ChopHouse Chronicles : An Atlanta Braves Dynasty

[JWDixon120]

Braves Chasing a Dynasty: 2024 Season Preview

March 20, 2024

ATLANTA, GA - Securing a seventh consecutive National League East title would be an accomplishment, but the Braves entered Spring Training with their sights set much higher: a World Series championship.

“There’s no reason to accept anything less than winning a World Series,” said Spencer Strider, the Braves’ Opening Day starter. “I believe this is the most talented team in baseball. Our expectations should be as high as possible. Anything short of that would feel like underachieving.”

Despite winning 100 games in each of the past two seasons, the Braves have been unable to advance past the NL Division Series, both times falling to the rival Phillies. This year, they aim to rewrite the narrative.

The Braves bring back nearly their entire lineup, which set an AL/NL-record .501 slugging percentage and tied the 2019 Twins’ MLB record of 307 home runs. The only new face in the lineup is outfielder Jarred Kelenic, who could offer more than what Eddie Rosario provided last season.

Meanwhile, the bullpen has been bolstered, and the rotation features two legitimate Cy Young contenders. A third straight 100-win season is within reach, but success hinges on key factors coming together. Here’s a breakdown of what needs to happen and some predictions for the season.

What Needs to Go Right?

Health will be critical. The Braves managed 104 wins last year despite missing key starters Max Fried and Kyle Wright for much of the season. With Fried and Strider leading the rotation and Ronald Acuña Jr. aiming for another MVP-caliber campaign, Atlanta’s offense and pitching could both rank among the league’s best. Additionally, the team’s upgraded bullpen could become a significant asset as they pursue a division title and beyond.

Kelenic doesn’t need to become an All-Star immediately, but he must show flashes of his potential. The 24-year-old outfielder impressed late in Spring Training with results from his revamped swing. Known for his defense, Kelenic could easily surpass Rosario’s production in left field if he finds consistency at the plate.

Team MVP Prediction

As long as he stays healthy, Acuña remains the clear favorite. With his contract running through at least 2028, he’s the centerpiece of the Braves’ roster. While teammates Austin Riley and Matt Olson are also MVP candidates, Acuña’s potential to achieve another 40-40 season—or something close to it—keeps him as the standout choice.

Team Cy Young Prediction

Fried might be the safe bet entering the season, but Strider’s development makes him the more intriguing pick. Known as the league’s premier strikeout pitcher, Strider added a curveball to his arsenal during the offseason. This could elevate his already elite fastball-slider combination, putting him in contention for a 300-strikeout season and perhaps the title of MLB’s best pitcher.

Opening Day Roster

Rotation:

• 1. Spencer Strider


• 2. Max Fried


• 3. Spencer Schwellenbach (Rookie)


• 4. Chris Sale


• 5. Reynaldo Lopez

Bullpen:

• LRP: Charlie Morton


• MRP: Dylan Lee


• MRP: Jesse Chavez


• MRP: Aaron Bummer


• MRP: Pierce Johnson


• SU: A.J. Minter


• SU: Joe Jimenez


• CL: Raisel Iglesias

Position Players:

• C: Sean Murphy


• C: Travis d'Arnaud


• IF: Matt Olson


• IF: Ozzie Albies


• IF: Luis Guillorme


• IF: Austin Riley


• IF: Luke Williams


• IF: Orlando Arcia


• OF: Marcell Ozuna


• OF: Jarred Kelenic


• OF: Michael Harris II


• OF: Adam Duvall


• OF: Ronald Acuña Jr.

Dynasty Details

This dynasty will be played using custom sliders and Classic/Timing pitching and hitting controls to ensure player ratings take precedence. The goal is to maintain the highest level of realism and immersion.

Additionally, I will be tracking all significant developments in a dedicated spreadsheet, which can be accessed here: Dynasty Tracker.

All 162 regular-season games will be played, with detailed recaps following each game. A weekly recap summarizing team performance, league updates, and key storylines will be posted after every in-game Thursday.

