Will the Braves resign Dansby Swanson? While that is yet to be determined, let's break down the Braves' shortstop to get a better feel of his value and how he compares to other shortstops in the league.
Before the season began I made quite a few predictions regarding the Braves. I got a few right and a few wrong. But I think a few of these were pretty darn good! Take a listen.
The Braves are given an early exit by the Phillies. We dive into what went wrong for the Braves, but also consider all the takeaways from the 2022 season. Don't forget how much this team accomplished, and that they will be good for years to come. Bring on the offseason and 2023, because the Braves will be right there with the best teams in baseball once again.
After disappointing pitching performances in games 1 and 3 and lackluster offense most of the way, the Braves find themselves needing to win two straight games from a Phillies team that is riding high with confidence. The bulk of the responsibility falls on Charlie Morton, who hasn't been very good lately, but has a history of coming up big in big games. If the Braves are going to advanced, Morton needs to quiet Philly's bats and the Braves' offense needs to strike early and often. Here's hoping...
The Braves accomplished their first major goal of the season of winning the the NL East in dramatic fashion. By sweeping the Mets in Atlanta (including beating deGrom and Scherzer on back to back nights) and finishing the task with a win against the Marlins, the Braves earned a pivotal first round bye in the newly constructed expanding playoff format. How did they do it? By overcoming a lot of diversity with major contributions from young stars. By following the lead of Snitker, not panicking, r...
The Braves enter their final three game showdown with the Mets down 1 game in the NL East standings. While the task it a tough one, the Braves still have control of their destiny. Sweeping the Mets will put them in the driver's seat for the division, while winning the series 2-1 still gives them a chance for the division. No matter what happens, it should be a great environment at Truist Park as two of the best teams in all of baseball square off as the playoffs are just around the corner....
A look at the impact Ozzie Albies will have as he returns from a broken foot injury. At the same time, the Braves need Matt Olson and Austin Riley to return to form. What kind of player is Matt Olson? Is he an all-star or just another guy with some power? Additionally, its time to see what Raisel Iglesias can do in the closers role as Kenley Jansen continues to struggle. And what impact will the coming rule changes have on the game?
The Braves have moved into first place as they have gone on an 8 game winning streak while the Mets have stumbled over weaker opponents. Things are certainly trending up for the Braves and down for the Mets, though that guarantees nothing. Nonetheless, the younger Braves roster may be better suited to finish the season strong, compared to the older Mets squad.
Do the Braves have the best culture in baseball? While talent matters to every team, it is evident that culture might matter a little more to the Atlanta organization. Through the last several decades, even in the rebuilding years, the Braves have put a lot of stock in creating a work environment where people want to be. Sure it's not perfect, but it does seem like it allows players to flourish in a way that doesn't happen everywhere else. Events of the last few games have been a reminder that B...
The Braves have bounced back to win 14 of 16 games including 3 of 4 from the Mets and 2 of 3 from the Astros. What stands out is how young, athletic, and dynamic this team has become. Just how good has this team been since June 1. Well, they have been the best team in baseball.
The Braves doll out a surprising but well deserved 8 year extension for Michael Harris II, as their young and talented core continues to be solidified for years to come. Mike Soroka makes his first professional starting over two years and it goes quite well. The Braves have won 8 straight and cut the Mets' divisional lead to 3 1/2 games, but will face a tough task as Scherzer and DeGrom await them in the next two games. And Vaughn Grissom has been awesome in the first week of his young career....
The Mets dominated the Braves over the weekend, taking four out of five games in a pivotal series in New York. The Braves' inability to make consistent contact was exposed as the Mets' pitchers had their way with the Braves hitters. More than anything, the Mets look like the aggressor and the Braves look stunned. If they hope to turn things around, win the division, and have success in the playoffs (all of which is still possible by the way) a new attitude and a new approach is necessary.
During the trade deadline period, the Braves signed Austin Riley to a massive 10 year $212 million extension, acquired closer Raisel Iglesias from the Angels, outfielder Robbie Grossman from the Tigers, pitcher Jake Odorizzi from the Astros, and Ehire Adrianza from the Nationals, all while giving up very little. Will it be enough to win the division and beyond?
With the Braves 2 games back of the Mets, they enter the week before the trade deadline evaluating their biggest needs. What value do they have to deal from? Who might they package in a trade, and who might they be targeting?
After a quick look back at the All-Star festivities, we dive into the Braves' 2022 draft. What was the Braves' overall draft strategy, and did it lineup with what the experts thought would happen? I take a look at most of the Braves' selection and give you my take on which picks I really like. Hopefully some of these guys figure things out and one day and show up as a Brave at Truist Park.
