With a season in peril, what can the Braves do? Pitch better
It was a sunny day without sunshine, if you get my drift. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
They haven’t quit. When a team in contention loses only its second home series of the season to a last-place club in September, it’s easy to make that allegation. But it’s not true. The Braves are trying. They’re trying too hard.
They’re trying too hard because they see a happy season slipping away. They’re trying too hard because the commodities that sustained them for five months — starting pitching and late-inning lightning — are failing near the finish. The two go together: Good starting pitching keeps a team close enough to win at the end. But now they’re getting too far down too soon, and a weariness has taken hold.
Had Wednesday’s game been played a couple of months ago, they’d have won it on gall alone. But too often lately they’ve been forced into rally mode in the early innings, and the capacity to keep grinding after 146 games of grinding would tax a roster far more robust than this. The Braves trailed 4-0 in the second inning and 4-2 after nine. “Four runs on one swing,” said manager Bobby Cox, referring to the grand slam hoisted by Justin Maxwell, an eighth-place hitter batting .132, off the rookie Mike Minor.
From there the Braves invented ways not to score. They generated 13 baserunners but saw David Ross hit into a 1-6-4-3 double play; saw Martin Prado end an inning with a single off Jason Heyward’s foot (an automatic out) and saw Prado end another inning after another single by getting thrown out after rounding first base.
In the seventh they got the break they seemed to need when Nyjer Morgan lost Eric Hinske’s pop in the sun. But Omar Infante bunted for a base hit and was denied when Ryan Zimmerman made like Brooks Robinson. Then Heyward broke his bat and Prado made a conventional out by whiffing. A gift became yet another fizzle. Said Hinske: “It’s just not really going our way right now.”
Well, no. But we might recall that the Phillies lost four at home to the sub-.500 Astros last month and turned around and swept the Padres in San Diego. The Great Rule of Baseball remains: Momentum is tomorrow’s starting pitcher. And that’s why the Braves, who led the National League East by three games on Sept. 1, find themselves falling further in arrears.
They’ve lost nine of 14. Of the five victories, only three have gone to a starting pitcher — one to Jair Jurrjens on Sept. 4 and two since to Derek Lowe. The bullpen has been stellar; it’s the starters who’ve stopped holding up their end.
If that doesn’t change, the Braves won’t be playing beyond Oct. 3. Said Hinske, speaking of the nine-game swing that begins Friday in New York: “Our season pretty much hinges on this road trip.”
We obsess on the lack of hitting because it’s so obvious, but these modest Braves won’t turn into Murderers’ Row over the next 2 1/2 weeks. They have to win games 3-2, not lose them that way. They cannot keep falling behind and hoping Brooks Conrad will save them. They have to play from ahead and rely on these relievers to hold the line.
Said Brian McCann, who struck out as a pinch-hitter to end Wednesday’s misdoings: “We’re going about it the same way we did for six months, and we were in first place for five of them [three, actually]. Our season is right there in these next 15 games. We’ve just got to go do it.”
Asked what a team going wrong does to right itself, Hinske — who has played on three World Series teams — said: “You do everything the same. You keep working the right way.”
Some folks want Cox to turn over a water cooler and thereby Light A Fire, but the Braves aren’t losing because they don’t care. They’re losing because the method that worked has ceased to function. At this late date, they can’t close practice and install the Wishbone; they just have to pitch better.
It sounds simplistic, but this is baseball. The better you pitch, the more you win. If the Braves pitch better, they’ll make the playoffs. If they don’t, they’re doomed.
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305 comments Add your comment
GTHorsie
September 15th, 2010
4:32 pm
Perhaps hire a beat writer who doesn’t jinx them? Or yes, pitch better would also help.
rlinaug
September 15th, 2010
4:38 pm
Mark, great column, but didn’t the Phils get swept by the Astronomicals, not the Nationals?
Mark Bradley
September 15th, 2010
4:40 pm
You’re right. The Astros.
Peter
September 15th, 2010
4:41 pm
Come on now MARK…… how does 114 errors sound ? Does that help pitching ?
How about No team speed ? Does that help pitching ?