[JWDixon120]

Re: ChopHouse Chronicles : An Atlanta Braves Dynasty

Braves Open Season with 7-5 Victory Over Phillies

March 28, 2024

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. wasted no time reminding everyone why he’s one of baseball’s most dynamic players. Acuña reached base three times, stole two bases, and scored twice as the Atlanta Braves opened their season with a 7-5 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday at Citizens Bank Park.

Ozzie Albies powered the Braves’ offense with a pair of home runs, marking the 10th multiple-homer game of his career. His second blast, a towering two-run shot in the ninth inning with Atlanta down to their last out, provided critical insurance runs for Atlanta.

“When Ozzie’s swinging the bat like that, we’re a tough team to beat,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker. “He gives us energy, and he came through in the big moments tonight.”

Spencer Strider earned the win, striking out eight over 5 2/3 innings while allowing two earned runs. Despite battling through some early trouble, Strider showcased the elite stuff that has made him one of the league’s top strikeout artists.

“I felt good out there,” Strider said. “It’s always nice to start the season with a win, but I know I’ve got to keep building from here.”

Key Moments

The Braves jumped on Phillies starter Zack Wheeler early, with Acuña reaching base on a throwing error in the first inning. He promptly stole second, advanced to third on a flyout, and scored on Matt Olson’s sacrifice fly.

In the fifth inning, Orlando Arcia and Albies homered to extend Atlanta’s lead to 4-1. Albies’ second homer of the night, a 446-foot shot in the ninth, sealed the victory. Raisel Iglesias shut the door in the ninth to earn his first save of the season.

Quote of the Night

“Ronald sets the tone for us at the top,” said Albies. “When he’s aggressive on the basepaths, it opens up everything for the rest of us.”

Game Notes

• Attendance: 42,792 (100% capacity)


• Weather: 44 degrees, clear


• Wind: 5.9 mph, blowing out to right field


• Game Time: 3:05 PM

The Braves return to action on Saturday for the second game of the series, with Max Fried taking the mound against the Phillies' Aaron Nola.

[JWDixon120]

Re: ChopHouse Chronicles : An Atlanta Braves Dynasty

Weekly Recap: Opening Day and Week 1 Preview

March 30, 2024

Opening Day is officially in the books, and the 2024 MLB season is underway. This year’s debut featured a special international series in South Korea, where the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off the season in thrilling fashion.

International Series Highlights

The Padres handled business overseas, sweeping the two-game set against the Dodgers. Dylan Cease stole the show in the opener, striking out 12 batters en route to a commanding victory for San Diego.

Opening Day Across the League

MLB’s traditional Opening Day followed on Thursday, March 28, with all 30 teams taking the field. Among the standout performances was rookie sensation Jackson Chourio of the Milwaukee Brewers. The 19-year-old phenom went 3-for-4 with two home runs in his MLB debut, joining elite company as just the sixth player in league history to homer twice in his MLB debut. The last to accomplish the feat was Trevor Story in 2016 with the Colorado Rockies.

Another dominant showing on opening day came from Detroit’s Tarik Skubal, who delivered a gem in the Tigers’ 7-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Skubal pitched 7 1/3 innings, striking out 13 while allowing no runs in his season debut.

Looking Ahead: Week 1 Matchups

As baseball returns in full swing, Week 1 of the MLB season features several exciting series to watch:

• Braves at Phillies: Atlanta looks to continue their strong start after a thrilling Opening Day victory.


• Dodgers vs Cardinals: Two perennial powerhouses clash in a battle of NL contenders.


• Padres vs Giants: San Diego returns from South Korea to face their division rival.


• Yankees at Astros: Two AL postseason favorites face off on opening weekend.

Baseball is back, and the road to October begins now. Stay tuned for updates as the season progresses!

[JWDixon120]

Re: ChopHouse Chronicles : An Atlanta Braves Dynasty

Braves Edge Phillies 10-7 to win Opening Series

March 30, 2024

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves continued their hot start to the 2024 season, outlasting the Philadelphia Phillies in a 10-7 contest on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park. The Braves improved to 2-0 while dropping the Phillies to 0-2 on the season.

Ronald Acuña Jr. once again showcased his dynamic skillset, going 2-for-4 with a double, two runs scored, and 2 more stolen bases as the Braves jumped all over Aaron Nola early. Michael Harris II provided the early fireworks with a three-run homer in the first inning, while Matt Olson added a three-run blast in the second to help the Braves jump out to a commanding 7-2 lead.

