we do not have a team capable of making the playoffs – I don’t see the Phillies losing the division unless Florida gets HOT!!! and there are too many “GOOD” teams ahead of us in the wild card. I would act now and position us to be more competitive in 2010. Trade a pitcher and get something of value. I’d like to see Kawakami go, but that’s unlikely. Hate to see Lowe or Vazquez go, but we might get more in return and have a great rotation for next year and for the rest of this year once Huddy is back and effective.
Standing pat is (IMHO) the wrong thing to do. I’d trade a pitcher and gfet something in return and make it more than a rental. I’d also hire a hitting coach – we don’t have one now and could use one.
brian
July 29th, 2009
8:34 am
Benjamin
July 29th, 2009
1:01 am
Kenny K. is just as good as Josh Johnson. We’re still winning this series.
For God’s sake, they play in LAND SHARK STADIUM!
are you serious… go look at their records and era’s…. lol not even close….. nice wishful thinkin though…. better yet ill post their numbers for u.
KK (5-7) 4.04 ERA … JJ (9-2) 2.80 ERA…. wow, thats really close
curtis jones
July 29th, 2009
8:37 am
It’s easy to get drunk with love for the Braves since their recent resurgence, but as MB mentioned, they have played 100 games. Looking at the whole, instead of the past 3 weeks, some problems can’t be overlooked.
1. The HOF Manager has grossly underperformed this year, especially during the first 80 games. He constantly failed to use his best hitters in the lineup, abused his bullpen and mismanaged the player who will likely be the team’s MVP this year.
2. This team has a first baseman who produced 6 homers and 55 RBI in his first year as a Brave. No other team in the bigs would accept that. So he saves a run or two occasionally with his glove? Does that really make up for all the baserunners he strands?
3. Chipper is 37. He is not getting any better. His best years are in the rear view mirror. He is, at best, a 20 HR, 80 RBI guy these days, and his range is statue-like.
4. Garret is maybe the best DH in the game. He has one tool, his bat. He should not even own a glove.
5. If the HOF manager has no faith in a hustling, impact .300 hitter like Matt Diaz, for God’s sake, deal him somewhere and get a player who might actually see some game action. Same for Kelly Johnson. At the moment, he is wasting a roster spot. He is a one-position, no-glove bench player who sometimes hits a hot streak with his bat. Can someone use him, and give us something we can use in return?
6. As long as the HOF manager demands playing time for non-athletes like Greg Norton, Jeff Bennett (and Corky Miller, Craig Wilson, Scott Thorman and Chris Woodward in years past), the Braves will be a .500 team, at best.
7. Why have a slugging backup catcher if there is no apparent way to get his bat into a game more than once every 10 days or so? Catchers all over the bigs can play a second position if needed. Why can’t McCann or Ross?
8. The Braves are among the worst-bunting teams in baseball.
9. The Braves are among the slowest teams in baseball.
10. The Braves are among the least powerful teams in baseball.
If playoffs or wild card is going to happen, most of these items had better get fixed soon. The Braves are wasting some outstanding starting pitching this year.
MatthewH
July 29th, 2009
8:41 am
With regard to Adam Dunn, as I mentioned on another blog, the Nationals routinely put in a defensive replacement for him in the late innings. As a matter of fact, the TV announcers make it a point to mention when he is NOT being replaced. Do the Braves need more outfield drama?
Mac
July 29th, 2009
8:43 am
Agreed. This was not a pivotal loss, portending doom on the horizon. It was just a pi$$er, which will happen sometimes. It should not affect their psyche at all.
By the way, does Garrett Anderson favor the president, or is it just me?
tralfaz
July 29th, 2009
8:51 am
“These” games do happen…but, our quota of “these” games has been pretty much used up already, can’t afford any more if we want to keep playing at the end
Mark Bradley
July 29th, 2009
8:56 am
If the Braves are indeed shopping for a middle reliever, it tells me they definitely think they have a shot to win something. That’s not a commodity you seek if you believe you’re out of it.
Mark Bradley
July 29th, 2009
8:57 am
Garret Anderson and Barack Obama: Can’t say that one occurred to me. But I’ve never seen the latter in person.
