A special Braves’ season is unfolding before our very eyes
Win, win, win: It's not exactly boring this time around. (AJC photo by Jason Getz)
You felt it first on Opening Day, and again in the back-from-the-dead rally against the Phillies in April, and again and again in the last-at-bat victories since. And you felt it Monday night, when a big crowd showed up to behold Stephen Strasburg and saw the home side win again. You felt, for want of a better word, electricity.
Electricity at Turner Field. Electricity at a Braves’ game. Electricity not felt at this venue this millennium. Electricity for a Braves’ club unlike the Braves we’d come to know and take pretty much for granted.
Larger gatherings. Tougher-minded players. And — oh, yeah; this, too — more victories.
It began with Jason Heyward hitting a three-run homer on his first big-league swing, but it has become a roster-wide thing. From Martin Prado hitting everything to Troy Glaus crushing everything to Tim Hudson re-inventing himself to Derek Lowe finding himself to Eric Hinske becoming more than just a pinch-hitter. From Kris Medlen to Brooks Conrad to Johnny Venters. From a team that had fallen on mediocrity to a club that keeps clinging to first place.
For 15 seasons the Braves won so much we got bored with the winning, but there’s no tedium to this bunch. This feels closer to the worst-to-first crew of 1991 than its more lordly successors. This team feels like an underdog, which it was when the season commenced and surely still is. This is a collection of old and young, of the unsung and the unassuming. You wouldn’t take this everyday eight over Philadelphia’s, but this everyday eight leads the Phillies by 3 1/2 games.
For 15 seasons the Braves came to own first place, and then, in 2006, they lapsed into mediocrity. They’re not mediocrities any longer. They’re in first place, and they’re fun to watch, and this has already been the most exhilarating season since the old ballpark was demolished. And it’s not yet the Fourth of July.
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164 comments Add your comment
labo2000
June 29th, 2010
9:37 am
First! And I totally agree on this season’s specialness
Noah
June 29th, 2010
9:37 am
Let’s go Braves! Bring it home!
Mark Bradley
June 29th, 2010
9:38 am
Kudos to labo2000. Condolences to Noah.
Nick
June 29th, 2010
9:38 am
First!
Being Brave in Cochran
June 29th, 2010
9:38 am
FIRST!!
Being Brave in Cochran
June 29th, 2010
9:38 am
D’OH!!
ATMDAWG
June 29th, 2010
9:39 am
First…This season reminds me so much of 1991. It’s going to be a fun summer.
Bob
June 29th, 2010
9:40 am
Mark, I’m still waiting for you to own up to being dead wrong about how this group of Braves can’t win the division. Heck, didn’t you also say they weren’t any good? I know that was during the 9-game losing streak, but weren’t you saying that they weren’t much good? And that possibly they wouldn’t be good until 2011 or even 2012?
Being Brave in Cochran
June 29th, 2010
9:41 am
You know, Mark, I hadn’t put my finger on it, but your article is spot on. I have been a Braves fan since 1981, but haven’t had much desire to watch them the last few years. This year, however, I rarely miss a game. Heck, even my wife has been watching with me. This has been a fun team to watch night in and out. Good article.
dap01
June 29th, 2010
9:42 am
It’s good to see Chipper being the GREAT player that he is again. What a team.
Mark Bradley
June 29th, 2010
9:44 am
Thanks, Being Brave in Cochran.
Chuck
June 29th, 2010
9:45 am
Tenth, maybe….
Good to see Turner Field catching on fire. I’ve been taking heat from my Boston-born girlfriend about how lethargic Braves fans (and Atlanta fans in general) are. It does feel like 1991 all over again.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
June 29th, 2010
9:47 am
this team does have a certain vibe to it. I think Wags said it best yesterday on 680 that they all are “gelling” together. Chemistry is huge and this team has it. These next 11 games are crucial- we need to manhandle our division teams and create some space between the Mets & Phils.
Tweets that mention A special Braves' season is unfolding before our eyes | Mark Bradley -- Topsy.com
June 29th, 2010
9:48 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mark Bradley, jimboknows and candacemcc, Allegra Coleman. Allegra Coleman said: RT @MarkBradleyAJC: Not to sound like Mike Krzyzewski, but this Atlanta Braves' season feels "special." http://bit.ly/9UgBtY [...]
Wreckmaniac
June 29th, 2010
9:50 am
I think this team is most comfortable as an underdog. Philly has to live with being the team that is expected to be 10 games ahead by Sept 15. I hope ESPN never thinks of this team that way. ESPN is very confused about these Braves and now is talking about when the Mets will be in first. Thats good. I hope they stay on that topic. Lets pretend the Braves are already out of it.
Bruce Mac
June 29th, 2010
9:54 am
Crap Mark, you have jinxed the Braves once again. Please continue to be pessimistic, it was working.
jdubb
June 29th, 2010
9:56 am
Mark, about the only players on the ‘Phillies Eight’ that I would take over our bunch are R Howard and J Werth (maaayybe Utley). But I would be hard pressed to admit who to get rid of.
It seems like every single one of our guys (excluding pitchers) whether a starter or a bench guy, have something they add to this TEAM. Clutch hitting, sacrificing bunts, stealing, pinch hitting; it all seems to mesh perfectly. So totally agree with you….how much more rewarding it is for me to watch or go to the games this season. Even Melky has grown on me since his horrible start.
Lets just hope the dreaded injury bug doesnt take a significant toll on us.
My favorites this year are Hinske, Conrad, and Prado…
THis whole team reminds me of those Damn Yankees when we use to meet them in the postseason. We are so patient, it frustrates the other pitchers. We wait, wait, wait, then walk – or crush their hopes with a timely hit, then pour it on with a quick blast of consecutive RBIs. Just like last night and the Nats; this year its more the norm than the abomination.
You’re right, so many awesome games and moments this year, it takes a lot of writing just to list them!
Mark Bradley
June 29th, 2010
9:56 am
Sorry, Bruce Mac. But you’ll note I still haven’t picked the Braves to win anything.
sleeze
June 29th, 2010
9:58 am
Wake up, Mark. You were dreaming and actually woke a positive article.
sleeze
June 29th, 2010
9:59 am
Correction: Wake up, Mark. You were dreaming and actually wrote a positive article.
Mark Bradley
June 29th, 2010
10:00 am
I actually enjoyed your initial turn of phrase, sleeze.
matt r
June 29th, 2010
10:06 am
I started to feel this Friday night after Billy’s 400th… a lot of guys on their way out trying to go out with a bang (I’m including Chipper in this bunch), and a lot of guys trying to help them accomplish that.
Voice of reason
June 29th, 2010
10:06 am
Anyone else think that this all kind of started last season in the last 4-5 weeks when we woke up and made a little surge?? Add a few new pieces in the offseason, get Huddy back, and on we roll….
