ChopHouse Chronicles : An Atlanta Braves Dynasty

[JWDixon120]

Quote: Originally Posted by johnstone1987

If I may ask out of curiosity, what site or program did you use for that podcast thing?

Google Notebooks LM I believe is what it’s called.

It’s pretty cool. Obviously could use some tweaking from them but it is a beta so can’t complain!


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

[JWDixon120]

Braves Fall to Marlins in 5-3 Nail-Biter

April 13, 2024

MIAMI — The Atlanta Braves (13-2) suffered just their second loss of the season on Saturday, falling 5-3 to the Miami Marlins (9-6) at LoanDepot Park. A pitching duel through five innings gave way to a dramatic back-and-forth contest in the late frames, with Miami coming out on top.

Bryce Elder kept the Braves in the game early, tossing 5.1 strong innings and allowing just one earned run. Elder’s performance was aided by challenging hitting conditions caused by shadows on the field, keeping the Marlins at bay. However, Atlanta’s offense was similarly stifled, as they were no-hit until the sixth inning.

With two outs in the sixth, Orlando Arcia broke the drought with a sharp single down the left-field line. Ronald Acuña Jr. followed with his seventh home run of the season, a towering shot to dead center field that gave Atlanta a 2-0 lead and briefly swung the momentum.

The Marlins responded quickly. Jake Burger delivered a two-run double off Tyler Matzek in the seventh, putting Miami ahead 3-2. Orlando Arcia continued his solid game with an RBI double in the eighth, tying the game at 3-3, but Miami’s Josh Bell delivered the decisive blow in the bottom of the inning. Bell, who finished the day a perfect 4-for-4, launched a two-run homer off A.J. Minter to left-center, giving the Marlins a 5-3 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

The Braves struggled mightily at the plate, striking out 16 times while managing just five hits. Conversely, the Marlins struck out only three times, capitalizing on key opportunities to pull out the victory.

Notable Performances:

• Josh Bell (MIA): 4-for-4, 3 RBIs, 2-run HR in 8th


• Ronald Acuña Jr. (ATL): 1-for-3, HR (7), 2 RBIs


• Orlando Arcia (ATL): 2-for-3, RBI double

The Braves will aim to bounce back in Sunday’s rubber match at 1:40 p.m. ET. Spencer Strider (0-0, 1.47 ERA) takes the mound for Atlanta against Miami’s Jesús Luzardo (1-1, 4.61 ERA).

Atlanta will look to avoid its first series loss of the season, while Miami eyes a chance to build on Saturday’s momentum.

[JWDixon120]

Scouting Report: Charles Hinojo

Outfielder | LSU | Age: 21

Standing at 6'3" and weighing 191 lbs, Charles Hinojo has transformed himself into one of the most promising outfield prospects in recent memory. The junior out of LSU was overlooked coming out of high school due to his wiry frame and lack of size projection, holding only D3 and JUCO offers. However, a growth spurt at age 18, followed by significant weight gain and skill development during his time at LSU-Eunice, set the stage for his rise as a generational talent. Hinojo joined LSU as a sophomore, where his offensive and defensive performances have cemented his status as a potential #1 overall pick in the upcoming MLB draft.

Scouting Grades (20-80 Scale)

Contact: 70

Power: 55

Bat Control: 50

Eye: 70

Fielding: 65

Arm: 70

Speed: 65

Player Overview

Hinojo’s offensive prowess is undeniable. As a sophomore, he posted an on-base percentage just shy of .500, and his junior season has seen that number rise to an eye-popping .522. His ability to combine high batting averages with exceptional plate discipline has scouts buzzing about his potential as a middle-of-the-lineup cornerstone. Despite his focus on contact and walks, Hinojo has enough raw power to project as a 30-home-run hitter at the MLB level.

Defensively, Hinojo is just as impressive. His versatility has been on full display in the Tigers' outfield, where he has excelled at every position. With throws clocked at over 98 mph from left field, his arm strength is a standout tool. He complements his cannon of an arm with above-average speed and smooth fielding mechanics, making him an asset both at the plate and in the field.

Adding to his allure, Hinojo is a switch hitter, a skill he developed in high school when bunting from the left side to utilize his speed. That unique trait now gives him an extra edge, allowing him to face pitchers from both sides without a drop-off in effectiveness.

Player Comparison

Scouts have compared Hinojo to "a version of Juan Soto that can field and switch hit," an extraordinary benchmark for any young player. His advanced approach at the plate, combined with his defensive capabilities, gives him the potential to exceed even the loftiest of expectations. Many project Hinojo to debut as early as 2025 if he adapts well to the minor leagues after the draft.

With a hype train that compares to Ronald Acuña Jr., Paul Skenes, and Juan Soto, Charles Hinojo has no shortage of status to live up to. Scouts believe he could be the most exciting MLB prospect of the past decade.

