Here is the Brave’s spring schedule, from the Atlanta Journal-Constitiution:

Feb. 25, Detroit at Lakeland, 1:05 p.m.

Feb. 26, Houston at Disney, 1:05 p.m.

Feb. 27, Pittsburgh at Bradenton, 1:05 p.m.

Feb. 28, Toronto at Dunedin, 1:05 p.m.

March 1, Philadelphia at Disney, 1:05 p.m.

March 3, WBC Panama at Disney, 1:05 p.m.

March 4, N.Y. Yankees at Disney, 1:05 p.m.

March 5, WBC Venezuela at Disney, 1:05 p.m.

March 6, Houston at Disney, 7:05 p.m.

March 7, N.Y. Yankees at Tampa, 1:05 p.m.

March 8, Philadelphia at Disney, 1:05 p.m.

March 10, Houston at Kissimmee, 1:05 p.m.

March 11, Philadelphia at Clearwater, 1:05 p.m.

March 12, Washington at Disney, 1:05 p.m.

March 13, Florida at Jupiter, 1:05 p.m.

March 14, St. Louis at Jupiter, 1:05 p.m.

March 15, Houston at Disney, 1:05 p.m.

March 17, N.Y. Mets at Disney, 1:05 p.m.

March 18, N.Y. Mets at Port St. Lucie, 1:10 p.m.

March 19, Detroit at Disney, 7:05 p.m.

March 20, Florida at Disney, 1:05 p.m.

March 21, N.Y. Mets at Disney, 1:05 p.m.

March 22, N.Y. Mets at Port St. Lucie, 1:10 p.m.

March 24, Pittsburgh at Disney, 6:05 p.m.

March 25, Washington at Viera, 1:05 p.m.

March 26, Toronto at Disney, 1:05 p.m.

March 27, Detroit at Disney, 1:05 p.m.

March 28, N.Y. Yankees at Disney, 1:05 p.m.

March 29, Detroit at Lakeland, 1:05 p.m.

March 30, Boston at Disney, 1:05 p.m.

March 31, Houston at Kissimmee, 7:05 p.m.

April 1, Detroit at Lakeland, 1:05 p.m.

April 2, Houston at Kissimmee, 1:05 p.m.

April 3, Detroit at Atlanta, 7:05 p.m.

April 4, Detroit at Atlanta, 1:05 p.m

Following a 3 game stint with Double-A Mississippi, Jeff Francoeur was sent back up to the Braves Monday. He was scheduled to play in Atlanta’s 3-0 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but his flight didn’t land in LA in time and he missed the game. Francoeur was brought back to the Braves early due to injuries that put Manny Acosta (RHP), Omar Infante (IF/OF), and Jeff Bennett (RHP) on the disabled list. Infante was injured filling in for Francoeur in right field. The question now is whether there’s any chance Francoeur short time in the minors will have any impact on what has been an abysmal season at the plate for Francoeur. Until this season, I think many fans saw Francoeur as a key to the Braves future. Obviously many don’t think so anymore. He was loudly booed him during his last major league outing when he went 0 for 4. Francoeur told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that he feels like a ‘new guy’ after his weekend in Mississippi. Though he did bat .538 in three games, it’s hard to imagine that three days could cure Francoeur’s ills so quickly. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to suggest the Braves give a fresh prospect a chance while Francoeur spends several months retooling in the minors.

At first, it sounds crazy, but J.C. Bradbury, author of ‘The Baseball Economist‘ (and Braves fan), has written an article on his excellent blog making a very strong argument that Frank Wren should take up Bonds recent offer to play for the league minimum. It will never happen of course. The public relations baggage Bonds brings with him is probably too much for even the most desperate teams in professional baseball. However, Bradbury’s biggest argument, beyond what Bonds would naturally bring to a currently weak lineup (Chipper is expected to be out several more days), is the impact he would have on “the worst outfield in the majors, by far” - Jones, Blanco, and Francoeur (especially Francoeur). While he’s a mediocre outfielder, at least Bonds doesn’t carry the onus of being both a mediocre outfielder and a horrible hitter. The shakeup needed in Atlanta makes Bradbury’s arguments very attractive. It’s too bad that there’s unlikely anyone in management who has the guts to make a really bold, career-risking move to try and put the Braves back on track. Few of us are Barry fans, but wouldn’t it be worth a winning team?

Scanning some of my favorite Atlanta Braves blogs, it’s evident that even the most die hard fans are finding it really hard to excuse the Braves poor play any further. Dismay at the teams "bad luck" has turned into anger towards under performing players, a mediocre bullpen, and poor coaching decisions. With playoff hopes all but dashed and setting records like the one-run loss record, it’s hard to find much optimism with Atlanta. The spectacle of Chipper Jones great batting average has lost it’s allure when he finally dropped below .400 and went on the DL. The only big question left for the Braves in ‘08 is whether this is as bad it’s going to get, or can they sink even lower? I’m not sure, but being a realist, I doubt we’ve seen the worst.

With all the hoopla that’s been generated on the sports pages since Willie Randolph was fired I had two thoughts (which is one more than usual) about the situation.  First, who cares about the stupid, dysfunctional Mets. Sure, management drug Randolph along far too long and decided to finally let him go right after a winning streak, but does that deserve so much ink as it’s received?  It’s the stinkin’ Mets for god’s sake - who cares? New York doesn’t even care about the Mets. Of course why the owners think a manager change will have any impact on their under performing players is any one’s guess. Just being on the Mets roster is reason enough to slide into a deep depression.