PS- Chase Utley has gotta be a lil’ embarrassed about starting over Martin in the mid summer classic…. ( i hope he is.)
extremus
June 29th, 2010
10:07 am
All that’s missing now is that middle-of-the-year pickup that helps the Braves catch fire for the second half, like what happened with Alejandro Pena in ‘91 and with Fred McGriff two years later. Of course I don’t expect a trade or signing of anyone anywhere near McGriff’s caliber, but another solid outfield bat couldn’t hurt. But even if such a signing doesn’t happen, I still think this team may just have the staying power to do something special. There are a lot of intangibles that seem to bode well for the Braves this year; if they make the playoffs, there won’t be that old “business as usual” atmosphere for a more passionate opponent to exploit.
GO BRAVES!!!!!
Ramblin Wrecker
June 29th, 2010
10:07 am
Honestly this team (aside from the starting rotation) is better than the 1991 team.
Mark Bradley
June 29th, 2010
10:08 am
That sounds like a good topic for a future post, extremus.
Tim
June 29th, 2010
10:11 am
THIS guy knows what he’s talking about:
http://TwitPWR.com/Lcr/
Tim
June 29th, 2010
10:11 am
I haven’t been to this many Braves games in a LOOOOONG time
Minimalist
June 29th, 2010
10:12 am
Yes.
Atlantan living in Chicago
June 29th, 2010
10:13 am
This team is certainly special. What I love most is that Chipper, who has been a glue for a long time, is getting a lot of leadership help from McCann and Hudson. Bobby is having fun and the fans are talking about the team again. You’re absolutely right, Mark…it is 1991 all over again!
I don’t care if they win the World Series this year, I’m just happy that the city has rediscovered their team.
Peachtree John
June 29th, 2010
10:24 am
The TEAM showed something new with the vacant dougout after the home run for a winner by our FORMER center fielder. Now Chipper gets the raz! Caring for your fellow teamates wins games. (well, our current shortstop is excluded here. Don’t thing he is capable of anything but self.)
I’ve been in Atlanta since 1966 and have experienced much frustration. It’s good to have the excitement back at the ballfield. It’s good to see the business as usual faces disappear from the team. It’s good to see Bobby calling squeeze plays. This is good!!!
lazydawg
June 29th, 2010
10:26 am
Told ya so!!!Go Braves!!!!
jeffrey d
June 29th, 2010
10:27 am
Three blown “First!” calls in a row
leland
June 29th, 2010
10:28 am
Dear Mr. MB–I been messing around out here not doing much, fixing to cut the grass, fixing to water the garden–that kind of thing. Just as I got the mower out, this here limerick came to me, so I rushed back in and wrote it down. It don’t have no name yet. You can give it one if you want to.
There was a young lad from Kentucky,
Moved to Atlanta to get lucky.
He wrote about sports
Of various sorts,
With never a word of it mucky.
The last line could end with “murky” if you want to. I like that better–it doesn’t rhyme exactly. Called a “half rhyme” or “slant rhyme” in contrast to the full rhyme, so-called, in the first version.
Also, here’s another couple of last lines you might like:
With skill and wit, never too plucky.
Stayed a bit long and now he’s stucky.
Feel free to change it around any ol’ way.
Your pal, Leland
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June 29th, 2010
10:28 am
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How2fish
June 29th, 2010
10:32 am
Great post Mark, I’m really loving what the team is doing. The key here will be for the Braves and most other teams is how bad will the injury bug bite…we have been bit pretty well already and now Heyward is going on the 15 day DL, if we can get healthy I think we are the team to beat in the Division. Fingers crossed and chopping like crazy..And how COOL was it watching the fans chopping like 1991 last night !
bill
June 29th, 2010
10:37 am
It’s going to be interesting to see what happens when McLouth finally gets healthy. This team has so much chemistry right now and frankly, Heyward, Hinske, Cabrerra and Blanco are getting it done. I know Diaz is back while J-Hey heals, but Blanco is playing well and I’d hate to see him sent down. That’s a good problem to have, I guess, especially as the trade deadline approaches.
Grandpa Right (once of Cochran)
June 29th, 2010
10:42 am
Our midseason pickup could easily come in the form of a healthy Matt Diaz or Jordan Schafer, or a strong Jurrjens when he returns. We are in first place despite missing some key folks and receiving sub-par first halves from others (Escobar, Jones, even McCann). If they join Prado, Glaus, Heyward, Hinske and Conrad in playing up to their capabilities, this could indeed get special.We have the potential to be better, and that says something.
Where have all of the Wrenn bashers gone?
Minimalist writ large
June 29th, 2010
10:43 am
YESSSSS!!!!
Minimalist in tribute to Cochran
June 29th, 2010
10:44 am
yEs
Get it?
Chop Chop
June 29th, 2010
10:46 am
Kinda makes me sick to read the comparisons to 1991. We won 86 games last year, folks.
We won 65 in 1990.
We had no history of doing anything in 1990.
We have the recent history of fourteen straight division titles in 2010. Name me a season since 2005 where the Braves weren’t predicted to be in the hunt. You can’t. Therefore, enjoy the “surprise” of this season, but don’t get it confused with the absolute thunderbolt in the dark of 1991. It came out of nowhere and is not being repeated in 2010.
Jfreak13713
June 29th, 2010
10:49 am
What is crazy about this team is that when you consider what MOVES the Braves MIGHT make to better their club at the Allstar break you really can’t pick a player that you’d be comfortable trading?? I’d be afraid of screwing with what is working. I know we’d like to have a LEADOFF hitter so Prado could move to the 2 hole but he’s doing so good at leadoff. Heck even MELKY is hitting well! If any moves are made and I doubt there would be they will probably be pitching moves? Our everyday lineup is good and I must admit that I wrote the Braves off early on in the season.
Good Job Boys … Keep have fun because we are sure having fun watching you guys play.
jdubb
June 29th, 2010
10:51 am
Dang, I forgot about McClouth. He needs to sit until Gregor/Melky/Diaz cant get it done. Send him to Gwinnett. If he can pound the ball consistently there, THEN give him his spot back.
Something in me (probably the lifelong ATL/GA sports fan) knows that Bobby can’t keep this up all season…i.e. – playing the hottest guys instead of going with the stubborn loyalty he normally shows.
I’ll just enjoy these games until the anvil drops [eventually] .
How2fish
June 29th, 2010
10:53 am
Chop Chop the comparison is not the team stats, but how the city is feeling toward the team. We as you stated had no record of winning and it caught us by surprise and then the city really got behind the 91 team. This team has a 14 season winning legacy that has gone somewhat by the wayside in recent years, this team is coming to us somewhat out of the blue.but has rekindled memories of how good we once where..and want to be again..the common thread is how the city is getting behind this team just like they did for the 91 team..not team stats.
Mike S
June 29th, 2010
10:53 am
It was mentioned up thread – but the biggest thing this team has is CHEMISTRY.
