State of the Braves: Recent Episodes
George McNair
Last week it looked unlikely that the Braves would make the playoffs. Then briefly it looked like a lock. Then it required the Braves to beat the Mets in the final game of the year. Thankfully, the Braves got it done, but they had to do it without their ace, Chris Sale. Now, without an off day and without Sale, the Braves will have to figure out who is pitching in game 1 of their series against the Padres. It's been a season of constant injuries and challenges. We'll see if the Braves have a postseason run in them. At least they made the playoffs!
With Ozzie Albies' return, the Braves hope to earn the last wild card spot against the Mets with the upcoming series in Atlanta. Do they have what it takes? Will their style of power and pitching be enough, while overcoming all of the many obstacles the 2024 season has brought? We also discuss Chipper Jones' recent comments on the Braves' offensive philosophy from the top down, and the weaknesses of it that have been exposed this season.
As bad as the Braves' offense has been thanks to a combination of injuries and underperformance, the starting rotation and closer Raisel Iglesias have been spectacular this season. Can the pitching staff really drag this team into October? Or perhaps the offense can find new life in the last few weeks of the season. In a season filled with bad breaks and little magic, it may just take good ol' fashion grinding to get the job done. But the Mets aren't going to make it easy.
The Braves had a chance to win every game in the four-game set in Philly, but poor execution and questionable coaching decisions were all the Phillies needed to take 3 of 4 from the Braves and likely seal up the division. The Braves will have to bounce back in a big way after the disappointing result, as the Mets are only 1 game out of the final wild card spot held by the Braves.
With yet another staple of their lineup out in Austin Riley, can the Braves pivot to a different way of winning games and actually make the playoffs? Can Riley come back for the playoffs if they do make it? What can Gio Urshela provide and how much can we expect from this rag-tag group? A lot will depend on the strength of the starting staff, anchored by Chris Sale.
After the Braves take two consecutive extra-inning games from the Giants, Michael Harris returns and hits a grand slam in his first at-bat in two months. Though the offense is still inconsistent, the Braves are showing signs of life after a devastating loss in Colorado. With Chris Sale pitching his way towards a Cy Young, health is the name of the game for the Braves the rest of the way. We also discuss the unique catching decisions the Braves have to make this season and beyond.
After pulling within 5 games of the Phillies, the Braves have gone on a 6 game losing streak and looked really bad doing it. Is this team even capable of making the playoffs? What's gone so wrong this year after such a dominant 2023 regular season? And why have they responded so poorly to adversity compared to the 2021 World Series team?
The Braves only make one move at the trade deadline, bring back familiar faces Jorge Soler and Luke Jackson. Will getting the band back together work? Perhaps more importantly, Matt Olson seems to have found his stroke. And even Orlando Arcia has come to life. The Braves have gained some ground in the division and things are finally looking up.
On the heels of a crushing loss to the Mets, it's more obvious than ever how much the Braves need a boost at the trade deadline, especially in the outfield. Join me as I dive into some of the best options on the trade market! Hopefully whoever they add can bring some new life and some offensive production.
It's been a struggle of a first half for the Braves. A combination of injury and underperformance have both been too common. Of course, there have been some great performers too. There are two big things the Braves can do to rebound and build a contender to get the Braves back to the postseason and perhaps even the World Series.We also analyze the Braves draft, highlighted by their selection of Cam Caminiti.
What will the Braves do in the first few rounds of the 2024 MLB draft? It's hard to predict, but let's look back at the last few years to find trends. We'll also take a look at a few of the players that have been mocked to the Braves and try to find the best fits for the Braves' system.
After dropping the first game of their series against the Phillies and falling to 10 games back, the Braves bounce back in a big way to win the last two games of the series. Sure, they beat the Phillies without Harper or Schwarber, but it is still a move in the right direction. Meanwhile, the Braves add Eddie Rosario on a minor league deal and All-Star reserves are announced.
Can the Braves be more consistent? It will start with improving their play on the road and hitting righties better. Improving in these areas of weakness will likely bring a lot more wins. On the positive side, Austin Riley is officially out of his early season funk, and Jarred Kelenic is providing reasons to believe in him long-term.
Though it is only two games, the Braves' offense seems to be coming around. Most notably, Austin Riley appears to have solved some of his swing issues and is starting to hit the fastball again. With him, Olson, and Ozuna going well together, it is a reminder of how formidable this offense can be.
The offense for the Braves continues to underperform, which has meant less fun and excitement on the field. Even with Acuna down, the Braves have plenty of talent to get things back on track, but will they? And can they fix what has suddenly been a major flaw this season?
Ronald heartbreakingly goes down with his 2nd torn ACL, an injury fairly rare for baseball players. What is the impact for him and for the team? The team is in 2nd place behind the Phillies. This will be a major test to see how they respond. But they have done it before. Can they turn 2024 into another 2021? Time will tell.
Just how much of an impact does Chipper Jones have on the Braves' offensive success? I would argue a lot. His voice is an important one, and the Braves hitters would be smart to listen to any insight that Chipper has to turn around their offensive struggles this season.
