The Atlanta Braves Suck! (wink, wink)

Since I wrote that the Tigers were “done”, Detroit has reeled off an impressive three game win streak. The Tigers have nearly doubled their season offensive output, averaging ten runs a game over those three wins. The pitching is still a concern (they allowed 16 runs in those three wins) but the city of Detroit is breathing a huge sigh of relief now that the bats have awakened.

So, under the fairly reasonable assumption that it was pointed complaints that triggered Detroit’s good fortune, I would now like to turn my attention to the Atlanta Braves. As a long-time Braves fan, I’ve grown frustrated with their great regular season performances and subsequent playoff flops. Fourteen consecutive division titles and only one World Series win? As of late, they haven’t even been good enough to make the playoffs the last two years.

This year was supposed to be different, though. Numerous ‘experts’ were predicting a turnaround season and possible World Series appearance for the Braves. I was skeptical at first, but after checking out their starting lineup and seeing the return of Tom Glavine, I started to believe. Youngsters Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann have been impressive over the last two years and will only improve. Last season’s trade deadline acquisition Mark Teixeira could be considered one of the top five first basemen in the league. However, what really had me excited was hearing about the potential of rookie shortstop Yunel Escobar. His progress allowed the Braves to trade away All-Star shortstop Edgar Renteria, and Escobar has looked as good as advertised so far this season.

Unfortunately, the team as a whole has limped along to a 5-9 record, which is only a half game better than the Tigers right now. Despite being in the top ten for both runs scored and runs allowed, the Braves are near the bottom of the NL standings, ahead of only the Nationals. Based on current run production, the Braves should be expected to have an 8-6 record, but have unexpectedly performed much worse than that. Unlike my rant on the Tigers, the Braves have been playing well. Chipper Jones is batting over .400 and three Braves already have double digit RBI totals. Mark Teixeira is struggling a bit, but for the most part, the team is hitting well. Starting pitching has also been positive thus far, with three starters under 3.00 ERA and another with a 3.93 ERA. Unfortunately, injuries to the bullpen have perhaps contributed to the Braves slow start, as closer Rafael Soriano and next-in-line closer Peter Moylan have missed time.

However, the number one reason for the Braves poor start is BOBBY COX! You suck!! Just kidding. But for some reason, the Braves have already played and lost an inordinate amount of one run games. In fact, the Braves are an astonishing 0-7 in one run games this year, including two losses in extra innings. Hopefully that number will even out as the season progresses, but at some point you just have to start winning games. I’m guessing the lack of quality arms at the end of games is hurting Atlanta, but 0-7? I’m hoping that by complaining about the poor start, Atlanta’s luck will turn around. With John Smoltz on the mound tonight, it sounds like a good bet to me.