The last Atlanta Braves Fan Confidence Poll was taken on Monday, the day after a 16-to-5 pummeling of the Cubs, so it not unexpected that the fan confidence was up at that time, but not much has gone right since, and unless the Braves can exact some measure of revenge against the Marlins this weekend, then this week's rosy number will fall precipitously.
The FCP went from 77 percent confidence a week ago to 83 percent confidence this week, steadily gaining throughout August -- a month in which the Braves had won every series until they met the upstart Rockies in the spacious confines of Coors Field.
The FCP may also have been bolstered by the Derrek Lee acquisition. Though Lee will need to do better than the 3-for-24 number he's put up so far as a member of the Braves.
Atlanta needs to get their act together this weekend and get back on the winning side against the Marlins, or we may see the FCP take its biggest plunge yet. Let's hope that's not the case.
0 recs | 100 comments
I still confident
that the Braves are in the right direction. We have ALWAYS had a problem against the Rockies and their thin air. I see us getting back on track back in Atlanta this weekend. Hopefully Friday because I will be there.
aceiii222 - August 26, 2010
I still *feel* confident ^^
aceiii222 - August 26, 2010
Is anyone
Else extremely disappointed by Derek Lee’s inability to hit fastballs?
HansonManCrush - August 26, 2010 via mobile
Um yes.
It literally looks like the ball is going through his bat and into the catchers mit.
aceiii222 - August 26, 2010
It’s a small sample size, but I certainly expected more from a guy with his contract. This years mid-season trades as a whole have been disappointing. Gonzo is hitting and driving in runs and getting on base great, his glove is fine, but if he throws the ball all hell is likely to break loose. Ankiel has a great arm, but struggles getting the ball out of his glove. At the plate, I wish he’d concentrate on making contact, too many K’s with that big swing. And Farnsworth, good grief, didn’t we learn our lesson him 5 or 6 years ago? Very disappointing group of aquisitions.
bighop - August 26, 2010
On the plus side, except for Gonzo at least the Braves didn’t give up anything we’ll really miss in the future. And Escobar HAD to be sent elsewhere, so I’m not criticizing the move to get Gonzo. Of course what we got back hasn’t helped much, but again, at least it didn’t cost a lot either. I don’t mean that the Braves gave up trash, not at all, but they have plenty of relievers in the minors. In the end, I don’t think they’ll miss anyone who’s gone.
Lee did come with big warnings that he was having a poor year and it was a big gamble to expect him to play better than he did for the Cubs. It would have been great for him to have caught fire, but I guess few of us are honestly surprised that he didn’t. I’m not seeing this as likely at all, but if the Braves wanted to make a bold move they could put in a waiver claim on Manny Ramirez. I’ve got more hope in Manny being able to lift the team in September than Lee, Ankiel or Glaus. And I know many of us have been reading the first hand reports of Glaus’ fielding misadventures in AAA. If playing him at 3B is supposedly “the answer” then this team’s playoff chances are in big trouble.
Zontar - August 26, 2010
Since Manny dropped the hormones he can rarely make it onto the field anymore. I admit the “historical” Manny could have helped the Braves, but I don’t think bringing a bad attitude, really bad defensive, bad egg into the fold is an idea I can get behind.
I’ve watched Glaus in AAA the last 2 games, I think the Braves would be better served to rest his legs, DH him in Gwinnett and forget the 3rd base nonsense.
Lee has been good since the All Star break, but he is also now battling a buldging disc in his back. He got off to a screwy start by not joining the team immediately, then playing his former team. I hope he comes around to being at least a .250 hitter with a good glove,
bighop - August 26, 2010
Interesting Note:
Manny would be in the top 10 in OPS if he had the ABs to qualify.
king of games - August 26, 2010
another interesting note
Manny has 2 hits in the last 58 days
bighop - August 26, 2010
Win.
justincredubil02 - August 27, 2010
45 of those days were spent on the DL or he didn’t play……so take that for what it’s worth
KJDH2154 - August 27, 2010
Good call. 2 hits in 2 week’s worth of games sounds much better.
justincredubil02 - August 27, 2010
Waiver claim on Podsednik?