Chris
July 29th, 2009
9:02 am
Latest Garret stats aside, I wonder if Barack would hustle more.
curtis jones
July 29th, 2009
9:06 am
I thought they would have to hold up the game last night while the Loafer returned to his position after watching the fly ball land on the warning track. You could have timed him with an hourglass. Maybe they can send out the bullpen cart for him on those occasions when he has to jog more than 10 yards from his appointed position.
Bubba
July 29th, 2009
9:15 am
Someday maybe Cox will realize that if you go to the bullpen enough times–eventually you’ll find someone having a bad day!! Gonzo was throwing great–leave him in for 2 or 3 innings, then use Soriano another day for the same if he is pitching versus throwing!!
BravesFanLostInOhio
July 29th, 2009
9:23 am
Right on, Mark! But, with so many games left in the division, should we really count out a division run? That is, if they keep hitting/pitching/ fielding like they are now!
As for the wild card, the 2nd half Braves are a better team than anyone else in the hunt. It’s totally do-able!
BravesFanLostInOhio
July 29th, 2009
9:24 am
With that said, all bets are off if the Phils complete a trade for an ace.
abudefdef
July 29th, 2009
9:26 am
hmmm, Braves are 7-2 against the Phillies this year so far…9 games left against them…NL East IS within reach
Kotchman…his 1.000 fielding percentage (read ZERO errors in 720 chacnes) has saved how many runs? I’ll take that defense behind our pitchers…
All I'm Saying Is...
July 29th, 2009
9:27 am
Blown saves happen in baseball, people, so get over it. It is true that in baseball, momentum is the next game’s starting pitcher. Case in point, a few years ago, the Dodgers rallied to win a game late in the season with four consecutive home runs, that’s right back-to-back-to-back-to-back jacks. Everybody was jumping up and down and hooting and hollering that they were on their way, blah, blah, blah. Not only did they lose the next game but they didn’t make the playoffs.
mac: It’s just you. GA does not at all resemble Barack.
curtis jones at July 29th, 2009 8:37 am: Your post was excellent, my man. Despite what you typed, though, the Braves can still win the wild card. We do need Bobby/Wren to remain committed to Prado, release Norton, bring Conrad back up, turn KJ into a late game pinch hitter/give a guy an off day occasional player, and consider Infante at first when he returns with Kotch a late game replacement in order to keep the runs coming.
LET’S GO BRAVES!
John
July 29th, 2009
9:27 am
Good god yall are the most whiny bunch of kids i have every heard!
If Bobby Cox is sooooo terrible and stupid then id love to see yall be the damn manager! Yall make it seem like its the easiest job in the world. Just shut the hell up and enjoy the game! Soriano got squeezed and blew ONE save! Were playing good baseball and pitching WINS games which we finally have. I swear to god if we won EVERY game in a season some of you would STILL talk S***!
Noah
July 29th, 2009
9:35 am
Everyone on here is killing me with the doom and gloom. The Braves are in a pennant race. You don’t have to be 7 games up for it to count as a pennant race and be interesting. The offense looks fine, but could use another bullpen arm. Fox Sports suggests that will be Hudson.
Alan
July 29th, 2009
9:35 am
You’re right, Mark. There’s no need to panic, but that was a very tough loss. Just another game? We’ll see about that tonight. To stay in the Wild Card hunt, the Braves have to keep winning series, especially head-to-head with other WC contenders like the Marlins. Tonight’s game is pivotal, I think. Regarding potential trades, I really doubt the Braves will get a big bat (although Paul Konerko would be nice), but they could use another reliable bullpen arm, and I have a feeling they’re going to make a deal this week (Kelly Johnson and JoJo Reyes). I’d also like to see them discard Norton and bring back Conrad ASAP. In any event, there’s no way the Braves are sellers this year — this team is far superior to last year’s.
abudefdef
July 29th, 2009
9:36 am
AMEN John! Preach on brother!
Ben
July 29th, 2009
9:36 am
Why is Norton still on this team? think. I guess he is still with the Braves because who wants a pinch hitter hitting around .100. I would PH a pitcher instead of him.
