Five keys for the Atlanta Braves in the second half
by gondeee on Jul 14, 2009 9:00 AM EDT
47 comments
What are the five keys for the Atlanta Braves in the second half? This should be pretty simple:
- Hit better
- Field better
- Don't blow leads
- Don't use the same reliever every night
- Do everything better
I find it hard to argue with those points above. But seriously though, we need to hit better. With this team, is there really any point in making a list? Number-5 above pretty much says it all. We're going to see a lot of these lists in the coming days, and all of them will say the same thing as I just did, they'll just use more words to say it. We could also call this the Atlanta Braves second half cliff notes.
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Is this going to be on the final?
The New Punchout for Nintendo Wii......get it
by bravesguy311 on Jul 14, 2009 9:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This IS the final.
A man walks into a meat shoppe and goes to the counter. The cashier asks, "Thinking about buying some meat?". The man replied, "No, I'm going to buy meat, I was thinking about punanny."
by bwellnjonesco on Jul 14, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well, shit
The New Punchout for Nintendo Wii......get it
by bravesguy311 on Jul 14, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
passed...
A man walks into a meat shoppe and goes to the counter. The cashier asks, "Thinking about buying some meat?". The man replied, "No, I'm going to buy meat, I was thinking about punanny."
by bwellnjonesco on Jul 14, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Duh.
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti
by sddbaker on Jul 14, 2009 9:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree. I think the Braves starting generally playing a better brand of baseball during the series in Boston a few weeks back. The reality is they have to get hot soon. I think the only playoff opportunity will be to catch the Phillies as it looks like the Wild Card will be an NL West team.
by kalesi on Jul 14, 2009 10:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We still have a lot of games in our division so if we play those games tough we can still be very much in the hunt.
I only have two things on my list of “to do’s”.
1) Score more runs.
2) Use the bullpen better.
by Fischerking on Jul 14, 2009 10:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
BIG BAT
PPL I’ve said this in every blog I have posted. The Braves need a BIG BAT in that lineup. A person who has a good eye and drives in runs, hit homers and puts doubt in minds of those hurling the rock. I’m telling you if the Braves would have put that bat in the lineup in April they would be leading the division NOW. And that bat is ADAM DUNN. Yea he strikes out alot. SO WHAT! He would have been the difference maker. And I do believe some excitement in this lineup would have brought the fans to Turner field to more than offset the salary difference between him and G. Anderson!
by jerryr on Jul 14, 2009 10:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think our offense has done well lately. If our bullpen could back them up late in the game, we would be very competitive. If we had a big bat to drive in runs but our bullpen let the lead go, it wouldn’t matter.
by Gage23 on Jul 14, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We don’t need another left-handed hitting outfielder. Right now Matt Diaz is the only right-handed hitter, at least until Infante gets back. And I don’t think that the Nats are going to part with Dunn.
by John Holton on Jul 15, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, duh
What are five keys for INSERT TEAM NAME HERE to (sustain lead, win more games)
1. Hit better
2. Field better
3. Don’t blow leads
4. Don’t use the same reliever every night
5. Do everything better
All of these go without saying, no matter if you’re the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers or the Pittsburgh Pirates. There is never any reason to be complacent, whether you’re the best in the majors, worst in the majors, or a team trying to gain ground in the standings.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on Jul 14, 2009 10:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Gondeee was probably up for 48 hours straight drinking Scope mixed with hand-sanitizer to compile this list which he thought would be the answer to our problems.
"Here comes Bream! Here's the throw to the plate! He is...safe! Braves win! Braves win! Braves win! Braves win!...Braves win!"
by jug on Jul 14, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Scope mixed with hand-sanitizer"
On the rocks, or straight up? Cuz if it’s straight up, you probably have an alcohol problem.
"…aren’t worthy enough to hold his (Pujols) ass cheeks apart while Playboy models wipe him with thousand dollar bills after he craps out the cure to whatever previously-incurable disease." by royhobbs 1/7/09
by buzzdeadwax on Jul 14, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, last few years, alcohol makes our seasons easier to deal with
"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"
by The Keith Lockhart Era on Jul 14, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No wonder my problems remain...
been using straight-up liquid soap for a mixer. Agh.
by Lizziebeth on Jul 14, 2009 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He said himself that it was simple...
A man walks into a meat shoppe and goes to the counter. The cashier asks, "Thinking about buying some meat?". The man replied, "No, I'm going to buy meat, I was thinking about punanny."
by bwellnjonesco on Jul 14, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I want to add that our SP continue to be dominate.
by Sparhawk on Jul 14, 2009 10:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Potential trade rumor
A’s send Matt Holliday and Orlando Cabrera to the Braves for Yunel Escobar and minor league pitcher Cole Rohrbough. A’s eat 75% of the remaining salaries of each player.