The Braves go 1-5 in their west coast road trip against the Mariners and Dodgers. It's easy to feel a bit down as a Braves fan right now. Their vaunted offense is underperforming and the Phillies have taken the top spot in the NL East. So, what is to blame for the offensive struggles? And how can the Braves bounce back quickly?
The Braves' starters have been on quite a tear lately. Led by Max Fried's awesome "Maddux" shutout, the entire five-man staff has been lights out. Travis d'Arnaud has been the star of the offense. His three-homer game provided a memorable moment and a reminder of how good an offfensive performer he can be. And we are all happy to welcome back Ozzie Albies, as he came off the IL from his toe fracture.
Marcell Ozuna's career resurgence should be appreciated. It's rare and remarkable. And impactful on the field! Even though the Braves have had to deal with their share of injuries in the early going of the 2024 season (including Ozzie Albies most recently), Ozuna's performance has a been a key to keeping the Braves on top of the NL East.
While the Braves are 7-4 and sitting atop the NL East, it feels as if they haven't come close to finding their groove yet. Ronald Acuna hasn't found his MVP form yet, Spencer Strider's injury has created a question at the fifth starter spot, and the bullpen has waivered in the last few games. Weather and the schedule haven't helped, but soon I expect this team to start rolling.
Spencer Strider's arm injury is a major blow to the Braves, but to what level? What are the short-term and long-term implications of the injury, and how do they ensure that Strider's injury does not derail their promising season?
The Braves start the 2024 regular season with a 2-1 series win against the Phillies in Philadelphia. The offense and the bullpen were particularly impressive. As early as it is, this series may provide a few clues to the strength of the Braves team. Even when stars like Max Fried falter, the Braves are more than capable of picking each other up and dominating the opponent.
Can the Braves repeat their 2023 win total? How will they perform in the playoffs? Which players are the most important for their regular season and playoff success? Tune in for a full season preview with complete playoff predictions for every MLB division along with my World Series matchup.
Join me as I give my 6 boldest Braves player predictions for the 2024 season. How good can Ronald Acuna be this year? Will Austin Riley take another step towards super-stardom? Can Spencer Strider win a Cy Young? All that and more in this fun episode.
With the additions of Chris Sale and Reynaldo Lopez, the Braves boast one of the top starting rotations in baseball. How good is it? Like all rotations, it will depend on health. But a full season of Strider, Fried, Sale, and Morton paired with the best offense in baseball would make the Braves a force to be reckoned with this season.
How good can the Braves outfield actually be? The sky is the limit for this talented young group anchored by the reigning MVP. Ronald Acuna, Michael Harris, and Jarred Kelenic could make up one of the best outfields in Braves history.
As the Braves begin spring training, we preview their vaunted infield. Last year the entire infield was named to the all-star team. Can it happen again? Who is likely to improve in 2024? Who might experience regression? Join me as we fully break down the Braves infield.
Ronald Acuna showed up to spring training and quickly announced he wants to be a Brave for life. In this episode, I analyze what a Ronald Acuna extension would look like, when it might happen, and how it might affect players like Max Fried and Ozzie Albies.
Everyone has been talking about how the Braves need to bring an edge to how they play this season. While that is certainly true, the maturation of Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuna, Jr. may be one of the most underrated parts of the Braves 2024 success and beyond. Evidence of this maturity and leadership is showing itself early in spring camp. Oh, and Ronald wants to be a Brave for life. So, that's good too.
Even though many publications have the Braves farm system ranked in the bottom five, there are exciting players at the top. Pitching is the most vital need for the Braves, but some lesser-known position players may provide some surprises for the Braves in the next few years, as well.
While the Braves' farm system is generally regarded as bottom third in baseball, the team has a great recent track record of development. Their commitment to high-character guys with upside has paid off most recently with players like Michael Harris and Spencer Strider. In this episode, I rank the Braves 9th-16th best prospects.
How is it possible that Andruw Jones still isn't in the Hall of Fame? The writers prove themselves as a poor judge of greatness. While Andruw had his offensive issues, he stands as the greatest defensive centerfielder of all-time. Tune in for my full argument for Andruw's induction. I don't think you wil find a more thoughtful analysis. He deserves to be in.
In this special episode, we look back at some of my favorite "non-star" Braves since I became a fan (1991). As you look back with me, consider who your favorite Braves have been over the years.
Soon after the Braves sign Chris Sale to a new contract that could take him through 2026, they lock up GM Alex Anthopoulos to a seven-year extension that will take him through 2031. Sale comes with some risk, but also potentially big rewards. Anthopoulos is a no-brainer. His long-term future with the Braves brings greater certainty to the Braves' bright future.
It's not surprising that the Braves acquired a starting pitcher this offseason, but no one was predicting that they would trade for 7-time all-star Chris Sale. Sending the talented, popular Vaughn Grissom to Boston, the Braves take on the often injured, but gifted Sale. Time will tell who wins this trade.
After an insane few weeks, the Dodgers have added Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Glasnow. The media narrative is they are a super team and by far the best team in baseball. But is that the reality? Let's take a deeper dive into 2024 and beyond for the Braves and Dodgers.
