Bobby Cox has achieved above and beyond what anyone could have asked for when he took over as the Atlanta Braves skipper in 1990. However, let's look at the reality of the fourteen consecutive division titles. Ted Turner provided the money, John Schuerholz chose the players, and Bobby Cox watched. Sure Cox drew up the lineup card and gave encouragement from the top step of the dugout, but when you have three Cy Young Award winners in your rotation your impact is not felt.

 I am not trying to completely bash the only manager I have ever known for America's team. He was a typical "player's manager" and he always will be. Unfortunately for Cox and the Atlanta Braves organization, they have not had the "players" for the past three years and his managing has been openly scrutinized. The most glaring weakness in his managing has been with the bullpen. Whatever the reason may be, Cox seems to have an obligation to at least one reliever a year that he must get 75 innings out of, blown leads be thrown to the way side. Last year it was Blaine Boyer. He threw the most innings of any reliever on the team (76) and posted an awful 5.88 ERA. In 76 innings Boyer gave up 10 homeruns. That same year, Jair Jurrjens surrendered 11 homeruns in 188 innings.

Continue reading "Bobby Cox's Bullpen"

Welcome to Atlanta, where the players play, Nate McLouth. Before I break into another ill-fated attempt at rap, I would like to discuss the most recent Braves acquisition, what Atlanta gave up, and the reaction I have heard from many other Braves fans.

I for one am thrilled about the deal. No doubt a win for Atlanta. McLouth is young (27 years old), has a very good bat (9 HR and 34 RBI already), played a Gold Glove centerfield last year, and is signed through the 2011 season at an incredible bargain with a club option for the 2012 season. While he doesn't have incredible power, the 9 homeruns he has already hit lead the Braves. Bobby Cox has penciled him in the third spot in the lineup, behind Yunel Escobar and directly in front of Chipper Jones, with Brian McCann sliding into the five hole. It is pretty safe to say McLouth will see a better selection of pitches hitting sandwiched between those guys as opposed to Freddy Sanchez and the LaRoche brothers in Pittsburgh. 

Continue reading "Braves acquire Nate McLouth"

I'll put away all sentimental feelings to do this. Which is not easy to do. Because I remember Glavine at his best. I remember Glavine holding the World Series Trophy, reflecting the smile that was on Ted Turner's face, and all of his incredible post season performances. The ease with which Glavine mowed down opposing lineups was matched only by his magician-like teammate Greg Maddux. In the only World Series I have been able to see my Atlanta Braves win, Glavine was named MVP. That is why it is so hard to type the next sentence. The time had come for Glavine to hang it up.

It shouldn't have come to this. Why could he have not just called it a career after his season ended last year with major surgery? He has the same problem that Michael Jordan and Brett Favre is currently having. To quote Chris Brown, "There's never a right time to say goodbye." However it is becoming more and more evident that Glavine's

Continue reading "So Long Tommy Glavine..."

Drop the act Kobe. I'm not buying it.

First there was Jordan. He coined the tongue out of the mouth. He was Mr. Cool. A smooth pump of his fist when he nailed a game winning jumper was all he needed. There was no question of whether it was a genuine reaction. Jordan was all natural.

Next came Tiger. In a sport where serenity and calmness were of the utmost importance, he let emotion run free. Woods perfected the fist-pump and it became an instinct for him everytime an improbable putt fell in the cup. Tiger is all natural.

Now, in the 2009 playoffs, the cameras seem to always find Kobe's scowl. His baracuda like jaw juts forward and a somewhat awkward and painful expression is created. There is a difference in the intensity of an athlete and an athlete looking mad. Kobe looks mad. Kobe is artificial.

Continue reading "Kobe, Please Stop"

What Cubs fans have lovingly grown accustomed to.

The Chicago Cubs have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory for over 100 years now. If you never have experienced it before, go to a Cubs game. Not at Wrigley, mind you. Your favorite team's home park. I dare you.

First of all, let me recommend you not pay very much for the ticket. The possibility that the Cubs actually win the game does exist, and if that possibility is realized, you may end up needing money to bail yourself out of jail. The arrogance and gloating that ensues is often enough to make the most level-headed individuals blow their tops.

I was at Turner Field for the National League Division Series against the Cubs in 2003. I wish I had read an article such as this before I went, for I knew not what I was about to walk into. Lo and behold Kerry Wood threw a dominating Game one and the Cubs were victorious. The streets of Atlanta were flooded with blue and white pinstripes, marching around, chanting as if they had just won their first World Series since 1908. It was simply game one of the first round of the playoffs. Those Cubs' fans created a couple of firsts for me. One particularly over the top female pushed my buttons so that I took a swing at her boyfriend, or brother, whatever male companion happened to be beside her. I also got into a verbal altercation with a foreign man that could not have been over four feet tall. It was definitely a man though, as a cigarette was hanging from his bearded mouth.

