Chipper Jones: “I like our team … We’ve got a shot”
Here's Adam LaRoche, again a Brave. (AJC photo by Johnny Crawford)
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.
EED FROM ELLIJAY
August 2nd, 2009
9:27 pm
we upgraded in center and second, but have downgraded in right and first base, since the start of the season.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
9:31 pm
The Braves just needed someone with power potential at first base. Not saying Ol’ Rochy is Lou Gehrig. But he does have 12 homers, which makes him a thumper in this lineup.
Chipper having no joy swinging at Billingsley’s serves. Two strikeouts so far.
Jeff
August 2nd, 2009
9:35 pm
Perhaps, but as a criminal defense attorney (and no offense to any clients), I’m not seeing too many robbers with moxie. You know . . . past their robbing prime, but getting by on experience, guts and guile.
By the way, I’m enjoying the ESPN broadcast crew’s tortured explanation for Manny’s slump. Gotta’ be the hand injury. I’m sure being 37 and no longer on performing enhancing drugs (allegedly) isn’t helping either.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
9:38 pm
Manny with a single to center on an offspeed pitch. I think Jair did him a favor by throwing one.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
9:43 pm
Terrible pitch by Jair. 0-2 fastball right down the middle. Kemp hit it 420 feet. Three-run jack.
I told you I thought Jair made a mistake by not pounding Manny again, and that hit touched off the rally. Not that I know anything about anything. (I mean, I’m not Joe Morgan.)
Jeff
August 2nd, 2009
9:46 pm
Unfortunately, 3 runs down for the Braves is pretty insurmountable.
Jeff
August 2nd, 2009
9:46 pm
Make that 4 and counting.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
9:47 pm
The inning recap: Furcal groundout, Ethier K, Manny single, Loney single, Kemp home run, Martin double, Loretta single. It’s 4-0 now, and suddenly JJ is at 100 pitches and has been touched for 10 hits and four earned runs.
Dennis Newton
August 2nd, 2009
9:55 pm
Why…why do the braves pitchers INSIST on putting 0-2 pitches over the plate? Gonzalez has been hammered on 0-2 pitches within reach of the hitter and tonight JJ gave up a 3 run homer to the Dodgers on a 0-2 pitch squarely over the plate. Can anyone get through to these fellows that 0-2 pitches should be no where near a hitter? How about having the catcher stand up on an 0-2 pitch and take the 0-2 pitch like an intentional ball?
Braindawg
August 2nd, 2009
9:57 pm
Be glad MB, No one wants to be Joe Morgan! Atleast not now, maybe when he was playing, but not as the announcer he has become!
Max Sizemore
August 2nd, 2009
9:58 pm
Jeff, you’re being a little selective with those Pythagorean numbers from the last four seasons. Starting with 1999 (from the website you mention), the Braves OVERPERFORMED for six of the next seven seasons: +5, +5, -2, +5, +5, +1, +1. Now, if you know anything about probability and sample size . . . nah, you probably don’t.
Turtsnap
August 2nd, 2009
9:58 pm
Chipper may like their chances, I continue to be skeptical (or a realist). Tonight is a prime example: up against a good team and a decent pitcher, and we look pathetic. Also, Dodgers show you they are a team that will make the opposing pitcher work, Braves never do that!
Braindawg
August 2nd, 2009
10:01 pm
Dont worry we’ll come back! Come on Braves, you know what they say, “When life gives you lemons, spike the lemonade!” Now wheres my gin? That is all! Later!
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
10:01 pm
Joe Morgan was among the five best players I ever saw in person. He is not among the five best analysts I’ve ever heard.
And Greg Norton strikes out against a hurting Chad Billingsley, which pretty much says it all.
Jeff
August 2nd, 2009
10:02 pm
Max, nothing selective. I simply went back to the last year the Braves made the playoffs and went from there. You can go back to any year you wish, I chose to look at the non-playoff years, which was kind of the point.
Hey . . . forget about that though. Greg Norton’s up–problem solved.
Never mind.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
10:04 pm
Brouhaha after the Tool Race. Drill was about to take the lead but fell, enabling Paintbrush to win. Whereupon Drill drilled Paintbrush in the back. Paintbrush went down with a thud.
