ESPN’s Buster Olney: Braves may beat out Phillies in East
ESPN's Buster Olney believes the Braves may have a reason to give high-fives at the end of the season in the East.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — While this comes with no guarantees, one of the nation’s preeminent baseball writers says he is “leaning towards” picking the Braves over the Philadelphia Phillies to win the National League East Division.
I chatted with ESPN’s Buster Olney at Braves camp this morning and he went through a list of reasons why he is considering picking the Braves, despite the fact the Phillies have assembled one of the greatest starting rotations in major league history (Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Roy Oswalt).
But before passing along those reasons, this might take a little shine off of Olney’s possible prediction. As he and I were speaking, Braves general manager Frank Wren walked up. Then came this exchange.
Olney: “I might be the only national person who picks you guys in the
Olney: Concerns in Philly.
East.”
Wren: “Really? Wow. What’s your record?”
Olney: “I picked the Rockies to win the World Series last year.”
Wren: “Oh, great.”
Olney: “Yeah, I have no credibility.”
Actually, he does. Most consider Olney the best national baseball writer in the business. Few do their homework like him. Here’s Olney’s breakdown of the race between the Braves and Phillies:
♦ “The [Phillies'] injuries and the lack of balance [in the heavily left-handed] lineup are real concerns. They won’t see right-handed pitching after the fifth or sixth inning this year. The starting pitching is obviously unbelievable, but I think these guys [Braves] are deeper than what they’re given credit for and if Derek Lowe can pitch like he did down the stretch, their pitching certainly is good enough to match up. If [Craig] Kimbrel and [Jonny] Venters can fill the back end of the bullpen, this is a real good team. The every day lineup is certainly better than what the Phillies have because of the concerns they have. Right now, they’re talking about [outfielder] Ben Francisco being the No. 5 hitter in that lineup [to replace the departed Jayson Werth] and that’s probably a tall order for him. They had 170 games lost to injuries last year in the infield. Jimmy Rollins’ OPS has gone down the last three years, since he won the MVP. [Chase] Utley’s OPS has dropped each of the last two years. [Ryan] Howard last year, because of the lack of depth in their lineup, saw a lot off-speed stuff away and it really seemed to affect them. [Placido] Polanco is 37 years old now and he had elbow trouble last year. They’re an older team. The question is, how do those injuries manifest themselves and do they have the depth to make up for it?”
So, are you convinced?
By Jeff Schultz
♦
Previous posts from Braves’ camp
– Braves’ Lee Elia knows hitting (and what not to say anymore)
– Chipper Jones gets hit in return and takes a swing at critics
– Braves camp: Chipper’s return, Uggla’s debut, Cox’s spring ejection
– Braves hoping to recreate chemistry from 2010 season
– So what does Freddie Freeman (3 doubles) do for an encore?
– Digi-Blog goes to Braves’ spring training at Disney (they charge, I don’t)
♦
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152 comments Add your comment
B
March 1st, 2011
10:13 am
Yes.
Will
March 1st, 2011
10:13 am
FIRST!
rob
March 1st, 2011
10:14 am
No – r u?
@fauxfrankwren
March 1st, 2011
10:15 am
Olney is a genius.
Bill
March 1st, 2011
10:15 am
I’m just glad someone’s talking about the Braves instead of the Northeastern teams.
Theophilus
March 1st, 2011
10:17 am
I think the Braves has an outstanding chance to take the NL East this year. Should be a fun year.
Steve H
March 1st, 2011
10:18 am
I prefer to remain a pessimist. That way I would be pleasantly surprised if the Braves do win.
Athens Mike
March 1st, 2011
10:18 am
I think it can happen. I still think defense is a concern, but if we have a better line up this year, which we do, I can see winning more games than last year, which would be good.
justin1
March 1st, 2011
10:18 am
WOW. An ESPN columnist picking the BRAVES over the PHILLIES???!!
Worst to first
March 1st, 2011
10:20 am
The phillies are right at that age where injuries and a drop-off of production happens. I think Olney has a point,we are finally getting young again and the phillies just get older.I believe werth was the phillies only middle of the order guy to go uninjured last year
Fish Bisch
March 1st, 2011
10:21 am
The only way the Braves might be able to do it is if Chipper can play 140 or more games.
DHD
March 1st, 2011
10:23 am
It doesn’t matter. Everybody has an opinion. It is obvious that the Braves will be in the race and if you’re in the race, anything can happen. “If’s” are a part of the game. One thing I know. being a fan since 1966, it NEVER turns out like you think. There are injuries, breakout players and trades during the season. Bottom line…..it’s baseball season and we’re talking about it.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
March 1st, 2011
10:24 am
I see the braves firmly on the bubble.
wait wrong sport .
Innocent Bystander
March 1st, 2011
10:25 am
Absolutely agree. Philly’s lineup got destroyed in losing Werth, and their ‘pen was never good to begin with. They probably would’ve gotten better returns had they signed a big RH bat instead of Lee, because as Buster pointed out, teams will ensure they see LHP as much as possible.
In my opinion, the Braves improved where they needed to the most by adding a RH power bat. Addressing needs before surpluses will certainly give us the advantage, and we are a much deeper team. Philly’s gonna get killed in Aug/Sep.
Brad in Jasper
March 1st, 2011
10:26 am
The beauty (and agony) of baseball is over 162 games, things get sorted out and the cream eventually rises as we saw last year in the NL East. Even a Braves homer like me could see that the talented Phils had been hit hard with injuries and the Bravos had late game magic out the ying-yang. In September the PHI rotation finally flexed its muscle and separated themselves to win the division. Then the postseason starts things anew and anything can happen. If the Braves play strong and at least take the Wild Card, there will be no shame in that. Most Atlantans wont tune in until the LCS anyway!
dan
March 1st, 2011
10:31 am
It’s ok. Every year for the past 4 years the “expert analysts” have found a reason to pick against the Phils. They claimed that the braves would win the division or miraculously the Mets would stop choking. The result? 4 straight NL East titles. I rest my case.
