State of the Braves - podcast cover

State of the Braves

George McNairpodcasters.spotify.com
An Atlanta Braves podcast from a lifelong fan’s point of view. Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay
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Episodes

Ep. 99- Possible Surprise Trades

While Dylan Cease looks like a current trade target for the Braves, AA has a penchant for pulling off a trade no one saw coming. Let's try to predict an unlikely trade that could happen.

Dec 04, 202331 min

Ep. 98- Predicting the Braves' Next Pitching Move

With Aaron Nola going back to the Phillies, will the Braves' continue to hunt to a top flight pitcher? They added Reynaldo Lopez, who could be a big boost to the bullpen or be stretched out as a starter. Is that all the Braves intend to do on the pitching front, or is there more? Let's take a deep dive into the best remaining pitchers on the free agent and trade market.

Nov 26, 202342 min

Ep. 97- Ohtani Intrigued

Does anyone actually know what Shohei Ohtani's priorities are in free agency? If it's all about the money then the Braves have no shot. But most people admit that Ohtani is a different kind of guy. There is a world in which Ohtani comes to Atlanta. Let's have some fun and live in that world for a few minutes.

Nov 21, 202342 min

Ep. 96- Roster Insanity

After a quiet start to the offseason, the Braves front office made some major changes this week, clearing 10 spots on their 40 man roster. Among those leaving are long-time Braves and fan favorites Michael Soroka and Kyle Wright. We'll break down the impacts of these moves and how it might mean big things to come as the Braves re-tool their roster in preparation for 2024. We also celebrate Ronald Acuna's MVP award!

Nov 18, 202338 min

Ep. 95- Wash Leaving, Morton Staying, Offseason Starting

The Braves bid a sad but thankful goodbye to Ron Washington as he accepts the Manager's job for the Angels. Meanwhile, the Braves accept Charlie Morton's club option while decline Eddie Rosario's. Now, as the offseason heats up, what will the Braves do at their two biggest areas on need: starting pitcher and left fielder? Is Yamamoto a realistic target? Could Juan Soto really be an option? Are the Brewers having a fire sale that could benefit Atlanta?

Nov 11, 202345 min

Ep. 94- Offseason Strategy

With the offseason in full swing, what will the Braves do to improve the starting rotation? How will they address left field? I'll give you my strategy and which players I would target.

Nov 05, 202334 min

Ep. 93- Starting Pitching Decisions

One of the clearest needs for the Braves entering the offseason is starting pitching. Even if Charlie Morton returns for another season, add another proven starter who can win playoff games is a must. And it's not just about next season. The free agency of Max Fried looms large, and they Braves need to strike soon to bolster their rotation in the long-term.

Nov 01, 202346 min

Ep. 92- Position Player Dynamics

In order to experience future postseason success, the Braves may need to adjust the roster. What position players go and which potential free agents are signed? Who could the Braves trade for? We start the conversation.

Oct 26, 202347 min

Ep. 91- Further Thoughts

Let's take a deeper dive on what elements might help the Braves avoid more postseason heartbreak in 2024 and beyond. Where are the weak points and how can Anthopoulos and Snitker fix them?

Oct 19, 202338 min

Ep. 90- A Far Too Familiar Exit

For a second straight season the Braves lose to the Phillies in the NLDS. Their historic offense was completely silent and questions remain as to why. I attempt to diagnose the long history of dominant regular season success and playoff underperformance.

Oct 14, 202351 min

Ep. 89- Game On

After dropping game one, the Braves bounce back with a huge comeback win capped off by a clutch Austin Riley homer and a historic game-ending double play. Now the series turns to Philadelphia while Snitker still mulls who will pitch game three.

Oct 10, 202332 min

Ep. 88- A Season of Breaking Records

Ronald Acuna has a season for the ages. Matt Olson and Spencer Strider set franchise records. The offense set an all-time home run record and is the first team to ever have a slugging percentage over .500. It has been a remarkable regular season to be celebrate. But the real season is about to begin, and a championship is the ultimate goal.

Oct 04, 202344 min

Ep. 87- Acuna, Olson, and the Best Record in Baseball

Acuna dazzles, becoming the first and only member of the 40/70 club. Olson sets another Braves single season record. And the Braves clinch the best record in baseball. Now, they set their sights on the postseason.

Sep 29, 202342 min

Ep. 86- Ronald Makes History; Pitchers Make Us Nervous

The Braves bounce back with 2 straight wins against the Nationals and Ronald Acuna makes history in the process, standing alone as the sole member of the 40/60 club. However, Max Fried and Charlie Morton go down in consecutive days with finger injuries. Should we be worried?

Sep 23, 202330 min

Ep. 85- A Humbling in Miami

After celebrating clinching the NL East against the Phillies, the Braves experience one of their worst series of the year. Injuries to Acuna and Rosario remind us the importance of staying healthy down the stretch while the bullpen's recent perform may be reason for concern.

Sep 18, 202335 min

Ep. 84- A Seat at the Table

The Braves take 3 of 4 games from the Phillies to secure their 6th straight NL East title. While this is just the the first step towards a championship, it is still a huge accomplishment worth celebrating. So many guys have played a major part in the team's dominance, but especially two guys. Acuna is on the verge of a 40/70 season and with one more homer, Matt Olson will set a Braves record. So as the Braves approach the playoffs how with Snitker manage the team the rest of the way?

