The Braves Blame Game
That was the biggest collapse in the Atlanta Braves 45 year history. Led the Cardinals by 8.5 games and went 9-18 in September. Thank goodness, the Red Sox were even worse, so the national media had less time to focus on the Braves poor play. But locally, this was difficult to digest.
Now the "Blame Game" starts.
Fredi Gonzalez will get slammed for wearing out his bullpen (O'Flaherty 78 appearances, Venters 85, Kimbrel 79). His first season as manager is now stained with that collapse. Not exactly something you want on the resume', in your first year on the job.
Derek Lowe might get run out of town. He's making top dollar and fell down on the job. That's not a good combination either. Lowe was 0-5 in September, with an ERA of 8.75. Braves might have to pick up more than half of that $15M salary next year, just to get rid of him.
Jason Heyward was supposed to be a star this season. Instead, he barely showed up. Jason hit .227, with only 42 RBI. Not exactly what the Braves had in mind. His confidence and mechanics are shot right now. Wonder how this turns out?
All-Star Brian McCann finished poorly. September was his worst month, hitting .200. That's when the team needed his bat the most. Fans never expected to see that finish.
Frank Wren can't bring this team back together, after that collapse. Got to shake it up now.
Now the "Blame Game" starts.
Fredi Gonzalez will get slammed for wearing out his bullpen (O'Flaherty 78 appearances, Venters 85, Kimbrel 79). His first season as manager is now stained with that collapse. Not exactly something you want on the resume', in your first year on the job.
Derek Lowe might get run out of town. He's making top dollar and fell down on the job. That's not a good combination either. Lowe was 0-5 in September, with an ERA of 8.75. Braves might have to pick up more than half of that $15M salary next year, just to get rid of him.
Jason Heyward was supposed to be a star this season. Instead, he barely showed up. Jason hit .227, with only 42 RBI. Not exactly what the Braves had in mind. His confidence and mechanics are shot right now. Wonder how this turns out?
All-Star Brian McCann finished poorly. September was his worst month, hitting .200. That's when the team needed his bat the most. Fans never expected to see that finish.
Frank Wren can't bring this team back together, after that collapse. Got to shake it up now.
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