Update: The Braves lose another game but hold their ground
Chipper Jones got the Braves started with a homer. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
A lead once bulbous had been reduced to a pimple in the time it takes to say the words, “A lead once bulbous.” But, being a professional athlete, Chipper Jones broke out the usual brave bromide Monday afternoon. “We still control our own destiny,” he said, blithely ignoring the cold truth that these Braves have controlled nothing this past month.
They’d led the wild-card chase by 8 1/2 games on Sept. 1, the day they posted their 81st victory. It’s nearly October, and there’s no guarantee these Braves will ever win a 90th game. They’ve lost six of the past eight series, and one of the two exceptions wasn’t really a series but a rescheduled doubleheader in New York.
They’ve watched the Cardinals draw ever closer, and now the regular season had been reduced to three games. Win two and the Braves would assure themselves of no worse than a tie for the wild card and a Thursday play-in game; win three and the Braves would qualify for the playoffs, no strings attached. But their collapse has forced us to reassess possibilities, and a more realistic question seemed: Can they even win one?
Monday’s game offered hope — for three innings. Jones hoisted a first-inning homer that took us back to 1999, to a time when this player was capable of turning a playoff race by himself. But then, as happens in life as well as baseball, reality descended. The Phillies scored four runs and washed away a 2-0 deficit, and by game’s end Chipper was limping after appearing to hurt himself legging out a double, and in his final at-bat he hit into a double play.
On paper, this seemed the biggest mismatch of the series: Cliff Lee, who’ll probably finish second in the Cy Young voting, against Randall Delgado, who had started six big-league games. Which only goes to show that, in baseball as in Hollywood, nobody knows anything. Four of the first eight Braves to face Lee managed extra-base hits, and Delgado made it through three innings having yielded only an against-the-shift single to Ryan Howard, who surely didn’t intend to put the ball where he did.
Then the Braves stopped hitting, which they can do against pretty much any pitcher any time, and the Phillies started. Placido Polanco’s two-out single off Delgado — are two-out RBI’s even allowed? — and halved the Braves’ lead in the fourth, and Jimmy Rollins’ homer tied it in the fifth. Delgado was gone after that inning, replaced by Cristhian Martinez, who lasted two batters.
Shane Victorino’s triple into the corner forced Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez to summon Eric O’Flaherty for a lefty-against-lefty parlay at a moment when a strikeout was warranted. But Raul Ibanez, who’d failed with the bases loaded and one out two innings earlier, drove O’Flaherty’s first pitch, a slider, through the infield.
About here, the only consolation came via the scoreboard above left field. The Cardinals, who’d led 1-0, had fallen behind the Astros. The only comic amusement stemmed from the Braves’ announcement of the game’s attendance. (Autumn attendance is a sore subject with this franchise, as you know.) Monday’s gathering was assessed as 42,597, which seemed the biggest baseball inflation since Mark McGwire’s biceps.
There were moments when this crowd of uncertain number sounded loud and proud, but as the night unfolded the pride gave way to resignation. These Braves are perilously close to a failure of epic dimensions. At least some infamous September flops — the ‘69 Cubs, the ‘78 Red Sox, the ‘64 Phillies — had to win either their division or league; these Braves have only to finish first among runners-up. And with two games left, nothing is assured.
“We’ve had more than enough opportunities,” Jones had said, “to walk off the field with wins that would have put this away long ago.” But instead the Braves have been forced to race against time, and time keeps running both ways. The regular season’s end hasn’t arrived soon enough, and this time can’t retrace its steps to June or August and remember how easy winning seemed then.
And at the end Monday, the proud man who’d opened the scoring with a massive drive off the estimable Lee was reduced to looking every bit of his 39 years. The Braves are dancing on the lip of the volcano, and Chipper no longer seems capable of riding to the rescue.
Then again, the Braves mightn’t need rescuing. The Cardinals rallied to tie the Astros but flubbed a go-ahead chance in the 10th and lost in the bottom of the inning on a bloop double and two bunts. As catchable as these Braves appear, the chasing Cards still haven’t caught them. After another long day at the races, the shaky lead held. Still one game up, and now only two to play.
By Mark Bradley
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351 comments Add your comment
Choker Jones
September 26th, 2011
10:34 pm
Choke!
Homer
September 26th, 2011
10:36 pm
McCann is supposed to be the best player on the team now. He doesn’t even show up.
Derrick
September 26th, 2011
10:36 pm
Cardinals just tied the Astros; 4-4 in the 8th.
Uh-oh!
dawg gone
September 26th, 2011
10:37 pm
Braves Lose, Braves Lose, Braves Lose……………………………….CHOKERS
Choker Jones
September 26th, 2011
10:38 pm
Georgia sports teams are pathetic. They really make it hard to remain a fan.
Homer
September 26th, 2011
10:38 pm
How do you feel with your hopes riding on Derek Lowe ? Its not looking promising…
Big Wally
September 26th, 2011
10:38 pm
Gotta take out Freeman and McFann, they are killing us offensively now.
GT311
September 26th, 2011
10:39 pm
Really the most sad looking bunch of losers I have ever seen. Freddi the Marlins job is open…please take it and leave!
dawg gone
September 26th, 2011
10:39 pm
EVEN IF THE BRAVES PITCHERS THROW A SHUT OUT THE REST OF THE BRAVES WILL TRY T0 DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO NOT SCORE
TomB
September 26th, 2011
10:40 pm
This is where the Braves miss Bobby Cox in my estimation. He just found a way whether changing the lineups or keeping the pressure off they players. We are missing the big guy.
GT311
September 26th, 2011
10:40 pm
I would just go up and bunt everything!! Its a fricking joke watching these million dollar losers!
stingembuzz
September 26th, 2011
10:40 pm
This team is beyond heartless.
GT311
September 26th, 2011
10:41 pm
Take 2 strikes down the middle and swing at an off speed pitch out of the zone…that’s the Braves hitting philosophy!
Biff Pocoroba
September 26th, 2011
10:41 pm
Fire Fredi. Someone give him a Harley as a going away gift and let him ride off to north Georgia and try and figure out how to use a bullpen. This team is hearltess and Fredi has no personality to shake them up.
Baby Ruth
September 26th, 2011
10:42 pm
Braves fan please don’t buy tickets next year. Make a statement to Frank Wren!
Runnin With The Dawgs
September 26th, 2011
10:42 pm
St Louis has come back, tied the game have two men on and nobody out —- all in the top of the eighth. Whatever happened to the Braves having innings like that?
GT311
September 26th, 2011
10:42 pm
That’s what they get for all the kissing crap during the season! Now they can go home and wear their dresses!
IliiniBrave
September 26th, 2011
10:42 pm
The Cards had Holliday and Pujols – two of their most veteran players – run a double steal. Can you see us trying that with McCann and Chipper? Or Prado and Gonzalez? That is the kind of moxie the Cards are showing this time of year. The Braves? 12 Ks – half of those with RISP!
Not too painful
September 26th, 2011
10:43 pm
Surprisingly this doesn’t hurt as much as it did in the past. I say pull Bmac and let Ross have a shot. But hey Braves fans, we DESERVE to lose.
j.j.m.
September 26th, 2011
10:43 pm
Like I said before braves are not the best sports team in atlanta
Don Cleveland
September 26th, 2011
10:43 pm
First? Better than the Braves in my first try.
joe jones
September 26th, 2011
10:43 pm
The Braves aren’t going to win another game. They are wetting themselves, you can see it in their faces.
tousheezy
September 26th, 2011
10:43 pm
GT311 that’s funny, yet true!!
Gladys
September 26th, 2011
10:43 pm
Same old stuff night in and night out. They’ll feel the pain in ticket sales next year. This team’s a nightmare!
aaa
September 26th, 2011
10:43 pm
This sounds a bit crazy but I would like to see Chipper as the manager next year, or at least the hitting coach.
Doom and Gloom
September 26th, 2011
10:44 pm
Looks like the fishing boats have come a callin’ for the braves… they are ready to go fishing…. hopefully Wren will sink this sunken ship next year (Lord Willing)
GT311
September 26th, 2011
10:44 pm
The Braves never have done anyting anyway…1 world series…they always choke! It shouldn’t be chop house….it should be choke house!
rogerash
September 26th, 2011
10:44 pm
awful im a braves fan but they are not a team that belongs in the playoffs!!! the cardinals belong in and the braves need to find a good manager and hitting coach and a lot of off saeson moves starting with lowe
mark
September 26th, 2011
10:44 pm
Let’s do the TOMAHAWK CHOKE! They need to mail it in and quit trying! OOPS too late! I am a braves fan, but they don’t deserve to be in the playoffs. Go Cards!
steve brown
September 26th, 2011
10:45 pm
Our 6 year part-time superstar limps into a double play killing our final rally. Not a .300 hitter on the team. Our left fielder is a 3rd baseman. We don’t have a starting right fielder. Our catcher’s eyes and mind seem to be out of focus.The old shortstop pulls a calf muscle and misses 3 games.The young relievers finally spring leaks. Two of our stud starters are damaged goods and a third one is plain ordinary. The #1 starter in all of the minors is apparently gone AWOL. All our hopes rest with Hudson on Wednesday and he spent the night in the hospital a few days ago. Perhaps we are getting exactly what we deserve.
Kane337
September 26th, 2011
10:45 pm
The Braves are 9-16 in the month of September. SMH
Weaseal
September 26th, 2011
10:45 pm
Heck even the marlines want take him back they just traded for a manager Ozzy ……
Big Wally
September 26th, 2011
10:45 pm
Gutless losers.
canyoubelievethis
September 26th, 2011
10:45 pm
The epic choke is almost complete, and no reason to expect this bunch of wannabes to even sniff the playoffs again……………SAD!
Kane337
September 26th, 2011
10:46 pm
Kimbrel’s blown save vs the Cardinals looms VERY LARGE
Big Wally
September 26th, 2011
10:46 pm
Seen better swings from blindfolded kids trying to hit a pinata at a birthday party.
OhioBrave
September 26th, 2011
10:46 pm
Oh what I wouldn’t give to see old #6 sitting in the dugout about right now.
Atlanta Sports Media
September 26th, 2011
10:46 pm
That’s OK, Braves! We still believe in you! And aw shucks, if you complete the worst September choke in the history of the MLB, well there’s always next year. No pressure from us!
Really?
September 26th, 2011
10:47 pm
I didn’t even watch… really, I forgot about it and I have seen all but the last week of games on TV or at the ballpark. I hate to say that I hope we lose the wildcard but if we do, maybe that will be a MAJOR statement that will cause Wren and others to shake things up because they need to be. It’s so disappointing. Really!
Biff Pocoroba
September 26th, 2011
10:47 pm
Time to jump on the Dream band wagon. They are the only Atlanta team to win a post season game this year.
GT311
September 26th, 2011
10:47 pm
What does it say that your best hitter is batting .228 (Uggla). Chipper is a good player, but he is old. The game is gone for him. He’s seen the Braves lose is the WS and playoffs a bunch anyway.