In this special episode we look at all the possibilities that lay before the Braves prior to the 2022 draft. After acquiring the 35th pick from the Royals, along with the $2.2 million to add to their draft pool, the Braves have more flexibility in this draft than they have had in several years. Will they stick with their proclivity to selected a college arm, or go outside the box to take a higher upside, pricier pick with their first selection? It should be a fun draft.
The Braves trade Drew Waters to the Royals for the #35 pick in the draft and also pick up Robinson Cano for next to nothing. How will these moves impact the club? We also look at which Braves will be going to Hollywood for the all-star game and which Braves got snubbed. And we also break down just how good rookie sensations Michael Harris II and Spencer Strider have been so far this season. Where would the Braves be without them?
The Freedie Freeman saga take some strange turns after he tearfully returns to Atlanta. I discuss and make a bold prediction. I also look at what the Braves might do during the trade deadline, as we are only a month away.
The Braves have the best record in baseball in the month of June as Freddie Freeman returns to Atlanta for the first time since his departure to the Dodgers. Expect a wave of emotions at Truist Park, and hopefully some great games in a rematch of the 2021 NLCS.
The Braves win an MLB best 12th straight game, hitting five home runs against the Nationals, but lose Ozzie Albies in the process with a fractured foot. What can the Braves do to fill the gap left by Ozzie? We also analyze what has gone right during this long winning streak. #ozziealibies #braves #atlantabraves
After a couple of disappointing losses to the Dbacks, the Braves have won three straight games with two excellent performances by the offense and one dominating start from Max Fried. Dansby Swanson has been burning hot over the last few weeks, and several others are contributing greatly as well. Michael Harris has also provided a spark, especially defensively. We discuss why Snitker continues to trot Marcel Ozuna out to the outfield and what to do about Adam Duvall. Ultimately, the Braves have a...
After two months of horrendous outfield play, the Braves promote top prospect Michael Harris. With Harris in centerfield and Acuna coming back (hopefully), the outlook of the Braves outfield looks much better. But just how bad had the Braves outfield been? Why Harris over other top prospect Drew Waters? And Why promote Harris now?
The Braves continue to trade good wins with disappointing losses. When will they put together a winning streak and find some traction? There are some encouraging developments. Charlie Morton just had his best start and the supporting cast is playing well. Once the top of the lineup starts hitting, the Braves could be poised to take off. The sooner the better.
The start of this season has looked eerily similar to last season. Sure the Braves won it all last year, but that doesn't mean they can flirt with mediocrity for half the season again and expect to win their division. What is the problem right now? The starting staff is starting to right itself, but the offense has been the weakest link. I dive into the number and diagnose the problem.
Ronald Acuna returns and hope abounds as the Braves start to look better on the field. Unfortunately Eddie Rosario is out 8-12 weeks with eye issues. But meanwhile Travis Dermeritte provides a spark, including a home run never went over the fence. So, we take some time to get to know Travis. Fried and Wright continue to be very, very good. And finally, should we be concerned about Adam Duvall? Will he bounce back offensively?
In the middle of the Braves offensive struggles, Max Fried and Kyle Wright throw two gems. Meanwhile, the Braves visit the Dodgers, try to process Freddie Freeman in a different uniform, and finish their first road trip 3-4. As they return to the ATL to take on the Marlins, will the offense come to life? I sure hope so.
The Braves get blown out in game 1 of the series with the Padres. Then they bounced back with two solid wins behind Kyle Wright and Ian Anderson, only for the bats to go silent in the final game of the series. With the Dodgers up next, will the bottom of the order finally remember how to hit? And will Fried and Morton gain some consistency? And when does Acuna come back? It couldn't be soon enough.
The Braves have sputtered to a 3-4 start to the season. Kyle Wright and Bryce Elder impress on the mound, while Ian Anderson and Huscar Ynoa struggle. Meanwhile, Ozuna, Olsen, Riley, and Darnaud carry the offense while the rest of the team can't get going. After a disappointing opening homestand, the Braves look to put their 2021 championship behind them and focus on the 2022 season. The upcoming road trip out west may tell us a lot about the team.
Austin Riley and Matt Olsen get off to very nice starts. Charlie Morton looks solid while most of the rest of the pitching staff is still trying to find their groove. Dansby Swanson strikes out a lot, and Marcel Ozuna has some adventures in the outfield. Meanwhile it seems like every Brave except Austin Riley has warning track power. I discuss all of the important events from the first two games of the season, and address the Acuna-Freeman quasi-controversy.
With only a day left in the offseason, I breakdown the NL East. How do the Braves stack up against the rest of the division? Do they have the best rotation, bullpen, lineup, defense? Which teams will outperform their projections and which will disappoint? How many games can the Braves win and will they repeat? I cover it all as we get ready for the 2022 season. Let's go!