“We’re just taking quality at-bats and putting pressure on the defense,” Harris said. “When we’re clicking like this, we’re tough to stop. Ronnie's speed has already forced 2 errors on defenses.”

Key Performances

Starter Max Fried earned the win despite a rocky outing, allowing four earned runs over six innings while striking out four. Jarred Kelenic added a late insurance run with a solo shot in the ninth, his first homer as a Brave.

For the Phillies, Kyle Schwarber and Bryson Stott each homered to keep the game within reach, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Braves’ relentless offense. Aaron Nola took the loss after surrendering seven runs (six earned) in just 1 1/3 innings.

Turning Point

The game appeared all but over after Olson’s three-run homer in the second inning gave the Braves a five-run cushion, but the Phillies rallied in the seventh. A two-run homer from Johan Rojas brought the Phillies within one run, but Braves reliever Aaron Bummer worked out of a jam to preserve the lead.

“That was a big moment for us,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker. “Aaron coming in and getting those outs kept the momentum on our side.”

Quote of the Night

“It’s always nice to start the season with two wins on the road,” Olson said. “We’re building some great momentum early.”

Game Notes

• Attendance: 37,086 (87% capacity)


• Weather: 58 degrees, overcast


• Wind: 10.3 mph, blowing out to left field


• Game Time: 4:05 PM

The Braves will look to complete the sweep on Sunday with rookie Spencer Schwellenbach set to make his MLB debut against Philadelphia’s Ranger Suarez.

[JWDixon120]

Re: ChopHouse Chronicles : An Atlanta Braves Dynasty

Braves Complete Sweep of Phillies with 2-1 Victory

March 31, 2024

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Rookie Spencer Schwellenbach dazzled in his MLB debut, pitching the Braves to a 2-1 victory over the Phillies on Sunday at Citizens Bank Park. The win completed a three-game sweep of the Phillies, improving Atlanta to 3-0 on the season.

Schwellenbach delivered a masterful performance, allowing just one run over six innings while striking out nine and walking two. His final game score of 69 ranks as the fifth-best in Atlanta Braves history for a debuting pitcher.

“I was just trying to stay within myself and attack the zone,” said Schwellenbach. “It’s a dream come true to help the team get a win in my debut.”

Key Performances

Raisel Iglesias continued his dominance out of the bullpen, securing his third save in as many games to start the season. Iglesias becomes the 160th pitcher in MLB history to achieve this feat.

Offensively, Michael Harris II provided run support for the Braves with an RBI single in the sixth inning, plating Austin Riley. It was a quiet day for the Braves' bats as the top 3 in the order, Acuna, Albies, and Olson combined for an 0-14 mark.

For the Phillies, Ranger Suárez pitched well in the loss, allowing two runs over 5 and 2/3 innings while striking out five.

The Braves took the lead in the sixth inning on back-to-back hits by Riley and Harris. Schwellenbach held the Phillies in check through the middle innings, and the bullpen locked down the win with Iglesias closing it out in the ninth.

Quote of the Night

“It’s always special to see a rookie shine in their debut,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “Spencer gave us everything we needed today.”

Game Notes

• Attendance: 33,437 (78% capacity)


• Weather: 45 degrees, clear


• Wind: 4.3 mph, blowing out to center field


• Game Time: 1:35 PM

Next up, the Braves travel to Chicago to face the White Sox in a three-game series starting Monday at 12:00 PM EST. Veteran offseason trade acquisition Chris Sale is expected to take the mound for Atlanta against Chicago's #3 overall prospect Drew Thorpe.

[JWDixon120]

Re: ChopHouse Chronicles : An Atlanta Braves Dynasty

Braves Outlast White Sox 8-5 to Remain Unbeaten

April 1, 2024

CHICAGO (AP) – On a rainy afternoon at Guaranteed Rate Field, the Atlanta Braves continued their unbeaten start to the 2024 season, knocking off the Chicago White Sox 8-5 in a gritty battle. The game, which featured rainy weather, timely hitting, and a historic save, showcased the Braves' depth and resilience as they improved to 4-0 and the MLB's last remaining undefeated club.

