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?
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688 comments Add your comment
Calm Down
April 26th, 2010
4:27 pm
I am pretty certain that most hitting coaches are not apt to offer a whole lot of advice to players, as there is the possibility of garneshing the blame if things get even worse….and I think we are at that point….
BBallLover
April 26th, 2010
4:27 pm
It’s time for Pendleton to go and bring in a fresh view point on hitting. You can look at many ex Braves and their success with new teams. Two stand out, Andruw Jones and Kelly Johnson. With TP they stink, they go elsewhere and tear it up. After awhile when hitters don’t have success or confidence they quit listening.
Dawgs '02
April 26th, 2010
4:28 pm
Didn’t have time to read every one’s post but if it hasn’t been discussed, Please pull Chipper Jones! I’ve always been a huge fan of Chipper, but if he is not going to do the work necessary to stay in-shape and keep from getting hurt then pull him. If you don’t put him on the pine, at least get him a walker.
Scoots
April 26th, 2010
4:28 pm
Hey Mark-
So, what is your conclusion? In your opinion, do you think they should keep TP or get rid of him?
Eric
April 26th, 2010
4:30 pm
Dumb article. I suppose we should blame the pitching coach? Hell yes you blame the hitting coach. Who else would you blame?
freshd
April 26th, 2010
4:33 pm
Will somebody tell CHIPPER about P90X the next time he wants to really get in shape.
Donny Corleone
April 26th, 2010
4:38 pm
freeshfd, do you want to kill him? Two minutes of P90X and Chipper will be in a body cast.
DAVEinNEPA
April 26th, 2010
4:38 pm
Thanks Mark for having the stones to voice what a good many of us have been asking for some time.
While the lack of timely hitting falls mostly on the players themselves, I still have to question the message they get from Pendleton. Way too many players have regressed as hitters under his tutelage.
But, in a sense we also have to put some blame on the manager and the GM too. They watch the same games we watch so they can’t tell us they don’t see what we see. Being “loyal”to your players and coaches is one thing but it shouldn’t go so far overboard that it’s detrimental to the entire team but I truly believe that is exactly what happens here.
Tony
April 26th, 2010
4:38 pm
More of the same uninformed comments…does BC share any blame? The only thing these coaches can do is offer statistical and performance data to the team, offer their opinions, and then let the players go out there and do what they know how to do. TP cant coach Heyward to be a leader in HR’s or RBI’s. The kid has the self motivation to play ball! The point is that these guys need to man up a little and go out there and play ball like they have for years…what in the world else can TP do? ?
Donny Corleone
April 26th, 2010
4:38 pm
Meant freshd
Timmy
April 26th, 2010
4:40 pm
Very good point Mark…very good article
Dexter Morgan
April 26th, 2010
4:42 pm
Mark,
I see where you’re going with this article, but ultimately are you for getting rid of Pendleton? Yes or no?
Donny Corleone
April 26th, 2010
4:42 pm
I guess everyone has ranted themselves out of breath.
Lou Dorris
April 26th, 2010
4:42 pm
Pendleton is totally the problem – his career average was not that high nor did he hit for power – I would like to see him gone and have Chipper Jones as hitting coach.
Groundedfalcon
April 26th, 2010
4:45 pm
Are you kidding me Bradley? Really, Terry Pendleton is the problem, Really? Last year the whole Baseball universe put out-rageous pressure on the young Wonderkid from Georgia, so much so, that he couldn’t relax. Moved to New York, it’s like a baloon exhaling! He’s relaxed and playing well.
As for Kelly Johnson, he was injured a majority of the time last year. The Braves gave up on Kelly way to soon.
Adam Laroche and Casey Kotchman always hit pretty well.
Finally, Andrew Jone’s problem was his big fat waistline and lazy attitude. Manager Ozie G. doesn’t put up with slackers.
Andrew got in shape and got his mind right,etc…etc…
Terry P. isn’t responsible for all these variables.
Didn’t Terry win a batting title one time?
Mark do you think Bobby Cox is a moron? Don’t you think that if he thought that if T.P. wasn’t getting the job done, that he wouldn’t replace him.
Let’s see, Bobby Cox has only won like a zillon games.
Just saying!!!
