ESPN's Mark Simon puts Brooks Conrad into perspective:
Brooks Conrad had four go-ahead home runs in the seventh inning or later this season, the most on the Atlanta Braves, and two shy of the MLB leader, Carlos Lee.
He hit .378 with runners in scoring position (fourth-best in the NL, sixth-best in the majors, minimum 50 plate appearances) and .341 in what are known as "high-leverage situations" (a Next-Level stat, measuring performance in situations in which a team's chances of winning are most dependent on performance).
The moral of this story is that Conrad's value is as a pinch-hitter, and nothing else. Much like Eric Hinske, who hasn't had quite the opportunities to foul-up in the field, Conrad is a utility player in name only -- and would only be forced into full-time duty if more than one starting infielder got hurt. Well, waddaya know.
And yes, read the article and Conrad's name is indeed mentioned beside Bill Buckner's.
0 recs | 73 comments
BOOOOOOOOO
Cracker! - October 11, 2010
/BANNED
TonyAlmeyda - October 11, 2010
J-Freak - October 11, 2010
I'd be willing to bet the cheers outweigh the boos tonight in Atlanta for Brooks
After a night to sleep on it, if you aren’t sorry for what Conrad is going through, you don’t have a soul.
Cracker! - October 11, 2010
Either that or they're too young to shave.
John Drake number 6 - October 11, 2010
We aren't in the playoffs without him.
Buffalo Braves - October 11, 2010
This
SuperNewb - October 11, 2010
We also can't win in the playoffs with him
… Anyways GO BRAVES!
deewill23 - October 11, 2010
Just to remember
GS against the Reds with 3run Deficit
GS against the Marlins
Solo HR against Dodgers (The game ended 1-0)
and so on
Some Conrad advanced stats
ISO: .239 (Highest for any braves w/ minumiun 50 AB) 2nd is Hinske (.199)
WPA. 2.27 (4th just below of Heyward, Chipper and McCann)
Clutch: 1.56 (1st, Heyward is second with 0.79)
joshant - October 11, 2010
Those stats were also all from the bench.
king of games - October 11, 2010
Yeah
I really feel horrible for Brooksy, he seems like a really nice guy. He was never supposed to be playing in the field in the first place, and it’s really a shame it had to go down like this. Hopefully Bobby will figure something out, and maybe Brooksy can get us a big hit off the bench tonight.
king of games - October 11, 2010
Also, there's a really nice article on Brooksy on the Yahoo MLB page.
king of games - October 11, 2010
Never trust anything from Yahoo.
…..
Just kidding. Even a broken clock is correct twice a day.
Chopaholic - October 11, 2010
Does it make me less of a man ...
… that I wanted to cry during that article? I just pictured myself, playing high-school ball. I lost a couple of games for my team.
I can’t hate him. Look to redwards95’s post below.
TheRickMoranis - October 11, 2010
I don’t think there are any Braves fans who are confused about the fact that Chipper and Prado are injured and that’s the only reason Conrad has been starting. As for whether he should have been lifted in the 9th or should start today, those are different questions.
redwards95 - October 11, 2010
I try to feel bad for him
But my feeling receptors are broken from last night. I see how buffalo fans feel about Scott Norwood now.
707kid - October 11, 2010
I feel terrible for Scott Norwood.
E-Lizz - October 11, 2010
I feel great for Scott Norwood.
Ah, yes. Fond memories.
Chopaholic - October 11, 2010
Conrad´s Story
How to become from nobody to a hero and the to a villain.
i feel bad for him
joshant - October 11, 2010
+1
bestbostonsports - October 11, 2010
Those who have been ragging on him really need to stop. Complaining about the errors isn’t going to help anyone, so it’s best to move on to Game 4.
That being said, I think it’s best if Brooks takes a breather today and let someone else man second base.
TonyAlmeyda - October 11, 2010
This.
Also, booing him is extremely counterproductive at this point.
king of games - October 11, 2010
Agreed.
TheRickMoranis - October 11, 2010
That’s my sentiment. All these errors are a result of something mental… getting booed can only make it worse, IMO.
Gage23 - October 11, 2010
I would never boo anyone in a Braves uniform...
I might hope they get traded but never boo.