Phillies fan just laughing
September 26th, 2011
10:47 pm
The hard truth is, your team sucks. Your pitching is racked with injuries, you can’t get a timely hit to save your lives, and most of your fans are stuck in the 90’s. Your big four aren’t walking through that door, but our aces are. Chippers comments about beating us in the playoffs were laughable when they came out, now they are just a sad set of ramblings by a delusional man.
Missy LaDue, UGA Scholar
September 26th, 2011
10:47 pm
Does this mean my boyfriend lied to me again when he promised to take me to see the Braves in the playoffs and the World Series?
It is what it is
September 26th, 2011
10:47 pm
Hurry up and lose it already. Chipper let’s go hunting.
What Else Is New?
September 26th, 2011
10:47 pm
The Braves just don’t have it. They’ve been running on fumes for a while and now there’s nothing in the tank. They tend to get hot around the allstar break and then die a slow death. Well, at least people can’t blame Bobby for this one.
GT71
September 26th, 2011
10:47 pm
Cards tied. So lead will probably be down to 0.
Love baseball, the way the Cards play it.
NO freakin’ cap tipping for Braves, just golf and the beach it seems.
Can stomach muscles straining help?
Sammy
September 26th, 2011
10:48 pm
Someone cut our heads off and put us out of our misery.
dkmo10
September 26th, 2011
10:48 pm
CAN WE PLEASE BLEEPIN WALK RAUL IBANEZ FOR CRYIN OUT LOUD!!!!!!!! HE HAS KILLED US AND YET WE KEEP PITCHING TO HIM GOOD GRIEF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tomahawk Broke
September 26th, 2011
10:48 pm
“Tip” your hat to Charlie Manuel. He didn’t roll over like Freddie has done several times this season. Maybe be should get our old friend, Ozzie Guillen to come coach. At least he has some freakin’ passion and fire.
peachie
September 26th, 2011
10:49 pm
Hire Larry Wayne Jones SR ( Chipper’s dad) as the new hitting coach. He taught his son, maybe he can teach the rest of the team
Milton Maven
September 26th, 2011
10:49 pm
Maybe the opportunity was different, but ponder this Fredi: Identical 4-2 scores; Pujols on second, Holliday on first. Double steal and runners now on second and third. Berkman doubles and the score is tied. We have Bourn at second, Prado at first. With this duo we do nothing and let Chipper hit into an inning ending double play. Both teams down 4-2 late and one team makes something happen to fight back while we wait for something to happen. Disgusting!
dkmo10
September 26th, 2011
10:50 pm
ATTAY BOY TOMAHAWK CHOKE LOL
J Clay
September 26th, 2011
10:50 pm
Team has stunk since the big mouth ole Chip said the earlier series with Phillies did not matter and they would beat them in the playoffs. I don’t care how much you fools love Chippy, but that was the start of the downfall….since when does a series not matter when you are trying to get in postseason? The moron assumed 1 month ago they were in, rather than continue playing like they were not….thanks Chippy
Greg
September 26th, 2011
10:51 pm
I guess charlie manuel wants to face Pujols Berkman and Holliday. Good luck with that.
GT311
September 26th, 2011
10:51 pm
Frank Wren is looking like a moron too! Why does he care though? He sits in a lavish million dollar home..Its the fans who suffer. I even hate the announcers…yeah that means you Glavine!!
Big Wally
September 26th, 2011
10:51 pm
I second that vote for Ozzie. Need someone to kick some of these “go thru the motions” veterans (Like McFann) butts. He is not afraid to hurt the feelings of these spoiled players.
EPC
September 26th, 2011
10:52 pm
Fredi is an dumbass. We want Bobby!
IliiniBrave
September 26th, 2011
10:52 pm
Interesting how the AJC folks want to foment all kinds of emotion and animosity towards Richt before the Dawgs season has even begun, but when it comes to the Braves collosal collapse there are crickets chirping in the night.
When you have an entire team that somehow has completely forgotten how to hit, pitch, field, and play solid fundamental baseball, it seems like a leadership issue to me.
GT311
September 26th, 2011
10:53 pm
Million dollar choke artists!
Greg
September 26th, 2011
10:53 pm
Exactly Milton. Fredi is bobby and they are the dumbest managers in baseball. Gotta get the virus out before you can recover.
Chipper
September 26th, 2011
10:53 pm
I’m ready to start hunting in Texas. I’ve got my millions. Suckers.
Runnin With The Dawgs
September 26th, 2011
10:54 pm
Some of you folks are right. We dont belong in the playoffs. It would only make this whole thing a bigger embarrassment than it already is!
Najeh Davenpoop
September 26th, 2011
10:54 pm
Let’s Go Hawks!
Brave Fan
September 26th, 2011
10:54 pm
I;ve been holding out hope and being positive. If the Cardinals pull it out tonight, we are done!
Look at the bright side
September 26th, 2011
10:55 pm
We have Derrick Lowe going tomorrow!
Crash Davis
September 26th, 2011
10:55 pm
Cards are now tied with Houston in 9th… Berkman 2 run double to tie the game. Wow a clutch hit. We don’t know what those are.
Tell Me You Didn't Just Say That.
September 26th, 2011
10:56 pm
Did someone say this team misses Bobby Cox? The same Bobby Cox that couldn’t get out of the first round for a decade with this same team? The same one that couldn’t win multiple championships wih THREE HALL OF FAMERS in his rotation? LMFAO… Probably still defending Mark Richt too, I bet!
Big Wally
September 26th, 2011
10:56 pm
Uh oh, Cards threatening in the 9th.
Najeh Davenpoop
September 26th, 2011
10:56 pm
I really don’t care whether the Braves “belong” in the playoffs or not. The 83-win Cardinals didn’t “belong” in the playoffs in 2006 either. If you want them to miss the playoffs you are not a real fan. Once the playoffs start anything can happen.
But I am in favor of replacing Larry Parrish regardless of whether or not the Braves make it. They need to shake something up on the offensive end after every player declined from last year’s performance.
Mitchell
September 26th, 2011
10:57 pm
Mark Bradley, you are an embarrassment.
truth23
September 26th, 2011
10:58 pm
Prado and McCann, the two supposed to be “all starts” have hurt this team badly down the stretch….. If it weren’t for Chipper and Freeman this year, we wouldnt even be close… And like always Chipper steps up in the clutch, but everyone else fails.
wes
September 26th, 2011
10:58 pm
The Phillies are too dumb to rest their players. What is the purpose of winning 100 games when you don’t win the World Series. If Philadelphia had any brains they would keep the Cards out of the playoffs. The Braves with no pitching except for Hudson and no timely hitting would be an easy playoff victory. Instead the cards will get in and beat the phillies in 4 games in round one. This is for all the Phillie fans that’s talking smack about our Braves.
Sammy
September 26th, 2011
10:59 pm
Is Lowe still pitching tomorrow? Why not play Nate McClouth. We really want to go home.
Just saying
September 26th, 2011
10:59 pm
You people are such sad losers, name calling, denigrating, sadsacks. As fans you people for the most part don’t deserve a winner. I’ve read the same ole, same ole BS all season for all of you negative people. So what? The Braves lose the wild card position, don’t go to the play offs, don’t go to the WS and lose or win? So what? The world will still turn..the sun will still rise and set and you if you’re lucky will continue to live and breathe. Get a winning, positive attitude and perhaps, you will win something and be deserving of a winning team…. Many of you have tagged Atlanta as “Losersville.” Well, I’m just saying, Atlanta is not Losersville because the teams perform and do not win it all. Atlanta is Losersville because of the fans, particularly those who post on AJC…Just saying… Of, course, this team doesn’t belong in the play offs….Deal with it. It’s not the end ofthe world!
Hayes
September 26th, 2011
10:59 pm
Wasn’t Mark Bradley posting about how the braves had 95% odds to win the wild card? Or was it Schultz. Gullible goofs.
pat
September 26th, 2011
11:00 pm
Enter your comments here
Big Wally
September 26th, 2011
11:00 pm
Way to go Stros. Still tied bottom of 9th. Come on Stros baby……………
Fed Up
September 26th, 2011
11:01 pm
Can you say gutless? Clueless? Not impressed at all with this bunch – especially some of the decision making at the top… How good would some of the young guns had been by now if we’d moved the old farts out of the starting lineup sooner? In a rush to be relevant we’ve wasted another year. Could have saved picks and $ this year, let the young guns play and take their lumps, then truly been ready to start next year primed for a serious run. now we’re saddled with a bunch of unproductive mid to late career players taking up roster spots and not producing… still haven’t let the young guns take their lumps… Just looking at another year of mediocrity in 2012.
Braves need to do the following:
- Retire Chipper => Prado to 3rd
- Retire Lowe => Pick a young gun to replace him
- get Heyward some therapy and quit messing with his approach to hitting. TP? has messed him up. the kid came up with a clue. no he’s overmatched more times than not…
- get a coach that isn’t a Bobby Cox clone.
- get a no nonsense hitting coach.
- find a pitching coach that can get our pitchers through the year without extensive stays on the disabled list… Same for position players. I don’t know if its conditioning or what, but we’ve had too many injury plagued years in a row to claim it’s “normal”.
- get a killer instinct…
- Find another corner outfielder that actually hits 300 and drives in 90+ runs a year.
This year is over. Don’t do these things, then don’t expect anyone to get excited about the product next year, or the year after.
Enough said.
pat
September 26th, 2011
11:02 pm
Um, I am glad it’s foorball season. I can’t watch this. It’s just to painful. We collapsed, it sucked. We need BIG changes next year starting with OWERSHIP. F-U Liberty, sell us to somebody who isn’t an A-hole.
Big Wally
September 26th, 2011
11:02 pm
My apologies to Terry Pendleton. I thought he was the absolute worse hitting coach in MLB. Larry Parrish makes him look great.
Fredi G
September 26th, 2011
11:03 pm
Who wants to ride up to Helen with me this weekend? I won’t have anything else to do so I”m planning a bike ride with DOB to check out the corn mazes.
aaa
September 26th, 2011
11:04 pm
Braves fan for 30+ years. They don’t deserve to go to the playoffs. St Louis is a better team and I don’t think they would embarass themselves in the playoffs. I think if the Braves make it, they will get swept. At this point, I would rather concentrate on the Falcons.
Little Jimmy
September 26th, 2011
11:04 pm
This team is an embarrassment. Another decent pitching performance wasted because we can never score runs. I hope these poor young pitchers don’t start thinking that if you give up 2 runs you might as well throw in the towel.
Look at the bright side
September 26th, 2011
11:05 pm
I predict a Braves vs. Red Sox World Series with a seventh game duel between Lowe and Lackey.
jimbean
September 26th, 2011
11:06 pm
so…disappointed…
Tell Me You Didn't Just Say That.
September 26th, 2011
11:06 pm
I can’t believe what I’m reading. You people say want Bobby Cox? LOL Failing the meet expectations is all they did in the 90s!
Bissch
September 26th, 2011
11:06 pm
Chop??? CHOKE is more like it. I mean when you can’t beat the Marlins and Nats you don’t deserve to be in the playoffs. The Braves will drop the last two and watch the playoffs from their couches.
