Is it time for Braves’ fans to panic? Nah, I say bravely
Melky Cabrera's not giving up. Who's with Melky? (AJC photo by Johnny Crawford)
The lead’s down to 3 1/2 games, and Nate McLouth had nothing to do with the most recent failure. The Braves were set to oppose Stephen Strasburg on Tuesday and wound up getting shut out by Miguel Batista and some Nat relievers. And now you’re asking: Is it time to panic?
And I’m saying: Nah.
Esteemed colleague Tim Tucker said something profound 20 years ago. (Tim says something profound pretty much every day, but this pearl of wisdom is particularly germane.) Quoth Tim: “When you think about it, it’s never time to panic.”
And that’s true. All panic brings is hyperventilation, and who needs that? Panic is what drove the Braves to trade for Len Barker in 1983 — they were desperate to see and raise the Dodgers’ acquisition of Rick Honeycutt — and we know how that worked out. The Braves wound up missing the playoffs and, owing to loss of Brett Butler and Brook Jacoby, hurt their team for years.
Here’s where we take a deep breath and say: This is baseball. Teams get hot and teams get cold. The Braves were fine as of last Thursday, when they completed a series victory over the first-place Padres. They’ve since lost three of four, two of the losses being walk-off jobs in Florida.
And the Brave can do nothing about the Phillies. (Who were, let’s recall, barely above .500 this time last week.) If Philly wins every game from here on, the Braves aren’t going to finish first. But nobody’s going to win them all. It’s baseball, remember.
What the Braves have to do: Keep playing the way that built them the lead. Keep stringing quality starts and good at-bats together. Keep grinding, as they say. They’re still 3 1/2 up (four in the loss column). They still have the biggest lead of any division front-runner save Texas.
If Frank Wren can consummate a useful trade, that’s great. If not … well, the guys here were good enough to have constructed a seven-game lead only six days ago. These guys are still good enough. And it would be folly to try and match Philadelphia if it should land Roy Oswalt. That name again: L-E-N B-A-R-K-E-R.
You’ll recall that a certain correspondent with a penchant for being wrong last week offered eight reasons the Braves wouldn’t blow their lead. You’ll note that I didn’t say they’d win by 15 games; I just said they’d hold on. I believed that then. I believe it now.
See, I’ve come to believe in these Braves. Three losses in four games haven’t changed that. They’re still in front. They’re still the team to catch.
And even if they should get caught by the Phillies, all would not be lost. The Braves have never availed themselves of it, but I hear baseball has this thing that gets you into the postseason even if you’re not a division champ. I believe it’s called the wild card.
There’s a lot of baseball to be played, and the Braves have played inspired baseball for more than two months. There’s no reason to think they’re about to stop. Have a little faith, I say.
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248 comments Add your comment
JR
July 28th, 2010
9:39 am
Great read Brad. And you’re spot on.
And there will always be people who think the sky’s falling… right up to the last out of a Braves WS victory.
If you’re the type that likes perfect seasons, baseball is not for you.
Ramblin Wrecker
July 28th, 2010
9:41 am
I’m inclined to agree with Mark Bradley, but I’m one step closer to wanting to panic a bit. The reason I’m not quite ready to run around arms flailing with my hair on fire is that this current malaise is against Florida and Washington, two teams the Braves always seem to struggle against with no logical explanation. If they struggle against the Reds this weekend then I might push the red flashing Bat signal button and go all Chicken Little. But I don’t think we’re there yet.
I do however think this might give Frank Wren more incentive to make a deal and not be as concerned with upsetting a clubhouse chemistry, now that they’ve lost a series and dropped another series opener. But only if it is for a difference maker, not a role player.
Andy
July 28th, 2010
9:43 am
Everyone knows that the Phils have a much deeper offense and they are starting to get heathy and will be even healthier when Utley gets back. If they pick up Oswalt that will give them 3 quality starters in Doc, Hamels, and Oswalt. In addition, Happ is back and pitching well. That could put them over the top if Utley comes back and Rollins returns to form. I won’t be surprised at all if they pass the Braves and win the division. The Braves do need to find a centerfielder but I wouldn’t mortgage the future to get one.
Angus
July 28th, 2010
9:43 am
Panic in the middle of a marathon certainly will not help.
I think we’re OK, but….