The Braves encountered adversity even before the first pitch. Starting pitcher Chris Sale, slated to take the mound against the team who drafted him, was scratched due to a mild pectoral strain that has now landed him on the 15-day injured list. With Sale sidelined, the Braves turned to Reynaldo Lopez for the emergency start. Meanwhile, shortstop Orlando Arcia also suffered a lat strain during warm-ups in the rainy Chicago weather, prompting Atlanta to shuffle its roster. Utility man Eli White and OF Forrest Wall were promoted to the active roster, while IF Luke Williams was optioned to AAA Gwinnett. Arcia joined Sale on the injured list, leaving the team scrambling for solutions before first pitch.

The challenges continued during the game, but this time for Chicago. Drew Thorpe left the mound in the first inning after facing just two batters due to an apparent arm injury. Chris Flexen entered in relief, tasked with stabilizing the game. With these setbacks, the Braves struck first. Ronald Acuna Jr. reached on a throwing error by Yoan Moncada and later scored on a groundout by Matt Olson in the first inning. However, the White Sox quickly responded as Dominic Fletcher blasted a two-run homer off Lopez, giving Chicago a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the first.

Atlanta's offense came alive in the third inning. Acuna and Albies delivered back-to-back solo home runs to tie the game at 3-3. Meanwhile on defense Reynaldo Lopez settled in, retiring six of the next seven batters to keep the White Sox at bay. The momentum shifted further in the fifth inning when Ozzie Albies doubled and later scored on Olson's sharp single to center field, giving the Braves their first lead of the day at 4-3.

The seventh inning proved pivotal as Acuna reached on another error by Shewmake, setting the stage for Olson's second home run of the game. The towering 453-foot blast to right field extended Atlanta's lead to 7-3, providing much-needed breathing room. Olson, who finished the day 2-for-5 with five RBIs, continued to prove why he is one of the most dangerous hitters in the league.

Although the White Sox attempted a comeback in the eighth inning, highlighted by a solo homer from Luis Robert Jr., the Braves responded with another insurance run. Sean Murphy doubled and scored on a single by newly-called-up Eli White, making it 8-5. In the ninth inning, closer Raisel Iglesias sealed the win, striking out Vaughn and inducing two weak groundouts to secure his fourth save in as many games. Iglesias's achievement marked him as just the sixth closer in Braves history to record a save in each of the team's first four games of a season.

Manager Brian Snitker praised Olson's performance after the game, saying, “Matt is one of the most dangerous hitters in the league. When he gets going like this, it’s fun to watch.” Despite the victory, Snitker acknowledged the challenges ahead with Sale and Arcia out. Imaging confirmed Sale’s injury as a mild pectoral strain, and Bryce Elder is set to replace him in the rotation. With Arcia on the 10-day injured list, the Braves will rely on depth players like White and Wall to fill the gaps.

The game, attended by 25,269 fans (62% capacity), was played under rainy conditions with a temperature of 60 degrees and winds blowing out to center field at 10.9 mph. First pitch was at 12:00 PM EST, and the game lasted three hours and 14 minutes. Despite the weather and adversity, the Braves showcased their determination and ability to adapt, traits that will serve them well as the season progresses.

With their perfect record intact, the Braves turn to Bryce Elder, who will start tomorrow’s game against White Sox pitcher Nick Nastrini. Atlanta is looking to remain unscathed.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ChopHouse Chronicles : An Atlanta Braves Dynasty

Nice solid start to this.

[JWDixon120]

Re: ChopHouse Chronicles : An Atlanta Braves Dynasty

Nice solid start to this.

Thanks!


-Franchise Fidelity to Reality Roster out Now! (MLB 24)
-Creator of JWDixon’s Franchise Spreadsheet
-More coming soon!

[JWDixon120]

ChopHouse Chronicles : An Atlanta Braves Dynasty



Game Recap: Braves 11, White Sox 7





Braves Overpower White Sox 11-7 in Windy Slugfest

April 2, 2024

CHICAGO (AP) – In a game dominated by gale-force winds blowing out to center field, the Atlanta Braves outslugged the Chicago White Sox, securing an 11-7 victory on Tuesday night. The wind, peaking at 18 MPH, turned every fly ball into a potential home run, creating a nightmare scenario for both pitching staffs at Guaranteed Rate Field.



