If it's Monday, then it's the Atlanta Braves fan confidence poll. As always, this poll and therefore your confidence level should encompasses several areas of the team. These areas include, but are not limited to, the team’s ownership, current management, talent, minor-league system, and general playing ability on the field. The poll will stay open for 48 hours, and then the results will be posted and graphed against the previous weeks.
0 recs | 122 comments
We still got a ways to go, and if I remember correctly that we made a huge march towards the wild card during the second half of last year. The wins will come.
Walker Wallace - May 10, 2010
Line-up shake-up
I would really like to see Bobby cox do some drastic things with this line-up. Get Infante in the line-up everyday. This means get him in left field. He is a better hitter then 3 of the 4 outfielders we currently have and not to mention can hit leadoff.
How about moving Heyward to the 4 spot. Prado is on base a lot and Chipper is on base alot weather he is hitting or not Chipper has @ .400 OBP. This gives our leading homerun and RBI man a chance to really do some damage. If he can’t get it done then you have McCann and Glaus behind him. If he does get the jog done then the great thing is you have McCann and Glaus behind him.
Hopefully a healthy Escobar comes back to hit in the 7 spot and then your centerfielder in the 8 spot. IMO
rcates - May 10, 2010
Yesterday wasn’t drastic enough for you???
justincredubil02 - May 10, 2010
Who foresaw Melky batting third not working out??
-C
cthabeerman - May 10, 2010
But he works counts....
slams head against wall.
Mr. Sanchez - May 10, 2010
That line-up was only that way due to injuries. If everyone were healthy you know that the same line-up would have been on the field. Maybe a flip flop with Glaus and McCann
rcates - May 10, 2010
I bet we lead the league in different lineups this season. Lineup juggling is one thing we need less of, not more.
justincredubil02 - May 10, 2010
Oh look at that plummet.
Can’t really say I question it, because that lineup we trotted out there was tough to watch. We really need Chipper and McCann to pick it up, or its going to be a loooong rest of the season. Still at a seven though, as scientific as this poll is.
soup du jour - May 10, 2010
I went from a 7 to a 6. The offense is just terrible. It’s been a month into the season and how many players are hitting UNDER .200?? It’s been a whacky start to the season that I don’t think anyone saw. This offense shouldn’t be this bad.
Lowe is terrible. It’s wishful thinking, but I still have a tiny spark of hope that the Braves can trade him for Vasquez.
The season isn’t over by a long shot, but there seem to be a lot of issues with this team. Defense and hitting are glaring issues and the back end of the rotation isn’t as solid as I would have thought (Lowe and Kawakami).
Sparhawk - May 10, 2010
I'm not about to say Lowe's been good this year...
But have you seen Vazquez’s numbers?? They’re even worse.
Lowe’s pitched poorly against some pretty good lineups, and pretty well against some fairly bad lineups. He’s not an ace anymore, which has been apparent, but he has at least had a couple decent starts.
There’s no chance of us trading back for Vazquez. This isn’t fantasy baseball, you don’t just shift your team like that.
Kawakami did give up those three bombs, but he also got hurt by the defense behind him in his last start. Infante and Cabrera did him no favors, and those two runs that scored as a result shouldn’t have been considered earned. Polanco’s home run wouldn’t have been out in most parks, and Victorino’s wasn’t exactly a shot either, if I remember it correctly.
Otherwise, all he did was throw seven innings, many of those quality. His other starts have been fairly similar, he just doesn’t get the run support.
-C
cthabeerman - May 10, 2010
Vazquez numbers are worse and the reason I think the Braves should go for him is that he simply is an NL pitcher. When he was the Expos and Braves, his number have been pretty good. Lowe has show to be effective in the AL. Maybe all they need is to change leagues. And to make a statement that this isn’t fantasy baseball, that’s pretty rude on your part. Did you miss where I wrote that it was wishful thinking? I think you need to chill out a little bit with your comments.
Kawakami has been bad, but like last year, I think he’ll improve as the season goes along. You are correct, the defense is bad and that’s cost the Braves games.
Sparhawk - May 10, 2010
6
I tried to stay optimistic as long as I could, but the crap offense and parade of nagging injuries has finally gotten to me. I’ve dropped my vote down to 6. Continuing to run out a line up featuring 4 hitters below the Mendoza line just isn’t working. Something needs to change. Is it too soon to call up Freeman and Schafer?
redwards95 - May 10, 2010
Why Freeman?
