The Atlanta Braves had a successful 2009 season, finishing with a record of 86 and 76.  They have made numerous moves this winter in anticipation of the 2010 season.  Maybe these moves will benefit them for the long term, but for 2010, I don’t think they have improved their ball club enough. Starting Pitching: Last year’s best starter Javier Vazquez was traded, so that in itself weakens the Braves rotation.  The starting five is still deep [...]

And yet it seems that we’re in the same spot. October 17, 1999. Ten years ago last Saturday. Robin Ventura gave Mets fans one of the more unusual defining moments in team history. A “grand slam single” in the bottom of the 15th inning to break a tied game and send the Mets to Game 6 to face the Atlanta Braves one more time. As fate would have it, the Mets would fall short in [...]

The Mets will soon end yet another long season fraught with futility against their NL East rival, the Atlanta Braves. This time, the Mets finished their season series with the Braves by losing their last eight contests against them. The current spate of losing to Chief Knockahoma’s former employer is the tip of the iceberg.  The big picture transcends games, but sadly (and maddeningly) extends to 18 years (1991-present).   Realistically, a rivalry is defined as a “competition.”  However, ”it takes two Tango.”  Ever [...]

Atlanta Braves: (8-2; -5) The Braves swept the Nationals and will face the Marlins for three this weekend. Atlanta is in strong position to steal the Wild Card from the Colorado Rockies, as the Braves finish with four at home against the Nationals while the Rockies finish with three against the Milwaukee Brewers followed by three against the Los Angeles Dodgers. They are currently separated by 2.5 games. Florida Marlins: (5-5; -7.5) The Marlins were [...]

The Atlanta Braves have announced that longtime manager Bobby Cox will return for the 2010 season and then retire from managing. Cox will then move to a consulting job for the team for five years afterward. Cox will retire from the Braves as one of the most accomplished managers in baseball history. Cox managed the Braves from 1978 to 1981, and then returned to the Braves bench in 1990. The Braves proceeded to win every [...]

Atlanta Braves: (8-2; 7.5) The Atlanta Braves completed a three game sweep, and will take on the Philadelphia Phillies. Sunday’s pitching matchup looks to be interesting, as Tommy Hanson will be up against Cliff Lee. The Braves hot streak has put them 4.5 games back of the Colorado Rockies? Florida Marlins: (6-4; 8) The Florida Marlins took two of three from the St. Louis Cardinals, and lost the opener Thursday to the Cincinnati Reds. The [...]

Atlanta Braves: (4-6; -8) The Atlanta Braves took two of three from the Houston Astros, and will head to St. Louis to play the Cardinals. Nate McLouth has hit three HR’s since returning from the disabled list. Top prospect Jason Heyward won the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year award. I do these columns twice a week, so I end up reading a lot about Brave prospects, especially Jay-Hey. If I were a [...]

Atlanta Braves: (3-7; -8.5) The Atlanta Braves had a dreadful series against the Cincinnati Reds, and carry their 5-game losing streak to Houston to play the Astros. Thursday’s pitching matchup features Derek Lowe vs. Roy Oswalt. The Braves are falling from the Wild Card race as they are now 7 games back of the Rockies. Florida Marlins: (5-5; -6.5) The Florida Marlins took two of three from the Washington Nationals, losing the third game of [...]

Atlanta Braves: (4-6; -8.5) The Atlanta Braves split a four-game series with the Florida Marlins, and will open a three game series against the Cincinnati Reds this weekend. The Danville Braves of the Appalachian League won the championship, and the Gwinnett Braves (AAA) are in prime position to make the playoffs, as they could clinch the Wild Card this weekend. Florida Marlins: (5-5; -8.5) The Florida Marlins took split with the Braves, and will head [...]

Atlanta Braves: (5-5; -8) The Atlanta Braves lost two of three in Philadelphia, and will open a weekday series with the Florida Marlins. Matt Diaz has continued his hot streak for the Braves, and Tim Hudson is likely to return soon. The Braves are 3.5 back in the Wild Card. Florida Marlins: (4-6; -8) The Florida Marlins lost two of three to the San Diego Padres and will head home to face the Atlanta Braves. [...]

Atlanta Braves: (6-4;-7) The Atlanta Braves lost two of three to the San Diego Padres, and will head to Philadelphia to face the Phillies. The pitching matchup tonight will be rookie Tommy Hanson vs. Pedro Martinez. Also, Tim Hudson will make his return next Monday. The Braves are 4.5 back of the Rockies in the wild card. Florida Marlins: (4-6; -7) The Florida Marlins took two of three from the Mets and will face the [...]