So how come the current Braves can’t hit but ex-Braves can?
I’ve never been one who believed Terry Pendleton was the problem. As the saying goes, he can’t step in and hit for his guys. (It might be better if he could.) But then you look at these batting averages, and even a Pendleton admirer must cringe.
- Chipper Jones, .271.
- Brian McCann, .271.
- Jason Heyward, .246.
- Yunel Escobar, .188.
- Troy Glaus, .186.
- Matt Diaz, .175.
- Melky Cabrera, 153.
- Nate McLouth, .146.
Take away Martin Prado — who is, it must be stipulated, second in the National League in hitting at .406 — and the totality of the Braves’ regular lineup isn’t hitting Prince Fielder’s weight. Which is incredible.
The Braves rank last in the league in hitting at .228. (And remember, that’s with Prado doing a Ted Williams.) They were no-hit by Ubaldo Jimenez. They were shut out by Roy Halladay. They were one out from being blanked on a night Kyle Kendrick started for the Phillies. They were shut out over five innings by Mike Pelfrey on Sunday.
They didn’t score an earned run in three games against a Philadelphia starting pitcher. They scored three runs in 23 innings against the Mets. They’re in last place in the NL East, behind even the Washington Nationals. Yow.
And now we check another set of numbers, these belonging to players who were Braves in 2009 but who aren’t today:
- Jeff Francoeur, Mets: .286 average, three homers, 10 RBIs.
- Kelly Johnson, Diamonbacks:.322, seven homers, 12 RBIs.
- Casey Kotchman, Mariners: .279 average, three homers, 14 RBIs.
- Adam LaRoche, Diamonbacks: .278, one homer, seven RBIs.
Again, I’m not one who usually blames the hitting coach when big-leaguers don’t hit. But it does seem the guys who aren’t Braves are hitting in a way the Braves aren’t. You tell me: What does that say?
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
688 comments Add your comment
Tony
April 26th, 2010
2:17 pm
Mark, who is motivating them? Wouldnt BC take as much blame? Or do we not blame the legendary Hall of Fame coach who has one world championship with the Braves…one. Hmmm.
te29wr
April 26th, 2010
2:19 pm
Need to take long look at hitting Inst. Look who was hitting when the came here and look at the ones that have left A. Jones , Frenchy K, Johnson , Mc Clouth, Glause Chipper and McCann are to smart to listen as their dads know more than the H Inst. Move him out
Nick (Chip) Esasky
April 26th, 2010
2:19 pm
Just about all the Braves need to be checked for an inner ear infection in my opinion.
gayle
April 26th, 2010
2:20 pm
The hitting is anemic, the on-field play is embarrassing – but hey, everybody gets along and everybody loves playing for Bobby.
Such is the status quo of the Braves. How can a team ever reach beyond its abilities when you start the season hoping for 85 wins and backing into the playoffs with a Wild Card.
The mentality of this team is so short sighted that it is really no surprise to see the “quality” of the product. The “Great Run” poisoned the mindset here. Just make the playoffs and we have had a successful season.
Band Aids, BS, reclamation projects, past glories, a Cow that chops – these are the trademarks of this franchise since 2001 – the last time they won a post season series.
The names may change from one year to the next, but the product remains the same. And as long as the local media and loyal fans coddle the team, why should they bother to change. You are as much to blame for that mess on the field as they are.
Just inagine this kind of play presented to fans in Boston or New York or Chicago? They would ride the team out of town on a rail.
Bill
April 26th, 2010
2:21 pm
Again in 2010, the Braves are playing with no intensity. Let’s retire Bobby Cox early! He’s been the problem a team that’s lacked intensity and motivation for many a past season. Goodbye Bobby!!!
lee
April 26th, 2010
2:22 pm
i wish all these apolozist are the problem–it allows chipper to continue to not put in the effort he should be, TP to hide behind boby cox, and body cox himself to stand around with a blank look on his face!! there is no ACCOUNTABILITY with this team–all this oraganization talks about is PAST division chapionships!! all this organization does is milk the past! this team could not hit water if it fell out of a boat! its never bobby cox’s fault , its never Penleton’s fault, it’s never the players fault, well whose left to blame then? i rememeber when andrew jones did not hussle in the outfeild bobby cox jerked him off the feild that very second right?? but the other day when a certain shortstop did something even more STUPID –did Cox jerk him out of the game that very moment??? NO!!!!!!!!! excuses started flying and the apologists started coming out of the woodwork!!! i would like to have seen the Cox that jerked andrew off the feild–you know –DEMANDED ACCOUNTABILITY!!!! this “mananger” ” hitting coach” “general Mananger” “team president” are a group of lazy waste of spaces that do not care!!!!!
