If Braves Players Don't Care, Should Their Fans?

Well, here we go again. The Braves have seemingly reverted to the same funk they found themselves in prior to the All Star break.

Losing two of the first three to the Padres in a series leading up to the seven most important games of the season is absolutely ridiculous. It is something that playoff teams do not do.

Unfortunately, that's not the most disturbing fact about these Atlanta Braves. Actually, it's not even close.

The biggest deal in my mind is the absolute lackadaisical play and the careless attitudes that are apparent of late. Beginning with none other than Chipper Jones.

Chipper has had it rough lately. He's currently working a 1-for-27 streak that has been plagued by many instances of terrible swings and horrible at bats.

Included in that streak is Chipper's pitiful first pitch swing after the rain delay against the Marlins on Friday night. I was completely incensed when I watched him throw the bat out there and take off jogging toward the dugout after being thrown out at first.

At least Chipper hasn't cared in a while.

His history of laying out of important games with "injuries" and his comments about the Braves being a force next year instead of this season have made it apparently clear that it just doesn't matter. Not to mention his lackadaisical play at third base where his errors have mounted quicker than Brett Favre interceptions this year.

Lately little things have kept guys out of the lineup. From headaches, to muscle aches, to back spasms; they've all contributed to the Braves recent woes. Sure, this is the time of year for the little nagging things to creep up.

I just can't help but think if you really have a chance to catch some teams and actually challenge for a playoff start, you are going to play through those things. But no, that doesn't happen in Atlanta these days. Gritty performances are no longer appreciated pretty much anywhere in baseball, but especially in Hotlanta.

So I recently had to ask myself a question. If they don't care, why should I? Why should I sit in front of my TV every night, living and dying with every play, if these guys could care less as long as they get their paycheck?

Of course, the fact that football season is about to start kind of helps that transition, as it has for 17 of the past 18 years when Atlanta would choke away another shot at a championship.

I still love my Braves, but I just wish there would be a bigger sense of urgency about this team. Especially considering how close to being eliminated from postseason contention they are.

But hey, as long as they don't care for '09, neither will I.