It was best shown the other day when the entire team stayed in the dugout as Chipper trotted to 3B after having hit a mammoth HR the previous inning. When Chipper turned around, realized he was alone and spread his arms out at the dugout – I knew right at this moment that this was a TEAM! and not just a group of highly payed athletes. That one little moment said more about this team, their comraderie and the chemistry of that clubhouse than any number of wins ever will.
And NEVER underestimate the power of a TEAM playing together for each other, that is the type of situation that makes a group of decent players become something special.
And no matter what the final outcome, I would rather have a TEAM than a group of Superstars any day of the week.
bfred
June 29th, 2010
10:54 am
I don’t live in town anymore but caught the game on ESPN2 last night and the Ted looked like it was absolutely rocking. Nice job Braves fans got making the city look good again. ESPN was there for Strasburg but instead the country got a look at what a solid lineup the Braves have top to bottom. Great exposure for All-Star hopeful Hudson as well.
benchwarmer
June 29th, 2010
10:55 am
What the Braves have now is pitching and hitting. I also like the new fun and grit attitude. It makes for enjoyable baseball. Marteeen for MVP!
benchwarmer
June 29th, 2010
10:57 am
The Phillies just don’t have the pitching depth to make it this year.
bfred
June 29th, 2010
10:57 am
Aargh – AJC ate my post! Here we go again:
I don’t live in town anymore but caught the game on ESPN2 last night and it looked like the Ted was absolutely rocking. Great job Braves fans making the city look good for the national audience. ESPN was there for Strasburg but instead gave the country a look at how strong the Braves’ lineup is top to bottom. Also some great exposure for All-Star hopeful Hudson.
Otto
June 29th, 2010
10:59 am
Mark,
I give you your share of crap but you are correct, I was at the game and it does have much the same feeling as ‘91. The chop which even as an Atlanta native I identify as a FSU trademark was alive and had feeling not something overused like the wave. It is exciting again to go to a Braves game.
Minimalist in counsel to bfred
June 29th, 2010
11:00 am
Patience. Peace.
JEM
June 29th, 2010
11:01 am
Oh really Tim? The article states that Monday night’s game was Strasburg’s first national TV game. Not true. TBS aired one of his first outings against Cleveland a few weekends ago.
Curious George
June 29th, 2010
11:03 am
Recalling the 1993 season, will the Chick-fil-a on the lower concourse at Turner Field need to catch on fire in order for us to rally in the second half of the season?
Don
June 29th, 2010
11:05 am
I don’t disagree with your basic points. However, the Braves lead could and should be at least 5 games more. How many more games do you think that the Braves would have won in the early part of the season had Bobby Cox not kept playing two outfielders for 1/4 of the season and through the 9 game losing streak who (at that point) were producing nothing – refusing to give Hinske or Infante any playing time in the outfield – when it was obvious to everyone that they should be playing instead of McLouth and Melky who were producing nothing at that point. And how many more games do you think that the Braves would have won if Cox had not kept Chipper in the 3rd spot in the batting order for about 1/3 of the season with him hitting in the .220s most of the time with terrible RBI production? (Not saying that he should not have been in the lineup, but not in 3rd spot in the order). Unfortunately having done these things, and the resulting losses, will probably come back to haunt us in the final standings.
Herschel Talker
June 29th, 2010
11:05 am
There’s still a long way to go. The dreaded Bradley jinx may now be upon us.
Curious George
June 29th, 2010
11:07 am
Wouldn’t it be better if the back hair of Jeff Schultz, or the average female Mets fan, catches on fire in order for us to rally in the second half of the season?
space monkey
June 29th, 2010
11:09 am
You gotta love a team that keeps laying down squeeze bunts. That’s aggressive and exciting.
Delbert D.
June 29th, 2010
11:10 am
Washington Tribune, June 29 2010 – “The stonecutters carving Stephen Strasburg’s name onto the Washington Monument have been directed to await further instructions.”
SimpleDawg
June 29th, 2010
11:11 am
Chemistry is a very powerful thing…..
Chemistry makes the sum of the ingredients greater than the individual ingredients in another potion.
This team has great chemistry…..and the master alchemist himself….Ol’ Bobby Cox.
Craig
June 29th, 2010
11:16 am
I am not sure if we have a team that can compete in the NLCS or the World Series for that matter. However, this team is fun to watch and I think it has everything to do with the veterans like Chipper and Coach Cox on their way out and the mix of the young guys who we hope are our future. It is fun again watching the Braves and I think the journey is going to be one heck of a roller coaster all the way to October.
GO BRAVES!!!
Go Braves!
June 29th, 2010
11:17 am
Why such an upbeat article Mr. Mark (these Braves won’t win anything) Bradley?
Mark Bradley
June 29th, 2010
11:18 am
Temporary insanity on my part, Go Braves!
F*D-WADE
June 29th, 2010
11:20 am
Electricity was the perfect word for the way Turner Field felt last night. I think last night is the first time since maybe 95 that the Tomahawk Chop went on well past the sound played over the PA. Last night was my 9th game of the season and it’s fun to be at Turner Field again….The crowd participation is ELECTRIC. Let’s give Bobby a season long send off and keep Turner Field rocking like it was last night when Heyward hit that BOMB on opening day ….He damn sure deserves it…
mario
June 29th, 2010
11:20 am
Braves-Yankees Workd Series
Bradleyisalwayswrong
June 29th, 2010
11:25 am
Now that other teams know how to pitch the new kid, even when he comes off the disabled list the Braves will still not have a pennant-worthy outfield. When was the last time any team won the World Series with such a rag-tag outfield? Can the infield and catcher’s spots carry them all the way? Don’t think so. Anyway, the other comments are right in that Bradley has probably jinxed them with this blog.
Ted M
June 29th, 2010
11:27 am
extremus – That second half spark is Matt Diaz.
This is really amazing after that utterly hopeless first month.
GTSteve
June 29th, 2010
11:28 am
Mark Bradley
June 29th, 2010
9:56 am
Sorry, Bruce Mac. But you’ll note I still haven’t picked the Braves to win anything.
Please don’t either Mark….we all know that would be the kiss of death…lol
BravesLover
June 29th, 2010
11:33 am
Don’t get overexcited here folks. The Braves will break your heart. They cannot compete with the best pitchers of the American League and cannot bash enough to win a slug feast. I’m enjoying the nice run here in our own league but will no longer give them my heart.
GTSteve
June 29th, 2010
11:34 am
Mark, at least you know that everybody reads your articles
Sioux Brave
June 29th, 2010
11:39 am
Hey Mark, I miss Skip very much, when the Braves win the World Series in dramantic fashion, then the angels will hear, Braves Win, Braves Win, in baseball Heaven
BRAVESFAN1979
June 29th, 2010
11:40 am
ABSOLUTELY GREAT ARTICLE MARK!!
I AGREE, I LOVE WATCHING THIS TEAM, WIN OR LOSE.
Just Me
June 29th, 2010
11:42 am
Bradleyisalwayswrong, Heyward is hurt and when he gets back his swing will be just as sweet as it was. I agree we need another outfielder but it needs to be in left or center. We do need one more bat though.