Paul H
March 1st, 2011
10:35 am
I’m convinced the Phillies won’t score as much without Werth and some of the others being on the tail end of their career, but I’m not convinced it won’t take just 2 runs per game for them to still win with that rotation.
collegeballfan
March 1st, 2011
10:37 am
I will take the Phillies for the division.
bravofan
March 1st, 2011
10:41 am
Jeff nice article I enjoyed that you may wanna fix these error: pitching certainly is good enough to match uo. Change uo to up
because of the converns they have. change converns to concerns
Herschel Talker
March 1st, 2011
10:44 am
Schultzie:
Buster forgot our biggest ace in the hole: we now have a manager with brain cells.
HT
The Living Legend
March 1st, 2011
10:46 am
Not convinced. Brave will not even Win wild card. It will be: Philly, Milwaukee, Colorado and then either the Cubs or Giants for the Wild Card.
jp
March 1st, 2011
10:47 am
I am predicting the Marlins to win the NL East. Mark it down, it was first said on this board.
My point is that predictions are pointless and no one is held accountable for them and only makes people look good but never bad.
kerryb
March 1st, 2011
10:47 am
I see it the same way Olney has. The Braves rotation may not have the recognition that the Phillies have but I think it is just as deep. I think the Braves will have the better bullpen. As for the everyday lineup, I give them 1B where we are starting a rookie but I think the Braves match up at every other position if McClouth returns to form. The Braves have equal or better power at 2B, better catcher, both teams have aging shortstops and third basemen, Braves have better left fielder and right fielder and could have equal center fielders. Does it really matter how the Braves match up with the Phillies?. Like Lowe said last week, they only play the Phillies 18 times a year and you usually split those games or one team wins 1 or 2 more than the other. It’s what you do against the rest of the league that matters.
durtydogg
March 1st, 2011
10:47 am
Im not surprised at all. If you follow Buster, he has a deep affection for the Braves. Trust me, I have read columns and seen interviews with him talking about them in the past. For some reason he is really a fan on the Bravos!! Thank Buster for not being, well a Buster!!! We all know how much ESPN hates everything Atlanta!!
jp
March 1st, 2011
10:50 am
another point for the Braves is they’ll have Ibanez, a guy who is 38, polanco is 37 and Rollins, Howard, Utley and Victorino are all in their 30’s.
I actually also think the Braves win it this year. My Marlins predictions was meant to be a joke.
kerryb
March 1st, 2011
10:51 am
I don’t agree with Fish Bisch’s comments about the Braves winning only if Chipper plays 140 games. When Chipper needs time off they will stick Prado at third and Hinske or Mather in LF. They won’t lose much by doing that.
Gary
March 1st, 2011
10:52 am
A lot rests with the young players on this Braves team. If Heyward and Freeman have big years at the plate, the older guys stay of the DL, and the vets they are counting on produce, this could be one of the best balanced teams we’ve ever had. As usual, injuries could ruin the season, but on paper, I think we can take the Phillies and make it to the WS. Go Braves!!
kerryb
March 1st, 2011
10:53 am
I wonder if the Cardinals will get desparate enough to take KK off our hands for nothing. The Braves could use that salary to make a deal if they need to in July.
gadawgs
March 1st, 2011
10:55 am
Yes I am and I agree with Mr. Olney. Yes, the Phillies have a formidible staff but ours ain’t to shabby. Our everyday lineup is better 1-8. Yes even with Howard, Utley and Rollins. Love our team this year.
6 P.O.A.J
March 1st, 2011
10:56 am
The Phillies will not be the same without Werth. They are all getting older and hurt much more often. The pitching staff won’t make that much of a difference except with the bank account. Look for the Braves to win it all this year.
Tech Sucks
March 1st, 2011
11:00 am
Will you are a douche!
Braves will win the East.
Fish Bisch
March 1st, 2011
11:03 am
Don’t count out the Nationals.
cantondawg
March 1st, 2011
11:04 am
i really like this Braves team. If Chipper can stay healthy and have a productive year i think we will surprise some people. I think Chipper, Freeman and Mclouth will be the keys to this team. If those three have big years, we will win the East
Jim
March 1st, 2011
11:07 am
Enter your comments here
Jim
March 1st, 2011
11:08 am
Dream on… I am.
DollarDawg43
March 1st, 2011
11:09 am
Staying healthy will be the key for both teams. Both teams have good starting pitching with question marks in each bullpen. Heyward needs to be a little more agressive at the plate and Freeman will have the normal rookie learning curve. The Phillies have age to contend with so each team has offensive challenges to solve.
The team that stays the healthiest and plays better defense (that makes me a little nervous where we are concerned) will prevail. I do like the look of this Braves team for this season and years to come. Now we just have to go out and produce.
BravesfaninNashville
March 1st, 2011
11:20 am
I think it’s going to come down to injuries. If the Phillies lose one of the big four in the rotation due to injury, which is likely to happen at least for part of the year, the Braves have the edge. The Braves need our entire pitching staff as well as Heyward, McCann and Prado to stay healthy all year and we can stay with Phillie all year. We will beat the other teams in the league at the same clip as Phillie does. It should come down to the last series with Phillie. I’ll be there.
