Braves’ spring warm-up: 5 concerns, starting with Heyward
Can Braves' Jason Heyward rebound in Year 3? (AP photo)
(Updated: 5 p.m.)
It wasn’t my intention to spend another day analyzing the Braves until I actually arrived on site in Florida at Camp Please Don’t Fold This Season. (Pitchers and catchers report Sunday. The balance of the squad and columnists with non-guaranteed contracts report a week from Friday).
But because there is absolutely nothing else worth discussing these days, especially given the depressing local college basketball landscape, here we go.
I’m on the record as believing the Braves did not need to make a significant move this past winter, despite last season’s collapse. Nor did I expect them to. Despite all rumors to the contrary, their two most likely tradeable assets, Jair Jurrjens and Martin Prado, both were coming off injuries. General manager Frank Wren no doubt tried to stir the trade market, but we can assume he never got a reasonable offer (or he would’ve made the deal). Not a shock.
As currently constructed, the Braves could/should be a postseason team. That said, there are concerns. Here are the top five:
1. Jason Heyward: This should not be taken as me expressing doubt in Heyward’s ability to come back. We’ve read stories about his offseason workouts, weight loss and his work with new hitting coach Greg Walker. But in sports, when a great rookie has a subpar second season, it’s never certain how he will bounce back in Year 3. Often, it’s the first time he has dealt with some semblance of failure. Because the Braves have so much invested in Heyward, their lineup would take a huge hit if he can’t regain the form of his rookie season.
2. Starting pitching: Sure, it looks great if everybody is upright. But No. 1 starter Tim Hudson (36 years old) had back surgery in November. No. 2 starter Jair Jurrjens struggled in the second half last season and had knee problems (though he appears to be fine now). No. 3 starter Tommy Hanson, a power pitcher, had shoulder problems and has altered his delivery in an attempt to minimize future damage. Bottom line: All may be great — but all enter the spring as question marks.
3. Tyler Pastornicky: When I wrote that the Braves didn’t need to do anything significant in the winter, I probably should’ve added, “But they need a veteran shortstop” as a one-year bridge to Pastornicky. That was the team’s plan, or so we were led to believe. For whatever reason, a trade or signing never happened. Now, you’re going to hear spin that the team planned on Pastornicky all along. But it’s difficult to imagine anybody in the front office (or dugout) is completely comfortable starting a 22-year-old shortstop who never has played a major league game. Can it work out? Sure. But it’s not a comforting.
4. Fredi Gonzalez: A few weeks ago, the Braves’ manager discussed how he was done analyzing the team’s 10-20 slide and was ready to move on. That’s understandable. But the issue is that the slide happened under his watch, and whether we can find glaring mistakes in any of his decisions, folks are going to wonder about him as manager until it DOESN’T happen again.
5. Bench: I see catcher David Ross and outfielder Eric Hinske. Good. But then what? Jose Constanza had a nice stretch filling in for Heyward last season, then fell off (.342 in August, .174 in September). Jack Wilson is a stopgap if Pastornicky fails, nothing more. Matt Diaz was great three years ago, but he has struggled since. There’s not a lot on the bench.
There’s a lot to like about the Braves. But the above concerns will determine if they’re playing in October.
By Jeff Schultz
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
163 comments Add your comment
Sonny Clusters
February 15th, 2012
2:09 pm
Baseball posts are always the best!
KeyWestConch
February 15th, 2012
2:10 pm
Jeff you comments seem reasonable. Still – we need a product/big bat in the outfield. A trade will happen.
shawn
February 15th, 2012
2:12 pm
Here’s another one: Chipper Jones not being able to play 162 games…First……
KeyWestConch
February 15th, 2012
2:15 pm
Should have said, “Productive” Bat. Jair is still my candidate, and one of our talented young arms for a consistent, proven hitter. Does not need to be a big bopper. A soid gap hitter would so just fine. I suspect Martin will get a lot of action at third. I hope Chipper’s body surpriesed me!
Sonny Clusters
February 15th, 2012
2:17 pm
Now, we are ready to talk some baseball. We heard a speech from a member of the Braves front office and he said the team didn’t want to spend another $10 million on players (only to lose $10 million) if they could excite the fans with lower concessions prices and new jerseys without the tomahawk and Bark in the Park. Wow! We was never so disappointed to hear that. He was also bragging on 14 consecutive division “Championships” – hahahahaha! We was thinking these boys need to come up with something pretty quick because though he said they’d put September behind them . . . we was thinking we haven’t done that yet and probably there’s some more of us who haven’t forgotten the EPIC Collapse. We think the Braves should take down those little signs in the outfield and come clean with the fans that winning a championship means winning the NL Pennant to start with and then the World Series. Jeff, you are nice to give Fredi a chance to move on. Could he maybe move on to Kansas City and let us have somebody who doesn’ tip caps or start a dead pitcher like Derek Lowe? We was wondering.
Rey
February 15th, 2012
2:18 pm
I think the over usage of one Craig Kimbrel and Jonny Venters would be one of the concerns that I have as a fan. Use them in the proper situations and not in lopsided games.
thebull35
February 15th, 2012
2:22 pm
The braves need inning eaters in the starting rotation to help out the bullpen. This was the second straight year the’bulpen got tired at the end of the season and were not effective the way the they were earlier in the season. Either allow the staff to go longer or get some guys that can. If not we will be looking at the same problem that we have had the past two seasons at the end of games down the stretch
Sonny Clusters
February 15th, 2012
2:24 pm
We think Beachy will be a star this year. They have the pitching but the bats need a boost and the defense cannot be as good as before. Alex helped uh, Chipper and Pastornicky may not be able to. Up the middle is suspect. We was reading that Dan Uggla may be wearing fishnet stockings under his uniform as a result of his foray into the pornindustry. If that is so, with all the hugging that already goes on, this team is in big trouble.
thebull35
February 15th, 2012
2:25 pm
Rey it seems that you and I are on the same page
Long Pole Man
February 15th, 2012
2:30 pm
I agree Jeff. I’d just add #6 Can the the young bullpen repeat last year’s performance (O’Flaherty,Venters,Kimbrel especially) ?
I hate to say it but I think Jason Heyward is a AA hitter. I hope he proves me dead wrong.
Long Pole Man
February 15th, 2012
2:32 pm
True. Chipper’s health should be a concern too.
Sonny Clusters
February 15th, 2012
2:32 pm
Our friend Stinky Wintes does some scouting and he told us that the Braves have a kid on the farm that can throw with either hand and catch almost anything with the one he’s not throwing with. That’s pretty special if you think about it. We remember Brooks Conrad. When we was playing ball with Stinky Wintes we once saw him strike out on two pitches, a curve and a slider. Most everything else, he could hit.
PMC
February 15th, 2012
2:33 pm
Could have banged out a linsanity piece like everyone else in the free world.
Long Pole Man
February 15th, 2012
2:33 pm
I’m more concerned with young bullpen & Chipper’s health than the bench. Hinske & Ross have good bats. Constanza can provide good defense in late innings. Bench is okay IMO.
Long Pole Man
February 15th, 2012
2:35 pm
Kimbrel had like 5 blown saves all year. That’s gonna be really hard to repeat.
