Episodes
It's without debate that the Braves would not have sniffed the playoffs without the heroics of their starting rotation. Even with Spencer Strider going down with injury, Chris Sale, Max Fried, Reynaldo Lopez, and rookie Spencer Schwellenbach were terrific. Can they run it back in 2025 as Strider returns? The biggest question is, will Max Fried exit via free agency?
We also discuss:
Jorge Soler traded to the Angels for Griffin Canning
Hitting Coach Tim Hyers' hitting philosophy
Reynaldo...
Published 11/02/24
The Braves hire their new hitting coach Tim Hyers from the Texas Rangers. Will he bring a new hitting approach to the Braves?
Freddie Freeman is about to win the World Series MVP. How should Braves fans feel about that as the Braves sit at home?
The Braves' outfield was a disappointing combination of injury an underperformance. Other than health, what needs to happen for them to bounce back and become one of the best outfields in baseball?
Published 10/29/24
After Brian Snitker made comments that the entire Braves' coach staff would return for 2025, Kevin Seitzer and two other coaches were fired by the Braves' front office. How much was Seitzer to blame for the Braves 2024 offensive failures? We'll discuss his comments after being fired and analyze what the Braves can do to improve moving forward. We also discuss Jeff Francoeur's recent comments on the Braves needing to address the shortstop position.
Published 10/18/24
Despite all five Braves infielders being all-stars in 2023, the 2024 version of the Braves infield was a mixture of disappointing regression and injuries. How the the Braves' infield rebound to help the Braves reclaim the NL East and become World Series favorites in 2025?
Published 10/10/24
The trying 2024 season ends abruptly for the Braves as the Padres sweep them 2-0 in the wild card round of the MLB playoffs. The Chris Sale injury and a lack of offense sunk the team. How much of the season can be blamed on injuries, and what do the Braves need to do in the offseason to strengthen their roster moving forward?
Published 10/04/24
Last week it looked unlikely that the Braves would make the playoffs. Then briefly it looked like a lock. Then it required the Braves to beat the Mets in the final game of the year. Thankfully, the Braves got it done, but they had to do it without their ace, Chris Sale. Now, without an off day and without Sale, the Braves will have to figure out who is pitching in game 1 of their series against the Padres. It's been a season of constant injuries and challenges. We'll see if the Braves have a...
Published 10/01/24
With Ozzie Albies' return, the Braves hope to earn the last wild card spot against the Mets with the upcoming series in Atlanta. Do they have what it takes? Will their style of power and pitching be enough, while overcoming all of the many obstacles the 2024 season has brought? We also discuss Chipper Jones' recent comments on the Braves' offensive philosophy from the top down, and the weaknesses of it that have been exposed this season.
Published 09/22/24
As bad as the Braves' offense has been thanks to a combination of injuries and underperformance, the starting rotation and closer Raisel Iglesias have been spectacular this season. Can the pitching staff really drag this team into October? Or perhaps the offense can find new life in the last few weeks of the season. In a season filled with bad breaks and little magic, it may just take good ol' fashion grinding to get the job done. But the Mets aren't going to make it easy.
Published 09/08/24
The Braves had a chance to win every game in the four-game set in Philly, but poor execution and questionable coaching decisions were all the Phillies needed to take 3 of 4 from the Braves and likely seal up the division. The Braves will have to bounce back in a big way after the disappointing result, as the Mets are only 1 game out of the final wild card spot held by the Braves.
Published 09/02/24
With yet another staple of their lineup out in Austin Riley, can the Braves pivot to a different way of winning games and actually make the playoffs? Can Riley come back for the playoffs if they do make it? What can Gio Urshela provide and how much can we expect from this rag-tag group? A lot will depend on the strength of the starting staff, anchored by Chris Sale.
Published 08/24/24
After the Braves take two consecutive extra-inning games from the Giants, Michael Harris returns and hits a grand slam in his first at-bat in two months. Though the offense is still inconsistent, the Braves are showing signs of life after a devastating loss in Colorado. With Chris Sale pitching his way towards a Cy Young, health is the name of the game for the Braves the rest of the way. We also discuss the unique catching decisions the Braves have to make this season and beyond.