BravesfaninNashville
March 1st, 2011
11:21 am
And Uggla to stay healthy……
jfreak13713
March 1st, 2011
11:22 am
That are ifs for both teams but I’ll take great starting pitching over possible injuries and issues with the batting order. For that reason I’d still say the Phillies are the Favorite to wind the division but I believe the Braves are pretty close and an injury or two could change things drastically.
The Brave have really big questions with Chippers health, the closers role, and defense but if those three things are just OK then the Braves have a real chance to win the National League! They will certainly score enough and I believe their starting pitching will be good and bording on really good. If they can close games out, play good defense, and Chipper can play 130 plus games at third then I’d say the division is within reach.
If Phillies lose even one of their starts or a key position player they are in trouble. The Braves can take a key injury because they appear to have a deep team but the Phillies are pretty thin.
GO BRAVES!
Phillisux
March 1st, 2011
11:26 am
The “Werthless” Phils have the added burden of unrealistic expectations. On paper, their starting pitching (top 4) looks terrific, but many are saying one of the best staffs ever. Maybe for one or two years, maybe not. Halladay is the only one currently headed to the HOF if he keeps pitching like he has. The line up is better than most, so I would not be too quick to say their hitting is anything less than a plus. Like the Braves, the Phils only need to average 4-5 runs in order to win most games, and their line up can do that. I will not be surprised if the Phils win the NL East in 2011, nor will I be surprised if the Braves take it. GO BRAVES!
Coach13
March 1st, 2011
11:26 am
Based on his logic it’s hard not to believe. The Phillies lineup is not as potent as it was 3 years ago and they aren’t very young either. That being said; Chipper will miss some time and if someone like Uggla, or McCann goes down as well for any extended period of time the Braves are screwed.
There are alot of ifs. If the Braves stay healthey, and if Kimbrel and Venters can lock down the 8th and 9th and if the Phillies succumb to injuries like their aging bodies and declining stats might indicate then yeah the Braves should be in a good spot.
George
March 1st, 2011
11:27 am
“one of the greatest starting rotations in baseball history” We seem to overhype everthing these days.
Chop Chop
March 1st, 2011
11:31 am
I know it’s hard to believe, but people have been talking up the Braves every year for the last five or six years. There are just so many fans who want to see the Braves as a team that gets no respect. You know, in order to think of their own team as some kind of rag-tag bunch of underdogs that will shock the world. I hate fans like that. The Braves will be good again this year. Who cares is someone picks them to win big? It means nothing.
john in PA
March 1st, 2011
11:38 am
I like the way this team is shaping up, and there is no reason not to think that this team could compete with any other in the NL. Our rotation could be top-tier. Our bullpen could also be up there in MLB. Our offense will probably be middle of the pack, though I do NOT think Chippers health makes or breaks us.
Having said that, I AM concerned about the Defense in the infield, about A Gonzalez overall (he did not impress me last year, but then again, hes always fallen off the table in the second half as I recall) and about the performance of our very talented, but young players.
But the thing that concerns me most is (and I do not have the numbers here in front of me, but if memory serves…)…we had 40-something come from behind wins, with 20-something of those in final at-bats last season, with an outstanding home record. Isall of that sustainable or repeatable? I’m not saying no, but its hard to imagine at this point.
How awesome would it be to torch those Phillies though? We still would not get any respect from ESPN-holes.
Dr. Warren
March 1st, 2011
11:38 am
I know this is blasphemous, but I think Fredi Gonzalez will be a big boon to the Braves’ fortunes this year. Coxball got stale years ago. Yes, he’s a Cox disciple, but here’s hoping for a more aggressive, less-businesslike approach.
Joshua
March 1st, 2011
11:41 am
Bullpen is not a problem…if we need to address it via trade, quality relievers are always easy to come by during the season. But with Moylan, Venters and Kimbrel anchoring things for us, the pen should be more a strength than a liability. I wouldn’t mind seeing either KK or Brandon Beachy in a long relief capacity in the pen either – I would prefer and assume the 5th starter spot will go to Minor by default because he is a lefty.
Joshua
March 1st, 2011
11:44 am
@John in PA
Our offense was 5th in the NL last year, that with Chip and Prado out for the last month, and now we have those guys back plus Uggla, who fills by far our greatest need, and you think our offense will digress? Not sure what you draw that conclusion from.
Hillbilly Deluxe
March 1st, 2011
11:44 am
If the Phillies stay healthy, I don’t see the Braves beating them but you never know. That’s why they play the games.
Joshua
March 1st, 2011
11:48 am
Also, our offense was probably even better last year than runs scored indicate, because all the teams that scored more runs than us played in notoriously hitter friendly ball parks, as opposed to the Ted which is notoriously pitchers friendly.
joe
March 1st, 2011
11:49 am
Hope the bravos can pull though and win the east, but the WC works just in case…
Zing
March 1st, 2011
11:50 am
IF Chipper plays at least 120 games and hits well, IF Lowe pitches like he did in September, IF Jurrjens returns to 2009 form… yes. Otherwise– no.
Stuart
March 1st, 2011
11:53 am
“As he and I were speaks”…?
Thomas
March 1st, 2011
11:55 am
Dan Uggla will, if he stays healthy, play a key role in this years success or failure. It’s wait and see on Freddy Freeman whether he can make a rookie impact this year? These guys are key to power in the lineup assuming they will outperform the expectations. JUST SAYING! GO BRAVES!
Disbott 3000
March 1st, 2011
11:56 am
I like the way he thinks.
WS here we come
March 1st, 2011
12:06 pm
Who cares about the east, they won 14 and won one WS, Ill take the wild care and the series! yeah c’mon
john in PA
March 1st, 2011
12:06 pm
@Joshua
No arguement with you concerning NL team batting rankings. I was, however, refering to MLB overall (2010 – 14th BA; 13th R; 18th SLG) just as I was referring to our pitching in MLB overall.