Long Pole Man
February 15th, 2012
2:38 pm
Team chemistry is overrated. Everybody hated Reggie Jackson,Mike Schmidt,and Gary Carter that played with them yet they were the reasons their teams won World Series. Give me a standoffish guy that can hit .320 40 100 any day over a buddy that hits .240 6 31
AGTFan53
February 15th, 2012
2:38 pm
Ah BASEBALL!! I wish I was indepenently wealthy. I’d spend every spring in Florida watching baseball. None will know if stading pat was the right call until they play the games. I LOVE it. We could be great or not. Right now we’re undefeated. I’ve been having a totally crappy week. Just thinking about bseball makes it better. I think the Braves are going to be fine. They have a competitive lineup. If everything falls right, great. If everything falls wrong, the crapper. Somewhere in the middle is competing for a playoff spot. This still beats most of teh early Atlanta Braves years by a long shot.
ABravesFan
February 15th, 2012
2:40 pm
JS – would you surmise Jack Wilson is the Opening Day starter if Pastornicky can’t hit major league pitching in Spring Training? Or have you have gotten the feeling he is already been named the Opening Day starter? How would you compare him to another MLB shortstop, defensively? I’m hoping either way that alot of Jack Wilson rubs off on him. Class act, and still one of the best defensive shortstops in the game.
Long Pole Man
February 15th, 2012
2:41 pm
Here’s my top 5 ? marks
1)Jason Heyward MLB player or AA player ?
2)Starting pitcher 3 coming off injuries
3)Pastornicky at SS
4)Can bullpen repeat greatness ?
5)Chipper’s health
what of it?
February 15th, 2012
2:41 pm
So you don’t think they should have addressed the gaping hole at SS or the gaping hole in LF when Chipper gets hurt?
What about the bullpen? after o’flaherty, kimbrel, and venters; we have no one reliable (maybe Moylan if he can stay healthy which is a huge?)
Loosing Managar = Loosing Record
February 15th, 2012
2:43 pm
Fist thing the Braves need 2 do is get rid of Heywood. Why do they stig with him when he is such a horible palyer?
J.J.M.
February 15th, 2012
2:46 pm
This article in a way sums up every sports team in atlanta….
Loosing Managar = Loosing Record
February 15th, 2012
2:46 pm
Next the Braves need to repalce the loosing managar they hired. I dont get why they hired a managar with a loosing record. this is what hapens when U do that. They finshed the season loosing.
headley lamar
February 15th, 2012
2:46 pm
Use them in the proper situations and not in lopsided games.
Thats just it. Go back and show me one lopsided game they were used in.
You wont find any.
The Braves have alot of pitching and an offense that disappears at times.
That means you are always going to be in close games and have to use your best relievers.
keith
February 15th, 2012
2:50 pm
It never fails to amaze me that front office people would bring up 10 million dollars. How much of that would have been made back if this team had won 1 more game and made the playoffs. How much more off season ad revenue would have been made being a playoff team and not the losers of 20 of the last 30 games. Reup Bourne for the dog days of August instead of talking about Bark in the Park. This is like Turner in the 70’s!!!!
gcs
February 15th, 2012
2:51 pm
ugh
hottrod87
February 15th, 2012
2:52 pm
5 concerns 1) Will we rely on the long balls again 2) Did Freddie Freeman work on his baserunning. last year, players kept bunting him to 2nd base to avoid double plays 3) Who in the outfield has an arm that can throw to home plate BESIDE Heyward? 4) Will Chipper Jones hold up at 3rd base or will the Braves try to ease in a new player for Chipper Jones? 5)
judy
February 15th, 2012
2:54 pm
I’m ready to watch some baseball!!!!!!!!!! I’m ready for Jason to prove to everybody that he will be back like in 2010. I have faith him. The true Brave fan and J-Hey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LawDawg
February 15th, 2012
2:58 pm
I’m not sure what you mean by a “AA Hitter”? You mean he is not yet ready for the league or that he only has minor league talent (in which case AAA hitter would have made more sense)?
Heyward clearly has talent (he played well in year 1 and was the top overall prospect. There is no way baseball scouts were that wrong about his talent. He is, what? 22 years old and people want to write him off? ATL sports fans have to be the dumbest, most knee-jerk fans outside of NYC.
jimmya
February 15th, 2012
2:59 pm
lets stay injury free get everyone in camp healthy and play all year winning ball
hottrod87
February 15th, 2012
2:59 pm
5) will we change from a 3 man rotation & will Medlen and Moylan be healthy this year to extend our rotation.. Young guys did alot last year w/o them.
Flying South Baby
February 15th, 2012
3:03 pm
The Braves would be S.T.U.P.I.D to trade Jurrjens or Prado this year. Reason 1: Tim Hudson’s Back – While I hope and pray Huddy has a 100% bounce back to full form after the herniated disk repair, the medical stats are as follows – 7 to 12 FULL months of recovery (and) correct rehab (emphasis on the CORRECT rehab. Contrary to what the Braves are saying publically, given Huddy’s age paired with the nature of the disk injury/surgical repair, logic dictates truth. Folks shouldn’t expect Tim Hudson to make a ‘true’ mound appearance until mid-late season. Even then, his ability to pitch deep into the game will not happen. That said – Jair Jurrjens won’t be traded anywhere! As far as Prado… its the exact senario as Reason 1 (above) simply replace Hudson’s name with Jones and Prado’s name with Jurrjens. That said – Jair Jurrjens and Martin Prado won’t be traded anywhere in 2012! The Braves have a VERY conservative and solidly prudent history regarding how they run their ball club. I (for one) appreciate the due dilligence! PLAY BALL! GO BRAVES~!
journalist jimmy smith
February 15th, 2012
3:03 pm
heyward has a new swing and hanson has a new delivery. if we could get chipper some new feet and knees, and obliques, and wrists, and thumbs, and toes, and something for his headaches and flu-like symptoms this team might have a shot. jimmy smith will be watching closely this year to see what happens. better toe health should bode well for everybody. toes are not to be trifled with.
hottrod87
February 15th, 2012
3:03 pm
None of it reloves around Heyward, it’s about the guys around him.. Braves need more aggressive baserunners outside of Bourn and Heyward as starters. W/o that, opposing teams will always tag Heyward out b/c he’s view more as a threat than ANYONE on the Braves team. We need another baserunning threat.
journalist jimmy smith
February 15th, 2012
3:09 pm
jeff, do you ever suffer from flu-like symptoms and have to take a day off? jimmy smith has never had the problem but some of this journalist’s friends have been known to miss a day at work after partying a little too much and developing tell tale flu-like symptoms. andruw used to get those a lot when he was frequenting the gold club and we all know chipper missed some games with flu-like symptoms last season. isn’t there a tonic for that?
TB
February 15th, 2012
3:09 pm
The number one thing the Braves need to improve upon this year is hitting with runners on base. We git em on, we gotta git em in!!!
DetroitBraves
February 15th, 2012
3:11 pm
This is a good list. I would put Fredi #1 because I don’t know that the other people on the list aren’t productive players, or aren’t healthy but I do know that Fredi is not a good manager. But I’m just quibbling with the order. The list is solid.
alex
February 15th, 2012
3:16 pm
all valid concerns. the financial realities of this team really put a hamper on us improving the SS and Bench. Because hope springs eternal this time of year though, I’m more excited about whats possible than worried about what might go wrong. Heyward – can’t wait to see how he rights himself. Prado – same. Pastornicky – can’t wait to see how he handles the immense challenge – I have a bad feeling about his glove more than I do his bat. SP – can’t wait to see the youngsters scrap for those last two spots when Huddy is out. Pulling for Teheran to show what he can do at the ML level…briiiinnnng it
Count von Count
February 15th, 2012
3:18 pm
JS: “But there is absolutely nothing else worth discussing these days”
Guess that explains the lack of a Tuesday Countdown
Stinger2
February 15th, 2012
3:19 pm
Jeff: I agree with your concerns as listed. Others have
mentioned Chipper and the lack of true outfield power.