Tami
June 29th, 2010
11:49 am
I totally agree, Mark. Just when this team seems to be slipping (like the debacle versus the ChiSox) and you feel you might be justified in being a little less attentive to what’s going on with the 2010 Braves, they revive themselves & snap your attention back. They’ve managed to pull out miracles to win and to get to, cling to and stay in first place — and all this is going on with several key players on the DL. How important that winning as they’re doing is, knowing that they’re not only facing a division rival now, but will be facing all of their division rivals in the next month! I’m very proud of them for not flinching or shrinking back one bit with the national media spotlight on them last night in facing a phenom rookie, and showing him that while he is and will be a very special player, he is first of all a rookie; and secondly, human.
I was equally thrilled to see all the fans down at Turner Field last night! I wanted to go so badly, but can’t afford it right now. It felt like a World Series night in late June. What a fun season this is! And, yes…it does remind me a LOT of 1991. Great article, Mark!
The Devil Wears Prado Jerseys
June 29th, 2010
11:50 am
The Phillies, at full strength, might have a slightly better everyday lineup (although the gap is considerably smaller than it’s been the last few years), but their rotation and bullpen aren’t in the same league as the Braves’. I also think we have the best bench in baseball.
It’s time for people to stop looking at the Braves as an underdog. We have the most balanced team in the division and while I understand that the Phillies are going to get the benefit of the doubt because they’ve earned it on the field the last few years, 2010 is a new season. There’s no reason to think the Braves can’t continue to play at this pace and make the Phillies come catch us. I don’t think they can.
Tami
June 29th, 2010
11:53 am
@ Just Me: Diaz is being reactivated off the DL today, I believe. So, he can come in and help out in the outfield while Jason’s on the DL. I doubt Bobby will permanently replace Jason or Eric Hinske in the OF with the way their bats have been. And, Infante has done a pretty good job playing in place of McLouth. I’m wondering if Nate will make it back. Some players are done for good with concussions, even on their first. And, some can snap back okay. I guess we’ll see.
Valdosta_Braves_Fan
June 29th, 2010
11:57 am
Nice article. For our anniversary this year, I took my wife to her first and second braves game. She got to experience her first win, loss, and no hitter. It was the Colorado series if you haven’t figured it out by now. It was incredible. She loved it. Since then, the Braves have been on a roll. Its something special brewing up there with this being Bobby Cox’s last season. I have but only one concern though!!! In recent past, the Braves have not been the best second half team in MLB. Its great at how well we are doing now but when it counts in the second half, are they going to be able to continue their run. Its not a matter of jynxing them, its just what they have been known to do in the past. Will they be able to continue the run and keep everyone healthy (we aren’t the youngest bunch out there)? Heyward on the DL is hopefully not a sign of the Shaffer disease. There are so many what if’s out there as to how the season will finish up. Too tough to call! Personally I wouldn’t bet anything in Vegas on it but it is going to be interesting to find out. See you all hopefully in late October!
Johnny3Steps
June 29th, 2010
12:01 pm
The Chipper has thrown anway the stinkin’ rockin chair and help lead this team.
Minimalist
June 29th, 2010
12:02 pm
See second half, 2009.
jon
June 29th, 2010
12:10 pm
Mark, living in NJ (livingston) I hear all mets stuff and I love when people call the WFAN and are so frustrated that the Braves are still on top of division, I can’t wait til Brovos come to citi field, i will as usual be chopping away! Go BROVOS! BTW BIG MISTAKE IF JOE COMES TO NY.
AppalachiaBrave
June 29th, 2010
12:10 pm
Mark – I hope the Braves run away with this division this year! But I am so mad at MLB for their blackouts!! I live in VA and they blacked out the game with the Nats last night! What GREED! Did you know MLB even took the Braves off of the internet…..Of course unless you pay $99. GO BRAVES!
Bruce Mac
June 29th, 2010
12:13 pm
I still say Chipper needs to change his song to that George Jones hit Johnny. That would be more than cool.
AppalachiaBrave
June 29th, 2010
12:16 pm
Mark – GO BRAVES. I love the Braves but hate MLB! I live in VA. and they blacked out the game last night with the NATS. Ya know there are a lot of elderly fans out there that watch or listen to the games. When MLB blacks out the games they are just hurting themselves….Out of sight, out of mind! You even have to pay to listen on the internet..GREED!!
Talmadge from MN
June 29th, 2010
12:16 pm
I moved to Atlanta in ‘72. 1991 was a looooong time coming. I endured ostrich races and wet t-shirt contests (OK, endured might be to strong about the wet t-shirt thing). I was in the stands at the end of games when I could nearly count the remaining faithful between pitches.
I so miss being in the stands or at home watching TBS…living up here, as I am. Congrats to the Braves and to Bobby. Even with mistakes made from the dugout, he was ALWAYS involved in the game and regularly made tough calls to win. This is a fitting end to a great career, regardless of his detractors.
Keep fighting, guys. The elder statesmen can encourage the younger. And youth can often break the lethargy of the staid.
I’m so proud of MY BRAVES! And I do miss Skip so much!
BravestotheSeries
June 29th, 2010
12:17 pm
I LOVE this team and the chemistry we have, but agree with most of you that one more bat is needed to be among the truly elite, who are some good reasonably priced options that could be had while not having to break the bank or chemistry of our team up to get? Maybe David DeJesus?
Skeezix
June 29th, 2010
12:18 pm
Mark: Agree 100%. This team is fun to watch. The electricity started for me with Heyward’s first at bat. We had that miserable 9 game hitting slump, but since then this has become a gritty team. They seemed to have adopted a never say die attitude which the 2006-2009 teams lacked. My doubt and concern at the start of the year was never the rotation, but the offense. On paper they aren’t as talented offensively as other teams, but some guys like Prado, Hinske, Glaus, and at times Infante and Brooks, have really provided a surprising and sustained spark. Prado is having a remarkable year-it may turn out to be historic if he keeps it going. Now with Chipper, Yunel and McCann’s bats finally coming to life I am starting to believe in this team. Hudson has been outstanding! Lowe has been very good, Medlen a nice surprise and hopefully Hanson will return to form soon (I think he’s tipping his pitches). I predicted a second place finish in the NL East, but if the Braves do pull this off and win the Division, I will gladly admit my error in judgement. Also, I am really happy for Bobby Cox.
….And then there are even better things to come, like when Bobby adds J.J. back to the rotation and we get a healthy Jason Heyward back.
Anti-Homer
June 29th, 2010
12:26 pm
Funny and Sad …. Losers following losers …… Atlanta sports fans are always going to be lemmings (brainless followers).
Matt
June 29th, 2010
12:32 pm
I am new to the ajc blog. Can someone explain why it is so important to be the first one to comment.