Matty
July 29th, 2009
9:45 am
I have a felling the loss last night signed, sealed and delivered this year for us. I would not be suprised if they are swept by the Marlins and go into a 10 game spiral because of this emotional loss. However, if they can put this behind them, right the ship and can win the next two I am a believer in the wild card
abudefdef
July 29th, 2009
9:48 am
I would agree about Norton, while he did do a great job for us last year, what has he done for us lately (as in ALL Season)? Give Conrad the nod, release Norton so he can try a change of scenery, and let’s get pumped up at Turner Field!
Turner Field should be a HOME game every game, even when the BoSox come to town, the Braves fans SHOULD be drowning out their cheers of “Let’s Go Sox”…Atlanta, show some emotion and spirit at Turner Field, it ain’t hard, use your lungs and vocal cords, and let’s give the Braves our loudest support! I’m sure when they’re down there on the field, or on the mound, or at the plate, hearing Braves fans cheering over the other team’s fans gives them a good feeling…SUPPORT THE BRAVES!!!
abudefdef
July 29th, 2009
9:49 am
Matty, we have 5 top quality starting pitchers…no slide for the Braves!
Mark Bradley
July 29th, 2009
9:58 am
Greg Norton is on the team because he has a lovely singing voice, ideal for those long bus-ride renditions of “100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.”
raleighbravesfan
July 29th, 2009
9:58 am
Hudson and Infante returning is like 2 trades.
GO BRAVES
July 29th, 2009
10:06 am
Trade Kelly Johnson,cut Greg Norton and bring Brooks Conrad back from Gwinette.Omar Ifante will return soon also.
DC from Conyers
July 29th, 2009
10:12 am
First this loss won’t matter that much if the players can put behind them and move to the next one. Casey is a average player but good enough for me, especially with his defense. Guys they can’t have 10million players in every position. I will agree it is time for Norton to move on, bring up Gregor Blanco. He can hit and this would give BC more options when he subs.
The strike zone was small last night. I don’t know why there is not more consistency when calling behind the plate. I think the umps do a great job overall though. I really don’t want to give any more youth away from the farm system.Huddy will be back soon and I would move Kawakamie to the pen. All his breaking stuff might do well in relief.
Speaking of JF, he should have taken the contract the Braves offered him at the same time they signed McCann. This would have let the Braves to give him time to get straight on his hitting. Refusal of the contract was his first mistake.He made others and that led to his trade. I was really a fan of his, and pulled for him to succeed. Great kid it just didn’t work out here, move on.
Diaz needs to play more, heck look at his average, especially with men on base. Younel made a great play with his throw back to first last night, and Casey showed he is always in the game. These Braves will be fine, and I’ll be pulling for them even if they don’t make the play-offs.
They Don T Really Care About Us | All Days Long
July 29th, 2009
10:21 am
[...] Killer loss for the Bravos, wasn't it? Er, not exactly Atlanta Journal Constitution They don't need to panic. They don't even need to make a trade. They just need to keep pitching. Bummer, bummer, bummer!!! We really need to gear up for the … See all stories on this topic [...]
Marc from FL
July 29th, 2009
10:30 am
The score is all that matters. 4-3 might as well be 15-0. We lost, big deal. Keep your eye on the prize, a series win and we’re still in a good shape. It’s like the old formula, to hell with sweeps, just win the series and you’ll be ok.
Skeezix
July 29th, 2009
10:51 am
This was a tough loss. Makes it especially hard to win the series with who the Marlins have on the mound tonight…but the Braves need to remember that they managed to beat the Giants’ ace recently. The Marlins have a solid team and could end up ahead of the Braves in the NL East. But why panic? I have been finally enjoying watching the Braves for the first time in a long time. We are over .500, the Mets are reeling, the starting pitching is solid and the offense has finally come around (but the bullpen still needs beefing up). What the heck happened in left field when that ball dropped in on GA? GA has to be the worse outfielder since Ken ” the Hawk” Harrelson who I once saw play at Fenway (also got to see the great Carl Yastrzemski). Is it just me, or did the umpire’s strike zone tighten up in the bottom of the ninth? My memory is that he had been calling the low strike before Soriano took the mound.