We need to do something because Ankiel cannot keep playing everyday. As for Farnsworth, the man has been just like Jessie Chavez; everytime he gets into a close game he screws up royally…We basically gave them a young arm who throws straight fastballs and hangs breaking balls for an old one that does the same…that trade gets a big F- from me. I think the book is still out on Lee, although if he’s gonna hit .125 the rest of the season, we coulda just stuck with Troy.
michaelcooksey - August 26, 2010
We don’t need to claim anyone else, unless it is for LF. Melky can play CF just fine.
justincredubil02 - August 26, 2010
I don't think you can give the trade an F-
For starters, there is no such thing as an F-. Once you hit F, you are at the bottom of the barrell. Furthermore, even if such a thing existed, this trade wouldn’t be it; for it to fall into the worst possible category, we would have had to give up something of value. We really didn’t give up anything we will particularly miss. Therefore, even assuming that what we got was garbage, we didn’t lose a lot, meaning the trade wasn’t that bad.
cavebird - August 26, 2010
Also
Ankiel has won a game or 2 for us on both sides of the ball.
king of games - August 26, 2010
I’m well aware there is no F-…
michaelcooksey - August 26, 2010
He's well aware, yo!!
Well aware!!
-C
cthabeerman - August 26, 2010
Value is a relative term...
and considering the cost control going forward of Blanco and Chavez, let alone Collins, there is “value” that we gave up. Since the trade, Blanco has been what we all were accustomed too (decent contact, good speed, no power) and Chavez has been pretty bad, but we got higher salaries for worse production from Ankiel and Farnsworth. And Collins has continued to perform well, now in AAA.
I think one can very easily give that trade an F considering we got more salary, for less production, from players who are older and can’t be on the team next year for less than $500,000.
Mr. Sanchez - August 26, 2010
The salary you and lack of affordability for next year that you speak of is what pushed me into the non-existent F-…
michaelcooksey - August 26, 2010
Fallen
Confidence after a 3 game sweep and to cap it all off losing a 9 run lead…Can’t say its where it was a week ago. Braves need to get there act together with away games and facing lefties.
wadlinger - August 26, 2010
Don't expect a huge dropoff next week
As long as we show up against the Marlins, probably a drop back to around 80% is realistic. Though the Colorado series was disappointing, there were things to be optimistic about. Heyward is white hot, AGonz is hitting well, and even Ankiel was solid on offense and defense. And we can’t forget the Phails are kind enough to match us loss for loss.
king of games - August 26, 2010
This is how i felt after that disaster yesterday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqiwrbYGrs
BravesFanScout - August 26, 2010
The Braves are 8-16 at Coors Field since 2004: I’m pretty sure that’s their worst record at any NL ballpark in that time, so a tough series was to be expected. Besides, games like yesterday will happen. No team is immune to an epic comeback.
When you’re on the losing end of one of those games, you just suck it up and keep playing.
TonyAlmeyda - August 26, 2010
Yeah...
everyone should drop their confidence level probably 5 or 6 points, since this is a totally different team from a week ago.
sddbaker - August 26, 2010
I fully expect
to still be up 2.5 games going into and out of the 3 game series against the Phils.
king of games - August 26, 2010
We can't be 2.5 games going into and out of ...
…a three game series against the Phillies. Yes, if there is a rain-out the lead could stay the same, but then it wouldn’t be a three game series. ;)
cavebird - August 26, 2010
Yes
That was sarcasm based upon the length of time this 2.5 game lead has existed.
king of games - August 26, 2010
I guess it could be worse.
We could be Met fans.
UMDBHIK - August 26, 2010
this times a million.
heap16 - August 26, 2010
recd
Doghnut - August 26, 2010
Houston up early
woah.
VivaLosBravos - August 26, 2010
Last night was the game the Phils had to win to have the best chance of avoiding the sweep.
king of games - August 26, 2010
yeah yesterday sucked, but at least the philthies seem to lose every time we do. we still have a 2.5 game lead after going 2-4 on the trip.
heap16 - August 26, 2010
Phillies losing again today.
TradeAndruw - August 26, 2010
I like this….they’re getting no-hit even
KJDH2154 - August 26, 2010
you're not supposed to say that
Mr. Sanchez - August 26, 2010
Well, I don’t really care if that causes the no-hitter to be broken….as long as they lose
KJDH2154 - August 26, 2010
sarcasm detection
failed
Mr. Sanchez - August 26, 2010
It’s been off this whole month….I need to get it re-calibrated
KJDH2154 - August 26, 2010
If Houston holds on I’ll feel a little bit better about heading into the weekend… Marlins always play Atlanta tough
HansonManCrush - August 26, 2010 via mobile
The one good thing is that their team, since the last time we played them, has been plucked apart….but Uggla is still there….and that’s never a good thing for us
KJDH2154 - August 26, 2010
Confidence Poll
Confidence of what? Making the Playoffs? Winning the World Series? Winning a game against a lefty?
Mullett - August 26, 2010
your confidence for the entire organization. The Majors, Minors, trades and signings they make, how the team is playing, etc.