Your logical follow-up comment would be that you/I/we should only be concerned with how we stack up in the NL, and I would not argue with you on that point, but my point of reference for my comment was MLB overall. So, to answer your question, no I dont see a regression, but not an improvement, either. Likely still be middle of the pack, MLB, and top third, NL.
COULD be MUCH better, if, if, if….(see: Mclouth, Chipper, Freeman, AGon)
Geaux Tigers
March 1st, 2011
12:13 pm
Fish Bisch,
I am a huge Chipper fan and hope he comes back strong this year. But I really don’t see him playing 140 games, or close to it. I am hoping he plays around 120 and I will be happy.
JDA
March 1st, 2011
12:21 pm
…and then Olney went out to dinner with Charlie Sheen to reestablish his high.
Bobby Walden
March 1st, 2011
12:24 pm
Only pimps, homers and idiots pick the Braves. That bunch could win only ONE World Series despite winning the division a dozen times. They didn’t call them the Atlanta Bills for nothing. One improvement, however, was getting rid of that drunken wife-beater.
Kentavo
March 1st, 2011
12:29 pm
Braves offense will be better than last year; starting pitching potentially better if healthy; defense still a concern, and I think the big drop-off is the bullpen.
Kentavo
March 1st, 2011
12:30 pm
Bills comparison is inaccurate; Bills never won the SB; Braves won the WS.
Brian
March 1st, 2011
12:33 pm
You people are out of your mind! And thats being polite. The Braves will be lucky to finish ahead of Florida.
JDA
March 1st, 2011
12:35 pm
Let’s see:
1B- Howard by a mile
2B – Utley
SS – Rollins – easily
3B – draw … maybe slight edge to Peg Leg Jones
C- McCann – easily
LF – Prado – Ibanez draw
CF- Victorino – easily
RF- Heyward
Braves win 2 positions. Tie on 2 positions Phillies win 4 positions.
Joe Tess Fish House
March 1st, 2011
12:35 pm
No way can the Braves beet the Phillys with a loosing manager with a loosing record.
The 7th hole at Mystery Valley Golf Course.
March 1st, 2011
12:36 pm
Watch out for the deer.
Jesse Stone
March 1st, 2011
12:38 pm
Joe Tess- Your spelling schtick is old. Try something new.
JC from DR!
March 1st, 2011
12:41 pm
Nice to read about someone taking the Braves’ side. But let’s not forget that even Diory Hernandez would become a MVP candidate if playing for the Phils.
Let’s hope for the best. One thing im sure about, is that this season, is going to be a great one for the Braves!
Dirty Dawg
March 1st, 2011
12:43 pm
Notice Mr. Olney said he was ‘considering’ picking the Braves…also notice when and where he was saying it. I’ll believe it when it happens – his actual prediction – then I’ll celebrate when it, the winning that is, actually happens. Meanwhile, let’s just enjoy baseball again.
Jesse Stone
March 1st, 2011
12:44 pm
The only teammate not skeered to call out Hanley Ramirez now plays for the Braves. The Marlins have a lame duck manager and a bunch of kids on the team. Hanley runs the Marlins this year.
Matt
March 1st, 2011
12:44 pm
Phillies are old and getting older if the braves fail to win the east this year they will win the Wild card this year and East next year.
Belcher
March 1st, 2011
12:45 pm
Hope
chipper doesn’t play too long like Mickey Mantle. Read the latest Mantle book, “The Last Boy” by Jane Leavy.
Jesse Stone
March 1st, 2011
12:47 pm
If you enjoy reading about the real game of baseball, read “The Baeball Codes”. Very good book about cheating, brawls, beanballs, life on the road, etc
Phillisux
March 1st, 2011
12:48 pm
Let’s see:
1B- Howard padding his stats in the regular season, and choking in the playoffs – slight edge.
2B- Uggla with the bat, Utley the glove
SS- Slight edge to the fading Rollins
3B- Chipper
Catcher: Perrenial all-star McCann by huge margin over “Gordo” Ruiz
RF- Heyward by huge margin
CF- Victorino if Braves have nobody to play CF
LF- Prado by huge margin over Methuselah Ibanez
Braves win 4 positions; Phils 3; one tie
JDA
March 1st, 2011
12:48 pm
I’m writing a book … “The Life and Times of Charlie Sheens’ Pipe” should be out shortly.
Jesse Stone
March 1st, 2011
12:48 pm
****Baseball
Josh Smith For 3
March 1st, 2011
12:49 pm
The lineup should be more formidable, and even with guys like Infante and Diaz gone the Braves still have good depth off the bench. The Braves have a great deal of balanced pitching as well. There are 3 x-factors in my opinion: how well the fifth starter and closer, whoever they may be, perform; the Braves’ defensive performance; and of course the health of Chipper and the other Braves who missed time last year. But I like our odds with Prado, Heyward, Chipper, Mac, and Uggla in the first half of the lineup…
Lucky
March 1st, 2011
12:49 pm
Leeve Joe alone he is a ture fan who just points out the oblivious.