Though the Braves haven't made a big offseason splash, they are getting better with some high upside moves or controllable players. Time will tell if these moves pay off, but left field and the bullpen have a chance to be a bigger impact on the team in 2024. Meanwhile, we also identify a few more names the Braves could explore to fill out their pitching staff.
The Braves were the most active team at the winter meetings this season, adding high-upside LF Jarred Kelenic and making some other smaller moves in connection. While they had to take on some extra money to get him, Kelenic could be a shrewd addition. Meanwhile Ohtani goes to the Dodgers on an insane $700 million contract, which should release the floodgates for other moves to be made for the rest of the league.
While Dylan Cease looks like a current trade target for the Braves, AA has a penchant for pulling off a trade no one saw coming. Let's try to predict an unlikely trade that could happen.
With Aaron Nola going back to the Phillies, will the Braves' continue to hunt to a top flight pitcher? They added Reynaldo Lopez, who could be a big boost to the bullpen or be stretched out as a starter. Is that all the Braves intend to do on the pitching front, or is there more? Let's take a deep dive into the best remaining pitchers on the free agent and trade market.
Does anyone actually know what Shohei Ohtani's priorities are in free agency? If it's all about the money then the Braves have no shot. But most people admit that Ohtani is a different kind of guy. There is a world in which Ohtani comes to Atlanta. Let's have some fun and live in that world for a few minutes.
After a quiet start to the offseason, the Braves front office made some major changes this week, clearing 10 spots on their 40 man roster. Among those leaving are long-time Braves and fan favorites Michael Soroka and Kyle Wright. We'll break down the impacts of these moves and how it might mean big things to come as the Braves re-tool their roster in preparation for 2024. We also celebrate Ronald Acuna's MVP award!
The Braves bid a sad but thankful goodbye to Ron Washington as he accepts the Manager's job for the Angels. Meanwhile, the Braves accept Charlie Morton's club option while decline Eddie Rosario's. Now, as the offseason heats up, what will the Braves do at their two biggest areas on need: starting pitcher and left fielder? Is Yamamoto a realistic target? Could Juan Soto really be an option? Are the Brewers having a fire sale that could benefit Atlanta?
With the offseason in full swing, what will the Braves do to improve the starting rotation? How will they address left field? I'll give you my strategy and which players I would target.
One of the clearest needs for the Braves entering the offseason is starting pitching. Even if Charlie Morton returns for another season, add another proven starter who can win playoff games is a must. And it's not just about next season. The free agency of Max Fried looms large, and they Braves need to strike soon to bolster their rotation in the long-term.
In order to experience future postseason success, the Braves may need to adjust the roster. What position players go and which potential free agents are signed? Who could the Braves trade for? We start the conversation.
Let's take a deeper dive on what elements might help the Braves avoid more postseason heartbreak in 2024 and beyond. Where are the weak points and how can Anthopoulos and Snitker fix them?
For a second straight season the Braves lose to the Phillies in the NLDS. Their historic offense was completely silent and questions remain as to why. I attempt to diagnose the long history of dominant regular season success and playoff underperformance.
After dropping game one, the Braves bounce back with a huge comeback win capped off by a clutch Austin Riley homer and a historic game-ending double play. Now the series turns to Philadelphia while Snitker still mulls who will pitch game three.
Ronald Acuna has a season for the ages. Matt Olson and Spencer Strider set franchise records. The offense set an all-time home run record and is the first team to ever have a slugging percentage over .500. It has been a remarkable regular season to be celebrate. But the real season is about to begin, and a championship is the ultimate goal.
Acuna dazzles, becoming the first and only member of the 40/70 club. Olson sets another Braves single season record. And the Braves clinch the best record in baseball. Now, they set their sights on the postseason.
The Braves bounce back with 2 straight wins against the Nationals and Ronald Acuna makes history in the process, standing alone as the sole member of the 40/60 club. However, Max Fried and Charlie Morton go down in consecutive days with finger injuries. Should we be worried?
After celebrating clinching the NL East against the Phillies, the Braves experience one of their worst series of the year. Injuries to Acuna and Rosario remind us the importance of staying healthy down the stretch while the bullpen's recent perform may be reason for concern.
The Braves take 3 of 4 games from the Phillies to secure their 6th straight NL East title. While this is just the the first step towards a championship, it is still a huge accomplishment worth celebrating. So many guys have played a major part in the team's dominance, but especially two guys. Acuna is on the verge of a 40/70 season and with one more homer, Matt Olson will set a Braves record. So as the Braves approach the playoffs how with Snitker manage the team the rest of the way?
Even though the series against the Cardinals and Pirates had their bad moments, Ronald Acuna's game remained on point, reminding us once again that he is the most talented player in National League. And just before the Braves travel to Philly to potentially clinch the NL East for a sixth straight year, they took an evening to honor Andruw Jones by retiring his number. A well deserved honor for an awesome Brave and the greatest defensive outfielder of all-time.
