Hey Jo-Jo,
Long time, no see.
You may recall that about this time last year, I wrote you this letter as the Braves' apparent infatuation with you was the only obstacle between Tommy Hanson and his Major League debut.
Let me tell you, I'm over that aspect of your tenure in Atlanta.
I am, however, not over the fact that you are not a MLB-caliber pitcher.
This isn't over just tonight's 17-2 debacle at the hands of the Padres, Jair Jurrjens got blasted too, so I can't say too much regarding that (though I'm coming back to this, bear with me).
No, this is over the fact that you have been given every opportunity to succeed in Atlanta...and never capitalized
This is over the fact that you've had the opportunity to be under the tutelage of John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Tim Hudson, and many, many other good-to-hall of fame-caliber pitchers...and never shown any significant strides.
This is over your overwhelming sense of apathy on the bump...which makes me sick.
You may have earned your spot on the roster over the likes of Jonny Venters, Craig Kimbrel, and the Tommy John product Scott Proctor by pitching sub-3.00 baseball this spring, but you have to perform during the season, too.
You have to make adjustments, listen to those trying to help you (which you have a history of not doing), and do a little more than throw a couple scraping-90 fastballs if you ever want to get anywhere.
That's why a guy like Jair Jurrjens (told you I was coming back) has succeeded while you have floundered bouncing between AAA and the show.
If you ever expect to do anything more than that, take a page from JJ's book, he'll be fine after this, just watch, but I doubt that you will.
In fact, I hope you don't get the opportunity to prove that you are capable of bouncing back.
I want you on the next plane to Gwinnett (or, better yet, Kansas City; I'll bet Dayton Moore gives you more opportunities than Cox and company) with one of the guys you "beat out" coming to San Diego taking your spot (preferably Kimbrel or Venters since Proctor needs to get his arm worked the rest of the way out).
Get your coddled, 6.09 ERA, "3-2"-count loving, 31 homers-in-190.2 innings hind end out of Atlanta.
You, your AAA numbers (you seem at least OK there), and the organization will be better for it.
I know you'll never see this (though your apparent ego might compel you to Google your name, so you might), but, hey, I feel better blasting you in this than keeping it in.
I might not be a professional athlete, and I may not have much footing to talk badly about one.
But, I do have eyes.
And I can see a sorry, heartless excuse for an athlete.
Good luck with life, Jo-Jo.
Sincerely,
Cameron Britt
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