Scott Coleman - August 26, 2010
I think
Making Playoff = 95%
Winning WS = 75%
Winning against a lefty who isn´t Sananta = 5%
Doing some king of weighted average that equal to 83%
joshant - August 26, 2010
Those are PhD level equations you are dropping on us… I don’t know whether to be more excited about your airtight conclusions or to cry because i’m so confused how 95 75 and 5 make 83 haha
HansonManCrush - August 26, 2010 via mobile
I´m just kidding, but could be
0.95X + 0.75Y + 0.05Z = 0.83
X+Y+Z=1
because there are more unknown than equations, i suppose that Z = 0.05 because one game doesn´t have a great value, so solving lineal equation of 2 unknown.
X = 37.5%
Y = 57.5%
Z = 5%
That means that making playoff has a value of 37.5% and winning WS is 57.5%.
joshant - August 26, 2010
Nice… Can we construct some matricies and solve this linear algebra style?
HansonManCrush - August 26, 2010 via mobile
per the poll
Doghnut - August 26, 2010
Wait, you mean that people should actually read something before giving their input on said something?
justincredubil02 - August 27, 2010
5-1 Astros!
Scott Coleman - August 26, 2010
man this guy Bourn is really fast
could the Braves have a player as fast as Bourn in the future?
joshant - August 26, 2010
bourn is considered one of the fastest, if not THE fastest player in the majors
so probably not. though we have a lot of speedy guys in the lower minors, including some we drafted this year
atl192485 - August 26, 2010
He was bourn to run!
KJDH2154 - August 26, 2010
Wasn’t he on the Phillies at one point too? Or am I thinking of someone else.
king of games - August 26, 2010
Yeah he was
KJDH2154 - August 26, 2010
He was on the Phillies
But got traded to Houston in the Brad Lidge deal. He’s fast, but it’s a shame he’s a prick who whines about strikeouts, and shows up his teammates.
royhobbs - August 26, 2010
This is amazing.
10-4 - August 26, 2010
We got swept, and (probably) gained 0.5 games in the standings. Cool beans.
Scott Coleman - August 26, 2010
Who would have imagined!
WienerDog - August 26, 2010
5-1 'stros going into the 9th!
KJDH2154 - August 26, 2010
Off topic: I’m pretty confident that we’ll bounce back from this series, so if we play well during this homestand, my confidence won’t be affected much, I don’t think.
But back to the topic at hand, I cannot believe that the Phillies are about to (hopefully) get swept in a four game series at CBP. By the Astros. This is so fantastic.
Sarahbeth - August 26, 2010
this
KJDH2154 - August 26, 2010
3 more outs!!
Jtpdolphins2009 - August 26, 2010
oops 2 more outs!!
Jtpdolphins2009 - August 26, 2010
1 more out for the Stros!!
Jtpdolphins2009 - August 26, 2010
single for raul
atl192485 - August 26, 2010
and babydick.
Scott Coleman - August 26, 2010
so did victorino
Jtpdolphins2009 - August 26, 2010
2-2 now
gave on MLB network
Jtpdolphins2009 - August 26, 2010
game
Jtpdolphins2009 - August 26, 2010
…and now it’s over. Phillies lose again!!
TonyAlmeyda - August 26, 2010
Stros wins!!
Jtpdolphins2009 - August 26, 2010
Fan confidence should stay high. If we can play that badly, probably our worst series of the year, by far, and not only maintain but increase our lead in the east, what the heck are we complaining about??
Now, if it carries over to the fish series, then we should worry.
garlick - August 26, 2010
3 game lead for the Braves!!
Jtpdolphins2009 - August 26, 2010
AStros win
3 game lead.
finally no more 2.5 game lead
joshant - August 26, 2010
Sweet.
WienerDog - August 26, 2010
SWEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
3 games up!
Scott Coleman - August 26, 2010
so has gondeee
DFA you yet? lol
Erihury - August 26, 2010
haha
gain ground good thing we arent playing today we would end up losing
Erihury - August 26, 2010
2.5 Games lead curse is over
joshant - August 26, 2010
Am I the only one
who was happy they got Howard and Utley back? They sucked big time with those guys in the lineup earlier in the year, and they suck again with them back.
king of games - August 26, 2010
Really...
Just because we got swept and actually gained half a game doesn’t excuse the fact that we didn’t play well.
wadlinger - August 26, 2010
Agreed
However it wasn’t like we got swept at home…..Huddy didn’t have his good stuff and we still “almost” won…(Thanks Rapuano)…….Lowe – well gave up 3 runs and we couldn’t beat the lefty………..Yesterday…..Offensive explosion followed by Implosion……
Now if we do not win 2 of 3 against the Fish then it will be time for concern.