Mike
July 29th, 2009
10:52 am
It’s only NOT a killer loss if they bounce back tonight. Then it’s just a blip. If they don’t, and lose the series to the fish, they may look back at the end of July as the time they lost a realistic chance of making a run at the playoffs.
Roy Hobbs
July 29th, 2009
10:57 am
I agree with you, its not something to panic over, but a series sweep would make the Braves sellers on Friday.
brent a.
July 29th, 2009
10:58 am
IIRC, Rivera tried to get an 1+ inning save that night – and failed!
Average Joe
July 29th, 2009
11:05 am
Last night’s loss is only a big deal if it leads to doubts from the players themselves. They’ve proven that they play great baseball, they just need to KEEP believing it and let that belief translate into good, solid, fundamentally sound baseball. All closers have off nights and nights where their fastball is as straight as an arrow. Like Mark says, that’s baseball.
This is as good a Braves team as we’ve had in the past 4 years, certainly good enough to win the wild card and maybe even the division. The so-called experts on ESPN, et al, are typically quiet about just how good our starting pitching really is, but they all know the Braves are a force to be reckoned with, they just can’t bring themselves to admit it. And remember, many of these same experts picked the Mets to run away with the division, or at a minimum finish WAY ahead of the Braves. I wonder if they still cling to that prediction?
Let’s go out tonight and make a statement, Bravos!
abudefdef
July 29th, 2009
11:14 am
MB, if he’s such a good singer, why doesn’t he try out for American Idol? Too old maybe? I don’t know, and frankly, too lazy to research it!
Marc from FL
July 29th, 2009
11:22 am
And I wouldn’t get too worried about JJ taking the mound tonight. I’d like to compare our records against # 1 and 2 starters versus our records against #3-5 and rookie starters. I bet it’s something like a .800 record against front of the rotation guys and .400 record against everyone else. And guess who, KK, has been one of our best counter aces thus far this year (bested only by our JJ against other big name pitchers so far this year).
We have every reason to feel good going into tonight’s game, and then we go for a series win tomorrow and stay on track!
Ralph
July 29th, 2009
11:26 am
I don’t understand why Cox pulled a starting pitcher who was sailing along after only 6 innings and put in Norton to pinch hit. Norton hitting .115 and Jer hit at .159, if Cox just wants to get Norton some at bats then do it when the braves are leading 10 to nothing, or better yet send him to the minors where he can hit as much as they want him to, better yet, give him a one way ticket to nowhere, the braves would have a chance at a wild card with another manager but 0 chance with Cox who doesn’t care if they win or lose so long as his boys are happy.
JEZ
July 29th, 2009
11:37 am
yea, Soriano had an off night. Hey Papelbon gave up the win last night with the Bosox so it’s no reason to panick. I agree though and proceeded to yell at the tv last night when I heard Cox was taking JJ out after 98 pitches. I don’t understand why he is so set on the 100 pitch count..that is not only hurting us, but hurting our bullpen!!! These are grown men who make millions of dollars and pitch once every 5 days…they can get stretched above 100 pitches..especially when it’s close and they are keeping us in there! Cox needs to get with it!!
Navigator
July 29th, 2009
11:59 am
Mark, I really disagree with your premise. Soriano may be able to pitch, but he simply doesn’t have the personality to be a closer. I watched his demeanor when he first went to the mound, and immediately felt that the Braves were in trouble. I’m sorry, nonchalant doesn’t get it as a closer. You want fire, a challenger, a smart pitcher, but more than anything else, a guy who doesn’t walk hitters when the game is on the line.
Marc from FL
July 29th, 2009
12:02 pm
I don’t know why people are trying to blame Cox for last night. We went into the bottom of the 9th with the lead and one of the best in the game coming in to close it out. What more does he need to do?