TCfromDubVee - October 11, 2010
puttputtputtputt (trolling motor)
Let’s just say that from the opposition’s perspective (WHICH HAS NO PLACE IN THESE HALLOWED HALLS!) we’re not sending Troy Glaus any Christmas cards for a long, long, long time.
victor frankenstein - October 11, 2010
+1
The guy effed up. Who hasn’t? It’s not his fault that the Braves can’t score to save their lives (thank the baseball Gods), or that key relievers are dropping like flies. He’s not trying to suck. He’s good at what he does – pinch-hitting and giving Prado or Jones a day off – and I still want him back for next year.
buzzdeadwax - October 11, 2010
Rec'd
most assuredly Rec’d
ROBravo - October 11, 2010
I have a suggestion...
If you are going to tonight’s game, cheer your lungs out if/when Brooks Conrad comes into the game. He is living a nightmare right now, and needs support. More boos will only just about ensure that he has another bad game.
Scooter281 - October 11, 2010
I agree
I am nowhere near Atlanta and am not going to the game, but I would do that
bestbostonsports - October 11, 2010
I agree
I don’t know if I will be overly enthusiastic, but I won’t boo him. I hope we somehow rally around him, like how Tigers fans applauded Jim Joyce respectfully even after the blown call. I just don’t want a bunch of booing… Can’t tell what people are going to do though.
E-Lizz - October 11, 2010
This
buzzdeadwax - October 11, 2010
I ain't gonna lie.
I had a serious moment of reflection when Brooksy booted that grounder last night. And by moment of reflection, I mean trembling with cold rage as I reenacted William Shatner as he tries for an Oscar during Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
Only instead of shouting “Khaaaaaaaaaan!,” I shouted, “Brooooooooks!”
Now that I’ve had a good night’s sleep in between then and now, I’ve come to the realization that the Braves are not in the playoffs without this guy. All you haterz out there need to recognize that and, if you feel you must still hate, STFU.
In fact, I wish that someone would take that Glaus “Suck It Haterz” pic and photoshop Brooks over it.
Chopaholic - October 11, 2010
I kinda felt bad for him
I mean, that was as bad as an error as you are going to make. But even Red Sox fans have found a way to forgive Bucknor. I really liked Conrad, that grand slam he hit was the first time I heard of him, and I have kinda liked him ever sense
bestbostonsports - October 11, 2010
I don’t blame Brooks Conrad. I feel horrible for him, and I really wish he had never been in that position. I assign the blame to two places…Bobby Cox for not making the defensive sub (I don’t care HOW shaken up our team is, in that situation, you go for the kill, which means pulling Conrad), and the baseball gods for all of these freakin injuries.
Aaron Meier - October 11, 2010
Hang in there Brooksy
We wouldn’t be in the playoffs in the first place without his clutch bench play this season. He’s a great guy, and works his butt off for this team. It’s unfortunate that his miscues cost us the game (and potentially the series), but he’s human just like the rest of us. Any true Braves fan would look past this and should be happy to have Brooks Conrad as part of our team. I know I am.
Ace_of_Braves - October 11, 2010
It's hard enough getting through this day
without every single person I know bringing up that game and twisting the knife just a little more. Even the guy at the Wendy’s drive-thru brought it up! Of course, that’s what I get for wearing a Braves t-shirt today I guess.
Aaron Meier - October 11, 2010
Every time someone boos Brooks Conrad an angel dies. The Rise and Fall of Brooks Conrad is one of those crazy tragedies that really puts things in perspective. All glory is fleeting. I would personally never boo a Brave that I felt was giving it everything he had all the time. His teammates wouldn’t feel like that, and they personally have much more at stake than we do as fans. Why should fans boo him when the team has his back? Now is the time to circle the wagons around all Atlanta Braves. Everyone in Atlanta needs to pick themselves up, get back out to Turner Field and cheer like crazy.
Sir Stealth - October 11, 2010
By the way, how hilarious is it to read in the article that Melky reached on an error to put his team ahead late in a postseason game last year when playing for the Yankees? Melky really has somehow turned reaching on an error into a skill – nobody does it better. If I had my life riding on someone reaching on an error or chopping the ball straight into the ground for a goofy infield single, I would call on the Melkman every time.
Sir Stealth - October 11, 2010
He has been downright awful, there’s not denying that. But he’s a great guy, and we wouldn’t be here without him, but whats past is just that, past. And present, the guy couldn’t field a ground ball with a 15 foot glove. Baseball is such a mental game, and its not Brooks lack of skill thats causing this, its his seriously bruised mentality. Walking out of the gates last night there were so many people screaming for his blood. I hate to even think about it, but it wouldn’t it all shock me if he turned into a Donnie Moore. I really hate it for the guy. Hope he gets his head straight. No one deserves to live through what he is having to live through
thenightstallion - October 11, 2010
I blame last night's game on Bobby Cox.