I am concerned about the players who were quoted in DOB`s interview last week. They were like we forgot about the EPIC collapse. The problem with this attitude is twofold.
Number one: many if not most of the fans have not forgot. The mistake the players are making is conveying that it cannot happen again so don`t worry or think about what they did wrong or did not do in September. Instead they should remember every mistake they made and make sure they don`t do the same again. Same goes for the manager and coaches.
Herschel Talker
February 15th, 2012
3:29 pm
Schultzie:
Here’s another concern – your spelling.
FIRE FREDI GONZALEZ!!! HE IS A PATHETIC LOSER!!! GET RID OF THIS BUFFOON!!!
HT
Loose yourself.
February 15th, 2012
3:30 pm
Loosing Managar = Loosing Record = Loser who can’t spell. Idiot.
57Cat
February 15th, 2012
3:41 pm
I will be surprised if, with the current roster, the Braves make the playoffs – or even be in contention for a playoff spot. But, things could be worse. You could be an Orioles fan (14 consecutive losing seasons). As both a Braves and Orioles fan (moved to Georgia from Maryland seven years ago), I was hoping the Jurgens/Prado for Jones trade would happen. Thought it would improve both clubs.
Andy
February 15th, 2012
3:43 pm
Jeff
You sharing a place with DOB when you go down to Florida?
Steve
February 15th, 2012
3:45 pm
57Cat, what makes you think the Braves might not even be in contention? Last year, with the same team (including Uggla strugging half the season, Heyward struggling all season, the pitching injuries, etc), they were the 4th best team in baseball. Say Uggla does well from the start, Heyward rebounds, and the pitching stays healthy? How would they not contend? The line-up from top to bottom is strong, minus Tyler at SS.
George Stein
February 15th, 2012
3:58 pm
The manager is a problem as he can’t think his way out of a wet paper bag.
Heyward is fine.
I might suggest you do some research before posting again, headley. Venters, by way of example, was used in the following games:
4/3 vs WAS: he entered in an 11-1 game
4/22 vs SF: he entered in a 4-1 game
4/24 vs SF: he entered in a 9-6 game
5/6 vs. PHI: he entered in a 3-0 game
5/8 vs PHI: he entered in a 5-2 game
6/12 vs HOU: he entered in a 4-1 game
6/21 vs TOR: he entered in a 5-1 game
6/22 vs TOR: he entered again in a 5-1 game
6/25 vs SD: he entered in a 6-1 game
7/17 vs COL: he entered in a 7-4 game
7/21 vs COL: he entered in a 9-6 game
7/30 vs FLA: he entered in a 4-1 game
8/5 vs NYM: he entered in a 4-1 game
8/22 vs CHC: he entered in a 3-0 game
8/26 vs NYM: he entered in a 4-0 game
9/13 vs FLA: he entered in a 6-1 game
9/14 vs FLA: he entered in a 4-1 game
Think FG couldn’t have been a bit more judicious in using him? I didn’t even touch Kimbrell or O’Flaherty.
Steve
February 15th, 2012
4:00 pm
“George Stein,” have a little free time on your hands? Wow.
Steve
February 15th, 2012
4:02 pm
George, 10 of the 17 games you mentioned had leads of 3 runs or less. O’Flaherty, Venters, Kimbrell in those situations. Agree with you that it was wrong to use them when they had a big lead.
George Stein
February 15th, 2012
4:07 pm
Simple research on FanGraphs, Steve. Took about two minutes.
If you don’t think another pitcher could get three outs without giving up three runs, that pitcher should not be on a big league staff.
Loosing Managar = Loosing Record
February 15th, 2012
4:07 pm
U no last year I got a bucnh of crap from U all 4 pointing out the loosing managar is the problem here and now I see more of U R agreing with me. I will keep telling U that the Braves hired a managar with a loosing record and they will never win a World Seris until they get rid of him.
Nuff said
blazerdawg
February 15th, 2012
4:13 pm
Pastornicky is my greatest concern – along with overall team defense and speed. Hope we pick-up a veteran IF glove during the spring. Not worried about any pitching or the bats this year.
Felix
February 15th, 2012
4:16 pm
So you think they are a playoff team, yet you state that offense, SS, starting pitching, the bench and Fredi are concerns.
Doesn’t sound like a playoff team to me; sounds like a NL East third place team, which is what they are right now.
Felix
February 15th, 2012
4:17 pm
Note to Frank: WE NEED MORE OFFENSE!!
Just The Facts
February 15th, 2012
4:27 pm
The bottom line is until the offensive inadequacies are addressed the Braves will continue, this year as last, to play too many tight games which will translate into a worn out bullpen again. The NL East is getting stronger NOT weaker which only adds to that problem of tight games. The Front Office will realize that by Memorial Day but it will likely be too late. Hate to be a pessimist but that is te way I see it playing out.
Bill
February 15th, 2012
4:29 pm
81-81
Braves Fan in NC
February 15th, 2012
4:29 pm
So good to see your posts again, Sonny Clusters. I can tell Braves baseball is just around the corner.
Steve
February 15th, 2012
4:35 pm
Love the negative people already. Just like last year, the year before, etc. Can’t wait to see the posts if the Braves lose their season opener:
“Seasons over!”
“Last place team!”
“This team is terrible!”
Ryan
February 15th, 2012
4:43 pm
Jeff,
Can either you ask John Schuerholz or can you ask DOB to ask Tim Tucker to ask John Schuerholz about the following statement, released to fans in an open letter shortly after the Sept. collapse, and if he feels that his orgainization has “repaired its weaknesses?” Thanks.
From John Schuerholz, Oct. 6:
“However, our performance in the month of September was unacceptable to all in the organization, and we will evaluate and analyze our missteps to do all we can to prevent this from happening again. Our General Manager, Frank Wren, and his staff have already begun to evaluate our team and will be focusing throughout the off-season on building upon the strengths of this team and repairing our weaknesses to achieve our goal.”
Steve
February 15th, 2012
4:46 pm
Ryan… McClouth and Lowe were some weaknesses. They are gone.
curt
February 15th, 2012
4:55 pm
I have never thought as much about Heyward as many others. I have always thought his swing was flawed. Changing/ fixing a swing is a long process that will not have immediate returns. It takes using the swing against live pitching and in tough situtations to make it pure muscle memory so the hitter does not revert to bad habits. So, assuming Heyward does have an improved swing, dont expect much out of him for a large portion of the year.
I think the Braves have a lot of insurance on the pitching staff so that were there to be some problems amongst the starting 5, someone could step in. In fact, I would hope the Braves pitch by committee working the younger pitchers in and giving the onces with potential issues some rest
Everything said, the Braves division is by far the toughest division in baseball and I think the Braves have too many if’s and not enough hitting to win division nor even make the wild card.
