Comments on: Bradley’s Buzz: Are the Braves the team to beat in 2010?

By: LT

LT — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:56:46 +0000

I’ve been a Braves back for many years. While I like Bobby Cox as a manager, he is absolutely horrible when it comes play-calling. He leaves pitchers in a game too long when they are not performing… taking them out after the game is lost with 4 or 5 runs behind. He will not let players be aggressive on the bases (McLoth had one of the highest stealing percentages coming to the braves….. yet, seldom was allowed to run!) Only a couple of hitters on the Braves can “bunt”… this is elementary stuff… require all to “Bunt” at least twenty times during practice of every game.

By: He Hate Me

He Hate Me — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:18:37 +0000

While a traditional cleanup hitter would make the Braves a championship contender next year, there is another approach. How about bringing a guy who can set the table, put pressure on an apposing pitcher and defense with speed out of the box and around the diamond. Imagine a Braves lineup like this….

J. Pierre (LF)
M. Prado (2B)
C. Jones (3B)
A. LaRoche (1B)
B. McCann (C)
Y. Escobar (SS)
N. McLouth / J. Schafer (CF)
M. Diaz / J. Heyward (RF)

Starting Pitching
J. Vasquez
J. Jurrjens
T. Hanson
D. Lowe / T. Hudson
K. Kawakami

Juan Pierre gives the Braves a threat in the top of the lineup that they haven’t had since Furcal. For package including a young outfield prospect and possibly a starting pitcher (Kawakami), it could be done. Hudson could be gone, if that is that is the case, Lowe will be fine as the fourth starter. If Hudson stays, then trading Kawakami or Lowe is a must.

Schafer could start the season on the bench behind McLouth, easing his way in, with a possibility of trading McLouth further into the season if Schafer can eventually hold down centerfield. Let’s see what Heyward has in spring training and decide if he fits in to start the season. If not, let Diaz hold down the job until Heyward is ready. Trade Johnson for prospects or relief pitching.

By: scottbravesfan

scottbravesfan — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:16:43 +0000

Clearly the Braves are going to be a contender next year all they need is someone, anyone, that can hit the damn ball in the outfield!

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:32:35 +0000

Liberty Media open the check book, that will be the day!

By: bob

bob — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:58:44 +0000

I agree with the comment that the team needs a speedy leadoff hitter. LaRoche and Heyward will provide pop. McCann and Escobar will provide average and clutch RBI’s. McClouth and Prado will win a few games wtih some timely hits. Diaz is a great off the bench guy.

The pitching speaks for itself. Keep every starter except KK. Trade him and eat some of the salary.

It will be the last year for Bobby and Chipper. Hopefully, it will be a good one. They deserve it.

By: JMc12203

JMc12203 — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:11:26 +0000

I needed a good laugh today, and this column provided it. The Braves have ALOT of work to do to become a SERIOUS contender. Where is all that great pitching? Vasquez has a career season, and all of a sudden he is a #1 starter. Let’s see if he can do it again. JJ and Hanson are the real deal, and unfortunately because of his profane salary, Lowe is probably an albatross tied to the franchise. KK is too up and down to be considered a solid starter, and Huddy was not that impressive in his return; not impressive enough to warrant the $12,000,000 option on his contract. I have been saying for a long time that Chipper has to go. He is over the hill and his bat speed has slowed noticeably. In 2010 it will be even more noticeable. The outfield is unsettled, and the bullpen, again SEVERELY OVERWORKED BY THE WASHED UP BOBBY COX, is in flux. The closer by committee was not very effective. Both Gonzalez and Soriano were inconsistant; neither knowing how to prepare for a game.
Unless Frank Wren makes wholesale changes before next season, look for 2010 to be another disappointing season for the Bravos. The changes need to begin soon and the first one should be at the manager’s position, but I guess we will have to suffer through another season of Bobby’s mismanaging, and that is sad.

By: webhead

webhead — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:46:46 +0000

Here we go! People who know nothing about baseball wanting to trade our juck for Arod or Tex. Love this time of year!

By: jgon

jgon — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:08:11 +0000

Cox likes johnson on 2nd and prado in right. Looks like another bs year. It should be prado on 2nd and johnson on the bench.Kotchman was a more consistent batter then LaRoche. Looks like to me if you don’t kiss ass your gone.I’m not a manager but Infante and Prado should have been playing alot more in previous yrs. they must not like Church because never seen him much.Better defense player the Diaz should have been in the lineup with right handers. kissy kissy Cox

By: Bill Donohoo

Bill Donohoo — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:33:42 +0000

Enter your comments here
I do not see why McLouth is such a good CF. A little power, poor average, strikes out too much-just throw him a high fastball when he has two strikes. Only reason he was an All-Star is the Pirates had to have a rep.
Diaz has emotion and should be everyday. LaRoche has no emotion, no get up and go, if Braves sign him it should be one year at a time.
I would still move McCann to first and find another good catcher to platoon with Ross.
Chipper can’t seem to catch up with the fast ball any more. Hopefully, he will revert back to last year. Maybe the eyes need checking.
Find more Prados-he plays with emotion. I wonder what took Cox so long to put him in place of Kellly.
Sheffield is not the answer.
Schaffer is not the answer or he would have been back up.
For gosh sakes keep Acosta in the minors.
Don’t know what to do with Kelly, was this year unusual or last year unusual?
Braves could use some speed with someone who can hit with a high average for leadoff.
Still enjoy watching, it would be nice to see someone throw a helmet when they don’t drive in the run in key situations.

By: Go Braves!

Go Braves! — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:12:23 +0000

The Braves wil win the World Series next year just watch it. They will at least go to the playoff. Go Heyward!