Continue reading "The Art of Chicago Cubs Losing"

Some claim that Roger Federer's clay conquest was a hollow victory since he did not beat Rafael Nadal.

As soon as Roger Federer dried his last tear of joy, the backlash began. Reporters and columnists quickly started dismissing his championship in the French Open because of something Roger could not control. Federer had no part in determining who he played in the final at Roland Garros. He simply did what he had done 13 times before- win a Grand Slam.

It isn't as if Rafael Nadal wasn't in the field. He was there. The number one seed in fact. It was his tournament to lose and he did. Federer made it through the draw he was given as the two seed. In the final Federer beat Robin Soderling in straight sets. Soderling defeated Nadal in four sets earlier in the tournament.

Continue reading "Hollow Victory for Roger Federer?"

I am not sure it is possible, but Brett Favre needs to find the most desolate place in Mississippi and hide. Although I believe he is already past this stage, he needs to read Damage Control for Dummies. It will be an awful long time before I can say the name Brett Favre without a sour taste being left behind.

 

Favre played the game with such a youthful exuberance, that many people were completely sold on this fun-loving quarterback. His toothy smile appeared pasted on his face, in the middle of his 5 o’clock shadow. When things were going good for Favre, he was a happy go lucky guy. However, when you see a guy go through a little adversity, his true colors are exposed. Let’s face it, Favre has many more dull colors in what we all thought was a bright personality.

Continue reading "Brett, Go Far, Favre Away...."

Has any coach's stock risen more in this year's NBA playoff's than Stan Van Gundy?

Who would have believed before the season that a Ron Jeremy look alike would be one of the biggest headliners of the basketball postseason? While he looks more like a used car salesmen rather than an NBA coach, his solid regular season resume, along with a run to the Finals this year, has elevated his status as one of the best in the game. Looking back at the choice of Mike Brown as coach of the year for 2009 almost looks silly. That debate is for another time though and I want to remain focused on what exactly Jeff's brother has done to spark his Orlando Magic.

Who was Hedo Turkoglu before Stan Van Gundy? He won the Sixth Man of the Year award in his second year in the league, but was little more than a nice role player. When Billy Donovan backed out of his contract with the Orlando Magic in June of 2007, they quickly offered Van Gundy the job which he took. The following season Turkoglu won the NBA Most Improved Award and is now mentioned among other elite players in the league. It is hard to ignore the coincidence of Van Gundy's arrival with the emergence of Turkoglu.

Continue reading "The Sorcerer- Stan Van Gundy"

These 5 deals need to be done by July 31st.

With the Nate McLouth trade still fresh on our minds, what other deals appear to be necessary, if not imminent? Atlanta was able to fill perhaps the single biggest hole of any team, in its lack of outfield production. Here are the five trades that need to be made sooner than later.

5.) Nick Johnson traded to the Boston Red Sox.

This doesn't seem like a blockbuster of a deal, but the Red Sox do not need any kind of overhaul, just a slight tinkering to really rev their engine. Ortiz appears to be in a funk that he may not get out of. At least not this year. In the American League you must get production out of your DH spot. Johnson would be a nice upgrade and could spell Kevin Youkilis occasionally at first base.

4.) Jose Valverde traded to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Continue reading "5 Trades that Need to Happen in Major League Baseball"

The time has now come for the Atlanta Braves to send the hometown hero out of town.

This is tough to write because I have wanted him to succeed as much as anyone in the Atlanta organization. After one of the most prolonged slumps in the history of baseball, I must finally admit that the Braves need to trade Jeff Francoeur. No more waiting for him to turn it around. No more hoping a team is going to actually give up a top prospect for him. The right fielder has run his course in Atlanta.

The Braves are at a pivotal point in the season. They just dealt three prospects for Nate McLouth, and appear to be in it to win it this year. However, that is not going to happen when they pencil Francoeur in the lineup every night. Maybe they could hold out a little longer if he was a Gold Glover at a position in which defense is incredibly important, like second base or shortstop. That is not the case. He is a corner outfielder, with an incredible arm, mind you. But his arm doesn't even come close in making up for his abysmal production at the plate.

Continue reading "Time for Francoeur and Braves to Part Ways"

University of Texas pitcher Austin Wood throws 12 and 1/3 innings of no-hit baseball in a College World Series Regional Game.




I know most people are thinking, "Who in the heck is Austin Wood?" That in itself is a tragedy. The left-handed Senior threw 13 innings of scoreless relief against the Boston College Eagles, and did not even recieve the decision. The Longhorns did finally get the win, scoring a run in the 25th inning, five frames after Wood was removed from the game.