Nick Nastrini, making his career debut, would likely prefer to forget this game. The conditions, which rewarded weak contact and punished precision, turned the day into a homer fest, with multiple long balls hit at under 90 MPH exit velocity. Braves first baseman Matt Olson took full advantage, blasting his third home run of the series, a towering shot that continues a remarkable two-game stretch in Chicago for himself.



Atlanta catcher Sean Murphy, who has been scorching hot hitting .529, also contributed in a big way. Murphy praised starting pitcher Bryce Elder after the game, saying, "Man, Bryce did a great job today. He came up on short notice and gave us six solid innings in these conditions. This was one of those outings where the box score doesn't tell the full story. Four earned runs may as well have felt like a shutout with the way the wind was whipping here."



The Braves offense continued its hot start to the season, with Olson and Murphy leading the charge. Olson, hitting .391 through the first five games, drove in three runs, while Ronald Acuña Jr. chipped in with a pair of hits, including a line-drive home run that barely cleared the left-field wall thanks to the wind.



Chicago's offense showed life, sparked by a three-run first inning highlighted by a Luis Robert Jr. two-run double. However, the Braves quickly retaliated with a five-run second inning, fueled by two home runs from Acuña and Olson. Marcell Ozuna added a 438-foot homer to dead center in the eighth inning, essentially nailing the White Sox coffin.



Braves manager Brian Snitker acknowledged the challenges posed by the wind but was pleased with his team's resilience. "It's tough to play in conditions like these, at least defensively" Snitker laughed. "But we stayed focused, took advantage of our opportunities, and found a way to come out on top."



The game was played before 19,681 fans (48% capacity) under cloudy skies, with a temperature of 59 degrees. First pitch was at 7:00 PM EST, and the game lasted just over three and a half hours. The Braves improved to 5-0 on the season, maintaining their unbeaten record and solidifying their place as one of the hottest teams in baseball.



Looking ahead, the Braves will aim to complete the sweep in Wednesday night's series finale against the White Sox. Spencer Strider (1-0, 3.18 ERA) will take the mound for Atlanta, facing Chicago's Garrett Crochet (0-1, 5.79 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST.

[JWDixon120]

Re: ChopHouse Chronicles : An Atlanta Braves Dynasty

Braves Triumph Over White Sox in 11-Inning Thriller

April 3, 2024

CHICAGO (AP) – On a chilly evening with the wind blowing straight in at Guaranteed Rate Field, the Atlanta Braves continued their red-hot start to the 2024 season, defeating the Chicago White Sox 7-0 in an unusual extra inning affair. Michael Harris II’s first career grand slam in the 11th inning proved to be the decisive blow, capping a fantastic pitching effort for the Braves, who now boast a 6-0 record.

The game featured a pitching duel for the ages, as both starters were in fine form. Spencer Strider turned in a masterful performance, striking out 13 over seven innings while allowing just three hits and no runs. Unfortunately for Strider, his efforts went unrewarded as he took a no-decision. On the other side, Garrett Crochet matched him stride for stride, hurling six shutout innings for the White Sox in what was an old school duel.

The game remained scoreless through nine innings, with both bullpens holding firm. The Braves finally broke through in the top of the 11th inning, as Ronald Acuña Jr. singled to center and was later scored by a double from Ozzie Albies. Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and Marcell Ozuna all reached to load the bases before Michael Harris II stepped to the plate. Harris launched a 370-foot blast to right field for his first career grand slam, giving Atlanta a commanding 7-0 lead and sending the Braves dugout into a frenzy of flying bubblegum and sunflower seeds.

Postgame, Harris spoke about his clutch hit: “That was a special moment. I just wanted to put a good swing on the ball and help the team win. To do it in that situation, it’s something I’ll never forget.”

Manager Brian Snitker praised his team’s resilience, saying, “That was a battle out there. Both teams had their chances, but we kept fighting. Michael’s hit was huge, but the pitching from Strider and the bullpen really set the tone.”

