Prognosis on the Bravos: Unbelievably good, considering
As we make our weekly rounds here at St. Elsewhere, we find the prognosis regarding these Atlanta Braves has improved so radically we’re upgrading their condition from “critical” to “unbelievably good, all things considered.” Because 72 hours ago we didn’t think they’d leave Los Angeles alive. But here they are, 4 1/2 games out of first place in the NL East and 3 1/2 games behind the wild card leaders and will 12 of their next 15 games at home.
Are you surprised, med students? Dr. Bradley sure as heck is.
Six days ago they were at .500 and all but done. Now they’re 58-54 and, if not for one bad pitch from Rafael Soriano, would have swept the National League’s best team. They just took the final three from L.A. without Chipper Jones taking a single swing and with Kelly Johnson, whose mere re-addition to the roster sent more than a few commenters on this space into frothing fits, hitting the biggest home run any Brave has managed this calendar year.
And we see again what baseball watchers have seen since Alexander Cartwright invented the sport: If you can pitch, you can win. The Dodgers have a fine rotation, but the Braves outdid them. And we say again: Pitching has an aggregate effect. The team that can stack the most good innings end to end is the team that will usually be playing in October.
For much of this summer these Braves seemed a postseason team in the same way Corky Miller belongs in the same sentence as Bench and Campanella and Hartnett. But a baseball season is measured out in such tiny increments that it’s difficult to say anything for sure until you’re down to the final month. And with three weeks left in August the Braves have positioned themselves to make a run that would shock pretty much every physician worth his tongue depressor.
Loading ...Yes, we’ve gotten excited before — remember the July sweep of Philadelphia? — only to be let down forthwith, but these Braves aren’t the same as those Braves. Jeff Francoeur and Casey Kotchman are gone and the aforementioned Johnson has been to the disabled list and then to Gwinnett and then to the big-league bench, and where is that vocal Brooks Conrad lobby today?
There’s no reason to think the Braves will actually pull this off, students, but not long ago we figured we’d be pulling the plug on the ol’ season about now. But here they are, 50 games to go, still alive and swinging. (And pitching — don’t forget pitching.)
And, as Dr. Yogi always says: As long as you’re alive, you ain’t dead yet.
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275 comments Add your comment
Charlie
August 9th, 2009
9:19 pm
Gotta love it.
Greg Norton
August 9th, 2009
9:20 pm
I still like Conrad… I just don’t like Norton.
Windale
August 9th, 2009
9:27 pm
Let’s see what they do against the Nationals and then we can talk about a good run. Remember last time they had this type of momentum, they lost 2 of 3 in Washington. Makes it fun to watch though.
Bubba
August 9th, 2009
9:28 pm
Norton i agree with you bout Norton
RC35
August 9th, 2009
9:30 pm
It’s finally fun to follow the Braves again! I don’t expect them to win every game, but it’s nice to be competitive in every game–well, almost every game–again. Whatever happens in the end, this is a team with some moxie–something we’ve been missing for a long time.
roaddawg21
August 9th, 2009
9:31 pm
I think Norton has a copy of all the photos that Keith Lockhart had of Bobby Cox. Only explanation for him still having a roster spot.
Mark Bradley
August 9th, 2009
9:32 pm
That’s thing about baseball: Just when you think a team is out — sorry to go all Al Pacino on you — it pulls you back in.
Max Sizemore
August 9th, 2009
9:33 pm
Hey, Norton haters, do some reading on sample size; Norton has a history of hitting off the bench and he will again. Bobby is smart enough to know that. Norton isn’t as good as he was pinch-hitting last year and he isn’t as bad as he’s been this season. MLB hitters average about .263, but pinch-hitters average considerably less than that.
Zerevon
August 9th, 2009
9:35 pm
Soriano will get MOJO on he has to ..We have the pitching that no other team has in the National Leage..Tim Hutson is coming to help soon…I SAY WE ARE IN IT …GO BRAVOS…
tralfaz
August 9th, 2009
9:36 pm
Yes, they should have won the first Dodger game…BUT, they also should have LOST the second. I am pleased, but we’ve been on this yo-yo before. “Cautiously Optimistic”
Joseph Russo
August 9th, 2009
9:37 pm
Nice article. But the series against the Nats is only two games. I think the series against Philly will be the tale. If the Braves can make it to 3 or 2 back before the weekend, and take two of three to get 1 or 2 back. Then theres a chance.
roaddawg21
August 9th, 2009
9:37 pm
He may do it again, but it may be the difference in winning three or four cruical games. I agree the odds are favorable that he will get a hot streak, but I remember Reggie Sanders one season in Atlanta and he never got that streak.
Michael
August 9th, 2009
9:39 pm
Windale makes a monster point about the Nats. The Braves have never ever ever done well against that franchise, and that franchise almost always stinks. It’s like to win the SEC/ACC, you’ve gotta TCoB against Vandy/Duke.
