Birds and Braves

The Falcons are 6-3, the Hawks are undefeated and a black man was just elected president. What were the odds? 

The Braves better be paying attention to the success of the city's other pro franchises (forget the Thrashers -- they may end up following the Flames out of town). Atlanta's a fickle sports market, and the Braves now appear to be the team least likely to contend. 

That the local nine continued to draw decently through September surprised, but such loyalty is likely to be short-lived. Routines change, and a slow start next year could trigger Turner Field's lowest-ever attendance figures -- especially when you factor in the economic downturn. The team's season ticket pitch is depressing enough -- come see the Yankees and Red Sox! 

I'm not suggesting Frank Wren acquire Peavy, no matter the cost, but the Braves need to create some excitement. They have the money. They have enough prospects to use in trades without sacrificing their core of young talent. 

They better have a sense of urgency, lest they end up as irrelevant locally as the GOP is nationally.   

--CB

Comments

[Caz]

Hey now, go easy on the Thrashers; they've just won their fourth straight and are only 4 points out of first in the Southeast Division! They could very well contend this year.

Okay, back to baseball.

[wuky]

I get the feeling that this offseason may well define Wren's future and legacy with the Braves. It seems he's been given the tools (cash and a healthy farm) to structure a winning team. Let's hope he doesn't fail.