Atlanta’s 6-0 start marks their best beginning to a season since the 1994 squad, which opened the year 7-0. With an off day on Thursday, the Braves will return home for their home-opening series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Friday night’s pitching matchup will feature Max Fried (1-0, 6.00 ERA) against Merrill Kelly (0-0, 1.80 ERA).

[JWDixon120]

Re: ChopHouse Chronicles : An Atlanta Braves Dynasty

MLB Weekly Recap

Thursday, April 4, 2024

Power Rankings

1		Dodgers (7-2)
2		Guardians (6-2)
3		Braves (6-0)
4		Rangers (5-1)
5		Red Sox (5-2)
6		Orioles (5-1)
7		Astros (5-2)
8		Blue Jays (4-3)
9		Tigers (3-3)
10		Brewers (4-1)
11		Pirates (4-3)
12		Padres (5-4)
13		Reds (4-2)
14		Diamondbacks (3-4)
15		Rockies (4-3)
16		Cubs (3-3)
17		Mariners (3-4)
18		Marlins (4-4)
19		Mets (3-3)
20		Giants (3-4)
21		Angels (2-4)
22		Nationals (2-4)
23		Twins (2-4)
24		Phillies (1-5)
25		Yankees (2-5)
26		Royals (1-6)
27		Cardinals (2-6)
28		Athletics (1-6)
29		White Sox (2-5)
30		Rays (1-6)

Top Performers

Is the 2024 season is shaping up to be the "Year of the Catcher"? Keibert Ruiz (WSN), Gabriel Moreno (ARI), and Sean Murphy (ATL) are electrifying fans with their hot starts, each boasting batting averages north of .500 through the first week of play. These backstops are not only commanding respect behind the plate but also leading the charge at the dish, proving the value of elite two-way catchers.

Rookie sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD), a highly anticipated international free agent signing from Japan, is exceeding sky-high expectations. Yamamoto has dazzled in his MLB debut, tossing 16.1 innings of scoreless baseball, striking out 17 batters, and maintaining a microscopic 0.67 WHIP. Meanwhile, fellow Japanese star Kodai Senga (NYM) has continued his dominant form from 2023, surrendering just one earned run across 11.1 innings in his sophomore campaign stateside.

The future of baseball is in great hands with rookies Wyatt Langford (TEX) and Jackson Chourio (MIL) putting on a show. Both sluggers are hitting over .350 with three home runs each, displaying power, poise, and potential beyond their years.

Injury Report

In Atlanta, the Braves are weathering early-season injuries to two key players. Starting pitcher Chris Sale is sidelined on the 15-day IL, while shortstop Orlando Arcia nurses a minor ailment on the 10-day IL. Both are expected to return as soon as their respective IL stints conclude, giving a boost to the team’s already strong start.

Washington Nationals fans received concerning news this week as SP MacKenzie Gore was placed on the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation. Gore had been solid in his outings, posting a 3.38 ERA across 5.1 innings. The Nationals are exercising caution with their young left-hander to avoid further complications.

The injury woes continue for Rangers ace Jacob deGrom, whose mid-week bullpen session ended with a dislocated shoulder in a freak accident. DeGrom, a critical rotation piece for Texas, will now be sidelined for at least six weeks.

Weekend Series to Watch

• Braves (6-0) vs Diamondbacks (3-4): The undefeated Braves return home to face the 2023 World Series runner-ups in a clash of young stars. Can Atlanta extend its historic start, or will Arizona play spoiler?


• Cubs (3-3) vs Dodgers (7-2): Two of baseball’s most storied franchises square off in Chicago. All eyes will be on two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who is slated to take the mound on Saturday.


• Astros (5-2) at Rangers (5-1): A Texas showdown looms as two AL West powerhouses battle for early-season supremacy. Expect fireworks in this clash of divisional rivals.

League Trades

The Pirates and Tigers have struck a deal, with Pittsburgh sending catcher Joey Bart to Detroit in exchange for third baseman Gage Workman. Bart, a oncew promising backstop prospect, adds depth to the Tigers' catching core, while Workman provides the Pirates with a young, versatile infield option.