I’ve been let down way too many times to REALLY have faith, but they’re obviously still alive. I also still contend that the Frenchy trade was a bonehead move considering he’s hitting about .280 or .290 in NY. Maybe the Braves’ coaches at times do hold the talent back. I mean if it took 30 minutes for HoJo to turn Francoeur around, what does that say about TP?
Ryno
August 9th, 2009
9:39 pm
I love the fact that everyone contributed to the wins out west and taking 5 of 7 from SD and LA is certainly a good step forward. However – it’s time for Chipper and McCann, the All-Stars on our roster, to carry the team for a bit.
Both need to hit over .300 in August and I’d love to see at least 8 HR’s from the duo before Labor Day rolls around.
Luman Harris
August 9th, 2009
9:39 pm
Is it possible that Frank and Bobby actually know what they are doing? I have often wondered, pitching aside, whether the Braves won despite Bobby or because he was able to get more out of them than anyone else ever did. A lot of players want to play for the guy. A lot of guys had their best years with him. Other than the pitchers, the list of great players seems short.
Michael
August 9th, 2009
9:41 pm
Mark — do not forget that the Braves also get two big off days this week, one tomorrow, and one before the Phillies series. That should help give the bullpen a rest, especially Soriano and Moylan. With 12 of the next 15 at home, and 6 of the next 18 vs. the Phillies, the next 3 weeks are EVERYTHING.
Zane Smith's Teeth
August 9th, 2009
9:41 pm
Manny Acosta is the next Jeff Bennett
Chief Nocahoma
August 9th, 2009
9:43 pm
Looks like we might have a nail biting finish. I remember in 1991 it was a series in LA that seemed to give the Braves the confidence they needed to carry them through the season.
aswingruber
August 9th, 2009
9:43 pm
You’ve gotta be inspired by how this team rebounded from the most deflating loss of the season. Still a tall task to get to the postseason, whether it be by winning the division or the wild card, but you can’t deny this that this team is alive and well and in great position to make a hellacious stretch run.
godless heathen
August 9th, 2009
9:44 pm
Nice road trip. Now if they can take care of business at home.
The Braves got better through subtraction.
Greene Hornet
August 9th, 2009
9:46 pm
I love the Bravos and hope they have some fight left in them. I think certain teams have proven that no matter what you did during the year, you have to end the season on a hot streak to get in the playoffs and do well in it (Phillies in most years, Colorado the year they went to the World Series). If we can keep on a roll despite what we did in the beginning, we could make it in the playoffs. Just stay with these teams and turn on the burners in the end.
Bobby Cox Fan
August 9th, 2009
9:48 pm
Bobby Cox may not be the best strategic manager, but over the course of a full season there’s no one better. Cox’s style allows guys like Johnson the chance to pull it together and be ready to make a contribution at an important moment. Many of the fans would have cut most of the current Braves and replaced them with prospects from AA. Bobby Cox took a flawed offensive team and kept them in the playoff hunt into August. They’re still a long shot to make the playoffs, but at least they’re worth discussing.
BBuckaroo5
August 9th, 2009
9:48 pm
What about bringing back Brooks Conrad and sending Diory Hernandez down to get some more hitting “pop” from the bench?
Mark Bradley
August 9th, 2009
9:49 pm
Luman Harris asks, “Is it possible Bobby and Frank know what they’re doing?”
Nah. Surely not. If so, we at AJC.com are out of business.
JASon
August 9th, 2009
9:49 pm
I can remember everyone saying the season was over after we lost two straight in Boston. Everyone saying oh, get rid of Bobby, get rid of TP. What do all of you people have to say for yourself now?
Born in the ATL
August 9th, 2009
9:50 pm
You’re on the money RC35. Just fun to be in every game and watch a competitive team on the field. I believe we will go down fighting. It should be fun. Go Bravos!!!
DaddyDawg
August 9th, 2009
9:50 pm
I think it’s foolish to opine that the Braves’ prognosis is “extremely good,” Bradley, when they are 6 games behind the Phillies in the loss column in the NL East and 4 games behind in the loss column with 4 teams ahead of us for the wildcard, so don’t be a Pollyanna (unless you want to be considered a South Carolina Gamecock fan)!! Yes, the Braves are still alive for a playoff spot, but they have some very heavy lifting to do. They’re now playing at least .500 on the road for the season (actually 1 game over), but they need to play much better at home now that they will be playing more home games over the last 50 games of the season. Usually you think of winning 2 out of every 3 games at home to play at a playoff level, but the Braves need to win 3 out of every 4 home games to make up for lost time. That includes sweeping the 2 game series with the pesky Nats this coming week if the Braves are to be taken seriously down the stretch.
I don’t know if the Braves can play at this level, but their starting pitching gives them a chance. The recent difficulties by our closer combo of Gonzo/Soriano, including blown saves by both, give me serious cause for pause, but the opportunity is still there if the Braves are up to the challenge.