I could argue that KJ would have been a better option than Norton, but JJJ isn’t a great bunter and McLouth sucks with RISP, so pinch hitting when we had a chance to score a run or two made sense. Regardless, it’s all based on speculation of what could have/ might have happened. Again, we went into the bottom of the 9th with the lead and put our best pitcher up to close it out…
Braves Fan
July 29th, 2009
12:04 pm
Soriano seems to always start out the season sharp and degrades into a game loser. How many games will the Braves lose before someone makes Cox remove him as the closer.
Marc from FL
July 29th, 2009
12:06 pm
Navigator, I rarely call people out, but you’re full of it with that Soriano comments. He’s considered one of the most intimidating relievers in the game. Why? Because of his demeanor. Do you want someone that’s going to freak out every time they give up a hit or someone that’s going to be rock-solid on every pitch regardless of what the last batter just did or who’s due up next? The umpire’s inconsistent strike zone cost us the game last night, he made Soriano throw a pitch he didn’t want to throw in order to keep the winning run off base, simple as that.
raleighbravesfan
July 29th, 2009
12:15 pm
I agree mostly with Marc. BTY, Infante returning should take care of Norton.
Roy Hobbs
July 29th, 2009
12:22 pm
Soriano blowing the save is not a big deal, but Nortons hitting into a double play is a big deal. Why does the guy keep getting at bats with the game on the line?
Bravo
July 29th, 2009
12:24 pm
I think it’s time to look toward next year. You say it’s just baseball and it happens.. well, the great teams (playoff caliber) find ways to win down the stretch. And great players make the play. The Braves lack those players that won’t allow their team to loss. I say we move Gonzalez, Soriano, Lowe, Johnson and Moylan. None of these players empressed me and I’m sick and tired of all the excuses. You say even Mariano Rivera blows some, but guess what, he at least got them there. With all of the suppose talent these guys have, why is it then that everytime they go to the mound I bite my lip wishing, hoping for the best and maybe they can get it done. Lets move these guys now while there’s so many teams looking for help. Lets get great young talent back and gear towards next year and who knows? you might catch lightning in a bottle and excite this team to take the next step this year. The pitching would still be there. Lets get some return now. These guys aren’t the answer, they haven’t been and never will be. Lets get a return!!!
Bravo
July 29th, 2009
12:26 pm
And Navigator, you hit the nail on the head! It’s time we play every game as if it’s the last. No more excuses!!! This is getting so old! Lets get some guys with a desire to win.
Bravo
July 29th, 2009
12:33 pm
Marc from Fl, you said “The umpire’s inconsistent strike zone cost us the game last night, he made Soriano throw a pitch he didn’t want to throw in order to keep the winning run off base, simple as that.” Can you explain to me why the tying run was on base? Can you say, Walk? Why would walk someone at that critical point. It’s happened time and time again with this bullpen. They don’t throw strikes! As soon as he issued that walk he should have been pulled. The relievers need to understand they must throw strikes. You take away all the walks they’ve given up in critical spots and the braves have at least 10 more wins this year but they do not execute. Why? Cause they aren’t the answer. Lets move them for prospect and reload with guys that have a desire and passion to compete.
The_Superhoo
July 29th, 2009
12:35 pm
Plenty of time. But Braves need to win division series, and the Marlins are now ahead of us in WC too.
I think we lost our shot at this series. I went into it thinking we had to win games 1 and 3. KK is “ok.”. He can only go 5 innings, and his ERA isn’t fantastic. He faces their ace. In addition, who’s going to pitch the final 4 innings?
I’ll watch of course, and I want to be surprised tonight. But I expect a loss.
Bravo
July 29th, 2009
1:03 pm
Any comments?
WJ
July 29th, 2009
1:22 pm
It can be a big deal to lose one game in July. Especially if that one game is to those who you are trying to jump over in standings for wild card. Yep, agree, wild card is the only hope for Atlanta. They must come out of each series with series wins if they hope to overcome all the teams in front of them.
nique
July 29th, 2009
1:35 pm
Mark, could you please explain why Norton would pinch hit in front of David Ross or even Kelly Johnson? Doesn’t make sense to me, but then again, a lot of Bobby’s moves don’t IMO. If Bobby believes that Norton needs more ABs to come out of his slump (understatement), why do so in a close game against a team that you need to beat (re: Wild Card). David Ross has been great this year, get him more ABs!