Braves20
February 15th, 2012
4:58 pm
Add our starting shortstop to weaknesses no longer on the club. And add another concern, our right handed heavy starting rotation in a division that has a bunch of big left handed sticks. And no, Mike Minor, he of the nearly 5 career ERA, is not the answer.
Who Me?
February 15th, 2012
4:59 pm
How can you not love Sonny Clusters?
That said, what’s there to like about this years’ Braves?? Nada. Bupkiss.
This team is poised for an epic collapse of 1980’s proportions. Not since 1990 have the Braves fans (like me) had so little to look forward to.
Trying to fill seats with the lame concession price reductions is ludicrous, the same as not spending a dime in the off-season to fill glaring gaps.
I’m off the reservation til at least mid-September. This team has too many suspects and not enough professionals. I hope Freddi enjoys keeping the seat warm, i predict he’s out of here by September unless Frank Wren just refuses to pull the trigger. Will be interesting to see Frank wiggle around and the lame excuses that are offered when the offense falls apart.
Sorry to be so glum, tired of looking at this team through rose colored glasses. I’m changing the motto of this state to “the Show-Me State”, with apologies to Missouri. Pro sports have sucked here since at least 1995, and I refuse to go back farther at the risk of fan abuse….
Hooter Girl
February 15th, 2012
5:05 pm
Sonny Clusters is amusing but his outlook on Chipper is not very funny. He lost a high hopper in the lights last year and Sonny won’t stop harping on it. I will take Chipper’s D against about 3/4 of any major leaguers out there. That being said, it is what it is and #10 aint what he used to be. By the way I like deer meat and you should see my camo shorts.
stevie zero
February 15th, 2012
5:24 pm
the only concern for me is the question marks throughout the lineup. we cannot predict what we will get from prado,heyward, uggla, pastornicky. jones is always a threat albiet when healthy and freeman may be subject to sophomore season adjustments. granted it is a considerable concern. the starting pitching is young and deep and the bullpen is top notch. bench could use minor tweaking but i like the team if you get reasonable production from everyday starters
Mister Frisky
February 15th, 2012
5:25 pm
Same uninspiring team that can’t hit or pitch deep into the game.4th Place.
Shug
February 15th, 2012
5:30 pm
Fans (and columnists) should recognize that Heyward wasn’t all that hot as a rookie. Jury is definitely out on him.
The billman
February 15th, 2012
5:34 pm
The question marks are very real and there are too many more than five of them for the Braves to seriously contend for a finish higher than third place in the East. Fourth is a possibility if the Nationals fire on all cylinders. Second is within reach if everything (and I mean everything) clicks. The lack of a big RBI bat in the outfield will be evident from the start and FG’s handling of the bullpen will be last = next. He’s a nice guy with the DNA of a loser. Wren is still a largely unknown quantity because he has a marginal budget and a company line he has to spiel to the media. I’m hoping otherwise, but this could turn out to be a very long season.
Steve
February 15th, 2012
5:36 pm
Like I said at 4:35, you negative people crack me up.
lanier
February 15th, 2012
5:41 pm
spot on Jeff
bvilebaron
February 15th, 2012
5:42 pm
The Billman:
Funny how the Phillies commentators here in Central Pa view the Braves as their No. 1 threat. So do I. As I have posted here on several prior occasions, despite all the doom and gloom of so many posters and the moves made by the Marlins and Nationals, the Braves are still at least the second best team in the NL East even as presently constituted.
George Stein
February 15th, 2012
5:45 pm
Heyward wasn’t all that hot as a rookie? That’s a joke, right, Shug? He had a .393 OBP and 5.1 fWAR.
Nativebird
February 15th, 2012
5:46 pm
Heyward must prove out to not only bounce back…but go on to be a star…..league leading mega star…perennial all star. Or the gamble this team made on this guy will be more than a bust. Past aging stars combined with unproven rookies with no RBI producing average players make for another good pitchIng team that barely or doesn’t make tHe playoffs….and quick exits if they do.
Dirty Dawg
February 15th, 2012
5:48 pm
Commented about this in the ‘blog’ but will here as well…does anybody else wonder why the ‘obvious’ need for Tommy Hanson to change his delivery ended up being his, Hanson’s, idea? I mean if it’s been obvious to me why hadn’t the Braves’ pitching coach, or manager, or front office people, or training staff, or other players, or Don Sutton, or a club-house manager, said or done something way before now?
curt
February 15th, 2012
5:54 pm
Heyward was decent until pitchers found his “hole” which every hitter has. Heywards weakeness is (hopefully was) his overall mechanics and the fact that he either had no clue how to adjust, refused to adjust or didnt listen to others to help him adjust.
Compare Heyward to Freeman who has solid mechanics and can and will adjust as necessary. Freeman will never have prolonged slumps because he has a solid base (mechanics) to fall back on.
Heyward while a good athlete may or may never become a good or great baseball player.
Jeff Schultz
February 15th, 2012
5:55 pm
Shawn — Not worried about Chipper not playing 162. If he plays 140, that’s fine.
Jeff Schultz
February 15th, 2012
5:56 pm
Long Pole Man — Agree, but I like bullpen. They just got run into ground last year (ripple effect of starters’ injuries).
Jeff Schultz
February 15th, 2012
5:57 pm
Clusters — Can’t make it through a day without a good Stinky Wintes story.
Jeff Schultz
February 15th, 2012
5:57 pm
PMC — “Could have banged out a linsanity piece like everyone else in the free world.”
And therein would lie my response.
George Stein
February 15th, 2012
6:00 pm
Forgive me for not putting much stock in what internet commenter curt says about mechanics.
Freeman was good (for a rookie) last year, but he wasn’t nearly as good as Heyward, even with all the injuries and the luck Freeman enjoyed.
Mark (another one)
February 15th, 2012
6:01 pm
For some reason I just believe Heyward is going to bounce back and be solid. Remember he was a ROY runner up, and so was Freeman. I have confidence in both players. I’d reorder the rest but agree.
The bench is always going to look thin as Prado is usually thought of as a swing man between 3rd and LF. So he is counted on as a starter and a replacement but figures not to be on the bench. Hienske, Diaz and Constanza in the outfield, Wilson and Hicks in the infield doesn’t inspire confidence. Let’s face it, if Pasternicky doesn’t pan out, who’s the everyday shortstop? Do we really believe Wilson can take the daily wear and tear?
Remember that Ross is rarely used in case McCann gets nicked and has to come out. Ross is great when he starts but insurance when he doesn’t. An insurance policy that gets cashed out in the late innings is no longer insurance.
If you plan on the bench only doing spot duty and late inning defense, okay. Only Hienske carries a bat with power. When Chipper rests, and Prado plays third, and Hienske plays left, where’s the bench power? Chipper?
Sonny Clusters
February 15th, 2012
6:01 pm
Hooter Girl says we are too tough on Chipper for missing that high hopper that bounced on the ground in front of him and then got lost in the lights . . . well, maybe so. That could happen to anyone – but it happened to uh, Chipper. It also cost the Braves the game in Florida. Well, we are willing to forgive and forget that one but what about all the ones he just waved at that were hit to his left or to his right? Even the deer skin glove didn’t do him any good. Everybody likes ol’ Chipper but we have our reservations about anybody that steps in a hole two seasons in a row and hurts his knee while he’s a huntin”. Huntin’ is fine if he’s huntin’ a NL pennant or a WS ring.