Sep 15, 202346 min

Ep. 83- Acuna's Beautiful Game

Even though the series against the Cardinals and Pirates had their bad moments, Ronald Acuna's game remained on point, reminding us once again that he is the most talented player in National League. And just before the Braves travel to Philly to potentially clinch the NL East for a sixth straight year, they took an evening to honor Andruw Jones by retiring his number. A well deserved honor for an awesome Brave and the greatest defensive outfielder of all-time.

Sep 10, 202342 min

Ep. 82- Soroka's Injury Scare

After a great west coast road trip, the Braves have a bad few days at home. Not only do they lose two to the Cardinals, but they lose Michael Soroka for the season and they experience another flat start from Spencer Strider. Thankfully it appears Soroka avoided a major injury, but it still marks the end to a difficult comeback season for him. In some positive news, Matt Olson is hitting bombs again.

Sep 07, 202325 min

Ep. 81- Beating the Dodgers Feels So Good

In a showdown in L.A. against a hot Dodgers team, the Braves win 3 of 4 games, Ronald Acuna Jr. shows why he is the MVP, and Max Fried returns to ace form. The Braves are now in the drivers seat for best record in the N.L. as the stretch run begins.

Sep 04, 202336 min

Ep. 80- Playoff Appetizer

After sweeping the Rockies, the heavyweight clash between the Braves and Dodgers begins. The Dodgers are red hot and Mookie Betts is crushing the ball, but the Braves have the more balanced lineup and a better rotation. Let the battle for best record begin.

Aug 31, 202330 min

Ep. 79- Best Record Fight is On

The Braves pitchers have shoved lately, as Spencer Strider is the latest to throw a gem. Meanwhile, Marcell Ozuna has totally resurrected his Braves' career this season. I'll give you my take on how I feel about it. And even though the Braves still need to clinch the NL East, most of their attention is likely on claiming the NL's best record. What are the benefits to the best record?

Aug 26, 202340 min

Ep. 78- Starters Back on Track

Braves starters have bounced back in a big way, especially in the last four games against the Yankees and Giants. With Fried back and Strider dominating, Morton and Elder's importance can't be overstated enough. Meanwhile, the Braves' offense keeps rolling. It's depth and athleticism is in sharp contrast to the struggling Yankees. Finally, with Ozzie in the shelf for a few days, Vaughn Grissom was called up but isn't playing. What's with that?

Aug 19, 202334 min

Ep. 77- Nicky and Mr. W

The Braves finally get some good pitching as they take on the hapless Mets in New York. Nicky Lopez has quite a Braves debut, while Allan Winans has an awesome 2nd career start. Meanwhile, Matt Olson continues his remarkable season and the Braves big four get national attention for their historic excellence.

Aug 14, 202342 min

Ep. 76- Starting Pitching Woes

After the incredibly impressive return of Max Fried, the other four starters for the Braves have thrown four consecutive bad starts. Was it a mistake not to get a starter at the trade deadline? How does the Braves rotation stack up compared to other playoff contenders? One thing we know for sure, our offense is still crazy good.

Aug 10, 202335 min

Ep. 75- August Heat

Alex Anthopolous didn't make any huge splashes during the trade deadline, but his few minor moves still made the club better. Would the cost for a starter been worth it? As the calendar turns to August the Braves continue to show their power and welcome the return of Max Fried. In the Angels' series Michael Harris II shows why he is still on of the most talented, exciting players to watch. Ronald Acuna continues to make his MVP cast while Matt Olson and Austin Riley continue to hit bombs....

Aug 04, 202325 min

Ep. 74- Braves Sweep and the Deadline Approaches

After dropping two games to the Red Sox, the Braves bounce back against the Brewers by sweeping them with an offensive onslaught. Marcel Ozuna snaps a cold streak in a big way with four homers, Austin Riley continues his torrid late-July resurgence, and Matt Olson just keeps mashing. Despite the offensive production, the Braves approach the trade deadline with clear needs on the pitching staff, especially in the bullpen. We discuss what they might do as we are only two days from the deadline. Oh...

Jul 30, 202329 min

Ep. 73- Bullpen Bingo

While taking 2 of 3 from the Brewers, the Braves also make several changes to their active roster by acquiring three different pitchers and calling up another from the farm. Meanwhile, let's not forget to celebrate the enshrinement of Fred McGriff into Cooperstown and the many contributions he made as a Brave in the mid-90s. Congrats Crime Dog!

Jul 25, 202332 min

Ep. 72- Mr. Riley Goes Nuclear

Recent injuries and struggles to the Braves pitching staff become apparent as the Braves hit a bit of a skid after the all-star break. How is this maybe a good thing? Meanwhile, Austin Riley goes nuclear with 4 homers in 3 games after some called for him to be moved down in the order. Sometimes all it takes is just to relax and have some fun!

Jul 21, 202332 min

Ep. 71- Braves Trade Deadline Preview

The Braves have the best record in baseball at 60-29. They are an incredibly well built team without many obvious holes. What will Alex Anthopolous do at the trade deadline? I breakdown the teams who will be sellers and give you a few players the Braves might target.

Jul 14, 202338 min

Ep. 70- Braves Draft Review

The Braves took mostly college players in this years draft, especially targeting righty pitchers. Hurston Waldrep, a pitcher out of the University of Florida was their first selection, a righty with awesome stuff. Despite 8 of their 10 first selections being pitchers, there are some other exciting position players to watch, as well. Let's break down the Braves draft.

Jul 12, 202336 min
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