Braves sell the future for the present once again. I would be heated if this happened. Not to mention there is no way they offer Holliday arbitration.
by NEBravesFan33 on Jul 14, 2009 11:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Heated wouldn’t even begin to explain how pissed I’d be. Holliday hasn’t done anything this year that would be worth shipping Yunel off for.
Q: If on-base pct is so important then why don't they put it on the scoreboard? -Failcoeur
A: Because the Braves don't want to show their fans how bad you suck.
by timmy3 on Jul 14, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw this.....
No way it happens. It makes no sense on so many levels.
by Dandrews on Jul 14, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ummmm...
IF, and i mean IF, we get Holliday and he turns into Albert fucking Pujols, that trade is great. Oakland Coliseum is MASSIVE, and many people have trouble hitting there; so perhaps that’s a reason for Holliday’s fall from grace.
However, if we’re making THAT trade, I’m pretty sure we could get Rios for that. And Rios has proven that he’s not a Coors-made player.
But that trade’s NOT happening.
by apoxonbothyourhouses on Jul 14, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holliday
has a higher OPS at home than on the road this year. It’s clear that Coors skewed this kids stats far more than any pitchers’ park would.
Pete Rose was actually banned from baseball for teaching Jeff Francoeur how to play. He made up the gambling stuff to hide his shame.
by VivaLosBravos on Jul 14, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i just put up a fanshot of this lol. FAIL.
I dont like the deal tho. we get a lack than luster SS and a guy performing like Garret Anderson just a few more HR’s.
Speaking of which. What do we do with Anderson if we acquire Holliday? Im not sure that Holliday’s arm will work to well in RF. Anyone know how good it is?
I think the Braves should spit on this deal. Escobar is hitting better than both of these two
by drumzalicious on Jul 14, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Anderson is a “professional hitter”, his skill set will translate well to the bench.
BB%
Holliday – 12.0% (2009) – 10.4% (ZIPS projection)
Anderson – 5.3% – (2009) – 5.6% (ZIPS projection)
ISO
Holliday – 0.143 (2009) – 0.177 (ZIPS)
Anderson – 0.125 (2009) – 0.134 (ZIPS)
UZR/150
Holliday – +5.1 (2009) – +8 (CHONE projections)
Anderson – (-8.7) 2009 – (-3) CHONE projections
ZIPS uses previous performance and regression to the mean to projection what could happen the rest of the season. CHONE used Fans Scouting Report, UZR, and his own defensive metric to predict defense prior to the season.
The only stat Anderson is comparable to Holliday is in batting average, and really who cares when you’re walking nowhere near as much, hitting for less power, and playing worse defense.
by 17843 on Jul 14, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A friend of mine proved a good point when I mentioned this rumor to him…
With Wren if the deal’s been talked about for weeks it’s probably dead.
Q: If on-base pct is so important then why don't they put it on the scoreboard? -Failcoeur
A: Because the Braves don't want to show their fans how bad you suck.
by timmy3 on Jul 14, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
One thing to keep in mind…
We’ve improved ourselves in the first half more than any other team in the majors. This isn’t the same squad that went .500 in the first half, because we were playing an injured Schafer, and a zero-production Francoeur and Johnson for much of that. Plus, we didn’t have McLouth, or Hanson, and we didn’t have McCann for a couple weeks. We’re already better, the question is are we good enough?
I think this team could do it, but some of our hitters need to step up and hit to their potential. Chipper must have a much better second half, same goes for Anderson, Kotchman, and Kelly Johnson. If we can get those guys producing up to their established levels we’ll actually be in pretty good shape offensively, especially if Prado continues to hit well, and Church can get going some.
A lot of ifs, but I guess what I’m saying is we have the potential to field a very solid lineup, even without having a ton of power.
Q: If on-base pct is so important then why don't they put it on the scoreboard? -Failcoeur
A: Because the Braves don't want to show their fans how bad you suck.
by timmy3 on Jul 14, 2009 11:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
streaks
1. Have winning streaks.
2. Dont have losing streaks.
3. Stop dying the tips of your hair bleach-blonde
by traphicg on Jul 14, 2009 11:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Score more runs than the other team?
by l0stnumber on Jul 14, 2009 11:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Is that you, John Madden?
“What the Packers need to do today… is go out there, and play a good game of football. Brett Favre.”
