Shake It Up A Bit

We all know Bobby Cox too well. He's a routine kind of guy who will not change it up if his life depended on it.

I'm not going to jump in the bandwagon that is seems to be forming. These bandwagon folks think Bobby needs to throw his hat in. Not too sure about that. Bobby is a winning manager and has history to show for it. The last thing we need is a Joe Girardi (player-coach) to manage a struggling Braves team. Although, I am hoping Terry Pendleton gets the job when Cox hangs it up.

However, I'm a bit frustrated with Bobby's moves as of late (i.e.- over-using relievers). Why can't the guy just shake things up a bit. You know, throw opposing teams off and hope for a turnaround. I mean, heck, we can't go down from here. We've hit rock bottom in terms of getting things off to a decent start. THIS IS A TERRIBLE START!

So, if I were the Braves' manager, this would be my team:

Lineup:
1. Kelly Johnson (we have no true leadoff-type hitters, so why not?)
2. Matt Diaz
3. Chipper Jones
4. Yunel Escobar (he has power, folks)
5. Brian McCann
6. Jeff Franceouer (sp? I never get his last name right...and frankly I don't care)
7. Mark Teixeira
8. Mark Kotsay
9. Pitcher

Rotation:
1. John Smoltz (Ace)
2. Tim Hudson
3. Tom Glavine
4. Jair Jurrjens
5. Jorge Campillo (until we make a move for another starter...probably off-season)

Bullpen:
Mike Hampton (Closer)
Phil Stockman (6'9 Aussie)
Peter Moylan (if he comes back)
Mike Gonzalez (coming back soon)
Rafael Soriano (when he comes back... he can switch back and forth with Hampton if necessary)
Blaine Boyer, Will Ohman, and Manny Acosta


Usually when a team is in a hole, a good manager breaks the routine and changes things up a bit until struggling pitchers and hitters can find their grove. This needs to happen for the Braves.

Oh, and when you find time, leave your thoughts and/or lineup for me to see. It should be interesting.