2018 Atlanta Braves

[Sportsforever]

It's a new year, so figured we should move all of our Braves related talk here. It's been a really quiet offseason, with the biggest noise being our punishment handed down by MLB along with a new GM in AA.

We did trade Kemp, presumably to make room for Acuna, and we've been linked to Yelich, Realumuto, Martinez, and Arrieta, but nothing has come of it.

I get the feeling this FO wants to see what they have when they get to Spring Training in terms of young pitchers and go from there.

I think it's a huge year for Foltynewicz. He's treading water and needs to take the next step this year or he'll be out of a job. He's got the talent and I think most of his issues are mental.

Newcomb is another one who needs to show progress. He flashed brilliance, but he needs to take another step and not be the same pitcher this year. Command of his fastball is the key and I hope he has improved.

I think Wisler/Blair might need a change of scenery...they have talent, but it hasn't worked out. Maybe they'll have it all figured out in Spring Training, but I am not counting on it.

As far as pitchers I'm excited to see, Fried and Gohara should have every opportunity to make the rotation. I am also interested to see what is in store for Lucas Sims.

Anyway...happy 2018 and here's to a fun season with the Braves contending to the end.

[TheMatrix31]

I'll give Foltynewicz one more year, but honestly if he gets dealt between now and Opening Day I wouldn't really bat an eye. Inconsistent and seems to have a bit of an attitude problem as well. He needs major work.

Excited for Acuna, who isn't? I hope we could get another offensive piece for the outfield but honestly I don't mind Markakis being on the team. Likable, good influence, and still somehow got 160 hits last year. Obviously a disaster defensively and if you dig deeper into the offensive numbers, they're not so good. Luckily we're not relying on him to be the 2nd best player on the team anymore.

Really hoping Swanson makes the hubbub worth it. He's got a lot of pressure on him and rightfully so.

[Sportsforever]

Quote: Originally Posted by TheMatrix31

I'll give Foltynewicz one more year, but honestly if he gets dealt between now and Opening Day I wouldn't really bat an eye. Inconsistent and seems to have a bit of an attitude problem as well. He needs major work. Excited for Acuna, who isn't? I hope we could get another offensive piece for the outfield but honestly I don't mind Markakis being on the team. Likable, good influence, and still somehow got 160 hits last year. Obviously a disaster defensively and if you dig deeper into the offensive numbers, they're not so good. Luckily we're not relying on him to be the 2nd best player on the team anymore. Really hoping Swanson makes the hubbub worth it. He's got a lot of pressure on him and rightfully so.

Good call on Swanson. I think this is a make or break season for him...if he struggles like he did last year, I think he's officially a bust. Not that he can't/won't play at this level, but as the #1 overall pick you better be a star. I guess the good news is the Braves really didn't give up much to get him (Shelby has been a mess since the trade), but it sure would be nice for him to pan out.

I've stated it before, but would love to see an outfield of Yelich, Inciarte, and Acuna. I do like Markakis...he really is a great guy to have on the team, but this is 2018 and not 2008. He doesn't have the 20 homer/40 double power since his neck surgery and he's essentially a singles hitter. We need more than that from the corner OF spot. His defense was great in 2016, but he really struggled last year. I wonder how much of that was the new ball park?

[decga]

Swanson was a throw in in the Inciarte trade to Atlanta for Shelby Miller. Why was that? Dbacks didn't and still does not have a SS top prospect. I think we all here in Atlanta dig having home town talent on the ball-club.

[TheMatrix31]

Yeah, I officially consider it the Ender Inciarte trade. Swanson still has time, but the infinite, incessant fellation by fans and media coupled with his status as #1 pick and team marketing savior really has him on a short leash with me.

[KSUowls]

Those penalties really hurt. Lost some real depth in the farm which means we have fewer chances to get it right either with a rookie or with a trade. I was nearly ready to throw in my season tickets in disgust at both the team and the unfairness of it all. Of course it would be an Atlanta team that gets an example made of it. Not like Atlanta sports fans don't have enough problems lol.

This team isn't quite ready to compete, but I think we can finally see some winning baseball in town.

Super excited for Acuna. Part of me wants to see him on opening day, but I totally get pushing his start date back for the extra year of control.

I'm curious to see how Julio responds. He pitched better at home down the stretch, and this is a chance for him to write-off 2017 and start new. We really need him to show back up and be an anchor on this staff. 200+ innings with a decent ERA.

Gohara also really excites me. You could just see how dominant his stuff was in his short time.

[KSUowls]

"Blooper" huh?

Not really happy that we basically stole Philly's mascot.

[TheMatrix31]

That thing is ugly and pointless and I can't believe someone got paid to conceptualize such an atrocity.