Change is Coming...

It's time for change for the Atlanta Braves organization...

Whether that involves sitting or trading a local outfielder who was the Sports Illustrated coverboy, Jeff Francoeur; or making another major move such as asking a future Hall-of-Fame coach to step down because he cannot get the message across to his players.

Simply put this team is not cutting it. The Braves playoff drought has been 3 long and miserable years. Fan support is the lowest it has been in five years (based on attendance numbers at The Ted and television viewers). The only way this team is going to regain the pride and prestige they had in the 90's is by making a key change NOW! The Braves have to make the playoffs this year if they want to retain an above-average fan base, make an attempt at luring key free-agents this off-season and most importantly bring some hope back into players that have not had the opportunity to reach the playoffs.

The Braves clearly have the pitching to get it done but their hitting is questionable. The addition of Nate McLouth brought necessary speed and power to the top of the lineup, but their 6-8 spots of the lineup are killing the team. Casey Kotchman is a pathetic excuse for a 1B from an offensive point-of-view, he not only lacks power but he is also slow around the bases. Jeff Francoeur the Braves usual #7 hitter is batting a measly .245 and Kelly Johnson the Braves #8 hitter is hitting a devastating .224. On top of that Frenchy has the 10th lowest OBP in the majors! But to put the icing on the cake, Kelly Johnson is not far behind him at 16. In order to be a successful team in the major these days you have to receive input from all your hitters. Whether the top of the lineup is providing power and bottom is playing small ball you can not rely on 3-4 hitters to win you ball games consistently.

Since the Braves lost that devastating Game 7 in Houston off a Chris Burke walk-off HR (irony) Bobby Cox and company have posted a 267-286 record. That won't get it done in Boston, that sure as heck won't cut it in New York, so why is this record acceptable in Atlanta?