Jeff Schultz
February 15th, 2012
6:06 pm
ABravesFan — Pastornicky would need to have a really awful spring for Wilson to start, in my opinion. I’d think Braves would give him at least a few weeks into the season.
Jeff Schultz
February 15th, 2012
6:07 pm
Journalist Jimmy — Actually, Andruw almost never missed a day — though it’s a wonder with the Gold Club exploits.
Jeff Schultz
February 15th, 2012
6:08 pm
Count von Count — Sad, but true. Also some off-the-field commitments I’ve had on Monday evenings.
Jeff Schultz
February 15th, 2012
6:09 pm
Andy — Yes, we bunk at Chez AJC (nice 2-bedroom condo).
bulldogbubba
February 15th, 2012
6:09 pm
Chipper needs a pair of “shades” like Cee-Lo wears.Might keep him from losing it in the lights.If those deer dogs take off at concessions it might give him enough money to retire.
Senator Blutarski
February 15th, 2012
6:13 pm
–the good news is that the opponents of the Braves also have question marks and unknowns–will aging vets on other teams keep from tailing off too much, will the injury bug be avoided, etc.
collegeballfan
February 15th, 2012
6:46 pm
Put Mantle in center and the team is a lock for the playoffs.
SawThat1nce
February 15th, 2012
6:54 pm
-I don’t remember Chipper missing any games due to flu-like symtoms.
I believe that one of the AJC reporters said recently, that Chipper was #4 in games played in last season.
I don’t remember Andruw missing very many games, for any reason, while in Atlanta.
I also don’t remember him having a whole lot of gold glove exploits, in his last years with the Braves. It seemed to me that he played a high number of balls off the wall, that I thought a lot of CFs could have gotten to, and made a pu t-outs on. I certainly thought that he was capable of making most of those plays. I think that he was just taking it easy, most of the time.
Sonny Clusters
February 15th, 2012
7:03 pm
Sickness sidelines surging Chipper
8:02 pm September 5, 2011, by David O’Brien
PHILADELPHIA — Chipper Jones was out of the Braves lineup with flu-like symptoms for Monday’s series opener against the Phillies.
The third baseman said he didn’t feel good during Sunday’s game against the Dodgers, and felt worse Monday.
“I’ll try to get back in there tomorrow,” he said. “You can afford yourself a day off. If it was a two- or three-game lead in the wild card, I’d have played.”
We was right.
Busch Leaguer
February 15th, 2012
7:19 pm
How about an outfielder who in 2011 hit .285 with 20 home runs 87rbi and 22 sb.Could have made a difference for the Braves down the stretch last year. He should still be a Brave if good ole Bobby Cox had not lost his mind and gave the kid to the Mets for nothing. I guess you all know I am talking about Jeff Francouer.
SawThat1nce
February 15th, 2012
7:50 pm
Wow, if Chipper had of played that day, the Braves would have made the playoffs, and then would have went on to win the WS, instead of the Cardinals doing.
SawThat1nce
February 15th, 2012
7:55 pm
If Jeff would have just kept his mouth shut, and gone on down to Miss. without making all of that fuss(like a good kid), he might still be a Brave today.
Then the Braves would have made the playoffs last year, and went on to win the WS, instead of the Cardinals doing it.
George Stein
February 15th, 2012
7:56 pm
Frenchy was better last year, Busch Leaguer, but he still won’t take a walk.
Also, most of the metrics you mentioned are largely irrelevant.
bravesfaninDC
February 15th, 2012
8:30 pm
The braves made NO moves, but other teams in the east did, and that means they are all alot better minus the mets….my belief is the braves will finish in 4th place behind the marlins and the nationals this year…i am not sold on heyward, and chipper is not an everyday player..they need an impact player like a pujols…..watch out for the nationals..they may win the east this year
phil
February 15th, 2012
8:31 pm
Shug
February 15th, 2012
5:30 pm
Fans (and columnists) should recognize that Heyward wasn’t all that hot as a rookie. Jury is definitely out on him.
******
i think the verdict is in. And it ain’t the one we wanted….
And fire FG!!
JoeFan
February 15th, 2012
8:39 pm
Lets face it in order for the Braves to contend almost everything has to go right for them. The margin for error is practically zero. In other words the Braves are full of question marks.
Long Pole Man
February 15th, 2012
8:42 pm
LMAO @ 7:03pm Sonny !
Kudos Sir Scultz !
Where do Braves spring train now ? Orlando ?
We all like getting rid of Lowe,A.Gonzalez,Conrad. But there’s basically no power in the OF unless Heywad rejuvenates his bat.
And yep, I meant that Heyward was a AA talent last year.
Long Pole Man
February 15th, 2012
8:43 pm
Hey Vanna White, can I buy an “R” and a “H” ?
SeaAtl
February 15th, 2012
8:44 pm
Phillies a lock to win the division, just as the Mets are a lock to finish last. Nats and Marlins will fight all season for second place and wild card birth. Making the Braves a virtual lock for a 4th place finish. What more can we expect with no corner outfielders, no SS, and mediocre starting pitching?
Long Pole Man
February 15th, 2012
8:55 pm
Why is it that I like Baseball & Football and I hate Baseball & Football movies while my wife hates Baseball & Football and loves Baseball & Football movies ?
Anybody seen Iron Clad or Sinner’s And Saints movies ? Worth renting ?
kidstunna
February 15th, 2012
9:37 pm
WE NEED AH GOOD OUTFEILD PIECE OPPOSITE JAYHEY, AND MICHAEL AIRBOURN, PLUS A SOLID 4TH PITCHER
freddy
February 15th, 2012
9:44 pm
Braves will be a 3rd-r-4th place team…bet on it.
Go Braves
February 15th, 2012
11:58 pm
Whatever happens to fans just being positive about the season?
BooBoo
February 16th, 2012
12:15 am
The Braves need another Jeff Burroughs-type player. Someone who can hit 35 HR while hitting .279, or then turn around a season later and do what the team asks him to do average wise, and bat .301 while hitting 10 HR. So what if he can’t field a lick and hits into 25-40 dps? I’m talking a player with some character that the fans can either get behind, or yell at with full gusto. Heyward would break down mentally if the fans yelled at him. He’s just like all the retreads the Braves had last year, who play 10 games and then go on the DL for 14 days. They need a few midgets and another Mad Hungarian. They need cow milking contests and let the centerfield grass get a huge yellow dead spot they spray paint green. It might be worth driving the family 100 miles to see them if they would make some changes worth seeing. A September swoon continuing over into April will need some side shows to attract the kids. As Ernie Johnson used to say, “Atlanta fans know their baseball.”
SawThat1nce
February 16th, 2012
12:42 am
2011 put a damper on the positivity of a lot of Braves fans.
But I think that the Braves can win it all in 2012.
Go Braves!