Effn Amazing
April 26th, 2010
4:46 pm
How about this MARK, since you’re the one that likes to bring up the bad about ALL the Atlanta teams and get your groupies fired up to see another man lose his job.
At the end of this season if the braves are hitting above the league average how about you QUIT THE AJC!
Its still April! Not June, July, or August but APRIL. You sit and write this garbage now – not even a full 20 games in. Just 5 games ago you was writing that this team had IT. Dude come on.
If this team is fighting for a spot in the playoffs come season end you’ll then be brown nosing.
So put up or shut up Mark.
Donny Corleone
April 26th, 2010
4:47 pm
Yeah, Grounded, there’s no pressure in New York.
Donny Corleone
April 26th, 2010
4:48 pm
Mark, are you gonna take that off of him?
Tony
April 26th, 2010
4:49 pm
Eric…I said that earlier. Sometimes people do not stop to think. The pitching is just as horrid as the batting and no one is talking about that because they have been conditioned on TP. Another note that needs to be digested is the Atlanta Braves are not owned by anyone who have the Braves’ interest totally at heart. The true fans should protest this group of ownership because their end result is not the Braves winning, it is padding their pockets. Forget about BC and TP, and the rest. Steinbrenner and the other successful owners are true fans of their teams. Are these owners Braves fans? Heck no! Stop all of the nonsense. This is not about BC or TP? These owners want to field any team they can for the cheapest amount possible, give the fans a glimmer of hope so that they will attend some games, and laugh their way to the bank! If we are so concerned, then we should call for the sale of this team back to someone like Ted who was actually an involved owner who cared about this team. We do not need outsiders trying to make a profit while robbing the fans of their hard earned dollars. Heck, sell the team to Hank Aaron or the Carays!
Phil
April 26th, 2010
4:50 pm
“Mark do you think Bobby Cox is a moron?”
Yes
“Don’t you think that if he thought that if T.P. wasn’t getting the job done, that he wouldn’t replace him.”
No
“Let’s see, Bobby Cox has only won like a zillon games.”
He’s also lost a zillon.
In other words, Cox is senile, a moron and a loser.
Donny Corleone
April 26th, 2010
4:51 pm
Yeah, Hank will field an all black team.
athdog/brave
April 26th, 2010
4:54 pm
Sometimes it’s not necessarily the message, it’s the messenger. TP may be a good hitting coach (the numbers of those who don’t rely on their fathers for advice don’t bear this out, however) but maybe it’s just time for a change. If you recall, Merv Rettenmund, who was revered as one of the greatest hitting coaches ever, couldn’t get this franchise to do much, either.
Tony
April 26th, 2010
4:55 pm
How is TP the problem? Here are the facts:
Terry Pendleton is in his ninth season as the Braves’ hitting coach in 2010. In 2009, the Braves ranked fourth in the National League in team batting average (.263), fourth in hits (1,459), fifth in on-base percentage (.339) and sixth in runs scored (735). The team tied for third in the N.L. with 300 doubles.
In 2008, Atlanta ranked third in the N.L. in batting average (.270), third in hits (1,514), third in walks (618), third in on-base percentage (.345) and fourth in doubles (316).
In 2007, Atlanta boasted a high-powered offense under Pendleton’s watch, ranking second in the N.L. in hits (1,562), third in runs (810) and fourth in batting average (.275). The Braves established a franchise record with 328 doubles on the year.
The 2006 campaign was one of Pendleton’s most successful as a coach. Despite numerous injuries, the Braves led the N.L. in home runs (222) and slugging percentage (.455) and ranked second in the circuit in runs scored (849) and batting average (.270). The home run total ranked second in franchise history, while the runs total ranked second in Atlanta history.
Tony
April 26th, 2010
5:00 pm
What are you saying Donny, about the all black team? There is only one in the starting lineup? HUH?
Tony
April 26th, 2010
5:01 pm
I am wondering if you are smoking your peace pipe…Donny Corleone
Donny Corleone
April 26th, 2010
5:02 pm
I’m saying that that is all Hank cares about.
Tony
April 26th, 2010
5:04 pm
Gotcha…lol…well, in all honesty, there needs to be a little balance in that respect also. As I eluded to earlier. This is all about the owners trying to make money off of us. We are bickering over BC and TP when the guys at the top are probably laughing to the bank.
