Atlanta Braves Fans - A discussion

[NoStateofMind]

I'm pretty impressed so far. We have spurts of inconsistency in throwing strikes (Phillies loss comes to mind). I'm not sure what to think of our bullpen just yet. We seem "decent" in that area but nothing overpowering. Maybe we can row into that during the course of the year. Derek Lowe looks amazing. As soon as we get Tim Hudson back we will be that much stronger.

Defensively, we have had our share of errors but they really haven't hurt us too much. Some good infielding today with a couple double plays. Francoeur is a threat in right to gun down suspect runners from advancing and his reputation has grown enough that I notice a lot of balls that are hit to right field, the third base coach holds the runners. Schafers defense is decent, he's got good speed.

Offensively we are booming. Putting runs up on the board will conceal the pitching problems. Shafer has done well early but three strike outs today may bring him back to reality. Chipper is a producer as he always has been, McCann is also and seems to get better with each game.

I like the direction of the team this year as they have rededicated the offseason acquisitions to suring up pitching and defense.

Looking like we have the "magic" back but I know its early in the season.


EDIT: Some complain about Schafers position in the batting order. Personally I think he is in the right spot. He's young and needs to have the least amount of pressure on him, he's already got enough.

 

[NeoV]

Francouer still can't hit....

 

[Perknose]

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon
I like the direction of the team this year as they have rededicated the offseason acquisitions to suring up pitching and defense.

I think you have a good "young" team that will be fun to watch.

Looking like we have the "magic" back but I know its early in the season.

It's a long season. As a team or a player, if you have a weakness, the 162 game baseball season will find it.

I've long been impressed with your organization.

Some complain about Schafers position in the batting order. Personally I think he is in the right spot. He's young and needs to have the least amount of pressure on him, he's already got enough.

Totally agreed.

Originally posted by: NeoV
Francouer still can't hit....

Francouer has all the damn tools in the world, but he may turn out to be something of a meathead. And, in baseball, if you're a meathead and can't or won't adapt, you'll end up getting beaten over the head with your own thick skull. 😉

True baseball fans know that baseball has as many layers of strategy as any sport going, and treasure the game for it.

It may look like a bunch of overgrown boys playing stickball, but baseball's mental component is huge, varied and incredibly nuanced.

Nothing beats comng off the concourse into the stadium proper and seeing that lush green field in all it's intense geometric perfection lying before you on a blue-skied summer day.

Let's play two! :laugh:

 

[Lounatik]

Originally posted by: Perknose

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon
I like the direction of the team this year as they have rededicated the offseason acquisitions to suring up pitching and defense.

I think you have a good "young" team that will be fun to watch.

Looking like we have the "magic" back but I know its early in the season.

It's a long season. As a team or a player, if you have a weakness, the 162 game baseball season will find it.

I've long been impressed with your organization.

Some complain about Schafers position in the batting order. Personally I think he is in the right spot. He's young and needs to have the least amount of pressure on him, he's already got enough.

Totally agreed.

Originally posted by: NeoV
Francouer still can't hit....

Francouer has all the damn tools in the world, but he may turn out to be something of a meathead. And, in baseball, if you're a meathead and can't or won't adapt, you'll end up getting beaten over the head with your own thick skull. 😉

True baseball fans know that baseball has as many layers of strategy as any sport going, and treasure the game for it.

It may look like a bunch of overgrown boys playing stickball, but baseball's mental component is huge, varied and incredibly nuanced.

Nothing beats comng off the concourse into the stadium proper and seeing that lush green field in all it's intense geometric perfection lying before you on a blue-skied summer day.
Let's play two! :laugh:

Yessiree, I love that feeling too. I remember coming into Shea Stadium when I was 10 or so,way up high and gazing down onto the field in wonder. I still get goosebumps whenever I walk into Turner Field and I'm 44.

As for the Braves. Damn them to hell. I've tried to distance myself from them for the last three years, hoping they would suck hard enough to require 10 years of rebuilding. But no, they are going to suck me right back in and keep me up at night wondering how they could blow a 7 run lead in the 7th inning. I have been consumed by the Braves since living here in Atlanta in 1992. Since having children, I've tried to limit my obsession, since the kids now take up most of my free time, but it seems that they are going to be pretty good this year.

Derek Lowe, Javier Vasquez and Jair Jurrjens are inning eaters and are physically able to withstand a long season while pitching into the 7th or 8th,which should help with the bullpen. There was a stat shown during a game this week showing Javy and Lowe #2 and 3 in the majors in fewest missed starts over the last 10 seasons.

As for hitting, Chipper and McCann are possibly the best 3-4 hitters in baseball. Chipper won the batting title last year and McCann won the Silver Slugger award for best hitting catcher. Kelly Johnson and Yunel are very good situational hitters and their fielding is very good too. Outfield is mediocre at best. I really like the Schaeffer kid, but Francoeur is staarting to worry me. Maybe we will see Garrett Anderson play this season, who knows. I have no problem with Matt Diaz in left.

Once again, the one thing that may hold the Braves back is the one who is sitting on the bench.Bobby Cox can be the best and worst of managers all in one inning. Drives me mad


Peace

Lounatik