Four ply swat
February 16th, 2012
1:09 am
Shultz you have got to be kidding. Pressure on to get the readship up again?? The top concern is J Hey’s ability to play? Wasn’t dude hurt most of the season last year? A wrist injury no doubt. You claim the Braves have alot invested in him. Please explain. Dude made 400k last year. That’s a big investment? What is this about? Is this some kind of Obama-backlash? You weren’t happy with his defense cut proposal or something and you’re venting on 22? Bourne in center, Heyward in right and whoever you want in left sounds like a pretty decent OF to me. I guess Chipper being 58 years old and the possessing the range of 6 inches to either side doesn’t have you worried?? You’re comfortable with Jack Wilson backing up a 22 year old, never payed in the show before SS?? This club did nothing over the winter to give their fans hopes of at least seeing decent ball this summer. This is why this team doesn’t get the rings!! Go Phils!!! carry on…
Busch Leaguer
February 16th, 2012
6:48 am
What metric scale makes 20 hr and 87 RBI irrelevant? What combination of Braves outfielders combined for 20 HR and 87 RBI? I think the entire production of the Braves outfielders prior to the Bourn trade would be less than 20HR and 87 RBI . And as far as metrics go don’t forget the defensive improvement Francouer would have made for the Braves outfield.All of this caused by an old school manager who had plenty of talent for 20 years and underachieved almost every year in the post season.I could see making a real trade with a player where you get something of value back ,but in the Francouer trade the Braves got nothing back of any value. I can’t even remember the name of the player the Mets sent the Braves. And the Braves have had a major hole in their outfield ever since this trade was made.
Cecil34
February 16th, 2012
8:02 am
If this thing implodes come about mid June, and they haven’t done anything to improve the team (vs. stand pat) then I want to see some columns written with a little more passion about the need for change in the organization.
Shultzie, you comprende?
Braves Fan
February 16th, 2012
8:03 am
Top reasons why Braves won’t make playoffs -
1. Heyward = Brad Kominsk
2. Starting a rookie shortstop
3. 40 year old 3B who may play 120 games at best
4. platooning LF that inlcudes Matt Diaz
5. health of starting pitching
the only truly bright spots on this team are the bullpen, 1B, catcher, 2B, and CF. everything else is make shift
freddy
February 16th, 2012
8:11 am
Braves fan @ 8;03…agree 100%
freddy
February 16th, 2012
8:15 am
Glad Frenchy is gone…I’m glad he is doing ok now but Thank God its not with Braves.
Chris
February 16th, 2012
9:16 am
Jeff….Throw in the other concerns…Chipper won’t make it a full season and you have no idea how many games he will give you. The Phillies are still stacked, The Marlins and Nats are much better……Not only am I not convinced they can win the division, I am not sure they can finish 2nd in the division.
George Stein
February 16th, 2012
9:47 am
RBI tells us nothing, Busch Leaguer, and Heyward was a significantly better defender than Francoeur last year, too.
Joey
February 16th, 2012
9:51 am
I’m looking for a healthy Prado to have his usual productive play, and probably assume 3rd base once Chipper has a hangnail or two.
Rick
February 16th, 2012
9:53 am
@ Braves Fan…
1. I don’t know if Heyward will fully rebound to his rookie season, but I think chances are low that he will be anywhere near as bad as last season.
2. It’s risky, sure, but I can’t see him being any worse than Gonzalez at the plate. Defense may not be quite there but I’m less worried about that.
3. Last year he played 126 games and that was with a stint on the DL. If they can keep giving him regular rest like last season he should be fine I think.
4. Much like Heyward, I can’t see Prado having as bad a year as he did last year. Plus we have Bourn for a whole season. The outfield should be much better this year even with mostly the same people.
5. That’s probably the biggest issue I see considering three starters are coming off injuries. I still think the rotation as added through subtraction though by losing Lowe.
All things considered, even without getting an impact player in the offseason, I think the team will be better this year. I think it’s unlikely that Heyward, Prado, Uggla, or McCann will be as bad as they were at times last year.
1eyedJack
February 16th, 2012
9:59 am
I find myself skipping through the posts just to read Sonny Clusters.
1eyedJack
February 16th, 2012
10:00 am
Somebody fill me in on Dan Ugla’s foray into the porn industry.
Long Pole Man
February 16th, 2012
10:03 am
Injuries will have a bad trickle down effect. If Chipper gets hurt and Prado plays 3B you got a hole in LF (don’t tell me Matt Diaz either). If Pastornicky can’t hit MLB pitching then Jack Wilson plays and he can’t hit MLB pitching either. If a starter (let’s say Hanson) reinjures himself then you have to pull a slated reliever into starting (Teheran or Vizcaino or Delgado). I’m pretty sure one of these scenarios WILL HAPPEN. Possible for all 3 to happen…
Rick
February 16th, 2012
10:12 am
“Injuries will have a bad trickle down effect. If Chipper gets hurt and Prado plays 3B you got a hole in LF (don’t tell me Matt Diaz either). If Pastornicky can’t hit MLB pitching then Jack Wilson plays and he can’t hit MLB pitching either. If a starter (let’s say Hanson) reinjures himself then you have to pull a slated reliever into starting (Teheran or Vizcaino or Delgado). I’m pretty sure one of these scenarios WILL HAPPEN. Possible for all 3 to happen…”
Hinske is also an option for LF as well as Durango or Costanza.
Again, I can’t see Pastornicky being any worse than Gonzo was last season at the plate. I would almost guarantee an improvement in offense from SS this season.
I don’t think they would just move a reliever to the rotation unless necessary. They will likely still have Delgado or Teheran starting in AAA and could call them up to fill spots as necessary. Vizcaino isn’t a sure bet for the pen yet either.
Long Pole Man
February 16th, 2012
10:18 am
Delgado & Teheran need to be on the MLB team not in AAA. Why waste their arms & talent in AAA ? They both showed last year they can get MLB hitters out. I’d rather see Teheran pitch than Minor,Medlen,O’Flaherty. Only relievers with better stuff than Teheran are Venters & Kimbrel.
Sonny Clusters
February 16th, 2012
10:20 am
We love blogging baseball and Jeff almost didn’t do this as a baseball post. We think there are a lot of fans who haven’t put September behind them like Fredi and the Braves supposedly have. Deer Dogs and and Deer Wings may turn out to be popular this season but we think a corner outfielder with some pop would be better. The Braves exec we talked to said the tomahawk was more offensive than the laughing Indian head from awhile back and we’re going to see less of the tomahawk going forward. Maybe. The fans will probably decide that – not the front office. If there was no chopping going on at the Ted it would be a dull, corporate baseball experience. Hey, wait a minute . . . that’s what it is becoming. Somebody asked about Uggla and the pornindustry and we are investigating that now since there’s not been much mention here locally. We’re trying to find out what his stage name is and we think it might be something like Biff Whiff for all the strikeouts he had in the first 3 months last season. Of cours, he was probably just tired and needed some vitamins and fluids replenishment. When we was playing ball we had a guy like that on our team and he was always itching so we called him Scratch. Scratch was a good guy but nobody liked to sit next to him in the dugout.
Sonny Clusters
February 16th, 2012
10:22 am
We was also wondering if Uggla will grow a porn stache? Maybe Jeff could ask John Schuerlolz and see if he can take a joke.
1eyedJack
February 16th, 2012
10:28 am
Porn stars are always having to replenish their precious bodily fluids.
Big Chief
February 16th, 2012
10:28 am
One thing to remember about the overuse of the bullpen; while K, V & 0 were mostly unhittable, the rest of the bullpen was completely unreliable. That’s why the big 3 were in games with seemingly large leads. Need some bullpen depth to win the games with a lead greater than 4.
Rick
February 16th, 2012
10:28 am
“Delgado & Teheran need to be on the MLB team not in AAA. Why waste their arms & talent in AAA ? They both showed last year they can get MLB hitters out. I’d rather see Teheran pitch than Minor,Medlen,O’Flaherty. Only relievers with better stuff than Teheran are Venters & Kimbrel.”
