Greg Norton! Whiffing! Will someone make it stop?
Michael Corleone dines with Capt. McCluskey and Sollozzo. This didn't end well, either.
OK, I’m done. I’m through rationalizing this Greg Norton thing. At this late date, there can be no rationalizing it.
Greg Norton is hitting .147. He has 10 hits this season, two of them for extra bases, both of them doubles. He has driven in six runs. (If memory serves, it’s possible in baseball to drive in four runs with one swing.) His last RBI came Aug. 12, that on a walk. He’s pretty good at walking, at least when compared to hitting.
Greg Norton, simply put, might be the worst non-pitching hitter in the big leagues, and yet every game seems to come down to Norton standing in the batter’s box waggling his warclub. I’ve made every excuse possible for Bobby Cox — that Norton has a track record, at least in seasons past, as a pinch-hitter; that managers always prefer veterans to pinch-hit as opposed to younger players — but Wednesday’s game tore it for me.
Seventh inning, Braves down a run, one out, runners on first and third: Norton strides to the dish, waggles the warclub and, rather naturally, whiffs. The Braves eventually tie the game but wind up losing in the bottom of the ninth and fall four games back of Colorado. I’m not going to say Norton alone cost the Braves the game — Javier Vazquez wasn’t very good, and Mike Gonzalez yielded the game-winning homer to Wes Helms — but he contributed.
And now I’ve joined the chorus: Why is this man on the roster? Why is he given key at-bats when a mountain of evidence insists the best he can manage is a base on balls? Why does Cox keep deploying Norton to pinch-hit over Kelly Johnson or Brooks Conrad or — heck, I don’t know — Jair Jurrjens?
I have no answers, and on this burning issue I have crossed over to the other side. (Not that I was ever a Norton fan, but up till now I could at least see some logic. Now I see nada.) As Michael Corleone told his dad in the hospital just before Capt. McCluskey slugged him in the jaw: “I’m with you.”
Come to think of it, that’s not a bad image: Watching Greg Norton strike out is like getting punched in the jaw by Sterling Hayden.
(Now available! My slow-burning mind enflamed by this smoldering topic, I decided to expand the discussion. Who’s the biggest dud in local sports? Greg Norton’s name is mentioned, you should know.)
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367 comments Add your comment
PMC
September 3rd, 2009
12:09 am
It’s got to be pretty demoralizing when Tom Glavine or Mike Hampton out hit you in a year and that’s your only job. Micah Owens is just flat out Pwning Nort.
roger
September 3rd, 2009
12:13 am
He is the worst excuse for a baseball player since heck i can’t remember one……why Bobby why..???????
Mark Bradley
September 3rd, 2009
12:14 am
Since … Corky, maybe?
Crapper John
September 3rd, 2009
12:15 am
Come to the dark side!!
jeffrey d
September 3rd, 2009
12:16 am
Why does Cox keep deploying Norton to pinch-hit over Kelly Johnson or Brooks Conrad
Or in the case of a couple nights ago, Omar Infante too. That says that Bobby Cox sees Norton as his top pinch hitter. The man that can’t catch up to a fast ball, consistently embarrasses himself at the plate, and is about to redefine the Mendoza line, in Bobby Cox’s mind is our best option off the bench.
Mark Bradley
September 3rd, 2009
12:17 am
I’m there, CJ.
ExecutiveStinger
September 3rd, 2009
12:17 am
Welcome to the reality of the situation Bradley….
Norton is awful and Bobby is crazy. He hasn’t had a meaningful hit all season. Every time he comes to the plate, I change the channel. It’s horrible to watch and we should be embarrassed that Cox and Wren won’t do anything about it.
Mark Bradley
September 3rd, 2009
12:19 am
I know a doctor — a psychiatrist, actually — who used to leave the room when Mike Stanton was pitching. Now he leaves the room when Acosta comes on.
jeffrey d
September 3rd, 2009
12:20 am
Why does Cox keep deploying Norton to pinch-hit over Kelly Johnson or Brooks Conrad
Or in the case of a couple nights ago, Omar Infante too. That means that Bobby sees Greg Norton as our top pinch hitter. The man that can’t catch up to a fastball, consistently embarrasses himself at the plate, and is about to redefine the Mendoz line, in Bobby Cox’s mind is the Braves’ best option at the plate. It seems like the entire world knows that Norton can’t hit except for Bobby. There’s no rationalizing it anymore.
