So I think most TalkingChop members would agree that the consensus "complaint" regarding our beloved Braves over the last several weeks has to do with Atlanta's dreadful pitching. However, as much as I agree that our rotation and bullpen need lots of help, I believe we have larger problems to deal with in order to compete. Like our supposedly "potent" offense being unable to put runs on the board in crucial situations in critical games.

Over the last 25 games, the Braves offense has mustered an average of 3.9 runs per game. Granted, I omitted the two blowouts we had (14-4 W@Cincy and 13-2 W@Florida), but we only needed 5 and 3 runs, respectively, to win those games. That's the frustrating part; winning one game by double digits and then losing three straight two run games, unable to score when we need to. This after Schuerholz was quoted after the trade deadline as saying that this was an offensive club and would have to outscore their opponents to win. So much for our "feared" lineup.

Has anyone else noticed how, except for Frenchy, every single hitter goes up there and doesn't bother getting the bat of their shoulders on the first pitch? EVERY SINGLE TIME! And the opposing pitchers know that, and throw a first pitch strike EVERY TIME!!! So our boys start off every at bat in the hole, behind in the count 0-1. I don't know if this is something they have been instructed to do by the coaching staff, if Bobby's "philosophy" is to take pitches until they throw you a strike, but whatever it is, it is truly ineffective and detrimental to our success.

Even as I type this, the Braves attempted a comeback against the Phillies by scoring four runs in the eigth inning on a series of bloops and errors and broken back singles that even had the announcers scratching their heads. Then after drawing to within two at 8-6, and the bases loaded and only one out, the Braves ONCE AGAIN, fail to get anything done in the clutch; ending with our boy Chipper lazily popping out on a 3-2 count. Impressive!(laced with sarcasm)

Obviously, our pitching staff needs some upgrades if we are to make the playoffs next season, but I am of the firm belief that our offense needs to make some MAJOR adjustments as well. Whether that means overhauling our lineup, or getting rid of our hitting coach Pendelton and bringing in someone with a more aggressive approach, I'm not sure.