How about not being able to bunt or move a runner up a base ? Does that help pitching ?
How about striking out 9 consecutive times at bat ? Does that help pitching ?
With out 24 lucky come from behind victories……. where would we be in the standings.
What you meant is …….we wait for ONE big inning and hope we can hang on !
Andy
September 15th, 2010
4:43 pm
Hitting with runners in scoring position might help too.
Peter
September 15th, 2010
4:43 pm
Trying too hard…… Well we thought they were loose ? Wasn’t that what they said ?
Old Ball Fan
September 15th, 2010
4:44 pm
I’m cry’in but the BEER is cold!
Mark Bradley
September 15th, 2010
4:44 pm
It might, Andy. But this is who the Braves are. They don’t hit much. They’re not going to hit a lot. If they win at all, they have to win with pitching.
Chief Knockahoma X
September 15th, 2010
4:44 pm
Jason Heyward (.423 avg. last week) is playing like a leader on a Braves team that suddenly finds itself in a four-team wild-card race.
Aaron
September 15th, 2010
4:44 pm
Hate to give them a lofty goal, but they need to win 7 of 9 on this trip. Preferably having one lost against the Nats and Mets, while sweeping the Phils.
Peter
September 15th, 2010
4:44 pm
Maybe we got loose and noose mixed up ?
Herschel Talker
September 15th, 2010
4:45 pm
MB:
Have you seen this team hit on the road? They are doomed anyway. I say 3-6 on the road trip, and then it’s good night. But I guess Bobby will still be the best manager you ever saw.
HT
bjohndawg
September 15th, 2010
4:45 pm
They need to bring back Kenny Powers
he is tearing up the Mexican league.
Peter
September 15th, 2010
4:46 pm
The Braves don’t hit much…..well how about they don’t field much either ?
114 ERRORS….
JJBA
September 15th, 2010
4:47 pm
I don’t know if we have anything left in the tank. I hope, for everyones sake, they flip a switch because at this rate the 6 games against Philly won’t mean a thing. On that note, I’d much rather the Giants lose from here on out than the Phils.
Bravos10
September 15th, 2010
4:47 pm
The Braves will be fine. Team just looked tired the last few days. With tomorrow off I’m looking for Hanson to do what he did when he stopped the 9 game losing streak with a stellar pitching performance. The 2010 Braves have an attitude and believe it or not losing to the last place Nats at home for their first series loss since April might be just what they needed. This years team seems to play better with a chip on their shoulder and thats what they have after today. I’m predicting a sweep in the big apple and 2/3 from the Phils making this race one for the ages when they come home to finish the season. I have no doubt the Braves will make the playoffs I’m just hoping they take the division on the way.
Chief Knockahoma X
September 15th, 2010
4:47 pm
Hitting is a larger problem than pitching. Bench Lee, Milkman and Gonzy and let the chips fall where they may. All I know is when Troy played 1st we were in 1st.
bjohndawg
September 15th, 2010
4:47 pm
I really want to see Bobby in the playoffs one last time.
I hope the Braves can do it.
Bobby deserves it but his pitching looks to be suspect.
bvillebaron
September 15th, 2010
4:49 pm
Nice column Mark and right on. Unfortunately, the Braves’ biggest strength this year: starting pitching, is, as they said on the broadcast, “taking on some water” right now. All you can do, however, is keep playing and hope it turns around for the other starters like it did for Lowe the other night. Besides, even if SF wins tonight, the Braves still lead the wild card, albeit by only 1/2 game.