- a 4-tool-at-least OF would be great, although that’s looking unlikely
- Troy needs a rest – how ’bout a relaxing stint on the 15-day DL with Freeman getting a taste of the bigs?
Keith
July 28th, 2010
9:44 am
I would say it’s NOT time to panic, but it IS time for action.
Do the deal, Wren. Get us a power hitting OF, please. Willingham, Dunn, Hart if he’s healthy and ok.
Bring Blanco up when he’s available in 3 days (hopefully they’ll do this anyway).
Give Glaus a few days off.
Play Infante more.
Greg White
July 28th, 2010
9:44 am
Bradley, it’s not your job to make excuses. That’s all you guys do good! It’s either a *leg* thing or a *spiritual* thing, or a *psychological* thing, or a *heart attack*!
Dawg Whisperer
July 28th, 2010
9:44 am
As long as there are games to be played, there will be peaks and valleys. That’s why baseball is an endurance run and a one of attrition, not for the faint-hearted. The Braves depth will put them on top in the end.
dean
July 28th, 2010
9:44 am
The Braves need to be up by 4 on Sept. 30. That’s all that matters. Wild card entry to the playoffs is ok, but Bobby and crew wants the division.
I think most people, me included, are squirming a bit because we’re seeing flashbacks of The Losing Streak.
#100?
Bravomasochist
July 28th, 2010
9:46 am
I agree Mark, we all need to climb back off the ledge for a while. However, the old baseball adage that you’ve got to be strong up the middle is rearing its ugly head on us as we’re weak in CF. I like Blanco but am not convinced he’s the guy you want starting in CF in the playoffs. You gotta give up something to get something, of course. I wonder what kind of value Medlen and Blanco together would have? Next year’s starters: Hudson, JJ, Lowe, Hanson, Minor. . .Medlen’s done a great job but might be more valuable as trade bait to help boost us in CF.
Bama Aaron
July 28th, 2010
9:47 am
Why not panic? Collectively I’m not sure if they could hit right now if you gave them a wiffle ball bat! Good pitching will only hold up for so long when you’re hitting around Mendoza with RISP. Sending McClouth down will help, but he’s not the only one lost at the plate right now.
O'Brien
July 28th, 2010
9:49 am
Mark,
Assuming this team makes the playoffs, do you think they are a World Series contender?
I don’t. Questionable defense, not enough timely hitting (although they are among the team leaders of OBP), not enough speed, and not enough power.
PMC
July 28th, 2010
9:52 am
With all this handwringing over a couple of losses though….
57-42 and 3.5 in on the happy side of 1st place After the last 5 years and the way it felt struggling just to be at .500 I’m really happy for the most part.
chin music
July 28th, 2010
9:52 am
if someone told me at the start of the season that the braves would be within four-and-a-half games of the phillies heading into august, i’d have been thrilled. that we’re leading them is pure bonus.
but i think you should stick to writing pessimistic pieces, bradley, because your estimations and reality always seem to be on opposing sides.
Army Vet
July 28th, 2010
9:54 am
What happened. The Braves usually choke in October.
Herschel Talker
July 28th, 2010
9:54 am
Ramblin Wrecker at 9:41am:
Well said.
HT
bvillebaron
July 28th, 2010
9:57 am
Ah, the panicking negative nellies coming out of the woodwork are as predictable as the sun rising in the east. I guess you all thought that the Braves were going to continue to play at the pace that they did from May through the Allstar break without a hiccup. EVERY team goes through a rough patch or funk. I forgot who the manager was that says every team wins 54 games and loses 54 games and it is what you do with the other third of the season that defines it. The fact of the matter is guys that despite their 6 game winning streak and the Braves sub .500 play since the Allstar break, the Phillies have picked up a whopping 1 1/2 games during that stretch. Wagner and Chipper had it right earlier this season after the Braves beat the Phillies; this race is going to go down to the wire folks.
FWIW, the player I think the Braves should target is Jose Bautista from Toronto. He obviously brings the much needed right handed power bat and from what I understand can play both corner infield positions in addition to the outfield (could come in handly with Glaus and Chipper’s injury histories). Unfortunately, given his recent hot streak, the Braves would probably have to buy “high” to land him now.