He over manages in the playoffs. He always has and it is the reason they only have 1 WS. He tries to mix and match with the lefty/righty match ups instead of going with the hot hand. Kimbrel was on fire last night. He had Ishikawa but lost him and had Sanchez 0-2 and gave up a bleeder single up the middle. Taking Kimbrel out of the game COst them the game. I would have understood if he was falling behind and was walking everyone, but he wasn’t. He was throwing GAS and was actually locating his pitches pretty well. I should be going to tonight’s game getting ready for series VICTORY, but instead I may be watching the Giants celebrate on our field.
BravesFanScout - October 11, 2010
He won 3-4 games for us, but his errors down the stretch cost us those games he won.
His heroics are way back in the rear view mirror. So stop bringing up that as an excuse not to be pissed that he shit the bed yesterday.
Tim Goad - October 11, 2010
Who’s using it as an excuse? It’s not an excuse, it’s a reminder that Brooks Conrad is one of our guys going to battle for the Braves. Let an opposing team’s fans boo our players, we need to try to move forward and make the next play. Apologies if that interferes with your desire to project your anger onto someone in order to deal with your frustration.
Sir Stealth - October 11, 2010
What have you done for me lately?
His heroics are way back in the rearview? Well, look down at the road you’re on…because it was paved with those heroics.
Chopaholic - October 11, 2010
Who’s to say no one’s not pissed? Yes, he messed up, but move on already.
TonyAlmeyda - October 11, 2010
Move on already?!
You make it sound like this was a month ago. It was less than 24 hours ago. It’s the same series for Christ’s sake. I’m not saying it’s productive to be pissed, but it’s certainly understandable at this point.
joshmaurer - October 11, 2010
Yes, move on already. It makes no sense to dwell on yesterday. What happened has happened, so complaining about it isn’t going to do anyone the least bit of good.
TonyAlmeyda - October 11, 2010
I feel horrible for him also. I don’t think he gets to stay in ATL now due to this also.
I’d cheer for him in an opposiing uniform though.
My real anger is at Bobby for not putting Diory in for him instead.
Broccoman - October 11, 2010
I think
it’s all in Brooksy’s head right now. Man I feel bad for him. He’s won a few games for us this year. Brooksy can’t go out there tonight. The fans will kill him.
MBL1 - October 11, 2010 via mobile
oh and it’s really easy to blame bobby for everything. That’s what fans do. But we can’t always blame him. He can’t tell the future.
MBL1 - October 11, 2010 via mobile
I find it hard to feel bad for the professional baseball player whose job it is to field balls! If he’s playing in AAA, AA, or A, he still must be able to posses the ability TO FIELD A GROUND BALL AND THROW IT RELIABLY!
A case could be made for every coach and scout who has ever coached or scouted him that they were all so terrible at their jobs that hey allowed him to reach the majors.
BullManUGA - October 11, 2010
A stronger case could be made that you did a terrible job with this post.
Go root for the Phillies. They deserve you.
J-Turn14 - October 11, 2010
What a well thought out counterpoint. Your comment makes total sense and should be on a billboard somewhere.
BullManUGA - October 11, 2010
Why would anyone bother with a well thought counterpoint to you
throwing feces against the wall and hoping it sticks? I just tried to match your level of reasoning is all.
J-Turn14 - October 12, 2010
This is ridiculous.
cbwilk - October 11, 2010
why is this ridiculous
hes right. brooks may be a stand up guy, but he efffeeeeddd up big time. not only in the field, but he effed up that bunt too. he had a terrible game on a night when no one should have such a bad game. he plays in the majors to make that bunt and field those balls. i dont feel sorry for him, he still gets paid a lot more money than i ever will in a year to play a game. if he is who most of you think he is, then this game will make him a better player, but that doesnt mean we have to put blinders on an act as if brooks wasnt instrumental in the loss. people have a right to be mad and upset, its shocking that more of you are jumping down their throats for wanting a better bench fielding utility man. if you are a fan, shouldnt you want to win and become upset when they dont, especially if one of the biggest reasons they didnt was because of one guys screw ups all night?
silverstreak3k - October 12, 2010
That’s not ridiculous to you? The idea that everyone who helped a guy with no natural talent become a Major Leaguer should be ashamed of themselves because he made some errors?
cbwilk - October 12, 2010
ah yes
i thought your comment was more aimed at the frustration over his errors. but yes that particular comment is a little ridic.
silverstreak3k - October 12, 2010
The people that are hating on Brooks
ALMOST make me ashamed to be a Braves fan after the booing last night. I was at the game and was disgusted by the people booing Brooks. I realize much of our losing had to do with him, but we wouldn’t even be in the playoffs without the contributions of Raw Dog. (I personally am way more upset with Bobby pulling Kimbrel) Every player on this team respects and admires him. For God’s sake, most of us haven’t spent 10 years in the minors. I support him because he is a BRAVE. He needs us now more than ever and booing him will not help anything. He is going to redeem himself tonight off of the bench. Bank on it. Go Brooks and GO BRAVES
BravesDawg16 - October 11, 2010
Great post.
