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
Bobby's Cox
July 28th, 2010
12:07 pm
FW did it again..he traded for the wrong Gonzales..Thought he was getting Speedy Gonzales ended up with ole man Gonzalez. FW needs to study geography better, the one the Braves got is from North of the Border, the one we needed was from South of the Border…”¡Andale! ¡Andale! ¡Arriba! ¡Arriba! ¡Yii-hah!”
Nosepicking Future Hall of Famer
July 28th, 2010
12:10 pm
I’d like to slap Wren for sending Nate down. He’s a good kid.
Wren better leave Chavez alone. He’s a good kid.
Chip’s about to break out – got to leave him in the 3-spot.
Marc in FL
July 28th, 2010
12:12 pm
I think this team is fine. A little more help with the bat wouldn’t hurt, but for the most part these guys just make wins look really exciting and losses look really pathetic.
Eric C.
July 28th, 2010
12:13 pm
Mark, you are the consummate “homer” and I appreciate you for it…I sure hope you are right. Another interesting article might be…”when will Heyward hit another homerun?”
bvillebaron
July 28th, 2010
12:18 pm
FranktheFalcon:
Hanson wasn’t why the Braves lost last night. If I recall correctly, he gave up 6 hits, one earned run, issued no walks and struck out 8 in 6 innings. Don’t know about you, but I would take that line from a starting pitcher every night with the Braves’ bullpen (this, of course, assumes that the Braves aren’t going to get make 2 errors and get shut out by an emergency starter and some relievers on a last place team).
Nevada Roy
July 28th, 2010
12:24 pm
A more consistent lineup like the Phillies do would be helpful … how is this?
[1] Infante (CF/LF)
[2] Prado (2B)
[3] Hayward (RF)
[4] McCann (C)
[5] Gonzales (SS)
[6] and [7] Jones (3B) – Glaus (1B) – Hinske (1B/3B) Select two based on injury status, match-ups, etc, with each one getting minimum 4-starts a week and days off
[8] Cabrera (CF) platoon with Diaz (LF)
hornblowermg
July 28th, 2010
12:34 pm
braves did the right thing with McLouth. now they have an aging third baseman who is progressively diminishing in his willingness to place himself in front of a hot grounder, let alone charge the ball. he needs to be a dh for somebody where defense is not a requirement. also, they have someone at first base who is not a first baseman, cannot make routine first-baseman quality plays, and has seemed to have lost his slugging ability; time for LaRoach again? McCann is not immune to defense criticism because of his unwillingness or inability to play true catcher’s defense by blocking errant throws. hmmmmm, it seems like we have almost half a team who is afraid of the ball. if they make the playoffs they will not last long due to pooooor defense.
Eric C.
July 28th, 2010
12:37 pm
There is no doubt the power is down…Glaus and Heyward have really cooled off in the power department, McCann is inconsistent, Jones has been down all year…it would help to have someone step it up.
Shane
July 28th, 2010
12:47 pm
My old man used to talk about that Trade for Barker. He swears all Brker ever did was pitch a pefect game one time. He never did anything in Atlanta
Brook Jacoby was a solid player and of course Brett Butler was an outstanding lead off man for years.
bigstack19
July 28th, 2010
12:50 pm
What concerns me is they have dropped three games in the last week that they should have won. They need a big bat in the lineup that can drive in some runs. If they score 5 runs they are basically unbeatable. Too many times this season I have watched them load the bases with less than two outs and only score a run or in most cases not score at all. There needs to be an RBI guy to drive in some runs. The Braves really don’t have one and the two best hitters in the lineup bat 1 and 2. Trade for a hitter please.
bigstack19
July 28th, 2010
12:56 pm
robdawg08
July 28th, 2010
11:00 am
Bobby probably goes to a Toby Keith concert and half way thru asks if they could switch him for Keith Urban…
Everyone knows Bobby Cox is in to straight up gangsta rap. Come on now.
houstondawg
July 28th, 2010
12:59 pm
I am trying to think positive, but philly is making a move and I am sure if they take first the braves will not be able to overcome them. Here are the reasons:
the hitting lineup is not as competitive as the Mets or Phillies.
Starting Pitching about even, maybe a little less against Philly
Bullpin, Atlanta has the advantage against both teams
Heart and will(intangibles) we have seen the braves falter lately in extra innnings or tight games, comes down to will and desire to win at all cost. This braves team does not have the it factor.
Only way to improve is to improve the offense, if you guys will listen to other broadcasters, they all know the offense for atlanta is far from the top teams, ex. the Chi Sox series, that is what will happen when you play top slugging teams with quality hitters. You get beat up in every game.
If Wren does not at least make a move to bring in a quality slugger for the middle of the lineup, don’t expect these braves to go anywhere except for Bobby Cox’s retirement party.
