Or Nothing?
What is one to think of the never-before-seen public feud that has erupted from the Braves clubhouse? Smoltz told the media Friday that “the guys on the field” are busting their butts. Thus implying that those not playing were less than adament about making the team a winner. Chipper Jones was indeed not playing Friday due to a strained groin. This coming just days after his return from the DL.
Chipper responds to the affront via the media, claiming that if Smoltz won’t deal with him man-to-man, then he would follow suit. Chipper tells the ajc that he’ll play every day, but “someone else” better not miss any more starts. Yeee-ow! Smolz reads this on the ajc’s blog (wonder if any Braves read the ‘Matic? Obviously 0-fer Jones doesn’t or he’d bench himself out of shame) and calls the paper to say he wasn’t alluding to Chipper specifically.
Wow. All very uncharacteristic of the team that prides itself on detached professionalism. Never showing too much excitement and NEVER publicly airing dissatisfaction. Well, things have changed now. I hope. I think that having the 2 primo veterans competing to prove how win-oriented they are could be a boost. This team is just an inch away from busting out. But also an inch away from busting up. A few key hits, like we saw in the first month of the season, and the Braves could leap to the front of the pack. Keep squandering those opportunities and we’ll be chasing the Marlins in a few weeks, while the Mets and Phillies move out of sight.
GAME NOTES & Failure Watch(aka Looking Up to MR. Mendoza):
- 0-Fer Jones continued his stultifying ways at the bat. Though he did manage not to flail helplessly at bad pitches enough to draw 2 walks in his 0-for-2 effort. Today’s number is 24 straight ab’s without a hit. And .198.
- Bobby Cox finally notched ejection number 131 to tie John McGraw. The next one will be for the record books.
- Tonight the Braves anemic offense will be featured nationwide on ESPN. What? No Yankees?
- Stat O’ the Day- Excepting his first 2 starts of the season, every Chuck James win is followed by a no-decision. Chuck got the win on June 18th. So tonight a no-decision. But the Braves score at least 3 in every James no-decision game. I’ll take that.
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