Hoops Dawg
June 29th, 2010
12:34 pm
Whoever it weas that said that this Braves edition reminded him of the damn yankees was spot on. Those late 90s yankees teams didn’t hit a huge number of home runs but would single and double you to death, patiently waiting for hittable pitches and taking walks when they couldn’t get those pitches. I always had the feeling that they would find a way to get it done in the late innings and turn the game over to Rivera. We got Wags for the ninth, although I have to admit that Moylan and (lately) Saito can give me indigestion–even when they come through.
Bob Horner, Dale Murphy Brave
June 29th, 2010
12:36 pm
Mark, could you please do a article on Skip somewhere down the road, and mention PVW also. thanks
Bob Horner, Dale Murphy Brave
June 29th, 2010
12:39 pm
I too, remember the Ostrich race, that was funny. Those were the good old TBS days
Class of '98
June 29th, 2010
12:45 pm
Mark, why do you give Kudos to people who post “first”. You are just encouraging them.
I’ve never understood why it is necessary to brag about being first to reply to an online column. Like a bunch of six-year olds.
Oregon Brave
June 29th, 2010
12:49 pm
You touched on some good points Mark, but two things you didn’t mention is that Bobby is managing with pretty good success. Last night when he trotted Huddy out there in the 7th, he was waiting for the situation to dictate the call to the bullpen. Gonzo should have been pitch hit for, which would have brought Venters in. Didn’t happen and Huddy hangs around for the win. And Bobby and his squeeze calls are working too. The other thing working this year is a lot more calls going our way. Like that porch size strike zone on the last pitch to give KK his 1st win. Go Braves.
An Adult
June 29th, 2010
12:49 pm
To all you ‘Firsts’– you are the definition of ‘losers’ … get a life. Stop sniffing Bradley’s jock. Have your Mommy and Daddy send you to camp instead of hanging around on the computer waiting to be ‘first’. Wow, what an accomplishment. Maybe Mommy and Daddy will take you to McDonalds as a reward. Bradley: shame on you… you shouldn’t encourage little boys and girls hanging on the computer waiting for your words of wisdom
KC
June 29th, 2010
12:50 pm
Mark, not only do the Braves lead the Phillies by 3.5 games…
This starting 8 has outscored the Phillies’ starting 8, while playing in a pitcher’s park.
How long do we wait before we stop saying we’d take Phill’s starting 8 over the Braves’ starting 8? How long do they have to outscore nearly everyone else before we start giving this offense its due?
First
June 29th, 2010
12:52 pm
An Adult, Class of 98, you are first in my book.
Balderdash
June 29th, 2010
12:59 pm
An Adult knows she is inadequate and would only throw stones on an anonymous forum.
myra
June 29th, 2010
1:00 pm
WINNING solves all ills. However,a big bat acquisition could get us to the playoffs and beyond. Pray for Frank to be smart/players to get well(Santa Glaus,Heyward,JJ,all catchers, etc.) McOut is done.Please no more of him.
SEVERESTORM
June 29th, 2010
1:01 pm
So Mark, what moves (if any), do you feel we should make at the break? I hear Loney, DeJesus, Willingham rumors….. I wouldn’t mind any of those options, but it wouldn’t hurt us to leave things alone either…..Tough call….
DawgDad
June 29th, 2010
1:01 pm
I generally agree. Lately this team has been playing inspired baseball, focusing on getting the little things (small ball things) to work in their favor. There’s enough pitching here to keep them in the hunt (knock on wood. But if Heyward doesn’t come back to form the outfield isn’t going to be good enough, and even with him they need help in center. There’s an overall shortage of team speed and the middle of the order is .260 ordinary with very average (or below) power. This team has been fun to watch because of Heyward early and Glaus’ hot streak (since passed), but mainly because of the inspired play of the bench guys (Conrad, Infante, Ross, Hinske, and now Blanco). Pitching has been a near constant plus; the bullpen has been outstanding.
collegeballfan
June 29th, 2010
1:02 pm
Nice article Bradley. And I agree, nice season. But as Connie Mack allegedly said, you win in the dog days of August.
Here is what I find exciting about this club. The bench. Here are 5 benchwarmers with their batting ave and on base % – Infante, .306 & .339, Hinski, .302 & .361, Conrad, .277 & .329, Ross, .277 & .397 and Blanco, since his call up, .296 & .424.
Notice the high on base percentages. No more swinging from the hips for the fence. They are playing smart baseball.
Jack G.
June 29th, 2010
1:06 pm
MattSome folks just dont have a life, therefore being first is a very big deal in their life. It’s sad but true.
A Mature Adult, not a child trapped in an adult's body
June 29th, 2010
1:08 pm
An Adult,
You seem like a fun person to be around. Please tell us about everything else you hate.
myra
June 29th, 2010
1:11 pm
Go Marlins. beat the fillwys.
Mathman
June 29th, 2010
1:18 pm
It could be a special season. However, Bobby and Wrenn can still ruin it and are likely to.
Heyward must return to his early season pre-injury form. Escobar must develop some power and hit for a higher average. McCann and Chipper must hit closer to .290 than they are. Escobar must also quit his pouting. It returned last night when he thought he didn’t deserve an error. Heck, I thought they could have been charged with 4 as Chipper should have been charged with one.
Problems are that Blanco is doing well, much better than McLouth. However, Bobby obviously will send him to Gwinnett when McLouth comes back. So, Bobby can and probably will still screw this up.
We also have no salary room with Lowe, McLouth, KK wasting about 28 m. So, there is no room to add the needed starter or outfielder. No one is going to take those 3 salaries. Good news though is that we have at least 2 very good relievers ready and able: Kimbrel and Dunn.
Balderdash
June 29th, 2010
1:21 pm
Matt, this is a sports blog. Sports is about competition, so the readers have a fun, friendly little competition to be first. There are some bitter, never first people, like “An Adult” and Jack G. though, who type disparaging remarks through their sad, lonely, pathetic tears.
DawgDad
June 29th, 2010
1:23 pm
Last???
Bandwagon the Tail
June 29th, 2010
1:27 pm
Mark – I’m very concerned about Hanson. He’s gotten killed the past couple of outtings. From what I can gather, his velocity is right where it should be, but his movement seems to have disappeared. Have you heard anything?
SEVERESTORM
June 29th, 2010
1:29 pm
The only “FIRST” that matters is that Atlanta remains in first.
Larry
June 29th, 2010
1:30 pm
You are so full of it Bradley. Go back to being a pessimistic negative nancy and let the real bloggers write this stuff. you couldnt carry O’Briens jock. Same for Tucker, and he’s like 14 years old.
SEVERESTORM
June 29th, 2010
1:33 pm
Give the guy a break, how many of us can honestly say we weren’t at least a tad bit concerned after the 9 game skid? That’s right, nobody. Times are good now, we just have to hope it remains that way. Maybe we can win one for Bobby this year, kind of like the Broncos, “Win one for John”.