Minor or Delgado will probably round out the rotation. I could see the other going to the bullpen but they may also just keep him in AAA so they can continue to start games. You can not be serious with rather seeing Teheran pitch than Minor, Medlen, or O’Flaherty. He has little major league experience and that was with a 5.03 ERA and a 276 OA. He has talent for sure, but it did not translate in his limited experience in the majors last season. I think he needs to spend more time in AAA. It’s especially ridiculous saying you’d rather see him than O’Flaherty, he who led all relievers in ERA last season.
1eyedJack
February 16th, 2012
10:30 am
Homer O’nuttin would be a good stage name for Uggla.
Rick
February 16th, 2012
10:32 am
“Delgado & Teheran need to be on the MLB team not in AAA. Why waste their arms & talent in AAA ? They both showed last year they can get MLB hitters out. I’d rather see Teheran pitch than Minor,Medlen,O’Flaherty. Only relievers with better stuff than Teheran are Venters & Kimbrel.”
Minor or Delgado will likely round out the rotation given their amount of experience and success so far at the major league level. The other could go to the bullpen but I could see them keeping him in AAA so they can continue starting games. You can not be serious with rather seeing Terehan than Minor, Medlen, or O’Flaherty. He certainly has a lot of talent and a higher ceiling than all three of those guys, but his talent has not shown itself at the big league level. In limited experience he had an ERA over 5 and a 276 OA. Not very good. Saying you would rather see him than O’Flaherty, the leading reliever in ERA last season, is insulting and just dumb.
1eyedJack
February 16th, 2012
10:34 am
I’m hoping the Braves get a chance to hit against Scott Linebrink or George Sherrill this season.
Rick
February 16th, 2012
10:38 am
“I’m hoping the Braves get a chance to hit against Scott Linebrink or George Sherrill this season.”
Linebrink signed a minor league deal with the Cards, so that’s possible. Sherrill is with Seattle, I can’t recall for sure without looking if they are on Braves inter league schedule but I don’t think so.
1eyedJack
February 16th, 2012
10:42 am
Too bad we don’t play the White Sox. At least one of those games we’d get a lot of hits and runs. I hear they traded for an “innings eater” this off-season.
Dr. Phil
February 16th, 2012
10:49 am
Enter your comments here
Dr. Phil
February 16th, 2012
10:49 am
Enter your comments here
Dr. Phil
February 16th, 2012
10:49 am
Enter your comments here
Dr. Phil
February 16th, 2012
10:49 am
Enter your comments here
Dr. Phil
February 16th, 2012
10:49 am
Enter your comments here
Dr. Phil
February 16th, 2012
10:49 am
Enter your comments here
Linus
February 16th, 2012
10:51 am
Please hold the football still.
JeanE
February 16th, 2012
11:04 am
I agree with you on all point, Jeff, except the bench. Matty D came back toward the end of the season last year, let’s give him a chance this year to prove he’s back to what he was. I still think he can be a force against lefties and a nice LF and RF sub. I hope and think Hinske will rebound from last year, why do you give Hinske a nod when his numbers also fell last year, not just Matty’s. I feel good about this year, I have to think Heyward, Uggla, Martin et al won’t struggle like last year. I’m glad they kept the team largely intact. I do agree would’ve preferred a vet shortshop but didn’t want to give away players to get some loser or rental. Go Braves!!!!!
JeanE
February 16th, 2012
11:16 am
All the negativism here just kills me, go away it you’re not a fan! The season hasn’t even started yet and people are venting. Guess they didn’t let go of last year. Let’s start spring training with a little optimism, huh??????
Bat Masterson
February 16th, 2012
11:41 am
I can’t even remember the name of the player the Mets sent the Braves. And the Braves have had a major hole in their outfield ever since this trade was made _Busch Leaguer
His name was Church and the Braves were lucky to get even him for Francouer, because face it, Jeff really sucked.
curt
February 16th, 2012
11:50 am
funny how all the things being said about Heyward were said about Francouer when he first came to the Braves. They are very similar at this point in their respective careers. Both good athletes who had excelled their entires lives until they had a prolonged extent in the major leagues. The talent and knowlelge at the major league level is an equalizer and it takes a special person to be able to succeed. To me, Francouer could never completly adjust (though he has had spots where he ias shown signs of improvment). I think this is because his whole life, he never had to adjust. He was just that much better than everyone else and now he just doesnt know how.
The question for Heyward is will he and can he adjust? Lets hope so for the Braves sake.
DawgDad
February 16th, 2012
11:55 am
“There’s a lot to like about the Braves”
There was a LOT to like about them last August 24, or whatever, too. How’s that working out? You hit on some of the primary issues, but you severely underestimate the concerns and their likely impact on the Braves making the playoffs.
1. Shortstop. Teams with sub-par defensive infields historically do not win pennants, divisions, or wild cards. Ever. Milwaukee last year was a RARE exception in the LONG history of MLB. The prospect of a defensively challenged rookie between Chipper and Uggla is — frightening, and it probably caps this team at-best at about 85 wins.
2. Starting pitching. The touted depth did not arrive last September, now did it? If the trio of Hudson, Hanson, and JJ are not clicking on all three cylinders there is no proven answer, only PROVEN disappointment. Beachy and Minor need to improve on getting deeper into games and exiting gracefully, and one of the other young starters needs to emerge.
3. The offense in general. The middle of the order is far too weak for a pennant contender. At this point Chipper, McCann, Uggla, and Freeman can each hit a bit, but none can put the team on their shoulders and collectively they don’t scare anybody. There’s no great hitter (at this point) and no synergy; too many strikeouts and double plays and all four are less effective against left-handers, much less in some cases. Compare that list to the middle of the Cardinals, the Reds, the Marlins (when healthy), Colorado, and probably even the Phillies without Howard and Washington. Too much is being made of the full-season addition of Bourn at the top. He’s better than Schafer was, sure, but not enough so to carry the team.
4. Heyward. When he does start hitting he bats left-handed and doesn’t synergize with the rest of the lineup, particularly the guys in the middle where he needs to hit. His presence increases the number of lefthanders the Braves face, which is fatal to the rest of the order (Prado possibly excepted). Uggla has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt he doesn’t hit lefthanders well, Chipper is less effective, and then you have McCann-Freeman (plus Bourn at the top). The GM needs to address this, and not by dumping Heyward.
5. Bullpen. Can we really expect O’Flaherty, Venters, and Kimbrel to be THAT good again?
You add in a proven shortstop and a decent right-handed power hitter in left field and this team could and should challenge for a World Series. As is, it is a collection of decent (not great) players a couple of pieces short of a full puzzle.
Sonny Jackson
February 16th, 2012
12:02 pm
JeanE- I can’t agree with you more… everybody calm down and see what happens. It sounds like an elementary school playground around here. If you don’t want to go to the Ted, then don’t go. I won’t miss your whining. Give Freddi a chance- and give Diaz one too.
Don
February 16th, 2012
12:04 pm
Good article.
Glad to see somone finally admitting that there could be a significant problem with the starting pitching. IN FACT, if Medlin was being counted as one of the starters, then FOUR of the FIVE Starting Pitchers are coming off injuires. And Pitchers are not like position players — Pitchers MANY TIMES NEVER return to being great after serious injury.
