Fire Fredi? No, but the Braves did some major mismanaging
Esteemed colleague Mike Luckovich offers this extremely flattering bit of imagery.
Midnight had come and gone, and Frank Wren stood in Bill Acree’s office just off the main clubhouse. (Acree is the Braves’ director of travel, and earlier he’d been triangulating the hoped-for trip to St. Louis and then to Milwaukee or Phoenix. Moot point now.) The general manager was staring at a TV above the door. Boston had just lost. Tampa Bay had just won.
“Coming into September,” Wren said, disbelief in his voice, “we [meaning the Red Sox and the Braves] had two of the four best records in baseball.”
Neither will be part of the sport’s eight-team tournament, and today the Braves’ one source of consolation is that the Sox choked even harder than they did. (Unbelievable that two of the three biggest September flops in the game’s century-long annals were concluded within moments of each other. The third happened in 1964 to the Pholdin’ Phils.) There were similarities in these contemporary collapses — starting pitchers got hurt and everything unraveled — but we’ll let long-suffering New Englanders suffer long with theirs.
As for the local nine: Wren did his job. He built a good-looking team. He landed Michael Bourn in July and fleshed out his roster with Matt Diaz and Jack Wilson in August. (And what did the glove man Wilson do? Became the new Brooks Conrad by erring on a double-play grounder that became Philadelphia’s second run Wednesday night.) This should have been a playoff team, and for 5 1/2 months it was playoff-bound. Then it derailed itself.
Blame should attach itself to Fredi Gonzalez, but not the sort that has been tossed around. Jose Constanza would not have saved the season. (He’s a journeyman. Come on.) Starting Derek Lowe in Game No. 161 was a justifiable choice. (You’d start the rookie Julio Teheran instead? Come on.) This wasn’t so much about managing situations — every manager, even the learned La Russa, whiffs on a nightly basis — as in managing people.
I’m not a big fan of team meetings, but sometimes they’re necessary. Gonzalez had one after the Braves lost seven of nine early in the month, which might have been a day too late, and another after they lost Game No. 161 to fall into a tie with St. Louis. What Fredi said Tuesday night was appropriate — “I wouldn’t pick any other guys over you to go out and win a game” — but by then the panic was full-blown. Panic is why this season ended after 162 games.
Ninth inning, Game No. 162: The kid closer Craig Kimbrel is on to do as he has done 46 times in 53 tries — slam the door. He yields a leadoff single to Placido Polanco, strikes out Carlos Ruiz, walks the part-timer Ben Francisco. It’s clear the kid closer, who’s 23, is trying to hurl the ball through the backstop. (”I was overthrowing,” Kimbrel admitted.) Brian McCann walks to the mound.
Roger McDowell sits in the dugout.
Only after Kimbrel walks Jimmy Rollins to load the bases does the pitching coach emerge to speak to his kid pitcher. (Something similar happened in Monday’s game, when McDowell watched as the Phillies mustered four base runners and one run in the fourth inning before going to the mound to counsel the rookie Randall Delgado.) It’s entirely possible that a coaching visitation would have had no effect on Kimbrel, but why not try? Why didn’t Gonzalez say, “Roger, get out there,” one batter sooner?
I asked. This was Fredi’s response: “That’s here or there.”
But it isn’t. There are certain things managers can do to manage a game, and dispatching a pitching coach is one. The Braves’ dugout seemed to be a beat slow in this final series, this whole final month. Again, it might have made no difference. Again, why not try?
And then the hitting, or the lack thereof. Once the Phillies tied it, nearly every Brave wanted to be Kirk Gibson. Guys were overswinging as badly as Kimbrel had overthrown. The Phils were deploying pitchers who won’t work a postseason inning, and the Braves’ flailing made Justin DeFratus and David Herndon look like Mariano Rivera.
“We’ve been swinging really, really hard for a while,” said Chipper Jones, who had the best late-game swing — the deep drive that Michael Martinez hauled down in the 10th — of any Brave. And that, sad to say, was this team’s signature: Swing really hard in case it hit something.