I don;t expect wren to do anything, so GO FALCONS AND DAWGS. Braves you got us excited at least for a little while.
Greg Mendel
July 28th, 2010
1:07 pm
Braves fans don’t need to panic, but the players could use some terror. The Braves seem to go into these bottomless free-fall swoons from time to time. Until recently, they’ve played with grit, hacking out wins for a solid division lead — only to bungle against Florida and Washington. A team that sent several players to the All Star game shouldn’t lose games the way it’s losing them. Without a correction, the Phillies — and even the Mets — are going to pass them by simply getting runners on and getting them home.
Donny Corleone
July 28th, 2010
1:20 pm
Bobby: “Its tattood on Diaz’s butt. Not an everyday player. Look, see? That’s how I derermine who plays and who doesn’t”.
Donny Corleone
July 28th, 2010
1:21 pm
Determine.
Donny Corleone
July 28th, 2010
1:21 pm
“Omar’s got it too”.
Donny Corleone
July 28th, 2010
1:22 pm
“Chipper doesn’t”.
Donny Corleone
July 28th, 2010
1:22 pm
“Hinske’s got it”.
Donny Corleone
July 28th, 2010
1:23 pm
“Glaus doesn’t”.
Donny Corleone
July 28th, 2010
1:24 pm
“That’s called managin’.”
ATLfan15
July 28th, 2010
1:33 pm
@Donny Corleone: you gonna go up to DC and make him an offer he can’t refuse?
Ralph
July 28th, 2010
1:41 pm
What if Glaus doesn’t come out of his slump??? How long do you think Cox will kleep sending him out there day after day, will his average have to reach the McOut level, how many games will we be out of 1st when Cox wakes up this time.. Also I think they should package Infante with Minor and get someone like Carl Crawford or Nigel Morgan to play center field and make things happen. If Cox is not going to use (ALL Star) Infante, which apparently he isn’t then there are lot of teams that would love to have him.
Donny Corleone
July 28th, 2010
1:43 pm
ATL, start taking up a collection.
Sons of Rick Matula
July 28th, 2010
1:57 pm
The turnaround was fueld by – in great part – a miraculous resurgence on the part of Troy Glaus. April he stunk. May & June, he was awesome. He now looks like he’s breaking down. He can hardly run. Every time he runs out a ground ball or slides, I assume he’s going to pull or break something. He’s been stuck on 14 & 50 for it seems weeks. Unless he gets to 23 and 100, the Braves are going to be hurting.
Sons of Rick Matula
July 28th, 2010
2:00 pm
The miracle of Troy in May-June carried this team. he’s now back to April. He’s been stuck on 14 and 50 for weeks. He can’t hardly run. We need another 10 and 40 from him to have any chance. Looking more and more doubtful.
ATLfan15
July 28th, 2010
2:00 pm
Donny, it’s time for the Braves to ‘go to the mattresses’.
C’mon fellas, let’s step it up for the stretch run!
don
July 28th, 2010
2:04 pm
From reading the posts, it is obvious that many of the fans are in panic mode. That is no big deal.
What worries me is that management may well panic and make another stupid trade. The Lenny Barker trade is a good example. The Drew and Teixeira trades are other examples of last minute mindless disasters.
Ron H
July 28th, 2010
2:31 pm
CNNSI article reads, “Here come the Phillies.” Um, no DUH!!!!!
No panic here, but I think the Braves need to go ahead and make whatever trades they’re going to make now, and not wait until the last minute.
And last night’s loss had me scratching my head…shutout by the mighty nationals? I know we were due for a slump, but what a freakin’ coincidence that it happened right as the Phils got hot!
Let’s go, Braves. Rock on!
Ralph
July 28th, 2010
3:15 pm
What if Glaus doesn’t come out of his slump??? How long does Cox keep sending him out there day after day and how many games will we be out of 1st when Cox wakes up this time, does he have to reach the McOut level? Also I think they should package Infante and Minor for someone like Carl Crawford or Nigel Morgan who can make things happen, if Cox isn’t going to use his all star who leads the team in hitting then why not trade him for something they need despertly.
Billy Packer
July 28th, 2010
3:28 pm
Great! I love basketball blogs. I am a great prognosticator and I predict that Georgia Tech will not win the ACC basketball title this year.
Cory
July 28th, 2010
3:36 pm
first off, kawakami has GOT to go..i have to been to 3 of to his starts plus his most recent outing where he gave up three runs to milwaukee. needless to say we should have sent him off a LONG time ago..also nate mclouth just might win the award for LEAST improved player..he hasnt got an RBI since when last year? come on now….maybe the braves need another starter….Hanson has been struggling lately as well..so yes its ABSOLUTELY time to panic.
Billy Wagner & the Braves Offense
July 28th, 2010
3:46 pm
The Braves haven’t played well lately because of Bobby Cox, Frank Wren, the umpires, the fans, the bloggers & venters, AJC & that Mark Bradley (”Mr. Smarty Pants”), the media, society, that guy with the red panties (it was distracting us), British Petroleum and President O’Bama.
