State of the Braves

Several articles on the AJC today say the same thing: the Braves are building for next year. Schultz and Chipper say several recent moves set up nicely for next year, and anything this year is gravy. Few expected the Braves to win the division this year. The Phillies have a huge, talented payroll, and are hard to beat when they’re cranking…which they are. The postseason is all about peaking at the end of the year. They still have shot at the wild-card (it’s only the beginning of August!).

Listened to the Braves mostly on radio all weekend. LaRoche hits better in the second half. Kotchman was on a hot streak and probably at the height of his value. This way they’re wide open at 1B next year, and can sign whoever they want…or give the position to rookie slugger Freddie Freeman.

Same in RF…Church has a hurt elbow, but Diaz is hitting .300. Phenom Jason Heyward may be ready next year, otherwise they can field McLouth, Schafer, Diaz, a healthier Church, Blanco, or re-sign Garrett Anderson or another OF free agent.

Since the season started Wren has added McLouth, LaRoche, and Hanson, and subtracted non-performers Francoeur, Bennett, and Schafer. G Anderson returned from an early injury to hit .300. Hot bat Prado replaced the slumping Kelly Johnson. Hudson and Infante are set to return from injuries in August (so perhaps KK will be sent to the pen for the rest of the year). Norton just had two straight pinch hits. More than ever it’s clear: don’t produce, and you’re out of here (as soon as a replacement is lined up).

Soriano blows a save. Umps screw Braves out of three wins (Boston, 2 in Miami). No run support for Vasquez & Jurrigans, who has a bad game Sunday. Several of these fall under the “you’re going to win 54 and lose 54. It’s what happens in the remaining 54 games that matter.”

When Cox retires, it will be interesting to see why or why not the Braves win or lose. I doubt his successor will manage the pitchers much different.