RJM Dawg
July 28th, 2010
9:59 am
Why in the world is Matt Diaz not starting?? He homers in three straight games and then gets benched last weekend?? And I don’t think he has started a game since. Can anyone explain to me why?
Ted M
July 28th, 2010
10:01 am
The Phillies are going to lose a pretty big share of high scoring games except when Halladay pitches. Its gonna be close down the stretch. I feel someone is going to lose it rather than someone is going to win it.
Glaus will have another hot streak not as good as the last one but still pretty good.
Chipper just go for the walks and concentrate on defense.
C from Marietta
July 28th, 2010
10:02 am
People- Yes, they got shut down last night. However, they scored 55 runs since the All Star break. That 5.5 runs a game. NOT BAD. The 2 blown saves for Wagner are what’s hurt them. If the Braves were sitting 5.5 games up. Would you guys be crying then.
Stanley Crowe
July 28th, 2010
10:02 am
As the Braves struggle a bit, it’s worth remembering what the Cardinals are doing right now — a team with an excellent pitching staff and some of the best hitters in baseball has been having all kinds of trouble with teams like the Cubs and the Mets. I think the Cards will be in at the finish, and I expect the Braves to be there too. As for deploring the losses to the Marlins — yes, they were tough, but the Marlins have been a tough team in the division all year. They’ll give the Phillies fits too, when the time comes. As I said in an earlier post — let’s get Blanco up as soon as soon as we legally can. I saw McLouth in a clip of an interview last night — classy response to a tough situation for him. I don’t rule out a return to form and some late season contribution from him after the roster expansion.
Looking for A WINNING STREAK
July 28th, 2010
10:04 am
Bradley:
Write about something other than the Braves, like golf or baking or woodworking or something. Just do us all a favor and don’t write about the Braves anymore. It would be greatly appreciated.
Robards
July 28th, 2010
10:08 am
Mark is correct. Don’t panic. This team once lost 9 in a row and still had a 7-game lead a few days ago. Things will get better.
Jamie
July 28th, 2010
10:10 am
A lot of folks on here underestimate the two-time NL Pennant-winning Phillies. Yes they’re a little older than their WS win year (a little) – but they have shown that they know how to win relentlessly in August and September. Before some of you dismiss them as merely “streaking” – remember they are a very talented team and I doubt the Braves players are as dismissive of the Phils ability to win the division.
Cornfuzed
July 28th, 2010
10:11 am
I still think the best move would be to put Heyward in CF and trade for a corner outfielder. The Braves may very well reach the postseason with this roster, but they have no chance to win the WS unless they add another bat. They also need another bullpen arm, but that can be solved by getting rid of KK when Eric O. comes back. They should demote him just like they did Nate.
Robards
July 28th, 2010
10:11 am
RJM Dawg, the Braves’ skipper believes that Diaz is nothing more than a platoon outfielder who is only allowed to start against lefthanders. This would be true even if Diaz had a higher average against RHP.
NEW CARS
July 28th, 2010
10:13 am
RJM,
He platoons with Hinske and this is Hinske’s line in the last week
Last 7 days 6 16 2 6 1 0 1 4 4 4 0 0 .375 .524 .625 1.149
Now maybe, just a thought, we should give Glaus a couple of days off and play Hinske at first…But I would like to see Freeman get a swing with Hinske in lf…I think Freeman for a slumping Glaus > Blanco for Melkie
Ted M
July 28th, 2010
10:14 am
The Phillies pitching stinks. Rollins is hurt again. Chase may struggle for a little while when he gets back.
The Braves have holes all over the place. It’s gonna be close.
Bushwacker
July 28th, 2010
10:14 am
WHEN ARE THEY GOING TO BURN THOSE DAMN BLUE JERSEYS, WE’VE LOST 3 OUT OF THE LAST 4, 2 OF THE 3 IN THE BLUES, PLEASE LOOK AT THE STATS, WE LOSE ALMOST EVERY TIME WE WEAR THE BLUES, FIRE THE PERSDON WHO MAKES THAT DECISION!!!
Joe M
July 28th, 2010
10:14 am
Two reasons the Braves are losing games on the field and in the standings.
1. Bobby’s utter refusual to play Omar Infante and his redicluloud dedication to Nate McLouth until Frank Wren finally stepped in and did the right thing. There is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON Omar Infante doesn’t play everyday.