Braves lose, wild card lead shrinks | Breaking News
September 15th, 2010
4:51 pm
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Bravos10
September 15th, 2010
4:51 pm
Mark to say this team doesnt hit much would be a bit false wouldnt you say?? I could see saying their streaky but the Braves are leading the NL in runs or atleast in the top 3. I mean the Phillies got shutout three times in three games against the Mets this year and have been every bit as streaky. Their just hitting a good streak right now. The Braves will bounce back and I will atleast know I kept BOTH feet on the bandwagon unlike most of you who are waiting and looking for every chance to jump off so you can say I TOLD YOU THEY WOULDNT MAKE THE PLAYOFFS. unbelievable. Win, lose or draw back your team up for crying out loud.
gadawgs
September 15th, 2010
4:51 pm
Why not start Glaus back at first? Or start Freeman at first? DLEE is DONE. What about playing some small ball. Take some chances. Squeeze, hit and run, steal (it will catch them by surprise because we never try). actually move runners over. I know catch and throw the ball like major leaguers would certainly help. If our pitchers did not go in thinking they had to hold the other guy to 1 or 2 runs to have a chance maybe they would not be folding down the stretch. I’m just sayin’……
Trey
September 15th, 2010
4:52 pm
Honestly Mark, after their late struggles I have lost any sympathy for this team. I am fed up watching them blow games, so if they make it good, but if they don’t, oh well. I am frustrated with them.
Kennesaw Brave
September 15th, 2010
4:52 pm
We usually wait until the playoffs to choke. I am afraid we are done. Lose 2 of 3 to the last place team at home in the stretch? Really? I guess now we will just swept the 6 games against Filthydelphia. Yep, that will do it.
PMC
September 15th, 2010
4:52 pm
Take the day off tomorrow, go get massaged, accupuncture…slump busters etc and then take out all their frustration on the baseball the next 15 games.
chas
September 15th, 2010
4:52 pm
only 15 more times to read bobbys excusesof they pitched better, they hit better etc. the braves have the players that got them to first place,why not use them and forget these so called wrens help (lee,ankiel,and farnsworth). simple play what got you there.
Mark Bradley
September 15th, 2010
4:54 pm
None of those players took part today, chas. Meaning Lee, Ankiel and Farnsworth.
Bobby
September 15th, 2010
4:55 pm
I’m not trying to be pessimistic, but if they hold true to form, they are looking at a losing road trip. You are what you are after 147 games. This is not a team that can hit, which has been stressed time and time again. Another thing they are not is a good road team. If they go 3-6 or 4-5, they’ll come home for the final 6 out of the wildcard lead. The division is probably lost if the Phils win tonight, and that’s important because wildcard teams dont’ get homefield advantage.
Paul "IS" a small Johnson
September 15th, 2010
4:55 pm
I think they need to check on some cheap flights for vacation and see what kind of deals are available. They are DONE!
Peter
September 15th, 2010
4:55 pm
No comment on 114 Errors Mark ?
skip
September 15th, 2010
4:56 pm
Bradley, old boy, I told you a couple of weeks ago the Braves were done. A blind man could see it. Pitching and good defense can keep a game close but you have to score to win. Two runs in the last two games? You gotta be kidding me. Even Maddox, Glavine and Smoltz couldn’t cope with that kind of non-support.
Bravos10
September 15th, 2010
4:56 pm
Bench GONZO???? Because I’m pretty sure that 420 shot to left to win the game Saturday was our only HR in recent memory….. I know the economy is bad but DONT waste your time applying for a manager job at any level. I have this crazy idea…. It’s called let the future HOF manager play the guys he wants to play. Atlanta doesnt deserve a playoff team with fans like this. I have never heard so much whining over a loss. Big deal win Friday and try to take every series and you will make the playoffs and maybe take the division on the way. Today is over none of you are the manager now get over it and cheer them on Friday and cheer for the Fish and Dodgers tonight.
Paul "IS" a small Johnson
September 15th, 2010
4:57 pm
Right now hitting is an issue, pitching is an issue, bench play is an issue…. timely hitting is an issue, relief pitching is an issue…what else is their to be an issue to say we are done?
chas
September 15th, 2010
4:58 pm
mark ihope they never play for the braves again
meh
September 15th, 2010
4:59 pm
they seem like they’re wearing down a little. hopefully the off day tomorrow will refresh them a little. maybe try to let the pitchers skip a start with all the off days coming up. Lowe’s been great since he missed that start.
todd grantham
September 15th, 2010
4:59 pm
let’s face it Mark. this season’s over and Dunn.
Paul "IS" a small Johnson
September 15th, 2010
4:59 pm
Home is where we have made our hay and the hay didn’t sleep so well this trip????
