Episodes
Marcell Ozuna's career resurgence should be appreciated. It's rare and remarkable. And impactful on the field! Even though the Braves have had to deal with their share of injuries in the early going of the 2024 season (including Ozzie Albies most recently), Ozuna's performance has a been a key to keeping the Braves on top of the NL East.
Published 04/19/24
While the Braves are 7-4 and sitting atop the NL East, it feels as if they haven't come close to finding their groove yet. Ronald Acuna hasn't found his MVP form yet, Spencer Strider's injury has created a question at the fifth starter spot, and the bullpen has waivered in the last few games. Weather and the schedule haven't helped, but soon I expect this team to start rolling.
Published 04/12/24
Spencer Strider's arm injury is a major blow to the Braves, but to what level? What are the short-term and long-term implications of the injury, and how do they ensure that Strider's injury does not derail their promising season?
Published 04/08/24
The Braves start the 2024 regular season with a 2-1 series win against the Phillies in Philadelphia. The offense and the bullpen were particularly impressive. As early as it is, this series may provide a few clues to the strength of the Braves team. Even when stars like Max Fried falter, the Braves are more than capable of picking each other up and dominating the opponent.
Published 04/01/24
Can the Braves repeat their 2023 win total? How will they perform in the playoffs? Which players are the most important for their regular season and playoff success? Tune in for a full season preview with complete playoff predictions for every MLB division along with my World Series matchup.
Published 03/24/24
Join me as I give my 6 boldest Braves player predictions for the 2024 season. How good can Ronald Acuna be this year? Will Austin Riley take another step towards super-stardom? Can Spencer Strider win a Cy Young? All that and more in this fun episode.
Published 03/16/24
With the additions of Chris Sale and Reynaldo Lopez, the Braves boast one of the top starting rotations in baseball. How good is it? Like all rotations, it will depend on health. But a full season of Strider, Fried, Sale, and Morton paired with the best offense in baseball would make the Braves a force to be reckoned with this season.
Published 03/11/24
How good can the Braves outfield actually be? The sky is the limit for this talented young group anchored by the reigning MVP. Ronald Acuna, Michael Harris, and Jarred Kelenic could make up one of the best outfields in Braves history.
Published 03/05/24
As the Braves begin spring training, we preview their vaunted infield. Last year the entire infield was named to the all-star team. Can it happen again? Who is likely to improve in 2024? Who might experience regression? Join me as we fully break down the Braves infield.
Published 03/01/24
Ronald Acuna showed up to spring training and quickly announced he wants to be a Brave for life. In this episode, I analyze what a Ronald Acuna extension would look like, when it might happen, and how it might affect players like Max Fried and Ozzie Albies.
Published 02/19/24
Everyone has been talking about how the Braves need to bring an edge to how they play this season. While that is certainly true, the maturation of Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuna, Jr. may be one of the most underrated parts of the Braves 2024 success and beyond. Evidence of this maturity and leadership is showing itself early in spring camp. Oh, and Ronald wants to be a Brave for life. So, that's good too.
Published 02/17/24
Even though many publications have the Braves farm system ranked in the bottom five, there are exciting players at the top. Pitching is the most vital need for the Braves, but some lesser-known position players may provide some surprises for the Braves in the next few years, as well.
Published 02/12/24
How is it possible that Andruw Jones still isn't in the Hall of Fame? The writers prove themselves as a poor judge of greatness. While Andruw had his offensive issues, he stands as the greatest defensive centerfielder of all-time. Tune in for my full argument for Andruw's induction. I don't think you wil find a more thoughtful analysis. He deserves to be in.
Published 01/27/24
In this special episode, we look back at some of my favorite "non-star" Braves since I became a fan (1991). As you look back with me, consider who your favorite Braves have been over the years.
Published 01/17/24
Soon after the Braves sign Chris Sale to a new contract that could take him through 2026, they lock up GM Alex Anthopoulos to a seven-year extension that will take him through 2031. Sale comes with some risk, but also potentially big rewards. Anthopoulos is a no-brainer. His long-term future with the Braves brings greater certainty to the Braves' bright future.
Published 01/13/24
It's not surprising that the Braves acquired a starting pitcher this offseason, but no one was predicting that they would trade for 7-time all-star Chris Sale. Sending the talented, popular Vaughn Grissom to Boston, the Braves take on the often injured, but gifted Sale. Time will tell who wins this trade.
Published 01/04/24
After an insane few weeks, the Dodgers have added Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Glasnow. The media narrative is they are a super team and by far the best team in baseball. But is that the reality? Let's take a deeper dive into 2024 and beyond for the Braves and Dodgers.
Published 12/28/23
Though the Braves haven't made a big offseason splash, they are getting better with some high upside moves or controllable players. Time will tell if these moves pay off, but left field and the bullpen have a chance to be a bigger impact on the team in 2024. Meanwhile, we also identify a few more names the Braves could explore to fill out their pitching staff.
Published 12/21/23
The Braves were the most active team at the winter meetings this season, adding high-upside LF Jarred Kelenic and making some other smaller moves in connection. While they had to take on some extra money to get him, Kelenic could be a shrewd addition. Meanwhile Ohtani goes to the Dodgers on an insane $700 million contract, which should release the floodgates for other moves to be made for the rest of the league.
Published 12/11/23
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.
Published 12/04/23
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.
Published 11/26/23
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.
Published 11/21/23
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!
Published 11/18/23
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?
Published 11/11/23
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.
Published 11/05/23