Glaus is doing just fine. His average and OBP are right in line with his career totals, which I can’t remember any of his former teams complaining about in the past. His power stroke hasn’t returned, but let the guy get comfortable. He barely swung the bat last season, after all.
-C
cthabeerman - May 10, 2010
I swear people still just lump Glaus in with Melky/Diaz/McLouth without even bothering to look at his number.
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
.330 SLG is fine? Even Kotchman and Thorman gave us better than that.
redwards95 - May 10, 2010
But, but, but...
the other teams defense is making him look bad.
Mr. Sanchez - May 10, 2010
Troy right now, is hitting right at his career avg. Is on pace for 90+ rbis and is swinging the hottest bat on the team right now. All for less then two million a year
Frozen Fan - May 10, 2010
Seriously. The XBHs are not there at the moment, but all things considered he’s been the best hitter on the team for the last week.
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
"he’s been the best hitter on the team for the last week."
And Burglecutt was the biggest man of his village, what’s your point.
The XBH are a problem. I’m not saying the guy is horrible, should be dumped, was a bad signing, is the second coming of Greg Norton/Corky Miller/Craig Wilson, or what ever the implication may be. But he is clearly not performing as expected, and isn’t providing YET, what he was brought in to provide, namely power and extra base hits. The lack of slugging is a problem, same as it was for Kotchman.
Mr. Sanchez - May 10, 2010
He was brought in to drive in runs from the middle of the order, which he has done. The guy didn’t play at all last year, I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for a little while longer when it comes to the power. If you want to give up on it already then be my guest, but it’s unnecessary to make posts like above that are clearly intended to bait the people who actually still have faith…mainly Justin.
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
No one said I've given up...
but to blame opposing defenses for his lack of power is just asinine imo. He has done well, but 4 xbh so far is a problem. I can’t say if it will or won’t continue as a problem, I don’t have a crystal ball. But to blame his lack of power on a couple of great plays just doesn’t cut it for me, cause remove those great plays and you are still talking about just 2-4 more extra base hits, which would still be a pretty small number for a guy with Glaus’ size/past and the number of games played so far.
Mr. Sanchez - May 10, 2010
I’m not blaming his lack of power of defenses, but his power would certainly be better if not for a couple of web gems (duh Beard). The difference in his SLG would be very interesting to know if we replaced those plays with the assumed outcomes.
I’m disappointed too, I was expecting something along the lines of what Scott Rolen is currently producing.
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
I see you also fail to respond to my other...
bucket of worms for Mr. Incredible on here.
Mr. Sanchez - May 10, 2010
No clue what you’re talking about here…if I’m not picking up on one of the dozen other arguments the two of your are currently engaged in you’ll have to forgive me. Bring me up to speed…?
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
Up above on Melky "working counts"...
which is nice, but not quite like actually getting on base as opposed to simply seeing a lot of pitches before getting out.
Mr. Sanchez - May 10, 2010
No, I’ve completely given up on him.
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
As have I.
justincredubil02 - May 10, 2010
So say we all.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - May 10, 2010
Troys job is to produce runs. He has done his job. I just can’t wait till Heyward is batting in front, or behind him
Frozen Fan - May 10, 2010
Curious...
because I’m advanced stat incompetent, anyone know how that relates to % LOB? Other than the other day, I don’t think of Glaus as the primary culprit in LOB although he certainly has his share. While he has some RBI, does anyone know how many he’s missed driving in?
Mr. Sanchez - May 10, 2010
He’s hitting .293 with runners on, .279 with runners in scoring position, and .368 with two outs with runners in scoring position.
Of these situational stats, the only time he tends to suck is when the bases are loaded. He’s .143 then.
-C
cthabeerman - May 10, 2010
Descent numbers.
My question to Troy haters. What did you expect from him? .350avg, 50hr, 150 rbis? What do you hope for from a guy who hadn’t played in a year, that the braves got on the cheap? I’m happy with his performance.
Frozen Fan - May 10, 2010
I'm fine with what he's done...
if only 2-4 of his singles can start becoming 2B and HR.
Mr. Sanchez - May 10, 2010
Yeah, he’s driven in runs, because he’s gotten 48 at-bats with RISP. As I pointed out yesterday, going into the games, he had had around 16 more plate appearances with RISP then Heyward, Miguel Cabrera, Andre Ethier.