TechSig
June 29th, 2010
1:34 pm
Mark,
This is by far one of the best editorials I’ve read by you in the past year. Well said.
smuglas
June 29th, 2010
1:34 pm
This team has not only been playing well for a couple of months. Beginning last June, this team began to be like the teams of the 90’s. Relentless. In the last calendar year, end of last year and beggining of this one, these guys have won 94 ball games. If they can finish it out this year that way, that should win the division.
Honky Talkin'
June 29th, 2010
1:38 pm
Mark…please don’t jinx anything.
59bulldawg
June 29th, 2010
1:38 pm
Absolutely agree! Fleeting thoughts of the 91 season up here in Virginia too. This team is fun to watch. Just hope we haven’t jinxed ‘em by daring to say what we’re thinking.
Dawg'88
June 29th, 2010
1:41 pm
Bradley on the bandwagon after casting huge doubts/ lack of confidence in this team:
March 2010 Blog: Bradley said, “Me, I’m still skeptical….I also wonder if the age on this team — and there’s a ton of it — will show over 162 games. I wonder about the offense. I wonder about the defense. I wonder about the zen of Wren. I’d be more than happy to be proved wrong in my doubting, but as of now I’m still saying what I said back in February.
Third place.”
April 2010: Bradley said, ” As constituted, these Braves aren’t going to win anything
It isn’t just that the Braves aren’t hitting. It’s that they don’t look as if they’re ever going to hit.
Troy Glaus isn’t what he was. Melky Cabrera was never anything special. Yunel Escobar seems to have regressed. Chipper Jones is 38. You tell me: Is that batting order ever apt to strike fear into the hearts of enemy hurlers?
Shed a tear here for Frank Wren….he keeps trying to put a team together on the cheap. But there aren’t many GMs who can bring that off.
What Wren did this offseason hasn’t worked. Javier Vazquez hasn’t pitched well for the Yankees, but wouldn’t you rather see Vazquez in the Braves’ rotation, as opposed to Kenshin Kawakami? Cabrera isn’t a starting outfielder. Glaus isn’t a starting infielder. Billy Wagner has been pretty good, but what’s the point of having Billy Wagner if there’s never a case to close?
The Braves are last, by a considerable distance, in the National League in hitting. They’re 10th in pitching. These Braves have to hit, if just a bit, to win. And they can’t. It has, granted, been only 22 games, but they’ve been 22 sobering games.
They’re last in the NL East. (They’re three full games out of fourth place.) They’re tied with the Dodgers for last in the National League. In all of the majors, only Baltimore has been worse. Even with Heyward working his wonders, his team has collapsed around him.
This is baseball. A good team can overcome a bad start. The 2009 Colorado Rockies were 9-13 after 22 games (and 20-32 after 52) and made the playoffs. But they had to fire their manager to do it, and that’s not an option here. Besides, you could look at the Rox and say, “That team’s losing, but it still has some players.”
You can’t say that about these Braves.
This, sad to say, isn’t a very good team. It has some pitchers but too few hitters. As constituted, these Braves aren’t going to win anything.”
Which is it? Can this team win or not?
Bradley columns are like a see saw….up down up down up down!
Today…the team is special…before there wern’t very good. A third place team at best. I have figured one thing out…this is why players like Smoltz don’t want to talk to you!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Felix Millan
June 29th, 2010
1:48 pm
Mathman- folks like you who are so blinded by your dislike for Bobby can’t see want a good job he’s doing this year. Maybe you should go watch soccer.
MyPatooti
June 29th, 2010
1:50 pm
It’s good to see them acting like teenagers rather than adults, such as when McLouth hit his homer, and Chipper was on the field by himself. So many times they have just looked like “zombies” earlier. One thing I wish BC would stop doing is basically giving away the Sunday games by resting too many players at the same time. This happens too often. Living out of state if I get to go to a game it will not be on Sunday. Also, I am not completely sold on JHey yet. Can’t put my finger on it but just not there yet. Francouer is doing great in NY and would fit in with this bunch real well!
Phillies
June 29th, 2010
1:53 pm
Last
JJ
June 29th, 2010
1:54 pm
Mathman
June 29th, 2010
1:18 pm
We also have no salary room with Lowe, McLouth, KK wasting about 28 m. So, there is no room to add the needed starter or outfielder. No one is going to take those 3 salaries. Good news though is that we have at least 2 very good relievers ready and able: Kimbrel and Dunn.
Come on mathman. DLowe is getting better. his money is earned.KK and Mclouth, yeah, wasted. but we have about 5 mil of room and if we can trade KK or Lowe for a Cliff Lee or bring up Minor, that’s a chunk of change there.
Peachtree Pete
June 29th, 2010
1:55 pm
I fully expect this high praise to continue until the Braves lose two or three in a row. Atlanta fans are notoriously fickle. But, in the meantime, let’s enjoy.
JJ
June 29th, 2010
1:56 pm
. One thing I wish BC would stop doing is basically giving away the Sunday games by resting too many players at the same time. This happens too often.
Yep, he loses Sunday games we could win easily to rest people and it’s never Heyward who gets rested.
scottc
June 29th, 2010
1:56 pm
If players like Smoltzie won’t talk to Bradley (a COLUMNIST) then they are pathetic thin-skinned morons. A columnist is paid to state their opinions, and so what if those opinions change over time?
Two months ago, this crew was a very frustrating group for almost any fan to watch, and Bradley is, believe it or not, also just a fan. I was almost screaming at the TV after every damn game in March and early April. So what? things change. Now they are growing into a team that is so much fun to watch because they are hungry and their dirt players are contributing as much as the multi-millionaires and the Bonus Babies like J-Hey.
Class act players like Chipper know better than to turn their backs on reporters who write columns that we fans (who pay the salaries of the players) eat every morning for breakfast. Players like Chipper talk to columnists because they understand that columnists are paid to give opinions and food for thought. Some players, like some fans, are adults. Some others? Not so much.
Go Braves!
Joey
June 29th, 2010
1:56 pm
Very nice, MB. And, a word I have been using to describe the Braves this season – scrappy!
gcs
June 29th, 2010
1:59 pm
I agree wholeheartedly. This season reminds me of 1991 and not just because of the low expectations coming into the season. B)
There have been great storylines: In addition to Heyward, Prado and Glaus, it’s the last hurrah for Bobby Cox and Billy Wagner (and maybe Chipper?). We’ve got a team that was no-hit at home and had 5 & 9 game losing streaks in April and now they are in first place!
There are great moments: Conrad’s walk-off grand slam, McLouth’s walk-off homer and the empty dugout, and just the other night having Chipper unknowingly take the field by himself.
Wagner’s 400th save and Venter’s first. McCann’s 100th HR and JHey’s first. Chipper nearing 2500 career hits and Prado chasing the club record 219 in a season.
The Braves are having fun and so are we! Keep the magic going.
.
ED - the Brave
June 29th, 2010
1:59 pm
Agreed and can I say ‘I’m lovin’ it!”