Josh
September 3rd, 2009
12:22 am
Thank you for finally dedicating a blog to this very important question. Here’s my thing. You have a runner on 3rd base with 1 out, clearly a situation where you’d love to see your pinch hitter contribute a sac fly. Though you say Norton has two doubles I sure as hell don’t remember them. I don’t remember this man hitting a fly ball to the outfield this season which is what we needed at that point, just a fly ball to the outfield. I’m pretty sure Kelly or Brooks could have at least provided that. This guy is worthless and I’m tired of Bobby Cox making excuses after every loss. I’m getting tired of hearing his old. “In any other ballpark that would have been long gone” and “It felt like we won the game.” Boy I’d love to have Wes Helms coming off the bench instead of Norton.
jeffrey d
September 3rd, 2009
12:23 am
Who/what I would rather have at the plate than Greg Norton:
-Kelly Johnson
-Brooks Conrad
-Kenshin Kawakami
-Kenshin Kawakami’s translator
-A scarecrow
-A sack of dirty diapers
Ryan
September 3rd, 2009
12:23 am
I logged in to complain about this as well. I just knew Cox was going to put Norton in and he was going to fail to drive in a runner from third. Only positive is he didn’t hit into a double play, but I imagine Conrad or Johnson or any other number of guys could have driven the Chipper in. While a number of Braves played poorly today I give this loss to Bobby Cox. Anyone other Braves fan in the world would have known not to put Norton in. Cox clearly doesn’t want to make the playoffs.
USMC DAWG
September 3rd, 2009
12:29 am
The only reason I can figure out that Norton is still here is he must have some really good photos of Schuerholz and Paris Hilton or something…
down south braves fan
September 3rd, 2009
12:34 am
AMEN!!!! norton has gota go……or a least become the last resort as a pinch hitter……..for the braves single a team…..we are not talking about barry bonds on the bench,and is just in a slump…reminds me of the Keith lockhart days……
Ryan
September 3rd, 2009
12:35 am
Cox’s game management would fit well in another Major League movie. Imitating Bob Uecker “And Cox is gonna send in Greg Norton to hit. Obviously Cox is thinking….I don’t what the hell he’s thinking”.
Michael
September 3rd, 2009
12:36 am
Well, ES, definitely agree with you, I always expect the worst when Norton comes up to the plate; when he came up tonight I was actually hoping for him to strikeout rather then bounce into a DP and prevent Diaz from hitting.
One correction though, he did have a pretty big hit against LA at Turner Field earlier this year. Him being on the roster is not as much of an issue for me right now because we can have 40 guys, but him being called upon by Bobby Cox as the first hitter off the bench in a big spot, rather than some other guys, is the problem. To be fair, I don’t exactly hold Kelly Johnson much higher in my mind when he comes up to pinch hit because he strikes out a ton as well, and can’t seem to lay off the low slider for strike three.
Mark Bradley
September 3rd, 2009
12:37 am
I continue to believe Norton is on the roster because he has a lovely voice, perfect for bus ride singalongs.
Crapper John
September 3rd, 2009
12:38 am
Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Insanity: “Norton pinch-hitting for …”
mike
September 3rd, 2009
12:48 am
I was at the game, and wow we had the marlins on the ropes after they scored 5 in the last inning and norton just came up and just KILLED the rally. Wow this has been going on all season of norton can’t even execute. Its not like we are ask him to get a big hit, but just put the damn ball in the outfield. Its september with 30 other bats on the bench to call up and but the ball in the outfield and get the run in. Its been all yr and conrad has earned a shot at norton, everything game pitch hit appearance. We NEED norton off the team. Its september, we KNOW he can’t get the job done.
Josh
September 3rd, 2009
12:49 am
If that’s the case the Braves should hire him to sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame during the stretch and spend the rest of the game selling cotton candy.
mike
September 3rd, 2009
12:50 am
I was at the game, and wow we had the marlins on the ropes after they scored 5 in the last inning and norton came up and just KILLED the rally. Wow this has been going on all season of norton can’t even execute. Its not like we are ask him to get a big hit, but just put the damn ball in the outfield. Its september with 30 other bats are on the bench to be called up and put the ball in the outfield and get the run in. Its been all yr and conrad has earned a shot at norton, everything game pitch hit appearance. We NEED norton off the team. Its september, we KNOW he can’t get the job done.
bird
September 3rd, 2009
12:56 am
KK’s translator? Man thats to funny!! Im going to bed on that one. Good night all..
Braves Fan Since "80
September 3rd, 2009
1:00 am
Norton makes Kelly Johnson look great…..And Kelly has not been that good this year…..I would rather lose with Brandon Jones…. at least he could give an outfielder a break…maybe even pinch run for Anderson late…… I refrain from coaching and blaming from a 1000 miles away but Norton is a dud!