[JWDixon120]

Braves Edge Marlins in 8-6 Victory

April 14, 2024

MIAMI — The Atlanta Braves (14-2) bounced back on Sunday afternoon to secure a series victory over the Miami Marlins (9-7) with an 8-6 win in a hard-fought rubber match at LoanDepot Park.

Atlanta wasted no time getting on the board, as Matt Olson delivered a two-RBI single in the first inning to give the Braves a 2-0 lead. However, the advantage was short-lived. Braves starter Spencer Strider struggled with command, allowing four earned runs over five innings while striking out five and walking three.

The Braves clawed back in the third inning, highlighted by Ronald Acuña Jr.'s solo home run to center field—his second homer in as many days—and a much-needed two-run blast by Travis d’Arnaud, who has had a sluggish start to the season. d’Arnaud’s homer reinvigorated the Atlanta offense.

Atlanta’s bullpen was lockdown through the middle innings, providing the offense with the opportunity to extend its lead. Kyle Lewis contributed a pivotal moment in the ninth inning, smashing a two-run shot to left-center field for his first home run as a Brave. Remarkably, it was Lewis' first MLB homer in 380 days, with his last coming on March 31, 2023. Acuña Jr. added another solo home run in the ninth, marking his third in his previous 2 games.

Despite holding a four-run lead entering the bottom of the ninth, the Braves faced some drama. Pierce Johnson loaded the bases, forcing manager Brian Snitker to call upon Raisel Iglesias. While Iglesias allowed two unearned runs, he managed to close the door and notch his seventh save of the season.

Next, the Braves hit the road to Houston for a three-game series in a rematch of the 2021 World Series. Atlanta is slated to start Max Fried (3-0, 1.80 ERA) against Houston’s Christian Javier (1-2, 5.79 ERA) on Monday night.

[JWDixon120]

Braves Fall to Astros in 12-8 Offensive Battle

April 15, 2024

HOUSTON — On Jackie Robinson Day, offense reigned supreme as the Atlanta Braves (14-3) suffered a crushing 12-8 loss to the Houston Astros (10-8). Despite jumping out to a 7-0 lead by the fourth inning, the Braves collapsed in stunning fashion, marking their largest blown lead since 2018, when they lost a 10-2 advantage to the Cubs.

Atlanta's offense got off to a hot start, with home runs from Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, and Kyle Lewis fueling an early barrage. Acuña Jr. continued his torrid stretch, hitting his fourth home run in 3 games, while Albies and Lewis contributed key blasts to put the Braves in command.

Max Fried was dominant through four innings but unraveled in the fifth and sixth, allowing three home runs: a two-run shot in the fifth, followed by another two-run homer and a solo shot in the sixth. Fried exited after six innings, having allowed five earned runs—all on homers.

Atlanta’s bullpen, however, proved to be the team’s Achilles' heel. Relievers surrendered seven runs in just two innings of work, including a pair of home runs to Kyle Tucker. Tucker’s grand slam in the bottom of the eighth broke an 8-8 tie and effectively sealed the game for Houston. The Braves' bullpen woes are glaring, with only Raisel Iglesias and Aaron Bummer maintaining ERAs below 5.00 this season.

As Atlanta’s early-season success has been powered by strong starting pitching and a potent offense, the bullpen remains a glaring area of concern as the trade deadline rolls around in the summer. Improvements in the relief corps will be crucial for the Braves to sustain their hot start.

The Braves will look to even the series on Tuesday night with standout rookie Spencer Schwellenbach (3-0, 0.86 ERA) taking the mound against Houston’s Lance McCullers Jr. (1-0, 3.38 ERA).

Transactions:

• Chris Sale was activated from the 15-day IL; Bryce Elder was optioned to AAA in a corresponding move.


• Tyler Matzek was optioned to AAA and placed on waivers. RP Jimmy Herget was called up to the MLB roster.

[JWDixon120]

Braves Drop Second Straight in 5-2 Loss to Astros

April 16, 2024

HOUSTON — The Atlanta Braves (14-4) dropped their second consecutive game on Tuesday night, falling 5-2 to the Houston Astros (11-8) at Minute Maid Park. Despite a promising start from veteran Chris Sale, who was making his season debut, the Braves' offense was stifled late, leading to another loss.

The Braves scratched rookie standout Spencer Schwellenbach from his scheduled start, citing the need for extra rest, and turned to Sale, fresh off the IL. Sale dazzled early, retiring the first 14 batters he faced and appearing in vintage form. Meanwhile, Atlanta's offense struck first, with Marcell Ozuna launching a solo home run to center field and Sean Murphy adding an RBI single to give the Braves a 2-0 lead.