We are horrible on the road so let me say it again…. we are DONE!
bigclaude
September 15th, 2010
5:01 pm
That’s right Mark. That’s not who the Braves are, but therein lies the problem with their whole philosophy. I remember when Vinny Cash Stealer was in town and mired in a terrible offensive season while starting at 3B for most of the year. Cox was asked about Castilla’s lack of offensive production and he said something like, ‘When you play the kind defense that Vinny does then any offense that you get from him is a bonus.’
Wrong! If you say that about a SS, 2B or even a Catcher then I can buy it, but 3B needs to be a run producing position. Cox’s philosophy is flawed. The Braves never seem to have a good hitting team and it always catches up with them. Even the one WS title took a Herculean effort from Glavine because the offense didn’t do squat.
I don’t think anyone in sports is as overrated at his job as Cox is, with the possible exception of that blowhard John Madden. I will be very glad to see him join Madden at the Retirement home.
Bravos10
September 15th, 2010
5:01 pm
I pray that all of you who are bashing the Braves dont bother coming in October when the Braves make the playoffs. I’d rather have 40,000 fans at the Ted than a sellout with “fans” like all of you.
Jackson Browne
September 15th, 2010
5:02 pm
Runnin’ on empty
Peter
September 15th, 2010
5:02 pm
Hey Bravos10….. buy out the stadium, and invite your friends !
bill
September 15th, 2010
5:03 pm
I think we will need help from the other teams to get into the playoffs now. Even if we make it, I really do not see us getting out of the 1st round. Six weeks ago I thought we would be the team to beat but everything to include the starting pitching seems to be in a funk at this time. We need a spark, a leader, or something to get us going. If not then it will be the same old boring Bobby ball. When was the last time we had a stolen base, hit/run or just trying something to get a run or two. Prado should be leading off and Jason should be in the 3rd or 4th spot. I guess getting Lee was a big mistake unless he gets hot these last 2 weeks. If you recall from last year we made a run at the wild card also but faded real quick (just like this year).
Herschel Talker
September 15th, 2010
5:04 pm
“I think we will need help from the other teams to get into the playoffs now. ”
Gee, ya think?!?
Einstein
September 15th, 2010
5:05 pm
If you lose two out of three to the Nats in Atlanta in mid-September, then you don’t deserve to play in October.
Chief Knockahoma X
September 15th, 2010
5:06 pm
I knew we were in big trouble when the last place Pirates man-handled us last week. To me those were the most painful losses to date.Sadly to admit, thats when I lost confidence in our team’s ability.The pitchers are not getting it done and our infielders are commiting too many errora-namely Gonzales.We should have kept that young stortshop we traded to Toronto and left Troy at first for crying out loud.Signing Rick, Lee and Gonzy has not yielded jack.
Peter
September 15th, 2010
5:06 pm
Frank Wren saved the season with his timely moves.
Eric
September 15th, 2010
5:07 pm
The past is the past! We must believe that they can push through this. This funk has happened 2 times before and they have followed with a winning streak.
20 games in 20 days. A grueling streak that is now over. Friday starts a 16 game season, and they can do it.
BELIEVE
Kennesaw Brave
September 15th, 2010
5:08 pm
Hey, I will be watching and pulling for this team until the bitter end. I have been a fan since I would listen to Milo Hamilton on the transistor, and we had Aaron, Torre, Boyer, etc. When you could go to a game and pretty much sit anywhere because most of the seats were available. I am a die-hard fan. But I am also smart enough to see a team that is fading when you have to be getting hot. So I am afraid I might be hearing Dandy Don singing…………..Turn out the lights, the parties over……….
shawn
September 15th, 2010
5:08 pm
Here’s another move by good old Bobby which does not make sense. Why the hell did he rest McCann, McLouth (who is hitting .400 in the last few games) and DB on the same day? Is he trying to lose? Every game is important and his logic that his players need rest is moronic.
Kdog
September 15th, 2010
5:08 pm
The Braves will not make the playoffs. Sad in BC’s last year.