Big Wally
September 26th, 2011
11:07 pm
Well that sux.. Extra innings.
pat
September 26th, 2011
11:08 pm
Welp, this is your fathers. Braves team….. We need to end the age of complacancy. Retire Chipper. SELL libery.
No Manager
September 26th, 2011
11:10 pm
There was a picture of fredi on the first blog. The caption read:”where are we going and why am I in this handbasket. Just imagine if Lowe had not lost 16 games. But they meant nothing, right?
Little Jimmy
September 26th, 2011
11:10 pm
Ozzie traded from Sox to Marlins….. probably means we won’t contend for wild card next year either….
UpYoursJobu
September 26th, 2011
11:12 pm
Well, at least we have hockey season to look forward to. Let’s go Thrashers! Oh, wait….
Big Wally
September 26th, 2011
11:12 pm
Got to honestly evaluate our everyday players. Prado is not an everyday player, so we have a hole in LF. Love Bourn in CF. Heyward appears to be a bust, so no RF, 3b, Chippers days are numbered, SS, Gonzalez is on downside of career, 2b ok with Ugla, 1b, ok wth Freeman, C, Got to worry about McFann. So we have serious concerns/holes in 5 out of 8 position players.
Reality Dawg
September 26th, 2011
11:13 pm
Atlanta is and will always be the worst sports city in the country period! One World Championship and not a whole lot else. Braves are pathetic, Falcons have and will never put two back to back seasons together making the playoff’s, Hawks alAre as dry and tired as the west Texas desert and oh yeah, we just lost another Hockey francise to a podunk hick Candanian town. Why don’t we just call Atlanta LOSERVILLE. Facts are facts people!
Just sayin'
September 26th, 2011
11:14 pm
Absolutely no heart in this team.
Mikey in Jax
September 26th, 2011
11:15 pm
What is so frustrating is that no one will be held accountable for this monumental failure. Gonzalez and Wren will continue in their jobs just as if nothing happened. The players who must assume the majority of the blame will continue to draw their huge salaries. Well the shame will be with them forever now. If any of us had faied this miserably on our jobs heads would roll.
Mitchell
September 26th, 2011
11:18 pm
There we go.
Got him at third!
Mellon Cone, get this guy.
Big Wally
September 26th, 2011
11:18 pm
Wren should be safe, I mean, he did get us Jack Wilson.
The Bottom Line
September 26th, 2011
11:18 pm
Gutless team, gutless manager, gutless fans. This crap about “so what? the sun will still rise” is PRECISELY why it’s Losersville. You know why teams such as the Yankees win? Because Yankee fans DEMAND it and then show up. Their customers pay good money to see greatness on TV and in that massive stadium and they want a return on their investment, while Braves fans don’t even know what John Malone looks like! LOL. Soft fans who are just glad to hear the Braves or just glad to have a team at all are the reason why this team chokes year after year. Raise hell and you will see change. Don’t let anyone tell your otherwise.
Mitchell
September 26th, 2011
11:18 pm
Greg Amsinger, we get it.
You’re from St. Louis.
BravesfaninAugusta
September 26th, 2011
11:19 pm
I really hate Fredi right now…. He doesn’t have a clue how to motivate this team.
Mitchell
September 26th, 2011
11:19 pm
Don’t let John Jay beat you.
Come on.
Cards
September 26th, 2011
11:19 pm
Double by Molina. About to take the lead
Mitchell
September 26th, 2011
11:19 pm
OUT AT SECOND.
LET’S GO ‘STROS!
Big Wally
September 26th, 2011
11:20 pm
Still tied, bottom on 10th, come on Stros, come on Stros, come on Stros.
JRob
September 26th, 2011
11:21 pm
A fickle fanbase that can’t sell out the most important regular season series in ten years has no right to complain about their team’s performance.
More people showed up for last night’s Nationals game than tonight’s Braves game.
Shame on you Atlanta.
Packing it In
September 26th, 2011
11:23 pm
If you can’t win a series against the Mets, Marlins, or Nats, then you don’t deserve it. Especially when everything was on the line.
Time to rework some positions and hopefully find some offense for next season. Its not really going to matter though. Phillies will win this division for 20+ straight. Too much money, loyal fanbase, and an owner that cares. Our glory days are behind us. Sad really……
Cards
September 26th, 2011
11:23 pm
Houston Double.
Mitchell
September 26th, 2011
11:23 pm
Double.
Let’s do this.
Mark
September 26th, 2011
11:24 pm
1 and 3rd no outs. if houston loses, then they reallllly suck
Jax Braves Fan
September 26th, 2011
11:24 pm
This time (11.22p) tomorrow night the Zombies will be out of their misery (but then again, Zombies are ALREADY out of their misery). There’s nothing more to say except that if there isn’t a wholesale shakeup for next year, it may be the Charlotte Braves next.
Big Wally
September 26th, 2011
11:26 pm
HOLY COW. STROS WIN.
Mitchell
September 26th, 2011
11:26 pm
Ha! The picture of Schafer on Gamecast has him in a Braves hat.
I guess that means he’s going to strike out swinging.
Mark
September 26th, 2011
11:26 pm
Wow houston won.
kerryb
September 26th, 2011
11:27 pm
Astros win Braves still in first in the Wild Card believe it or not.
Maggie R.
September 26th, 2011
11:28 pm
The body language says it all. the Braves just do not have the confidence they had under Bobby Cox. They need to believe and show the emotions and positive attitude that has made them winners.
Boise Brave
September 26th, 2011
11:29 pm
All I can say is wow- can’t believe Bravos still up 1 game. Can’t take care of business themselves-at least the lowly ‘Stros have their back.
Big Wally
September 26th, 2011
11:29 pm
Wow, shocker in Houston. Thanks Schaffer
stingembuzz
September 26th, 2011
11:29 pm
Braves get a gift from the Astros and the Magic Number is down to 2 with 2 to play.
Little Jimmy
September 26th, 2011
11:29 pm
Can’t believe Cards lost. But they know they only need to win 1 more to force a playoff cause there is no way in hell we’ll beat the Phils even once.
Big Wally
September 26th, 2011
11:30 pm
Sanchez I mean
JH
September 26th, 2011
11:30 pm
Huh Maggie? The braves had confidence with cox? Are you smoking crack?
NL wild-card race: Braves’ slide continues – USA Today | Price Per Head Blog
September 26th, 2011
11:30 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
MitchC
September 26th, 2011
11:30 pm
Mark, the Braves again played as if they didnt want to win tonight, but, as we now know, we got help from the 100 plus loss Astros.
One up, two to go. It would seem we would win at least one game in this series. If that happens, we at least guarantee ourselves a Thursday. Hopefully, we will get one more win from Houston, and win one ourselves. It will be backing in, yes, but at this point, after the lead we blew, I’ll take it any way we can get it.
kerryb
September 26th, 2011
11:30 pm
I guess sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.
Pat
September 26th, 2011
11:31 pm
How many ex braves have saved us? jordan tonight. furcal twice for st louis with errors.
Najeh Davenpoop
September 26th, 2011
11:31 pm
Thank you Astros.
dkmo10
September 26th, 2011
11:32 pm
THANKS YOU ASTROS!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL. GOOD NEWS IS BRAVES JUST HAVE TO WIN 1 GAME TO FORCE A TIE AND THAT WOULD MEAN stl WOULD HAVE TO GO 2-0. BAD NEWS IS I DONT WANT A PLAYOFF GAME IN stl. THERES STILL SOME HOPE LETS BEAT OSWALT AND WELL MAYBE WE WILL WIN IDK LOWE IS PITCHIN… =[.. SCREW IT LETS WIN BOTH AND BE DONE WITH IT!
Pat
September 26th, 2011
11:32 pm
only still alive because of furcal’s errors last week and now jordan.
Big Wally
September 26th, 2011
11:33 pm
I don’t care if we back in, I just don’t want to be known for the greatest choke job in the history of baseball.
Lowe ...
September 26th, 2011
11:34 pm
maybe now would be a good time to start that community service. Oh and I have 15 million other reasons why you need to start pitching well for a few weeks.
Pat
September 26th, 2011
11:34 pm
Haha who would pitch for us if there was a one game playoff? A rookie?
If we somehow won tomorrow, I would save hudson in case for st louis. Cause we wont beat philly twice in a row. Plus better offs that houston would win than us winning.
Todd A.
September 26th, 2011
11:35 pm
Fredi should be fired first thing Thursday morning. A collapse like this can’t be excused or ignored if they expect to sell tickets in 2012. And Wren needs to answer for Lowe and Chipper’s contracts, which will prevent the Braves from seriously competing next year as well. This organization has been a running joke since Leyritz parked that hanging slider in ‘96. No heart, no guts, no cajones’.
Mitchell
September 26th, 2011
11:37 pm
If that tool Marmol could have just put a ball over the plate on Saturday, it could be over.
Of course, we would have to actually win a game.
Not that that will happen tomorrow with Derek Suck on the mound.
Big Wally
September 26th, 2011
11:38 pm
Would be rather funny if the Stros swept the Cards. Card fans would be jumping off of buildings.
kerryb
September 26th, 2011
11:39 pm
Todd A., it’s not Freddie’s fault that his best two starters got hurt and he had to rely on rookies. Apparently JJ is not a pitcher that is going to stay healthy. I bet Boras drops him before long.
kerryb
September 26th, 2011
11:41 pm
Big Wally, The picture of that just made me laugh. Your right. They would be screaming for Larussa’s head just like some Braves fans are calling for Freddie’s.
NagoyaBrave
September 26th, 2011
11:42 pm
Bailed out again. Hope yet again. What will tomorrow’s team do with it. We gotta better chance to win tomorrow or Sunday rather than today. So don’t fire Fredi yet!!
kerryb
September 26th, 2011
11:43 pm
I bet Cards fans are about to jump off after tonight. We lost to the Phillies but we didn’t go down 3 to the Astros tie it back and get beat in the 10th by a squeeze bunt. I guess that is pay back for SAturday when they had no business winning that game on a wild pitch.
Mitchell
September 26th, 2011
11:43 pm
Thank you Astros.
MARK B
September 26th, 2011
11:44 pm
I have no idea why you blocked me, but my AJC subscription of 23 years was just cancelled.
wins-by-a-link
September 26th, 2011
11:45 pm
Houston won in the 10th, Keeps a one game lead for Braves with two games remaining, If Braves can win one of two remaining games they will earn at least a tie no matter what the Cards do, If the Braves could win out they would clinch WC, But how likely is that, But then who would have thought the Astros would beat the Cards, This one is going down to the wire.
kerryb
September 26th, 2011
11:47 pm
We have a better chance beating Oswalt who is struggling and Hamels who has won only 1 game this month than we did Lee.
Big Wally
September 26th, 2011
11:48 pm
kerryb, might have mass suicides in St. Louis and Boston. I guess of the three, the Braves (unbelievably), might be in the best position.