But the other thought I had under the deluge of media coverage over Randolph was to think the unthinkable - has Bobby Cox past his due date by a couple of seasons? Cox’s incredible run as captain of a miraculous string of playoff appearances and division wins has made him nearly immune to press criticism and fan ire when things go wrong. With the last two seasons, however, I have ask if Cox’s immunity has run out. There’s little argument that Cox has horribly mismanaged his pitcher’s this year. More than a couple of our one-run loses might have been avoided with better use of the mound. Additionally, there are a couple of under performing batter’s who need to sit on the bench for a while, but it seems Cox let’s them continue to screw up just because they “should” be hitting better.  The crucial leadoff position with Escobar and Johnson has also been a thorn in the Brave’s side as well and Cox has yet to satisfactorily figured that issue out either. Something needs to change on the coaching staff and I wonder if it’s not early to talk about a change at the very top.

If it wasn’t for the Nationals, we would be sitting in the cellar next to our rivals, and perpetual fuck-ups, the Mets. Why a team that looked so strong in the preseason and has the leagues best hitter can’t pull it together is beyond me. You can’t blame bad luck or injuries on the Brave’s inability to bring in baserunners or effectively use their bullpen. But you can blame starters like Jeff Francoeur or Gregor Blanco for not carrying their weight and Bobby Cox for making some poor decisions with his relievers. Playoff hopes? Very unlikely. Cool Standings has the braves with an 18% chance as of today.

After successful minor league outings last week John Smoltz seemed ready to join the bullpen with his new three-quarters pitching motion. With the one run loses Atlanta has taken a beaten from this season, the cool head of Smoltz on the mound during close games might have been a big factor in getting the Braves out of their road funk. But, I guess it wasn’t meant to be. After Monday night’s blown relief appearance Smoltz felt significant soreness in his pitching arm. Tuesday evening, it was decided he’ll undergo surgery in what will be at least a season ending rehab. The big question is whether Smoltz will recover at all and be able to pitch again next year. Smoltz acknowledged today that Monday’s game could have been his last appearance on the mound, but he had no intention to retire if he can rebuild his arm. Smoltz’s absence shouldn’t affect Atlanta’s numbers too badly. With Acosta, Campillo, and Soriano the Brave’s bullpen is relatively solid. The biggest impact could be an emotional one. Smoltz is a team leader and constant Braves fixture, having spent his entire 20 year career with Atlanta. With Smoltz’s future up in the air, the Braves will have a dark cloud hanging over their head.

After the Brewers took two of three, both of which were two one run loses for Atlanta, I was still optimistic the Braves could turn it around on the road. Then our guys stroll into The Great American Ballpark Friday and proceed to lose each game of the weekend series. Not only do they lose, but, once again, two of the games are one run loses. We’re still only a third through the season, but the ups and downs this year has started to take a toll on both the players and the fans. Chipper Jones told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution today that “the frustration level is at an all-time high”. If the Braves don’t pull out of this road funk soon and trade for a right-handed power hitter who can generate some instant offense, especially against left handed pitchers, the Brave’s will find themselves in stuck in 4th place with a player hitting .400 and two of the best relievers in the game. For christ’s sake - the f**k’in Mets, who have had a terrible season, are now tied with us three and half games behind the Phillies. I think it’s time each member of the Brave’s roster take a turn wearing Jason Giambi’s gold thong.

During interviews over the past couple of days, Chipper Jones has said that the downside to hitting over .400 is that he’s become too cautious at the plate. Instead of waiting for the that perfect pitch to step on at the risk of a strike out, Jones finds himself more concerned with hits than home runs (with his numbers Chipper still leads the Braves in HR’s with 12).

What no one can figure out though is why the Braves aren’t leading the NL east. Beyond Jones’ unbelievable season so far, the Brave’s pitching has been pretty good, including relievers, despite an injury ridden roster. Brian McCann is having a great year while Kelly Johnson, Yunel Escobar, Mark Kotsay and Gregor Blanco are all around .300. Plus, after slow starts, Mark Teixeira and Jeff Francoeur are starting to warm up. Yet the Braves are stuck in 3rd place with a horrendous record in both road games and one-run games. What’s the problem? No clutch hitting to provide some instant offense when it’s needed. That’s what Chipper Jones is known for, and in spite of his great numbers, neither he nor anyone else on the team is providing it. Someone needs to step up and deliver - whether it’s the beefed up Francoeur (who added 17 pound of muscle in the off season only to have a horrible start) or through a trade for a big time power hitter.

While Chipper Jones is taking up all the ink in the sports pages, it’s natural to wonder who else in the lineup is helping Atlanta. Lost in the shadows, Brian McCann is having a strong season at the plate. While players like Jeff Francoeur and Mark Teixeira are inconsistent at best, McCann is batting .320 and slugging .520. Looking at Atlanta’s batting stats, the couple of area’s not lead by Chipper are solidly held by McCann. He leads the team in doubles with 18 and extra-base hits at 28 while he’s got the second most home runs (9) and is tied with Gregor Blanco in RBI’s with 32. In Brian’s second year, 2006, he managed to end the season with an strong .333 batting average. But last year he struggled a little with a .270 average. The question is who is the real Brian McCann? Is he currently playing above his head or was last year a fluke? It’s hard to say at this point, but with all the focus on Chipper I’m sure Brian feels a little less pressure than the second best hitter normally would.