Under hitting coach Terry Pendleton, the 2010 Braves led the National League in on-base percentage. Under Larry Parrish, the 2011 Braves were 14th of 16 teams. Parrish was hired as hitting coach despite never having been a big-league hitting coach. Maybe the Braves would have hit .193 in September with runners in scoring position with Ty Cobb as their tutor. Then again, maybe they wouldn’t.
Yes, players ultimately must bear the blame for plays unmade, but this fine team was, in the end, both too laid-back in its oversight and too tightly wrapped in its playing. I don’t think Fredi Gonzalez needs to be fired — he did, after all, lose his two best starting pitchers — but I do think he needs to be more assertive. He absolutely needs a new hitting coach, but …
No such luck. Fredi announced Thursday the coaching staff would return intact. Which makes you wonder about Fredi.
By Mark Bradley
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585 comments Add your comment
O'Brien
September 29th, 2011
11:59 am
I’m with dap. Going into game 161, Lowe was like 0-4 with an ERA well over 6 in his lart 4 starts. So why would you think he would turn it around?
If we are going to lose, I would rather lose with the rookie on the mound getting some valuable experience, instead of the 39 year old Lowe who Wren wishes he could trade this summer.
The White Rat
September 29th, 2011
12:00 pm
Sorry Pat McGroin, but live in Atlanta and truly enjoy what you are experiencing. Many of us “other” teams fans have to endure the grand way you Brave fans think baseball works. The collapse of the Braves were mirrored by the rise of the Cardinals. Why is that? Until you are smart enough to figure that out, then maybe there is hope for you and your fellow Braves. You can stick a fork in the Braves now, they will not be a factor in the race for next season or many years beyond. Your Cubs like mentality, and horrific play down the stretch will doom this team. The front office will overreach and destroy this club. Oh well, there is always the Cardinals.
AFDawg
September 29th, 2011
12:00 pm
I told everybody we would regret getting Freddi as Manager. Just think waht could ahve been accomplished in Atlanta over the last 15 years if we had a coach like Tony LaRussa or Jim Leyland. Oh well, opportunities squandered and talent wasted.
Charlotte Braves Fan
September 29th, 2011
12:02 pm
Good stuff as usual Mark.
A few thoughts: I still haven’t seen a definitive account of what the heck happened with Brian McCann. He has looked absolutely lost the last several weeks, and never more so than last night.
Suddenly, there are questions as to whether Prado is a viable major-league starter. He had a terrible year. He seems to inflict such punishment on his body, and he also seems to be a head case who gets down on himself a lot. In a good line-up, a No. 2 hitter cannot hit .260. If not Prado, who is going to hit in that spot next year?
I think they’ve got to bring in a starter-quality corner outfielder in case Prado or Heyward do not bounce back.
My guess is that Conrad and Hinske are gone. Time to rebuild the bench.
I also see the need for a veteran reliever with experience at the back end. And not some rehabilitation project like Sherrill or Linebrink. The scary thing to me is that going back to last season, Kimbrel has failed to convert arguably the three biggest save opportunities of his career (San Fran in playoffs, first St. Louis game, last night)
Klaus
September 29th, 2011
12:02 pm
Fredi gets fired this winter only if Wren and possibly McGuirk get canned. This org is too stupid & proud to ever admit they made a mistake. They all should go but they all will stay or go together at least until the end of 2012. Only a new only will fix the deep systemic problems with this franchise.
The current crew is in a level of denial that is clinical.
Unless someone in Colorado watch this implosion and actually gives a crap no changes will be made in ATL.
If by chance even Malone’s pride is tweaked a bit by how this team collapsed he can easily change things with one phone call. He can fire the lot and rebuild his mgt team.
Klaus
September 29th, 2011
12:03 pm
Only a new owner…. (re above)
hoho
September 29th, 2011
12:04 pm
And yes, fire Larry Parrish TODAY.
The White Rat
September 29th, 2011
12:04 pm
Typical Braves team, they have no heart.
jerry
September 29th, 2011
12:05 pm
Bradley is a very good sportswriter in my opinion but I don’t think he is very good at diagnosing sports teams problems or predicting what they will do.
