Chipper Jones: “I like our team … We’ve got a shot”
So here we see the 2009 Atlanta Braves, who bear only a scant resemblance to the Braves we beheld in April. When last did a club make three major trades in the middle of a season, only one of them coming at the deadline?
“It doesn’t happen too often,” Bobby Cox said, and it wasn’t as if these Braves were dumping salary or shuffling middle relievers. These were trades involving starters.
These Braves began the season with Jordan Schafer in center, Jeff Francoeur in right and Casey Kotchman at first base. They now have new men at each spot. No, they didn’t land Matt Holliday, but they’ve tried to upgrade themselves at the positions most needing upgrades. And if we count Martin Prado supplanting Kelly Johnson at second base, half the everyday eight has been rearranged.
The point being: We can and will criticize the Braves for many things, but we cannot accuse them of sitting on their hands. “Our front office has busted its hump trying to give us a chance,” Chipper Jones said Sunday. And then: “Frank Wren has to be commended.”
In January the same Chipper ripped the same Wren for letting John Smoltz leave. A lot of people have ripped Wren a lot of ways lately, but the cold reality is that this general manager has done more than anyone could have reasonably expected to rebuild a 90-loss team.
Four of the five starting pitchers are new, three of them imports. Of the key position players, only Jones, Prado, Brian McCann, Yunel Escobar and Matt Diaz were on the roster when training camp convened. The 2009 Braves might not make the playoffs, but it won’t be for lack of effort. And the belief in the Braves’ clubhouse is that they can make the playoffs.
Said Jones: “I like our team. As long as we pitch, we’ve got a shot.”
They pitched for four innings Sunday night, whereupon Jair Jurrjens lost the plot – five Dodgers recorded two-out hits – and the game. That wasn’t what the Braves had in mind. Still, today’s a new day, and this is a better team than it was a month or two ago.
Loading ...In Nate McLouth and Ryan Church, Wren hired professionals to fill spots at which professionalism had become an issue. In dealing Kotchman for Adam LaRoche, the Braves traded a light-hitting first baseman who didn’t really fit here — one sardonic clubhouse nickname for Kotchman was “Sunshine” — for a former Brave who can at least launch the occasional three-run homer.
No, this still isn’t a batting order to rival the Yankees’. Said Jones: “We’re awfully left-handed. But we should hit righthanders well because we’ll see more of them. Except when we go to Philly.” But there’s a bit more pop now, and a better balance. No longer does Cox have to bat his first baseman seventh.
The Braves might or might not win the wild card – they’re five games back and in fifth place — but Wren has overhauled his club on the fly without sacrificing Kris Medlen or Jason Heyward or Freddie Freeman to do it. And there’s time enough, just, for something good to happen.
Fifty-seven games to go. The best rotation in the National League, now bolstered by a lineup with demonstrably fewer holes. This isn’t over yet.
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141 comments Add your comment
Frenchy
August 2nd, 2009
6:24 pm
Mr. MB, why did Leland become Mitch? Thanks, your pal, Frenchy
hoho
August 2nd, 2009
6:38 pm
Said Jones: “We’re awfully left-handed. But we should hit righthanders well because we’ll sell more of them.
Probably a typo not a misquote. Since it’s actually a column, not a blog exactly, figured I could safely point it out.
mudcat47
August 2nd, 2009
6:45 pm
The biggest positive for Mr. Wren is that he’s left our farm system basically intact. I like our farm system, a lot. Just one major offensive acquisition over the winter could make a big difference because I really think FW is doing a solid job in rebuilding the club. Yeah, we all want it done quicker, but slower is better for the long run and we have to give our guys a little more time AND NOT TRADE THEM. By the way, are you getting smarter?
Dash Riprock
August 2nd, 2009
6:52 pm
MB – Good stuff. Regarding Kotchman, I was under the impression that he was well-regarded around the majors for being a good clubhouse guy. In reality is he just a surly dude, or is there more to this than meets the eye?
seahawk
August 2nd, 2009
6:54 pm
what is this cryptic message about professionalism, and mr sunshine? if you have something to say – say it…
bali smith
August 2nd, 2009
6:55 pm
thanks for a very poitive article on the Atlanta Braves and the Braves general manager Frank Wren, I hope they can make the playoffs as the wildcard team but I really think the braves are gearing up for next year
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
6:59 pm
It was a typo, Hoho. And I thank you for serving as my copy editor.