Gumby
September 3rd, 2009
1:00 am
I don’t have a comment other than I agree, it’s broken, but that picture and your caption “Michael Corleone dines with Capt. McCluskey and Sollozzo. This didn’t end well, either.”
was pretty funny. Especially in my mind when I inserted Bobby as Michael Corleone and Norton as Sollozzo in the picture.
Thanks for a laugh to end my night.
observor
September 3rd, 2009
1:02 am
I would feel more confident with Dave Dravecky pinch hitting then Norton.
Mark Bradley
September 3rd, 2009
1:06 am
What’s Rick Camp doing now? (Hint, hint.)
Serge
September 3rd, 2009
1:08 am
Not only Brooks, and KJ, but David Ross (The guy thats been fantastic backing up Mccann)! With Clint Sammons on the roster, i thought Bobby would use David as a pinch hitter. Of Course im wrong. Bobby still uses Norton.
observor
September 3rd, 2009
1:09 am
Perhaps we could resign Nick Esasky to take Norton’s spot.
roger
September 3rd, 2009
1:11 am
Phil Neikro can hit better today, and he’s how old????still remember the hr in San Diego in 1982 that last weekend..what has norton ever done for us….awful
Mitchell
September 3rd, 2009
1:12 am
I’d take a punch from Sterling Hayden any day!
I f***ing love that guy, one of the great film actors. Sterling Heyden always looked like the kind of guy who ate Cheerios with Scotch in the bowl instead of milk. A badass.
…managers always prefer veterans to hit as opposed to youngers players
All I can say about that is Brooks Conrad is 29. That’s not young. It’s young-er, younger than Norton’s 37 years but it’s not “young”.
Now we just have to make sure Bobby Cox reads this and then makes the move.
It’s like the guy won a contest and there’s no expiration date.
observor
September 3rd, 2009
1:13 am
I’d rather have Roger Dorn or Pedro Cerano on our roster then Norton. At least they could occasionally hit.
Supes
September 3rd, 2009
1:21 am
Thank you Mark!
Finally someone on the AJC staff with the guts to call out Bobby Cox’s insanity for repeatedly using the WORST pinch hitter on the team in key at bats that contribute to Braves loses.
Mark, Norton is a bum and he’s been sucking beyond reasoning this year. He’s basically this year’s Corky Miller!
Yet he’s given the “vote of confidence” by Bobby over others who have done better this year.
This falls on Bobby Cox. It’s his repeated stubborness and borderline insane loyalty that is costing the Braves wins.
Thank you for speaking out and being a voice for the fans, many of us have been blogging on this specific issue for months now on the DOB blog.
Crapper John
September 3rd, 2009
1:22 am
Greg Norton’s last extra base hit was in May.
atlwolf
September 3rd, 2009
1:25 am
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! It’s about time someone at the AJC finally brought this issue up.
Mark Bradley
September 3rd, 2009
1:25 am
May of which year?
Supes
September 3rd, 2009
1:28 am
Also, if I hear or read one more time about Norton being a “veteran” pinch hitter, what the frak does that mean? If a guy is having a horrible year how does being a veteran justify you hitting over someone who has put up much better numbers for the Braves in 2009? How? How does the fraking veteran thing work? It doesn’t. Bobby has never been the one to go with the hot hand, or Brooks Conrad would have never been sent down earlier this year in favor or keeping that bum Norton on the 25 man roster.
Veteran my a&&. It means nothing if you are not getting the job done.
Billy ( Not Martin)
September 3rd, 2009
1:28 am
I’ve been saying it for years. All of those wonderfull 14 division titles could have included at least 2 or 3 more WOrld Series rings if Cox was not at the helm. This man does not have a clue. WHy keep running someone up to the plate with more talent in the bullpen than this man has. Just think about the things he has done over the years.
What about in the 99 WS when he benches Eddie Perez, Bret Boone and Walt Weiss in favor of Kieth Lockhart, Ozzie Guillen and Greg Meyers to try and get a get a spark going in the offense. DOes he know how to manage or what!
Supes
September 3rd, 2009
1:30 am
Bobby Cox’s loyalty to his “guys” will be his end. It has to be. Wren won’t put up with it much longer.
Crapper John
September 3rd, 2009
1:30 am
Norton is a PLAYING like a bum and he’s been sucking beyond reasoning this year
You’re forgetting about his obvious vocal talents.
chemdawg
September 3rd, 2009
1:30 am
.424 OBP since the all-star break. That’s pretty damn good bradley. I bet you wouldn’t have guessed he’s been on base over 40% of his plate appearances since the break. So, leave his warclub out of this! He’ll use it when he’s good and ready.
