Notes: Renteria's Slow Finish
By Mark Bowman / MLB.com
September 24, 2006
DENVER -- Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones and John Smoltz aren't the only ones experiencing something different as this season nears its end. Although this is his first season with the Braves, Edgar Renteria is also feeling the oddity created by his not participating in this year's postseason.
This will be just the second time since 2000 Renteria has been part of a team that doesn't advance to the playoffs. Admittedly, the realization has played a part in the lack of offensive production the Braves shortstop has provided in September.
"When you're going to the playoffs, September is the best month to play," Renteria said. "I still feel like I'm still pushing and doing the best that I can do. I'm still working hard. But it's a little different. It's hard to keep your concentration at 100 percent."
Since hitting a robust .374 in July, Renteria hasn't provided much of a spark to the Braves' lineup. He hit just .237 in August and entering Saturday, had hit just .224 this month. During that stretch, his season batting average has dropped from .319 to .290.
Realizing the fatigue his veteran shortstop has been feeling, manager Bobby Cox opted to give Renteria a chance to rest during Thursday night's series opener against the Rockies. This came despite Renteria's five hits in seven career at-bats against Byung-Hyun Kim, Colorado's starting pitcher that evening.
After going hitless in his first three at-bats in Saturday's 10-9 loss to the Rockies, Renteria provided a two-out, two-run single. It's one of the few recent timely hits provided by the veteran who is known for his ability to come through in pressure situations.
"I'm feeling a little weak, but I'm still working hard," said Renteria, who hit .318, while appearing in 79 of the 89 games the Braves played before the All-Star break.
Although Renteria has a right to blame some of his recent struggles on a lack of motivation, his slump occurred at the beginning of August, when the Braves were certainly in the thick of the National League Wild Card race. In fact, they had legitimate postseason hopes through at least the first half of September.
During his torrid July, Renteria registered 37 hits in 99 at-bats. In the 194 at-bats he's compiled since Aug. 1, he's totaled just 45 hits. In the final two months of the season, he's hit just .232.
"I know we're working for one thing and that's to be ready for next year," Renteria said. "We have to put everything together starting now."
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