One of the more surprising developments of the still-young baseball season has been the complete collapse of the Atlanta Braves. As of today, the team that had won 14 consecutive division championships is 14 games behind the Mets in the NL East and 12 games below .500. Last night, they finally ended what had been a ten game losing streak. Many people are surprised, but Terence Moore at the Atlanta Journal Constitution is not one of them; as far as he’s concerned, Atlanta is getting what it deserves.
In case you haven?t noticed, the Braves are an embarrassment, but this is only a momentary thing. They?ll rebound sooner than later after the disaster that is this season, and you know what?
That?s really too bad. Let the pitching continue its post-Leo Mazzone dive toward oblivion. Don?t fret over the hitters spending more time swinging at air than the ball. Cheer the wild throws and the botched grounders. The Braves need to stay brutal for a while to teach a lesson to the overwhelming majority of those who have spent recent years yawning between chopping and chanting.
Not only that, you?ve had the slew of those just yawning. You?ve also had those who haven?t bothered to show up, especially when the Braves were doing what they won?t do this year, and that is finding ways to reach the playoffs.
If there ever was a city that didn?t deserve a team doing the unprecedented and the unthinkable such as the Braves along the way to 14 consecutive division titles, that city is right here in the heart of Dixie. Or should I say that city is right here in the heart of apathy? Take it from Chuck Tanner, the Braves? manager during their previous dark days of the 1980s. He sighed over the phone the other day after reflecting on those who have shrugged during the Braves? nice run. ?I mean, what do you want?? Tanner said, before easing into a chuckle. ?I?ll tell you what they wanted. They wanted 14 consecutive world championships.?
Geez, and this is from a guy who lives in Atlanta.