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
April 26th, 2010
2:22 pm
good article MB, stats don’t lie. can you email all of that to frank wren ASAP. i can understand individual slumps but a team slump? this offense has been in decline for the past 5 years.
Braves20
April 26th, 2010
2:23 pm
Two moves – one each in the last two off seasons probably would have made the difference between sitting home last year and being having the third worst record in the NL this season.
Last year – signing Abreu rather than Loaf. This year – keeping LaRoche. It would have made us a little lefty heavy but that doesn’t seem to bother the Phils.
NO MORE BOBBY
April 26th, 2010
2:24 pm
T’VILLE DAWG – FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Actually this is a repeat from last season. Notice the date on all of these links are from 2009. So this is not new to Braves fans. WE ARE TIRED OF IT!!!
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=fire+terry+pendleton&aq=o&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=&fp=3f73b7d243bf661
KBA
April 26th, 2010
2:25 pm
Mark
I know you need to write a story but ask me again at the all star break. Long way to go. I they gave up on Frenchy and Kelly Johnson too soon but that’s a different story for a different day. And I’m still mad about the players we lost in the Tex trade.
Tony
April 26th, 2010
2:26 pm
I would advise a few to check out the comments of cdog and justin…and stop making excuses for these guys. Explain Escobar and Prado’s season last year as well as Chipper’s. Another thing is that the Braves try to get by by trying resurrect certain players careers for cheap. And to become winners they will have no choice but to spend some darn money. And while we are on hitting. What to say about JJ, KK, and Lowe? Do they need a pitching coach? Mark?
GTSteve
April 26th, 2010
2:30 pm
Yunel hasn’t cared since the braves traded his buddy Bryan Pena
Angus
April 26th, 2010
2:30 pm
If you can, you may want to tune into 680.
Chernoff just dangled, “Next, find out if Frank Wren has lost confidence in Troy Glaus.”
I expect to hear the BS company line, but it could be interesting.
BuckCommander
April 26th, 2010
2:31 pm
I dont really see how TP can be the hardest working coach that Bobby Cox has ever seen since a lot of current and former players seem to just ignore him and go elsewhere for their hitting instructions and help. I mean if hes working that hard with the players whats he doing other than screwing them up.
Stu B
April 26th, 2010
2:34 pm
Maybe the GM made the wrong decisions on who to keep and who to trade – he traded Francoeur for Ryan Church – what a joke! Maybe it’s Wren’s fault, not Pendleton, for keeping crappy hitters…
Chip
April 26th, 2010
2:34 pm
Lost in this whole “Braves can’t hit” mess, is the fact that Hanson pitched the Braves 1st complete game of the season last night.
Curt
April 26th, 2010
2:35 pm
there are a variety of factors involved with hitting:
1) technique – as these are pros, you have to assume their overall mechanics are sound. That being said, everyone’s mechanics need adjustment once is a while. I am not sold on Pendelton as a teacher of good mechanics as it seems that players go outside to have their mechanics improved. However, you can pretty much assume that a whole team does not need adjustment at the same time.
2) In game coaching: Here is where I manager can affect how a team is hitting. A manager sets the batting order. It is my thinking (from more than 18 years of experience in coaching) that players have a spot in the order that they just fit into. this includes their hitting style, game playing style, emotional make up and mental make up. It is a fact that some players are lead off hitters or just are not. Some players are meant to drive in runs and some are not. Also, a manger can affect hitting by how they manage the game. Do they wait for the big hit or do they push the game. This can and does accfet how the pitcher pitches, how the defense plays and how the hitter approaches the at bat.