Meanwhile, the Cubs and Padres made headlines with a blockbuster prospect swap. Chicago acquired SP Adam Mazur, a Top-5 organizational prospect, from San Diego in exchange for OF Alexander Canario, also a Top 5 prospect within their Org. Both young players offer immense upside and are expected to make impacts at the big-league level in the near future.

[JWDixon120]

Re: ChopHouse Chronicles : An Atlanta Braves Dynasty

Max Fried Contract Saga Looms Over Braves’ Season

Friday, April 5, 2024

ATLANTA, GA — Will the Braves extend longtime franchise ace Max Fried? That is likely to be the underlying story of the season in Atlanta. Fried, a fan favorite and one of baseball’s premier left-handers, has been a cornerstone of the Braves’ rotation for years, but his future with the team is now uncertain.

There is no denying Fried's talent. Since his first full-length season in 2019, the lefty ranks 8th among all starting pitchers in ERA (minimum of 300 innings pitched). His performance in the 2021 World Series cemented his legacy in Braves lore when he delivered six dominant innings in a clinching Game 6 after overcoming an early scare when his ankle was stepped on in the first inning. Fried’s fiery competitiveness on the mound contrasts with his laid-back demeanor off the field, endearing him to teammates and fans alike.

But as the Braves face the question of committing to Fried long-term, his potential price tag is a significant factor. According to Spotrac, Fried’s estimated annual average value (AAV) on the open market is between $28-30 million over six years, which would make him one of the top six highest-paid starting pitchers in baseball. While Atlanta’s front office reportedly offered Fried $140 million over six years (an AAV of $23.3 million), the deal was rejected—indicating a significant gap in negotiations.

For the Braves, Fried represents both a critical asset and a calculated risk. Though his performances have been stellar, his durability raises concerns. Fried has only surpassed 160 innings in three of his six full seasons, and a lingering forearm issue that sidelined him in 2023 remains a potential red flag heading into 2024.

Atlanta’s reluctance to extend players deep into their contracts is well-documented, with recent examples including Freddie Freeman’s departure in 2021 and Dansby Swanson’s in 2022. However, Fried’s importance to the team may prompt the Braves to break from tradition. Still, the decision to name Spencer Strider the Opening Day starter this season may hint at the organization’s thinking—possibly signaling that Fried’s tenure in Atlanta could be nearing its end.

For now, all eyes are on Fried’s performance and the Braves’ front office as the season unfolds. While any resolution is unlikely before the trade deadline in July, the Fried saga looms as a pivotal subplot in Atlanta’s quest to defend its NL East crown. Whether the Braves meet Fried’s price or explore trade options, the outcome of this high-stakes standoff will undoubtedly shape the team’s future.

[JWDixon120]

Re: ChopHouse Chronicles : An Atlanta Braves Dynasty

Game Recap

Friday, April 5, 2024

Atlanta Braves Tie Franchise Best Start with 7th Straight Win

The Atlanta Braves continued their historic start to the season, defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-0 on a brisk 54-degree night at Truist Park. With the victory, the Braves improved to 7-0, tying their best-ever start in franchise history and extending their pitching dominance to 20 consecutive scoreless innings.

The evening began with celebrations as the Braves raised their 2023 NL East Champions flag, and Ronald Acuña Jr. received his 2023 NL MVP Award in front of a sold-out crowd. The celebratory atmosphere carried over into the game as Atlanta's pitching and timely hitting paved the way to another win.

Max Fried delivered a masterful performance on the mound, tossing 7 scoreless innings and striking out 8 batters. The left-hander improved to 2-0 on the season while lowering his ERA to 2.77. Following Fried’s stellar outing, Joe Jiménez (1.93 ERA) secured his third hold of the year, and Raisel Iglesias (0.00 ERA) notched his MLB-leading fifth save.

Offensively, Matt Olson continued his hot start to the season, driving in Ozzie Albies with a double to left-center in the 3rd inning to open the scoring. Marcell Ozuna and Jarred Kelenic added RBIs of their own in the 5th and 7th innings respectively, helping the Braves to a comfortable victory despite a relatively quiet night at the plate.

After the game, Braves manager Brian Snitker praised his ace: "Max is just a special guy.. When he's on the mound you know you have a chance to win. That's exactly what he gave us tonight."