So yeah, he’s driving in some runs, but he’s leaving a lot on the table.
dunnytwogloves - May 10, 2010
Call the waaaambulance. Troy Glaus is not hitting as well as Andre Ethier or Miguel Cabrera! WAAAAH!
justincredubil02 - May 10, 2010
Woosh...
as the point flies your your head.
More like RBI is not an accurate measure of Glaus’ performance to date.
Mr. Sanchez - May 10, 2010
This was a continuation of a previous conversation, so Whoosh yourself.
justincredubil02 - May 11, 2010
No they are not. They are making you look pretty ridiculous though, in the way that you somehow can dismiss the fact that Troy repeatedly gets robbed of XBHs.
justincredubil02 - May 10, 2010
"repeatedly" = 3 or 4 times so far in over 30 games
Mr. Sanchez - May 10, 2010
Do the math – what would those 3 or 4 plays make his avg/slg/ops if the baseball gods did not hate TG?
justincredubil02 - May 11, 2010
Depends on if you subtract the plays a D should have made but didn't...
if you’re giving him credit for when he’s robbed, remove the ones he lucked out on.
And you really think “repeatedly” is a good word to describe something that’s happened a handful of times?
Mr. Sanchez - May 11, 2010
If you want to get technical about it:
(www.dictionary.com)
So yes, “repeatedly” is a perfectly acceptable word for something that has happened 3 or 4 times.
And I can think of maybe 1 play that Glaus got lucky on, and I am not even sure that you could say it was lucky for him. I can’t think of ANY instances where Glaus reached on an error – which wouldn’t help his numbers out anyway.
justincredubil02 - May 11, 2010
Braves.com says that Heyward expects to be back on Tuesday….it seems like an eternity since he played!
I’d give the Braves offense a break—if it hadn’t been windy, several balls would’ve been out of the park, and probably resulted in extra innings. Sometimes, luck plays a greater role than we may like to think. Hopefully we can get a series win vs. the Brews crew.
I’ve consistently voted a six the past few times. Our team is better than average as of now, but soon my confidence will climb as I am positive they will recover eventually. Thankfully (as others have mentioned in other threads) the schedule is starting to look a little more humane now. Go Braves!
Joseph_C - May 10, 2010
5
I could go either way at this point – I really thought we could have rallied to win that one yesterday. Chad Durbin really shut things down after we had some momentum against Hammels
Nova Scotia Steve - May 10, 2010
7
Where it’s been so far this year. I’m eagerly waiting the week I can jump that sucker to an 8 or more.
NCChopper - May 10, 2010
I’m staying at 7, hoping that the Braves have a positive week and/or Frank Wren makes a move to alter the team’s makeup.
John Holton - May 10, 2010
Been a "4" every time I've done participated in one of these...
I’m just not as confident in the current crop of Braves as some of you are.
The good news is that momentum in baseball can carry a team more than in most other sports. Here’s hoping for a winning streak.
mrHonline - May 10, 2010
*done participated* --> You'd think I was from the mountains. LOL.
mrHonline - May 10, 2010
This is supposed to reflect more than just the major league team. You realize that, right?
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
I can read, yes.
mrHonline - May 10, 2010
wow…
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
Yeah, but it’s not like we have a ton of offensive talent sitting in our minor leagues (especially in the OF where we need help at a few positions).
dunnytwogloves - May 10, 2010
Do you think we’re going to graduate every single pitcher? Some will be used to land position players.
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
Hell yeah
Package one with Cabrera for a left fielder, one with Diaz for an outfielder and one with Escobar for a 3rd base. I know Esco can be a stud, but I’m getting tired of his loafing and bone-headed ways.
Sorry, I just went a little crazy, but I do think Wren will make a deal in June and another at the deadline. We will lose a few players, it’s the cost of making trades when players start like this years bunch has.
bighop - May 10, 2010
I don’t see why you’d trade Escobar for a 3B when you could just move him to 3B when Salcedo is ready to move up. That’s still a few years off, probably, but there’s a bunch of SS with similarly bigger frames as Esco (Ripken and Arod come to mind immediately) that have made that move. I think Escobar could afford to add 10-20 pounds of muscle for a little extra pop and do just fine there.
Until Salcedo’s ready, just stop-gap it. If Chipper’s gone after this year and Glaus does well enough to merit returning, move him back to third and bring Freeman up.
