I know it is a stretch to say this is the most excited I
have been for the start of an Atlanta Braves season since 1974, but I feel that
way.
As a boy back then, Hank Aaron was on the verge of passing
Babe Ruth to become the home run king. I remember the disappointment I felt
when the 1973 season ended and 'The Hammer' was stuck at 713. It was a long
winter indeed, but fortunately, we did not have to wait long for Aaron to get
the deed done when the 1974 season started.
He pasted a homer off Cincinnati' s
Jack Billingham on April 4 to tie the Babe at 714, and then, of course, he took
the Dodgers' Al Downing deep on April 8 to break the record. It was a
remarkable accomplishment, but unfortunately for fans, it was only a brief
oasis as the Braves struggled mightily from then until the ‘90s. Only the
Western Division title in 1982 brought relief.
The Braves have had tons of success in the last twenty years
or so, but I cannot recall the sense of anticipation I am feeling since back in
1974. Maybe I should plead guilty to
being a fan who caught a bad case of complacency as the team won 14 consecutive
divisional titles. Sustained excellence can take the edge off even the most
devoted fans.
The Braves won 94 games last year and look locked to produce
a strong season. Seriously, what is not to like?
The outfield has the potential to be the best defensive
outfield in the National League. Jason Heyward won his first Gold Glove award
last year, and Justin and B.J. Upton both have range (along with Heyward) that
will make it difficult for batters to find the outfield gaps.
First baseman Freddie Freeman is emerging as one of the
better players at his position. Despite seeing his batting average drop to .259
last year, his swing is too sweet to remain that low. A batting line-up
including Freeman, Heyward, and the Upton brothers is formidable, and if this
group does not deliver a combined 100 home runs, it will have to be considered
a major disappointment.
At third base, the retirement of Chipper Jones leaves a void
so it only seems logical that a platoon would be needed to plug it. Both Juan
Francisco and Chris Johnson have power and should bring stability with Johnson
chipping in at first base on occasion as needed. A combined 20 home runs is not
out of the question for this platoon and their free-swinging ways should
produce a nice breeze on sultry nights at Turner Field.
Of course, there are concerns. As much upside as shortstop
Andrelton Simmons has, it remains to be seen what he can do during a 162-game
stretch especially if he hits lead-off.
Also, second baseman Dan Uggla’s power followed his batting average
south last year as he struggled with 19 home runs. At this point, anything
gotten from Uggla will have to be considered a bonus and expectations for him should
be cautious.
As for the pitching, the Braves have arguably the best
bullpen in baseball, and if the offense can just get them the lead by the sixth
inning, they will win a lot more than they lose. Craig Kimbrel had 88 saves in
the last two seasons, and he will be set up by stalwarts Eric O’Flaherty, Jonny
Venters (who is currently experiencing elbow problems), and Jordan Walden.
As for the starters, can Kris Medlen continue his hot streak
(10-1, 1.57 ERA last year)? Probably not to the degree from last year, but he
appears capable of big things. Though aging, Tim Hudson still looks dependable
and capable of delivering 15 wins.
Underrated Paul Maholm is dependable, and if Mike Minor can pitch for
the entire season like he did in last year’s second half, he should be on
everybody’s fantasy team.
So, the excitement is there. Can the Braves deliver on such
promise? Time will tell.
No comments:
Post a Comment