After a great west coast road trip, the Braves have a bad few days at home. Not only do they lose two to the Cardinals, but they lose Michael Soroka for the season and they experience another flat start from Spencer Strider. Thankfully it appears Soroka avoided a major injury, but it still marks the end to a difficult comeback season for him. In some positive news, Matt Olson is hitting bombs again.
In a showdown in L.A. against a hot Dodgers team, the Braves win 3 of 4 games, Ronald Acuna Jr. shows why he is the MVP, and Max Fried returns to ace form. The Braves are now in the drivers seat for best record in the N.L. as the stretch run begins.
After sweeping the Rockies, the heavyweight clash between the Braves and Dodgers begins. The Dodgers are red hot and Mookie Betts is crushing the ball, but the Braves have the more balanced lineup and a better rotation. Let the battle for best record begin.
The Braves pitchers have shoved lately, as Spencer Strider is the latest to throw a gem. Meanwhile, Marcell Ozuna has totally resurrected his Braves' career this season. I'll give you my take on how I feel about it. And even though the Braves still need to clinch the NL East, most of their attention is likely on claiming the NL's best record. What are the benefits to the best record?
Braves starters have bounced back in a big way, especially in the last four games against the Yankees and Giants. With Fried back and Strider dominating, Morton and Elder's importance can't be overstated enough. Meanwhile, the Braves' offense keeps rolling. It's depth and athleticism is in sharp contrast to the struggling Yankees. Finally, with Ozzie in the shelf for a few days, Vaughn Grissom was called up but isn't playing. What's with that?
The Braves finally get some good pitching as they take on the hapless Mets in New York. Nicky Lopez has quite a Braves debut, while Allan Winans has an awesome 2nd career start. Meanwhile, Matt Olson continues his remarkable season and the Braves big four get national attention for their historic excellence.
After the incredibly impressive return of Max Fried, the other four starters for the Braves have thrown four consecutive bad starts. Was it a mistake not to get a starter at the trade deadline? How does the Braves rotation stack up compared to other playoff contenders? One thing we know for sure, our offense is still crazy good.
Alex Anthopolous didn't make any huge splashes during the trade deadline, but his few minor moves still made the club better. Would the cost for a starter been worth it? As the calendar turns to August the Braves continue to show their power and welcome the return of Max Fried. In the Angels' series Michael Harris II shows why he is still on of the most talented, exciting players to watch. Ronald Acuna continues to make his MVP cast while Matt Olson and Austin Riley continue to hit bombs.
After dropping two games to the Red Sox, the Braves bounce back against the Brewers by sweeping them with an offensive onslaught. Marcel Ozuna snaps a cold streak in a big way with four homers, Austin Riley continues his torrid late-July resurgence, and Matt Olson just keeps mashing. Despite the offensive production, the Braves approach the trade deadline with clear needs on the pitching staff, especially in the bullpen. We discuss what they might do as we are only two days from the deadline. Oh, and we welcome Otani and the Angels to Atlanta next.
While taking 2 of 3 from the Brewers, the Braves also make several changes to their active roster by acquiring three different pitchers and calling up another from the farm. Meanwhile, let's not forget to celebrate the enshrinement of Fred McGriff into Cooperstown and the many contributions he made as a Brave in the mid-90s. Congrats Crime Dog!
Recent injuries and struggles to the Braves pitching staff become apparent as the Braves hit a bit of a skid after the all-star break. How is this maybe a good thing? Meanwhile, Austin Riley goes nuclear with 4 homers in 3 games after some called for him to be moved down in the order. Sometimes all it takes is just to relax and have some fun!
The Braves have the best record in baseball at 60-29. They are an incredibly well built team without many obvious holes. What will Alex Anthopolous do at the trade deadline? I breakdown the teams who will be sellers and give you a few players the Braves might target.
The Braves took mostly college players in this years draft, especially targeting righty pitchers. Hurston Waldrep, a pitcher out of the University of Florida was their first selection, a righty with awesome stuff. Despite 8 of their 10 first selections being pitchers, there are some other exciting position players to watch, as well. Let's break down the Braves draft.
Let's talk about what the Braves' might do in the upcoming MLB Draft. I give an overview of the Braves' farm system and give some names of who the Braves might target with their first pick. Will they continue their trend of going underslot with their first pick, or will a bigger name fall to them at 24? Your guess is as good as mine.
While thrashing the Marlins in a dominating three game sweep, an amazing eight Braves are named to the NL all-star team. That is the most in franchise history. What makes this team so special? Charlie Morton knows why. I break down some of his comments, give some credit to the Braves coaching staff, and show some more love to the brilliance of Ronald Acuna, Jr.
The Braves had an historic June, going 21-4 and crushing an NL record 61 homers. Even as the Braves still await the return of Max Fried, they appear to be the class of the National League and perhaps all of baseball. In this episode we break down the reasons the Braves found another gear offensively including the reemergence of Michael Harris and Eddie Rosario, as well as the monster run that Matt Olson is on.
Michael Harris struggled through the first two plus months of the season, but now seems to be coming out of it in a big way. Meanwhile Spencer Strider has experienced his own trials on the mound as he searches for answers. Should we be concerned about Strider?