The A Bomb
September 3rd, 2009
1:31 am
Dr. Seuss had a book never read. . . a sequel to Horton Hears a Who. . .
It’s called. . . Norton Takes a Poo.
chemdawg
September 3rd, 2009
1:32 am
And the bigger question: Would a rookie have the patience to have a ridiculously good OBP like that knowing he’ll only get 100 AB’s?
Supes
September 3rd, 2009
1:34 am
Norton should wear a ski mask when cashing in those checks from the braves b/c he sure hasn’t earned his 800,000 dollar salary!
Norton is making more money than Yunel Escobar. To put it in perspective for everyone!
Sowegadawg
September 3rd, 2009
1:36 am
Norton’s real name is R.K.-short for “RALLY KILLER”.
The A Bomb
September 3rd, 2009
1:37 am
Uh-oh. . . Mark — once you start seeing words like BUM and MORON on your blog. . . he’s not far behind. . . he could be posting anytime now. . .
Crapper John
September 3rd, 2009
1:40 am
I meant what I say and I say what I meant,
I’m behind Norton one hundred percent.
jackets77
September 3rd, 2009
1:41 am
2 Words Mark…”THANK YOU!”
I’ve been asking for a column/article/blog on this subject for a few weeks now (and I’ve not been the only one either). I’m not sure why the other two columnists refuse to write anything about this….
anyway…atleast this blog shows that the voices of the AJC.com readers are heard….and that someone in the media is willing to a stand on this subject…
I really believe putting Norton up there in key pinch hit spots these last few weeks, has atleast cost us ONE game (probably a couple more than that)…but if we end up losing out on the wild card by one or two games, having Greg Norton up there in key pinch hit spots would have directly contributed to us missing the playoffs…
oh yeah…4 more words for this blog….
“BLOG OF THE YEAR”
Yunel's Frosted Tips
September 3rd, 2009
1:41 am
A thousand cocktails to you sir for finally speaking up on what Braves Reservation has been screaming about for weeks.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
September 3rd, 2009
1:42 am
Greg Norton alone is reason enough to NOT RENEW Bobby’s contract after this season.
On a different subject.
We all know what Ozzie said last season: Javier Vazquez is not a big game pitcher and he is correct. Javy has had a great season overall but it’s obvious at this juncture of the season, he will be the odd man out when it comes time to trade one of our six starters.
Fatigue has become an issue in the bullpen. Get ready for a few more blown saves. By the way, our vaunted pitching staff has just one complete game. The connection should be obvious.
Hey Bradley, check this out.
Moylan (75), Gonzalez (68) and O’Flaherty (66) rank 1st, 3rd and 5th in game appearances among all major league pitchers. Soriano is a distant 19th with 61 games. The Braves are the only team with four relief pitchers who have at least 60 game appearances.
Can you say mismanagement real fast, ten times?????
Sowegadawg
September 3rd, 2009
1:43 am
USMC DAWG–or Bobby and a goat.
The A Bomb
September 3rd, 2009
1:47 am
Why don’t we investigate to see if Norton played PONY league with one of Cox’s kids many years ago. It’s the only logical explanation!
Mark Bradley
September 3rd, 2009
1:56 am
As someone who enjoyed three performances of “Seussical Jr.” last spring, I also meant what I said and said what I meant.
chemdawg
September 3rd, 2009
1:57 am
No kid would have the patience to take so many walks with so few plate appearances. That’s the tier of player you get for $800,000.
The A Bomb
September 3rd, 2009
2:00 am
Or as Cox might have said before the season Mark. . .
“I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy!”
Crapper John
September 3rd, 2009
2:01 am
It seems the Marlins just have Vazquez’s number. 4 starts, 25 innings, 5.68 era this year.
The A Bomb
September 3rd, 2009
2:05 am
To sum it all up, I can only come up with one explanation. . .
Norton must have one helluva photo album locked up in a vault somewhere.
Shamus Thacker
September 3rd, 2009
2:18 am
Good job Mark; funny as Hell too… Fury is always funny to me. lol
Norton sucks like an F-5 fulla Hoovers.
Pete
September 3rd, 2009
2:20 am
Mark, are you ok? Ive been reading your columns since 1991, and you have never had a harsh word for Bobby Cox until tonight (couple months ago you mused about whether Cox was the right manager for this group of Braves, but there was nary a critical word about any of Cox’s decisions).