I would say Kotchman was rather reserved. And not hugely popular.
Reid Adair
August 2nd, 2009
7:02 pm
Oh no. Frank Wren has managed to get enough of his Kool-Aid in Chipper Jones’ system that Jones is now buying Wren’s “success.”
jimmya
August 2nd, 2009
7:08 pm
waiting on the off season to see what WREN does counted this season over bring up the kids get rid of the dead weight
brewdawg
August 2nd, 2009
7:11 pm
If the Cubbies beat the marlins, and the Braves beat the Dodgers… we will be in second place (tied) in the division and six games out. So which is better? Fifth place and four out or Second place and six out? Seems like a wash
Charlie
August 2nd, 2009
7:17 pm
Wren tried to sign, Griffey, Furcal, Smoltz, Hampton and trade for Peavy. Better to be lucky than good.
Braves Wussie Boys
August 2nd, 2009
7:18 pm
Wow! The Braves have a shot now! Chipper’s buddy Roachy is back so now they are a real threat to make the playoffs!
Yeah, since LaRoche hits lefty’s so well the Braves are less left handed. No wait! Kotchman hit lefty’s well but LaRoche can struggle against them! So in fact the lineup is even MORE of a liability against lefties with the loss of Kotchman and the addition of Buck Commander LaRoche.
And lets no forget that Kotchman isn’t a Buck Commander so that has to make a huge difference in the clubhouse!
When the Atlanta Braves country club decides to worry more about playing ball instead of who they are hanging with in the off season, the odds of making the playoffs again might improve. Until then, they’ll just have to entertain themselves by deciding who is in the clique and who isn’t.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
August 2nd, 2009
7:22 pm
Hey, I like the optimism. I really do.
But the facts remain, Frank Wren can’t trade Bobby Cox and the damage has already been done. People ask me if the glass is half full or half empty and I tell them that the damn thing should be full and running over.
Yes, we are a wild card contender but the truth speaks loudly. This team should be in first place right now except for the inept mistakes made by our Hall of Fame manager. We should be winning this division, no trailing two teams.
Or better yet, ask yourself these two questions. Are the Marlins or the Braves better and who has done the better job of managing his team, Bobby Cox or Fredi Gonzalez?
JP Swain
August 2nd, 2009
7:23 pm
I suppose Kotchman might be described as ‘light hitting’, but he’s been hitting of late. Three moves for first baseman in three years, on or around the trade deadline. Interesting.
The Braves still really need an outfielder than can mash, but Heyward should not be rushed, nor should Freeman for that matter.
We might not get there this year, but at least the games are worth watching.
Still, I want to know when Bobby will say Prado is the ’starter’. Not the “starter for now.”
louisville slugger
August 2nd, 2009
7:23 pm
Hey, Mark, I agree, I think the Braves are improved to the point where they can compete this year, without mortgaging the future by trading their best prospects. Much better approach than two years ago…
And Reid, Chipper never appears to be one to “drink the Kool-Aid”, he pretty much shoots straight, so if he’s supportive of the changes, I think that means something…
Chris
August 2nd, 2009
7:25 pm
Great moves? The Braves downgraded at first base and Frenchy has eighteen rbi to Church’s four. The only position the Braves have improved is second base, and that would not have happened if Kelly Johnson had not got injured.