Despite dropping their final game against the Nationals, the Braves are riding high, having won 8 of their last 10 games. One area that could improve is the starting pitching. Facing the weak Tigers' offense might be just what the doctor ordered. Also, have you listened to the Braves' radio broadcast lately? Joe Simpson and Ben Ingram should be appreciated. Meanwhile, should we rethink how we view Marcell Ozuna? Not only has he been one of the best hitters in baseball for more than a month, but apparently he is also giving sage wisdom to Michael Harris. And finally, let's take a look at the All-Star vote. What Braves should make the starting lineup?
Coming into this series riding high after a Rosario game winning grand slam in Arizona, the Braves find another level against the Mets, sweeping them in three straight comeback wins. It really was a team effort, as every position player had huge moments to help them sweep their division rivals.
After a bad series in Oakland and dropping the first game in Arizona in disappointing fashion, the Braves bounced back in impressive form. Acuna continues to dazzle while Eddie Rosario came to life in a big way, punctuated by a go ahead grand slam in the 9th inning to clinch the series win. Meanwhile, the starting staff continues to shift as Soroka goes back to AAA while A.J. Smith-Shawver looks to be in line for a start this weekend.
The Braves continued their less than stellar stretch of baseball, losing two out of three games to the lowly Oakland A's. Despite continued bullpen struggles and inconsistent offense, some positive developments are happening. Michael Soroka made his much anticipated return and top prospect A.J. Smith-Shawver was called up to bolster the bullpen. As the Braves get an off day and turn around to play the surging D'Backs, perhaps this is the moment for a nice Braves run of good baseball.
Despite being 7-10 over their last 17 games, their are several positive developments that have me feeling optimistic about the next stretch of games for the Braves. One of those is the long awaited return of Michael Soroka. We should all be pulling for him and appreciate the journey he has taken to get back to the big leagues.
The Braves continue to struggle mightily against the Toronto Blue Jays, losing three straight winnable games. The impact of the losses of Fried and Wright is already evident as the bullpen is overexposed. The offense must get going as the Braves will need to lean on it more for sustained success.
The Braves are blessed with the two most valuable players in baseball as we speak. Sean Murphy and Ronald Acuna have been nothing short of awesome. Despite multiple injuries continuing to plague the Braves, these two along with key contributions from the rest of the team have helped the Braves to the best record in the National League. However, concerns still linger especially over the health of the starting rotation.
After winning eight straight, the Braves hit their worst losing streak since 2021. Losers of four straight, the bullpen has begun to falter and several in the lineup have gone cold. But it's not all bad. Acuna and Murphy have been terrific while the starting rotation has rounded into form nicely. Here's hoping another winning streak is right around the corner.
Despite a rash of injuries and key players on the IL the Braves have played well in the first few weeks of the season. Some unlikely players including Bryce Elder, Sam Hilliard, and Jesse Chavez have stepped up and proven to give the Braves great depth that should lead to success for the long season to come.
There are a ton of positives from the first week of the season for the Braves, but none bigger than the play of Ronald Acuna, Jr. He looks faster and more explosive than ever, showing all five tools at an elite level. Braves fans have a lot to be excited about this season.
Take a listen to several brave predictions of what I expect from the Braves this year. Beyond some individual player predictions, I also give you my playoff predictions. Then I give you my take on the opening series against the Nationals. Yes, there were some disappointments, but it largely left me encouraged.
Let's dive into player predictions for the upcoming season. Will Acuna be back to his dominant self? Will Michael Harris have a sophomore slump or continue to be a beast? Will time finally run out on Charlie Morton's arm or will he turn back the clock one more time? I break down every key player for the Braves and give an over/under prediction on Fangraphs projections.
Everyone was a mix of shocked and confused by the Braves' shortstop decision. What went into it? Is it all about 40 man roster depth or is there something else to it? Also, beyond the shortstop issue, there are a lot of good things going for the Braves. We'll talk about those too.
As we get closer to opening day the position battles are coming into focus with several surprises. Ian Anderson and Bryce Elder were underwhelming in their spring performances and were unceremoniously sent down to minors camp, putting Jared Shuster and Dylan Dodd competing for the 5th starter spot. Meanwhile the 4th outfielder battle has gotten interesting as Sam Hilliard and Eli White have outperformed expectations. And finally, Braden Shewmake has performed well and caused some to wonder if he could earn the shortstop job over Vaughn Grissom. The last week or so of spring training will be very interesting as the Braves' brass has some important decisions to make.
Let's talk about the new pitch clock rule. I give my thoughts on the pros and cons of the rule and especially the potential downsides. Meanwhile, the fifth starter competition hasn't gotten off to the best of starts but that doesn't mean you should be worried. And finally, Vaughn Grissom looks good in the early goings of spring training. Will he be Dansby Swanson? No, but he doesn't need to be. He may never be Dansby with the glove, but he could be the better overall player if given a chance to fail and grow.
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On the eve of spring training, we take a break from baseball news to talk about the best baseball movies of all time. Do you agree with my list?