It’s the most violence I’ve seen out here since Jeff Bennett went after the dugout wall.
Bone
August 2nd, 2009
10:06 pm
Everyone talks about needing a bigger bat in the lineup, but wouldn’t a little speed help just as much. I personally was hoping to get juan pierre if we could get him cheap so we had a true leadoff who could steal bases…
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
10:08 pm
You know it’s not going your way when the other team pinch-hits for its pitcher with another pitcher, and the pinch-hitting pitcher (Jason Schmidt, former Brave) gets his first-ever career pinch hit. Off Medlen, who’s in now.
Angus
August 2nd, 2009
10:11 pm
Fork stuck. See ya in 2010.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
10:13 pm
A half-hour ago this was a well pitched game. And now the Dodgers have eight hits in 11 at-bats. And lead 5-0.
True Braves Fan
August 2nd, 2009
10:17 pm
I like the moves that Wren has made so far. Now he needs to make 2 more. Move Johnson and Norton. Omar Infante and Brooks Conrad will do very well.
BeachBrave
August 2nd, 2009
10:18 pm
Love the optimism! And don’t minimize the importance. However, it can be described any way you want to try to put words together, but we stood pat at the trading deadline. LaRoche for Kotchman- a wash since one is stronger in some areas and the other stonger in others. However, it appears that Bobby,Chipper and others are happier now than before the trade. And that is important! But did we really do anything to strenghten the team for a stretch run? No. Do we have a “chance”? Of course. But do we still have gaping holes that might have been filled? Absolutely.
As we have learned lately, you don’t get many chances to get into the playoffs and we had/have a legit shot this year and did nothing/very little to improve our chances. Even with all the optimism and the prospects for 2010, we may not be any closer than this year. What a wasted opportunity! Seize the day? Not so much. Hold fast, cross your fingers and hope for the best? Yep. If not, we’ll wait for next year. I’ll be here every night supporting the Braves and trying to help them get there, but we deserved better.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
10:20 pm
I’m sorry, but it’s fun just to watch Manny catch a fly ball. Because you’re not sure if he will.
Jeff
August 2nd, 2009
10:23 pm
Mark, a half hour ago Chipper’s: “I like our team … We’ve got a shot” sounded a bit more plausible. At this stage, almost every loss is a big loss (especially losing 2 of 3 at home).
A loss here would leave the Braves 53-52. Let’s say 90 wins would take the WC (which I doubt, but for argument’s sake . . . ). The Braves would have to go 37-20 the rest of the way to reach 90 wins. Not impossible, but I’m not seeing it from this Braves’ team.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
10:23 pm
Here’s the difference between Kotchman and LaRoche: If you make a mistake to the former, he might hit a double; make one to the latter and he can hit a home run.
In 130 games with Atlanta, Kotchman had eight home runs. Yunel Escobar has 11 in 87 games this season.
And LaRoche isn’t seen as the long-term answer, I can assure you. Freddie Freeman is seen as the long-term answer.
RHR
August 2nd, 2009
10:24 pm
So Krotchy was into himself eh? I could say so much…but I won’t.
Braindawg
August 2nd, 2009
10:24 pm
Well Manny has to fight the lights, and his own hair to make a catch of a fly ball! He looks silly!
Jeff
August 2nd, 2009
10:26 pm
Salt in the wound (no pun intended). ESPN just cut to Salty hitting a home run.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
10:29 pm
Ninety wins is generally the wild-card number in the NL. (In the AL it’s higher.) And it would be a reach for the Braves to get there. But I keep thinking this pitching could get on a big-time roll. And I keep remembering the Rockies in 2007.
But is it looking great at the moment? Uh, not exactly. But there are still 57 games to go.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
10:30 pm
Kotchman was, if you will, crotchety.
Dawg Fan in Grayson
August 2nd, 2009
10:34 pm
If anyone is counting the Braves are headed to their 12th shut-out loss of the season and 2nd in a weekend series at HOME!!!
How can anyone seriously consider them as a playoff contender when they average 1 shut-out loss a week?
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
10:36 pm
Perhaps the Braves have become expert at conserving their resources. They only score on nights when they think they have a chance to win.