Tralfaz
April 26th, 2010
5:07 pm
the players who “knew how to hit” did OK under tp’s watch. But, those who were struggling, or went into slumps, or who in some other way actually NEEDED the services of a good hitting coach, didn’t fare too well. Even the teams that were loaded with high-powered hitting talent did not live up to their potential at the plate. When I think of tp’s tenure, the things that come to My mind are 1)Ben Sheet’s 18 strikeout game 2) Randy Johnson’s perfect game, and 3) the no-hitter just thrown. Obviously, he can’t hit for the players, but he certainly draws a paycheck for SOME reason
Donny Corleone
April 26th, 2010
5:08 pm
I’m no baseball expert, but I did look forward to watching a fairly competitive team this year. The way they are playing now is truly embarrassing.
Peter
April 26th, 2010
5:10 pm
Well folks it looks like a repeat of last year, and the repeat of the year before, and then a repeat of the year before……..can we say “Ground Hog Day ” ??????
Ever since Terry P took over we have batted very well compared to league average come the end of the season….. But we have been out of it…..that is a chance to really have a shot at the playoffs by then as well.
We are a tired out team, made up of has-ben’s with a few diamonds…..
We have gotten all these guys on the cheap, and they are turning out as we have paid them.
The other major problem is situational hitting……and frankly we suck at it…….Over anxious, and letting the pitcher off the hook.
That to me is the biggest issue….. when it matters the most …..the Braves seem to fail !
LEADERSHIP, or lack of it seems to be abundant…… Who is our leader, and who is the fire and attitude ?
Robert
April 26th, 2010
5:11 pm
I sure hope the braves pick someone other than pendelton for Manager if he can not at least keep the hitters hitting like they are capable of what kind of manager do you think he would be
Tony
April 26th, 2010
5:13 pm
I was looking forward to a great season myself. But it is funny how no one has mentioned the real problem. Not even Mark, who would be privy to more of this than we are…the ownership are not even Braves fans. We havent had a real owner since Ted. The reason why we are tangled in this web (no pun intended…lol) of beating up TP, for some dumb*** reason, is because no one has the balls to call out the owners, who bear the ultimate responsibility. Are we that spineless?
Joey-bag-a-donuts
April 26th, 2010
5:15 pm
Does it really matter about TP? The whole coaching staff is going to be new next year. There is definitely something not right on the field and it IS some kind of intangible with the coaching staff (Bobby, TP)/senior team members (Chipper) that we fans don’t know about. Come on, how is it possible for a team to hit this bad? This is some kind of carry over pressure from the 14 division titles or something. The last few years have been like it was with Clint Hurdle and the Rockies. Once he’s gone, the attitude changes, and they start winning. I think the same will happen with the Braves next year. No false expectations that’s obviously making these guys push too much.
Auburn Fan
April 26th, 2010
5:17 pm
Terry Pendleton and Bobby Cox are probably 2 of the nicest guys in Baseball. Great. The team is horrible right now. Get mean guys.
Tony
April 26th, 2010
5:17 pm
Again, another comment about TP. I would like to see someone be honest and name 3 hitting coaches in MLB period! Look to your owners and stop talking about someone who is just a pon in the whole game. Answer the real question as to why no money is spent on good ball players in Atlanta?
Auburn Fan
April 26th, 2010
5:19 pm
Tony this has been a problem before Pendleton got here.. Braves can’t hit when playoffs are here. Now they can’t hit when the season starts. Just awful hitting team.
Voice of Reason
April 26th, 2010
5:19 pm
Sure we can all blame TP. Lets put the real blame on Wren and the ownership for not going out and getting us any real hitters. We here in Atlanta continue year after year to be cheap and spend a few million on an old washed up player. I could go on and on about how we go out and get some has been. The Braves will never be winners until they are owned by a person and not a company that is only concerned with the bottom line. Someone needs to buy the Braves and not for a tax write off…
J.o.h.n.n.y C.r.u.n.c.h
April 26th, 2010
5:20 pm
Same as last season…………….your 11:56am post sums it up what I said about the amount of money due both Chipper and Derek Lowe: SCARY!
Auburn Fan
April 26th, 2010
5:21 pm
And the media needs to quit blaming the fans. We are not going to fight traffic in Atlanta when it is on TV and the product is horrible. Get a good team and the fans will show up!
