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Time for Change at the Top in Atlanta

Daniel Doyle Written by Daniel Doyle, Monday June 15 2009
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After Sunday's 11-2 defeat by a last place Baltimore Orioles team, it is apparent that the Atlanta Braves need to seriously consider replacing Bobby Cox.

 

Bobby Cox and Chipper Jones are the last two links in a Braves uniform to their World Championship team of 1995. I, along with every other Atlanta Brave fan, should be appreciative of what Cox has accomplished in his tenure as the Braves skipper. And I am. But all good things must come to an end. Cox's good thing in Atlanta ended with their last playoff appearance in 2005.

 

Watching Atlanta play over the last week or so, has been painful. Not only have they been losing frequently, they have played uninspired, ignorant baseball. From base-running mistakes, fielding errors, and other miscues defensively that do not show up in the boxscore, this club needs someone lighting a fire under them. Atlanta needs a Fredi Gonzalez/ Ozzie Guillen type manager that is not afraid to get in his players' faces.

 

Please do not confuse Cox's all-time ejection record for clubhouse intensity. Anybody with a pulse can argue an umpire's call. And anyone with a pair of legs can stand out there long enough to be tossed. Over the years, hundreds of players have put on a Braves uniform. Admittedly, most loved their time while playing for Cox. The consensus from those players is that Bobby doesn't say a lot, but what he expects is very clear. Fine. Maybe some of those guys from the past need to relay those expectations to the current players in Atlanta, because it is quite clear most of them have missed the memo.

 

The lack of focus defensively, and the poor discipline at the plate have been two consistent trademarks of the 2009 Atlanta Braves. Seeing the same errors and poor at-bats leads me to believe that Cox has become little more than a "cool uncle" figure. You know what I am talking about. That one uncle you had that would slip you a five dollar bill when he came to visit. The one that would let you punch him, kick him, and pull his hair and never say anything. That seems to be what Cox has evolved into. A manager that for whatever reason will not attempt to correct poor habits that his players have developed.

 

This year's Atlanta Braves, talent wise, actually have a chance to earn a playoff birth. They have the best starting pitching staff in the N.L. East, with the Florida Marlins coming in a close second. Their offense has plenty to be desired, but at least the organization attempted to upgrade by acquiring Nate McLouth. Offensively, that gives them a solid core of McLouth, Yunel Escobar, Chipper Jones, and Brian McCann. If this team can stay relatively healthy they can at least compete in a stacked N.L. East. First thing is first though, and this team, that has quite a bit of potential, needs a fire sparked beneath them. 


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2 comments


0 up down 0
Daniel DoyleDaniel Doyle, over 2 years ago said:

Thanks for the comment Gator. I'm not real sure if anyone in their farm system would be the answer. The only rumblings in ATL are by some fans, no real rumor. I agree about it being the end of the season, but I think he will retire on his own.

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GatorSphereGatorSphere, over 2 years ago said:

Good read. Is there anyone in Atlanta's farm system who would make a good manager? Are there rumblings in the ATL about getting rid of Cox? I would think if the Braves do let Cox go, they will do so at the end of the season. The only manager I hear of now who is rumored to be on his way out is Manny Acta.