2. Bobby Cox has gotten comfortable again and gone back to his old ways of NOT managing the game. He’s back to sittin on his hands and waiting for the three-run homer. The wins and the lead came from bunting, hit-&-running, moving players in and out as necessary, squezzing! ALL THAT HAS BEEN SHELVED by the great Bobby Cox!
And for a quick 3rd, why not play Hinske at 1st a little more? NO REASON not to.
Nacho Daddy
July 28th, 2010
10:15 am
I would like to see a battle for first place with it coming down to the last three games on Oct 1,2,and 3 here at the Ted. That would feel like early 90’s again. SWEET !
Chief Nocahoma
July 28th, 2010
10:16 am
I panicked the moment I saw Mark Bradley’s topic on 8 reasons the Braves Won’t Squander this Lead. I seem to recall some AJC columnist – there was no Internet Blog then – writing about the Braves being a better team than the 1927 Yankees. Only to see them lose the next four games of the World Series to the Yankees – who went on to win three WS in a row. Maybe Philly is taking the lead of the Yankees.
coach smith
July 28th, 2010
10:18 am
you people are a JOKE
The Braves lose 3 tough games (2 of them walk offs and 2 in extra innings) and then have a last minute let down last night and You people come in here hand wringing ready to FIRE, TRADE, and/or KILL everyone
LOL
This team has lost 2, thats right 2 series out of their last 25 and everyone thinks the sky is falling
It is BASEBALL NOT FOOTBALL!!!!! The Braves will get back to normal, the Phillies winning streak will not go on forever (eventually they’ll have to leave their band box and play teams with a pulse), and the Braves will be comfortable again
Just ask yourselves this, If the Braves take the next 2 from the Nats and the Phillies lose the next 2, will you be all comfortable again? YES!
So STOP this rollercoaster of “we’re great” and “we’re terrible”
just watch how the Phillies are winning….their games are a high-wire act with their starting pitching and then they remove the safety net when their Relief pitching enters…they are having to win games by outscoring people and that kind of approach can never be maintained
RELAX, the Braves are FINE!!!!
droopydawg
July 28th, 2010
10:19 am
Let us not forget that the Braves play horribly against the Marlins, Nats, or both every single year no matter how good or bad those teams are in a given year.
Tyler NJ Brave
July 28th, 2010
10:19 am
No big deal. Right before that Mets series(before the AS game)I would have killed for a 3.5 game lead. Besides that 9 game skid this braves team doesn’t go into funks for long. Individuals might but as a team they pull each other out and that’s what makes a championship caliber team. Braves will bounce back tonight with Huddy on the mound.
I really like Podsednik as a cheap CF. He can bat leadoff and put Martin back in the 2 hole. Then slide Heyward down for more ribbies.
1. Podsednik
2. Prado
3. Jones
4. McCann
5. Glaus
6. Heyward
7. Gonzo
8. Hinske/ Diaz
9. Pitcher
NEW CARS
July 28th, 2010
10:19 am
As everyone else is vasilating about Adam Dunn, what if we went in another direction and grabbed the Big Donkey…We have the pitching prospects to get him and offer arbitration and restock with picks when he signs..then Hinske can platoon with Glaus (part of the reason we got him originally) and Diaz can pinch hit and maybe spell Heyward against a tough lefty..I thin as wew get closer to the deadline, he could be had for someone like Dunn and Delgado and maybe a lower hitting prospect like Heffingler,,
Could be interesting, but I’m sure it would be pipe dream
nojinx
July 28th, 2010
10:19 am
Chemistry will take you a long way in this game, but talent plus chemistry, like the Phillies have, will get you to the promised land of the playoffs. The Braves are too old at the wrong positions (3rd & 1st), they’re too weak in the outfield and too overworked in the bullpen to sustain the kind of chemistry necessary to win.
Nacho Daddy
July 28th, 2010
10:22 am
I hated chemistry in school, the lab coats made me look fat.
Bushwacker
July 28th, 2010
10:23 am
Joe M you are sooo right about Infante, we have am ALL STAR sitting on the bench except when the old man “chipper” needs a rest.
Omar should be starting at shortstop.
Melky in left, blanco if cf, hinske at first!