Perry
September 26th, 2011
11:49 pm
Stop blaming it on the starting pitching going down. It’s the OFFENSE. It always has been and always will be with this team.
kerryb
September 26th, 2011
11:49 pm
I bet there were a lot of destroyed furniture in St Louis when Dotel dropped that ball on the bunt.
John
September 26th, 2011
11:52 pm
The Atlanta Dream is the Best Sports team in Atlanta
John
September 26th, 2011
11:54 pm
3 straight years in the playoffs, Two straight years in the WNBA eastern conference finals and after tomorrow night it will be two straight years in the WNBA finals. So that does make them the best sports team in Atlanta go figure.
Mayhem Is Coming
September 26th, 2011
11:55 pm
Somewhere along the way in the 2nd half of the season the Braves have become a bad team and it seems as though our manager is just waiting for “things” to happen: and nothing does, at least not good things.
Good teams overcome, injuries, good leadership takes a team like Tampa Bay to the brink of making the playoffs after they were decimated by free agency. The Braves are not a good team and the only reason we are piddling around where we are is that we are the best of a sorry lot.
There is no hustle, sense of urgency, there does not appear to be any strategy or plan.
Should the Braves completely choke they do not deserve to be in the same class as ‘64 Phils – this team seems to have quit.
kerryb
September 26th, 2011
11:55 pm
Well, if the Braves make it they have playoff experience already. They’ve been in a playoff for the last week. I guess the only problem is that they’ve only won 2 games.
kerryb
September 26th, 2011
11:56 pm
WNBA? who cares. I don’t even care about the real NBA.
jpc
September 26th, 2011
11:59 pm
You realize if Braves win tomorrow night and Cards lose, it’s over. If Braves win or lose and Cards do the same, we can’t lose without a playoff game. Just hope we choose the right pitcher to start against the Phillies. The potential is there to be tapped. The Braves have to be ready to break loose.
John
September 26th, 2011
11:59 pm
Its still a pro sports team in ATL and they are winning thats all that matters
kerryb
September 27th, 2011
12:00 am
Come on. It’s women’s basketball. I don’t know and have never heard of anyone watching it.
DawgDad
September 27th, 2011
12:01 am
There will be a lot of bald heads in Atlanta and St. Louis when this season ends. Tuned in to the Cardinal game after the Braves were over and they blew the game big time, leaving runners stranded early, then Molina running into an out at third base and Dotel muffing a sacrifice bunt.
I can’t imagine what it must feel like to be Freddi Gonzalez living this every day.
we dont deserve it-but we will win it all
September 27th, 2011
12:01 am
We play like crap, look like crap, but watch these boyz get in the playoffs by the skin of a cardinal toe-nail and then play there heart out to make it up to all of those who are leaving harsh comments…you have to believe…because in your hearts- you know the braves are so much better than what they are showing & statistically they have to wake up sooner or later & they will wake up in the playoffs & win it all….its our time….
John
September 27th, 2011
12:02 am
lol I just got started watching them in the playoffs last year didnt know they exisisted until last year. Those ladies play there hearts out though and have fight in them. I dont care who you are if you going to play that hard in a sport you got my support
jpc
September 27th, 2011
12:06 am
Damn. Never heard so much negative crap. I truly hope the Braves win this thing just to spite their quitter-fans!
Nanny
September 27th, 2011
12:09 am
On decision to go back with Martinez a second day:
“With the left-handers, we felt good that he was going to get the left-handers. We really wanted him to get a couple hitters there, the left-handers, and (then) bring O’Flaherty in. We were only trying to get one out there in the sixth (with O’Flaherty) and then go out there in the seventh. (Martinez) got Howard and (Victorino) got the triple.”
What the hell is his rationale here? Makes no sense. If you’re going to bring in O’Flaherty anyways, why wouldn’t you do so when Howard, Victorino and Ibanez are coming in? That decision may have cost us the game as Martinez promptly gave up the triple to Victorino. I am even more annoyed after reading that idiotic and nonsensical explanation from idiot Fredi.
Nobleman
September 27th, 2011
12:33 am
As a fan who went through the nightmare 70’s, this bust so takes me back to that decade, at least those teams could hit, they would be out of the race by the All Star game. This management staff is an insult to all die hard fans, how do they get their paychecks[SEND IN A Child to get it?}, there is no more shame in the USA. Braves fan since 1965.
NO MORE PARRISH
September 27th, 2011
12:43 am
I’m embarrassed to get in with help from Houston instead of winning our own games.
reality check
September 27th, 2011
1:14 am
Braves are DEAD and DONE. Only reason we are not the laughing stock of baseball with our choke job is Boston is also choking.
Pathetic. If we happen to back into the playoffs then we are swept by the brewers. So end this misery NOW.
reality check
September 27th, 2011
1:15 am
DEAD and DONE….
Nobleman
September 27th, 2011
1:15 am
Enter your comments here
reality check
September 27th, 2011
1:16 am
They have flights made for vacation and golf and not Wisconsin to face the Brewers.
bart
September 27th, 2011
1:22 am
I understand MLB wanted to inject some more excitement and trauma into the the pennant & wild card races but Boston and Atlanta are embarrassing baseball with their pathetic choking collapses. And now I hear they plan to add another wild card next year? To be honest neither the Braves nor the Cards deserve to be anywhere close to the playoffs. They’re both losers and whoever makes it is assured a quick exit.
MJ
September 27th, 2011
1:29 am
I’m guessing the Braves would love to have an every day right fielder hitting .285, with 20 HR’s, 87 RBI’s, a slugging % of .476, who could throw slow runners out at first base, and hold fast runners at third. A player like that would no doubt have helped the team lock up the Wild Card spot. If you want to see that guy, look west to Kansas City, where Ned Yost (the ex-Braves coach) has got Frenchy playing quality ball again. Heyward is in trouble, and has just lost his mojo. Contanzas has cooled off, and Maty Diaz is no the same. Frenchy would be making a huge difference right now.
MJ
September 27th, 2011
1:33 am
By the way – as a life long Chipper fan, I’d like to know where all of his critics are hiding right now.Looks to me like the old guy who is always hurt is the only one on the team playing with consistency and creating offense. Chipper bashers – just shut up until he retires. You just dont know what you are talking about. Larry Wayne – keep kicking butt son! Go Braves
Reality Check
September 27th, 2011
1:39 am
Where’s the leadership???????? Chipper? McCann? Fredi? JACK?
Boyz From N. Ave.
September 27th, 2011
2:16 am
Please just let go….ur embarrasing urselves and the city. U suck, u coach sucks, Liberty Media sucks…..
nocahoma
September 27th, 2011
2:32 am
All of you fair weather fans will jump back on the band wagon when the Braves beat the Yanks in the World Series. Write it down.
MJC
September 27th, 2011
2:51 am
Why do people still want Chipper to retire? He’s the only one doing **** right now.
clay
September 27th, 2011
4:05 am
Lowe goes 7 tomorrow and pitches the best game of the year.
LOB Braves
September 27th, 2011
4:08 am
Who is the biggest contributor to this Braves Choke? Brian McCann, a.k.a. McPopup. What a waste at the plate. He is totally useless at the plate, hitting or catching.
bonsai bill
September 27th, 2011
4:30 am
They gave us a chance.. now let’s take it!
Let the atlanta sprit own club
September 27th, 2011
4:39 am
Chipper sounds like a excuse me son need me had sinus he gettin must screw are team go…..freeman is tired n is done after all he just a rookie n heyward he died at spring and fredi G. Mr cow tippin um cap tippin fellow ..of course u know chipper told DOB we better then anyone even Philly and look at we doin either back end wild card n go out back way if in NLDS too….lets face its chipper is no captain. He more like a bad pimple u can’t pop!They played very like hemorriods were attackin…..I see cox was at Game again no wonder we blew a 10 game lead in oct……excuse freddi Gonz its ashame Ozzie G. is comin to Fla make them win now in there new ball park he bring crowds back maybe chipper will get see Marlins jump on each other in 2012 when win east next year it be time for Phillies to slump they be wildcard then we be home!
Bobby cox
September 27th, 2011
4:44 am
Hey sports fans u like my son managein now just like me chip off the old block……here for u here we lose all three here cards win last game we have to fly to st.louis where Busch stadium be packed for 1 game playoff we lose 16-2 we go home freddi G will tip his jock cup to LaRussa…The end!
Ramboorider
September 27th, 2011
5:37 am
kerryb
September 26th, 2011
11:47 pm
“We have a better chance beating Oswalt who is struggling and Hamels who has won only 1 game this month than we did Lee.”
If I was betting I’d take the Phillies on Tuesday (Oswalt has been looking like his old self has last few starts – Lowe hasn’t looked like his old self since he WAS). But the Braves should win Wed because Chalie’s gonna throw by committee that night (just bringing Hamels in for a couple innings late to give him a shot at a 15th win) and the Braves will probably throw Hudson. So the Braves should manage at least a playoff.
Phillie fans are no better or worse than fans anywhere and I think you know that. I’ve been going for years and have seen only a few embarrassing drunks, nothing worse. I hope the Braves make it because a hot Cardinals team is the only NL team still in it that I really worry about. Obviously, the playoffs are a crapshoot and anyone can get hot, but nobody would be going in hotter than them. I think your guys are too banged up to do much this year, but I thought that last year too and you played the VERY hot Giants tougher than the Phils and way tougher than Texas.
drew
September 27th, 2011
5:56 am
As much as I hate to admit it, Atlanta does have the worst sports fans. Just a perusal of this blog tells you all you need to know about Atlanta fans. You’d think the Braves were approaching 100 losses by some of the comments here. The only thing Atlanta fans are good at is pointing their fat fingers of blame at anybody and everybody.
Here we are on the verge of making the playoffs and all the Braves fans (or maybe it’s just the know-it-all bloggers) can do is b1tch and groan about McCann, or Fredi, or Lowe, or Chipper, or Freeman or…well, pick a Brave and join the fun! Like someone said above, IF they make the playoffs, and IF they make a run, we won’t hear much from the “all negative, all the time” dumbasses that think they’re freakin’ baseball experts here on this blog..
I don’t know if they’ll pull this off or not, but either way, on the whole, they’ve had a pretty good season. There’s a lot of teams who would be thrilled to be in our position. Baseball is a sport of slumps and hot streaks. And I’d say we’ve had our slump, a slump to beat all slumps…we’re due for a hot streak.
Go Braves!
ChasZee
September 27th, 2011
6:16 am
Maybe it’s time to tinker with the playoff system — if two teams are “battling” for the last spot but neither seems competent enough to claim it, perhaps fans could vote in a truly wild card that’s playing the best regardless of record. Dodgers and Nationals have both won eight of 10. It’s just plain frustrating that for the second straight year the Braves haven’t been able to get to the finish line with the team that played so well earlier in the season.
jjGator
September 27th, 2011
6:59 am
For next yr because this yr is over: We started losing when we put Heywood back into the lineup-keep him but as a back up for now. Thank Derek for his contributions but trade him. Get the whole team on p90x this summer and require a higher level of conditioning-every year they get injured or peter out. Require Hanson and JJ to produce the 2nd half of the season. Give your starters, bullpen, Bourn(did he ever have a day off since joining the team?), Brian(play Ross every 5th game or so), etc, etc, some rest every once in a while. Bring back the Prado of last year. Go Braves, get lucky this year.
freddie!