Groundedfalcon
April 26th, 2010
5:21 pm
Tony makes an excellent point! Give us Ted Turner again and then we’ll see!
The Ownership has turned a deaf ear to the team’s needs for years. Hey AJC writers, how about investigating the current Atlanta Braves ownership?
As Tony said, You got the Balls?
Inquiring minds want to KNOW!!
is30303
April 26th, 2010
5:23 pm
over 500 comments. people clearly think its TP’s fault.
Bring back Don Baylor!!!!!!!!! now that was a hitting coach.
Peter
April 26th, 2010
5:23 pm
Hey Mark…….you cited the great statistics the Braves have by year end………tell us the important statics…….
How do we hit as a team with runners on base ?
With 2 strikes, and men in scoring position ?
At the end of the game ?
Woody Woodward
April 26th, 2010
5:24 pm
Who do we blame for the team’s poor defense? Is there a “fielding coach?” Hudson mentioned a lack of focus during yesterday’s telecast. He appears to be right. Player’s lack focus at the plate, in the field, on the basepaths. Now whose fault is that?
J.o.h.n.n.y C.r.u.n.c.h
April 26th, 2010
5:25 pm
Mark Bradley……….your 12:06pm post quoting Bobby Cox saying that Terry Pendleton is the “hardest working” coach out there, should have been followed up with the following: “The day laborer who does the grunt work on a construction site is a “hard worker”……..however would you entrust him with overseeing the construction of a skyscraper?
Hard work doesnt mean squat if you cant produce results. No other way to put it.
JohnSmith
April 26th, 2010
5:25 pm
It’s perplexing to me why Bobby doesn’t shuffle the lineup more during his team’s struggles. Melky’s not exactly fleet of foot, so why have him lead off the game? Why not just TRY Martin Prado in that spot for a game or two and see what happens? And, since Glaus is struggling, couldn’t he at least be moved down to the seven hole?
Tony
April 26th, 2010
5:28 pm
Voice of Reason, you are just that! When the others come off of the brilliantly scripted article of MB’s and realize what we have had here in Atlanta, they will see what I too have been saying for years. If the fans are true fans, and not ones who are just looking for somewhere to go when they get bored, they will understand that they are contributing to a corporation that is not interested in winning. Let’s be honest folks. BC and TP are respected across MLB. They love to win. But they can only coach what they are given. I would like to see all of this energy demand the owners to quit cheating us true Braves fans, and spend some money. Surely, you guys can look at your own companies and see how they really work. These guys are robbing us blind!
Tony
April 26th, 2010
5:30 pm
John, you can put Glaus and Cabrera, McClouth, HInske, and the favorite Diaz in a b**ty hole and they would still be hitting the same…these guys are not just striving to be the best or just arent good enough. Bottom line.
J.o.h.n.n.y C.r.u.n.c.h
April 26th, 2010
5:31 pm
carlchamblee……………your 12:09pm post was well said. I said the exact same thing on the “other blog” last year to the MORONS who kept saying that Braves fans should start coming to the park and put more money into the coffers of the team FIRST………with the idea that management will spend more money on acquiring the right kind of players (Johnny Damon instead of Troy “Greg Norton’s protege” Glaus). No one in their right mind would spend hard earned money on this punchless lineup.
I would be very ok with seeing the Braves spend the next 2 years letting the youngsters like Schafer, Freeman, and Heyward play…..if the Braves arent going to spend wisely on acquiring some offensive power.
Auburn Fan
April 26th, 2010
5:34 pm
Bottom line is that ANYTHING is better than this product we have. This team is just boring.
buzz
April 26th, 2010
5:35 pm
My understanding is the better Braves hitters (Chipper, McCann, Escobar, Prado) don’t even listen to Pendleton for advice on their swing. They get their batting instruction elsewhere.
Frenchy and Andruw did, because they realize if the best hitters on the team don’t take advice from Pendleton, why should they.
Pendleton had a bad career batting average (.270, lower than frenchy) and a god-awful OPS (.707), lower than frenchy.
Pendleton struck out twice as much as he walked. Why would ANYONE think he could help others improve their swing? He changed his batting stance more often than his underwear!