-C
cthabeerman - May 10, 2010
Escobar might be the answer at 3rd, and 3 more years of team control is great. I just wish he would mature a little, the loafing really gets on my nerves. He is capable of playing like a team leader, but doesn’t run out grounders. That’s a problem with a guy hitting into double plays as often as he has the last 2 years. I’d love to see Prado, Escobar and Infante play some more games together, maybe Esco would learn to hustle.
bighop - May 10, 2010
Escobar = ???
the Braves version of Josh Smith?
Sorry, I’m a basketball fan.
Mr. Sanchez - May 10, 2010
haha Might be some truth as both players make some bonehead moves and sometimes look as if they are half assing it. But Smith quits on his team, and I don’t recall Escobar ever doing that.
Sparhawk - May 10, 2010
I loved it when Escobar didn’t tag up on the sac fly. That was so cute and funny when the team has a hard time scoring runs
Frozen Fan - May 10, 2010
So when I give a grade, I’m supposed to also to take into account anybody we can potentially get in a trade?
dunnytwogloves - May 10, 2010
Some common sense helps. Either way, you voted 6 so my beef isn’t with you.
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
Man, when I first read that, you freaked me out. I was like, how the heck did he know what I voted!?!? Then I realized it was in my “profile”. haha
dunnytwogloves - May 10, 2010
haha
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
There wouldn’t be a need to have this poll every week if it wasn’t supposed to factor in how the major league team is actually playing.
redwards95 - May 10, 2010
Thanks for the tip.
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
Are you new?
bpk228480 - May 10, 2010
Yes, just joined actually.
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
I can’t wait to read your 12 fanposts within the next 3 days then, have at it
bpk228480 - May 10, 2010
I’ve got some really new interesting theories that I hope you enjoy:
- Cut Glaus, Bring Up Freeman!
- Why Did We Trade Javy for Melky?
- Lose Kawakami
- Trade for A-Gon
Those are just a few off the top of my head that I haven’t seen on here. I’ll think of others.
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
They all better be loaded with...
stolen lines from the Simpsons, The Departed, and of course, Purple.
Mr. Sanchez - May 10, 2010
Does Zombieland work?? That movie is gold.
-C
cthabeerman - May 10, 2010
i didn’t think it was that great
Scott Coleman - May 10, 2010
How about:
-Time to Fire Tp?
-My Insomnia and the Atlanta Braves
-Dye can still rake
-Should have signed Damon when we had the chance!
bpk228480 - May 10, 2010
Fire TP! Yes, definitely forgot that one.
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
Joke if you must
But i keep hoping to see that headline every day i get on the interwebs.
10-4 - May 10, 2010
Yeah, that one has the best chance to come true I think.
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
I might add,
trade Lowe and his large contract, as if FW didn’t try during the off season, and would most likely trade him in a heartbeat now, if could find a taker!
In life, sometimes we have to accept their are things we cannot change, no matter how hard we try.
HEYJUDE - May 10, 2010
lol
soup du jour - May 10, 2010
I'm still holding at 6
And that’s as high as I’ll go while they are under .500
Frozen Fan - May 10, 2010
Agree
Joseph_C - May 10, 2010
FWIW, I’m looking for a turnaround to start this week.
Brewers come in off a sweep, but we can probably do some damage against the first two pitchers they throw at us. Gallardo has been excellent lately, but two days of feasting on their other starters should really help our team going into that game.
After that, we don’t play world-beaters (we have the D-Backs, Mets, Reds, Pirates, Marlins, Pirates upcoming) until the end of the month, when we get the Phils again. I think we can pick up at least a few games during that stretch and get a little hot ourselves.
Of those teams, only the Mets have shown consistently above average pitching this season. The D-Backs, Reds and Pirates are the worst in the majors right now.
So buck up, Braves fans. We’re going to get a little help from our schedule this month, and we can easily be back to where we thought we’d be by June.
-C
cthabeerman - May 10, 2010
All those teams have some really nice pitching and an assortment of incendiary devices. That is a nice schedule ahead though..
Salty - May 10, 2010
8...
based on the youth and future of the team. I’m not confident that this season will be much of a success. I’m ready for a new manager and a new era.
mdhenshaw - May 10, 2010
This team needs a lot of work.
Overall organization score a D+.
taney71 - May 10, 2010
I shudder to think what grade you’d give an organization like the Mets…
-C
cthabeerman - May 10, 2010
seriously…the Braves fanbase is so spoiled it makes me sick.
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
Spoiled!!!??? Our ball club has almost been no-hit 3 F"ING times this season!!!!!!!!!!!!