September 27th, 2011
7:02 am
don’t worry–freedie and chipper have it under control! chipper knows his stuff—can the braves still catch the phillies? Chipper and Freddie—elite of the league!
Kevin30092
September 27th, 2011
7:08 am
Chipper Jones proved once again that he is the heart and soul of the franchise. He set the tone with a home run and double that Cliff Lee was beatable. He also made the defensive play of the game with his bare-handed grab and throw to first base. Chipper will be in the Hall of Fame and it is a shame we take his game and leadership for granted.
jammer
September 27th, 2011
7:09 am
At least the Red Sox are choking worse than us and getting all the publicity. This choke may go un-noticed.
Perry
September 27th, 2011
7:11 am
St louis had been given the wild card by these losers and they don’t even want it. 6-2 lead choke against the mets. 2 more losses since then. if they braves win today, i think you pitch someone else besides hudson wednesday cause you want him going in that one game playoff. jmho
Packer Ed
September 27th, 2011
7:18 am
What a flat, emtionless team from top to bottom, replace everyone.
Gen Neyland
September 27th, 2011
7:19 am
I recall a long stretch of a bannerless outfield, a year of worst to first as the baseball gods began to smile uopon the city of Atlanta. I understand completely the knock on the lack of World Series titles during the run but I can also recall sitting in the old AFCS with 5,000 other baseball fans wishing for just a shot at the playoffs…I learned that getting to the playoffs sure beat not getting there…
Dennis Diggler
September 27th, 2011
7:27 am
What is McCann’s excuse for folding up in a fetal position?? What a frigging loser.
LOB Braves
September 27th, 2011
7:42 am
You are so right. McPopup is a LOSER.
eastbound and down
September 27th, 2011
7:47 am
someone should ask Fredi if he intends on finishing the destruction of Venters’ pitching arm next year. He has done all he can this year to shorten his career.
jerry
September 27th, 2011
7:50 am
I have to think the players are making every effort to win and if they are it is not their fault. What could they gain by not trying?
john
September 27th, 2011
7:50 am
It’s another day guys and what do you get to do–you get to play baseball–lets have some fun tonight.
TheAntiMe
September 27th, 2011
7:53 am
I will hold out hope for the Braves until the bitter end but I must say it don’t look good. It seems like years since the Braves have won two nights in a row.
diddy
September 27th, 2011
7:58 am
All of you haters need to quit hating on McCann. He hasn’t been the same since he threw his back out trying to get that runner out at second. He has been our best player every year since coming up as a rookie. An allstar every year and a shoe in hall of famer. You all have no idea if he is truly hurt or not and one player is not the team. We’re 18+ games over .500 even with the worst baseball that we have played this month. Just think if Derrick Lowe could pitch more than 5 innings or not drive drunk…. You want someone to blame…BLAME D Lowe. Even Bostonians think that coke head was washed up in Boston. Blame our hitting coach Parrish and blame our anemic manager Fredi for over using our bullpen. Waiting on a 3 run homer aka ( BOBBY BALL) doesn’t work. One championship with the best pitching staff EVER proves it. If we do win this wildcard by one game…thank that umpire that called Julio Lugo safe against the Pirates in that awful game against the Pirates. I’m rooting for the RAYS now. No big payroll. All heart.
mike lum
September 27th, 2011
7:59 am
Talk about choking! The Braves are trying to hand the Wild Card to the Cardinals, but the Redbirds choke again and again. They’ll never make the playoffs…they can’t even beat the Astros!
TechRon
September 27th, 2011
7:59 am
And the beat goes on. I sure hope our ownership is planning to clean house. There is no character on this team. I think we should keep most of our pitchers (except Lowe, of course) and I truly don’t give a damn if they keep any of the position players. Every one of them has shown to be a dog. There is NO excuse for this kind of failure.And I don’t care if they do back into the playoffs. I won’t change my mind. And getting rid of Gonzalez (”manager”) is a foregone conclusion. They suck. There is absolutely no fire at all in this bunch. A total disgrace.
Leonard
September 27th, 2011
8:00 am
Not very impressive right now, are they? Hard to figure out this team, but the franchise does have a history of performing poorly in the post-season (when they get there!)
TechRon
September 27th, 2011
8:04 am
Astros bunt effectively and win. Can anyone on the Braves bunt? Hell no. It is a critical skill that helps manufacture runs. None of them can bunt and none of them even show the proper technique. They stand up there and make little jabs at the ball, like kids that have not been taught. Great coaching!
LOL...fairweather fans
September 27th, 2011
8:05 am
I think its very amusing that the same people calling for Fredi’s head and calling the Braves choke artists are the ones who will be back on the bandwagon if the Braves turn it around in the post-season (if they make it). Most of you so called fans are a joke.
Bulldawg
September 27th, 2011
8:11 am
Why can’t we put Constanza back in the lineup for these last two games? I don’t understand why he ever left the lineup. The guy hit over .300 in the minors, so he’s proven he can hit. Who cares that he is a career minor leaguer. His speed changes the Braves offense in a way that no one else can. If he just puts the bat on the ball he has a chance to beat it out for a hit. We need any and all options available for these last two games.
And another thought – are we really going to send Derek Lowe to the mound with the season on the line? They canned Kawakami for pitching the same way. In the real world, you get fired for not doing your job.
perk
September 27th, 2011
8:14 am
I loved Ernie Johnson……………but, ever since they put the microphone patch on their jersey, they have been in a tail spin. I’m just saying………..
Wookie
September 27th, 2011
8:15 am
Remember to meditate and have only positive thoughts for our Braves. Today I will be chanting for the healing of Chipper’s knee. Our boys need our support.
Felix
September 27th, 2011
8:20 am
What? Huh? The Astros won? Can’t believe it. When I went to bed the Cards had all kinds of men on base.
Jeremy
September 27th, 2011
8:20 am
You guys calling for Bobby are idiots. He had the same problem last yr. This is getting old, Freddy is the old Bobby. It is time to fire Freddy, let chipper go, and bring in someone with passion. I would take Guillen, we need someone who cares about winning and who hates to lose, what a concept.
Call it like it is
September 27th, 2011
8:21 am
Paging Dr. Kevorkian, paging Dr. Kevorkian to Turner field. We have a patient that has been holding onto life by a thread now for weeks. Can you go ahead and pull the plug now, since there is no way they are going to pull thru…….as usual.
Felix
September 27th, 2011
8:21 am
Braves offense = Chipper Jones.
longtimefan
September 27th, 2011
8:22 am
The Sox fans still want their team to win. The Braves fans have ragged this team all year.
Lowe.....Oh No
September 27th, 2011
8:25 am
Well, here we are. 1 up with 2 to play. If Freddie thinks we are clinching, he is mistaken. The Cards are going to be all kinds of upset after that heart breaking loss last night. So, they will come out with all kinds of fire and intensity. D. Lowe is on the mound tonight for the Braves. Well, there goes the season. He is the worst pitcher in major league baseball in the month of September. Ibanez, Victorino, Howard, etc. is ready and chomping at the bit to hit tonight against Lowe. I have a horrible feeling that tonight is going to be a disaster. The only way we win is if Lowe pitches out of his mind. And I just do not see it. Regardless of a miracle at Turner Field, Hudson will be the starting pitcher tomorrow. And, if the Braves choke this thing, SOMEBODY better lose their job (Parrish), because the fans deserve better than this garbage that was handed to us this month.
john
September 27th, 2011
8:34 am
It’s another day –Braves-guess what you get to do today–PLAY BASEBALL–lets have some fun tonight
Blob Horner
September 27th, 2011
8:34 am
Whether or not the Braves make the playoffs, it’s obvious that this is the transition team from the team Wren inherited to the team of the future. Due to a few bad trades to try and leverage the last of the playoff runs, we have been left with a stop-gap, make-shift team. Most of the desperate moves to fill those gaps have just not panned out. That’s what happens when you make short-term moves, you become desperate in your future moves. The trades Wren has made the last year are less of the shorterm,desperation variety and will pay benefits into the next several years. If someone will cover a third of Lowes contract next year, if Chipper gets tired of limping around the bases, plus the obvious expiring, deadbeat contracts,we will have a competative wild-card team in 2012, one that can win a playoff series. By 2013, we’ll have a team to win the division. Until then, we’ll still be feeling the hangover from our stop-gap moves, maybe best to skip the play-offs for now.
JSS
September 27th, 2011
8:36 am
Poor kerryb… Sounds like your circle is pretty small…
Go Dream!!! Tonight is the night!
Rickster
September 27th, 2011
8:37 am
Remember a few months ago when Mark Bradley wrote a blog about “Why aren’t people more excited about the Braves?”
This is why.
GT
September 27th, 2011
8:40 am
You got to wonder even if we make it if we desire it. How can you get worked up for the playoffs when you are a lottery pick getting in. Philly is like a bunch of rich kids playing with homeless kids. At the end of the day they get to go home to a warm place while we are on the streets. Those smirks on their faces while we are having a nervous break down is too much to watch.
BigGreenTribe
September 27th, 2011
8:40 am
Yes, it was Lee yesterday…but the fact is the Braves would make Elmer Fudd look like Lee the way the hitting (especially with men in scoring position) is. By the wat–this is nothing new; the team has had these prolonged hitting woes for long periods all season long.
And poor Brian McCann-since returning from the disabled list his hitting has gone into the toilet; he’s now a sucker for off-speed pitches and swings wildly more often than not at high, out of the zone,
fast balls. I regret saying this but Brian is right there now with the disappointing and totally confused
Hayward, a mere shadow of his 2010 self and a forlorn and sad figure at the plate.
Ted M
September 27th, 2011
8:41 am
Fredi should have taken Chipper out after he hurt his leg.
Chipper should have had that ball hit down the 3rd base line even w/his gimpy leg.
uhoh
September 27th, 2011
8:42 am
Am I on the only one that noticed Chipper playing on one leg late in the game last night? Can’t find a mention of it in the AJC. What’s his status? Anyone? Anyone? Chirp..Chirp…Chirp…
anotherdawg
September 27th, 2011
8:44 am
Never thought our hope to make the playoffs would hinge on the Astro’s sweep of the Cards, but that’s the way it looks.
bj
September 27th, 2011
8:47 am
GT311. Fla job is going to Ozzie..they wouldn’t have Fredi with Gold Bars hooked to him….only Braves take the loser.
Mike
September 27th, 2011
8:50 am
Holy negativity batman! You guys need to chill out and enjoy the final few games — you couldn’t ask for better drama to end the season on!
Sideline Dude
September 27th, 2011
8:50 am
Who cares? Major league baseball is too slow & boring.
Sonny Jackson
September 27th, 2011
8:50 am
Win or lose they are still my team… I was here in the ’70’s and ’80’s and know what a bad team is. Let’s stick with Freddi, swing the bat a little more and just see what happens.