Joey M
March 1st, 2011
12:50 pm
We have improved vastly at 3 key positions. Left Field, Second Base, and First Base. Glaus did have a wonderful early summer, but Freeman will be more consistent and will deliver better defense. Second Base with the beast known as Dan Uggla has just become a power position. How many teams can say they replaced an All-Star and got better? Left Field with the athletic Martin Prado is going to be fun. He won’t remind us of Ronny Gant, but he will be the best since Gant. Not as much power, but a comparable slugging percentage due to his doubles power. Outside of those 3, we project to also be better in Center Field. There is no way McLouth will not be better this year. Schafer has looked real good so far. McCann is trim. Heyward has a years experience. Gonzalez at Short will be steady. Good defense and a decent bat. Chipper is the only question. Worst case scenario, Chipper can’t recover, Prado moves to Third, and Joe Mather or Matt Young split time in left. Hinske off the bench is the best in the game. He brings a level of intensity that is needed.
Our rotation will continue to be solid. Jurrjens will be better. If Lowe can find his grip earlier in the season like he did last year, could win 18 games. Hanson was a stud last year that got no run support. Hanson should push for 15-18 wins. Hudson is the man in this staff. He could win 20 with enough runs scored. Mike Minor should win the 5th spot. He will not be the second coming of Steve Avery, but he will be very very good. If Minor puts in the work, learns hitters like Glavine did, he could be just as good as Glavine. And Glavine won 300 games. 2012 will rock. We will have Kris Medlen back. That kid is going to be a star.
The bullpen will be good. But not great. Last year, it was great. Best in baseball. Sherrill and Linebrink will keep us in games. I don’t see any way Venters can be as good as last year. If he is, look out. Kimbrel NEEDS to throw strikes. Once he gets his control, well, under control, he will be a force in the 9th. Now, Wagner is still on the active roster. I find this strange that knowing he didn’t want to pitch this year he still hasn’t put in his retirement papers. If Wagner can’t stay away and he wants to come back, this bullpen will be better than last year. It’s amazing what one player can do to an entire position. He’s that good.
The Phillies will pitch and pitch well. How many games will their pen keep them in? And if their pen collapses, than will the starters press in an attempt to finish the game on their own due to lack of faith in the bullpen? Werth was more valuable than most people know. There is a reason (not stupidity) Washington thew that money at Werth. He’s a 5-Tool player that is a game changer. Utley will still hit, but Ryan Howard will struggle to hit 30 Home Runs. No protection behind him. Why pitch to him?
Jesse Stone
March 1st, 2011
12:50 pm
As long as we are comparing teams, what player do some Phillies fans have a man-crush on that we can match against Jordan Schafer?
Joe P
March 1st, 2011
12:51 pm
Is there a website that’s broadcasting the game today?
Skeezix
March 1st, 2011
12:53 pm
Glad to see that Olney agrees with me that this group of Braves is very capable of getting it done this year.
JDA
March 1st, 2011
12:54 pm
Joey M…we improve in LF only in the games Prado isn’t at 3B. Then we are as bad or worse in LF. I hope you are right about 1B…I have a lot of doubts. Freeman is a possible Mendoza candidate.
Jesse Stone
March 1st, 2011
12:56 pm
Joey M
March 1st, 2011
12:50 pm
Schafer has looked real good so far.
_____________________________________________________
He’s played TWO games and is 1 for 7. Yeah….REAL GOOD!!
GT Alum
March 1st, 2011
12:56 pm
Nice to hear Olney stating the same arguments I was making for not writing the Braves off after the Phillies signed Lee.
JDA
March 1st, 2011
12:56 pm
good one Jesse. Schfaer is a joke.
Carl
March 1st, 2011
12:57 pm
@JoeyM
Why do you think Ryan Howard will struggle to hit 30 home runs? He hit 31 last year while missing 3 weeks due to an injury. I think a lot of you are overstating the age factor. Yes, the Phils players are not exactly spring chickens anymore but they’re not ancient either. A-Rod and Jeter are still producing at 35 and 36 so why should I expect Howard and Utley to just fall off the face of the earth at 31 and 32? I think age will be much more of a factor in 2 years but right now it’s just reaching. Also, the fact that the Phillies play in a hitters ballpark will ease the decline process on some of these players. Howard is still going to get his cheapies at CBP.
JDA
March 1st, 2011
12:59 pm
well stated Carl. facts are facts…the Phillies are easily better. The Braves have improved a bit and the Phillies have remained the same…losing Werth and gaining more pitching.
Mark's for the Braves
March 1st, 2011
1:02 pm
I think the Braves just need some confidence and to get off to a good start. A few wins over the Phillies early would help. I’d like to see the Braves at least in a tie for first at the end of April. No more 9 game losing streaks like last year.
joseph b.
March 1st, 2011
1:07 pm
The braves have what it takes,If nate can be the ledoff,the team need the braves should go all the way.Now it all depends on the speed we have.GO BRAVES.
K.Conway
March 1st, 2011
1:10 pm
Braves are a joke! The Phillies win easy! Chipper will watch from the bench most of the year spitting out seeds or tobacco wads!
kyle tadman
March 1st, 2011
1:11 pm
I did not even read the article….what for? Who really needs Buster Olney to tell us that our pitching is outstanding and our everyday line-up has the potential to be excellent. And what about him…makes him an expert? Because he works for the YESPN? (…the Yankees Entertainment Sports Network…for those unable to make sense of that) This joke of news organization is as biased and uncredible as any on air today. Experts…give me a break!!
Aaron Carty and Cepeda
March 1st, 2011
1:13 pm
A healthy Chipper Jones is what this club needs against Philadelphia…
DawginOH
March 1st, 2011
1:19 pm
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Buster! Go Bravos!
Ted M
March 1st, 2011
1:27 pm
I’m starting to feel like the Braves are gonna a really good season. There are some ifs; like Freeman, center field and defense but ever team has ifs.
What if Freeman & Schafer have great yrs?
