FanNation - The Republic of Sport

You thought you heard the last of me, right? No, I'm back for the first time since May, and I'm ready to "vent". Lets start off with, oh, the Braves?

Atlanta Braves: The Braves started a series against the Cincinnati Reds that should have pumped their chances of reaching the post-season up, considering the Braves had the best second-half record in the majors at that point. What really happened? The Braves succeeded in winning exactly zero of the three contests. The Braves started a five-game losing streak. Well they have since won 17 of 21 games. Of course, as I write, the Braves were eliminated yesterday when the Rockies beat the Brewers. The Rockies win was sandwiched in between a Braves three-game losing slide. If anything, the way the Braves have finished this season gives exceptional hope they will contend next year. The Problem? The Braves managed to do so well this past month or so is because they considered themselves done. They started to win, and as soon as the media started talking playoff run, their heads got big and they sunk. I'm not mad, since first becoming a fan of the Braves in 06', this is the best I've ever seen from them. I feel like one more big bat, preferably a righty, would send this offense over the top. The pitching, I truly believe, is the most consistent and now the best in the majors; my weakest link in the rotation? Derek Lowe, the guy everybody welcomed with open arms as our star pick-up in the off-season. His ERA ranks last amongst current Braves starters and he simply is to inconsistent. My star? Don't bash me, as the first two guys that came to mind WERE Javier Vazquez (what an underrated guy) and Tommy Hanson (11-4, 2.90 ERA); but in the end, I know its Jair Jurrjens, who gets NO credit for his night in and night out top performances. Enough on the Braves, lets move on.

Atlanta Falcons: It was a tear-jerker, Keith Brooking leaving. But honestly, did he deserve to stay? Mike Peterson has filled in fine and Curtis Lofton is a faster, more agile version of Brooking. Matt Ryan is a star, and in five years will be the number one quarter-back in the NFL. Michael Turner has started out slow, but we can say its normal for him to after that huge game against the Lions in week 1 of 08'. I'm high on this guy Jason Snelling and have been since mid-last season. Tony G. great to have a guy like that, he's done great, short and simple. What about this Thomas Decoud kid? In my eyes he has established himself despite missing two interception opportunities against the Patriots, but the fact he put himself in position is enough for me, for now. They are 2-1 and I'm thinking 12-4.

That's it for now, but I'll be back fans. Any disagreements or, questions? Just comments.