Disgruntled
September 27th, 2011
8:52 am
McChoke, K-ward, and Struggla have killed the Braves with their September disappearing acts. These are three guys that we expect to be difference-makers, and not one of them has come through with a single, solitary big hit this entire month.
This team is a joke. The Cardinals have given them break after break in the last week, and they can’t take advantage.
MJ
September 27th, 2011
8:54 am
The Braves are just slumping at the wrong time of the year. It happpens to teams. They obviously have to find a way to suck it up the next two days. The manager needs to motivate the guys, and the players have to look in the mirror and get fired up on their own. The pitching has been great, but to rely on the bullpen for 100% of your success is not realistic. Our bats need to wake up. BMac, Uggla, & Prado – where are you?
I know it sounds crazy, but if we come alive and win the Wild Card, I think we’ll win it all. If we get that mojo back, we’ll be fine. If we cannot win the Wild Card, then we still have a really good team that just went cold at the wrong time of the year. This team, with their youth and speed, has been fun to watch. Not since Furcal have we had players with speed like Bourne and Constanza.
As anyone can see, our offense is killing us. As talented as he is, we cannot have a .220 player in the line-up every day in right field. We need to settle in on a full time left fielder. Our shortstop has an awesome glove, but we need more consistent hitting from that position as well. I hate to “what if” right now, but I think we’d put a kid in right field today if he was hitting .285, with 20 HR’s, 87 RBI’s, a slugging % of .476, and an arm strong enough to throw runners out going to 1st base. (By the way, Frenchy is in KC playing for Ned Yost, not for the Braves where he belongs) Same thing at short – the ex-Brave Andrus, who we gave away for Texiera would be sweet in the line-up. Those two bats would have already driving in enough runs to have allowed us to clinch the Wild Card.
Freddie, at the very least, put Hinske in Left Field and Constanza in Right field to try and bring some offense and speed to the game today. I really like Diaz and Heyward, but they are not getting it done. Good luck Braves – just keep fighting – Freddie – time to step up and get creative with your players. Try a little LaRussa – bat the pitcher 8th, and have Constanza 9th in front of Bourne. Those guys would change the game if they were on the bases together. You could manufacure a few runs early that could mean all the difference. Go get ‘em guys
Dr. Phil
September 27th, 2011
8:57 am
The statement “Braves hold their ground” is a misnomer. Houston played like champions.
Sonny Clusters
September 27th, 2011
9:05 am
They’re holding ground like it’s an earthquake. Laying down and hugging the ground. Hugging baseball teams and fanny patters never advance to the playoffs. We was watching Chipper when he pulled up lame last night and we was wondering if he has “tree stand knee” a famous malady of deer hunters who jump out of their tree stands. Maybe Mark could ask him about that. Chipper looked like he was going to hit us to prosperity last night until he came up with runners on base and the game on the line. Can he play tonight or will Henry Grady start at third base? Could see some fancier glove work from O’Henry. Not many people know the candy bar was named for him.
Falcon A Man
September 27th, 2011
9:06 am
Even if the Braves pull it out do we really want to see how many people show up for a home playoff game being down 0-2 in the series? The way the Braves are playing do you really think we can manage to take even one game in Miller Park?
Sonny Clusters
September 27th, 2011
9:06 am
Filtered! Until they get this fixed we’re out of here.
Dr. Phil
September 27th, 2011
9:07 am
Should the Braves somehow sleepwalk into the post season, please don’t fly another wildcard pennant.
bj
September 27th, 2011
9:08 am
Sonny, I was here in 60,70,80..I too know what a bad team is and you’re looking at one..Fredi and the 2011 Braves stink bad.. nothing new!
I would Fire Fredi, Parrish, and (Mcdonothing) Pitching Coach..Give Chipper opinion to be a coach. Hire Greg Walker the hitting coach from White Sox now that Ozzie was fired. Get a manager from another organization with some fire in his belly and stop the good ole boy crap.
The Truth…Braves will make no moves..its easy to do nothing.
Still my team!
September 27th, 2011
9:08 am
When the playoffs start, all teams are .0000! Who knows what will happen, but I am riding with the Braves til the wheels fall off! Limping in means you’re still walking. As long as they are walking, they have a chance!
1eyedJack
September 27th, 2011
9:09 am
Well, you’ve just got to tip your cap to….who’s left to tip our cap to?
1eyedJack
September 27th, 2011
9:10 am
Well, you’ve just got to tip your cap to…..wait, who’s left to tip our cap to?
the truth...
September 27th, 2011
9:10 am
See the team with the worst record in baseball win with two straight bunts?
Our boy Fredi couldn’t call a bunt wo save his life…the other night we had bases loaded no outs with Bourn at bat…..then second and third and 1 out….
bunts……………??????????????????
of course not….to hell with the speed fundamental baseball game….sit back and wait for somethign to happen………..
You think those guys for Houston tonight decided to bunt in the bottom of the 10th?????????????
Sure….manager called for sure…..
When your team can’t hit….you bunt……………………..
dean
September 27th, 2011
9:19 am
Stat of the night.
W/RISP: ATL-1 for 10. PHI-3 for 5. There’s your ballgame.
heb11:1
September 27th, 2011
9:23 am
Keep fighting, Braves! It doesn’t matter that you get to the playoffs ugly, just that you get there! Anything can happen after that.
Rickster
September 27th, 2011
9:24 am
In the immortal words of Skip Caray…. “So long, everybody.”
Braves fold.
afan
September 27th, 2011
9:27 am
I’ll take my hat off to White Sox for firing that idiot of a manager they had…Braves need to do the same.
P Rose
September 27th, 2011
9:27 am
Flipping between the Braves game and Monday Night Football, I was struck by the difference in the levels of excitement. Now, I hate the Dallas Cowboys, and I never liked Tony Romo. But he was playing with a cracked rib; he kept taking hit after vicious hit, and I kept expecting him to get knocked out of the game. But he kept getting up. After each hit, he’d get in the face of the blocker who missed his assignment, or the receiver who dropped the ball, and scream at them. I could read his lips: “COME ON! Let’s GO!” Then I’d watch the Braves. Someone would strike out or pop up, and just walk back to the dugout with his head down, and the team’s leader stood blank-faced. The Cowboys fought back, came from behind and willed themselves to a win. The Braves didn’t.
Runnin With The Dawgs
September 27th, 2011
9:31 am
The Braves are in a do or die situation, and they’re sending Lowe to the mound tonight???
I don’t get it!
P Rose
September 27th, 2011
9:32 am
Flipping between the Braves game and Monday Night Football, I was struck by the difference in the levels of excitement between the two games.
Now, I hate the Dallas Cowboys, and I never liked Tony Romo. But he was playing with a cracked rib, and he kept taking hit after vicious hit. I kept expecting him to get knocked out of the game. But he got up every time. After each hit, he’d get in the face of the blocker who missed his assignment, or the receiver who dropped the ball, and scream at him. I could read his lips: “COME ON! Let’s GO!”
Then I’d watch the Braves. Someone would strike out or pop up in a crucial situation, and just walk back to the dugout with his head down, and the team’s leader stood blank-faced.
The Cowboys fought back, came from behind and willed themselves to a win. The Braves didn’t.
Ron Hartley
September 27th, 2011
9:33 am
Chipper put the Braves pathetic season in perspective last night in that one game. He homered—–GREAT—-but nobody was on base. he doubled—-Great—-but nobody was on base. Then—with runners at first and second and only one out—-grounds into a rally killing double play. Put that in the lowlight reel. That along with “MR. ALLSTSAR”????? McCann???? Ha—what joke. then how about Mr freddie Freeloader fFreeman. Look at all the chokes we have on this team!!!.
OZ
September 27th, 2011
9:34 am
Tonight’s the night! Can you feel it? Can you say CLINCH!! Oh yes! We’ll be poppin’ the bubbly tonight!!
Double Zero Eight
September 27th, 2011
9:34 am
The wheels have fallen off, the Braves
are riding on rims. I am still not giving
up. Even if they back into the playoffs,
they have a mathematical chance of advancing.
PMC
September 27th, 2011
9:36 am
Guys, I’m feeling strangely good this morning. Yeah they lost, but so did St Louis. Up 1 with 2 to play. Just got to win 2 games to get in. The rest of the month doesn’t matter, just do something now. I thought they played hard last night.
I think they can do this!
PMC
September 27th, 2011
9:36 am
Guys, they are winning these two games and getting in!!! Go Braves!
Runnin With The Dawgs
September 27th, 2011
9:37 am
I’d love to see Jurrjens on the mound tonight instead of Lowe!
afan
September 27th, 2011
9:38 am
I have made two post and didn’t use any bad words etc and it has not been posted. Why?
Runnin With The Dawgs
September 27th, 2011
9:38 am
Bats are STILL silent for the Braves.
Roadsterron
September 27th, 2011
9:39 am
Chipper Jones put the entire season in proper perspective last night. Homered—Great—–nobody on base. Doubled—–Great—nobody on base. Runners on first and second with one out—-hits into a rally killing doulble play. Put all that in te lowlight film. Then how about “MR. ALLSTAR” McCann—what a loser. Let’s not forget Mr. Freddie Freeloader Freeman—–he tops the choke list!!
JeanE
September 27th, 2011
9:40 am
I think they’re done but I’m a fan and fans watch and hope no matter how hard and this is HARD to watch. I don’t know what’s wrong with Mac but I wish Fredi had started Rossy last night against the lefty. The vaunted bullpen is not what they were. The nails were EOF allowing the score and Jonny the next run. And now we have Derek Blowe going tonight?? I commiserate with Red Sox fans, this is the pits!!!!!
Sonny Clusters
September 27th, 2011
9:40 am
Bottle of Beer, Pack of Mints, What this team needs, is Stinky Wintes!
Runnin With The Dawgs
September 27th, 2011
9:40 am
The blog monster got me twice for picking on Lowe, but I can’t help it. We don’t need him picthing in this series.
Runnin With The Dawgs
September 27th, 2011
9:43 am
The situation being as it is I can’t believe we’re starting Lowe tonight.
P Rose
September 27th, 2011
9:47 am
The random filter takes the fun out of writing here. You spend valuable time thinking about a point you want to express, you carefully write it, edit it and proofread it, and then you hit “submit comment,” and – poof. Nothing. Even if nothing offensive was said, 50% vanish. There’s no rhyme or reason to it. It frustrates readers and makes makes Bradley and the AJC look thin-skinned and paranoid.
JeanE
September 27th, 2011
9:48 am
Hey MJ what do you mean Diaz isn’t getting it done? Who scored one of the runs last night? Not Heyward or Hinkse or Constanza. Those trios bats are colder than the North Pole. Hinske is not hitting and Matty might’ve done better than Heyward in that last at bat. At least he hit the ball hard all night. Polanco robbed him with a great catch. Quit dumping on Matty, he hustles hard every single play moron.
P Rose
September 27th, 2011
9:49 am
Sorry for the duplicate posts, folks. They seem to vanish for 15 minutes. Some appear later, some don’t. Stupid blog.