However, Sale ran into trouble in the sixth inning. After retiring two batters, he surrendered a three-run homer to Alex Bregman, flipping the game in Houston's favor. Newly promoted reliever Jimmy Herget and Aaron Bummer each allowed a run in relief, extending Houston's lead to 5-2. The Braves' offense stalled, failing to score after the third inning as the Astros bullpen shut the door.

The loss marks the first time this season that Atlanta has dropped back-to-back games and also their first series loss. The Braves will look to avoid a sweep in the series finale on Wednesday at 3 PM. Schwellenbach (3-0, 0.86 ERA) is expected to take the mound against Houston's Hunter Brown (0-2, 3.77 ERA).

Transactions:

• Michael Harris II is eligible to return from the IL and will rejoin the Braves lineup on Wednesday.


• OF Forrest Wall was optioned to AAA to make room for Harris' return.

[JWDixon120]

Braves Swept by Astros in 6-4 Loss

April 17, 2024

HOUSTON — The Atlanta Braves (14-5) suffered their first series sweep of the season, falling 6-4 to the Houston Astros (12-8) on Wednesday afternoon at Minute Maid Park. Despite home runs from Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, and Marcell Ozuna, the Braves' pitching and injury woes proved too much to overcome.

Rookie standout Spencer Schwellenbach started the game strong, striking out the side in the first inning after allowing a leadoff double to Corey Julks. Schwellenbach cruised through two innings with three strikeouts before exiting in the third inning with lat tightness. The Braves indicated that the move was precautionary, and Schwellenbach is expected to make his next start barring any setbacks.

Charlie Morton was called upon for long relief, but he struggled against his former team. Morton allowed four earned runs over three innings, including home runs by Alex Bregman, Yordan Alvarez, and Yainer Diaz, which proved decisive in Houston’s victory.

Atlanta’s outfield woes deepened when Michael Harris II, returning from the injured list, fractured his forearm sliding into second base on a steal attempt. The Braves announced Harris will miss at least six weeks, adding to an already challenging season for the team’s outfield.

Transactions:

• The Braves have called up outfielder Jesse Franklin V from AAA Gwinnett. Franklin, one of the Braves’ Top 20 prospects, has been on fire in AAA, posting a .985 OPS with four home runs in 14 games. He will make his major league debut following the team’s off day on Thursday.

The Braves will look to rebound Friday night as they return home to face the Texas Rangers. Reynaldo Lopez (1-0, 3.38 ERA) is slated to start against Texas ace Max Scherzer (1-1, 3.50 ERA).

[JWDixon120]

MLB Weekly Recap

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Power Rankings

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

Notable Changes: The Phillies climbed an impressive 18 spots after going 9-1 in their last 10 games, powered by Kyle Schwarber’s red-hot bat. Meanwhile, the Pirates dropped 17 spots due to a disastrous week, now sitting at the bottom of the standings alongside the White Sox.

Top Performers

Kyle Schwarber has been on fire for the Phillies, who have soared in the power rankings after a 9-1 stretch. Schwarber boasts a 1.117 OPS and eight homers on the season.

The Padres' resurgence has been fueled by Jackson Merrill, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Manny Machado, who have combined for 15 home runs and 79 hits. Their pitching duo of Dylan Cease and Joe Musgrove has been lights out, with a combined 1.50 ERA over 54 innings.

Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto continues to dominate, posting a 0.89 ERA and leading all MLB pitchers in fWAR. Shohei Ohtani, his fellow Japanese star, shines with a .980 OPS and a 3.22 ERA on the mound.

Tarik Skubal of the Tigers has allowed just one earned run over 24 innings, while Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. continues his MVP campaign with 11 home runs, a 1.120 OPS, and 1.7 fWAR.

Top Prospect Watch

#2 MLB prospect Jackson Chourio is thriving with a .921 OPS in his first 18 games for the Brewers. Meanwhile, #5 prospect Paul Skenes is dominating AAA with a 1.11 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 24 innings, raising questions about his delayed MLB call-up.

Injury Report

The Braves suffered another blow with Michael Harris II fracturing his forearm, sidelining him for at least six weeks. Mets outfielder Starling Marte is out 1-2 months with a fractured wrist, and the Cardinals' Sonny Gray will miss the season with a torn rotator cuff, casting doubt on his career.

Weekend Series to Watch

• Braves vs Rangers: A showdown between the #2 and #3 teams in the power rankings, highlighted by Sunday Night Baseball.


• Dodgers vs Mets: The two highest payrolls in baseball face off in a must-watch series.


• Reds vs Angels: The #12 Reds host the #8 Angels, who have been thriving despite Mike Trout's struggles.

League Transactions

The Pirates signed catchers Sandy León and Meibrys Viloria to one-year deals and claimed reliever Tyler Matzek off waivers from the Braves. Atlanta traded OF Forrest Wall to the Red Sox for 1B Garrett Cooper, who struggled to a .214/.241/.357 slash line before being DFA’d.