3) intangibles: hitting is very mental. some players can not handle pressure and some players get into funks that they just can not explain. And, one player can affect the whole team positivly or negatively
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
April 26th, 2010
2:36 pm
If batting coaches aren’t to blame when hitters don’t hit, why have them?
Too tough 44
April 26th, 2010
2:37 pm
God awful hitting, the Braves should be embarrassed, I dont expect any change, I am disgusted with the team and their lack of “kick ass” they are loosers!!!! I believe, hitting coach is to blame, ALSO, the team is fielding like (worse) than little leaguers…such an embarassment! YUK!
Pete
April 26th, 2010
2:37 pm
Love when morons say if one guy is hitting well then it can’t be the hitting coach. Stupid
nique
April 26th, 2010
2:38 pm
If the Braves don’t fire Pendleton, he should man up and resign. Seriously, how many more games can this team go scoring 0 and 1 runs a game against very average pitchers. At some point someone needs to take responsibility.
Riggodeaux
April 26th, 2010
2:38 pm
Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t TP succeed Merv Rettenmund, who before his Braves stint was regarded as one of, if not THE, best hitting coaches in MLB – then failed as the Braves hitting coach? Think maybe Bobby’s approach, rather than the hitting coach ‘messenger,’ might have something to do with it? And why oh why let LaRouche go and sign, instead, on over-the-hill, out of position, marginally competent ex-power hitter? And substitute Melky [for close to or even more money, I believe] for Kelly Johnson [he of the blessed sweet swing, but bad half season?] in LF? All to save, net, maybe 5% of your payroll? I fear we have receded to the bad old pre-Schuerholz dayz ….
Bob Sacamano
April 26th, 2010
2:39 pm
Y’all can yell all you want about Pendleton but he is the next Braves manager. That’s the only reason he’s still around…
Fed Up With Wren (Again)
April 26th, 2010
2:43 pm
Wow, lots of chatter. Let me point out the obvious, some of which has already been mentioned by other folks:
1) The Braves can’t score runs (14th in the NL).
2) Last in the NL in batting average and near the bottom in most offensive categories.
3) Five regulars under the Mendoza line after three weeks.
4) The Braves regularly struggle against marginal pitchers and pitchers they’ve never seen, which equals lack of concentration and preparedness.
5) A lot of ex-Braves are getting it done for other teams.
Yes, of course, TP has a lot to do with the problem. The team is a terrible offensive team and has been for a few years.
Angus
April 26th, 2010
2:43 pm
Frank Wren on 680 (paraphrasing):
“Glaus has been unlucky”
“Melky, on the other hand, has stunk it up.”
Kid Shilleen
April 26th, 2010
2:44 pm
Even if you can’t blame the coaches, it doesn’t look good for one who has to be thinking consideration for the manager’s job next year. It seems some batting order rearranging would be in order, and even sending a couple of them up the road to see if they can find their bats in Gwinnett County. Cabrerra and Glaus are not paying dividends at all. Escobar and Chipper both seem to be ho-hummers at times. You’re right, take away Prado and Cox’s last season could be worse than his first.
Fed Up With Wren (Again)
April 26th, 2010
2:44 pm
P.S., Frank Wren still is an awful GM and bears a lot of responsibility for building this team. Just in case nobody knew that…
Larry
April 26th, 2010
2:49 pm
This team is driving me nuts
Luckily, my favorite Braves fan blog is telling it like it is-
http://ijustwanttofitin.com/category/sports/
Tony
April 26th, 2010
2:50 pm
It is sad to think that many think that TP can make the total difference with the Braves hitting. Only God above can help this bunch of guys. I havent heard many blame the players…what is up with that?
Big Al
April 26th, 2010
2:54 pm
Replace TP now
BRAVES NEED SPIRIT
April 26th, 2010
2:56 pm
Blogging on death ears. Cox loves Pendleton and I dont know why. I have said since day 1 that Pendleton is a mistake. Why dont you adjust the blog to add the 2008 hitters and 2007 and 2006. I would be really interested to see all the players and what they are hitting without Pendletons vast knowledge.