MikeHamptonStillOwesMeMoney - May 10, 2010
Green it up.
justincredubil02 - May 10, 2010
If spoiled means not 70% confident in an organization that has the 2nd worst record in the league
Then yes, I am spoiled.
gramsey712 - May 10, 2010
Yes, you are. I’m glad we’re in agreement. There’s absolutely no reason to vote a 3, unless you simply don’t understand how a baseball organization works.
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
So why don't you clue us in?
All you do is continue to belittle people who come on here and complain because the team they cheer for sucks, yet you never quit give us some of that supernatural brain power you be havin’ that makes you think you shouldn’t worry about having the 2nd worst team in the league.
I think I know how a baseball organization works, and whatever the Braves are doing ain’t workin’. Will you be so kind as to help me out? What should I be confident in?
gramsey712 - May 10, 2010
It doesn’t take supernatural brain power. All you have to do is look at a team that is set positionally with a fine core of young players (RF, C, SS, 2B) to complement a very good duo of young pitchers (Hanson, Jurrjens). Add to that several veterans who have proven very useful in the past and you have a major league team that shows promise. Are they playing poorly right now? Of course. I’d be arguing the same thing with someone on here that was voting 10 because there’s no reason to do so.
But it’s naive to let the poor play during the first two months (not even) of the MLB season outshine the minor league clubs with tons of young talent (not just being bias, we are consistently ranked very well by many publications) that is ready to bolster the major league team…for peanuts mind you. If Freeman continues his performance there is another young player for the major league team, not to mention what seems like a dozen young pitchers with upside…2 or 3 of which with ace-like stuff. The abundance of young pitchers is going to allow us to focus on position players in the free agent market.
I’m sure I’m short changing the players in the minor quite a bit, but I’m just trying to make a quick point. There’s plenty of other people on here more qualified than myself that can speak of the strength of our minor league squads and the young core we already have put in place.
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
Thank you.
I did not expect a response like that after my sarcastic-ass comment.
I guess it comes down to my opinion of the “Confidence Poll.” I feel like we have had a strong minor league system for years. And feel like the point of grooming the young players, and making decisions to bring in certain veterans and hire personnel for scouting/management/coaching is to be competitive and win at the major league level. And I feel like we are getting worse. Except for our run right before the end of the year last year, we seem to be declining overall over the last few years. That does not give me confidence in the organization. We are developing and bringing up great young players who we will be able to cheer for for years, but it is just not translating to Ws.
So I guess I am just misinterpreting the poll. I am just not confident that this team is heading in the right direction at all, even as wonderful as our minor league system is.
gramsey712 - May 10, 2010
No worries, and I apologize if I came off a little too strong. It just upsets me to see so many people on here seem to give up on the team so early in the season. I can definitely understand how watching game after game after game of ineptitude in MLB could make you quickly forget all the good things we’ve got going down in MiLB since you don’t get to see those things in person.
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
I recommend reading this...
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/talking-chop-2010-baseball-annual/6437128
It’s a pretty comprehensive guide that outlines many of the reasons that, as an organization, the Braves are doing extremely well right now.
I understand that the team is all of 5 games below .500, but that can change quickly, especially when you have the rotational depth of the Braves.
A look into the minor league system should give most Braves fans many reasons for hope.
Also, read Talking Chop during the offseason, when everyone’s less up-in-arms (erm…comparatively). The spring training reading alone made me a much more-informed fan.
Growing up a son of a coach, I thought I knew a lot about the game, and on the field, I do know the score. However, I’m just beginning to scratch the surface on the full scope of the organization, and a lot of folks here will teach you a thing or two, if you can wade through the sarcasm.
-C
cthabeerman - May 10, 2010
At least the Mets spend money….though they spend it like a drunk teenage girl with a credit card, but spend it none-the-less.
MikeHamptonStillOwesMeMoney - May 10, 2010
I’m all for free speech, but sometimes I don’t know if its worth the price that we pay for it.
JFP - May 10, 2010
+1
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
HAHAHAH!
+1
justincredubil02 - May 10, 2010
JFP, I totally agree. This quote comes to mind :)
“Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something”.
HEYJUDE - May 10, 2010
lol
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
rec’d?
10-4 - May 10, 2010
Operation Green Troll in full swing.
justincredubil02 - May 10, 2010
wow, look at the comments.....
is it just me but when we get into a rough patch there are more posts on the confedence poll?….uhhh I guess I lowered mine from 6 to 5…but I will be at the Ted on saturday…maybe Jay Hey will start? (and they will call up Freddy too>?)
bravestatoo - May 10, 2010
Braves fans do tend to talk more when they are losing. Venting steam helps I guess….