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In this weeks episodes we cover the departure of Chip Caray to the Cardinals. Are you going to miss Chip or are you excited about who might replace him? We also update how Vaughn Grissom's workouts have been going with Wash, who got an invite to spring training, and what the ZIPs projections think about the Braves chances this year.
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The Astros hire away Braves' scouting director Dana Brown. We take a look at his impressive tenure with the Braves. Meanwhile, Brian Snitker deservingly gets an extension, signing through 2025. Join as we discuss these developments and other recent news.
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First we discuss the complicated legacy of John Coppolella after MLB lifted the ex-Braves GM's lifetime ban. Many of the Braves' core players were added by Coppy, yet his tenure was still a stain on the organization. Next, we analyze why Vaughn Grissom should be given a chance to be starting shortstop for the Braves this season. The Braves keep saying they believe in him, and it will be interesting to see how he responds.
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The Braves have done a great job over the last few seasons to lock up some of their best players, mostly position players. Left Field is obvious area of immediate need, while Shortstop is a big question mark, with the Braves seemingly placing their hopes in the promise of Vaughn Grissom. But looking a little deeper, the biggest area of concern long-term may be at starting pitcher. Join me as I dive into how this season could define the Braves' direction at these positions.
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The Braves extend yet another member of their young core, locking up newly acquired catcher Sean Murphy to a 6 year $73 million dollar contract. We discuss the value of the move and how the Braves continue to be able to lock up players on "team friendly deals."
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With the signing of Carlos Correa (we think) the Mets may be the favorites on paper to win the NL East. Of course, baseball isn't played on paper, so we dive into the strengths and weaknesses of each team. We discuss where the Braves can get better and what weaknesses may be lurking for the Mets.
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Dansby Swanson leaves Atlanta for Chicago as he accepts a 7 year $177 million deal from the Cubs. The Braves likely never made a competitive offer for the long time Braves shortstop. We discuss why and talk about about the ramifications of the holes left by Dansby's departure. He leaves with 1 world series ring, a gold glove, an all-star appearance, and 5 NL East division titles.
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The Braves make a surprising trade for Oakland catcher Sean Murphy. While Murphy is a great player, this move deserves some scrutiny as the Braves part ways with the talented, young, and controllable William Contreras. We analyze the move and discuss how it could shape the rest of the offseason for the Braves.
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The Braves weren't very active during the winter meetings, but that doesn't mean there aren't any take-aways. It's becoming increasingly likely that the Braves don't resign Dansby Swanson, and if that happens then what do the Braves do to replace his production? Several free agent targets are off the board. Do the Braves turn to the trade market? We'll look at their options.
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Beyond the shortstop question (Dansby) what else might be Braves do this offseason. Could they go big to improve left field or will they go with internal options? Will they venture into the waters of the massive free agent pitching options like DeGrom and Verlander or do they like what they have already?
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Will the Braves resign Dansby Swanson? While that is yet to be determined, let's break down the Braves' shortstop to get a better feel of his value and how he compares to other shortstops in the league.
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Before the season began I made quite a few predictions regarding the Braves. I got a few right and a few wrong. But I think a few of these were pretty darn good! Take a listen.
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The Braves are given an early exit by the Phillies. We dive into what went wrong for the Braves, but also consider all the takeaways from the 2022 season. Don't forget how much this team accomplished, and that they will be good for years to come. Bring on the offseason and 2023, because the Braves will be right there with the best teams in baseball once again.
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After disappointing pitching performances in games 1 and 3 and lackluster offense most of the way, the Braves find themselves needing to win two straight games from a Phillies team that is riding high with confidence. The bulk of the responsibility falls on Charlie Morton, who hasn't been very good lately, but has a history of coming up big in big games. If the Braves are going to advanced, Morton needs to quiet Philly's bats and the Braves' offense needs to strike early and often. Here's hoping they can do it and make it back to Atlanta for game 5.
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The Braves accomplished their first major goal of the season of winning the the NL East in dramatic fashion. By sweeping the Mets in Atlanta (including beating deGrom and Scherzer on back to back nights) and finishing the task with a win against the Marlins, the Braves earned a pivotal first round bye in the newly constructed expanding playoff format. How did they do it? By overcoming a lot of diversity with major contributions from young stars. By following the lead of Snitker, not panicking, remaining confident in each other, and coming up big in the biggest moments. How sweet is it to snatch the NL East crown from the Mets at the last minute? Pretty darn sweet.
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The Braves enter their final three game showdown with the Mets down 1 game in the NL East standings. While the task it a tough one, the Braves still have control of their destiny. Sweeping the Mets will put them in the driver's seat for the division, while winning the series 2-1 still gives them a chance for the division. No matter what happens, it should be a great environment at Truist Park as two of the best teams in all of baseball square off as the playoffs are just around the corner.
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A look at the impact Ozzie Albies will have as he returns from a broken foot injury. At the same time, the Braves need Matt Olson and Austin Riley to return to form. What kind of player is Matt Olson? Is he an all-star or just another guy with some power? Additionally, its time to see what Raisel Iglesias can do in the closers role as Kenley Jansen continues to struggle. And what impact will the coming rule changes have on the game?