Phillies, Class of The NL
September 27th, 2011
9:59 am
So…another awful crowd at Turner Field last night…maybe if the fans treated it like a playoff game the team would too? It must be very depressing to play in atlanta….
Phillies, Class of The NL
September 27th, 2011
10:00 am
great crowd at the game last night…oh, never mind…
jasont13
September 27th, 2011
10:02 am
I want to know why Martin Prado didn’t slide to try and break up the double play in the ninth?
afan
September 27th, 2011
10:03 am
U got that right Rose ..filter sucks…if this gets printed.
skeptomania
September 27th, 2011
10:10 am
Was Fredi seriously considering putting in Linebrink in the 4th or 5th inning? I guess he thought about it and figured Martinez with no rest is a better option. Anyone else get tired of Joe Simpson making excuses for Venters. He seems to get two days off between appearances and he is still tired? No excuses. This is the time of year when the winners step up and none of the Braves appear to be doing it.
the truth...
September 27th, 2011
10:16 am
Fredi Quote:
When asked post game last night if Lowe would be on a “short leash” tonight Fredi responded in true moron fashion:
” no we’ll just play it by ear, baseball is a game you can’t have a game plan for.”
That’s Fredi….not a clue…
LawDawg
September 27th, 2011
10:16 am
“Georgia sports teams are pathetic. They really make it hard to remain a fan.”
Don’t worry. You aren’t a real fan.
Billy D
September 27th, 2011
10:22 am
I almost choked when I heard Chippers comments after the loss. ” I am proud of the teams performance and the blame is on the rookie pitchers ” The truth is any Brave pitcher is constantly under pressure from this bunch of choke hitters. I have watched baseball for many years and this is the worst hitting bunch I have ever seen. I have seen every game this year on the MLB package but you can bet I will not subscribe next year. The worst thing is they give the impression that they dont give a damn whether the win or not so why should we care either.To hell with them..
Joey
September 27th, 2011
10:31 am
So, Mark you should have a poll for us to vote on the “Biggest Choker” on this current Braves squad.
I’ll put my X in the box by McCann. “Mr May” has gotten worse and worse since his stint on the DL. It’s either choking or he’s still injured.
Either way, I firmly believe if Ross and Constanza had stayed in the lineup, we would have wrapped up the WC a couple of weeks ago.
Billy D
September 27th, 2011
10:41 am
If you wont print my comments why ask for them . Uou are as gutless as this pathetic team.
Herschel Talker
September 27th, 2011
10:45 am
MJ at 8:54:
“I know it sounds crazy, but if we come alive and win the Wild Card, I think we’ll win it all.”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Frigging hilarious.
HT
julie07
September 27th, 2011
10:47 am
You guys with all of your negative comments is just what our team needs right now. I’m a Braves fan no matter win or lose, of course I want to see the Braves start playing better ball, but by the city giving up on them is surely not going to help the team. I say Go Braves, they’re a lot of teams that have no chance at all making the post season, that would love to be in the Braves position right now , we still have a chance and that says a lot for our entire season. Quit downing them, especially Chipper he has carried this team for some time now. If you don’t care anymore, and your not going to watch tonight’s game then why are you on this site giving your opinion and wasting your time? Go Braves!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brave Hokie
September 27th, 2011
10:54 am
Your Yellow, Gutless, limp-hearted Atlanta Braves!
“Please lose Cardinals and let us in…”
The “weakest” generation version of a baseball team.
SSIgator
September 27th, 2011
10:54 am
Are the Braves related to UGA football in some way? Both have a tendency to choke at the wrong time. Must be something in the water.
Condom-less Chipper J
September 27th, 2011
10:55 am
Baseball is HARD guys, you don’t know…
McOUT
September 27th, 2011
11:20 am
Im done as a Brave, who are you whiners gonna complain about next year? We win & Cards win tonite, magic # down to 1, still think Im better than Schafer!
@McOUT
September 27th, 2011
11:22 am
How’s French Kiss’in Kawakami down in MISS going???
Jeff
September 27th, 2011
11:24 am
If we blow this lead and become the first team in the history of baseball to lose an 8 game lead in September then Freddi Gonzalez should be one and done as manager. Also Brian Van Gorder should share a moving truck with him.
Bernard
September 27th, 2011
11:26 am
As Fredi says all the time, “..You know what….”…..basically only the shadow knows…hee hee hee
extremus
September 27th, 2011
11:26 am
I think if on the final day of the season the Braves lose and the Cardinals take the wildcard, fans leaving the stadium should be treated by the organist to a little ditty that speaks to all of our feelings about the matter: “Loser” by Beck. Hey, that might actually light a fire under the (let’s all hope NEW) ownership to REALLY makes some needed offseason changes, starting with the coaching/management and working their way down. This team’s culture has indeed changed since Freddi Gonzalez took over, and I have to say it’s due for another one.
Tdalmore
September 27th, 2011
11:27 am
Braves are lifeless. They look as though they are resigned to losing. McCann is a great guy, but we’d be better off if he were benched. We’re basically down to one effective starter, Hudson.
KEVIN
September 27th, 2011
11:29 am
D-Lowe tonight??!! REALLY FREDI? We’ll be tied by the end of the night tonight. Down to the last game and MAYBE a “Play-In?” Braves just don’t have it.
Born2Buzz
September 27th, 2011
11:30 am
When I saw Martinez warming up in the bullpen I literally yelled NO!!! at the TV. Is there nobody else Freddie can go to? I knew we were done at that point.
But, the dream is still alive. I don’t care if they back in, just get in.
iTiSi
September 27th, 2011
11:34 am
Since FG is letting “Loser-Lowe” start tonight, the only chance the Braves have will come down to tomorrow night. The Cards will win tonight. Mark it down! I called what’s going on right now a month ago, so do have credibility. Besides my name is Clair Voyant, I do have ESP(n) and did stay at a Days Inn Express last night(close enough).
Bill Davis
September 27th, 2011
11:34 am
A one game lead in the wildcard race with three games left and playing the team you know you have to beat to advance in the playoffs and the park is 15% empty! If you remove the Phillies’ fans, it’s even more empty! What in the world is with that? Maybe, just maybe, the Braves play with less pasion than the Phillies play with because their fans aren’t passionate for them. I know fans outside the Northeast (Philly, NY and Boston) are less supportive of their teams but you have to sell out a game of this magnatude.
P Rose
September 27th, 2011
11:38 am
Tonight’s starters:
Phillies: Roy Oswalt, 8-10, 3.86 ERA
Braves: Derek Lowe, 9-16, 4.92 ERA
Cardinals: Jake Westbrook, 12-9, 4.48 ERA
Astros: Henry Sosa, 3-5, 4.68 ERA
I have a bad feeling about this.
P Rose
September 27th, 2011
11:39 am
Another one bites the dust. No, not the Braves, my last post in the stupid blog filter.
Appalachia Brave
September 27th, 2011
12:17 pm
Lets shake the team up tonite….Start Mclouth and Constanza!! They couldn’t do any worse…and they are rested! All this started with the trade to get Diaz….We were playing good with the speedy Constanze and Bourn at the top…I think it messed with our MOJO!
Appalachia Brave
September 27th, 2011
12:19 pm
OH….and START ROSS TONITE TOO!
WWSS?
September 27th, 2011
12:29 pm
WHAT WOULD SKIP SAY?
CThomas
September 27th, 2011
12:34 pm
Not looking good with Derek Lowe on the mound.
man and dog
September 27th, 2011
12:35 pm
Is Smotzie still under contract?
Booby Cox
September 27th, 2011
12:36 pm
Come on Ryno…
Lowe on Lowe
September 27th, 2011
12:38 pm
“Don’t worry fans, I’ll give it the best 1/3 inning of my life.”
1eyedJack
September 27th, 2011
12:56 pm
Anybody willing to bet a million dollars that Lowe wins tonight?
Larry David
September 27th, 2011
1:00 pm
Seems to me that this lifeless offense of the Braves was kickin’ not too very long ago. Then Heyward started grumbling about playing time and George Costanza gets relegated to the bench, basically never to seen again. I don’t follow THAT closely so I may have missed something along the way. Did Wren trade him to the Pirates for Diaz?
PhilsFanFromNJ
September 27th, 2011
1:00 pm
1 game lead with 2 games to play. You guys are still in a better situation then St. Louis. D. Lowe has always given the Phils fits with his sinker so I expect him to give you guys 6 good innings.
julie07
September 27th, 2011
1:04 pm
I’m sure the negative comments are really what the Braves need right now. I am a Die hard win or lose Braves fan! I would love to see the Braves start playing better ball, and win this thing, but with people like you so call backing them up, is really not going to fire them up to win for this city. If you hate them so much, and claim your done with them then why do you care to post a comment about them? I’m sure all the other teams that will not make post season play would love to be where the Braves are right now, and still have a chance. That should at least say something for the Braves, beings they are still in first for the wild card. I can not comprehend if your a true fan for any team, how you can be so fair weather when things aren’t going the way you would like, go jump on someone else’s band wagon and stop talking crap here! Go Braves !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Outside the Perimeter
September 27th, 2011
1:07 pm
Why wouldn’t we put constanza back in to shake things up – have him bunt if need be – anything to wake up the offense.
Outside the Perimeter
September 27th, 2011
1:09 pm
Why won’t we put Constanza back in for Heyward? Just do anything you can think of to shake things up… have him bunt if you have to…. anything…
Gone
September 27th, 2011
1:15 pm
the braves billionaire owners need to fire the gm and manager after this huge choke. Totally embarrassing—no wonder that atl is called loserville.
Skip Would Say
September 27th, 2011
1:22 pm
“It looks like the Braves are playing for their off-season lives.”
Dawg4Life
September 27th, 2011
1:27 pm
Attention Braves players:
PROVE HIM WRONG!!!
“It’s pretty simple: We have to win these games,” first baseman Albert Pujols said. “I’m thinking if we win these games the worst thing is we’re playing (a one-game playoff) on Thursday.”
Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/article_3d7aead9-9fe8-5953-a1d1-1fbf021d9212.html#ixzz1ZAskB844
Dawg4Life
September 27th, 2011
1:30 pm
@julie07,
You go girl, tell these jerks how it is….
GO BRAVES!
George Washington
September 27th, 2011
1:38 pm
How does one “lose another one” yet still “hold their ground?” The Braves held nothing. They have the one game lead because the Cards faultered. Come on MB! Wake up!
man and dog
September 27th, 2011
1:41 pm
Julie – I wish I could share your enthusiasm. Now, follow the piped piper and the other rats off the side of the ship.
George Washington
September 27th, 2011
1:42 pm
Where’s Morganna when you need her? Someone needs to jolt these Braves jocks back into action. She may be the breast chance we’ve got!
Tommy
September 27th, 2011
1:43 pm
If all of you fair weather fans want to know why Atlanta is called “loserville”:
go look in a mirror
George Washington
September 27th, 2011
1:47 pm
I’m looking in a mirror.
I’m good enough. I’m smart enough. And gost darnit, people like me!
(Okay, going to check the standings again). Dang.