Defender of the Bradley
June 29th, 2010
2:00 pm
Dawg’88:
You can’t blame Bradley. We were all thinking the same thing–and how could we not, after the Braves lost so many games in a row in April and Glaus looked as bad as McLouth? (Okay, maybe not THAT bad).
Plus, as Mark says, he’s always wrong. Though he might still turn out to be right with that 3rd place prediction. (I don’t think the Mets, at least, can keep up, though.)
Let’s just see how things go and hope that Hanson gets back on track and Jurrjens comes back to his 2009 form– imagine if JJ starts throwing like he did last summer for this crew. That’d be about as big a development as you could possibly have.
Joey
June 29th, 2010
2:02 pm
Jeez, Dawg’88, do you really want to read a blind homer every day? MB was commenting on how the Braves looked in April, IN APRIL!!!
I guess you were proclaiming them to be NL Champs during the 9-game losing streak …
Mark Bradley
June 29th, 2010
2:04 pm
Thanks for the defense, folks. But I’d be lying if I said I envisioned the Braves in first place two months ago. And I’m not a very good liar.
gcs
June 29th, 2010
2:10 pm
Dawg’88, you need to go into the archives and find ANYONE, ANYWHERE who thought the Braves would be in first place right now. I think we all thought this team was doomed after April. That is what makes this turnaround so exciting! This all kinda reminds me of the movie “Major League”.
.
Joey
June 29th, 2010
2:11 pm
Mathman, bloviate all you want about Wren, but true Braves fans like yours truly thank him after every game. If he can put together a contender with a middle-of-the-road budget, what could he do with the payroll budgets of the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, Angels, etc?
Corky Miller's Beer Gut
June 29th, 2010
2:20 pm
before we start giving praise to wren lets see how he does with bobby not there. alot of the decent players here came here to play for bobby not becuase wren is such a good GM
Smack
June 29th, 2010
2:25 pm
Gotta hand it to you, great writing and the full truth. This is a special year with a special bunch of guys playing in a special situation. They want to send Bobby out on top, and I’ll be danged if they don’t do it.
TomB
June 29th, 2010
2:31 pm
Mark: Blanco bunting last night a sign of the manager rubbing off on his players? We are seeing a different Bobby Cox from years past. I must admit he’s doing a heck of a job managing this year.
shelbydawkins
June 29th, 2010
3:12 pm
Matt, did they not inform you that the first poster wins the progressive jackpot. Today I believe it was $1,023,366.90.
Nite Owl
June 29th, 2010
3:21 pm
I love sports, but I have come to despise the trend towards prediction rather than description in sports and sports writing. If you’re having a little fun, a la Mr. Bradley or Mr. Schultz, I do enjoy that from time to time.
However, the style of sports reporting where a bunch of fans/sportswriters/bloggers/talk show hosts talk as fast as they can and shout each other down while spouting predictions that neither can support or prove, is probably the worst trend in sports in my lifetime.
So I appreciate an article that describes what is actually happening today, puts it in context, and sheds some light on how we got to this point. Even if we already know what’s happening, and we know much of the history, it’s rewarding to read a good sportswriter’s assessment of it. (Insert joke here, blogsters, but I count Mr. Bradley as a “good” one.)
I’m only 38, but I recall Furman Bisher doing this on a regular basis. He would start with some old-timer I’d never heard of, and by the end of the article I’d be fascinated. He told me a story, and it was worth my time. And the best part was there was no reason to yell at anyone about it afterward.
I’m not saying everyone is wrong and I am right, but I am making a point about how things could be more civil. Why rip each other over sports? Not everyone here does it, but why do it at all?
All right, bash away if you must. Oh, and Go Braves.
Braves Fun in 2010
June 29th, 2010
3:33 pm
I agree with many other bloggers this is a TEAM they play as a team.Enjoy watching this bunch every night,usually looking forward to football season but this Braves team is awesome. GO BRAVES
Braves Fun in 2010
June 29th, 2010
3:34 pm
Braves are fun to watch,they play as a team and play hard every game.GO BRAVES
steve whitmire
June 29th, 2010
3:38 pm
my favorite Brave ever: Chipper. But now my favorite is Brooks Conrad, so great to see this guy get his due
bruck
June 29th, 2010
3:44 pm
@braveslover
ummm…. i dont think u noticed but the braves had a winning record in interleague play so i dont know waht your talking bout, but the braves can play against AL opponets
coach joe
June 29th, 2010
3:50 pm
First place end of june…no complaints from new orleans.. i listen/watch every night…even better when chipper starts hitting… love the chop last night on tv…
go braves..
Ross
June 29th, 2010
4:38 pm
Well not to brag, but I wasn’t freaking out like everyone else on the 9-game losing jag – it happens in every season, you have a bad patch or two – it was better to get it over early. If you cancel the bad patch against the good one, what’s left is the real, .600 or better 6-of-10 day-in day-out Braves, with good pitching and good hustle. The real key has been Venters and Wagner. Once it became clear that Wagner was in top form and that Venters wasn’t just a fluke, I knew we’d be competitive throughout. Next in the credit line are Hinske and Conrad, two lunch-pail guys who remind me of football grinders.
The best thing about this season is the visible lifting of the pall of the steroid era. For the first time since the mid 90s, you don’t people admiring their home runs (not many at least) and you see people getting their a$$es reamed for not hustling. And it seems, childish tantrums will no longer be tolerated among these adults. So it’s good all around, not just for the Braves.
Gibson would still make mincemeat of everyone in either league
-drl
Joey
June 29th, 2010
4:38 pm
So, Corky Miller’s Beer Gut, they came for Bobby, not the MONEY? Thanks for that bit of wisdom…
MitchC
June 29th, 2010
5:05 pm
Mark, I always appreciate the analysis. A little voice inside of me wants to believe you’re right The problem I have with getting too excited, is that it’s not even July 1 yet.
The scary thing is that I keep waiting for this supposedly awesome Phillies team to show up, and so far, they haven’t.
As for the Braves, all they have to do is keep playing like they are. They have been so hot lately, except for the Chicago misstep, that we just have to wonder if a cold streak will hit us at some point. In a 162 game season, its bound to happen.
My feeling has always been that this team will make the playoffs. I’ll stick with my original prediction of 90 wins, and at least a wild card, and just maybe, a division title.
.
Robert
June 29th, 2010
6:15 pm
Mark, Methinks you are a bandwagon jumper of the worst order. Don’t jinx this team by bragging on them while they’re on an up. Aren’t you the (in)famous journalist who wrote “It’s Over” when the Braves went up 2 games to 0 against the Yankees in the 1996 World Series — only to lose 4-2??
CaptainMudderland
June 29th, 2010
6:57 pm
Mark, mestinks, I am a bandwagon rubber and have been forgiven for my past transgressions–in 1996 I ran into Lady Gaga at the Yankees games and lost that one too!
Johnny DangerDawg
June 29th, 2010
8:20 pm
Mark Bradley,
I wouldn’t take the Phillies everyday eight unless stealing signs were permitted.