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The Braves have moved into first place as they have gone on an 8 game winning streak while the Mets have stumbled over weaker opponents. Things are certainly trending up for the Braves and down for the Mets, though that guarantees nothing. Nonetheless, the younger Braves roster may be better suited to finish the season strong, compared to the older Mets squad.
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Do the Braves have the best culture in baseball? While talent matters to every team, it is evident that culture might matter a little more to the Atlanta organization. Through the last several decades, even in the rebuilding years, the Braves have put a lot of stock in creating a work environment where people want to be. Sure it's not perfect, but it does seem like it allows players to flourish in a way that doesn't happen everywhere else. Events of the last few games have been a reminder that Braves baseball is unique and us Braves fans can certainly appreciate players from Smoltz to Chipper to Francoeur and McCann to Freddie, all the way down to Harris, Strider, and Grissom who play the game with passion, heart, and joy. Last years' club was certainly indicative of that culture. Maybe this team can find that magic again as October nears. But the Mets' likely won't make it easy.
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The Braves have bounced back to win 14 of 16 games including 3 of 4 from the Mets and 2 of 3 from the Astros. What stands out is how young, athletic, and dynamic this team has become. Just how good has this team been since June 1. Well, they have been the best team in baseball.
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The Braves doll out a surprising but well deserved 8 year extension for Michael Harris II, as their young and talented core continues to be solidified for years to come. Mike Soroka makes his first professional starting over two years and it goes quite well. The Braves have won 8 straight and cut the Mets' divisional lead to 3 1/2 games, but will face a tough task as Scherzer and DeGrom await them in the next two games. And Vaughn Grissom has been awesome in the first week of his young career.
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The Mets dominated the Braves over the weekend, taking four out of five games in a pivotal series in New York. The Braves' inability to make consistent contact was exposed as the Mets' pitchers had their way with the Braves hitters. More than anything, the Mets look like the aggressor and the Braves look stunned. If they hope to turn things around, win the division, and have success in the playoffs (all of which is still possible by the way) a new attitude and a new approach is necessary.
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During the trade deadline period, the Braves signed Austin Riley to a massive 10 year $212 million extension, acquired closer Raisel Iglesias from the Angels, outfielder Robbie Grossman from the Tigers, pitcher Jake Odorizzi from the Astros, and Ehire Adrianza from the Nationals, all while giving up very little. Will it be enough to win the division and beyond?
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With the Braves 2 games back of the Mets, they enter the week before the trade deadline evaluating their biggest needs. What value do they have to deal from? Who might they package in a trade, and who might they be targeting?
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After a quick look back at the All-Star festivities, we dive into the Braves' 2022 draft. What was the Braves' overall draft strategy, and did it lineup with what the experts thought would happen? I take a look at most of the Braves' selection and give you my take on which picks I really like. Hopefully some of these guys figure things out and one day and show up as a Brave at Truist Park.
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In this special episode we look at all the possibilities that lay before the Braves prior to the 2022 draft. After acquiring the 35th pick from the Royals, along with the $2.2 million to add to their draft pool, the Braves have more flexibility in this draft than they have had in several years. Will they stick with their proclivity to selected a college arm, or go outside the box to take a higher upside, pricier pick with their first selection? It should be a fun draft.
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The Braves trade Drew Waters to the Royals for the #35 pick in the draft and also pick up Robinson Cano for next to nothing. How will these moves impact the club? We also look at which Braves will be going to Hollywood for the all-star game and which Braves got snubbed. And we also break down just how good rookie sensations Michael Harris II and Spencer Strider have been so far this season. Where would the Braves be without them?
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The Freedie Freeman saga take some strange turns after he tearfully returns to Atlanta. I discuss and make a bold prediction. I also look at what the Braves might do during the trade deadline, as we are only a month away.
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The Braves have the best record in baseball in the month of June as Freddie Freeman returns to Atlanta for the first time since his departure to the Dodgers. Expect a wave of emotions at Truist Park, and hopefully some great games in a rematch of the 2021 NLCS.
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The Braves win an MLB best 12th straight game, hitting five home runs against the Nationals, but lose Ozzie Albies in the process with a fractured foot. What can the Braves do to fill the gap left by Ozzie? We also analyze what has gone right during this long winning streak. #ozziealibies #braves #atlantabraves
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After a couple of disappointing losses to the Dbacks, the Braves have won three straight games with two excellent performances by the offense and one dominating start from Max Fried. Dansby Swanson has been burning hot over the last few weeks, and several others are contributing greatly as well. Michael Harris has also provided a spark, especially defensively. We discuss why Snitker continues to trot Marcel Ozuna out to the outfield and what to do about Adam Duvall. Ultimately, the Braves have an opportunity to go on a run and finally gain some momentum. #braves #gobrave #atlantabraves #dansby
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After two months of horrendous outfield play, the Braves promote top prospect Michael Harris. With Harris in centerfield and Acuna coming back (hopefully), the outlook of the Braves outfield looks much better. But just how bad had the Braves outfield been? Why Harris over other top prospect Drew Waters? And Why promote Harris now?
