The Times-Journal

Thursday, September 9, 2010 | DeKalb County's Oldest Newspaper

Classifieds | Jobs | Homes | Autos

Current Braves don't compare to champs

By Lew Gilliland
The Times-Journal

Published July 4, 2009

One season stands out above all others since the Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966: the team’s world championship campaign of 1995.

The Braves finished 90-54 in that strike-shortened season and won the National League East by 21 games en route to the team’s first World Series title since 1957.

Heading into play late Friday, the 2009 Braves were only two games out of first place in the East despite a 38-40 record. Credit that to every team in the division struggling at one time or another.

The 1995 Braves had three future Hall of Famers (Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz) in their starting rotation along with a very capable Steve Avery.

The 2009 rotation doesn’t have anyone ticketed for Cooperstown right now, but the fivesome of Derek Lowe, Jair Jurrjens, Javier Vazquez, Kenshin Kawakami and Tommy Hanson has pitched well.

The 1995 Braves were strong in the back in the bullpen (Mark Wohlers, Alejandro Pena), as is the current club (Mike Gonzalez, Rafael Soriano). The 1995 Braves were stronger in middle relief, but the real difference between the two clubs is at the plate.

While the ’95 club backed its pitching with a dangerous lineup, the ’09 Braves have struggled offensively.

Consider both teams, position-by-position:

First base, Fred McGriff vs. Casey Kotchman: McGriff was the epitome of a clean-up hitter. Kotchman is strong defensively but only slightly above average at the plate. Advantage ’95 Braves.

Second base, Mark Lemke vs. Martin Prado: Prado was just named the starter this week and will have to prove he can hold the job over an extended period. Lemke is a franchise icon who was clutch in the postseason. Advantage ’95 Braves.

Shortstop, Jeff Blauser vs. Yunel Escobar: Blauser was a solid player who drove in 70 or more runs twice in his career. Escobar has made some bone-headed plays this season but is a tremendous talent. Advantage ’09 Braves.

Third base, Chipper Jones vs. Chipper Jones: A tie for obvious reasons.

Catcher: Javy Lopez vs. Brian McCann: A tough call. McCann is an emerging star, but it’s difficult to ignore Lopez’s career contributions. He was the star of game two in the ’95 World Series (remember his pickoff of a young Manny Ramirez at first base), the ’96 NLCS MVP and a three-time all-star who retired with 260 homers and 864 RBIs. This may change over time, but for now, advantage ’95 Braves.

Left field: Ryan Klesko vs. Garret Anderson: The Anderson of ’09 doesn’t match up to the Klesko of ’95 (.310 average, 23 homers, 70 RBIs). Advantage ’95 Braves.

Center field: Marquis Grissom vs. Nate McLouth: McLouth should be a productive player for the Braves the next several years. Grissom was a two-time all-star and defensive standout who was excellent in the postseason. Advantage ’95 Braves.

Right field, David Justice vs. Jeff Francoeur: Justice was guy you wanted at the plate with the game on the line. Francoeur doesn’t inspire the same confidence and had an awful 2008 season. Advantage ’95 Braves.

That’s 6 to 1 advantage for the 1995 club, with one tie. The final score shouldn’t be too surprising, considering the troubles the 2009 edition has had offensively.

And the talent gap between the lineups will look even more glaring if the current club fails to make the postseason despite playing in a division that doesn’t feature a dominant team.

Share | Save | Mail | Print

Photo Reprints
Purchase select photographs from local games and events. New from The Times-Journal and The Times-Journal.

Subscription Services: Circulation | Home Delivery | Back Issues | Vacation Stops | Newspapers In Education

The Fort Payne Times-Journal | Publisher: J.D. Davidson

811 Greenhill Blvd.NW, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967 | Tel: 256-845-2550 | Email