Why the Braves will (not) make the playoffs : Baseball Reflections

About the Author: Michael Hankinson grew up in Atlanta watching Hank Aaron, Phil Niekro, Dale Murphy and others through many mediocre Braves years. He would hide the radio under the pillow and listen to the Braves with the earpiece while sleeping. He remembers being very upset when the Mets nonchalantly thumped the Braves out of the playoffs. Looking back, they had no chance against the Amazin' Mets. It seemed all of his friends were at the game when Hank Aaron broke Ruth's record. The organ in the outfield was owned by his friend's family. Of course, don't forget the tepee! Remember how Nocahoma sealed his fate by asking for a pay raise? And don't forget Ted and his role putting the Braves on the television map. Michael's grandfather was also an avid Braves fan, but was wont to say often 'Same ole Braves' as only an old man could say. He currently is an IT consultant for insurance companies, has a great wife and four smart children. He reads many baseball books, especially those dealing with strategies and the statistical side of baseball. He participates in fantasy baseball leagues, though not very well. He took his future wife out on the first date to a Braves game where he promptly embarrassed himself (or her, really) by cheering when Mark Grace doubled in a run since Grace was on his fantasy team.

Why the Braves will (not) make the playoffs

Michael Hankinson | Jul 16, 2009 | Comments 3

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The Braves have made some good moves recently that we all know about. The starting pitching is above average, the relief pitching adequate, the offense is also adequate and the defense is excellent. It appears to a Braves fan that the Braves are in the best position to take first in the East. Under the management of Cox, the Braves are poised for a great second half run. Of course, it would be nice if the front office could add one more offensive punch.

I just do not see it happening.

I cannot pretend to know the clubhouse atmosphere, but I can read enough in the papers, and perhaps, see enough on TV and at Turner Field to draw conclusions as a fan.

: Image via Wikipedia

I hear that Chipper is the leader of the team, but does it mean he merely sets a good example? I am not seeing evidence of the leadership role that one would expect from Lowe as a pitcher. There are other players with too many struggles (or perhaps too young) to prevent them from stepping in as leaders. A leader will clearly make a difference on and off the field.

There should be more evidence of the camaraderie that you’d expect from a team vying for a playoff position. Perhaps I am unfairly comparing the current Braves to the Braves of the past, where the pitchers played golf together, where we knew players spent time together and bonded. Can we speculate how many games were won due to information shared and the chemistry built during those years? It also seems like there is little communication between the players on the field.

Perhaps the management style of Cox where one is expected to go about his business quietly is hiding the evidence that I seek?

I am juggling leadership and camaraderie, but these strengthen the other. Certainly, teams can go to the playoffs and win the World Series without either of these. The Braves do not have the budget to overcome the lack of these qualities.

As my friends would often say at this point (besides ‘Whatever’), what are you trying to say? Put aside the talk of leadership and camaraderie, please. Where’s the spark? That sense of expectation that, hey, we can do this, we can win this thing? The sense of fun and enjoying the run. Look in the Braves players’ faces after the All Star break, wherever you may be watching and tell me what you see. Judge for yourself.

I’d be more than glad to be proven wrong here. And I welcome all comments without symbols. Have a great day.