Mullett - August 26, 2010
but it helps. can you imagine if the Phillies would’ve swept? We’d be down a game, so be happy.
Scott Coleman - August 26, 2010
oh I know that wouldve been terrible, and I am happy for that reason…but I am having a hard time ignoring that fact that we play terrible at other parks and then when you throw a lefty in there its an ice cube in your hot chocolate. We were winning 10-1 before they put in the lefty reliever…
wadlinger - August 26, 2010
Houston..."We have a Problem"
Ha Ha…..what were the odds of a 4 game sweep!
Mullett - August 26, 2010
can we send the astros a thank-you gift?
atl192485 - August 26, 2010
Yes we can…will gift wrap a Kenshin Kawakami and throw in a Nate McClouth bobble-head.
Mullett - August 26, 2010
Did I mention the Nate McClouth Bobble-head is broken and cannot be fixed..The reason
all the Braves had left the dugout the night he hit the walkoff homer is they figured the game
was already over.
Mullett - August 26, 2010
mainly to Lee (Astros)
He was killing the phillies. 2HR, 6RBI during this series
joshant - August 26, 2010
Wow. How do the Phillies get swept by the Astros at home?
UMDBHIK - August 26, 2010
2.5 games lead curse
and Wandy beating Kendrics
joshant - August 26, 2010
I'm gonna keep on with the 10's!!
I know many will change… And while last night blows, but I’m not gonna change my thinking! This team is to good for that to happen again, particularly our pitching staff. We have sick arms and a fist full of good to great position players in the minors… whats not to like people?
UpstateNyBravesFan - August 26, 2010
future
I think that the Braves made the wrong move with D Lee at first. They should have gone after the Cub’s Third basemen who is playing much better and can replace Chipper there next year. Chipper is at best a reserve next year with his knee injury and loss of skills over the last two years, but I think that he will retire because he has to much pride to play at such a low level for such a big salary for another season. chipper killed the team over the last two years with such low production and being paid super star money. I’m not as rich as Chipper but I have as much pride and I would give my salary back and play for the minimum If I was in the same position so that the team can put some big time productive talent on the field to win it all.
oily water - August 27, 2010
Chipper, even with a reconstructed knee (which should theoretically make him stronger) is far superior to a replacement player and would STILL be considered one of the best hitters in baseball.
You are crazy if you think Chipper’s near-.400 OBP kills the team.
You are just a hater. Chipper isn’t even making superstar money.
justincredubil02 - August 27, 2010
There are so many things wrong with this statement
I need charts to delineate them all.
The team has 99 problems but Chipper ain’t one.
UMDBHIK - August 27, 2010
Chipper is paid big bucks to drive in runs not for on base percentage. You can get a great on base percentage guy for a quarter of his salary, and that guy will probably be able to steal bases and drive in runs as well. Yes Chipper is the problem for the Braves furture, however he has been my favorite player for years but his time as a star player has come and gone. If he really wants to come back then he should set goals to produce as much as most players in his salary range for the year before he collects his big check or not pick it up if he doesn’t. I think that he will do the right thing for the only team that he has ever played for and is more loyal to him than any Brave in History. They let Henry Aaron go when he had more skills than chipper does at the end of his Braves career, but he was black.
oily water - August 27, 2010
reply button is your friend
Doghnut - August 27, 2010
Have they just had an incredible run of luck?
confidence is dropping, they havent hit the ball well this year, but were good for one game a week scoring more than 5. this past week, scoring 10 didn’t even help. Batting is off, now pitching too? I dont think you can expect to make your way through the playoffs relying on late game scoring every night, now I am not sure they will even make the playoffs. Bobby always has one pitcher in the pen he over-uses last year it was Moylan, this year it is Venters. The rookie has pitched a lot of innings I hope he has something left for the stretch. I also think just about every acquisition the Braves made to help the team has only at best left it the same, and in some cases worse. It has taken quite a while for Ankiel to start hitting, and I dont know why Bobby keeps starting him instead of Melky. Ankiel had three plays against the Rockies where he dropped the ball taking it out of his glove. Gonzalez has been ok, but not this great defensive player he was touted. Farnsworth was and is a bust, and we dont have the luxury of waiting for Lee to get comfortable and start hitting. Sorry if I sound overly negative and pessimistic, it is just very frustrating to lose to teams that are having lousy years (Marlins, Nationals,etc). There is a month to go, lets hope it goes our way!
HeyMikey - August 28, 2010
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