Jeff
August 2nd, 2009
10:40 pm
The pitching has, more or less, been on a roll. They need a defining comeback–an emotional rally–a walk-off win. I think it needs to come from the hitters.
Otherwise, you run the risk of the pitchers getting too fine; worrying once their down 2-0 that the game is over, etc..
The lack of hitting is an anchor around this team. I’m not even sure the Braves’ players believe they can rally down 5 runs.
RHR
August 2nd, 2009
10:41 pm
Someone on Carroll’s blog brought up that KK pitches tomorrow which means we’ll probably be into the pen early tomorrow night too.
BeachBrave
August 2nd, 2009
10:42 pm
Mark,
Not really questioning the “trade”. We’ll probably never know if LaRoche is better for our team than CK. (Hope I’m wrong and that Adam takes us to the playoffs, and beyond, on his back- something CK would likely never do.) My only point is that we really did nothing, or at best, very little to help our chances this year. (And what can you say when we keep seeing Ed Norton, et. al. playing a role in critical spots.) I’m thankful that we did not give up any prospects, but the bottom line is that we don’t know what the future holds even with the current roster including the prospects. I’m experienced enough to know that the future often doesn’t play out the way we plan/hope for it to unfold. We may not be this close to the playoffs again for awhile. Again, hope I’m wrong. I just really, really regret we didn’t do all possible to change the odds this year, and I sincerely believe the fans deserved better.
RHR
August 2nd, 2009
10:44 pm
I would just like to point out that this all went to crap around the time KJ rejoined the time. He’s bad mojo. Trade him, Frank.
RHR
August 2nd, 2009
10:45 pm
the team, not the time. Apparently I become dumber the later it gets.
chemdawg
August 2nd, 2009
10:49 pm
Jeff, I’d say if you consistently underperform your expected W-L, that means you’re losing too many close games. That seems to point to poor game management of close games not player performance.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
10:52 pm
Now 8-0. And I’m thinking the Braves will get half that back in the eighth and the rest in the ninth and then win in 10 … am I alone in this?
Jeff
August 2nd, 2009
10:53 pm
I agree HR. Being completely irrational and prone to superstition, I think KJ is absolute poison to the Braves.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
10:55 pm
And I’m thinking Kelly Johnson will come off the pine to hit the tying grand slam.
Jeff
August 2nd, 2009
10:56 pm
I’m on-board with Mark’s season altering rally.
KJ hits a three-run HR or GS in the 9th to tie the game. And then Rick Camp goes deep over the chain-link fence to win it in the 10th.
chemdawg
August 2nd, 2009
10:57 pm
ESPN
Steve Phillips: “you could get a lesser deal for Halladay anytime.”
Joe Morgan: “maybe…”
maybe?! Does Joe Morgan even know what that means? Phillips was saying the market for crappy trades would always be there. Does he think Halladay will suddenly become untradable because no deal was done? Morgan is so stupid.
Dawg Fan in Grayson
August 2nd, 2009
10:57 pm
Mark, I do believe you are alone in your fantasy about the Braves coming back to win. My fantasy is the Braves actually score a run tonight. Can we get a half of a run if we someone past 2nd base? Just pitiful.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
10:58 pm
Manny staves off the epic rally by grabbing Diory Hernandez’s sinking liner and then salaaming to the fans.
I know he’s nuts, but he’s fun to watch.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
11:00 pm
Don’t forget, the Braves still have the mighty Norton lurking on the bench to change matters with one mighty swing.
(Uh, actually they don’t. He struck out back in the fifth.)
Jeff
August 2nd, 2009
11:00 pm
Is Joe Morgan auditioning for the Yogi Berra all-stars?
Jeff
August 2nd, 2009
11:01 pm
Hey, I thought Norton showed quite a bit of guts against Ali and Frazier, but, let’s face it, he’s just not a very good baseball player.
Mark Bradley
August 2nd, 2009
11:02 pm
Man on second base! Yeah! Rally time!
Angus
August 2nd, 2009
11:02 pm
If you’re smart like me, you’ll drop the Braves and put the house (or what’s left of it) on GT football.
Better jump on it now while the takings’ good.