I’ve written this before, but it’s been awhile and I don’t know if I ever did a formal post on the subject, but I think that the entire concept of a hitting coach in major league baseball is wrongheaded. It’s impossible for any one man to be the right instructor for thirteen players of different abilities and skill types. Most veteran players go outside the team for advice anyway, but it would be best if younger players, who are still being molded, got more individualized instruction.

So, the Rangers are going to the World Series, but after that, then what for Jeff Francoeur? He’s going to be non-tendered. Sure, there will be the inevitable contract offer from the Royals, but he’ll want to keep his options open. What are the career options for a guy with a high school education and a slider-speed bat in this challenging economic climate?

So, as mentioned, the Braves prefer to make major player acquisitions through trades. Given that, we need to figure out who the principal trade targets are, and who the Braves are willing to give up.

Braves release Saito, Cabrera | Atlanta Braves.

Cot’s Baseball Contracts: Potential Free Agents for 2011.

Nothing is ever as sure in pitching as with regular players, but you can be pretty confident in the following:

Braves act quickly, name Gonzalez skipper | braves.com: News.

Leaving aside the managerial question — which everybody seems to think is basically settled anyway — the Braves have some decisions to make. Let’s start out by defining what we know.

San Francisco Giants vs. Atlanta Braves – Box Score – October 11, 2010 – ESPN.

Tragic hero | Define Tragic hero at Dictionary.com.

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San Francisco Giants vs. Atlanta Braves – Box Score – October 10, 2010 – ESPN.

The best part of coming home — no stupid orange in the stands. I hate orange.

Atlanta Braves vs. San Francisco Giants – Box Score – October 08, 2010 – ESPN.

In order to win a contested baseball game, you must score at least one run.

Atlanta Braves vs. San Francisco Giants – Box Score – October 07, 2010 – ESPN.

I want to go to the World Series. Against the Yankees. Not just because I want to go to the World Series, but because I’d want to see game three, when all the Yankee fans gasp in horror at what they see when Melky waddles out onto the field.

I have realized that Melky Cabrera has, in one short season, reached a standard previously only reached by Dan Kolb and Jeff Francoeur. He has moved beyond Whipping Boy status to become the official Braves Journal Bête Noire. This means that insults and jokes about this player may pop up in any circumstance, no matter whether it is relevant. Sarcastic poll answers are another symptom. Eventually, people start asking why the blog is all about the player and can you just shut up about him already. I’m kind of looking forward to that.

• The Giants were originally stationed in New York, but were ejected in 1957 for lewd behavior and disgusting personal habits.
• While Tim Lincecum is a well-known pothead, in fact all of the Giants’ starting pitchers are drug users. Barry Zito eats peyote, Matt Cain uses oxycontin, and Jonathan Sanchez drinks a bottle of Robitussin before every start.
• Speaking of drugs: Barry Bonds.
• Celebrity Giants fans include Phil Collins, Mark David Chapman, OJ Simpson, Ted Bundy, Pol Pot, and Shane Victorino.
• This last is hard to believe, but Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval is even fatter than Melky. However, San Francisco has many excellent restaurants and Melky will try to catch up by Friday.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves – Box Score – October 03, 2010 – ESPN.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves – Box Score – October 02, 2010 – ESPN.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves – Box Score – October 01, 2010 – ESPN.

Home teams in bold.

Alabama 31, Florida 20
Georgia 20, Colorado 14
Auburn 52, ULM 23
Vandy 24, UConn 17
MSU 41, Alcorn St 10
Kentucky 28, Ole Miss 26
LSU 31, Tennessee 15