And let me correct one thing…… Soriano made more than 1 bad pitch in the blown save opportunity against the Dodgers. He gave up hits to the first 2 batters he faced before giving up a 3 run homer to Ethier without retiring a batter. Get those first 2 batters out in the 9th inning, and one bad pitch to Ethier still leaves you a run up with only 1 out left to end the game. Soriano has been pitching poorly lately, and the loss of velocity on, and inability to locate, his fastball are indicative of the reasons why……
david
August 9th, 2009
9:51 pm
Who is the odd man out when infante returns possibly tuesday? Say good night norton its been fun!
bruce
August 9th, 2009
9:53 pm
I remember when Omar broke his hand thinking that we would have to “settle” for Martin filling in the gap Omar’s DL stint would create. Hopefully Omar comes back with a semblance of himself.
Joe S
August 9th, 2009
9:53 pm
Bring up Brooks Conrad Wren, he has done one heck of a job with the team and lets put Norton on waivers. We need people who a grinders and guys that can produce off the bench and also start games. So Bring up Brooks and get more production off the bench and win more games day after day.
Mark Bradley
August 9th, 2009
9:54 pm
Good question, David. I’m guessing McCann gets sent down. Can’t part with Greg Norton.
Seriously, folks … has to be Norton, doesn’t it? Unless they decide to go with one fewer pitcher, which I can’t see Cox doing.
Parkside
August 9th, 2009
9:55 pm
Re: “…list of great players….short.”
It is a team game and the Manager that can take the 25 he’s got and win is a good manager. Except for Torre, no manager comes close to Cox in the last 20 years.
bruce
August 9th, 2009
9:55 pm
I was really impressed with Kris Medlin on this trip… he had great innings in must produce situations
curtis jones
August 9th, 2009
9:56 pm
I love these guys who say “Norton has a history of hitting off the bench.” Well, guess what? Henry Aaron has a history of hitting home runs, but I doubt he could hit many today. Time has passed Norton by. As do most fast balls.
david
August 9th, 2009
9:56 pm
I would rather have conrad rather tha diory h.Norton still needs to go!
bruce
August 9th, 2009
9:57 pm
Seems like Diory goes down when Omar comes back then Boone Logan down when either Buddy or Huddy come back
charlestowner
August 9th, 2009
9:58 pm
the addition of brooks and heyward off the bench after we expand the roster could make for some interesting late season pinch-hits too
SH
August 9th, 2009
9:59 pm
Time to start picking up one game a week. Very manageable all of a sudden.
NightWatchman
August 9th, 2009
9:59 pm
A lot of people were down on the Braves for trading away Jeff Francour. Immediately following that trade the Braves went on to win 11 out of 15 games. The Braves cooled off, fell to 7 1/2 behind the Phillies and have gotten hot again. Now the question is can the Braves stay hot for 50 straight games until the end of the season. If the Braves continue to play scintillating baseball until they cross the finish line, the Braves may actually get to hang another division championship banner up at turner field. Remember the Braves have won a ton of them since ‘91. I think the Francour trade has really awaken the Braves because I think it made every player on that team realize that absolutely no one is untouchable. The Braves are playing right on the money again and I hope they can keep it going! Go Braves!
david
August 9th, 2009
10:00 pm
I do not fully understand the usage of medlin.He needs to pitch more often!
Mark Bradley
August 9th, 2009
10:00 pm
You’re right, Bruce. Forgot Diory Hernandez. He’ll go down before Norton.
Heck, I think Chipper will be demoted before Norton.
bruce
August 9th, 2009
10:00 pm
Has Brooks Conrad played any 1B? Seems like with 2-6 are covered when Omar gets back and if Conrad can back up LaRoche, then Norton would not be needed in that role. And remember that Omar gives us a 5th outfielder… I am really liking our roster… nearly all of it is performing well.
MurphyRules
August 9th, 2009
10:01 pm
Seriously? There’s a question about who gets sent down when Infante is activated?
Gotta be Diory.
Parkside
August 9th, 2009
10:01 pm
Hate to get off the Norton subject. It’s so interesting. But who’re the Nats throwing at us on the mound?
bkbroila
August 9th, 2009
10:02 pm
Norton is making a million bucks…and will make it regardless if he sucks or not! Get Diorky and Norton the Old out and bring up Conrad….Send Acosta down and bring Ricky Vaughn up!
Max Sizemore
August 9th, 2009
10:03 pm
Mark, Hernandez will be sent down because Infante can play short. Norton will get some big hits. Take it to the bank.
MurphyRules
August 9th, 2009
10:03 pm
P.S. Looks like the Braves are content with leaving Buddy in Gwinnett … which I’m fine with!
david
August 9th, 2009
10:06 pm
Max… The way banks are failing i would not put all your money in one(norton) basket.
Dan Greenfield
August 9th, 2009
10:07 pm
Obviously, Infante replaces Hernandez, and probably Hudson replaces Logan (surprised he didn’t pitch tonight instead of Moylan).
Another good question is who goes to the *bullpen* when Hudson returns–hard to do that to Kawikama after yesterday, but who else could it be?
terry forster
August 9th, 2009
10:08 pm
Frank Wren deserves a lot of credit for piecing this roster together and having the faith that it would work. We all think we can do his job better than he can, but it appears he may know what he’s doing.