So again……are you ok, or did someone steal your identity, or did Bobby burn all the compromising pics of you, or what?
D-Nice
September 3rd, 2009
2:21 am
@Josh excellent point you made right there. They needed someone to put the ball in the air not someone who would either K or hit into a DP.
@Jeffrey D (LMAO). NOt the translator I will be laughing at that one all the way over here in Iraq for a week.
But seriously I heard that Chris Reitsma and Norton are good buddies and he was seen passing him a brief case right before he tore his shoulder and was forced to leave the team.
I am just saying ???????????
Shamus Thacker
September 3rd, 2009
2:24 am
I think there should be a Cox/Norton paternity test..
Frank Wren
September 3rd, 2009
2:24 am
Geesh Mark, is Greg Norton really that bad? I’ll get right to work on it!
D-Nice
September 3rd, 2009
2:29 am
@Mark That was May of 1985. It was a hot one as it went off the pitchers leg and into the dugout so they awarded him 2nd (LOL).
Why are we focusing on Norton at the plate in key situations? I dont want him up there in any situation because its almost like playing softball without the required amount of players. You know what that means right? You get an automatic out and thats essentially what happens when NOrton comes up. But hey at least he is good at what he does.
Shamus Thacker
September 3rd, 2009
2:32 am
Whaddabout how long Bobby ran Schafer and Frenchy out there everyday. It could possibly have ruined Schafer’s career.
The A Bomb
September 3rd, 2009
2:34 am
Norton is getting so much pub for his ineptitude the Braves might as well give him his own Bobblehead Night. Maybe a dual statue of him and Cox!
Mario Mendoza
September 3rd, 2009
2:41 am
about damn time someone with a voice addresses this Norton fiasco.
Unfortunately it won’t change Bobby’s intransigent position on pinch hitting (or running for that matter). As an untouchable #5 all time winningest coach, he doesn’t listen to anyone.
N8
September 3rd, 2009
2:54 am
Thank god Bradley! About damn time. Too many people ragging on DOB and Carroll to “ask the tough question”, and I stated on Carroll’s blog tonight that they aren’t there to ask the tough question and burn the bridge and “trust” that those guys have.
But that burdon should fall on you and Jeff, the columnists. The guys that are paid to write opinion, and “call out” bad decisions.
For that, I commend you. Well done.
To the poster who mentioned Ross? EX-FRIGGIN-ACTLY!! What is the point of one of the 3 measily callups being a “3rd catcher”, if it’s not gonna change Bobby’s decision on when to use the backup catcher.
Ross arguably has the most “pop” off the bench, and with Sammons up for emergency purposes, Ross should be the first RH batter off the bench. He’s more veteran than Infante, Conrad and KJ. And being a guy that doesn’t start regularily, he is probably more suited for a quick AB late in a game.
Norton has zero business being on the 25 (even with the expanded rosters), roster. NONE.
Again. Thanks Mark for finally speaking for the people. Unfortunately, it’s going to fall on deaf ears. Norton will more than likely get another big PH appearance soon, possibly tomorrow. In fact, it wouldn’t shock me anymore if Bobby gives him a start, stating that he’s trying to “jumpstart” his bat for the stretch run.
Unreal, doesn’t begin to describe it.
Norton is a poo....dle
September 3rd, 2009
2:59 am
I like Bobby Cox. That said he has blown several games this year including tonight’s game. Why didn’t he bring Moylan in with the bases loaded? Why does he continue to use Norton? Why did they send Brooks Conrad back to the minors and why didn’t he pinch hit him tonight?
I also love Matt Diaz, however he can play stupid at times. Bunting with the game on the line the other night and swinging at the first two pitches off a reliever who was clearly having control problems.
This team continues to lose key games with stupid moves by Cox and bone headed plays. It is a shame because the pitching is good enough to win.
gotigers72
September 3rd, 2009
3:18 am
Norton has 2 more extra base hits than my grandmother, God rest her soul. She has about as much chance of getting a hit as he does also. I believe Bobby is headed toward dementia if he’s not already there.