In a day in age that features so many specialists such as closers and set-up men, as well as pitch counts, this is a feat that we may never see duplicated again. Wood was removed from the game after his 169th pitch, one that made contact with the batter he was facing. His final line looked like this: 13 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 14 K, 4 BB. Wonder who Texas head coach Augie Garrido gave the game ball to? When asked about Wood's outing, Garrido, the winningest manager in college baseball history, said, "It was the best pitching performance I've ever seen."

Continue reading "True Texas LONGhorn"

In the sports world, nothing compares to Game 7. At times, it defines careers, and it always defines the teams involved.

Although I am not a hockey fan, tonight's Stanley Cup Finals matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings sparked a fire within me. There's something about Game 7 that does it. No other situation in sports can put both team's in such a do or die moment. Every play is put under a microscope. Player's entire careers can be made in a single Game 7. A Game 7 is for sports fans, what Christmas Day is for children. For that reason alone, I may become a hockey fan tonight.

What comes to mind when you first hear, Game 7?

Perhaps Aaron Boone's moon shot off of Tim Wakefield in the 11th inning of the 2003 ALCS. The last American League pennant for the New York Yankees in old Yankee Stadium came off that dramatic homerun. The lasting shot of the old knuckleballer, Tim Wakefield, walking slowly back to the dugout, while the blur of Yankees fans are going berserk in the seats down the right field line. Who doesn't remember Boone leaping from outside the right handed batter's box, to land with both feet on home plate. Then watching the guest commentator, Bret Boone, Aaron's brother, as tears welled up in his eyes. That's so Game 7.

Continue reading "That's So Game 7..."

Tommy Hanson earns his first MLB win in his second start for the Atlanta Braves.

Perhaps it is a little early to determine whether it was the right decision to cut Tom Glavine, or if it was the right time to call Tommy Hanson up to the Majors, but one thing is undeniable. Hanson has the stuff to be one of the best pitchers in the game. How fast he achieves that status, if he does at all, is to be determined.

After giving up three homeruns to the Milwaukee Brewers in his Major League debut, I was admittedly a little concerned. I did not expect sheer dominance in his first start, but I did not expect he would give up three long balls and seven runs in six innings. He left his fastball fat way too many times and one of the best hitting teams in the National League made him pay. It wasn't all bad, however, as he struck out the side in the second inning, giving the Braves faithful a glimpse at what he could possibly be.

Continue reading "Early Return on Tommy Hanson"

LeBron James' buzzer beating three pointer in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals will not make Cleveland fans forget about "The Shot."

Now that Cleveland has been eliminated, we can take a definitive look back at  the magnitude of LeBron James' game winner back in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The result is a rather indifferent, not much.

Sure, I'm an M.J. homer. I'll admit it. But I can back this statement up. First of all, Jordan's shot won something more than a game. It won a series. In a single play, he carried the Chicago Bulls to the next round of the playoffs, which at the time, was something Chicago was not very familiar with. As a six seed in the playoffs that year, Jordan took his Bulls to the Eastern Conference Finals. The last time the Bulls had reached the Eastern Finals. 1975.

Continue reading ""Le Shot" Will Never Replace "The Shot""

After Sunday's 11-2 defeat by a last place Baltimore Orioles team, it is apparent that the Atlanta Braves need to seriously consider replacing Bobby Cox.

Bobby Cox and Chipper Jones are the last two links in a Braves uniform to their World Championship team of 1995. I, along with every other Atlanta Brave fan, should be appreciative of what Cox has accomplished in his tenure as the Braves skipper. And I am. But all good things must come to an end. Cox's good thing in Atlanta ended with their last playoff appearance in 2005.

Watching Atlanta play over the last week or so, has been painful. Not only have they been losing frequently, they have played uninspired, ignorant baseball. From base-running mistakes, fielding errors, and other miscues defensively that do not show up in the boxscore, this club needs someone lighting a fire under them. Atlanta needs a Fredi Gonzalez/ Ozzie Guillen type manager that is not afraid to get in his players' faces.

Continue reading "Time for Change at the Top in Atlanta"

Alex Rodriguez' s slow start is certainly a cause for concern in Yankee-land. Could the lack of certain P.E.D's be the root of his poor performance this year?

How quickly things have changed. A little over a month ago, Rodriguez homered in his first at bat of 2009 and the joyful "pie in the face" celebration seemed to be a nightly occurrence for the New York Yankees. Now Rodriguez is facing a two game benching in his hometown of all places, Miami, Florida. A-Rod had reserved around 100 tickets for his family and friends for the three game set against the Marlins. It looks as if Pro Player Stadium will have to wait until Sunday for its attendance to double.