Published 08/18/24
After pulling within 5 games of the Phillies, the Braves have gone on a 6 game losing streak and looked really bad doing it. Is this team even capable of making the playoffs? What's gone so wrong this year after such a dominant 2023 regular season? And why have they responded so poorly to adversity compared to the 2021 World Series team?
Published 08/10/24
The Braves only make one move at the trade deadline, bring back familiar faces Jorge Soler and Luke Jackson. Will getting the band back together work? Perhaps more importantly, Matt Olson seems to have found his stroke. And even Orlando Arcia has come to life. The Braves have gained some ground in the division and things are finally looking up.
Published 08/02/24
On the heels of a crushing loss to the Mets, it's more obvious than ever how much the Braves need a boost at the trade deadline, especially in the outfield. Join me as I dive into some of the best options on the trade market! Hopefully whoever they add can bring some new life and some offensive production.
Published 07/26/24
It's been a struggle of a first half for the Braves. A combination of injury and underperformance have both been too common. Of course, there have been some great performers too. There are two big things the Braves can do to rebound and build a contender to get the Braves back to the postseason and perhaps even the World Series.
We also analyze the Braves draft, highlighted by their selection of Cam Caminiti.
Published 07/22/24
What will the Braves do in the first few rounds of the 2024 MLB draft? It's hard to predict, but let's look back at the last few years to find trends. We'll also take a look at a few of the players that have been mocked to the Braves and try to find the best fits for the Braves' system.
Published 07/11/24
After dropping the first game of their series against the Phillies and falling to 10 games back, the Braves bounce back in a big way to win the last two games of the series. Sure, they beat the Phillies without Harper or Schwarber, but it is still a move in the right direction. Meanwhile, the Braves add Eddie Rosario on a minor league deal and All-Star reserves are announced.
Published 07/07/24
Can the Braves be more consistent? It will start with improving their play on the road and hitting righties better. Improving in these areas of weakness will likely bring a lot more wins. On the positive side, Austin Riley is officially out of his early season funk, and Jarred Kelenic is providing reasons to believe in him long-term.
Published 06/30/24
Though it is only two games, the Braves' offense seems to be coming around. Most notably, Austin Riley appears to have solved some of his swing issues and is starting to hit the fastball again. With him, Olson, and Ozuna going well together, it is a reminder of how formidable this offense can be.
Published 06/16/24
The offense for the Braves continues to underperform, which has meant less fun and excitement on the field. Even with Acuna down, the Braves have plenty of talent to get things back on track, but will they? And can they fix what has suddenly been a major flaw this season?
Published 06/10/24
Ronald heartbreakingly goes down with his 2nd torn ACL, an injury fairly rare for baseball players. What is the impact for him and for the team? The team is in 2nd place behind the Phillies. This will be a major test to see how they respond. But they have done it before. Can they turn 2024 into another 2021? Time will tell.
Published 05/31/24
Just how much of an impact does Chipper Jones have on the Braves' offensive success? I would argue a lot. His voice is an important one, and the Braves hitters would be smart to listen to any insight that Chipper has to turn around their offensive struggles this season.
Published 05/18/24
The Braves go 1-5 in their west coast road trip against the Mariners and Dodgers. It's easy to feel a bit down as a Braves fan right now. Their vaunted offense is underperforming and the Phillies have taken the top spot in the NL East. So, what is to blame for the offensive struggles? And how can the Braves bounce back quickly?
Published 05/06/24
The Braves' starters have been on quite a tear lately. Led by Max Fried's awesome "Maddux" shutout, the entire five-man staff has been lights out. Travis d'Arnaud has been the star of the offense. His three-homer game provided a memorable moment and a reminder of how good an offfensive performer he can be. And we are all happy to welcome back Ozzie Albies, as he came off the IL from his toe fracture.
Published 04/28/24