How can it be justified to continue to put that stiff up there in crucial situations such as tonight? Why hasn’t Wren or somebody else talked with BC about this? Ridiculous, pathetic, pitiful, laughable etc.
wesley
September 3rd, 2009
3:26 am
Hey Bobby, why is norton still on the roster??? You and frank wren must seriously have a man crush on this guy if he’s still on the roster after batting below .150. Hey norton, it’s called baseball, you see the ball, you HIT the ball, you catch the ball, neither of which you can’t semm to do either of. I have a 2 year old who would gladly come to Atlanta to give you some pointers on the finer aspects of hitting. Bobby time for you to hang up the cleats, you player loyalty has really done nothing short of hinder the Braves over the last decade and a half, you cares if the players like you or not, your job is to put the best players on the field and win ball games, neither of which you have been doing lately. You have 3 or 4 players right now down in AA and AAA that could be called up and immediately help the braves with needed power and speed. BUT NO, you have to remain loyal to the one’s doing nothing more than taking up a roster spot, because they sure as hell can’t play worth a D*MN. JOE TORRE WHERE ARE YOU?? oH YEA HE’S HELPING THE dODGERS WIN THEIR DIVISION PLUS HAVE THE BEST RECORD IN BASEBALL!!!!!!! Hang up the cleats Bobby your management skills have long since passed you by!!!!!!!!
DoneWithThem
September 3rd, 2009
3:37 am
I have purchased a total of 48 tickets this year to Braves Games. I WILL not spend another dime on Braves ticket as long as Norton is still on the team. Good freakin’ grief Bobby. Its your time to go as well. ! ! Unbelievable.
I have never seen such a pathetic MLB player as Norton this year.
Keith
September 3rd, 2009
3:46 am
Mr. Bradley, sir, it is soooo good to see you have joined us here in our ANTI-NORTON MOVEMENT!!!!! I mean, seriously???!@!@$@!$!@%R@RFQWRF@!$@!%!%@%!^%T I mean, will someone please send him to Gwinnett, Rome, heck, I don’t care, send him anywhere but the MLB team. Bobby, hello??? Are you listening????
Keith
September 3rd, 2009
3:48 am
I mean, I wouldn’t ever guess that Bobby is gay, but his love affair with Norton might make a cynic believe it.
sarfdawg
September 3rd, 2009
4:04 am
Why is Cox still the manager? I’m glad to see that someone in this paper actually went after a player for poor performance, but when are we going to take the gloves off on Cox? Does anyone else realize that Cox’s success runs completely parallel to when the Braves had Maddux, Smoltz, and Glavine? Anyone could have managed those teams, and he still underachieved with them. Now, he has none of that, and the Braves have been also-rans for five or so years.
And, Pendleton – don’t get me started on him. It’s clear he’s hanging around for when Cox does finally retire, but he’s the worst batting instructor in the game. He has single handedly killed several of the Braves’ young hitters. He might be able to manage, but I wouldn’t let him near my seven-year old when it comes to batting.
Lastly, is Norton a better alternative in that situation than, say, Jason Heyward? Let’s face it. The Braves aren’t getting into the playoffs unless there is some sort of run coming that no one can foresee. If that’s the case, shouldn’t we use some call-ups to get some meaningful at-bats instead of the woefully lost Norton?
BravesFan79
September 3rd, 2009
4:20 am
Not surprised that he put Norton in the game when ive seen him terribly use Chris Woodcrap and Corky Miller time after time. Not to mention all the chances given to Mark Redmen that year. I mean he lost what…… 10 straight before Bobby was done with giving him starts?
Anyways that Norton at bat was crucial…. i knew we should of sent Chipper from 2nd on that bloop hit…. wtf happened there? And using all these relievers back to back to back is really killing us! WTF Bobby!
BravesFan79
September 3rd, 2009
4:24 am
I gotta rub it in and say i was RIGHT that we should of picked up Smoltz for the bullpen. Hes killing it now for the Cards! Cant wait to see him in the postseason… will give me something to cheer for if the Braves arent there.
Lets hope the Rockies dont catch fire again, with Bobby giving a game away at least once a week, we have little chance if the Rockies get on a winning streak again.
Dr. Warren
September 3rd, 2009
4:25 am
The Braves are just about a playoff team without this powderpuff on the roster.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
September 3rd, 2009
4:42 am
Smoltz was never coming back. I mean, it’s nice to dream except for the fact that Frank Wren burns his bridges. Just ask Cal Ripkin jr. and Tom Glavine.
Go Vols
September 3rd, 2009
5:27 am
This loyalty that Bobby Cox hsa shown over the years to “scrappy” ballplayers is why the Braves haven’t won more championships. He’s a good 162 game manager – the team plays at the same level for most of the year, the highs only occurring when bats get hot or pitchers get tough and the lows when the team is in a slump – but he’s not a game on the line, short series manager. Up to and until the ‘96 Series, you can’t convince me that we didn’t have the better team. After that, we just weren’t going to beat the Yankees.