And even though the Braves have a wealth of additional young pitching talent — This may become meaningless when you consider the other thing that EVERYONE IGNORES —- In the 6 or 7 years since Leo left as the Pitching Coach – Of the large number of different Starting Pitchers the Braves have had, MOST ALL OF THEM HAVE BECOME INJURED.
Rick
February 16th, 2012
12:08 pm
@ Dawgdad…
1. Based on what DOB has said it sounds like Pastornicky is at least an average defender. Gonzo was amazing at SS last year no doubt and deserved a Gold Glove, but I think with even just a little added offense from the position it’s worth the tradeoff in defense.
2. The young guys certainly are inexperienced, but I thought they held their own well enough for the most part at the end of last season. They were usually keeping the team in games, it was the lack of offense that continued to do them in. Minor went from a 4.15 ERA in June to 4.03 in Aug, to 3.67 in Sep. I like that trend. Delgado had a 2.52 ERA in his 5 September starts.
3. They don’t need one player to put the team on their shoulders, they just need more consistent production across the lineup. It was like they only had one player hitting well most of the time for a while and then it would shift to someone else. With more consistent production they would have a pretty strong lineup.
4. They need to improve against LHP no doubt but I think you’re overestimating the problem.
5. Not necessarily, but the bullpen as a whole will also be stronger. They shouldn’t have to constantly count on just those three guys again. With more rest like in the second half of the last season they should be better over the course of the whole season too.
3.
2011champs
February 16th, 2012
12:16 pm
Even with the loss of Albert Pujols, the defending champs St. Louis Cardinals, still have a better team than the Braves, and will still be playing into game #163, while the Braves pack for home again. Several ?’s in the rotation, a washed up 3d baseman, unknowns in the outfield, and a vastly improved division all signal trouble for Atlanta this season. They could finish anywhere from 2nd to 4th, and 2nd will not get them to the playoffs, even if MLB does add another wild card team. That is my opinion, and I am sticking to it.
2011champs
February 16th, 2012
12:20 pm
Oh and by the way, I correctly predicted the Braves collapse, and the Cardinals rise last season after a really hilarious story by Mark Bradley. He even took me to task, but, when I was proven right, he never admitted he blew it. I do know something about baseball.
SawThat1nce
February 16th, 2012
12:23 pm
The rookie SS more than probably won’t be as good as AGon. But, it looked to like Freeman on 1st, helped all of the infielders be more successful.
SawThat1nce
February 16th, 2012
12:25 pm
I don’t see how Pastornicky can be any worse than AGon at the plate.
At least,, I don’t think we will be seeing any of the moon-swipes that Gonzalez put a patent on.
Blog people stink
February 16th, 2012
12:37 pm
I am proud to be from metro Atlanta. I am proud to root for all of the Atlanta teams (Hawks, Jackets, Falcons, Braves). But a lot of fans on these blogs suck. So quick to give up on a kid in his early 20’s that had a down year. Complaining about Gonzalez, who had us in the playoffs until the last day of the regular season. So many negatives…look at the positives. Falcons were one of 6 teams to make the playoffs from the NFC. The Hawks make the playoffs annually. And the Braves are starting to make a resurgence. Go live in Kansas City. They’re pro teams are garbage. Chicago had a stretch where their pro teams were garbage! All I am saying is it could be a lot worse! I, for one, believe in this team and believe in Fredi. With this year’s format, we should make the playoffs….even with a late season swoon.
Let the season begin
February 16th, 2012
12:53 pm
2011 champs…..Congrats on predicting something that nobody else outside of St.Louis even dreamed of happening in early September. It’s funny when you hear people say….”I knew all along the NY Giants would win the Super Bowl….”. So, when they do, you wnat to claim you’re brilliant. If they didn’t, you could claim “I was just kidding” and get by with it because it was such a ridiculous notion at the time. Off the soapbox, I only see improvements this year from the Braves. Uggla can’t be worse in the 1st half, Heyward must be better, Bourn is here for a full season, McCann will be better, and no more LOWE!!!! That dude lost 17 games last year!!!! I know St.Louis has Wainwright back, but no way are they better than the Braves. Weaker division…yes! Better team…no!
Trojan
February 16th, 2012
12:58 pm
BC and Freddie’s only formula for winning a game is to pitch EOF, JV and CK. Freddie needs to realize that they can not pitch and warm up each game.
K.Conway
February 16th, 2012
1:06 pm
Worst Braves teams since 1970’s losers!!
How they really stand, from Braves (1) to Weasels (12) | Jeff Schultz
February 16th, 2012
1:16 pm
[...] 1. Braves (1): The best team in town lost 20 of its last 30 games. How about a nice embalming smoothie to go with those chicken fingers? But the Braves looked like a potential World Series team on paper last season until the paper caught fire, and they still seem closer to a title run than anybody else. Then again, that assumes everything that went wrong last season goes right this year. [...]
smallmouth6
February 16th, 2012
2:20 pm
Constanza should not have been taken out of the lineup last year. And, remember he hit 300 plus at the Triple A level. He could be a fantastic bench player. He could be a very good starter too.
How they really stand, from Braves (1) to Weasels (12) : Foreign Moon
February 16th, 2012
3:17 pm
[...] 1. Braves (1): The best team in town lost 20 of its last 30 games. How about a nice embalming smoothie to go with those chicken fingers? But the Braves looked like a potential World Series team on paper last season until the paper caught fire, and they still seem closer to a title run than anybody else. Then again, that assumes everything that went wrong last season goes right this year. [...]
Therut
February 16th, 2012
5:25 pm
I’ll say it once more. Do you think Florida fired this guy because he is (was) a great manager? He is a dimwit. Have you heard him do an interview? every fourth word ,actuall two words, is YOU KNOW.
Brian
February 16th, 2012
7:48 pm
shortstop and coaching are 1-2 to me. Having a rookie in the middle is scary and I am far from sold on FG. I think the lineup could be very good, especially if Heyward bounces back. And we have enough quality pitchers to put 4 good ones out there. I am fairly optimistic about our chances this year.
Busch Leaguer
February 16th, 2012
7:52 pm
Thanks Bat,I could not remember Ryan Church’s name.Poor kid never totally recovered from a mind scrambling concussion when he was with the Mets. After the Braves released him ,he could not even stick with the woeful Pirates team.My comments on Francouer were made more as a criticism of the final years of the Cox regime .Desperate moves made to get ole Bobby one more trip to the World Series. The Francouer trade was not even the worst deal the Braves made ,I still think the Braves set themselves back several years by making the deal with Texas for Mark Texiera.
So I guess the fact that the Braves front office has not made any moves in the off season may be a good thing ,with their recent trade history. As far as my biggest concern for the Braves in 2012 ,I hope Fredo will give McCann some regular days off. David Ross is a quality catcher ,why not use him especially when the Braves face tough left handed pitching.He is actually better defensively than Mac .
Interested Bystander
February 17th, 2012
11:23 pm
Hey Bat,
They are looking for you over on the DOB.
john
February 19th, 2012
9:27 am
Top Braves’ 2012 Concerns:
1-Phillies
2-Natrionals
3-Marlins
4-Cardinals
Wait-are these same as 2011?
Kane337
February 21st, 2012
2:37 pm
Will the Thrashers move to Winnipeg?