JMac1203
September 29th, 2011
12:05 pm
Like I said, a weak hitting team that rode an overachieving rotation till it broke. There is not a single clutch hitter on the team, and if what I saw last night was a fired up team that was ready to play and win, then I would hate to see what a team that is emotionless, because I saw no fire in that team whatsoever. And Chipper, please hang it up. Although the entire team fell flat on its face, you were the most visible one, striking out and walking slowly back to the dugout with your head down. You had a chance to be a hero again, but you could not do it. You could not lead the team like you have done in past years. Your time has come and gone…. hang it up before your body hangs you up.
scope
September 29th, 2011
12:07 pm
To me, this does not feel worse than “Leyritz”… record-wise it was a great season, but there was always something not quite right for this team. I feel bad for them, but this never did feel like a “winner” season. A season of possiblities perhaps, but it always seemed we were waiting for the offense to perform better, and then when the pitching faltered due to injury and use, I just think it started to put undue pressure on them which obviously kind of snowballed in Sept.
As a longtime Braves fan, but a baseball fan in general, I’m actually looking forward to watching the Cards and Pujols see what they can do in the postseason, and not being so emotionally invested as I would be with the Braves.
Pat McGroin
September 29th, 2011
12:10 pm
TO The White Rat : Typical dweeb, nerd troll. Get a life.
The White Rat
September 29th, 2011
12:10 pm
Scope, I sure wouldn’t bet against the Cardinals. Their history has always been to barely make it with an average record, then watch out. Every World Series they have played, they were the underdog. Only twice have they lost in the last 40 years. Would not catch me placing bets against them.
Over
September 29th, 2011
12:13 pm
The Braves went 10 straight scoreless innings last night. They didn’t score after the third inning. We can talk about tired arms but end of the day this game and many many of the September games were strictly lack of offense and guys left on base. Unbelievable when you look at our lineup. We went through the heart of the order time after time last night and each time I figured we had to break through but alas nothing. And this against to many different phillies on the mound.
Sad Braves fan
September 29th, 2011
12:13 pm
Damn Mark..you just let me and fans down..Total BS, Fredi needs to go!
Why does local sports writers all become HOMERS and kiss up to Local pro teams..do ya’ll get kick backs like all of the Congress man do?
Fredi will never be liked again in Atlanta…bet on it..Loserville USA. I’ll not go back to game as long as he is there.
Fredi's Money
September 29th, 2011
12:14 pm
Fredi will be looking for a huge raise after putting up with all the negative stuff this year and all the injuries.
Who's Your Daddy
September 29th, 2011
12:15 pm
Parrish needs to be demoted or released and get back TP or another proven hitting coach.
Sad Braves fan
September 29th, 2011
12:15 pm
Yea if Wren don’t fire him…then he (Wren )needs his a@@ gone!
Pat McGroin
September 29th, 2011
12:16 pm
Klaus – You’re exactly right. When have you ever heard management say something like: We aren’t happy with the ending or this is unacceptable? These guys belong to the mutual admiration society – patting the other on the back, pointing out how well the other teams have played against us and congratulate themselves for a job well done.
Management needs an overhaul!
Bill
September 29th, 2011
12:16 pm
If ever a team deserved to be out of the playoffs it’s the braves.Fred is a clone of Bobby Cox, which means he doesn’t know jack about manufacturing runs. Bunt the damn ball when you get a man on first and second with no outs. If Chipper was Ted Williams maybe you let him hit, but his OBP says bunt the ball. Stealing third with no outs and two men on is a terrible blunder, even thought he was obviously safe. That run, taken by a ridiculous call, would have won this game in regulation.
Sad Braves fan
September 29th, 2011
12:16 pm
They will keep him because the old man Cox said so…..