PJG
September 3rd, 2009
5:59 am
Why can’t Frank Wren make the move to get rid of this guy.This is Bobby Cox who kept running out Kelly Johnson and Jordan Schaeffer for a third of the season saying they would come around and then we find out after finally sending them to Gwinnett that they were injured the whole time. I have to say if the Braves don’t make it to the playoffs it is because of poor managing by Bobby Cox.
the real Andy
September 3rd, 2009
6:25 am
since bobby clearly won’t look at the truth that is staring him straight in the face, perhaps we can convince norton to do the honorable thing and fake an injury.
cause i’d sure hate to to have to go all tonya harding on the situation and send a jeff gillooly type to visit Nort – he seems like a nice enough guy.
Mitch C
September 3rd, 2009
6:49 am
Mark, the only one who can make it stop is Bobby. Simply put, he puts too much credit in players who cant perform, in key situations, and he gets burned.
Last night’s loss was a very damaging one. Four games down, twenty nine to play. We blew two leads in the game. Simply put, we cannot have many, if any more, games like last night, if we want to win this wild card.
If I recall, this is the same Mark Bradley who earlier in the week thought we could win the wild card. Do you still think that, Mark? I mean, while it isnt “Over” yet, it seems to me that lately, we have just lost too many times, to think it realistic that we can win it. Five games, in a little over a week. Two inexcusable losses to pathetic San Diego last week, two losses in Philly, and now last night’s very bad loss.
You might think me negative, and even hateful, but, in my heart of hearts, as much as I want to see us make the playoffs this year, I dont think it will realistically happen. I think we will plug along, and fall just short.
Which brings me to the next question, Mark. If we dont make it, with all the improvements we made this year, all the pitching imports, the arrival of Tommy Hanson, etc. If all that is not enough, and we miss the playoffs for the fourth year in a row, after making it, without fail, for almost a decade and a half, through five presidential adminstrations. (As a historian, which I am, I love to say that, to put into perspective how long our run was). If we miss the playoffs, is it then time for Bobby to finally leave, and turn the managing over to someone else, after 20 years.
Thoughts, Mark?
Mitch
SuperB
September 3rd, 2009
6:50 am
Don’t blame Norton, blame Bobby Cox.
glord1
September 3rd, 2009
6:58 am
Norton will not be back next year but the bigger news is Bobby will not be back either. Wait and see. That will be exciting.
Joe
September 3rd, 2009
7:04 am
Remember Keith Lockhart? He had that one steroid induced season where he doubled his career home runs and blew up like the Michelin man.
Then, for two years after that, he hung around swinging and missing. It’s only fitting that Bobby will lose the Wild Card by playing an aging white guy who cannot hit the ball.
Remember that bum Kelly Johnson that used to play for us? Bobby would not sit him down because he wanted the white guy in over the Latino. Once it was proven that Kelly is simply a AAAA player, Bobby finally started playing Prado, and wow, we started playing great baseball.
Time for old Bobby to go. And good grief, it has been time for Norton to go. He cannot even hit an 88 mph fastball right down the middle. He is stealing money like Speedy Claxton.
Where is Brooks Conrad?
Mitch C
September 3rd, 2009
7:07 am
glord, I thought I wanted Bobby to stay forever, or until he himself was ready to retire. After how poorly this team has played the last ten days, I hope Bobby doesnt come back. Keep him in the front office in an advisory capacity, and make TP, or someone else, the manager. Bobby has had a great career, but, four straight years out of the playoffs, to me, calls for a change in manager, especially with the upgrades we made. With the current pitching staff we have, there is no reason we shouldnt have made the playoffs.
Mitch
130on2
September 3rd, 2009
7:07 am
Are you guys serious. Saying Johnson would be a better choice than Norton is like saying Stalin was an improvement over Hitler.
Mac
September 3rd, 2009
7:07 am
Maybe Norton will retire to avoid further embarrassment.
MiltonDawg
September 3rd, 2009
7:14 am
Norton is absolutely this year’s Corky Miller. But my problem last night was why keep Vasquez in the game after he had thrown 119 pitches??? McDowell & Cox should’ve known better. He had the bases loaded and of course Medlen gave up that bases clearing single. Another poor job of coaching. You can smell the desperation.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
September 3rd, 2009
7:23 am
Without Francoeur 29-19 .601
With Francoeur 41-44 .482
If anybody else had played right field all season: 80-53 .601 and in first place.
Reason to force Cox into retirement? You bet.
Angus
September 3rd, 2009
7:29 am
Yep, Bobby has to go against his book here.