I said it once and I will say it again. Being a good hitter does not mean you can break down a hitter. It simply means you and only you can hit the ball. Was Pendleton that Great in the first place?
Raleigh Dog
April 26th, 2010
2:59 pm
Turn out the lights…the party’s over.
Scott
April 26th, 2010
3:00 pm
Why dont we asked Francoeur the real reason he went and worked with the Texas hitting coach. There is a reason behind it you know. Now hes gone and hitting up a streak with the Mets.
Something is amis in Georgia…………….
Bravedawg
April 26th, 2010
3:03 pm
For all you experts what would you have Pendleton do?? I mean we’ve had the bases loaded with one out or less repeatedly. Patience seems to be fine, but Pendleton can’t make these guys quit pressing and not hit a deep fly ball at least. And even when we do, you have guys that don’t know how to run the bases. Give Pendleton a rest, it’s tired!! I know this day in age everyone needs to have someone to blame, how about blaming the million dollar athletes who aren’t stepping up and getting it done. Whose in charge of the defense by the way, because that is as bad as it has been since 1989 and 1990. It’s like a blooper highlight video out there. I see a team that is giving away games. They all seem up tight, I just would like to see them loosen up and have a little fun out there. We got pitching, if these guys get over this little obstacle they will be in the thick of it, but that is a big if. Hopefully sooner rather than later.
Freddie G
April 26th, 2010
3:04 pm
To blame TP for the Braves failure to hit would be like saying that maddux, Glavive and Smoltz were good doring the 90’s due to Leo Mazzone.
What a joke.
gcs
April 26th, 2010
3:18 pm
I still cannot blame Pendleton. How much influence does a hitting coach actually have at the major league level?? I am thinking very little.
The real problem in two words: Bobby Cox. He is too old and too old-fashioned. He does not relate to this generation of ballplayers and cannot inspire them. Chipper is more of a leader than Cox is.
If you look at Seattle manager Don Wakamatsu (47) and Arizona’s A. J. Hinch (35!), they are young and energetic.
Frenchy’s success in NY is just due to the fact that he was too complacent in Atlanta. He could play lousy at Turner Field but still go home to his childhood neighborhood and eat a pleasant dinner with his mommy, daddy and high school sweetheart. He needed tough love. I just wish Wren had gotten something, ANYTHING for him.
.
Tony
April 26th, 2010
3:21 pm
Good point about Leo, Freddie. If coaching was so key, then what has happened to the genius that was Leo’s. Where he is coaching now? I liked the guy but coaching only goes so far.
Del
April 26th, 2010
3:24 pm
Buck Commander…. For a wekk or so I have had a feeling that things were not so rosy in the clubhouse. Example: Observe the total lack of communication between Esco and everyone else. Also the same can be observed with Melky and Glaus. I just wonder if these three are a cancer eating at the rest of the team. Something has happened between ST and now. Things were hunky dory in ST with everyone hitting, now things aren’t so rosy with most everyone being in a funk. Makes you wonder if there isn’t some resentment going on between those who were producing and those who weren’t. Guess we’ll never know unless things blow up one of these first days. I can imagine the frustration level must be pretty high by now.
Justin
April 26th, 2010
3:35 pm
This hitting has been problematic for YEARS! For a decade at least, when we bring in really good hitters (McLouth), they become stinkers. In contrast, when we realease crappy hitters (KJ, Frenchy, etc, etc), many of them turn out to be great. There are many examples from 8-10 years ago too, I just don’t have time to find the names. I’ve been bangin’ this anti-Bobby Cox drum for a decade. Give another manager the lineup that we had (mainly the pitching) in the mid-90’s and we would have had 3 World Series titles easily. The “let the players play” approach only works when you have top players, which we haven’t had since the peak of Maddox/Glavine/Smoltz (Avery).