Manager Joe Girardi and general manager Brian Cashman met with Rodriguez and the group decided a two day break would be best for the slugger. While Alex claims he is experiencing no soreness, it is hard to ignore that only a few short months ago Rodriguez had hip surgery. Perhaps his .212 batting average can be accredited to that damaged hip. Hitting is so dependant on timing and any small hitch can completely alter a player's swing. It is very possible that Rodriguez's hips are not rotating through the zone like he is accustomed to.

Continue reading "Fatigued A-Rod Benched Two Games"

Chipper Jones was one of three Braves to be ejected in the 7th inning of Sunday's loss to the Boston Red Sox.

Finally emotion from an Atlanta Brave. This club has appeared to be dead to the world for much of the last two weeks. Not only have they been playing poorly, the losing seems to have no affect on them. I know these guys collect a paycheck whether they are ten games over .500 or ten games under, but it would certainly be nice to see these guys actually have one, single shred of pride.

This is the Atlanta Braves. America's team. The team whose fan base spread all over the nation when its owner, Ted Turner, put them on his little television network in the 90's. This is the team that won 14 consecutive division titles and one World Series in its glory days from 1991 until 2005. This club should have some freakin pride about them. They aren't the Chicago Cubs, who are more famous for how they always find a way to lose. They aren't the Washington Nationals, who are routinely mathematically eliminated from playoff contention in May. They are Chief Knockahoma and city of "The Chop." And it is about time someone acted like they care.

Continue reading "Thank You Chipper"

Cleveland, don't start planning the first Cavaliers victory parade in franchise history for 2010 just yet. Shaquille O'Neal is far from the answer.

One of the first things I heard when O'Neal was dealt, is that Cleveland now has a low post scoring option. I cannot argue with that. Shaq can still be a valuable contributor when he is on the floor. There is no doubt, if he can stay healthy over an entire year, a 20 and 10 campaign is certainly not out of the question. He put up a very solid 17.8 points per game along with 8.4 rebounds per game last season. He is entering a contract year,  and perhaps that motivation can provide a little improvement in both areas.

Motivation can only go so far though. Contract year motivation cannot do anything if Shaq is in a snazzy suit on the sideline. Before last season, in which he played in 75 games, O,Neal was on a definite downward spiral. In 2006-07 he played in 40 games, followed by a 33 game year, and then in 07-08 he played a measly 28 games. In fact, O'Neal's 75 game year this past season, was the most games he had appeared in since the 1999-2000 campaign. Not to be pessimistic, but as a guy that believes in the law of averages, Shaq is due to miss some serious time next year. He is a 37 year old, 325(generous) pound man that has carried and thrown that weight around more last year than he has in any of his previous 10 years. It will be defying the odds if Shaq plays in more than 50 games next year. Bottom line.

Continue reading "Why Shaq Is No Final's Ticket for Cleveland"

The Bronx Bombers unleashed their fury in Atlanta, Georgia for two nights this week.

As an avid Braves fan, I should have known it was far too good to be true. The first game and a half of a three game set went as perfect as a game and a half could go for Atlanta. They shut out a 200 million dollar lineup for 14 straight innings. Hell, Kenshin Kawakami and Kris Medlen had combined for a perfect game for the first five innings of the second game. Then, the law of averages caught up with the Braves.

You see, winning those 14 consecutive division titles from 1991 to 2005 really has us screwed now. Having Cy Young Award winners filling the rotation for all those years has simply caught up to the Braves. And now, Atlanta cannot get the ball to take a single bounce their way. And in a game of inches, one bounce means a lot.

Continue reading "Braves Get Bombed"

The Braves rookie has become the team's "stopper."

When Atlanta called Hanson up to make his Major League debut against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 7th, expectations were sky high from people all over the league. The heralded righty turned in a rather sub par performance that day, but since then has been very R.O.Y.-esque.

His next start against Baltimore he allowed 2 earned runs, and those would be the last two he has given up to date. His consecutive scoreless inning streak is up to 21, which is no small feat for any pitcher, much less a rookie. Those 21 innings have come against some pretty solid offenses such as the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Ever heard of those teams?

What most people have already forgotten, is that Hanson is the main reason that Tom Glavine was cut. Some blamed it on those tight wads at Liberty Mutual, and the one million dollars that would have been owed Glavine had he been placed on the active roster. The real story was, Atlanta needed a fifth starter. Jo-Jo Reyes had been getting drummed every outing and Kris Medlen was a stopgap until the decision was made between the two Tommy's. Braves management deemed Hanson the most suited to fill out the rotation, and so far, he has made them look pretty smart.

Continue reading "Tommy Hanson Continues to Impress"