Game 2 of the series is set for Saturday night, with rookie Spencer Schwellenbach (1-0, 1.50 ERA) taking the mound for Atlanta. He will face Arizona’s Eduardo Rodriguez (0-0, 27.00 ERA) in a matchup set to begin at 7:20 PM EST.

[JWDixon120]

Re: ChopHouse Chronicles : An Atlanta Braves Dynasty

Game Recap

Saturday, April 6, 2024

Braves Cruise to 12-1 Blowout, Extend Winning Streak to 8 Games

The Atlanta Braves continued their red-hot start to the season with a commanding 12-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Truist Park. The win marked Atlanta’s eighth consecutive victory, further solidifying their best start in franchise history.

The Braves wasted no time getting to Arizona starter Eduardo Rodriguez. The action began in the 2nd inning when Adam Duvall singled to center and advanced to second on an error. Eli White followed with an RBI single to center, scoring Duvall. Then Ronald Acuña Jr. stole the show, launching a towering 427-foot home run, his third of the season, to push across three more runs and give Atlanta an early 4-0 lead.

While the Braves’ bats were quiet through the middle innings, they came alive again in the 6th and 7th innings, plating eight more runs thanks to timely hitting with runners in scoring position. Michael Harris II added to the fireworks with his third homer of the year, a monstrous 474-foot blast tracked by StatCast, which set the record for the longest home run by a left-handed Brave at Truist Park.

Rookie pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach dazzled once again, striking out 8 batters over 6 innings. His only blemish came via a towering Joc Pederson home run that struck the top of the Chop House. Schwellenbach continues to impress early on in his first season in the big leagues.

Charlie Morton and Dylan Lee provided mop-up relief, while utility infielder Eli White took the mound in the 9th inning to close out the blowout win in a lighthearted moment for the Braves.

Atlanta will look to complete their third series sweep of the season on Sunday evening against Arizona. The Braves will send Reynaldo López (0-0, 7.20 ERA) to the mound to face Arizona’s Brandon Pfaadt (0-0, 108.00 ERA) in the series finale.

[JWDixon120]

Re: ChopHouse Chronicles : An Atlanta Braves Dynasty

Scouting Report: Gabriel Cairo

Shortstop | Texas Tech | Age: 22

Standing at 6'0" and weighing in at 188 lbs, Gabriel Cairo is one of the most exciting shortstop prospects in this year’s MLB draft class. Currently, Cairo is mocked as the projected #1 overall pick to Cleveland. The 22-year-old senior out of Texas Tech has turned heads with his elite defensive skills and steady offensive production. After beginning his college career at UTSA, Cairo transferred to Texas Tech for his junior year and made an immediate impact. He was previously drafted in the 19th round out of high school by the Milwaukee Brewers but opted to further refine his skills at the collegiate level.

Scouting Grades (20-80 Scale)

Contact: 55

Power: 50

Bat Control: 55

Eye: 40

Fielding: 80

Arm: 70

Speed: 65

Player Overview

Gabriel Cairo has been described by scouts as potentially the best defensive shortstop they’ve ever seen at the college level. His glove work is elite, with incredible range, smooth mechanics, and the arm strength to make difficult throws from deep in the hole. Cairo also demonstrates an impeccable internal clock, allowing him to make split-second decisions and execute outs against faster runners with ease. His accuracy and feel for his throws are top-notch, making him a future Gold Glove candidate and for you analytical guys, a WAR-accumulating monster.

Offensively, Cairo is no slouch either. While his defense gets the majority of the attention, his bat is solid enough to project him as an above-average hitter at the MLB level. Scouts believe he has the tools to hit for a .270 batting average with 20-25 home runs annually. In his junior year at Texas Tech, he hit an impressive .374 with 28 home runs, leading the Red Raiders to a deep run in the College World Series in Omaha.

Player Comparison

Cairo’s all-around game has drawn comparisons to Dansby Swanson, another rangy shortstop with an excellent glove and respectable power at the plate. Like Swanson, Cairo’s value lies in his ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively. Teams in need of a steady presence at shortstop will find it hard to pass up on a player with Cairo’s skill set and upside.