Tony
April 26th, 2010
3:46 pm
Justin, we must have been watching the same games for the last 10 years or more. True, the approach of Cox does not work. People seem to accept mediocrity. For many fans, if the Braves make the playoffs, that is cool. But the desire to go all out and win championships is far from their minds. Cox, like you said is good for teams like the Yankees, BoSox, Angels, etc. But for teams that rebuild like the Braves and dont spend money for Cox, is counterproductive. At this point, the management strategy is more base stealing, hit and runs, etc. This will inspire the team as well as the fans and hopefully salvage a sinking season. Looking to hear from the infamous MB on this Justin…or maybe the article was just to bring out the uneducated baseball minds…
KingToenail
April 26th, 2010
3:51 pm
For so long, everyone was satisfied with just winning the NL East. They felt if they won that, it was a successful season. That is not a successful season! Joe Torre wouldn’t have settled for that, Steinbrenner wouldn’t have settled for that and that is why they are winners not whiners. Cox lost the “Eye of the Tiger” years ago.
Tony
April 26th, 2010
4:01 pm
King Toe, that is so true. While BC is a good manager and has brought many memories to the club. He is a baseball guy. It goes without saying that there comes a time when youth trumps age. BC knows it, even Jordan, Magic, and Bird knew it. That is why BC is retiring. To blame TP is ridiculous. BC is the manager and bears total responsibility for the team’s success on game day. We must not forget that folks.
Braves fans suck
April 26th, 2010
4:07 pm
“You tell me: What does that say?”
It says Atlanta fans and writers suck.
Tony
April 26th, 2010
4:09 pm
That is true King Toe, BC is a good coach for teams like NY Yankees, BoSox, Angels, etc. But for a team like the always rebuilding Braves, youth trumps age. BC is a baseball guy that has brought many memories to the club, but one championship. Even Bird, Magic, and Jordan knew when it was time to leave the game. The Braves need a younger motivated coach who is innovative in trying score runs, especially base stealing. Look at the game last night. Reyes, who is struggling himself was able to score on his speed alone. This has been a fault of the Braves since Furcal left, and prior to that Gant and Deion. It is not rocket science. I just hope that Heyward’s prosperous future is not ruined here in Atlanta by a lack of good managing. Maybe this article was to generate comments on TP from the uneducated baseball fan, but what about the guy responsible for the team’s on the field success, BC, Mark?
Herschel Talker
April 26th, 2010
4:11 pm
Chad at 1:41 – LMAO!
Tony
April 26th, 2010
4:13 pm
True Atlanta fans dont suck. It is the evolution of the transplants in the city that suck, if you will. Those of us who grew up watching the Braves have a real desire to see the teams here succeed. And we have insight on things without being partial to one person or the other. We cant even pack the stadium for crying out loud.
USMC DAWG
April 26th, 2010
4:14 pm
In football, when the offense is not scoring TD’s, the coordinator takes the fall. It seems fitting in this case. Bye bye, TP…
Justin
April 26th, 2010
4:15 pm
Tony, you said it well. Keep in mind also, that when the Braves were in their most productive years, they were still playing in Fulton Co. Stadium that was affectionately referred to as the “Launching Pad.” Turner Field is NOT a good hitter’s ball park. So, again, this “long-ball” approach just really hasn’t worked since the move…yet Cox has refused to adjust his style of play. Wonder why fan attendance has continued to decline? Yes, the economy didn’t help, but the Braves brand of baseball is BORING. On any given night, you may see the home team get shut-out, and that isn’t very attractive to a picky consumer. I’ve already given up on the Braves this year b/c I see nothing has changed nor will change. So, my desire to go drop $50 – $100 at the ball park is pretty low.
Tony
April 26th, 2010
4:20 pm
In football Mr. Sempre Fi, the coordinator often will interchange players to get results. The Braves do that on a consistent basis. And still have no results at the moment. The OC or DC is often the Asst. Head Coach bearing the total responsibility for the O or D. In baseball, TP is not calling steals, tagging on fly balls, hit and runs, pitch outs, etc. Are you serious?
bigdaddyj
April 26th, 2010
4:26 pm
Not to mention Chipper feels the need to go to his dad for advice and Francouer had to go to someone in texas for help. TO needs to go. So does Snit as 3B coach. Both are awful. Take Bobby with them please..