Ball Hound
July 29th, 2009
1:39 pm
Bet if we had a team of players with Escobar, Prado, Conrad, and Infante’s desire to win, and this pitching, we’d be @ .600. Curtis Jones has it spot on.
Smoltzy
July 29th, 2009
2:14 pm
I do not know if this is the right blog for this however, I know the Braves are interested in a reliever. Mr . Bradley, i would love for you to comment on the Braves chances/ interest in acquiring struggling starting pitcher John Smoltz from the Red Sox. As crazy as this sounds I think it would be a great deal if the Red Sox were willing to part with him. We can use Smoltz in the pen and his 5 million contract would not be so bad at this pro-rated amount.
Sam I Am
July 29th, 2009
2:17 pm
The Braves haven’t won a game all year when they only scored 3 runs.
ChiTownBravesFan
July 29th, 2009
2:58 pm
If you ask me, this team has already exceeded expectations. The team is built for the next two years when the next great hitting star in baseball, Mr. Heyward joins the current young stud Mr. Hanson to carry the team for many years to come. Lowe has been exactly what he’s supposed to be, Javy seems to have gotten better with Bobby Cox, and Jurrjens has turned out to be one of the most lop-sided trades ever. (Smoltz from Detroit comes to mind) If we can sneak into the playoffs it would be a huge achievement, and if we aren’t competing for a World Series every year for the next five it will be a dissapointment. Frank Wren has done a great job, and the best is yet to come.
Phil
July 29th, 2009
3:02 pm
Ralph,
Your comments confirm why Cox is referred to as “Moron Cox”….
SRF
July 29th, 2009
3:07 pm
I cannot see any way that the Braves make the playoffs – there are just too many other scrappy teams between
them and the wildcard or division. I have tickets Friday night for the game versus LA – I hope they are still playing well and that homer does not send them into a funk….
Marc from FL
July 29th, 2009
3:29 pm
Bravo,
He walked him because of the umpire’s inconsistent strike zone. Did you watch the game? He threw two strikes to the first hitter that were called balls. It should have been 2-2 instead of 4-0. And then he had to throw Gload a strike or risk walking another with this ump’s idea of a strike zone. This why you see pitchers get so upset with the umpires from time to time, an inconsistent strike zone makes it impossible for them to pitch effectively. Nolasco and JJJ were both lucky to only give up what they did, cause both had to lodge a few over the fat part of the plate during the game a few times to prevent a walk.
I’ll let you Cox bashers go at him, now and then I might even agree with you, but Soriano bashing at this point is just flat-out irresponsible. He’s been our most consistent player all year, and was more a victim of the umpire than the hitter last night. I was watching the Marlin’s feed and even their announcers though the ump’s strike zone was nothing short of random given this level of play.
There have been several other games where our bullpen as a whole (mostly middle relief guys) have walked us to death. But you’re acting like a handful of meltdowns has drug us into a hole. Every team’s relievers have a meltdown now and then, many of which have resulted in a win for us. Yes, gasp, we’ve benefited from bullpen meltdowns as much or almost as much as we have suffered from them. That’s baseball. The one meltdown I know we didn’t take advantage of was against the Mets, after Santana left the game and their bullpen could not throw a strike to save their life, but somehow kept chasing horrible pitches out the zone and made poor base running decisions to lose the game.
We could benefit from another arm (though with Huddy and Carlyle coming back I don’t see a need to trade from one), but our cancer this year has been a stagnate offense. Our bullpen hasn’t cost us a third of the games that our offense has.
That’s my argument anyways.
Tim
July 29th, 2009
4:13 pm
Trade KJ for the reliever.
Tim
July 29th, 2009
4:14 pm
or plug huddy into the bullpen when he’s all healed up.
paradoxcapt
July 29th, 2009
4:20 pm
Shoddy defense raised its ugly head again last night. Not sure if the players were tired or what, but less than crisp defense is contagious and affects hitting as well. Watching Anderson and McClouth stare at a fly ball that should have been and out, followed by Kotchman not being able to cleanly catch a ground ball was distressing. I enjoy watching these guys, but there are times they seem to zone out on the defensive side, which results in a loss.