OzzyBraves
June 29th, 2010
10:17 pm
Crap, the Braves just lost to the Nationals…boo.
Chief Pitchanono
June 29th, 2010
11:35 pm
This team is like “catching lightning in a bottle” it has taken every guy on the 25 man roster coming through in big spots to have us in first place here at the end of June. Due to mini slumps and injuries, everyone on the team has had a chance to contribute, and they have all came through. That doesn’t happen often with most teams. I agree with everyone on the chemistry thing, its obvious that this team has it and that has carried us a longway so far. They have to keep play’n hard and fightn against every team. It won’t be easy, but were starting to get healthy and once Heyward makes it back it should be one awesome second half, I don’t think we’ve seen noth’n yet! Go Braves!
duker64
June 29th, 2010
11:38 pm
Mark hope you do not put a jinx on us but is fun watching this team play yes people they play as a team not as a bunch of want to be stars. they do all the little things right lately like get bunts down , pick up your teammate if they do not get the run in with less than two out.Don’t just jump on the band wagon now folks hope you have been like me and have been here through it all . saw hammerin hanks homerun and knuckies get hit hard all those years ,buzz and biff.and also the good times like 14 pennants. But here we are again and we don’t go down easy .so lets go BRAVES country show everyone what we are made of.fill up turner every night .
Coach (2011 or Bust)
June 30th, 2010
12:56 am
There is something resilient about this 2010 Braves roster, that’s for damn sure. They’re gritty, hard nosed and of course, never say die.
That said, my opinion has remained completely unchanged from even before spring training. I always knew they would win because of the pitching. The flaws however, remain clear to the naked eye. They lack power and speed even though both have improved from last season. Ditto for the defense. As for the bullpen, with the exception of last night it has been lights out for the most part. But the rotation is at the heart of why they are winning.
All in all, this is a solid baseball roster consisting of a bunch of ball players who are determined to give Bobby Cox their very best. After all , it is his last rodeo. The cowboys are thus motivated.
So unless Wren can add to the offense and defense, I still see this team winning around 85-85 games. Whether that’s enough to make the post season or not remains to be seen.
Don
June 30th, 2010
9:47 am
Everyone seems to forget that Heyward’s problems did not start with the thumb. The thumb is not the main cause of his problems. His problems resulted form Bobby Cox saying that he needed to be more agressive (and who knows what else). Before that he had a great BA and OBA and was showing unbelievable maturity for a 20 year old – was being patient, was being very selective, was hitting to all fields. Granted, he may have been taking a few too many good pitches, but correcting that would have automatically come with maturity. Cox’ comments caused him to stop being selective and patient, to start swinging at bad pitches, to start trying to pull everything (or at least significantly more), and to start overswinging. His entire approach went in the tank and his BA and OBA into terrible decline. To have made such a comment to a 20 years old rookie who was showing that kind of maturity and approach was absoluitely absurd.
Melky way
June 30th, 2010
9:59 am
Matt,who knows its just something they do.
Marty
June 30th, 2010
11:01 am
For much of the Braves 15 years of “wow”, even if the Braves were behind, there were no worries. There was a unshakable confidence that by the 27th out, all would be good. That feeling’s been gone for at least 5 years, but FINALLY, it’s back again. Once again it feels great to know the very worst possible outcome is they’ll be competitive. That makes it a real pleasure to listen/watch a game. Again. Finally.
Johnny3Steps
June 30th, 2010
12:08 pm
Bradley……………………………Keep yo’ predictions to yo’ self………………..We remember what happened in the past. LOL
Thomas
June 30th, 2010
4:30 pm
It feels good….to win….It feels bad to lose. Winning teams draw crowds and losing teams draw critics, should have, could have, only if, what if, fire this one, fire that one, trade this one, send down that one. This is a well rounded team with the potential for playoffs, if everyone stays healthy and plays fundamental ball. GO BRAVES!!!!!
Clean Up Turner Field
June 30th, 2010
4:40 pm
If Turner Field would make a good fan experience around the field they’d have higher attendance.
http://www.facebook.com/atlantabeltline#!/group.php?gid=123753825241&ref=ts
Brian Harris
June 30th, 2010
4:45 pm
Mark this is a really good article. I have always been a huge fan of the Braves and it was quite unsettling to see them be so content with mediocrity these last few years. There didn’t seem to be any fight in them at all. This year is different they look like the Bravos of old and the city of Atlanta couldn’t be prouder. I wouldn’t want Bobby to go out any other way.
scottbravesfan
June 30th, 2010
5:26 pm
Appalachian Brave,
Hey I assume you have MLB Extra innings? If so the reason it was blacked out on there is because you are in the Nationals home territory of Virginia and you should have been able to see the game on MASN with the Nationals broadcasters. Even if you don’t have MLB Extra Innings the games with the Nats should all be on MASN if you have cable or a dish.
Also only in Atlanta could winning get old. I just hope that we sell out the playoff games if and when they happen that crap was so embarrassing when we couldn’t sell out playoff games.
Steve Skelton
June 30th, 2010
6:10 pm
VERY well stated Mr. Bradley. It does have that 1991 feel. I hope this proves to be prophetic come October…except that we WIN the World Series this go around. Great column.
UcantCLA
June 30th, 2010
6:49 pm
Mark there are alot of rumors about the Braves looking for a bat in the outfield. What are the chances that we go after Josh Hamilton. You know the Rangers are broke and we can givem Nate and a pitching prospect.
Braves Fan Since "80
June 30th, 2010
6:58 pm
Yeah win the division or not this team reminds me of the Braves of days gone by…. Acouple years of growth and a couple of additions we will be a Yankee Killer
Braves Fan Since "80
June 30th, 2010
7:01 pm
Everyone seems to forget that Heyward’s problems did not start with the thumb. The thumb is not the main cause of his problems. His problems resulted form Bobby Cox saying that he needed to be more agressive (and who knows what else). Before that he had a great BA and OBA and was showing unbelievable maturity for a 20 year old —-Blah Blah Blah….. if you are not managing the Yankees well then you full of it…. big hat no cattle
Joe
June 30th, 2010
7:43 pm
I remember ‘91 like it was yesterday. Living here in the Bay Area, we did not have the internet or cell phones-I would call the SF Chronicle News Hotline (555 News or something like that) to get updates on the Braves scores. I especially remember being out of town and only having access to a pay phone (up in Bend Oregon-as my GF at the time took me to a Shakespeare festival) and the Braves overcame a 6 game deficit to the Dodgers right around the All-Star break. I remember how pleasant that week was. I also remember reports of this haunting chant that had started up and I was looking forward to hearing more about that…what a special year ‘91 was and with Bobby on his last season, time to let him go in style….
Swhite1115
July 2nd, 2010
12:24 pm
Thanks for validating what I’ve been telling my friends since early June. This has the look and feel of the 91 Braves, no doubt. They want to win, which I think has been missing for a while.