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
August 2nd, 2009
7:26 pm
if this injury with church lingers then you have to consider bringing up heyward in september….
dude hit another homer today, a two run shot. batting .417 .500 obp with ops at an astounding 1.238
4 hr 21 rbi in just 24 games…
is he ready?
chemdawg
August 2nd, 2009
7:27 pm
Mark… Bloggers keep talking wild card, but there are more teams in the wild card chase. Statistically speaking, the Braves have a better shot at catching the Phillies. According to a baseball prospectus simulation, the chance of winning the division is 13.6% vs 5.5% chance of winning the wild card:
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/statistics/ps_odds.php
chemdawg
August 2nd, 2009
7:28 pm
slim odds either way
Sonny Clusters
August 2nd, 2009
7:30 pm
We was looking at this blog and thinking that being called sunshine isn’t all that bad. They was a song about you are my sunshine and it takes sunshine to make crops grow. Still, knowing what they called Kotchman in the clubhouse is about as big news as Frenchy’s lucky underpants.
areyoukidding?
August 2nd, 2009
7:31 pm
Wow! I can’t believe we have such a negative bunch of losers who are supposedly rooting for the Braves. If you saw Frank Wren walking across Lake Lanier some of you would criticize the way he walked across the water. Since you can all play better than Chipper, make more astute trades than Frank Wren, and know so much more about baseball than Bobby Cox….please…please…please shut your fat mouths and try out for their positions. In the meantime, go pull for another team and take your negativity with you all. I’m sick of reading your stupidity. And oh….if this offends you….you must be one of the people I’m talking about.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
7:34 pm
No matter what Francoeur does in New York, he wouldn’t have done it here. Too much water under the bridge. Or over the dam. Or over the bridge. Or something.
And I think McLouth represents an upgrade in CF, don’t you?
Braves Wussie Boys
August 2nd, 2009
7:35 pm
areyoukidding…..
shutup
Donnie Williamson
August 2nd, 2009
7:35 pm
I know everyone blasted Wren for the decisions involving the 3 pitchers that weren’t signed this year.Smoltz,Glavine gave us great years pitching here. Hampton was signed and never even pitched 1 complete year with the Braves. They stuck with him those years in hopes that when he got well he would help. He left for a little more money some gratitude right??? Smoltz is having a tough time in Boston and as usual Hampton is hurt last time I heard.I think Mr. Wren has done a great job putting a tem together if it doesn’t make the playoffs this year will be in the middle of it next year. Hats off to you Frank Wren.
Braves Wussie Boys
August 2nd, 2009
7:36 pm
areyoukidding…..<<<<<< one of Bobby Cox’s grandkids
areyoukidding?
August 2nd, 2009
7:37 pm
Yeah…you’re one of them, Wussie Boy. Aptly named I might add.
areyoukidding?
August 2nd, 2009
7:38 pm
Struck a nerve did we, Wussie Boy?
Braves Wussie Boys
August 2nd, 2009
7:38 pm
yes, aptly named…….BRAVES Wussie Boys!
jimmya
August 2nd, 2009
7:39 pm
who was ot there before lol
Braves Wussie Boys
August 2nd, 2009
7:40 pm
areyoukidding<<<<<<< Frank Wren’s and Terry Mcguirk’s dream fan
Born2Buzz
August 2nd, 2009
7:41 pm
yea, we need to hope a bunch of folks go on losing streaks and the braves run off a streak of their own the right way. problem is, SF and Colorado get to play the DBacks and Padres, a lot. that could be the difference in the wild card.
Braves Wussie Boys
August 2nd, 2009
7:42 pm
areyoukidding got his name because when he makes his arguments defending the performance of the Braves and the front office, most folks scream at him, “ARE YOU Kidding?”
areyoukidding?
August 2nd, 2009
7:44 pm
Get a life, Wussie Boy. I’m off to bigger and better things than you….like watching the Braves beat the Dodgers. You have fun on here with your little rants. Would you like a tissue for your issues. All of Atlanta will cry with you since the city holds your comments in such high regard. Have a wonderful evening.
jimmya
August 2nd, 2009
7:54 pm
dont want any plotoon players next year if they aimt good enuff to playevery day get rid ofem
DP
August 2nd, 2009
8:06 pm
With regard to Francouer, I’ll take the 2500 AB sample with the Braves over the 60 AB sample with the Mets. To paraphrase Dennis Green, a year from now we’ll see that Francouer is who we thought he was, i.e. not an everyday major league outfielder.
Braves supporter
August 2nd, 2009
8:11 pm
If you can not or will not support the Braves then by all means choose another team that needs your negative comments and support them! Be a true fan or be GONE.