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The Braves continue to trade good wins with disappointing losses. When will they put together a winning streak and find some traction? There are some encouraging developments. Charlie Morton just had his best start and the supporting cast is playing well. Once the top of the lineup starts hitting, the Braves could be poised to take off. The sooner the better.
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The start of this season has looked eerily similar to last season. Sure the Braves won it all last year, but that doesn't mean they can flirt with mediocrity for half the season again and expect to win their division. What is the problem right now? The starting staff is starting to right itself, but the offense has been the weakest link. I dive into the number and diagnose the problem.
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Ronald Acuna returns and hope abounds as the Braves start to look better on the field. Unfortunately Eddie Rosario is out 8-12 weeks with eye issues. But meanwhile Travis Dermeritte provides a spark, including a home run never went over the fence. So, we take some time to get to know Travis. Fried and Wright continue to be very, very good. And finally, should we be concerned about Adam Duvall? Will he bounce back offensively?
In the middle of the Braves offensive struggles, Max Fried and Kyle Wright throw two gems. Meanwhile, the Braves visit the Dodgers, try to process Freddie Freeman in a different uniform, and finish their first road trip 3-4. As they return to the ATL to take on the Marlins, will the offense come to life? I sure hope so.
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The Braves get blown out in game 1 of the series with the Padres. Then they bounced back with two solid wins behind Kyle Wright and Ian Anderson, only for the bats to go silent in the final game of the series. With the Dodgers up next, will the bottom of the order finally remember how to hit? And will Fried and Morton gain some consistency? And when does Acuna come back? It couldn't be soon enough.
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The Braves have sputtered to a 3-4 start to the season. Kyle Wright and Bryce Elder impress on the mound, while Ian Anderson and Huscar Ynoa struggle. Meanwhile, Ozuna, Olsen, Riley, and Darnaud carry the offense while the rest of the team can't get going. After a disappointing opening homestand, the Braves look to put their 2021 championship behind them and focus on the 2022 season. The upcoming road trip out west may tell us a lot about the team.
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Austin Riley and Matt Olsen get off to very nice starts. Charlie Morton looks solid while most of the rest of the pitching staff is still trying to find their groove. Dansby Swanson strikes out a lot, and Marcel Ozuna has some adventures in the outfield. Meanwhile it seems like every Brave except Austin Riley has warning track power. I discuss all of the important events from the first two games of the season, and address the Acuna-Freeman quasi-controversy.
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With only a day left in the offseason, I breakdown the NL East. How do the Braves stack up against the rest of the division? Do they have the best rotation, bullpen, lineup, defense? Which teams will outperform their projections and which will disappoint? How many games can the Braves win and will they repeat? I cover it all as we get ready for the 2022 season. Let's go!
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First we get into a bit of news, including some arm troubles of Luke Jackson and Met Jacob DeGrom. Then I give you my season predictions on some of the Braves most important players. How many homers will Acuna hit this season? Will this year be the last for Swanson as a Brave? Who might compete for an MVP this year? Take a listen and see if you agree on my takes. And let's get ready for the regular season!
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In this episode recent Braves news is discussed including Chipper Jones' take on Freddie Freeman leaving Atlanta, Acuna's time table to return, and perhaps some good news on Mike Soroka. I also break down strength of the Braves bullpen and the work that still needs to be done to bolster the bench.
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The Braves have a solid top three in their starting rotation in Fried, Morton, and Anderson. These guys have proven to be good enough to bring the Braves a World Series title. Plus the Braves have done much over the last several days to bolster an already strong bullpen. But there is a clear question mark regarding the last two spots in the rotation. They have great organizational depth and don't forget about Mike Soroka, but adding another established starter could be the final piece in setting up the Braves for another World Series run.
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In this episode I lament the departure of Freddie Freeman, the arrival of Matt Olsen, and breakdown how it happened. I also get into the most recent free agents signings and look forward the remainder of the off-season.
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Now that the offseason has started, the Braves have a lot of work to do. Beyond signing Freddie Freeman, the Braves have an obvious need in the outfield. Do they bring back Eddie Rosario or Jorge Soler? Do they go after a bigger name on the free agent market or look to the trade market? And how might Freddie Freeman's impending decision impact what the Braves can do to address their outfield needs?
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Other than resigning Freddie Freeman and moving Marcel Ozuna, finding a true center fielder who can also be a difference maker offensively should be biggest priority for the Braves this offseason. In this episode, I give you may analysis of the center field market and who I may favorite target is.
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In this episode we dive into what the Braves should do with Marcell Ozuna. Do you release him, trade him, or keep him? I'll analyze the different options and give you my take of what I would do.
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This episode covers the reasons for and against the Braves resigning Freddie Freeman. Hint, there are many more reasons for resigning him. We also discuss the backup plans if Freeman is not resigned, and even the best option is not as good as bringing Freddie back.
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An overview of what the Braves' priorities should be over the course of the offseason and a preview of several upcoming episodes.
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