Albies with 3 more hits. Phillips has lost over 20pts on his BA and over 60 on his OPS in just the last two weeks. Have to wonder how much thought the front office is giving to making the call for Albies.
Braves listening on Julio. The starting pitching market could soon have a new big name to shake things up a bit. Many names have been speculated as possibilities to join top starters Jose Quintana and Sonny Gray as available upper echelon starters, but one that hasn’t been heard to this point could possibly join the fray – and that is, Julio Teheran. Teams in need of starting pitchers, including the Astros, have been calling the Atlanta Braves about Teheran, as they search for alternatives to the obvious top available duo of Quintana and Gray. The Braves seem to be willing to consider anything, and while last year they eventually told teams that Teheran would be staying put (and he did), they haven’t absolutely ruled out a trade for Teheran to this point. Last year the Braves wanted Teheran to be the pitcher that opened their beautiful new park, SunTrust Field, but as it turns out that field hasn’t necessarily agreed with Teheran (or many other pitchers, for that matter; he’s 6-6 with a 5.14 ERA but 5-0 with a 2.88 ERA on the road and 1-5 with a 7.58 ERA at SunTrust). Teheran hasn’t been mentioned as a trade possibility this go-around, but with Quintana and Gray heading a limited market (it appears Gerrit Cole, Jason Vargas, Ervin Santana and others have a very good chance to stay where they are at present), Teheran’s value may exceed his current stats. He has an excellent rep as a person and teammate, and a reasonable contract, which could enhance his value further. A change of scenery may be just what he needs, too. In addition to the Astros, the Cubs, Yankees and several others are expected to look to trade for a starter during this trading season.
BP Top-50 prospect list: 11. Ronald Acuna, OF, Atlanta Braves Why He’ll Succeed: He’s 19 and mashing in Double-A, after mashing in Advanced-A, after mashing in A. The tools back up the performance and he’s closer to the majors than you think. He might end up sacrificing some hit for pop, but he potentially pairs that with a centerfield profile. And it’s significant pop. Why He Might Fail: In five years he'll be 24, and the swing-and-miss might eat up his offensive value while the body forces him to right field. 24. Kolby Allard, LHP, Atlanta Braves Why He’ll Succeed: If there is a recurring theme to the list, it would be “19-year-old Braves dudes killing the Southern League.” Allard came back from a 2016 back issue, skipped Advanced-A and hasn’t missed a beat. He features a low-90s fastball, paired with a potential plus hook, and enough control and command to slot into a mid-rotation spot before he can legally drink. Why He Might Fail: The fastball is merely above-average. There’s a history of back issues. Also, he’s a pitcher (who might end up profiling as a command and control no. 4 lefty type) (okay this may show up a couple more times). 32. Mike Soroka, RHP, Atlanta Braves Why He’ll Succeed: Soroka is a precocious arm, already carving up Double-A hitters at 19 by hitting is spots with a plethora of average or better offerings. He has the frame to start and the stuff to sit in the middle of a big league rotation. Why He Might Fail: While his success at Double-A gives us more hope for the profile (and gave him a big bump from his preseason ranking), it’s still not clear that there’s an out pitch here, and all his polish and pitchability may not miss enough major league bats to be more than a backend starter. 40. Ozzie Albies, IF, Atlanta Braves Why He’ll Succeed: He hits (a bunch) and runs (very quickly) until they tag him out while manning an up-the-middle position. Why He Might Fail: The hardest thing to be sure of is how a hit tool like this will play against major league arms, and well, if he doesn’t hit there isn’t a ton more to the profile. 48. Ian Anderson, RHP, Atlanta Braves Why He’ll Succeed: He’s an cold-weather arm, so there’s possibly more projection here than your standard issue athletic prep righty. The stuff is already pretty good with a fastball that can bump the mid-nineties and a curve that flashes plus. Why He Might Fail: Command, change-up, relief. Darmok and Jalad with the third starter projection.
Freddie Freeman’s Strange BP Technique http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/freddie-freemans-strange-bp-technique/
peoples, i am coming to a game in a few weeks there are like 7 lots and shit all around. what are the best 2-3 lots for easy in, easy out, without a huge fucking walk?
Pretty sure Dickey's upswing in performance and drop in walk rate corresponds to when Flowers started catching him. Suzuki is a liability.
He's been a really good backup catcher. For a #2 option, he's been producing well above average at the plate and slightly below behind it.
Already getting completely unrealistic expectations for Maitan. 2019 (20?) lineup: 1. Ender 2. Dansbae 3. Maitan 4. Freddie 5. Acuna [LF/RF?] 6. [catcher--Jackson??] 7. [LF/RF?] 8. Albies 9. P Rotation: 1. Allard 2. Folty 3. Newcomb 4. Wright 5. Soroka
Yeah this is unrealistic. 19 year old Maitan will not be a 3-hole guy for the Braves with Freddie playing
That BA write up was kind of silly. "Acuna downside: In five years the 19 year old will turn 24." It also acted like there's not a 100% chance Allard is an ace which is crazy.
No doubt. They 'scared' of using gio only for a few innings and then 'going to the worst bullpen in the mlb' Fucking expos