Bama Mike
September 29th, 2011
12:17 pm
Season was a failure pure and simple. This is not Fredi’s first big league coaching job. He failed with the Marlins. Wren didnt look for the best manager he looked for the cheapest manager. We have lost our dynamics and that is a reflection of upper management and coaching. McKwirk ( Spelling ) Wren and Fredi should all be replaced. 1 playoff win in past 6 years is a trend
Steve
September 29th, 2011
12:17 pm
Rob in Fayettville has it right. The Braves as an organization lack the fire required of winners. Where is the passion? There have been numerous times when Fredi didn’t come out of the dugout to argue a call when he should have. That is lack of passion. Teams with passion can overachieve.
JMac12203
September 29th, 2011
12:18 pm
Like I said, a weak hitting team that became exposed by a faltering, overachieving rotation. The Braves need to make some major moves in the off season, like moving Prado to 3d base and trading for a good bat in LF and SS. They also need to send Heyward to winter ball to find out if this season was the real Jason Heyward or not.I laughed when I read that they had a good looking team. Big Whoop, Mark. Good looking on paper is one thing, but they are not real good looking with a bat. They need help at SS, 3d, LF(Move Prado to 3d), and middle relief. Also, you cannot survive with a .235 BA from your secondbaseman. I mean, this team swings for the fences, and if they connect, it is wonderful, but, if they do not connect…. then you have the 2011 Atlanta Braves.
TOo Tough44
September 29th, 2011
12:18 pm
Totally fed up with spending my $ to drive to Atlanta from Columbus ga, to see such non-inpired baseball players attempt to proclaim they are professional baseball players.
Rich
September 29th, 2011
12:18 pm
Rob in Fayetteville – Amen Brother!!
Sad Braves fan
September 29th, 2011
12:19 pm
Braves need reconstruction period…from top to bottom.
Over
September 29th, 2011
12:20 pm
The braves didn’t score after 3rd inning last night. That is ten scoreless innings against numerous Philly pitchers. This game as with most of september losses was on batters not tired braves pitching arms. We went through heart of lineup time after time with nothing. Nothing seemed as maddening this past month as men left on bases.. During the month we had situations with bases loaded no outs and still couldn’t get runs. With our lineup there is no excuse for the lack of offense.
The White Rat
September 29th, 2011
12:20 pm
Pat McGroin, Your having a difficult time aren’t you? We understand, little life surrounded with the bravado of thinking superiority. Sad to diagnose but if you come out of room, smell the fresh air, and sip some kool-aid from your knockahoma cup you will feel better. Shame when a little man feels so inferior, which only causes his anxiety to become his enemy with thoughts of past days of glory. Hope you recover and can live a normal man’s life without the delusions of which you suffer. Get well my friend.
Pat McGroin
September 29th, 2011
12:22 pm
Amen, Sad Braves fan! Start right at the top!
Pat McGroin
September 29th, 2011
12:23 pm
Nerd Rat: Just go away. Move away from mom and dad, get a life and go on your team’s blog. That’s what adults do.
Fan of the Game
September 29th, 2011
12:26 pm
The Braves have been trying so hard to replace Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz that they forgot to get good position players that can make an impact quickly. Where are the Chipper and Andruw Jones’? Look at their minor leagues. It is geared toward pitching and it has caught up with them. Their farm teams can’t score any runs either.
Brave Brave
September 29th, 2011
12:27 pm
Well written Bradley. The only thing i disagree with you on is that Fredi should be fired. Should be shown the door right away, he’s what caused this mess. Fire fredi.
Dawg Tired
September 29th, 2011
12:27 pm
You’re starting to bother me to, White Rat. Spending time on a Phili sports blog is more productive and mature.
Big Deal
September 29th, 2011
12:27 pm
Fire Fredi today!!!!!!!!!!
mountain_jim
September 29th, 2011
12:27 pm
Thanks Mark for clearly stating the reason why the hitting coach, Parrish, must be fired.
All of the hitters regressed this season, it’s so obvious.
It’s also obvious that Fredi needs to wake up, stop dreaming about his Harley rides and realize the things he could have done so much better in these key games down the stretch.
