2016 Atlanta Braves

[Speedy]

I don't have the stats but after the ASG, our offense stunk...especially after we traded Kelly (who granted, we signed back this year) and Uribe.

I'm on board with out regarding the offense. I'd love to see Bourn give Inciarte some tips on SBs; for that matter, I desprately want Freddi to give our guys the green light. We cannot wait for the 3-HR so I want us to play like KC does a bit - put the pressure on the defense to make a play.

...but our pitching has some question marks.

Is Teheran a #1 guy?
Will Wisler develop into what we traded for?
Will Banuelos hold up?
Will Folty actually stick in the rotation?
How will our relief pitching hold up; will Grilli even be as good as last year?

[Sportsforever]

Quote: Originally Posted by Speedy

I don't have the stats but after the ASG, our offense stunk...especially after we traded Kelly (who granted, we signed back this year) and Uribe. I'm on board with out regarding the offense. I'd love to see Bourn give Inciarte some tips on SBs; for that matter, I desprately want Freddi to give our guys the green light. We cannot wait for the 3-HR so I want us to play like KC does a bit - put the pressure on the defense to make a play. ...but our pitching has some question marks. Is Teheran a #1 guy? Will Wisler develop into what we traded for? Will Banuelos hold up? Will Folty actually stick in the rotation? How will our relief pitching hold up; will Grilli even be as good as last year?

Teheran is your #1 by default (and he pitched so much better in the last two months). A lot of his issues early in the year where mechanical and they looked ironed out.

Wisler also turned it around after he was pulled from the rotation...from that point on the guy was lights out. I truly believe he can develop into a solid #2 pitcher for us.

I have no idea about Banuelos, but man, I'm excited to find out...he looked really good when healthy.

I would love for Folty to be a starter, and a lot of his issues last year were health related (it was revealed he was battling issues as early as July and ended up having serious surgery). That said, I think he ends up in the bullpen.

As I said...relief will be MUCH improved. I could care less about Grilli to be honest...Vizcaino is the closer and Grilli will just be a trade chip if he comes back with any value.

[Speedy]

Vizcaino > Grilli?

Freddi won't let that happen unless Grilli just stinks it up or gets injured, right? I'm assuming also Grilli will be ready come ST?

[Sportsforever]

Quote: Originally Posted by Speedy

Vizcaino > Grilli? Freddi won't let that happen unless Grilli just stinks it up or gets injured, right? I'm assuming also Grilli will be ready come ST?

We'll see in ST, but from what I've read the job is Vizcaino's to lose. Grilli is supposed to be ready a month or so into the season after an extended ST, at least that was the last thing I read.

[acts238shaun]

How about Laz's agent. Wow.

[LowerWolf]

O'Flaherty is back. Haven't really followed him since he left, but hopefully he still has some left in the tank.

[Sportsforever]

Quote: Originally Posted by LowerWolf

O'Flaherty is back. Haven't really followed him since he left, but hopefully he still has some left in the tank.

He doesn't...he's been batted around like a pinata in Oakland last year and in Pittsburgh this ST, but they need LH bullpen help and they are taking a flyer on him.

[LowerWolf]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sportsforever

He doesn't...he's been batted around like a pinata in Oakland last year and in Pittsburgh this ST, but they need LH bullpen help and they are taking a flyer on him.

I looked up his stats after I posted and, yeah, he has not fared well. He's had a decent spring though so maybe he'll be OK as a situational lefty.

Is Paco due back this season?