Norton is the designated pinch hitter – limited value in the field, the guy to pinch hit for the pitcher w/o a double move. Bobby’s always had one – keeps his fielding options available on the bench (which I thought was going to be necessary last night until Gonzo/Helms in the 9th).
I just don’t see anyone in the organization to be that guy. I think Conrad should be given a chance – he can’t do much worse. KJ’s currently in a 0 for 12 skid, lefty only, and can play more positions than Conrad. If Lil’Mac would get healthy, we might not have to worry about this anymore.
On the bright side, Bobby did send Chipper out before Norton. And we’re looking good to take 3 out of 4 from the Fish – anyone here would have taken that Monday.
Angus
September 3rd, 2009
7:33 am
Yep, Bobby has to go against his book here.
Norton is the designated pinch hitter – limited value in the field, the guy to pinch hit for the pitcher w/o a double move. Bobby’s always had one – keeps his fielding options available on the bench (which I thought was going to be necessary last night until Gonzo/Helms in the 9th).
I just don’t see anyone in the organization to be that guy. I think Conrad should be given a chance – he can’t do much worse. KJ’s scuffling (currently in a 0 for 12 skid), lefty only, and can play more positions than Conrad. If Lil’Mac would get healthy, we might not have to worry about this anymore.
On the bright side, Bobby did send Chipper out before Norton. And we’re looking good to take 3 out of 4 from the Fish – anyone here would have taken that Monday.
Remembering1991
September 3rd, 2009
7:35 am
It’s not just Norton. When a clutch hit is needed (like when bases are loaded in the 9th) the Braves choke more times than not.
Nancy Reagan
September 3rd, 2009
7:36 am
Otis Nixon! SNIFFING!
Can someone make it stop?
taxman kenneth
September 3rd, 2009
7:36 am
The loss on Wednesday night should be charged to Cox for allowing Norton to pinch hit or pinch strike out which is all he knows how to do. Cox is crazy or bad mentally disturbed to allow this to happen and he just keeps doing it. Why can’t his boss tell him not to use Norton unless the braves have a 10 run lead or better yet why is he on the roster anyway? The braves won’t ever win another pennant as long as Cox is at the helm because he is crazy.
Angus
September 3rd, 2009
7:37 am
(last try)
Yep, Bobby has to go against his book here.
Norton is the designated pinch hitter – limited value in the field, the guy to pinch hit for the pitcher w/o a double move. Bobby’s always had one – keeps his fielding options available on the bench (which I thought was going to be necessary last night until Gonzo/Helms in the 9th).
I just don’t see anyone in the organization to be that guy. I think Conrad should be given a chance – he can’t do much worse. KJ’s currently in a 0 for 12 skid, lefty only, and can play more positions than Conrad. If Lil’Mac would get healthy, we might not have to worry about this anymore.
On the bright side, Bobby did send Chipper out before Norton. And we’re looking good to take 3 out of 4 from the Fish – anyone here would have taken that Monday.
PINCH HIT OUT
September 3rd, 2009
7:37 am
I WOULD RATHER HAVE OGILVY FROM THE BAD NEWS BEARS STEP INTO ONE THAN GREG SNORTIN. heck a hurt mike hampton gets on base more than greg. A bag of balls wouldn’t even trade for Greg Nuttin.
larry
September 3rd, 2009
7:38 am
He was very good with gleason.
Be-little, BeBOLD
September 3rd, 2009
7:40 am
Cox should have been fired ten years ago . . . he’s never been anything other than a buddy-buddy guy. You don’t need to have talent if he likes you. Another thing he does is make stupid excuses why his boys didn’t come through . . . sickening really! It all falls back to letting the players take it easy and play if they want or sit on the bench. He has no backbone, no fire in his gut . . . kick a$$ when it’s needed man! Actually, he sits in the dugout and sleeps until someone punches him! Then he jumps up and runs out to the mound to see what happened. Remember how he used to get tossed out because he argued a close call . . . he got the record he wanted and just quit arguing anything even when he should.
Vickers
September 3rd, 2009
7:40 am
I’ve been wounder about the Norton thing for a long time. BC is sometimes loyal to players to a fault. But does anyone else wonder why the Braves allow opposing pictures to throw at our batters without retaliation? It really irks me that our guys get beaned and our pitchers don’t come back at the other team.
kurula
September 3rd, 2009
7:44 am
you know who could be just as good a pinch hitter as norton? this guy! and i would require less pay. guaranteed not to be any worse! and maybe, just maybe, if i close my eyes and swing really hard… i bet i could hit a fly ball.