Atlanta Braves: Five things they’ve shown in Spring Training

Many stories have surrounded the Atlanta Braves in this condensed Spring Training. They entered camp with the goal of repeating as World Series champions, now they’re just a week and a half away from the first step in that quest.

Without a doubt, the moment is more than appropriate to recap on five points that the Tomahawks have taught us so far this preseason.

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For years, the Dodgers have been above everyone else. They have talent and depth. They select, recruit and develop well, have the resources to win in free agency, are permanent contenders.

But the Braves seem to have narrowed things down. In terms of on-paper talent, the defending champions seem to have a similar lineup (especially when Ronald Acuna Jr. come back, as well as a better bullpen).

Those from Georgia have Acuña, those from California have Mookie Betts. In Bravos they have matt olson, In Dodgers they have Freddie Freeman. Atlanta has a Ozzie Albyes, Los Angeles to Trea Turner. The Tomahawks at austin rileythe blues to Justin Turner.

However, the Dodgers’ starting rotation, at its best, is better than the Aborigines’ group, who have question marks at the back.

As opening day approaches, there will likely be a lot of debate centered around these two teams. Both seem to be a cut above the rest in the National League, with teams like the New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres potentially at that next level.

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One thing is clear: The Dodgers no longer appear to be clearly better than the Braves, who may not have a proven starter at the back of their starting lineup but have plenty of options for those roles. They can afford to give the guys different opportunities depending on what they need at certain times of the season.

In this regard, Brian Snitker said on Sunday that Kyle Wright and Huascar Ynoa they are probably the favorites for positions 4 and 5 of the rotation. This makes sense. Ynoa had pitched well before breaking his hand last May, while Wright is a former No. 5 overall pick.

But don’t be surprised if a lot of different names help this club out. Kyle Muller and Tucker-Davidson they could see time just like Touki Toussaint. let’s not forget about Spencer Strider.

Here’s why we might see a lot of these pitchers: Atlanta starts the season with 14 games in 14 days and they’ve considered using a six-man rotation. They could field starters throughout the season, if necessary. They might need a long reliever here and there.

There are many roles these pitchers could find themselves in. But we could also see some move in and out of the rotation.

The Aborigines have talent, depth in the bullpen and potentially in the rotation, depending on the performance of some guys.

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Conversely, his solidity of position players could be thin. This is hard to discern before the season starts, but it could become a problem.

Nowadays, Orlando Arcia he is the best backup outfielder on the list. Brock Holt, Phil Gosselin, Ryan Goins and Pat Valaika have not been invited to camp, and it seems likely that one of them will be part of the opening day roster.

But will it be quality depth? We do not know it yet.

Last season, Eddie Rosario, Jorge Soler and Joc Pederson provided plenty of depth and flexibility off the bench. The last two left for this 2022, but that will be less of a problem when Acuña returns.

In general terms, the current monarchs seem to be a fairly complete list. But Alex Anthopoulos (the president and chief operating officer of baseball) knows there’s always room for improvement.

It was well known that if the Braves lost Freeman, they would be thrown into a situation they haven’t experienced in more than a decade. He was their leader and now he is gone and they must move on without the first baseman.

Is this something that could break the clubhouse? Probably not. In Atlanta they feel they have a strong group. It is simply an adjustment.

In terms of who could take on a greater leadership role, Travis d’Arnaud and dansby swanson have been mentioned by teammates. But the Indians will lead by committee, which may not be such a bad thing, as it could allow them to spread those responsibilities evenly across multiple players rather than one man feeling the pressure.

This team is now beginning an adjustment to life without Freeman, but they don’t foresee it ruining their culture.

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Aside from the strain on the reliever’s right forearm Luke Jacksonthe team has remained relatively healthy throughout the camp.

Acuña, who tore his ACL last summer, arrived looking good and has since made progress. He could return in the first week of May.

As he showed in his last outing, charlie morton he appears to be healthy after fracturing his fibula in October. He shouldn’t have any restrictions to start the season and he could be the team’s starter on opening day.

Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution