The CPA and I have been missing each other lately. Last week I was in Florida, this week he's down there...he saw the Rays/Yankees game Saturday night. Next week I'll be back down there. Here's a note he's left us with...
The passage below comes from the notes on AtlantaBraves.com. I think it is a testament to 1) Why Bobby Cox is such a good manager and why players have their best seasons playing for him and 2) the kind of person Francoeur is
"I take pride in the fact that they pay you to come to the park and play," Francoeur said. "Obviously, there were some days when I was going through some struggles, when it would have been nice to take a day to relax. But I like to be in there for Bobby every day."
Francoeur's desire to play on a daily basis has a lot to do with his aggressive personality and passion for the game. But at the same time, he feels he owes something to Cox, who kept him in the lineup while he hit just .216 in April.
"When I was having such a tough time early in the season, he stuck with me everyday," Francoeur said. "Now I want to say, 'I'll stick with you the rest of the season and give you everything that I've got.' It's nice to come here everyday and see your name in the lineup."
Me...The Mets better get it in gear, or they'll lose the NLDS. Braves fans know all too well about cruising through September with a big lead, then getting run over by a hot team in October. I would hate for that to happen to the Mets!
I was thinking this same thing last night as I saw Pedro getting shelled. If I were a Mets fan, I'd be kinda worried. They're going to start El Duque, Tom Glavine, John Maine? Not so sure I'm sold on that rotation (nor am I with the Yankees' so don't jump down my throat Mets fans!).
They've been in 2nd gear all week and it's not the week to be doing that. Ever since they clinched the division they haven't been playing well. The Braves have outscored them 25-1 in the last 2 games.
I hope they're out in the first round...should the Yankees make it to the World Series I think the Mets are the only team that can give them a real challenge.
Oh, and Jeff Francoeur is one of my favorite players to watch. Awesome, awesome player.
I read that a while back and it's easy to see why Bobby Cox is not just one of the best coaches ever, he's one of the most loved. I think the Braves needed this. It shows that an East title in not inherited to them and they will have to work. Can only hope that Chipper stays healthy, Hampton recovers well enough and Hudson can get rid of whatever he had this year. I think the bullpen will mature over the offseason so look for renewed and more gritty relief. Mets won't do anything. They may get lifted in the first round. I don't think the have the pitching to make it.
Tim Hudson is one of my favorite pitchers. I think he may have to change something in his delivery to continue to be effective. His body frame is very small and it just seems like it's breaking down. His velocity is down and his command is dwindling.
It'd be a lot easier for him if they still had Leo Mazzone.
I too have hope for 2007 with Smoltz, Hampton, Hudson, James, Rameriz, and Davies as starters, and Wickman, Boyer, Devine, McBride, etc in the pen, and Ward gives them pop off the bench. Giles may not be back, but the offense isn't the problem. I'm just hoping Hudson isn't an American League pitcher!
The Mets have a great roster, so next year hopefully it will be a closer race.
Like Mazzone, Cox is a treasure. I'm just scared that soon he and Schuerholz will retire. It's been a fun run.
No relation to Dale! Lifetime Georgia boy...enjoys visiting the rest of the USA. The CPA is my buddy with a finger on the pulse of MLB. I'm a GT grad who also appreciates UGA. Love the Braves & MLB, tolerate the Falcons, Hawks, & Thrashers. A worker bee enjoying Little League & ballet - my excuse for not having hours to write & research. More ramblings can be found at www.sacrifice fly.blogspot. com