Joseph_C - May 10, 2010
Six Weeks in .
Kawakami is NOT the answer, Melky is NOT the answer., Chipper is OLD, Infante needs to PLAY REGURLY somewhere, Nate Mc Clouth is COMING AROUND, OFFER KAWAKAMI AND MELKY TO YANKS FOR VAZQUEZ !!! They may BITE !!!
ggotch - May 10, 2010
That’s a new one.
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
Haha
MBL1 - May 10, 2010 via mobile
I thought I had used them all up in the game thread but I must have missed one
bpk228480 - May 10, 2010
MC CLOUTH KICKIN’ IT ON THE ONES AND TWO’S YA’LL!!!!!
10-4 - May 10, 2010
lol
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
.......or just give the Melky to the Yanks for some new batting gloves....
MikeHamptonStillOwesMeMoney - May 10, 2010
Come on, guys, Operation Green Troll!
justincredubil02 - May 10, 2010
done.
Scott Coleman - May 10, 2010
Or just get all our hurt players back on the field....
Joseph_C - May 10, 2010
Been gone for a week at Cape Hatteras
I’ve missed the games except Sunday, Melky batting 3rd? Really? And people wonder why I’m not a Bobby Cox fan. Oh well, they didn’t get shutout again. I dropped from a 6 and voted 5, hope I don’t have to drop again. I really don’t understand why Diaz and Nate are doing so bad, I always figured Melky wouldn’t do much, but he’s supposed to be a 4th OF not a damned starter in as many games as he’s been in. Oh well, there isn’t much I can do but keep on rooting for them to win. Taking some little leagers next weekend to see the games, at least the Braves have a winning record at home and we’ll just have a good time at the ballpark. The kids enjoy it win or lose and maybe I better have the same attitude too. Just kind of hard to do sometimes, Melky in 3rd spot, I can’t believe it.
jimmontg - May 10, 2010
I honestly don’t know what to rate things this week. I’m split between a 7 and an 8. 7 because Melky was flat out shit yesterday, and the losses are mounting, and 8 because this is still a darn good club, with our minor league teams spattered with talents like Schafer, Freeman, Tehearan, Vizcaino, etc.
I think I still have wood over Kimbrel’s callup though. Maybe I am an 8 after all…….
UMDBHIK - May 10, 2010
I would love to hear someone's justification for voting 7 or higher...
The braves are a horrifically bad baseball team right now.
letsgobravos - May 10, 2010
Feel free to scroll up then, if that’s not too much trouble.
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
Just saw your post...
You make some very good points. I agree with your argument that the team has a good core of young players and significant talent in the farm system.
My take is that the confidence poll reflects people’s current opinion of the Braves ability to win games. Even if you are very confident about the way things may go in the next few years, I do think there is much room for confidence in the immediate future (this season). Regardless of how much talent this team has, they have played terribly the entire season thus far. I know that you point out it’s only 2 months, but IMO, thats a pretty long time. If we are talking about our confidence in this years braves team, I just don’t see how anyone could answer 7 or higher with a straight face after watching the season thus far.
If the team had been really good the past few years, I would have a lot more confidence given that I would expect the front office/Cox to be able to turn things around. Unfortunately, the last few years have been a disaster. The front office has repeatedly made big moves that have not worked out. I know that hindsight is 20/20, but at some point, I think braves fans need to ask whether or not they are comfortable with continuing to watch the front office sign guys to big contracts who end up being below average players. On top of all of this, you have to consider the fact that the team’s ownership is committed to being an average baseball team at best by refusing to raise the payroll to be even close to competitive with two of the teams in our own division. If you are going to beat teams while spending only 60-70% as much as them, the front office needs to make every dollar count and not miss on any big ticket guys. I really hope things turn around this season, I just can’t find any reason to “expect” it will happen. I
letsgobravos - May 10, 2010
Fair enough. I’m surprised at how differently people interpret what I once thought was a fairly straightforward poll question. Guess I’ll just keep my thoughts to myself from now on.
FWIW, I would be arguing with people just as much if they were voting 9 or 10. I think anywhere between 5-8 would make sense, but again that’s just solely based on my opinion of what the poll question means.
Smoltz's Beard - May 10, 2010
I voted 6, not because of the ML team, because of the organizational depth, including the ML team.
bighop - May 10, 2010
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