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on Jul 14, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lolled. “Brett Favre”
Can anyone tell me why Favre is pronounced “Farve?”
by Gage23 on Jul 14, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
is it the cheese seeping into the brain?
by Lizziebeth on Jul 14, 2009 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i believe you mean
Brett Farvrrervrer
by traphicg on Jul 14, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's Something About Mary
Great flick!
Tigers love pepper; they hate cinnamon.
by Jareth Cutestory on Jul 14, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think our offense is fine. Somehow, someway, we need to find a way to keep Prado and Brooks Conrad in the lineup. All Conrad has done is hit .355 with 2 HR and 8 RBI, a double and 2 triples in 10 games (31 ABs). I know it’s a small sample size, but the kid has so far proved no reason to take him out of the lineup. Chipper and McCann will get hot again, and McLouth and Prado will stay consistent at the top of the lineup. Church and Anderson will be good run producers.
The one thing I do worry about is our bullpen. Bobby has poorly managed this bullpen, which blew at least 3 late game leads on the road trip (2 of them cost Hanson wins). EOf, Moylan and Gonzalez would be fine if they didn’t pitch every freaking day. Soriano continues to dominate, and Boone Logan has been good. Maybe our starters need to be more efficient and go deeper in ballgames, but they’ve already done plenty to keep us in the race this year.
So if the bullpen can get back on track, offense continues to hit behind Nate and Martin, and rotation stays strong… I have to say we look good. But Bobby needs to take lessons on managing the bullpen.
by BigG1392 on Jul 14, 2009 1:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He doesn’t need to prove he doesn’t belong as an ML regular; his career performance has proved that. Any playing time that goes to Conrad and his poor glove over Kotchman and his good glove reduces our play-off chances.
by 17843 on Jul 14, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know that Bobby is the one managing games..but if the other coaches see that he isn’t utilizing certain players the way he should, can’t they suggest anything?
If Roger is the pitching coach, can’t he suggest to Bobby that maybe he should give a certain pitcher a rest considering he does work with them? Any time during a game can’t other coaches help Bobby make a better decision for the team?
I don’t know how coaching works especially in the major leagues. However, it does make sense to me that if a pitching coach knows that one of the pitchers he works with needs a rest, he should say so to the manager. It’s not like he will be calling all the shots but giving some insight as to who he thinks would be the best option during the game could possibly help win a few more.
by WeStillHaveBobby on Jul 14, 2009 2:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pedro is a Phillie as of 20 minutes ago
I say they can have him. Thoughts?
"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"
by The Keith Lockhart Era on Jul 14, 2009 5:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreement
Pete Rose was actually banned from baseball for teaching Jeff Francoeur how to play. He made up the gambling stuff to hide his shame.
by VivaLosBravos on Jul 14, 2009 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he’s healthy, he could be a good back end guy. Last season he got ground balls, struck out 7.5 per nine and walked 3.5 per nine. That’s a recipe for success.
by 17843 on Jul 14, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s better than Jamie Moyer has been, and probably better than Joe Blanton as well. Anything that helps them, hurts us.
by Bronn on Jul 14, 2009 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still think his goose is about cooked...
It may look okay in July and August but not when he’s getting shellacked in September.
"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"
by The Keith Lockhart Era on Jul 14, 2009 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bobby i love ya but WAKE UP
I dont want to make enemies here but i feel like the braves biggest problem is the way Bobby cox manages.hes still playing 70s baseball with a 2009 team and era. the braves are a good solid team, granted there is a power shortage,but until very recently bobby hasnt been trying to manufacture runs.the hit-and-run seems to have been forgotten. we have great starting pitching and an adequate bullpen {if they were used properly} bobby needs to give poor moylan a little help.the guys arm is gonna fall off. he also has a tendency to stay with his guys too long when they dont produce,like francour,kelly J. and especially jeff bennett.there also seems to be a lack of good old fashion hussle.diaz and brooks conrad are exceptions.they play like every pitch means life or death and run down to 1st like theres a grizzly bear behind them..garrett is an under achieving nexum..he couldnt hussle if hussle was his name. bobby needs to wake these guys up there needs to be a fire lit under their butts. a little enthusiam would be n….ice..they have a chance to win but ..it starts at the top bobby wake up..please put a foot up a butt or 2 and trust your bullpen guys a little more..God knows i love those bravos… cmon guys get out of 1st gear and lets play some BRAVES baseball. …..GO BRAVES
by samrp on Jul 16, 2009 1:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Cheers to the OP.....
perfect and to the point!!
by HEYJUDE on Jul 16, 2009 2:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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