Hindsight 2014: Could we have seen this Disaster Coming?

Atlanta Braves center fielder Emilio Bonifacio (1). Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Preface

This is written largely in response to a series of objection received Sunday on twitter.  Rather than attempt to destroy a few timelines, I felt a much better answer could be made here.  As always:  I do encourage comments, for this is a two-way forum.

This season has clearly gone into the tank, spiraling downward since the 0-for-8 road trip in early August (save for a now-surprising 12-6 stretch to finish August).  This post is not intended to absolve or otherwise excuse anyone:  when teams are expected to do well and don’t, there are prices to be paid.  Those payments are clearly underway (I believe hitting coaches Fletcher and Walker will depart next Monday).

Nonetheless, many fans have these same complaints, and I believe the questions are fair.  I don’t know that the answers will be wholly satisfactory, but I believe I can justify them.

The overriding theme is this question:  why didn’t the Front Office (Wren) see this coming and do something about it last off-season?

Let’s dig in and find out.  Please hit the button for the next page.