Homer Run
September 29th, 2011
12:28 pm
Why was Linebrink in the game period ? You’ve got to go with the aces (Delgado,Teheran,Beachy) not a traveling salesman like Linebrink in the 13th inning…
Paul in NH (formerly RDU)
September 29th, 2011
12:28 pm
If you think it’s bad in Atlanta today, you have to see it up here. Multiply the venom x10
Mark Bradley
September 29th, 2011
12:29 pm
Delgado on one day’s rest? Beachy, who would have been the play-in game starter? Teheran, a rookie?
Homer Run
September 29th, 2011
12:29 pm
Fredi chose Larry Parrish and stuck with him thru the horrible September so Fredi is as much to blame.
Homer Run
September 29th, 2011
12:32 pm
Yes,Yes,and Yes.
Delgado is very young. Pitching back to back wouldn’t harm him.
So did Beachy get to pitch that play-in game ? No. Why save him for a game that might not & didn’t even happen ?
Teheran was THE BEST pitcher in the minor leagues. So he’s BETTER than Linebrink,Vavaro,Sherrill,and the other motley crue of relievers.
Brave Brave
September 29th, 2011
12:32 pm
Bradley , would you manage if given a chance? We’ll get Fredi fired right away.
The White Rat
September 29th, 2011
12:32 pm
Pat McGroin We all understand the pain that you feel. The difficulty of looking at your wall poster of Chipper Jones saddens you, especially when you fluff you Braves baseball pillow and crawl in your Uggla base sheets. Once you are done with your fantasy of which you live, reality waits on the other side. All this board feels your sadness, because there all no nerds to your discovery only a sad young immature little boy who thinks McGroin is part of a female anatomy. Adults do go away, those who care less about your health and welfare. Are your pills nearby, do you have those thoughts? We can help you, because we care for our sickest Braves fan. Go quiet and do not make a distrurbance when you need to swallow.
Homer Run
September 29th, 2011
12:34 pm
I’ll go farther, Teheran is better than ANY Braves pitcher. Yes he’s better than Hudson,Jurrjens,Hanson,and Beachy. He should be the ace next year.
Dr. Warren
September 29th, 2011
12:36 pm
You need hitters and pitchers. The Braves, as usual, have pitchers. When two starters went down and a rookie reliever started acting his age, they collapsed. This team would have been sub-500 had they lost both of those starters in mid-summer.
Next year
September 29th, 2011
12:37 pm
Last night was on offense. After third it was ten scoreless innings. Went through heart of lineup time after time with nothing. People can talk about burned out arms but most of the September losses were lack of offense. The men left on base was maddening. Bases loaded no outs and we get nobody in last week. Cmon. Feel good about future with the young arms. What needs to be looked at is how so many hitters can be so cold game after game. Has to be hitting coach.
Chris P. Bacon
September 29th, 2011
12:37 pm
I bear part of the responsibility for the Braves monumental collapse. Last year, I yammered all year about Terry Pendleton’s ineptitude as batting coach.
I felt anyone…ANYONE….could have served the Braves better as batting coach.
I was wrong. Horribly, horribly wrong.
iTiSi
September 29th, 2011
12:37 pm
Use to be a big fan of MB and his musings, but no anymore. FG has him drinking his “koolaid” along with him, and their brains are malfunctioning pieces of mush. “Losersville” not only has losing sports teams on a consistent basis, but also “loser-type” sportswriters, Respect and credibility can only be attained by being perceptive, and writing the cold hard truth as it actually exists. FG has been given a free pass, especially lately, even though he is totally inept as a baseball manager. The credibility meter now stands at zero for MB, about a 25 for JS, and maybe, maybe a 50 for DOB. CR usually straddles the fence, so can’t rate her right now. Besides she’s a lady, and I respect all females!!!
jarvis
September 29th, 2011
12:39 pm
“We battled.”
Much like Custer, the Braves made a last stand, and much like Custer, there is no tomorrow.
Matt Ryan's Dad
September 29th, 2011
12:39 pm
If we could get everyone in GA to chip in a dollar we would have 10 million, and could cut ties with Lowe and maybe get us a bat. Heck, I’d chip in two.