Ted M
March 1st, 2011
1:27 pm
are gonna “have” a really good
DJ
March 1st, 2011
1:31 pm
Player by player projections/comparisons are interesting….but ultimately some of our guys will do better than we expect, and some will do worse. Same for the Philthies, but there’s no way to know. This season is going to be about winning the series and the games that they need to win, as a team, on the field. Not individual performances or stats.
I picked the Braves last year, and felt pretty good about it until the injuries piled up at the end. This year, they will be right there, too.
I think there are three keys to the season. One, I disagree that the head-to-head meetings will be split, and thus not that important. I think the Braves need to go 11-7 or 10-8 against the Phils. They need to get it done against them. If they don’t win the season series, I don’t think they win the Division.
Two, the Braves have to take care of business against the Nats and the Marlins. Not acceptable to go .500 or worse against them…they play them 18 times each, also. The Braves historically give away too many games to those teams.
And three, get some separation prior to the last 3 weeks of the season. Unless the Braves show me something different this year, they seem to play too tight in the crunch. Don’t want to be in a position to have to sweep the Phils or win a crunch-time series against Halladay and Lee in September.
nique
March 1st, 2011
1:31 pm
yeah, basically things have to wrong for the phillies and right for the braves in all IFFY situations.
Phillisux
March 1st, 2011
1:36 pm
K.Conway March 1st, 2011 1:10 pm
Braves are a joke! The Phillies win easy! Chipper will watch from the bench most of the year spitting out seeds or tobacco wads!
*********************************************
And you are a loser, so what’s your point?
Puzzled
March 1st, 2011
1:38 pm
No! Too many “Ifs” in the conversation, and you did say “leaning towards” picking the Braves.
Just because someone thinks a team is the favorite to win, it doesn’t really mean anything. Absolutely nothing, just one person’s opinion.
Just too many too things can happen that can change the expected outcome.
Mitchell
March 1st, 2011
1:44 pm
Frankly, our best chance to do it was last year.
I really thought this time a year ago they had what it took to take down the Phils and when they took two of three from them right before the All Star break I thought they had them all but knocked out.
But leave it to old Bobby Cox to screw it up.
I don’t get quite the same feeling this year but what the hell.
It’s about time somebody stuck their neck and decided to go the path of least resistance.
These people never have any hesitation about picking the Cubs to win the World Series every year it seems.
There’s no reason, barring injury of course, for the Braves not to make the playoffs. I just wonder if they have the same magic touch in 2011.
joel marable
March 1st, 2011
1:49 pm
Dont think 4 1min that the braves young bullpen will hold up all yr. there will b problems closing games 4 true. nat MCLOUTH wonT hit 240. infield defense will b shaky. no speed. we will have 2 string 2gether alot of hits at one time to get most of the runs. 2many questions and not enough answers.3rd place. no wild card this yr. 4true.needs= center fielder,EXPERIENCE closer, and set up man then maybe. but we wont make any moves of course.BACK UP INFIELDERS SEEMS QUESTIONABLE ALSO.
Mitchell
March 1st, 2011
1:49 pm
I just wonder if they have the same magic touch in 2011…
To win the division, that is.
Not that they won it last year or course.
I miss the days of being six games under .500 in mid-June and still having no doubt that they would win the division.
But I guess the competition wasn’t really up to the challenge back in ‘04 and 5 in retrospect.
BravesFan
March 1st, 2011
1:57 pm
Enter your comments here
papadawg
March 1st, 2011
2:01 pm
They were close last year until the injury bug bit and the bats went south but I don’t know if the new additions will really put us over the hump.
BravesFan
March 1st, 2011
2:01 pm
Amazing to read this weekend that Bobby didn’t have the team runs sprints after practice, nor do extra work on fundamentals in ST.
No wonder he was called the “ultimate players’ manager.”
LostCause
March 1st, 2011
2:03 pm
Been saying this all winter long … Go Braves!
BobDawg
March 1st, 2011
2:04 pm
It is spring training and folks are on some strong stuff down there… Both teams have to navigate the injuries this year and I’m curious to see our “defense” during the regular season… Lots of bandaids but we are getting younger…That Phils pitching just looks dominant right now on paper.
Joe Tess Fish House
March 1st, 2011
2:06 pm
Who care about my speling? The point is the Braves hired the wrong guy 4 manger. Look it up he has a loosing record.
Tron5000
March 1st, 2011
2:06 pm
I shall enter this season cautiously optimistic about the Braves’ NL East chances. I’ve been burned one too many times for me to go out proclaiming them the division winner out of the gate. At least I learn from my mistakes.
Are we there yet?
March 1st, 2011
2:07 pm
Not quite there yet. The Braves have assembled a very talented group and they may have the best team chemistry in MLB. Unfortunately, however, the Phillies would have to have a collapse of monumental proportion to lose their grip on the NL East. Atlanta should secure a wildcard berth again in 2011 but will need help to win the division.
John
March 1st, 2011
2:07 pm
OMG – who in their right mind thinks McOut will “return to form” — the guy won’t hit .230 this year and will either be in AAA or out of baseball by the end of the year. If I see one more person think McOut is going to “return to form” I’m going to scream. What has he ever done as a Brave to think he’s decent??
Blackberry Cobbler
March 1st, 2011
2:09 pm
Any pitching rotation scenario that depends on D-Lowe being good, is already in trouble.
He’s too inconsistent and most of the time is lucky to get past the 5th inning.
Lost in Kudzu
March 1st, 2011
2:12 pm
More Kool-Aid for the dreamers on this blog !
They think Chipper & McLouth are gonna lead the way.
Dream On !
Phillistein
March 1st, 2011
2:15 pm
Am I convinced?
Nope
But then, you’d expect me to say that.