Skeezix
July 29th, 2009
4:22 pm
Re: Norton. I am in no way a Bobby Cox basher, but it is hard to understand why Norton continues to be our #1 pinch hitter. We have played 100 games and his performance has been dismal the entire season. He is paid to pinch ‘hit’, not pinch ’strike out’ or pinch ‘ground out’. It is past time the Braves got a replacement. Get him out of there!
Average Joe
July 29th, 2009
4:46 pm
I have to agree with those who are questioning Greg Norton’s place on this team. His continued presence scares me for many reasons: 1. Bobby Cox likes him…that means that whether or not he can play is beside the point. 2. Cox has a long history of sticking with players long after they’ve proven they’re out of gas (I mean, Jeff Bennett had to take matters into his own hands, no pun intended). 3. Norton’s spot could be occupied by someone who can actually hit, like a Brooks Conrad, for example. 4. See #1 and add STUBBORN to it!
Bobby has been around this game long enough to know that one player CAN make a huge difference to a team. So why would he continue to fill a roster spot with a guy who has done everything he can to prove he’s finished? I’m sure he’s a great guy, but he ain’t got it no more! It’s the biggest load of nonsense since the aforementioned Jeff “Little-League” Bennett. Please, please, please forget loyalty just once, Bobby, and do what’s best for your team!
Braves Forever
July 29th, 2009
4:50 pm
To: Bobby Cox. I know Greg Norton had a good year last year but this year he’s lost his ability to pinch hit. Please don’t use him in any more meaningful pinch hitting situations. We can’t afford his stikeouts!
Braves Forever
July 29th, 2009
4:56 pm
Yeah, I know – - – strikeouts. Greg Norton needs to go down to the farm and find his ability to get hits…
PHILLY PHANATIC
July 29th, 2009
5:52 pm
Nope, no need to panic bravos!! Just wave the white flag in surrender while we stomp your silly team into the dust.
Brad
July 29th, 2009
6:13 pm
Bravo, you need to get a grip. Answer me this where was ball 4 to Cody Ross last night? It sure wasn’t low. You want to move Lowe, Soriano, and Moylan. Okay, Lowe is 10-7. Yes his ERA is high for an ace but he’s 10-7. Moylan and Gonzo had impressive nights last night and Soriano’s ERA is in the 1’s and he only has two blown saves ALL year. His last was against the Mets at Citi when he gave up a homer to Sheffield in the 8th inning.
They’ve done good work and Gonzo has been strong since he was hit in the forearm.
I’m sorry, but I think you’re taking this loss a little too hard. It’s one game and games like this happen to every team.
Brad
July 29th, 2009
6:20 pm
Kotchman not being able to cleanly catch a ground ball was distressing.
Uh, okay, but Kotchmnan still got the out so what’s the big deal?
beachbrave
July 29th, 2009
8:32 pm
Anyone still watching? Anyone still think we are aok with the current crew? Bark, 59 games and counting. Where are you?
Greg+
July 30th, 2009
7:53 am
I suppose last night’s loss is no big deal either? I’m telling you, the Braves are blowing the wild card –right here, right now at the end of July. It’s one thing to be four games out of the wild card slot –it’s quite another to have four teams in front of you.
Joebrave
July 31st, 2009
8:48 am
Bradley, why don’t you get some original stuff, dude You are not D.O.B. so stop riding his coattails! stupid Jackass!
wreckmaniac
July 31st, 2009
9:32 am
I’ll take this team as is. There are no “nonperformers” since Frenchy left and I can’t see any available and needed aquisitions. That said, this team is not at the level of LA and the Phils but with Huddy coming back I see a chance at the wild card which would be a big upgrade.
Bradley's Buzz: Smoltz might not make it to October | Mark Bradley
August 7th, 2009
5:32 pm
[...] excruciating game on a walk-off homer last night. When first it happened, in Florida last week, I didn’t think it was a big deal. I think this one is bigger. Only 53 games left and they’re still 5 1/2 back in the wild [...]