George Washington
September 27th, 2011
1:48 pm
Maybe because I typed “gost” instead of “gosh?”
Skip Would Say
September 27th, 2011
1:48 pm
“As long as patronize our fine sponsers, it’s ok to walk your dog now.”
Skip Would Say
September 27th, 2011
1:49 pm
As long as you patronize our fine sponsors, it’s ok to walk your dog now.”
Pete
September 27th, 2011
1:50 pm
Do the Braves honestly believe they can win a game with Lowe on the mound Tuesday ?
Are they serious ??
This is an insult to every fan who has ever supported this franchise, from day one.
It just doesn’t get any more pathetic than this.
GoBraves!
September 27th, 2011
1:53 pm
Anyone who says the Braves don’t deserve to go to playoffs because they’ve been playing worse lately should just shut up. It’s simple. If they win more games than St. Louis, they deserve to go period. It’s 162 game season. What were Cardinals doing when Braves were playing a lot better in July and August? Were they choking then? Every team plays 162 games. Whoever gets the better record advances.
BaseballBuff
September 27th, 2011
1:54 pm
A high BA with RISP in the 7th or later is what it’s all about. A few hitters live for those moments. They quickly identify and embrace those game-changing opportunities.
BaseballBuff
September 27th, 2011
1:58 pm
Constanza should be playing instead of Heyward. I am beginning to suspect what is going on with that, but I hope I’m wrong.
kent
September 27th, 2011
1:58 pm
The GM did his job. The fat f-ck of a manager didn’t.
GoBraves!
September 27th, 2011
2:00 pm
The worst case scenario tonight is Lowe implodes and they lose while Cards win one. At least Braves will have Hudson, their best starting pitcher at the moment going tomorrow. Phillies will throw several pitchers including a couple of innings by Hamel to tune up. If both team win tomorrow, Beachy will be pitching in a play in game. I’m okay with that.
George Washington
September 27th, 2011
2:00 pm
Open letter to Shane Victorino:
Dear Shane,
Quit it.
Sincerely,
-George
Joe Simpson Would Say
September 27th, 2011
2:01 pm
“Even though he missed that ground ball and allowed 2 runs to score,Chipper looked good doing it.”
Braves Fan in Beantown
September 27th, 2011
2:15 pm
The Atlanta Braves’ fans have become a Disney World version of themselves. Maybe I have been out of the south for too long, but back in the 90s the Braves were “America’s Team.” Fulton County was jammed packed. People believed in Bobby Cox. Even with the Red Sox collapsing, Bostonians are still rallying around their team. I’m ashamed of you all. Ashamed. By the way, the Red Sox are collapsing WITH ALL OF THEIR PITCHING. We’re starting rookies. Have a little pride for crist sake.
M10
September 27th, 2011
2:21 pm
I wished we would fire Freddie and bring in Ozzie someone who would tell it like it is and stop sugur coating like this team always does, thats why they suck and have no since of urgency at all.
julie07
September 27th, 2011
2:36 pm
I agree Braves fan in Beantown, these people are an embarrassment for our city. It would be nice if the Braves had real fans!
man and dog
September 27th, 2011
2:37 pm
Hey Beanhead – It isn’t the fact the Braves are losing. It’s the way they are losing. No passion, no excitement, all moping around with slack-jaw looks. Stay in Boston. They deserve you.
BaseballBuff
September 27th, 2011
2:46 pm
Screw all of you high-falutin’ “true fans.” This is a product. We pay for it and expect something for our money. If we didn’t care, we wouldn’t complain. I have never seen bitching and whining anywhere like I’ve seen in D.C. and NY. You are either naive idiots or hypocrites.
oldtractorguy
September 27th, 2011
2:46 pm
Derek Lowe – the biggest loser on the team. Just bite the bullet for the obscene, overpriced salary you are paying for him and GET RID OF HIM. Now we have to watch his miserable performance again tonight. Doesn’t give us much hope for a “W” tonight.
cristianlobo
September 27th, 2011
2:49 pm
I’d go to church if I thought It might help.
George Washington
September 27th, 2011
3:34 pm
Cristianlobo: LOL.
George Washington
September 27th, 2011
3:57 pm
Potential headlines for tomorrow: NEGATIVE: “A New Lowe for Derek, Braves”…………..”Braves Lose, Dag Gummit” (Chipper strains quad, oblique, hamstrings, calves, neck and head) POSITIVE: “Braves get Lowe Down and Dirty in Victory” “A Star is Bourne – Michael Delivers Walk Off Hit” “Winning Uggla – Dan’s the Man with Walk Off Home Run” NEUTRAL: “One-Legged Boy, Very Hungry, Eats Own Foot (ask for another)
I’m hoping for the POSITIVE!
It's Ok
September 27th, 2011
4:06 pm
Just win tonite.
Ozzie Guillen
September 27th, 2011
4:12 pm
Braves clinch tonight. I sent Freddie Gonzalez my blow up dolls to put in the locker room. This should end the slump.
@GoBraves!
September 27th, 2011
4:39 pm
You are an example of why Atlanta is a hapless professional sports town…
It is ALL about what a team or athlete does at the end of the season / playoffs…
The Braves are chokers {even if they back end} IMO, and it seems they ALWAYS limp into the post-season or forget to show up ~ at least since the Leyland HR in ‘96…
Period.
Runnin With The Dawgs
September 27th, 2011
5:09 pm
MB….. Thanks for giving us the oppurtunity to vent on your blog. I don’t think all these people who slam you for every word you print realize that you’re one of the biggest fans the Braves have. That said I still think FG is not thinking in the team’s best interest by starting Lowe tonight.
Iremember96
September 27th, 2011
5:41 pm
Mark,
Intellectually, I can’t blame you for the Braves’ incredible swoon, but I feared it as soon as I read your column about a month ago declaring without reservation or qualification that the Braves would win the wild card. It sounded so familiar…like when you declared the Braves would beat the Yankees in 1996. Please, stop predicting and start reporting.
BaseballBuff
September 27th, 2011
5:49 pm
That’s Leyritz, Jim Leyritz, @ @GoBraves! Mark Wohlers was never again the same pitcher after that. Regardless, I agree with you and your points are well taken. Paul O’Neill was an awesome clutch hitter/game changer for the Yankees. Where is our Paul O’Neill, now or then? There is absolutely no substitute for getting it done when it counts the most.
JoeMac
September 27th, 2011
5:54 pm
When Mark wrote that column, I posted that no one should count out the St. Louis Cardinals, brcause I knew the Braves were living on borrowed time, and that the Redbirds were going to catch them. Mark commented back saying that he did not see any way for that to happen. The really sad thing is that The Braves might lose their way into the playoffs, if St. Louis does not beat Houston, and if that happens, it will be so tragic. St. Louis is a better team than the Braves, overall, having won 5 of 6 from the Braves, and 6 of 9 from the Phillies, and also 5 of the last 6 from Milwaukee, but might be sitting at home. Quite honestly, the Atlanta Braves DO NOT deserve to play on. Any team that folds up in September like a cheap suit, should not have an opportunity to advance. If they do get in, who will come watch them play?? Everyone knows they are not able to beat Philly or Milwaukee, and probably not the D’backs. If they somehow squeak by and get in, I for one will not watch another inning of baseball this season, because it will be a fraud.
R2D2
September 27th, 2011
6:16 pm
Teheran should pitch tonight not Lowe. You know this man!
Runnin With The Dawgs
September 27th, 2011
6:23 pm
JoeMac — If the Cards are as good as you say then they shouldn’t have any problems with Houston.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 27th, 2011
7:56 pm
So far, nothing new from Lowe. Definitely time to cut ties with him at the end of the season. Bravos got lucky last night, but I think they’re luck is about to run out.
M Byrd
September 27th, 2011
8:35 pm
When you finish the last month of the season that way you DON’T deserve to back into the playoffs. Put them out of their misery already.
MR
September 27th, 2011
8:40 pm
Just lose Braves. Just lose. Make it end already. Forfeit the final game. Please. You stink from the end of the bench to the top of Liberty Media.
UGAKev
September 27th, 2011
9:51 pm
FIRE FREDDIE NOW!WHAT A CHOKE JOB!I WOULD RATHER HAVE OZZIE GULLEN KICK THERE BUTTS!YOU CHOKED CHIPPER !NO EXCUSES!
Bro. Jay
September 27th, 2011
10:02 pm
Thank God for the Atl. Dream……….WNBA Finals !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Runnin With The Dawgs
September 27th, 2011
10:06 pm
Astros are leading the Cards 6–5 in the top of the 7th.
Runnin With The Dawgs
September 27th, 2011
10:07 pm
No Runs! No Runs! No Runs!
Bro. Jay
September 27th, 2011
10:23 pm
Our only chance @ a ring are the DREAM!!!!!! BRAVES/FALCONS/HAWKS = DISAPOINTMENT
Michael M.
September 27th, 2011
10:35 pm
Every Fan would “Choke” if the Braves somehow slip into that Wildcard Spot ,and then get ” Hot” , and run the tables against the other Playoff Teams and go to the World Series and Win it too !…………lol
ugafan13
September 27th, 2011
10:53 pm
Michael M. Yea, it could happen…when pigs fly.
ugafan13
September 27th, 2011
10:54 pm
This is without a foubt one of the greatest choke acts I have ever witnessed.
alex
September 27th, 2011
10:57 pm
Tear this team down and start over. You have to wonder about a GM that goes out and brings the same, lame hitting Matt Diaz back to the team. Was watching this team “not hit” last year not enough for Einstein Dean?
Tipper Jones
September 28th, 2011
12:27 am
Mark, remember this:
http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2011/04/10/you-say-the-braves-stink-i-say-hold-those-horses-folks/
??
MitchC
September 28th, 2011
12:52 am
Mark, you know I have always told you that you are too negative and too harsh on the Braves, but, if they dont make the NLDS, PLEASE write the most critical article you can think of about them. I’ve been a Braves fan through thick and thin, and I dont think I’ve ever been angrier with them, or more ashamed, then I am now. I want to have faith, but, my gut tells me we are going home by Thursday at latest. I think the best case would be that the Braves and Cards will both lose tomorrow, and then the Braves will lose the one game playoff on Thursday.
I cant be positive with how this team has played, and with as big a lead as they have blown. They should have won the Wild Card in a walk.
Buzz 2011
September 28th, 2011
5:12 am
Straight choke!!
NoBravesForOldMen
September 28th, 2011
7:02 am
Much better to have the Bravo’s lose and St. Louis in the play offs. Everyone knows any team in NL will clean Atlanta’s clock in the play offs. Why watch losers who shouldn’t be there?
WTF
September 28th, 2011
8:03 am
We’re still one win and a Cards loss from the playoffs. Or both lose and we win tiebreak. Or we both win and win a tiebreak. It’s even-Steven on the last day – drama in baseball.
And all this has kept the blogs busy, the writers busy, the AJC selling more video ads and Liberty Media’s cashflow going.
See, it’s not all bad.
Now go to work, come home, love your wife, cuddle your kids and concentrate on the really important things in life.