Gigga
July 28th, 2010
3:51 pm
Nevada Roy If we are going to stand pat and not get another bat. I like your batting order…… Think what would have happened the last 4 games if this was the line up…. we would have won at least 3 games out of the four
July 28th, 2010
12:24 pm
A more consistent lineup like the Phillies do would be helpful … how is this?
[1] Infante (CF/LF)
[2] Prado (2B)
[3] Hayward (RF)
[4] McCann (C)
[5] Gonzales (SS)
[6] and [7] Jones (3B) – Glaus (1B) – Hinske (1B/3B) Select two based on injury status, match-ups, etc, with each one getting minimum 4-starts a week and days off
[8] Cabrera (CF) platoon with Diaz (LF)
Gigga
July 28th, 2010
3:54 pm
Did any one notice that Hanson got two strikes on almost every batter last night and could not close the deal. Was it the pitch selection from the dug out or from the catcher?
Rick Camp
July 28th, 2010
4:24 pm
Hey, if Wags can no longer seal the deal, I’m pretty sure I have a few innings left in me.
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
July 28th, 2010
4:37 pm
Mark Bradley: “Most of the 1927 Yankees were dead in 1996, so they wouldn’t have hit very well, now would they?”
Better than Nate.
TOMY FOURNIER
July 28th, 2010
5:10 pm
SAME AND MORE OF THE SAME…AT THE END…ATLANTA OUT OF FIRST…MAY-BE THIRD..AND NOT PANIC…WILL BE THE NEXT YEAR…MORON COX OUT AND EVERY BODY HAPPY..RIGHT MR. BRADLEY…NO..PLEASE…NOT PANIC…JUST SCREAMMMMMMMMMM!!!!
nique
July 28th, 2010
6:07 pm
let’s hope wagner can last the season. if not, we’re in trouble.
BoomerBB
July 28th, 2010
6:51 pm
Bring back Andruw… provide a spark to the team and fans, and he’s got life back in his bat.
M Money
July 28th, 2010
8:01 pm
Well its not time to panic yet…I’m probally the only Braves fan in NY….I live around a bunch of Mets and Yankees fans…I have faith in these Braves…Do it for Bobby Cox and Chipper….If they lose the lead I won’t be able to talk smack to all my neighbors…GO BRAVES!!!
Ashley
July 28th, 2010
9:40 pm
I noticed the promo for the Braves-Reds upcoming game DIDN’T mention any special pitching matchup. Guess TV people got burned by the pitching change last night!
Dallas
July 28th, 2010
10:21 pm
Panic? Heck no! no need too, way to early. Phillies are playing good AT HOME, they lost 3 of 4 to the Cubs and 3 of 4 to the Cards. They beat a struggling Rockies team and are beating a horrible Diamondbacks team, At home may I add. This nothing that bothers me. I want to see how the Braves play against the Reds, that will be fun. If they can take 2 of 4 on the Road in Cincy, I think we will be fine. People spazz out. We lost last night and it was the first time we straight up got beat. A couple errors and blown saves by a good closer and we would be on a 7 game streak(before last night). It happens, it’s baseball people.
Henry Huggins
July 29th, 2010
12:24 am
I’m not going to panic, I’m gonna laugh when it all falls apart just like I said it did. Got to get some satisfaction out of this bunch of poseurs.
Braves2010
July 29th, 2010
12:25 am
Second?
houstondawg
July 29th, 2010
1:03 am
Here is the problem fans, the braves lose 2 of 3 to the marlins, then let a journey man Batista look like Pedro Martinez in his prime against them. Sorry but reality tells you and everyone else in baseball on tv say the same thing that the Lineup is lacking some type of pop/ and no Glaus is not the answer. To win a championship you need the slugger in your lineup, right now they don’t have one. sorry to say. I am a braves fan, but I don;t see them holding on with the lineup they have right now, unless there is some miracle trade to get someone that can swing a big bat consistantly, we used to have Chipper but has lost a notch due to age. Don;t say I told you so if or when the phillies take over first. Might be by next week well see. Go Falcons, Dawgs.
Tofu Dan
July 29th, 2010
2:53 am
Oswalt’s a Phillie… Great…
Trying…not…to panic… Powers…draining….
Ripccr34
July 29th, 2010
6:50 am
AHHHHHHHHHHHHOHHNOOOOOO OK now that I’m done panicking the Braves hit a lul in momentum first one since break it happens in baseball.The Phillys are surging the braves in turn
will surge as well.The great thing is we will fight it out head to head in September! Been awhile since
the Braves have taken a true race for a pennant and I believe in those there 14 and 0 their last 14 tries.
GO!!! BRAVES!!!
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