John Drake number 6 - October 11, 2010
What's funny
is that people can bang on #6 all they want(i’m in that camp) but Brooks should get a pass or whatever because of his perseverance. He won some games this year, great. And he was a bench player until forced into a starting role. Cool. But he wasn’t asked to make plays ala Walt Weiss. He was asked to make plays my 5 year old nephew would be expected to make in t ball.
NorCalAtlFan - October 11, 2010
i'm not saying give him a pass
but I was sickened by some of our fans sinking to the level of Philly and Mets fans by booing him. He doesn’t get a pass because of his perseverance. I was just trying to put in perspective the human element of all of this. The man is the most upset out of any of us. And the fickle nature of sports fans is ridiculous. If he lost us this game, then he has won was 5 more games from the regular season to get us in this position. I just want people to keep all of this in perspective
BravesDawg16 - October 11, 2010
won us*
BravesDawg16 - October 11, 2010
Absolutely
We’re all upset that Brooks suddenly forgot what the glove on his hand was for, but you don’t boo one of your own guys. We’re better than that.
John Holton - October 11, 2010
That is a little absurd
If you are going to say he should make those plays fine, I agree, but don’t for one second make a comparison to some 5 year old t ball game, that is just simply asinine and unnecessarily derogatory.
Virginia9er - October 11, 2010
perhaps
but again, these are balls hit right to him. these are not plays that only the great-good ones field. he is incompetent at his job and that is why he spent 10 years in the minors despite a decent bat.
NorCalAtlFan - October 11, 2010
I completely agree that he should have made those plays
Especially the first one early on, typical DP ball. The one in the last inning was hit pretty hard, but again one he needs to make especially given the situation and how precious a run is for this team, or both teams really.
And I realize that is all you were trying to say, I just think making unfair comparisons don’t serve any purpose but juvenile entertainment.
Virginia9er - October 11, 2010
I just find the fickle nature of some fans laughable. He has saved our ass more times than we can count this year. Please don’t make any over generalizations about this guy like saying he is incompetent. His job this year was a pinch hitter and he did pretty f’n good
BravesDawg16 - October 11, 2010
again
he wasn’t asked to make a spectacular play. he wasn’t asked to do something only a handful of 2b could do. he bobbled or missed just about everything hit his way. so yes, i think he is incompetent. and we are finding out why he spent so much time in the minors.
this isn’t the AL. he is expected to be at least below avg defensively, not piss poor.
NorCalAtlFan - October 11, 2010
Let me ask you this – did thousands of
a-holesfans boo Bobby for his questionable in-game decisions? No. That is why people are here sticking up for him. He made some mistakes in the field, but like others have said he’s won us games and he’s good at what he does – pinch-hitting and giving better players a day off.buzzdeadwax - October 12, 2010
i get it
i’m just as frustrated as everyone else. brooks is the ire of all of our rage and has taken on the human form of all the blown calls, meltdowns over the years.
when these playoffs started, i knew that this was a very flawed team but tried to remain optimistic and was happy that made it as far as they have. it just sux that the flaws of the team remain and that despite those flaws, the team should be in the drivers seat of this series.
they tie it up today and i will do my best to represent the Braves fandom in a positive light in SF.
NorCalAtlFan - October 11, 2010
I'd still shake his hand and thank him without hesitating.
TCfromDubVee - October 11, 2010
If Brooks PH's tonight
I sincerely hope the fans have the good sense to at least not boo him. I totally agree that it would be great if Atlanta fans showed the class to do at least that.
Thinking about it, I do believe that whoever was responsible for showing Brook’s GS last night was trying to get the fans to remember all that he has done for the team in the past. That being said, it is understandable that people were mad at him. I hope that they are largely over it by now. Thank goodness Bobby does not have him in the regular lineup tonight. It is clear that he needs time to clear his head before he fields another ball.
BravesFaninAZ - October 11, 2010
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