What;s the age old formula for making the post season?
Split with the good team and beat the living crap out of the bad teams.
Over the past few years the Phillies have been an exceptionally good road team. The Braves? Not so much. Therefore, winning on the road against sub-500 teams is a key to sucess. Why were the Braves so bad last year? And have they gotten better?
The Braves CAN win the division IF:
* All those young arms hold up (For both SP and relievers.)
* Phillies age catches up with them and theirtop position position lose playing time or play hurt all year.
The good news for both the Braves and the Phillies is that the rest of the division shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
Lotta IFS
puppydawg
March 1st, 2011
2:16 pm
One thing that would definitely help the Braves would be to play a little more “small ball”. I hope Fredi believes in “get ‘em on, get ‘em over, get ‘em in.” Love Bobby but he relied too much on the big inning.
AthensBrave
March 1st, 2011
2:16 pm
I really hope we can match up with the Phils. I think we do the same thing we did last year with winning the Wild Card.
Not that it's germane to the topic, but...
March 1st, 2011
2:27 pm
…if the planet ever needs an enema, Philadelphia is where they’ll stick it in.
Bobby Cox
March 1st, 2011
2:33 pm
Gee, Skip. I’m optimistic about these kids. McLouth & Schafer are tearing it up in batting practice. Can’t wait to see them in our simulated games. Even Chip is tearing the cover off the ball. Time for another drink…
idot
March 1st, 2011
2:40 pm
The Phillies are not invincible.
Are Phillies better on paper? The game isn’t played on paper. It’s played on the grass and clay.
Got to see how the Brave’s bullpen developes, looked like the Phillies needed to improve their’s, from last season’s.
I believe that the Braves CAN win the East, even if both teams stay healthy.
But, I think that the NL East title will be decided, by which of the two teams stays the healthiest, just like last year.
And thats all I have to say about that.
idot
March 1st, 2011
2:42 pm
Oh yeah, GO BRAVES!!!!!
Cajun Crap Talker
March 1st, 2011
2:44 pm
Thing is, the Braves have someone new every year that comes (almost) out of nowhere. We don’t know that’s going to be this year . . .
Scott Case
March 1st, 2011
2:45 pm
“..one of the best rotations in Major League history?” Come on Jeff. Cole Hamels is nothing, and Oswalt – although solid still – ain’t llike he was 10 years ago. They’re good, but I agree; if D-Lowe can keep his roll, we match up quite well with these bozos.
If only the Braves could learn to pitch AROUND Ryan Howard for a change…
idot
March 1st, 2011
2:46 pm
I believe, that McLouth and Shafer are going to do big things for the Braves, this season.
what of it?
March 1st, 2011
2:52 pm
Olney also picked Andruw Jones as the most overrated player of all time which goes a long way to discredit his “expert” status.
Olney notwithstanding, Braves can take the East.
aburtch
March 1st, 2011
2:54 pm
I’m convinced!
Crip
March 1st, 2011
2:59 pm
Anything is possible now that booby isn’t the manager.
O'flarity's water bottle
March 1st, 2011
3:09 pm
Whoever thinks that the phils are going to do something, needs spme things into perspective. The braves had the same thing, rotation with little offense.
ATL FAN
March 1st, 2011
3:15 pm
Only if Chipper gets well FAST
Braves need McLouth or Schafer to end looniness in center | Jeff Schultz
March 1st, 2011
3:24 pm
[...] – ESPN’s Buster Olney: Braves may beat out Phillies in East [...]
Werth Gone is a big problem
March 1st, 2011
3:27 pm
I really think you Philly fans are playing down the loss of Werth. No one in your lineup can protect Howard like Werth did. Your right fielder is an old man who had to stop using HGH and comparing your catcher’s offensive abilities to ours is a joke. Ruiz had a career offensive year last year where he had 53 RBI’s, 8 HR’s and a .302 avg (about 50 points higher than his average and that’s being generous). Name another player in your lineup that hit’s for power like Howard does (btw Utley hits for power but there is no way they bat him behind Howard). Howard is not a 50HR guy without protection and you will see his numbers drop this year.
BTW To say that adding Lee and losing Werth makes the Phillies as good if not better than they were last year is a ridiculous argument. Lee is a pitcher not a right fielder or run producer.
I’m not saying the Braves are going to outright take the NL East but it’s way closer than it was last year. I think it’s going to be a real good race and whatever team has less injuries will probably end up being the winner end of story.
PreyDawg
March 1st, 2011
3:27 pm
kerryB mentioned earlier, “If McClouth returns to form”. That is a huge if. What indication do we have that he has any form to return to. The man is a total liability.
Matt the Brave
March 1st, 2011
3:31 pm
IF (and that’s all caps folks) we stay healthy the entire year, we’ve got a shot. I mean, we can lose one or two guys, but we can’t fall apart like we did last year. I think that Freddi will do a better job than Bobby did in that aspect. Also, got to see what our bullpen does. If we pitch like last year, we’ll be fine. A lot will be decided in those 18 games between each team in the East.
Batterup
March 1st, 2011
3:42 pm
All I have say about the writer’s assertion that the Braves just might win the East is this:
Plug a light into an 800volt outlet, then remove the bulb. In its place wet your index finger and place it in the bulb’s place. ZZZZZAAAAPPPPP! That’s what happens to the brain and causes journalists to write idiotic articles (are you listening Shultzie?).