NEW CARS
July 28th, 2010
10:28 am
Let’s keeping throwing options out there…I know he’s a lefty, but how about sending someone like Juan Abreau to the Brewers for Jim Edmonds…I would rather have him in CF than Cabrera and Blanco out there…Cabrera could go back to platooning a little in lf, or better yet while we are dreaming…Cabrera, JJ Hoover, Dunn and Abreau for Corey Hart and Edmonds…
Just Me
July 28th, 2010
10:30 am
1. Chipper should not be hitting in the 3 spot
2. Wren must trade for a power hitting centerfielder
3. Glaus must start to hit again
4. They need to go back to basics and stop the nonsense of not being able to hit bad teams
5. The Phillies were hurt but they arent anymore. Yes we need to give them respect, they are a good club.
6. The trade for centerfield needs to be a good one that will jump start this team like the Fred McGriff trade did.
Put that together and there you have it. If they dont move Chipper down the lineup and find that power bat to go in the number 2 or 3 hold (move Hayward to number 3) then this will be just another ALMOST club and Braves fans are very tired of the almost players. Get the job done and the fans will show up.
Don Schell
July 28th, 2010
10:31 am
They are not going to beat the Phillies for Division. They are not going to post season without a middle of the order RBI hitter.
Mark Bradley
July 28th, 2010
10:33 am
I never wrote that the Braves were better than the 1927 Yankees, FYI. I only posed the question: How would those Yankees have hit against these Braves’ pitchers?
And I’m pretty sure I was on safe ground there. Most of the 1927 Yankees were dead in 1996, so they wouldn’t have hit very well, now would they?
J-Smoove
July 28th, 2010
10:34 am
I’m pretty sure the reason Diaz has not started the last few games is becuase he got hit on the hand game 1 in Miami. Bobby gave him a couple of days off and he pinch hit last night and seemed to be fine. I’m sure he’ll be back in there tonight in D.C.
Herschel Talker
July 28th, 2010
10:39 am
MB:
I believe it was your old buddy Terence Moore that wrote that about the 1927 Yankees. I’m guessing that is what the person who posted was referring to.
HT
BuckheadBrave
July 28th, 2010
10:41 am
SOUND THE ALARMS! THE WHEELS ARE OFF THE WAGON, ITS ON FIRE AND WE’RE HEADING STRAIGHT FOR A CLIFF! THIS SHIP IS SINKING, THERE IS NO CHANCE FOR SALVATION! ABORT! ABORT!
Bill
July 28th, 2010
10:42 am
Someone mentioned earlier in this blog about Glaus and him falling back on his hitting. In the last two Florida games I watched him at bat. During his swing he was looking pretty well at the pitcher and not following the ball. Watch the film. As everyone knows a batter needs to follow the ball to his bat. Just something small that could be causing a problem.
Bobby's Cox
July 28th, 2010
10:43 am
Mark, It certainly isn’t Hammer Time or Miller Time in the ATL. The only thing hotter than the parking lot at the TED at 1PM is FW’s phone trying to find some players. The Braves are wilting in the heat..Don’t Ed Mangun and his grounds crew have a cure for that??? Chipper is chopped, Glaus is playing like “Lip Gloss”, our old shortstop is now hot and our new shortstop is..just “Old”…McClouth is McOut and we have a MelkMan delivering in CF..problem is he appears to only be a part-time delivery driver. Kamakazee in the Pen waiting to go all Harikari..At this point I would prefer him committing Harry Caray or even Mariah Carey..Oh, forgot to mention that we now have Chip Caray instead Skip Caray..Holy Cow
Randy
July 28th, 2010
10:43 am
Not panic…..but a healthy sense of urgency would be useful. Glaus’ play is very worrisome……if a player can’t hit at least .250, he becomes a big-time liability. Compare Troy’s play to the way Fred McGriff tore things up when he became a Brave. Where is Joe Adcock when we need him?
Renegade 41
July 28th, 2010
10:45 am
I would prefer to see Hinske play more at first and let Diaz play more. I really think the Braves would be better offensively with those two in the lineup instead of one or the other. What’s Glaus done lately anyway? Diaz was on fire and now he hasn’t started a game in a week.
robdawg08
July 28th, 2010
10:46 am
They would still hit better from their graves than McLouth and Glaus hit though…Or at least the same .000