Firetheoldfool
August 2nd, 2009
8:20 pm
Braves Supporter. This is a blog where all can post. This is not a pep rally or a place for only eternal optimists.
Sonny Clusters
August 2nd, 2009
8:33 pm
“I would say Kotchman was rather reserved. And not hugely popular.” – MB
We was wondering if it was because Kotchman didn’t talk his underpants in the paper. Or if it was because Kotchman didn’t kill little animals with high powered weaponry. No matter, now we got Adam back and they’s a lot of AADD jokes we can do and especially if they let him have a bobblehead night.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
8:42 pm
Not saying Kotchman was/is a bad guy. He just seemed very into himself, if I can invoke the buzz phrase.
Jeff
August 2nd, 2009
8:47 pm
I still think the Braves are reshuffling deck chairs on the Titanic, but hey . . . who knows? I’d love to be wrong.
I posted this the other day, but I think it’s just as apt here.
The nucleus of this team needs to be broken up. Something just doesn’t click for this group of Braves, specifically the hitters. The sum of the team doesn’t equal the parts.
The Braves are well into their fourth straight season without making the playoffs. In those 3 1/2+ years, the Braves are 15 games under .500 despite being +121 in run differential for the same period.
The Braves were -25 in run differential for the ENTIRE YEAR last year and finished 18 games UNDER .500. They are +25 in run differential for 103 GAMES this year and are just 1 game OVER .500.
This team is under-performing and has been for 3 1/2 years now. Something has to change. I don’t know what the change needs to be, but I don’t get paid boku money to know. However, even casual fans that have watched the 2006-2009 Braves can see that something is simply a beat off with these teams.
Any knucklehead (myself included) can go and check the Braves’ record and measure it against their expected record based on simple statistical analysis. Here’s a brief summary:
Year Actual W-L Pythagorean W-L Differential
2006: 79-83 85-77 -6
2007: 84-78 88-74 -4
2008: 72-90 79-83 -7
2009: 52-51 54-49 -2
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/ATL/2008.shtml
This team is now under-performing their expectations for the FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR! You know how many other major league baseball teams have underperformed their expectations for 4 consecutive years? ZERO.
Bank Walker
August 2nd, 2009
8:52 pm
I think a first baseman with a .260 average and limited power better be the class clown around the club house
Country Boy
August 2nd, 2009
8:55 pm
Hello Marky boy. Just wanted to say WOW about that blockbuster trade of Adam ” Dead between the Ears” LaRoche for Kasey ” Kitten Weak ” Kotchman. And here I was thinking these GM’s weren’t earning their money. The main benefactor of this trade will be Garrett Anderson because with about two weeks of watching LaRoche Braves fans will think we have Pete “Charlie Hustle” Rose playing left field.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
9:00 pm
Jurrjens throwing as hard as I’ve ever seen him, by the way. Manny can’t catch up to his fastball — at least not so far.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
9:01 pm
Manny strikes out looking with two on. Pretty good pitching.
Jeff
August 2nd, 2009
9:09 pm
Love Jurrjens. He’s a poor man’s Greg Maddux, which is not a backhanded compliment in any way.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
9:11 pm
Jair throws a bit harder than Doggie, I’d say. Hit 95 on Strike 2 to Manny. Mad Dog wouldn’t have hit 95 in a Ferrari.
Jeff
August 2nd, 2009
9:16 pm
No, but he hits spots, changes speeds and has plenty of moxie. We need more Braves with moxie.
Actually, my comments could use a little moxie. Not sure if moxie exists outside of the sporting realm.
The Grinch
August 2nd, 2009
9:22 pm
JJ is the man. I sincerely hope Boras gets run over by a bus before JJ’s contract is up. Well, well before for that matter.
Y’all will be singing Wren’s praises (at least the ones of you with any sense) come this time next season.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
9:25 pm
I think moxie exists in the realm of cops and robbers, too.
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
August 2nd, 2009
9:26 pm
Good article, MB. It actually makes me feel a little better about the 1B trade, as I wasn’t completely sold on it.