What are the five keys for the Atlanta Braves in the second half? This should be pretty simple:
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.
0 recs | 47 comments
Is this going to be on the final?
bravesguy311 - July 14, 2009
This IS the final.
bwellnjonesco - July 14, 2009
well, shit
bravesguy311 - July 14, 2009
passed...
bwellnjonesco - July 14, 2009
Duh.
sddbaker - July 14, 2009
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.
kalesi - July 14, 2009
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.
Fischerking - July 14, 2009
+1
SupermanWearsBobSander'sPJs - July 14, 2009
I hope this includes managing
taney71 - July 14, 2009
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!
jerryr - July 14, 2009
Moot point.
Sparhawk - July 14, 2009
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.
Gage23 - July 14, 2009
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.
John Holton - July 15, 2009
Well, duh
What are five keys for INSERT TEAM NAME HERE to (sustain lead, win more games)
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.
royhobbs - July 14, 2009
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.
jug - July 14, 2009
"Scope mixed with hand-sanitizer"
On the rocks, or straight up? Cuz if it’s straight up, you probably have an alcohol problem.
buzzdeadwax - July 14, 2009
Well, last few years, alcohol makes our seasons easier to deal with
The Keith Lockhart Era - July 14, 2009
No wonder my problems remain...
been using straight-up liquid soap for a mixer. Agh.
Lizziebeth - July 14, 2009
He said himself that it was simple...
bwellnjonesco - July 14, 2009
I want to add that our SP continue to be dominate.
Sparhawk - July 14, 2009
Potential trade rumor
http://bigurb.mlblogs.com/
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.
NEBravesFan33 - July 14, 2009
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.
timmy3 - July 14, 2009
I saw this.....
No way it happens. It makes no sense on so many levels.
Dandrews - July 14, 2009
Ewww…not for Yunel
award6 - July 14, 2009
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.
apoxonbothyourhouses - July 14, 2009
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.
VivaLosBravos - July 14, 2009
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
drumzalicious - July 14, 2009
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.
17843 - July 14, 2009
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.
timmy3 - July 14, 2009
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.
timmy3 - July 14, 2009
streaks
1. Have winning streaks.
2. Dont have losing streaks.
3. Stop dying the tips of your hair bleach-blonde
traphicg - July 14, 2009
Score more runs than the other team?
l0stnumber - July 14, 2009
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.”
royhobbs - July 14, 2009
lolled. “Brett Favre”
Can anyone tell me why Favre is pronounced “Farve?”
Gage23 - July 14, 2009
is it the cheese seeping into the brain?
Lizziebeth - July 14, 2009
i believe you mean
Brett Farvrrervrer
traphicg - July 14, 2009
There's Something About Mary
Great flick!
Jareth Cutestory - July 14, 2009
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.
BigG1392 - July 14, 2009
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.
17843 - July 14, 2009
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.
WeStillHaveBobby - July 14, 2009
Pedro is a Phillie as of 20 minutes ago
I say they can have him. Thoughts?
The Keith Lockhart Era - July 14, 2009
Agreement
VivaLosBravos - July 14, 2009
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.
17843 - July 14, 2009
He’s better than Jamie Moyer has been, and probably better than Joe Blanton as well. Anything that helps them, hurts us.
Bronn - July 14, 2009
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.
The Keith Lockhart Era - July 14, 2009
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
samrp - July 16, 2009
Cheers to the OP.....
perfect and to the point!!
HEYJUDE - July 16, 2009
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