Phillisux
March 1st, 2011
3:48 pm
The Phillies have to be considered the favorites to win the NL East, but the Braves are not far behind. I still think $25 million was way too much for Lee, who is good to very good (one great season with Cleveland) but far from Roy Halladay (I’d go with Roy Oswalt as the Phils number 2 starter, with Lee third, Hamels at number 4). Joe Blanton is like Shemp of the 3 Stooges – he’s a part of the Phil’s rotation in name only as a distant number 5 starter. Adding Uggla will have a far greater positive impact on the Braves in 2011 than the addition of Lee will have on The Phils. I agree with Phillistein (2:15 PM post) that both teams have more than a few “Ifs” going into 2011. Can’t wait for the regular season to start!
JC N Germany
March 1st, 2011
3:49 pm
Wow food for thought!… my ywo cents say that the Bravos need to add a power bat to the outfield mid season when Chipper gets tired or even worse hurt. this will allow Martin to shift to 3rd and replinish Chipper for the Playoff push… this maybe a case of wishful thinking but I feel both Nate and Jordan will have strong springs and make the other all the better during the season. my predition is 101 wins this year or more.
JC N Germany
March 1st, 2011
3:49 pm
Wow food for thought!… my ywo cents say that the Bravos need to add a power bat to the outfield mid season when Chipper gets tired or even worse hurt. this will allow Martin to shift to 3rd and replinish Chipper for the Playoff push… this maybe a case of wishful thinking but I feel both Nate and Jordan will have strong springs and make the other all the better during the season. my predition is 101 wins this year or more.
Can the 2011 Braves surprise in the NL East? « Ace of Braves
March 1st, 2011
3:55 pm
[...] rotation, the club has many other questions that make them appear to be vulnerable. ESPN’s Buster Olney suggests the Phils never addressed their biggest offseason need — a right-handed power bat to [...]
Mark
March 1st, 2011
4:08 pm
yea….. and Buster Olney also predicted Charlie Sheen would be back on Two and a Half Men by the first week of March……. Not gonna happen Braves fans
Phillisux
March 1st, 2011
4:14 pm
Mark: I don’t care if Charlie Sheen is back on “Two and a Half Men” by the first week of March, but thanks for your concern nonetheless.
Buster Olney
March 1st, 2011
4:25 pm
I predict Charlie Sheen will “score” more than McLouth this season .
You can take it to the bank !
tdmorgan
March 1st, 2011
4:40 pm
i agree that we can talk all we would like, but until the games are played, its just talk. With that said, the Braves do have a chance to win the division because the Phillies best players bat left handed…meaning that we people can throw specialists late in games. Why do you think we went and got Sherrill? The Phillies starters should keep them more than competitive most games and give them plenty of chances to win. The Braves have arguably one of the better rotations top to bottom in the NL still. If Lowe continues to pitch the way he had at the end of last year that will be a huge help. If Hudson, who will be in his 2nd full year back from TJ surgery, can hold up the full year that will be another boost. If JJ can pitch the way he had his first 2 years then will be a huge boost. If Hanson continues his improvement then that will be a huge boost. Our offense has already improved with Uggla. Obviously until the games are played everything is an IF, we will start to find out if those IFs will happen soon enough.
dean
March 1st, 2011
4:48 pm
Philliestein @ 2:15 asks: “Why were the Braves so bad last year?”
Winning 91 games, I wouldn’t say the Braves were “bad”. Correct me if I’m wrong, but the WS champs won 92 games.
Trainwreck
March 1st, 2011
4:52 pm
all I know is the NL seems to be deeper than last year and a wild-card will just as tough as winning the division… IMO
Ron Hyatt
March 1st, 2011
6:55 pm
Not gonna happen when Chumper has his annual steroid related injury at the worst possible time.
Jamie
March 1st, 2011
7:59 pm
I have a really good feeling about this year! With the guts this team showed last year and the freshness of a new manager, don’t be shocked if ATL takes care of business!
Hoss10
March 1st, 2011
8:32 pm
Not to toot my own horn or anything, but Olney’s reasons are the exact ones I’ve made to people in my argument of the Braves having a realistic chance of winning the East over the Phillies this year. Of course, I’d rather concede the division, win the wild card, and beat them in the playoffs on the way to the World Series crown!
BravesFanForever
March 1st, 2011
8:59 pm
The real key to this whole thing is that the Phillies have the ability to buy their way out of their problems. No, they don’t have as much room as before with those huge contracts but 1-2 decent players could put them over the top if they match the Braves by the trade deadline. They could make up for some key injuries which I expect to happen.
The Braves are not as good on paper right now because there are a lot of question marks. We’ll see once the season starts if the are the real thing. They could either be really good and possible World Series contenders or they can be merely average especially if CF ends up a black hole, Freddie Freeman doesn’t live up to his billing, and/or someone like Brian McCann goes down with a season ending injury.
All I can say is: GO BRAVES!!
Name
March 1st, 2011
11:06 pm
“Greatest rotation ever” what a crock of poop! Yeah they got two aces at the top of their rotation and that’s if cliff lees arm holds up from his injury proneness. Other than that they are very beatable the other three days.
Suenah Martis
March 2nd, 2011
3:38 am
The Braves have starting pitching wise more dept. If Clif Lee or Oswalt or both go down for a few weeks. We certainly have a chance. But our defense has to imrpove.
Chop It Up All-Star
March 2nd, 2011
8:03 am
The Phillies are the champs and until someone knocks them off, they have to be favorite, but I love this Braves team as currently constructed, and if those “question marks” specifically in CF and the Closer role pan out, I think the Braves will be right where they want to be come October.
wardenerd
March 2nd, 2011
12:11 pm
Dan can you sight one person who actually said that. I would remeber anyone picking us to win and that escapes me.
Bravos
March 2nd, 2011
4:21 pm
Atlanta…Imagine if we could buy alcohol on Sunday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TOM_UuQzc0