Atlanta Braves Muddling in Mediocrity

You know, I don't know if my title really tells the story.

Mediocrity is really stretching itself as an adjective to describe the Atlanta Braves' recent play.

The word that probably best describes it starts with a "s" and ends in something the Braves only had two of against Jamie Moyer Friday night in Atlanta (both from Troy Glaus).

Only one night removed from dropping a nail-biter in Washington, in which the boys from the ATL were no-hit through 7.1 innings before riding yet another wave of Jason Heyward magic to a one-run loss in the ninth, the Atlanta National League Baseball club was carved up by crafty Phillies veteran Jamie Moyer in a 7-0 rout as Derek Lowe once again earned his paycheck (sarcasm used after the word "rout").

And before I continue, that's not a good adjective to describe Moyer, as evidenced by his 7.13 ERA in all games not  against the Braves (against whom he has a 0.00 ERA in 15 innings).

But, I digress.

So, what's up with this club?

Well, Brian McCann has been playing blind for a second consecutive year and is being forced into the ol' specs again.

And Jason Heyward (the dude with eight homers who's pushing 30 RBI) has moved "beyond day-to-day status" (from the absolutely awful Chip Caray) with his groin.

And Jair Jurrjens has had injury issue this season.

And Yunel Escobar, who was one of the primary cogs in the Braves' second half playoff push last season (and, yes, I believe that's the player he really is), has been DL'ed.

Oh, and only Tommy Hanson and Tim Hudson have posted sub-5.00 ERAs (and both of them are sitting under 3.00).

But, outside of that, everything else has been OK.

And by "everything else," I mean the bullpen—because the offense has been anemic when it's been counted on against average-to-above average clubs.

So, who do we, as Braves fans, want to blame?

I have a running un-funny joke on Twitter where I blame Chip Caray after every loss.

But I'm being serious this time.

The most popular candidates, thus far, have been: Terry Pendleton, Bobby Cox, Frank Wren, and every player except for Billy Wagner and Jason Heyward.

Personally, I...

You know what?

It's everybody's fault.

Everyone has been relying almost solely on Jason Heyward to pull a magic rabbit out of his hat every at-bat.

Everyone has been muddling in their failures and not looking to adjust.

Everyone has been sticking to old habits and looking at one another to "do something."

And everyone has lacked enthusiasm.

You win as a Heyward, you lose as a team.

That's characterized this team thus far in the 2010 campaign.

It may not have been over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor (adapted from Animal House's Bluto—just watch this so you don't kick your cat or something because of the harshness of this loss).

But could it be over for the Braves this season?

Before I answer, consider my personality: I am not a reactionary fan; I am not an "eternal optimist," but I am also not a hum-drum negative person; and I very rarely vent on Bleacher Report.

Back to the answer: it's a distinct possibility.

I'm not asking for the team to be broken up and for Freddie Freeman, Julio Teheran, and Edward Salcedo to be called up...but I am asking for some eyebrows to be cocked.

Moves need not be made today, tomorrow, or next week--this team has been rolling up and down and I think you need to examine the club when it's totally "together" for a week.

But, if things aren't churning by mid-June, the Braves should be shopping the hell out of Lowe, Hinske, Glaus, Cabrera, McLouth, and, yes, Chipper Jones.

But, let's not think about that too much today.

Let's just sulk over Jamie Moyer tossing a complete-game shutout.

An ode to the Opening Day Atlanta Braves.